The Birmingham Males

[Herekitty]

Birmingham Male Lions Drinking in the Sunset: 4 Superb Photos From our Head of Finance - Londolozi blog by James Tyrrell, images by David Dampier, posted September 26, 2018.

David (Dampier) and Managing Director Chris Kane-Berman are both photographers of repute (although we’d never be foolish enough to actually tell them that), and regularly head out into the bush to keep themselves sharp. If only all their images were also as sharp. Preferring to go in the opposite direction to everyone else and work their own corner of the reserve, it’s not uncommon for them to come across amazing sightings that no one even knew were taking place. Such was the case recently when they were prowling round the far south-western corner of Londolozi and came across three of the Birmingham male lions at small pan. The lions were far out of their normal territory and no one even knew they had crossed into Londolozi. A picture is worth a thousand words and I’m only going to detract from the ones below if I carry on, so here are four of David’s best photos of the Birmingham males, drinking in the sunset.

Two of the brothers drink side-by-side. Whatever the reason for them drinking side-by-side – fear of crocodiles, maybe this was the best spot to drink or they just wanted some brotherly affection – the fact that two huge males are drinking so close together makes this a pretty spectacular image.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Separating themselves slightly, one of the males then moved round to the eastern side of the waterhole, towards where three of the Ntsevu lionesses were sleeping (out of picture).

*This image is copyright of its original author

Windy conditions over the last few weeks have stirred much dust up into the atmosphere, resulting in a thick haze that turns the afternoon light gold far earlier. Sunsets are more spectacular, light is generally softer, and contrasts aren’t as harsh. Having the soft light falling on a male lion drinking doesn’t hurt either.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Stretching and yawning; by far the best signs lions can give you. They are about to get moving, so keep the camera ready.

*This image is copyright of its original author

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