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Editor : Gordon Longmead
National and Regional Management Gordon Longmead - England - CEO Peter Hogel - Uganda - Deputy CEO Scott Hurd - Namibia Tom Coetzee - South Africa Paul Welch—Australia Steve Cook - USA
Robert Murray - Scotland Tina Andreasson - Sweden and Mexico Jack Glisson - Kentucky USA Rodger Lee - Steam Punk Events
Contents: 3 4 6 8 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 32 33 35 36
I am wild, so there A Study in Nature - Cuckoo, Magpie and Great Tit - Pictures by Scott Latham Dragons and Monsters Fire, Burning, and some common Trees of the Kruger by Ian Bales-Smith Owl Gallery by Larry Hitchens Tony Sparkes and Louise Bradt, Focus on Birds Floral Gems by Robert Murray Baby Saltwater Crocodile and Water Dragon - Paul Welch Echinopsis Delight The Seaside - Pictures by Alan Griffiths And Some Will Kill You Badgers by Scott Latham Wildlife Borneo - Another Day in Paradise, Sabah Reef by Gary Bridger Picture Post Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin and Blackbird by Scott Latham
World Image Magazine on Fine Art America Peoples Photographic Society Member galleries http://gordon-longmead.artistwebsites.com/index.html?tab=galleries
As part of the expansion and ongoing development of the World Image Magazine, we have established a website presence within Fine Art America for the presentation and promotion, and sale of member images. Members wishing to add their own gallery should contact Gordon@worldimagemag.co.uk for details.
Š Please remember that all articles and images published in this magazine are copyright protected Cover Picture - Uganda by Peter Hogel Website = worldimagemag.com
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I Am Wild, So There. - GL
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A Study in Nature - Cuck Pictures by S
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oo, Magpie and Great Tit cott Latham
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Through out the centuries people have been plagued by stories of demons, dragons and monsters. Most were probably stories to frighten children. The simple stories were usually exaggerated in the telling, and those simple dragons and monsters got bigger and bigger. Even today we have the dragons, well, not exactly, but we do have the Dragon Fly. Now consider a child being told that this large insect was a dragon fly, and then looking at the fly on a horse. If the horse fly is so small on a horse, then in comparison the dragon must be huge. The first image of the black armoured insect is the dragon fly as a larva. This one was found in my own pond. I have red, Yellow and Blue dragon flies here.
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Photographing the dragon flies is as much a matter of chance and luck than planning and patience. For the image of the blue one above, I had to walk up and down a road following it until it landed. Seconds later it was off again. In contrast, the dragon fly portrait was static, sunning itself on a log, as was the yellow one bottom left on the previous page. The red dragon fly was a case of patience, lots of it, it took half an hour before it settled in a location where it could be photographed, then it was in flight once again. Pure luck and observation were the order of the day for the green dragon fly. The problem is not that they are few and far between, but that spotting them once they have landed is a nightmare. GL
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Most visitors want to see mammals, carnivores and the big five, they should not lose sight of other nature that sustains life and adds to the biodiversity of the Kruger.
valuable benefits. The most active periods for burning are from late winter to early spring, evidence of burns maybe seen at any time of the year.
This article discusses fires and burning and some common trees that you may see in the Southern section of the Kruger. The grasses of the Kruger are described as Sweetveld grasses. This diversity of grass species supports many herbivorous mammals and reptiles and invertebrates and provides shelter to many species of the animal kingdom. Sweetveld is nutritious and palatable and occurs in the lower frost free areas. Grasses cover more than 60% of the Kruger`s surface. There would be no Kruger without its savanna grasslands. Trees supply us with oxygen and store carbon and other gases. Trees stabilise the soil and give life to the animal kingdom. They provide shelter, fibre, building material, paper and many of the world’s important medicines. Trees play an important part in the “water cycle�. While touring the Kruger, and searching for the big five and other mammals, also look into the bush to appreciate the vegetation that supports its wildlife. The World Health Organisation reports that up to 80% of the World`s population relies on plants directly for some aspect of primary health care. A Field Guide to the trees of the Kruger will prove useful.
An early morning managed burn. Note that trees are not seriously burnt; the moribund grass is burning well. Natural fires have always been part of the ecosystem. Managed burning is essential for maintaining and restoring ecological balance. With managed fires there should be no, or only limited mortality, because burn days are selected when winds and temperatures are low. If on your tour you come across a fire, it is worth stopping and observing what happens, it can be very rewarding. Make sure you are a safe distance from the fire and that you can exit the area if necessary. Most animals, sensing fire, will retreat or move into holes in the ground or trees to find cover.
Fires. Visitors are often upset and concerned to see large areas of the Kruger burning or recently burnt out. Managed burning is an essential tool and has Website = worldimagemag.com
Many insects take flight and attract insect eating birds such as drongo, flycatchers and rollers. Tortoises take cover against large trees and termite mounds.
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Managed burns are made to:
Remove excess plant material and debris. Prevent the encroachment of woody species. Create fire breaks to protect other grass areas from non managed fires e.g. lightning. Encourage rotational grazing. Destroy parasites.
You are unlikely to see the Baobab and Mopane unless your tour takes you to the North of the Oliphant’s river.
Baobab North of Tshokwane en-route to Satara. There is another at the Timbavati picnic site to the West of Satara Camp.]
In this fire it is mainly the old and moribund grass that is burnt.
Baobab in winter. You can see why some of the local people refer to it as the upside down tree –it`s roots are in the air? The Baobab is an iconic tree of the bushveld. Legend says it was planted upside down by the Hyena. The fruit of the baobab is pear shaped, covered in green- brown hairs.
Burning of woody species and moribund grass.
The the fruit is high in tartaric acid, [Cream of tartar] the high vitamin C makes a refreshing drink. The young roots are nutritious and edible.
Trees. The Zulu word “umuthi” has two meanings: tree and medicine. The big five trees of the Kruger are:
The wood is fibrous and has little use. The bark is fibrous and harvested to weave sacks, mats and fishing nets.
The Baobab, Fever tree, Knob thorn, Marula. Mopane.
Very large and naturally hollowed out trunks have been used for various types of shelter.
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In the southern area of the Kruger look out for the trees, Leadwood, Jackal berry, Marula, Apple leaf, Knob thorn, Sausage tree, Sycamore fig, the Lala palm and the Sabi star.
The Euphorbia has very toxic milky latex used to poison fish.
Leadwood between Skukuza Camp and the Mkulu Picnic site. Leadwood [Combretum imberbe] is a very hard wood; it is easily recognised by the silvery grey bark. It was used for fencing poles and heavy construction. It is an excellent slow burning wood for braais. Owls are often seen in these trees near the banks of the Sabi River.
The trunk of an old Leadwood [Combretum imberbe] is an eco-system supporting small animals: squirrels, mongoose, and birds: barbets and woodpeckers and insects. Note this was growing on a termite mound. Photographed on the savannas near the Satara Camp.
Jackal berry on the Maroela loop north of the Sabi River bridge en-route to Tshokwane. There is a very impressive and easily identifiable tree at the Tshokwane picnic site. The Jackal berry can be very large and impressive; it grows along rivers and on termite rich mounds. The edible fruit is eaten by humans, primates and the Jackal [Hence its name] Euphorbia, growing out of the trunk of an old leadwood tree which is home to a squirrel family. It is in the Skukuza Camp. Website = worldimagemag.com
The botanical name is Diospyros mespiliformis. {Diospyros means pear of the Gods} The fruit is
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used to make beer, preserves and porridge. In spring, the leaves are in shades of brown-green and red.
Above a Marula tree on the left side of the Maroela Loop road, with a Knob thorn tree to the right of the road. These are common and important trees of the Kruger. The Marula is known for its nutritious fruit and and Amarula liqueur. The fruit is enjoyed by many animals including elephant. The Marula is the host plant for the lunar moth. Indigenous people use the cocoons of the moth to make ankle rattles. Some indigenous people refer to the tree as the “elephant tree”, the size and shape of the tree trunks; particularly when there are many together, often appear like elephant legs. There are male and female trees. It is also known as the “Marriage tree”. Getting married under the shade of a marula tree brings vigour and fertility to the married couple. The dried pips/nuts are strung together to make a necklace symbolizing love. The Apple leaf [Philenoptera violacea] This is commonly called the rain tree, because of spittlebugs, that suck sap from young stems to get nutrients and causing froth to drip down creating “rain”. It is bad luck to cut down an Apple leaf tree as it may cause a split in the family of the person cutting the tree and it may bring on a drought. In some rural area this tree is left standing in lands prepared for crop farming, because if cut down, a drought may follow. Knob thorn [Acacia nigrescens] Website = worldimagemag.com
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The Knob thorn gets its name from the knobs that cover the young stems. The knobs are thorn tipped and are a defence against browsers. As the tree grows, the knobs on the trunk disappear. The usefulness of trees is illustrated in this photograph where a leopard is storing its food out of reach hyena. The tree is a nesting site for many of the raptors of the Kruger, probably because of the protection provided by the thorny knobs on the branches. The leaves of the tree carry hooked thorns which is a further protection from browsers. The knobs are crushed into a powder and used by indigenous people for various medicines and cures
Sycamore fig [Ficus sycomorus]
Sycamore fig occurs along the banks of the rivers of In spite of the hooked thorns, the tree is favoured by the Kruger. They can be massive trees and are a rich giraffe which are thought to be important pollinators source of food for bird and primates. of the tree. The trees roots are extensive and help bind the soil to prevent erosion and wash a-ways. The figs are carried on the main branches. Wasps breed inside the figs and play a role in pollination. The dried fruit is popular with local people and are fairly long lasting. The tree produces milky latex used by young local boys to make birdlime for trapping small birds. The tree creates a complete ecosystem and is habitat for many species of birds, small mammals and lizards.
Sausage Tree. [Kigelia Africana] The flowers grow on long stems that carry the large sausage like fruit. The fruit is used for many traditional medical treatments and is not edible by humans. The fruit can weigh up to about 12kgs. The fruit is used traditionally to assist young men with manhood! It is known as “Umvongothi� in Zulu. The leaves are browsed by elephant and kudu. The wood is easily worked and was used to make small dug out boats. Trees play a critical role in the environment. The canopy of sausage tree at the Tshokwane Picnic Site gives a good idea of its size; it probably shades A mature elephant will consume more than 50 tons an area of about 900 Sq.m. of vegetative matter in a year. The dung produced is a very effective way of seed dispersal.
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This picture shows digested marula fruit.
Impala lily [Adenium multiform.] Also known as the Sabi Star. Extracts from the bulb of the plant are The Lala palm fruit, with its very hard ivory like used for fish and arrowhead poison. skin, will germinate after digestion by elephant. Other trees to look out for in the southern area of the Kruger include: Lala Palm [Phoenix reclinata.]
The Weeping Boer bean with its colourful display of reddish flowers. The Silver cluster leaf, very common near Pretoriuskop. The Buffalo thorn, strong associations with spiritual and cultural traditions. The Fever tree with its light, almost lemon coloured bark. Grows near water. Tamboti, normally grow in thickets. Not to be used for braaing or barbeques Bush willow, various bush willow species occur throughout the Kruger Sjambok pod with its long bean and very colourful yellow flowers in early spring.
The dried leaves are used for weaving various crafts, baskets, sleeping mats and brooms. The palm grows For information about this brief article or tours to the near water and is an indicator of underground water. Kruger please contact me: The hard internal part is a vegetable ivory used to carve ornaments and buttons. Ian Bales-Smith of Afrika Tourism and Training. EMail: ibs22dec@gmail.com
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Barn Owl Screech Owl Red Phase
Little Owl Website = worldimagemag.com
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Great Horned Owl Editor : Gordon Longmead
Barred Owl
Short Eared Owl
Eurasian Eagle Owl
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Snowy Owl Editor : Gordon Longmead
Another bird from my recent trip to Malaysia (Frasers Hill), this time the 'Streaked Spiderhunter' (Arachnothera magna), which is a strange name for a bird which is a 'nectarivore' (an animal which derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of the sugar-rich nectar produced by flowering plants).
Tony Sparkes
taken on our latest Malaysian trip. Almost straight out the camera, what a colourful forest bird and its a 'Magpie' yes a Common Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis) a European Magpie size but WoW, colourful erhhh. Chestnut-Capped laughingthrush (Garrulax mitratus) by Tony Sparkes
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Not sure why they call it the common green magpie, I do believe according to our host, its not so common either. Tony Sparkes
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A little Carolina Wren (above) that was singing her little heart out in the oak tree that over hangs out front deck and a male Summer Tanager chick (below) that was grooving out with the Carolina Wren in the oak tree yesterday evening... Males are bright red and females are bright yellow. Louise Bradt
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Floral Pictures by Robert
Columbine
Honeys
Amorphophallus titanum
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Gems Murray, Scotland
Siberian iris
uckle
An interesting bicolour flower on one of my big blue Meconopsis poppies
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Baby Saltwater Crocodile and Water D
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ragon - Paul Welch, Perth, Australia
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Echinops by Gordon Lon There are many forms of flowers in the world of cacti, amongst the most stunning of which are those of the Echinopsis. We could be forgiven for getting confused over the designation of the plants, since some bright spark decided to re-categorise many of them. For example many Echinopsis became Lobivia, Then, just to make life interesting, last year the designations were once again changed. Some gained new groups while others returned to their former designations. I wonder when so called knowledgeable people will learn to leave established things alone. If it has been known as an Echinopsis for the last 50 years, then Echinopsis it should remain.
Echinopsis Wendii
Echinopsis China White
Echinopsis Desire
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To watc
is Delight mead, England
Echinopsis Vanilla Ice h this flower opening visit https://youtu.be/b5EW-anCRxU
Echinopsis Abbyensis
The other point of note with this plant is that it is easily hybridized. There are many flower forms and colours, especially in the American market where people are willing to experiment with cross pollination. Some in the ‘establishment’ feel that this is wrong, however, if nature objected, the plants would be incompatible and cross pollination could not take place. And who is to say that the offspring are not the result of a natural pollination when plants of different designations are kept together. So as I am growing them once again, I will accept the variations in plants grown from seed, and I will apply my own names to them. Perhaps one day we will create a central register for them. Echinopsis Blanco
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The Seaside Pictures by Alan Griffiths, England
The seas and oceans are a magnet for everyo no exception. There is so much variety in ou need never be idle.
The lighthouses are always a good feature, e view, or a subject in their own right. The sea w seen above, but the changing sky can add a ne
The sky is an important element in any pictur works but in black and white it needs mo dramatic the sky, the better the picture.
Black and white is about shape, texture an Colour we can see everywhere, every day, unusual, or the usual in a different light. Ed
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ne, and the photographer is r coastlines that the camera
ther as a part of the overall alls present an overview as w dimension to the image. e, in colour a clear blue sky re consideration. The more
shades, not about colour. time to look again at the
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Clustered Bonnet
Angels Bonnet by Georgene Bergstrom
Bracket Fungus
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Bracket Fungus
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Bracket Fungus
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Bracket Fungus
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Fly Agaric
Field Mushroom
Ear Fungus Website = worldimagemag.com
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Stinkho
Mycena pearsoniana ?
rn
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Earthstar
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And this one will definitely k
While not all mushrooms and fungi are deadly, indeed many are edible, unless you are well acquainted with then in the wild it is not recommended to use them in cooking. Even I am not certain as to the correct identification of those in this series of pictures, so please do not assume they are correct. If the names contain the word deadly, believe it, they probably are. There are those, such as the ink caps and stinkhorns that you would not even try to eat when they ripen. If you are wanting to properly identify the fungi when photographing them, take a notebook, to record what they smell like and where they grow. Take lots of pictures, including the underside of the lid, preferably without destroying the plant. There are a few reasons for this approach, first and most important is that you will need to return to it over a period of consecutive days while the plant goes through its full cycle. Most books only show one stage in the cycle so the range is needed for identification.
Parasol Mushroom
The other major reason is if you destroy the plant it can not reproduce and will eventually die out. Animals often damage the plants so finding one overturned which can be photographed is a good bet. Pictures by Gordon Longmead unless otherwise stated.
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ill you - The Shaggy Inkcap
Parasol Mushroom
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Badgers - Pictures by Scott Latham, England
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Wildlife Borneo - Another Day in Paradise Sabah Reef by Gary Bridger, England The underwater world of Sabah Reef is threatened by development and irresponsible tourism. Here is just a glimpse of the fragile beauty that may soon disappear.
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Their is nothing quite like the drama of an African sky during and or after a late afternoon thunder storm. Here is such a case, after a torrential thunder and hail storm which lasted about 20 minutes. This view from our camp site at Witsand Nature Reserve seen after such a storm on our East-West-East road trip in South Africa a couple of months back. Awesome rich deep pinks, blues and purples but boy what a cloud structure. Not a lot of post editing went on to here to give this dramatic scene. Tony Sparkes
Picture Post
Eucalyptus tree in the dry water bed at Simpson's Gap Picture by Geoff Bowers
Just looking for honey by Paul Nanyaro
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Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin and Blackbird Pictures by Scott Latham, England
Great Spotted Woodpecker,
Robin Website = worldimagemag.com
Blackbird Page 36
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Kuyimba means 'to sing' in the Zambian Chinyanja language and this site is a celebration of the sights and sounds of southern Africa. Join us to experience it for yourself.
Derek & Sarah Solomon www.kuyimba.com
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Use the Member Code: GL415. Enter the code in the box before checkout to get 10% discount.
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Tour Operators Members who operate, or work on behalf of Tour Operators are invited to submit reports on their tours as a feature of the magazine. These can be a regular feature if desired and may include pictures to highlight aspects of the article. The first of these reports should be an introduction to the company area of operations and its tour guides and staff. Although the Society can not be held responsible for the conduct and safety of the tours, the tour operators that advertise on, or have links within, this site or provide reports within the societies magazine, do so on the understanding that they undertake to conduct the tours in a professional manner, be customer focused, with an emphasis on safety and value for money. As many of the tour operators and guides are members of the society, they are knowledgeable both on the areas they visit and on the subject of photography and will be willing to offer tips and guidance if required. Feedback about your tour is always welcomed and may appear in the society magazine.
Magazine Submissions Members are welcome to submit Bio’s and other articles relating to expeditions and equipment reviews. Small file size pictures may be included. Recognised wildlife trust and Nature Conservation group adverts may be included free of charge per quarter page subject to approval. Any one who would like to write a feature article for the magazine, please do. I have no real limit on the magazine size but for ease I will find a comfortable limit depending on the method used for circulating it. Trade Adverts Adverts may be placed with the magazine at the editors discretion. A charge will be made in advance of publication towards the running costs of the society amounting to 10 GBP per quarter page per issue. Submissions should be emailed to magazine@photosociety.net please state ‘magazine article or advert’ in the subject line.
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Editor : Gordon Longmead Alan Griffiths