As I indicated on my previous post, the hunting momma cheetah and the impalas soon disappeared from our view.
So we followed the two youngsters at a respectable distance, assuming they would lead us right to their mom.
Not so. They got temporarily lost. But I got a few images of their behaviors while they were looking (#1,2 and 3).
At one point the twins (one male and one female), lay down in frustration. Within a few minutes a Thompson's gazelle stumbled on them- and I mean ON them!. The two immediately jumped on the little (but adult) gazelle but didn't know how to make the kill. The struggling ended when the gazelle broke free and ran off. The two young cheetahs made only a half-hearted attempt to catch it.
Unfortunately because of the surrounding foliage and my general excitement, I got nothing in the way of photographs . But it was fun to watch .
A few minutes later, we went to find the female. She was in the shade, exhausted and still breathing hard (pic #4). She had failed to make a kill, and was waiting and watching, making a sort of mewing sound- obviously calling her babies to her. We waited a few more minutes before leaving.
No doubt they later got together, but it wasn't as easy to do as I had thought.
Not a Nat Geo moment- but few things are.
And at least the whole thing was real- and I saw it. That's always worth something .
Hey Charlie, it sure is great to see these types of dramas play out right in front of you. I think some people figure wild animals have some kind of radar to stay together - they don't - and it doesn't always end well for the youngsters. Now, for crying out loud, try and control your excitement and get those images....ha ha...I've done the same thing many times.
That sure must have been something to witness Charlie! I hope to that someday but until then I'll live vicariously through the pictures of those of you that have. I kind of like the scanned slide feel to these Charlie, somehow that makes it seem that much more exotic. You always have some good stuff to share with us
Thanks Jim, Ron, Ken and Tim (sheesh- all you guys with nice and simple 3-lettered first names- I hate you ).
I do appreciate the positive feedback from all you generous FMers on the Bird Forum .
Charlie
Thanks Howard, Ted, Birdie and Kenny.
I enjoyed several things about my visit to Kenya- but the primary purpose was to see the wild beasties. After landing in Nairobi I shopped for an affordable safari company with a guide/driver who spoke English. The tour was a cheapskate camping safari (sleeping on the ground in campgrounds), but the wildlife viewing was as good as any of the group tours. A chartered driver/guide would have been better, but this worked out fine- and cost less.
Charlie
Great memories Charlie and wonderful photos to boot. Some of my best times have been watching the stalk and the missed opportunities...my heart races anticipating a successful outcome only to be disappointed....but hey, I then get to have lunch while these guys/gals pant away with nothing to show for their efforts.
Eric
Thanks Socrate, Dorian, Eric and Celbrett.
I was a bit surprised that this mother and her twins were in a semi-wooded area. All the TV nature shows indicate that cheetahs spend all their time in the open country. Maybe because filming a hunt is easier out in the open .
But after my meager efforts, I have a much greater admiration for all those wonderful hunting sequences on the telly. Those guys are good.
Charlie
. But it was fun to watch 
.
