Favorite Photos Archives - Mihaela Limberea

Favorite Photos: February 2026

3rd March 2026 Mihaela Limberea

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This is post 38 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The photograph captures a tender moment between two Kangaroo Island kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus), a mother and her joey, in a close embrace amid a sunlit grassland on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The smaller joey stands on its hind legs, wrapping its forelimbs around the taller adult's neck while nuzzling its face against the mother's cheek, conveying a sense of affection and bonding. Both animals exhibit the subspecies' characteristic reddish-brown fur with subtle lighter patches, their large ears perked and dark eyes gazing upward. The setting features golden, dry grasses bathed in warm, diffused light from a low sun, creating a soft, ethereal glow, with blurred shrubbery in the background enhancing the intimate focus. The overall composition evokes themes of maternal care and serenity in a natural habitat.

This is why I love wildlife photography. Witnessing scenes like this and immortalizing them in a photograph makes my heart sing. I’m so happy to have captured this tender moment between two Kangaroo Island kangaroos, a mother and her joey, in a close embrace.

Kangaroo Island kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus) is a sub-species of the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus). They look slightly different from their cousins on mainland Australia; they’re shorter with darker, chocolate-brown fur. And way cuter, if you ask me.

This is a photo from my recent trip to Australia, from Kangaroo Island (South Australia), where we spent a few weeks in November/December.

A close-up of a muskox enduring heavy snowfall on my recent trip to northern Sweden has quickly become one of my favorite photos. I had edited other photos from that trip, but I kept coming back to this one again and again. I liked the ox’s stoic attitude, standing still in the cold, heavy snow falling silently across the white landscape.

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are some of the most interesting and rare wild mammals in Sweden. They disappeared from Sweden and the rest of Europe about 9,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. The muskoxen found in Sweden today are descended from five animals that wandered across the border from the reintroduced Norwegian herd in Dovrefjell and settled in the Härjedalen mountains.

Muskoxen are more closely related to sheep and goats than to oxen. Their incredibly thick coat (including the ultra-warm qiviut underwool) allows them to survive temperatures as low as –40 °C. In Sweden, they are perfectly adapted to the harsh alpine tundra and long winters.

Two red squirrels stand on a snow-covered log during a snowfall._The image shows two red squirrels facing each other on a snow-covered log in a quiet winter woodland. Snow blankets the ground and clings softly to the fallen tree trunk, while delicate flakes drift through the air, creating a gentle, dreamy atmosphere. The squirrels’ warm russet fur contrasts beautifully with the pale whites and soft blues of the snowy landscape. One squirrel appears alert and upright, as if listening or speaking, while the other mirrors its posture, suggesting a moment of interaction or curiosity between them. In the background, blurred grasses, branches, and tree trunks fade into a soft haze, giving the scene a painterly, almost storybook quality that emphasizes calm, intimacy, and the stillness of winter.

Two squirrels perch on snowy branches amidst a gentle snowfall. The image depicts a winter scene featuring two squirrels clinging to branches covered in snow. A branch is visible on the upper right with a thick covering of snow. The needles of the pine branch are covered in snow. Snowflakes fall gently around the squirrels and the branches. The overall mood is serene and peaceful, capturing the quiet beauty of a winter day in the woods.

The photograph depicts a whimsical winter scene featuring a Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) perched atop a small mound of snow, with gentle snowflakes falling around it. The squirrel, characterized by its reddish-brown fur, prominent ear tufts, and alert expression, sits upright while holding a miniature brown bag filled with nuts in its front paws, as if presenting or examining the contents. To its right, a small mouse wears a red knitted wool cap and matching scarf, positioned as if emerging from the snow with a playful demeanor. The background consists of a soft, overcast white expanse, evoking a serene and magical snowy landscape, enhanced by subtle pine needles on the mound for natural detail. The overall composition conveys a sense of festive interaction between the animals in a controlled, artistic setting.

I love red squirrels, you know that. I even have a separate Instagram account for them, Whimsical Squirrels. It’s a place to play, experiment, and have fun, different from my main account. In a way, it takes off a lot of the pressure I put on myself to create beautiful wildlife photos.

Lately, I’ve been drawn to painterly-style photos and have been experimenting a lot, trying to give my photos that feeling of looking at a painting. I’ve also started creating some composite images.

These photos are the first results that I’m pleased with. They were so much fun to work with! The wool cap and the scarf of the mouse gave me so much grief, you can’t imagine it! But I think I nailed it in the end.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, except for the squirrels photo (taken with Canon R5).

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Favorite Photos: January 2026

3rd February 2026 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Bird Dolphin Hamerkop Kangaroo Koala Squirrel

This is post 37 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

This high-key photograph portrays a mother koala perched on a smooth, pale eucalyptus branch, with her joey clinging closely to her back. The bright, almost ethereal background dissolves into soft whites and gentle greys, giving the image a light, airy quality that emphasizes form and emotion over detail.

Not surprisingly, most of the photos I worked on this month were taken on Kangaroo Island (South Australia), where we spent a few weeks in November / December during our recent Australia trip.

I don’t often use high-key photography, but it felt right for this photo of a mother koala and her joey.

I was over the moon when I saw this adorable pair. Koalas sleep most of the time, so there usually isn’t much to photograph, even though they’re so cute. That’s why I was so happy to catch this mother and her joey moving around in the tree and even stopping to pose. The joey, probably about a year old, is already quite big.

To give you some background, koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) spend up to 18 months caring for their young. At first, the mother carries the joey in her pouch, then later on her back as the joey learns to move through the trees. Koala gestation lasts about 35 days, and the newborn is tiny, only about 2 centimeters long and weighing less than 1 gram. It crawls into the mother’s pouch for safety and food. The joey stays in the pouch for 6 to 7 months, drinking only milk, before coming out to ride on the mother’s back for another 6 months. During this time, the mother gives the joey “pap,” a special soft fecal matter made from eucalyptus leaves, to help introduce the gut bacteria needed to digest the toxic eucalyptus leaves.

This photo captures a young koala joey resting comfortably along a smooth eucalyptus branch, partially framed by soft, hanging green leaves. The joey’s fluffy grey-brown fur looks plush and textured, contrasting gently with the pale, peeling bark of the tree. One paw curls securely around the branch while the body reclines in a relaxed, almost human-like pose.

This young koala, who posed so nicely for me, was taking a break from exploring the tree he and his mother were perched in. At this age, the joey is curious about everything.

His mother is sleeping a few branches away. But even when she is still, her presence reassures the joey. With her close, the young koala feels safe to explore, rest, and learn.

Kangaroo Island is an important home for koalas in Australia. But bushfires and habitat loss now threaten their future. In the 2020 fires, about 210,000 hectares of land on Kangaroo Island were lost, showing how much their home was affected. Protecting quiet, safe places matters, not just so koalas survive, but so young ones can grow and explore.

To help keep these moments possible, there are many actions you can take. Support local conservation efforts and speak up for koala habitats before it is too late. You can also adopt a tree through a group like Friends of Parks, which helps restore koala homes. Volunteering for habitat restoration projects, spreading awareness about the plight of koalas through social media, and advocating for policy changes that prioritize habitat protection are other impactful ways to get involved. Every small action helps make a difference.

I really like this close-up photo of a young Kangaroo Island kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus), which is a subspecies found only on Kangaroo Island.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: parking lots can be great spots for wildlife photos. I took this picture at Stokes Bay camping grounds, right in the parking lot. There was a little patch of green by a small pond. (I once waited there for an hour, hoping a male kangaroo would come to drink, but he never showed up.) This time, though, I spotted this cute young kangaroo. As I approached slowly, I kept my movements gentle and quiet to avoid startling her. I crouched low, using the shrubs as cover to inch closer for a better angle. It was a quick moment—I managed to get the shot just before she hopped away.

Here’s another tip: always have your camera ready when you arrive or leave a place. You never know what might happen, and being prepared means you won’t miss a great photo. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! I remember one time, at a different place, I had just packed up my camera gear and was about to leave when I noticed a fabulous sunset illuminating a family of kangaroos. I hastily set up my camera again, but I missed the moment by seconds. Have your camera ready, people!

The photograph captures a tender and serene moment of two kangaroo joeys resting together on the ground in what appears to be a naturalistic outdoor enclosure or sheltered area.

Both joeys lie on their backs in relaxed, supine positions, limbs loosely extended in complete repose. The nearer joey, in sharp focus, displays a soft grey fur coat with subtle brownish tinges around the face and shoulders. Its head is tilted slightly backward, eyes gently closed, small black nose pointing upward, and mouth slightly parted in peaceful sleep. One forepaw rests near its chest while the hind legs are bent and relaxed, revealing the characteristic elongated feet and dark claws typical of macropods.

The second joey, positioned just behind and partially overlapping the first, mirrors the same tranquil posture. Its fur appears slightly warmer in tone—pale grey with faint orange-brown hues on the head and upper limbs—creating gentle tonal contrast between the two. Both animals exhibit the rounded facial features, large rounded ears, and delicate whiskers characteristic of young kangaroos.

Nap Mode: Activated 💤🦘 Two Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) joeys are sleeping side by side under a bush on a hot summer afternoon.

They will grow up much bigger than the cute Kangaroo Island joey above. Adult males often reach over 2 meters in height and weigh about 60 kg. Their light gray fur and long legs help them move easily through the open, grassy woods of eastern Australia.

Kangaroo Island kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus), on the other hand, are smaller and more compact. (Also, much cuter if you ask me.) Males are usually about 1.4 meters tall and weigh around 35 kg. Their fur is darker, with reddish-brown on the head and shoulders, which helps them blend into the island’s shady coastal shrubs and woods.

These differences show each species has adapted in its own way to its habitat and environment.

This captivating image portrays a dolphin, likely a bottlenose, gracefully swimming just beneath the surface of crystal-clear, vibrant blue water. The perspective is from above or slightly above the water level, looking down into its translucent depths.

A graceful dolphin moves through the clear blue waters around Kangaroo Island in South Australia, dancing between worlds. The way the light hit the water turned it into a living painting. I only needed to press the shutter button to capture this brief moment of wonder. No words needed.

The photo depicts a hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), a medium-sized wading bird, standing in shallow water with its wings spread wide. The bird's distinctive hammer-shaped head and brown plumage are clearly visible. The water reflects the hamerkop's image, creating a symmetrical and striking visual effect.

A hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) I photographed during our June safari in South Africa. The hamerkop may look like a modest wetland bird at first glance, but it is one of Africa’s most fascinating and unusual species.

The hamerkop is the only species in its genus (Scopus) and family (Scopidae). For a long time, scientists couldn’t agree where it belonged — it shares traits with herons, storks, and pelicans.

One of the hamerkop’s most remarkable traits is its nest-building ability. These birds construct some of the largest nests in the avian world relative to their body size. Built from sticks, reeds, and mud, a single nest can reach nearly two meters across and weigh more than 50 kilograms. Inside, the structure is surprisingly complex, with multiple chambers and even false entrances that may help confuse predators. Once abandoned, these nests often become valuable real estate for other animals, including owls, eagles, snakes, and small mammals. Isn’t Nature amazing?

The photograph presents a whimsical winter scene featuring a Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) engaged in an anthropomorphic interaction with a small snowman amid a snowy landscape.

As the snow falls softly, the world turns quiet — and magic takes over.

This is a photo from two years ago that I still hadn’t gotten around to processing. It made a nice distraction from the stream of Australian images I’m processing right now. And I wanted to have some fun, too. It doesn’t do to be too serious, you know. The girl needs her fun.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, except for the squirrel photo (taken with Canon R5).

Favorite Photos: December 2025

5th January 2026 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Black Swan Kangaroo Island Nassim Nicholas Taleb Swan

This is post 36 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The image captures the striking close-up of a black swan (Cygnus atratus) against a stark, dark background.
The picture isolates a black swan against a solid black backdrop, bringing attention to its unique features. The swan's plumage is entirely black, with the texture of the feathers subtly visible. Its head and neck are gracefully curved, adding to its elegance. The beak is a vibrant red, with a small white tip, providing a sharp contrast to the black feathers. The swan's eye, also red, adds to the intensity of its gaze and stands out against the dark feathers. The lighting is focused, illuminating the swan's head and neck while leaving the background in deep shadow, emphasizing the contrast between light and darkness. The atmosphere of the picture is mysterious and dramatic, with a sense of solemnity conveyed by the swan's posture and the color palette.

A quick edit of a black swan photo taken on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) where we spent a few weeks this December, part of our recent Australia trip. More to come, once I’ve been through all photos 😅.

In the meantime, I leave you with some interesting facts about them.

Interesting Facts About Black Swans

Black swans (Cygnus atratus) are native to Australia and represent a fascinating species within the Anatidae family. Below are several interesting facts about them
Unlike most swans, which are white, black swans possess predominantly black feathers with white flight feathers visible only during flight. Their bright red bills feature a pale tip, and they have the longest neck relative to body size among swan species, aiding in foraging in deep water.
They are indigenous to Australia, particularly abundant in the southeast and southwest regions, including wetlands and lakes. Following European colonization, they were introduced to New Zealand, Europe, and North America as ornamental birds in parks and estates, where feral populations have established in some areas.
Black swans form lifelong monogamous pairs, often remaining together year-round. Both parents share incubation duties and chick-rearing, with cygnets riding on their parents’ backs for protection— a behavior that enhances survival in open water environments.
They produce a variety of trumpet-like calls, including bugling sounds for territorial defense or mating. These vocalizations are more musical than those of mute swans and play a key role in social interactions within flocks.
Primarily herbivorous, black swans feed on aquatic vegetation, algae, and submerged plants by upending in shallow waters (similar to dabbling ducks). They can tolerate brackish and saline environments, allowing them to inhabit a broader range of wetlands than many freshwater-dependent waterfowl.

Symbolism in Metaphor and Philosophy

The term “black swan” entered popular usage through Nassim Nicholas Taleb‘s book “The Black Swan” (2007), metaphorically describing rare, unpredictable events with profound impacts. Historically, Europeans assumed all swans were white until black swans were discovered in Australia in 1697 by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh, challenging prevailing assumptions.

📸 The photo was taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: November 2025

2nd December 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Kangaroo Squirrel

This is post 35 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

This photo freezes two feisty kangaroos in a classic boxing match, their paws locked in a cheeky spar as they balance on powerful tails against a sun-kissed, dusty arena. The golden-hour light bathes their tawny fur in a warm glow, highlighting every whisker and muscle ripple, while the blurred backdrop of eucalyptus and grass melts into a dreamy bokeh, keeping all eyes on the action.

Voulez-vous danser? Two young Kangaroo Island kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus) sparring at sunset. As soon as I saw this photo, I knew what the caption would be. They were learning to fight, but, for a moment, they seemed to dance. A wonderful moment, frozen in time, that I will always cherish.

I photographed them on Kangaroo Island (South Australia), on one of our many trips there. I still have so many photos to process from those trips. An another trip is planned 🤭 more to come soon.

This image features a charming red squirrel baby nestled amongst soft green foliage, creating a serene and natural scene.
The central focus is a small red squirrel, distinguished by its vibrant, reddish-orange fur that covers most of its body. Its fur appears incredibly soft and fluffy, especially noticeable on its back and its prominent, bushy tail. The tail, which is a rich red-orange, curves upwards and slightly over its back, adding to its characteristic silhouette.
The squirrel's head is delicate, with small, pointed ears that blend into its reddish fur. Its most striking feature is its large, round, and very dark eyes, which are almost black, providing a stark contrast to its lighter face. A tiny, bright catchlight is visible in each eye, giving them a lively and alert appearance. Fine, dark whiskers extend from its snout. Its nose is small and dark, and its mouth is slightly open, revealing a glimpse of its tongue or pinkish inner mouth. Its underside, particularly around its chest and chin, appears to have lighter, almost cream-colored fur, creating a subtle gradient.

The image features a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) perched atop a moss-covered log. The squirrel is facing to the right, with a curious and alert expression. The background is a soft, blurred green, which helps to isolate and highlight the squirrel as the main subject.

This image is a beautifully captured, striking close-up portrait of a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), focusing intently on its face and upper body. The central and dominant subject is a red squirrel, identifiable by its reddish-brown fur and prominent ear tufts. It is positioned directly facing the viewer, creating a highly engaging and intimate connection. The squirrel is alert and appears to be in a curious or observant state. Its body is slightly hunched forward, and its front paws are visible, gripping onto the green foliage beneath it. Its gaze is direct and piercing, with bright, dark eyes that reflect a hint of light, suggesting good illumination.

This photo features a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) delicately licking its paw in a sunlit forest clearing. The squirrel’s rich reddish-brown fur shimmers as the morning light filters through the pine trees, highlighting the glossy texture of its coat and the tiny droplets of dew clinging to its bushy tail. Its bright black eyes are focused on its paw, which it holds up with precision, its small tongue visible as it grooms itself. The background is a soft blur of green moss and fern-covered ground, with the gentle mist adding a dreamy quality that frames this charming moment of woodland self-care.

Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) photographed in my garden or in the woods near our house. I can’t get enough of squirrels!

November in Sweden is so dark that I barely took any photos. Besides the lack of daylight, I also spent much of the month preparing the garden for winter. I was also busy planning my upcoming trip to Australia. Getting ready for several weeks in Australia takes a lot of effort, and organizing everything from Sweden isn’t easy.

📸 Photos were taken with Canon R5, Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: October 2025

6th November 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Macro Squirrel

This is post 34 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

This macro photo showcases a close-up of grass blades adorned with glistening water drops in the morning sun. The delicate green blades, tipped with tiny, crystal-clear droplets, sparkle with a rainbow-like sheen as the early light refracts through them, highlighting their fine texture and subtle veins. Each drop magnifies the grass beneath, creating miniature worlds of refracted color, while the sunlight casts soft shadows that add depth. The background is a creamy blur of out-of-focus greenery, the gentle mist enhancing the ethereal glow and drawing attention to the intricate beauty of this dewy, sun-kissed scene.

I took this macro photo of grass blades covered in sparkling water drops in the morning sun at the small lake near our house. This is the same place where I had photographed the four-spotted chaser and the ruddy darters before.

In fact, I was waiting for the dragonflies to start flying since they weren’t out yet when I arrived at the lake, and amused myself by taking a few macro shots (always optimizing my time, he, he!).

This photo features a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) standing proudly on a tree stump in a forest clearing. The squirrel’s rich reddish-brown fur glows under the midday sunlight filtering through the pine canopy, its bushy tail held high as it balances on the yree stump. Its bright black eyes sparkle with curiosity, and its whiskers catch the light, adding a delicate detail to its poised stance. The background is a soft blur of green ferns and shadowy tree trunks, with a hint of mist lending a serene, magical ambiance to this charming woodland scene.

The little acrobat 😍 a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) balancing elegantely on a tree stump. As colder weather sets in and days grow shorter, squirrels are returning to our garden to seek nuts and seeds from the bird feeders.

The image captures an autumnal scene featuring a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) perched among several pumpkins. One of the pumpkins has been carved into a traditional jack-o'-lantern with a triangular-eyed, smiling face. The ground and surrounding area are covered in fallen autumn leaves in various shades of yellow and orange. There are also leaves in the background that appear to be falling or floating, which contributes to the overall autumn atmosphere. The lighting gives the scene a warm, golden glow, enhancing the seasonal feel of the image.

This photo features a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) curiously interacting with a striped orange pumpkin in a grassy clearing. The squirrel, with its vibrant reddish-brown fur and bushy tail held high, stands on its hind legs, extending a tiny paw toward the pumpkin as if inspecting or claiming it, its bright black eyes wide with intrigue. The pumpkin's textured, tiger-striped skin contrasts with the squirrel's fluffy coat, and the soft morning light casts a gentle glow, highlighting the dew on the grass. The background is a dreamy blur of green and orange foliage, adding a whimsical, autumnal charm to this enchanting woodland encounter.

Even the squirrels were preparing for Halloween 😉!

The image captures a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) clinging to the side of a tree. The squirrel, with its reddish-brown fur and bushy tail, is positioned on the right side of the tree trunk, climbing the tree with a mushroom in its mouth. The tree trunk is rugged and covered in lichen, adding texture to the composition. The background is a soft, blurred green, hinting at foliage and a forest setting. The lighting is soft and diffused, highlighting the squirrel's fur and the details of the tree bark.

Another squirrel, photographed during our trip in Northern Sweden, on the same day I photographed the lynx. It had found a mushroom and was running up the tree with its prize.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: September 2025

9th October 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Butterfly Cheetah Dragonfly Insects Ladybug Lynx Safari South Africa Stewart Wood Sweden

This is post 33 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

The photo features a mating pair of Ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) in a serene, symmetrical composition above calm water. The male, with its vibrant red abdomen and translucent wings, clasps the female in the characteristic "wheel" position, their bodies aligned vertically against a soft blue sky. The reflection below mirrors them perfectly, creating an illusion of infinite extension and adding a poetic balance to the scene. Tiny dew-like sparkles glisten on their wings, caught by the gentle morning light, while the minimalistic background emphasizes their delicate forms and the intimate beauty of this natural moment.

A pair of mating ruddy darters (Sympetrum sanguineum) that I photographed at the small lake near our house, the same spot where I had photographed the four-spotted chaser last month.

These darters are small dragonflies native to Europe and parts of Asia, renowned for the males’ striking red abdomen that intensifies with age, making them a vivid sight in late summer. This dragonfly is a common species in Sweden, especially in the southern part of the country.

Trying to photograph dragonflies in flight for the first time was challenging but rewarding. The thrill came from capturing those few “perfect” moments, making the effort worthwhile.

Dragonflies in flight are difficult to capture due to their speed and unpredictable movement. I discovered that holding down the shutter once in focus increases your chances of sharp, well-composed shots, even if it means taking hundreds of photos to get a few great ones.

Use the same settings as for small birds: animal tracking with a high shutter speed (at least 1/2.500 or 1/4.000 in good light). Animal tracking works incredibly well, especially on a clean background such as the sky or the water.

My gear and settings for this photo:

Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM @500mm

Aperture = f8 Shutter Speed = 1/4.000 ISO = Auto ISO (3.200 for this photo)

Drive = High Speed Continous

Steward Wood has a very good video about photographing flying dragonflies, I watched it just before I went out to the lake and it was very helpful, I recommend it if you want to try your hand at flying bugs.

This photo shows a common blue butterfly male (Polyommatus icarus) perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower in a garden. The butterfly, with its vibrant orange and black wings spread slightly, contrasts beautifully against the flower’s large, daisy-like pink-purple petals and prominent coppery-orange center. The morning light filters through the mist, casting a soft glow on the butterfly’s intricate wing patterns and the flower’s velvety texture. The background is a gentle blur of green foliage and other blooms, enhancing the serene and delicate beauty of this early autumn garden moment.

A male common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) perched on an Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ flower in our garden. This is what I love about our house: a wildlife garden filled with insects, butterflies, small and not-so-small animals (deer love my flowers, too!), and numerous birds! I need only to step out to find something to photograph!

Common blue males typically have wings that are blue above, with a black-brown border and a white fringe, similar to the one in my photo. The females are usually brown above with a blue dusting and orange spots.

These butterflies drink nectar from plants like clovers and bird’s-foot trefoil. Their caterpillars eat leguminous plants and even team up with ants for protection. The adults only live about three weeks, and the males often chase each other around to defend their territory.

This photo features a ladybug perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower. The ladybug’s vibrant red wings, dotted with black spots, stand out against the flower’s large, pink-purple petals and coppery-orange center, which are kissed by the afternoon light filtering through a gentle mist. The insect’s tiny legs grip the velvety petal, and its glossy shell reflects the soft glow, adding a touch of brilliance. The background is a soft blur of green foliage and other blooms, enhancing the serene and detailed beauty of this charming garden scene.

A ladybug perched delicately on an Echinacea purpurea var. Magnus flower – another photo from my garden.

Am I done with the safari photos? Not at all! But there’s too much of a good thing, you know. I needed a break from the hundreds of safari photos, to be honest. And the garden is so beautiful, I was aching to be out and look for butterflies, bumblebees, and ladybugs!

The photo features a lynx standing alert in a misty forest clearing. The lynx’s thick, tawny fur, speckled with dark spots, glows softly under the overcast morning light, its tufted ears perked. Its piercing amber eyes gaze intently ahead, framed by a subtle facial ruff, while its powerful legs are poised on the damp mossy ground. The background is a gentle blur of pine trees and green foliage, the mist lending an ethereal quality that enhances the wild, majestic presence of this elusive feline in its natural habitat.

A close-up photo of a lynx standing alert in a misty forest clearing. The lynx’s thick, tawny fur, speckled with dark spots, glows softly under the overcast morning light, its tufted ears perked. Its piercing amber eyes gaze intently ahead, framed by a subtle facial ruff.

A young European Lynx (Lynx lynx) male from our recent trip to Northern Sweden. I just finished culling those photos, so I haven’t processed many of them yet. However, I started working on this handsome fellow right away. I loved those eyes gazing right at you and wanted to begin working on the photo immediately.

Can you believe I shot this at ISO 10,000? It was late afternoon in the forest. The light was fading, and he was in the shade. The widest aperture on my Canon RF100-500mm lens is f/7.1, so to capture more light, I often have to use high ISOs. If the animal is not moving much, I’d lower the shutter speed a lot (think 1/100 or 1/200). However, this guy was moving too much, so my shutter speed was 1/640s. A noisy photo (grainy due to high ISO) is always preferable to a blurry one.

He stood like this for only a few seconds while I took my safety shots, then vanished before I could lower the shutter speed much more. In these cases, exposing to the right (ETTR) is key. ETTR refers to intentionally making an image brighter by adjusting exposure so that the histogram leans more toward the right side (the highlights), which helps retain more image data. Noise, or visual grain from high ISO, tends to be more visible in the darker areas of a photo, and it’s much easier to remove grain from a bright image than a dark one.

I used Lightroom Classic to reduce the noise in the image, and I think it looks pretty good. For the worst cases of noise, I usually use Topaz.

This photo features a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) poised gracefully on a sunlit savanna. The cheetah’s sleek, tawny coat, adorned with its signature black tear marks and spots, shimmers under the morning light, highlighting the powerful muscles beneath its lithe frame. Its amber eyes are focused intently ahead, ears perked. The background is a warm blur of acacia trees and distant plains.

A male cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) patrolling its territory in the soft morning light, together with its two brothers (not in this photo). I was lucky enough to follow the three cheetah brothers on foot for over an hour in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. That was no mean feat as it did require some cardio; cheetahs move fast, even when “only” walking.

Cheetah males form coalitions (usually of 2-3 littermate brothers) to establish and defend small territories (15-50 square miles/39-130 km²) within prey-rich areas. Living in coalitions rather than solitude enhances survival and mating success. In contrast, females range over much larger, nomadic territories, spanning up to 300 square miles (800 km²). Patrols by males involve daily circuits (6-11 km at 2.5-3.8 km/h) to monitor territory for intruders, prey, and potential mates.

During patrols, males mark boundaries at least once per hour using urine sprays, defecation, or cheek/chin rubbing, which conveys chemical signals about their identity and status; they revisit these sites frequently to reinforce claims. Vocalizations, such as high-pitched chirps, purrs, or growls, along with visual displays, help communicate and deter rivals. However, conflicts can escalate into fights over access to females or resources, sometimes resulting in injury or death. Coalitions rarely venture far from their core area except briefly to seek estrus females, prioritizing defense over expansion.

Young males leave their mother at 15-24 months and spend years as ‘floaters’ (roaming vast areas up to 1,600 km²) before gaining a territory, often as adults. This queuing strategy, combined with eventual coalition patrols, improves their chances against established groups. Patrols secure breeding rights and facilitate cooperative hunting, highlighting the cheetah’s distinctive, coalition-based social structure amid their decreasing wild population (~7,100).

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: August 2025

4th September 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Cheetah Jackal Lion Rhino Safari South Africa Zebra

This is post 32 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

This photo showcases a black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) basking in the soft morning light on a savanna. The jackal’s sleek, tan coat with subtle grey and brown hues glows warmly as the first rays of sunlight filter through the scattered acacia trees. Its alert ears are perked, and its golden eyes catch the light, giving it a sharp, inquisitive expression. The background features a misty expanse of golden grass and distant hills, blurred to emphasize the jackal’s solitary figure against the tranquil, dew-kissed landscape.

Culling is finally complete, and I’ve begun processing the photos from my trip to South Africa in June! Here’s a striking image of a black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas) basking in the gentle morning light. Doesn’t it pose beautifully?

The black-backed jackal is native to South Africa, easily recognized by its distinctive black and silver saddle-like markings. This adaptable species thrives in various habitats, from grasslands to deserts, and is commonly found in Kruger National Park. Notably, these jackals are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds, with both parents actively involved in raising their pups, which are typically born in litters of 2 to 6.

This photo features a baby Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) standing close to its mother on a misty savanna. The calf’s light grey skin, still soft and slightly wrinkled, contrasts with the mother’s broader, more weathered hide, both glistening with morning dew under the gentle dawn light. The baby presses against its mother’s sturdy side, its small horn just beginning to emerge. The background is a soft blur of golden grass, the mist lending an ethereal glow that enhances the tender bond between the pair in this serene wilderness setting.

How adorable is this Southern white rhinoceros calf?

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) calves are capable of standing and walking within just hours of their birth. They remain with their mothers for 2 to 3 years, during which they learn vital survival skills, including foraging for food and evading predators.

This photo features a zebra standing gracefully on a misty savanna. The zebra’s bold black-and-white stripes gleam with a soft sheen as the early morning light filters through the haze, illuminating its sleek form against a backdrop of golden grass and scattered acacia trees. Its head is slightly turned, revealing a curious eye and flared nostrils, while its mane stands upright, adding texture to the scene. The background is a gentle blur of muted greens and browns, with the mist lending an ethereal quality that enhances the zebra’s striking pattern and serene presence in the dawn stillness

Say “Cheese!” This zebra certainly doesn’t seem to need a dentist, does it?

Zebras (Equus quagga), native to South Africa and other regions of eastern and southern Africa, are famous for their unique black-and-white striped patterns, which are as distinctive as human fingerprints. These stripes are thought to help deter biting flies and may also confuse predators, such as lions, when zebras move in herds. When they run together, their stripes create a visual “motion dazzle” effect, making it more challenging for predators to single out an individual zebra.

Black and white close-up photo of a young lioness, gazing directly at the viewer.

I captured this image of a young lioness during my stay at Lepogo Lodges/Noka.

Lionesses (Panthera leo) are the primary hunters in a pride, working cooperatively in groups to take down prey like wildebeest and zebra. They are highly social, forming the core of the pride and raising cubs communally, with females often nursing each other’s young.

Lionesses are incredibly strong, capable of running at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in short bursts to chase prey.

This photo portrays a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in a misty, pre-sunrise setting. The cheetah stands alert on a grassy plain, its sleek, spotted coat faintly illuminated by the soft, dim light. The fog creates a dreamy haze, obscuring the background and lending a mysterious aura, with only vague outlines of distant trees visible. The cheetah’s piercing eyes and streamlined form are highlighted against the muted grey tones, capturing a moment of stillness and anticipation as dawn approaches.

One of the two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus) we followed while they were patrolling their territory on a misty morning. They would stop every now and then to check their surrounding and mark the territory.

Cheetahs patrol their territory by marking it with urine and claw scratches, signaling ownership to other cheetahs. Males often form coalitions to patrol larger territories, which can cover up to 1,500 square kilometers, while females patrol smaller, overlapping ranges to safeguard their cubs. They utilize elevated spots, such as termite mounds, to survey their territory, scanning for intruders or prey, especially during early morning or late afternoon patrols.

This patrolling behavior helps cheetahs avoid conflicts with larger predators, such as lions, as they adapt their routes to steer clear of overlapping territories. During these patrols, cheetahs can cover vast distances at speeds of up to 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph) in short bursts, relying on their keen eyesight to monitor their domain.

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: July 2025

4th August 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Baboon Cheetah Dragonfly Elephant Insects Lion Safari South Africa Squirrel Waterbuck

This is post 31 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

A low key photo of a Chacma baboon or Cape baboon (Papio ursinus)

I’m still culling through safari photos, but I’ve also started processing some of my favorites. This is why the culling is moving so slowly.

One of the first images I completed processing is of a Chacma baboon, also known as a Cape baboon (Papio ursinus), photographed at the Marataba Mountain Lodge. The baboon’s position inspired a low-key processing approach, and I love the result.

Fighting African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Clash of the Giants: African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana).

African elephants engage in mock fights, especially young bulls, to hone skills rather than cause harm. Training through play helps young elephants develop strength, coordination, and social bonds, crucial for survival and hierarchy. These interactions involve trunk wrestling and head-pushing, teaching balance and power without serious injury.

Serious fights are rare, reserved for dominance disputes, with play serving as a safer learning ground.

Play fighting also reinforces group dynamics, preparing calves for adult roles, emphasizing its role over actual combat in elephant life.

Sentinels: two cheetah brothers (Acinonyx jubatus). I photographed them early in the morning, before the sun was up, and the morning mist still hung in the air, creating an eerie atmosphere.

The brothers were out patrolling their territory and stood still for a few minutes, checking their surroundings.

Cheetahs patrol their territories to mark and defend them, often using scent markers like urine. Males, especially brothers like these two, patrol together, covering up to 1,500 square kilometers to maintain their range. Patrols occur mostly at dawn or dusk, with cheetahs using elevated spots to scan for intruders or prey.

They avoid direct confrontation when possible, relying on vocalizations and scent to warn off rivals rather than fighting.

A waterbuck female (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) I photographed while staying at Lepogo Lodges/Noka.

Waterbucks are often found near water sources, which they rely on for escape from predators. Waterbucks are strong swimmers and can dive underwater to evade threats.

Despite their name, they don’t drink water daily, getting much of their moisture from the grasses they eat.

Alow key photyo of a young lioness (Panthera leo) on the prowl.

A young lioness (Panthera leo) on the prowl, stalking a giraffe under the midday sun. The hunt is on.

High-key edits aren’t usually my style, but this scene demanded it. Harsh light, a bright background, and the lioness in the shade called for a bold, high-key approach to capture the moment’s intensity.

Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), a dragonfly so called because of the four dark spots on its wings, two on each forewing. It thrives in a variety of wetland habitats, including ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. It prefers areas with abundant vegetation, such as reeds and grasses, which provide perching spots and shelter. This species is highly adaptable and can be found across Europe and parts of Asia, from lowland areas to elevations up to 1,000 meters.

I photographed it at a lake near our house, an excellent spot for finding butterflies and dragonflies this time of year. I find myself returning to it in every season, as there is always something to photograph: squirrels, foxes, jays, woodpeckers, birds of prey, small birds, insects, and flowers.

Did you know that the Four-spotted Chaser is notably territorial, with males aggressively defending their chosen perching spots or breeding territories from rival males? They patrol their territory by flying short, rapid circuits and will engage in aerial chases or confrontations to ward off intruders. Males are particularly active during warm, sunny weather, often seen hovering or darting to catch prey.

Close-up of a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) holding a chestnut.

As always, a red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) with a chestnut 😁. Can you believe how utterly adorable this squirrel is 😍?

📸 All photos were taken with Canon R5 Mark II & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.

Favorite Photos: June 2025

3rd July 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Lion Rhino Safari

This is post 30 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)_A tender scene of a rhinoceros and its sleeping baby in a grassy savanna at sunset. The adult rhino, with its thick grey skin and prominent horn, stands protectively beside the calf, which is curled up in the grass, its small body relaxed in slumber. The golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow over the pair, highlighting the texture of the grass and the rhino's rugged hide. The background fades into a soft blend of orange and purple skies, creating a serene and intimate moment in the wild.

I’m back from safari and culling tens of thousands of photos! I’m itching to process photos instead of culling but it has to be done. I couldn’t resist and started editing a few images, though.

One favorite captures a female rhino grazing serenely at sunset, her calf napping nearby. Look closely, and you’ll spot the calf tucked in the tall grass to her right, with a starling perched cheekily on its back.

Did you know that rhino calves can stand and walk within hours of birth? This rapid adaptation helps them keep pace with their mother or herd in the wild.

Young rhinos stay close to their mothers for 2-3 years, learning essential survival skills like foraging for food and recognizing potential threats from predators.

I shot this during a sundowner, when the light was absolutely magical—golden and breathtaking! While everyone else mingled around the table, sipping drinks and chatting, I wandered off to capture the moment. They probably thought I was odd, but did I care? Not a bit.

🦏 White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

This photo depicts a lively scene of lion cubs (Panthera leo) playing in a sunlit savanna. Two cubs, with their fluffy, light-brown fur and small, rounded ears, are engaged in a playful tussle, one pouncing on the other amid a patch of dry grass. Their paws are raised, and their expressions show a mix of curiosity and joy. The background features a blurred expanse of golden grass and distant acacia trees under a clear blue sky, enhancing the wild, energetic atmosphere.

Lion cubs playing by a waterhole while their mother and the other two siblings were resting in the shade.

Playing is crucial for lion cubs, and it starts at a surprisingly early age-3-4 weeks old. This play is not just for fun, it’s a key part of their development. It helps them develop hunting skills, coordination, and social bonds with their siblings, preparing them for life in a pride. The play often involves mimicking adult behaviors like stalking and wrestling, which strengthens muscles and teaches them to cooperate with pride members later in life.

🦁 Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5M2 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Future king in the making. A playful young lion takes a break, soaking up the sun after a playful day with his siblings. He’s going to grow into a heartbreaker, I’m sure. Isn’t he gorgeous?

🦁Lion (Panthera leo)

📸 Canon R5 & Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Favorite Photos: May 2025

6th June 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Squirrel

This is post 29 of 38 in the series “Favorite Photos”

This series contains my favorite photos processed in a particular month.

Garden Lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla mollis) from my garden. I didn’t do much editing this month as I’ve been working in the garden (it’s finally gardening season!) and then preparing for several weeks safari in South Africa.

*Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)*, *Lidingö (Sweden)*

I did find time to edit a few quick snapshots of squirrels, though 😍.

Mihaela Limberea

Post series: Favorite Photos

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