Derek Evens Wildlife Photography

Derek Evens Wildlife Photography Capturing the authentic heartbeat of the wild. Respect the Craft, respect the copyright. This page focuses on Wildlife and Landscapes.

A visual journey through wildlife, birdlife, and nature, fueled by biophilia—our innate connection to the natural world. A fondness for travel and the outdoors has led me to persue photography as a hobby, our unique African environment has afforded me the opportunity to capture images of our unrivalled wildlife, landscapes and more. All of these experiences and opportunities, from early on in my l

ife, I would like to share with you here through my lens. We have a unique country South Africa, it’s people, diverse cultures, exceptional wildlife and incredible natural beauty.

Lifting off into the Botswana skies.A Grey Heron break static water and transition into power. Watching this bird launch...
07/09/2026

Lifting off into the Botswana skies.

A Grey Heron break static water and transition into power. Watching this bird launch itself from a pan in Moremi, unfurling those massive wings, was pure grace in motion.

From the heavy initial wingbeat to full lift-off. Which frame captures the moment best for you? Let me know below! 👇

📍 Moremi, Botswana 🇧🇼

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"Love them flying bananas, mate!"I had a good laugh remembering that story. I was in Kruger Park a while back when I met...
06/09/2026

"Love them flying bananas, mate!"

I had a good laugh remembering that story. I was in Kruger Park a while back when I met an Australian guy, and his take on the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill was simply unforgettable: "Ahh, love them flying bananas, mate!"
Now every time I see one launch, that line instantly brings a smile to my face.

These two frames were taken near 3rd Bridge in Botswana as this banana-beaked character took off. Watching them gather speed and lift those hefty yellow bills into the air is equal parts wonderful and impressive!

📍 Location: 3rd Bridge, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana 🇧🇼

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The Dagga Boy & The Barber. We’ve all seen the classic symbiotic relationship between Buffalos and Ox-peckers in the bus...
04/09/2026

The Dagga Boy & The Barber.

We’ve all seen the classic symbiotic relationship between Buffalos and Ox-peckers in the bush—the birds get a free meal of ticks, and the buffalo gets a free cleaning service. But watching a grumpy old Dagga Boy deal with an over-enthusiastic Yellow-billed Ox-pecker on his head, you have to wonder what the actual conversation sounds like….

What transpired in this conversation will always be intriguing and makes sitting at a sighting for hours completely worth it.

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Warm glow & wings in motion.Living on a farm is a constant privilege, especially when your garden becomes a sanctuary fo...
03/09/2026

Warm glow & wings in motion.

Living on a farm is a constant privilege, especially when your garden becomes a sanctuary for local birdlife.

I caught these Red-faced Mousebirds taking flight, as the warm morning light caught them mid-air. Seeing that soft glow bounce off their feathers as they launched into the air is a reminder of why I love keeping a camera nearby.

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Whispers of two billion years in the heart of the salt pans.Taking to the trail for an early morning walk around Lekhubu...
31/08/2026

Whispers of two billion years in the heart of the salt pans.

Taking to the trail for an early morning walk around Lekhubu (Kubu) Island at the end of July 2026, iPhone in hand, I circumvented this ancient granite outcrop to record the quiet magic it revealed.

• Ancient Giants: The island’s legendary Baobabs and pale, striking African star-chestnuts (Sterculia africana) rise dramatically from the granite outcrop of the Sua Pan within the greater Makgadikgadi.

• Prehistoric Earth: Formed two billion years ago, bare granite rock formations stand as timeless monuments of an ancient world and an irreplaceable heritage site to protect.

• Space for Reflection: Walking through this remote landscape at first light offers pure isolation, vast quiet space, and deep reflection long after the dust settles.

📍 Lekhubu Island, Sua Pan, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana 🇧🇼

Sometimes things just go wrong... Watching White-fronted Bee-eaters hunt is usually a display of pure precision. But eve...
28/08/2026

Sometimes things just go wrong...

Watching White-fronted Bee-eaters hunt is usually a display of pure precision. But every now and then, the physics don't cooperate!

It happened in a flash: the bee-eater tossed its butterfly catch to adjust its grip, only for the prey to go completely off-course.
What followed was a desperate mid-air scramble to recover the falling meal, and I was lucky enough to capture the exact moment of chaos in a single frame.

Nature is full of surprises!

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A Very Vocal Escape.!In wildlife photography, timing is everything—and sometimes the background story is better than a s...
25/08/2026

A Very Vocal Escape.!

In wildlife photography, timing is everything—and sometimes the background story is better than a successful hunt!

While this Hamerkop came up empty-beaked on this dip, the intended meal clearly wanted to make sure it wouldn't come back for Round two. If you look closely at the splash below, the frog seems to be popping up just long enough to shout a few choice words after its would-be predator!

Even when the hunt comes up empty, nature is capable of delivering a hilarious split-second moment.

Who do you think had the best parting line here? 👇

📸 Shot info: [OM-1 mkII / M.Zuiko 300mm f4 + MC1.4 / ISO 6400, 840mm FFE, -1,7 EV, 1/6400 s]
📍 Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park

Flash of Colours: Butterflies of Limpopo.Nature has a way of putting on a masterclass in colour contrasts if you know wh...
25/08/2026

Flash of Colours: Butterflies of Limpopo.

Nature has a way of putting on a masterclass in colour contrasts if you know where to look. While spending time behind the lens in Limpopo, South Africa, I caught a sequence of two species showing off their colour patterns:

🟡 Common Dotted Border (Mylothris agathina) – Bright, sunny yellows and soft whites edged with crisp black dots along the wing margins.

🟧 Window Acraea (Acraea species) – Vibrant, translucent orange and rich tawny tones patterned with striking black spots.

Swiping through, you'll see them alternate frame by frame—a constant dance between warm oranges and vivid yellows.
Viewing Tip: Adjust your device brightness to see the intricate details in the wing patterns!

Which color palette catches your eye first—the golden orange or the sunny yellow? Let me know in the comments! 👇

📍 Location: Limpopo, South Africa.

Crimson Jewel of the Reeds!Gliding through the reeds on a mokoro trip along the Khwai River in Botswana, I was lucky eno...
21/08/2026

Crimson Jewel of the Reeds!

Gliding through the reeds on a mokoro trip along the Khwai River in Botswana, I was lucky enough to spot this beautiful Angolan reed frog (Hyperolius parallelus).

While tiny—reaching only about 3–4 cm in length—these small amphibians exhibit amazing color phases and patterns:

• Vivid Crimson Palette:
While many shift between pale beige by day and yellow or green marbled patterns at night, this individual sported a striking, deep red color phase interwoven with intricate patterns. The northern Botswana populations frequently exhibit this striking, dark red/deep burgundy background with labyrinth-like cream, white or pale yellow lines and dots.

• Master of Disguise:
They can shift tones drastically depending on temperature, light, and camouflage needs.

• Sticky Toe Pads:
Equipped with specialized pads, they easily scale vertical grass stems and cling upside down on smooth leaves.

Exploring the Khwai River at water level reveals a whole hidden world of macro perfection!

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Vibrancy in Motion | White-fronted Bee-eaterBirds in flight are a constant test of camera speed and timing, but White-fr...
19/08/2026

Vibrancy in Motion | White-fronted Bee-eater

Birds in flight are a constant test of camera speed and timing, but White-fronted Bee-eaters make every second worth the effort.

They never lose their charm or radiance once airborne. Every swoop and dive is a brand-new manoeuvre, with their lustrous colors shifting and glistening under changing angles of light. I’ll always reach for my camera when these aerial acrobats are around!

Swipe through this three-frame sequence:
1️⃣ & 2️⃣ Taking off mid-flight with a butterfly firmly in its beak.
3️⃣ Locking onto a branch and adjusting for the perfect touchdown.

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Farm Bloemfontein Mooketsi
Mooketsi
0825

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