Springbok - Masterpieces of the Desert

Springbok antelope visit a blue pool of water on the edge of the salt pans, as seen in the Etosha National Park.

This gracious antelope is adapted to the harsh desert environments, and in an area where the eye sees little life (but actually there is a lot of life not seen), they do appear as absolute Masterpieces from Nature. In this photo, an ewe to the far left. In front of her a young ram, with a full adult ram staring into the lens (in blur).

I love this photo as the colors blend in wonderfully, reflections and all. Vivid and bright as can be (for the desert). Etosha National Park has a huge open salt plain where no vegetation grows. During periods of heavy rain, this pan fills up and draws in millions of birds (including rare species such as the Blue Crane). And so the name Etosha Pan came to be (salt pan).

This specific park has close to 400 000 resident Springbok, an icon of desert surroundings and of this park. Not only are Springbok true survivors, they are also superbly gracious and beautiful to the core.