Larry Neel Photography

Afternoon On The Plain, March 2016.

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl near Lake Ndutu March 2016. This owl is big - longer and heavier than our Great Horned Owl. A very lucky day sighting, and its mate was also in the same tree up and to the right (out of frame). Another image salvaged from cinchy backlighting by modern noise reduction software.

A panoramic view looking east from the southeastern arm of Lake Ndutu, March 2016.

Some of Africa's "eagles" are decidedly less than "regal", coming in at sizes we in North America would be more prone to call "hawks". Nonetheless, I give you the Black-chested Snake Eagle - and yes, they do specialize in snakes when they can get them. Near Lake Ndutu March 2016.

Greater Flamingoes, Lake Ndutu March 2016.

Elephantscape - Lake Ndutu, Tanzania March 2016. Stitched panorama, four or five frames.

I have shared this image several times over the years, but its time has come in this current narrative and the story of overcoming its technical challenges is always worth telling. This Crested Eagle has just caught a rodent and intends to make a meal of it. I captured the image against a very glary bright background that left all the detail in dark shadow. Suppressing the glare and lifting the detail in the shadows was not difficult, but it took modern noise reduction software to stomp the grouty grain in the solid surfaces such as the birds dark head, body and wing patches. Now its Audubonesque action freeze can take its rightful place in my African safari exhibit.

Little fruit bombs of color - Fischer's Lovebirds somewhere near Lake Ndutu, March 2016. They don't normally let you get this close.

This Impala buck has set up his own territory not far from Lake Ndutu in the hopes that when the herd buck brings his harem of does through, he might spirit one or two of them off for himself. If he is not successfully furtive in his efforts, he may have to fight. March, 2016.

This large giraffe hung out not too far from camp, Ndutu, March 2016.