.
Leopards will leave claw marks.....
and other markings on their favorite trees, however, they will avoid these places if encroached upon-they don’t like audiences.
Luckily for me, my guide Albert received a call on the short wave from another driver who had discovered our wayward, secretive lady, asleep high out on a Sausage tree limb in the Buffalo Springs area, less than a quarter of mile from the river.
Here, an entire community of Impalas were taking refuge in the bush, elephants were feeding from bushy trees, and even a large flock of Guinea fowl were rushing around in nearby low bush.
Her mate had abandoned her for the time being.
Nap
Time
and had carried it up in the tree with her. Her stomach was full and she was napping. I sat on top of the Land Rover approximately 15 yards from her, and marveled at her as she tried her best to ignore me and my camera. I had come to interrupt and interfere with a lady of the night’s nap time.
For over two hours I waited for her to awake and give recognition to my camera, after all, I had traveled thousands of miles, driven hundreds of miles over difficult roads, and hunted through the bush for two days, to find her.After numerous pictures she awoke and climbed down from her perch. She passed directly below me, so close I could feel and smell her. After a quick, rather terse glance, she leaked into the bush and was gone. I’m sure she returned later on to finish off her kill. But she had given me enough of her time and I showed my appreciation by also moving on.
Leopards, by their very nature
are intriguing and beautiful Cats.Leopards are individualists, solitary explorers, and stealthy hunters. I relate to their individualism, and independent ways. After my search for Ms. Leopard, I dedicated a poem to her entitled “Princess of Samburu Nights,” I hope you enjoy both the work and pictures of the “Princess.”
The ghostbear!!!
