Ground Squirrel, Xerus inauris, Kingdom: Animalia (Animals), Phylum: Chordata (Vertebrates), Class: Mammalia (Mammals), Rodentia: (Rodents) ,Sciuridae: (Squirrels), Waaierstertmeerkat
Nikkor 200-400 F/4G ED-IF-AFS VR; Nikon D300; Matrix metering; 240 mm; F/8; 1/2500; ISO 800; AP; -0,07EV; 07h16AM
Caught this one in Nossob camp early in the morning "working" his tail - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
They use their bushy tails as parasols to ward of the heat and sun. One often sees them with the tail held erect or bend over their backs. A cute rodent.
Last edited by Callie de Wet; 01-07-2010 at 12:56 AM.
Hi Isak
Yes She was more than accommodating - > 300 shots of her with the 600, 200-400 and the 18-200. Saw her 5x. She was carrying the cub up the dune escarp about 2-3 km from TR. Saw her about 2 minutes and snapped about 60 shots before she disappeared over the top. Had to drive along as well and stop 2-3 times in this space. Handholding the 600 and beanbagging it, as required. Took my breath away! Maybe not the best shots like in the tree or on the dune, but magic to see. I rate this sighting better than what I have seen in Sabi Sands on my previous 3 visits there.
Groetnis
Callie
very cute shots, like these guys a lot. agree with Stu on losing some space out right.
still VERY green about your leopard sighting and will be watching this space...
:)
Belated welcome, Callie! Very nice action shot, that would have fitted in well with "squirrel week" a month or more ago. I have never seen them do this, adds nicely to various behavioural images. Looking forward to may more from you, especially that TR leopard:)