Don't underestimate the humble Impala...

Having been on a few Safari's now, it always makes me smile sharing a jeep with debutants when they first leave the lodge and inevitably see a herd of Impala. There is excitement at their first sighting of such an iconic African antelope. 

You will then hear the field guide or ranger explain very clearly this won't be the only opportunity for viewing Impala that you will get on this drive, or during your stay….be warned, you'll see them often!

Sure enough, Impala get everywhere...

So should we therefore overlook them as our field guides go looking for the Big 5?

Quiet simply, no.

Impala are fantastic antelope that shouldn't be overlooked. They could be considered somewhat unfortunate to be the prey of lions, cheetah and leopards.

But both breeding and bachelor herds can provide incredible photographic opportunities. I find them extremely photogenic animals that actually give many different facial expressions if you watch them long enough; alarm calling, the the Flehmen response, or "bucking" (to show potential predators they are in great shape and not easy to catch) are all interesting behaviours to watch out for.

They also accommodate Ox Peckers. 

The image I am sharing here, is like so many images; one third judgement, one third anticipation and one third luck. You need luck.

We were passing a herd of impalas when we noticed a number of Ox Peckers started landing on them. The Impalas at first were shaking these birds off. I composed and tried to take a couple of shots showing a couple of Impala with Ox Peckers on their backs. Then I waited. A third Impala walked into shot and then an Ox Pecker landed on him. I adjusted my aperture to get a depth of field that would knock two of the impalas out of focus and took the shot. Once I composed I wanted to bring depth to my shot by having 3 impalas and 3 Ox Peckers in 3 different focal plans…and I got very lucky that they all stayed in place within the time frame to press the shutter.

Proof that striking and interesting images can come from the humble Impala. My advice…don't ignore them, observe them, photograph them. They will make fantastic additions to your portfolio.