Best Wildlife Photos: Lovebirds and Flamingos
Pool party by Luke Massey, UK
‘As the drought in Zambia’s South Luangwa national park stretched on, the waterholes dwindled to pools. Flocks of Lilian’s lovebirds congregated together and when the coast was clear they descended to this pool. They shuffled forward, taking it in turns to drink and bathe, as if on a conveyor belt.’
Photograph: Luke Massey/Natural History Museum
Sloth hanging out by Luciano Candisani, Brazil ‘
Luciano had to climb the cecropia tree, in the protected Atlantic rainforest of southern Bahia, Brazil, to take an eye-level shot of this three-toed sloth. Sloths like to feed on the leaves of these trees, and so they are often seen high up in the canopy.’
Photograph: Luciano Candisani,/Natural History Museum
Roller rider by Lakshitha Karunarathna, Sri Lanka ‘
Lakshitha was on safari in Maasai Mara national reserve, Kenya, when he spotted an unusual sight – a lilac-breasted roller riding a zebra. Normally they prefer to perch high up in the foliage, but this roller spent an hour or more riding around and enjoying the occasional insect meal. Lakshitha waited for the surrounding zebras to form the perfect background before taking this tight crop.’
Photograph: Lakshitha Karunarathna/Natural History Museum
Leopard gaze by Martin van Lokven, The Netherlands
‘During a three-week stay in Serengeti national park, Tanzania, Martin encountered this female leopard several times. Called Fundi by local guides, she was well known in the area. Late one afternoon, Fundi left the tree she was resting in and stopped by Martin’s car, fixing him with her magnificent gaze.’
Photograph: Martin van Lokven/Natural History Museum
The brothers by Marco Urso, Italy ‘
Millions of salmon spawn each year at Kuril Lake in the southern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, attracting large numbers of brown bears. Marco noticed how curious these two brown bears were and was able to capture the moment when they both stood up on their hind legs to watch what he was doing. The rain falling onto the lake added an extra atmosphere to the scene.’
Photograph: Marco Urso/Natural History Museum