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Olympus E520, 1/6, f5.6, ISO 400
I came across this hyena (Crocuta crocuta), moments before reaching camp just as the last light was fading. It just suddenly appeared, loping along the roadside and disappearing into the gathering darkness. It was a snap shot panning with a 600mm lens with almost no light left to the day. The photo connects for me because it is so much like the Hyena – loping along with their characteristic gait into the darkness, appearing and disappearing like a ghost.
Later that evening, my neighbors in the next tent experienced a Hyena stepping into the fire light, casually strolling between them and their cooking supper on the barbeque, not 3 meters away!
Hluhluwe Reserve, South Africa
Although Canadian by birth, I grew up in Africa and from an early age travel became a regular part of my life. As a result I developed an early passion for my two great loves, Africa and aviation. Returning to Africa every year, all of my photos of wildlife are taken in their natural and unstaged settings.
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Very interesting side notes to a great capture and as you say, epitomises our general impression of these animals…
I was travelling down a dirt road at dusk in the Masai Mara, an old van with the driver, me, and an old Masai chief, when we came across a cow wandering along ahead of us. We saw a hyena emerge from the bush and take after the cow up the road. The van stopped and the old chief flew out the door, lions or no lions, and lit after the hyena yelling and waving his stick. I realised just how much that cow was currency and life-blood for him and his people.
Obviously not a smart plan to mess with a Masai’s cattle, no matter who you are!
Thanks for the comments and interest!
Love motion blur and hyenas!
Thanks Peter. This really was a grab shot and hope for the best! The light was so lousy that I was amazed that I’d even been able to get anything, but have to say I was more than pleased with the result.
– Dan MacKenzie
Stunning stop action shot! Well done!
Thanks Magaret!
– Dan MacKenzie
Thanks!!
– Dan MacKenzie