Wildlife Archives - Mihaela Limberea

Favorite Photos: June 2025

3rd July 2025 Mihaela Limberea

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This is post 30 of 30 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

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Favorite Photos: May 2025

6th June 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Squirrel

This is post 29 of 30 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 😍.

Happy Mother’s Day!

25th May 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Wildlife

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Kangaroo

Happy Mother’s Day to ALL the mothers around the world ❤️!

Favorite Photos: April 2025

8th May 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Crocodile Kangaroo Koala Squirrel

This is post 28 of 30 in the series “Favorite Photos”

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

Kangaroo Island Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus), Kangaroo Island, South Australia — *Kangaroo Island Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus)*, *Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

Two young kangaroos sparring at sunset. This is how they learn to fight, first with their mother and then with other young males. As they grow, sparring with other males helps them establish their position within the mob. With experience, the sparring sessions become longer and more intense.

Kangaroos use their sharp claws, strong back legs, and muscular tails —capable of supporting their entire body weight — to deliver powerful kicks that could disembowel a human.

However, these youngsters were only playing and started grooming each other shortly afterward.

*Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)*, *Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

The cutest koala ❤️. I was lucky to get this shot as the handsome boy went to sleep directly afterward; koalas sleep most of the time (18 to 20 hours a day) because they need all their energy to digest the poisonous eucalyptus leaves they eat.

Although koalas seem like they would be easy to photograph since they don’t move around much, this is only true if you’re okay with capturing images of sleeping koalas. If you’re hoping to find a more active koala, be prepared for a lot of patience.

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

A red squirrel from last year. The gardening season has started and I’m mostly out in the garden and not indoors editing photos this time of the year.

This is a crocodile photo I edited for the upcoming World Crocodile Day. I like using these special days to raise awareness about animals and, to be honest, it also makes writing a photo caption easier.

*A red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) hiding hazelnuts in the snow*, *Lidingö (Sweden)*

And a squirrel because I love squirrels ❤️ as you know.

Favorite Photos: March 2025

3rd April 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Birds Fur Seal Kangaroo Kangaroo Island Seal Siskin Squirrel

This is post 27 of 30 in the series “Favorite Photos”

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

Long-nosed Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) — *Long-nosed Fur Seals (Arctocephalus forsteri)* *at Admiral’s Arch, Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

March was a month of ups and downs for me. My husband and I fled the dull weather in Sweden and spent a week in Florence, seeing the sights and enjoying the sun. Add some health problems, and March was gone in a blink of an eye.

Despite the whirlwind of travels and hospital visits, I made it a point to continue editing photos from my Kangaroo Island trip in November and December. First out are these fighting fur seal males at Admiral’s Arch in Flinders Chase National Park.

We spent two hours watching the fur seals all alone (a benefit of waking up early, no other tourists to be seen at 7am) and we enjoyed every moment. We were fortunate because the seals were quite active; the pups were playing, while the males were fighting. Most of the time, however, they sleep, which doesn’t make interesting photos.

*Kangaroo Island Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus)*, *Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

A tender moment between mama kangaroo and her daughter, one of my favorite types of photos. I love watching and the capturing these moments of tenderness between parents and their young.

One of my favorite activities is observing animals in their natural habitats. Initially, they are cautious, as this is their instinct. However, as they become familiar with my presence and recognize that I pose no threat, they relax and go about their business. I love these moments; sitting still for hours, watching them regardless of the weather is no hardship.

*Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus), Lidingö (Sweden)*

A siskin from a few years ago. I still have so many photos I never edited, especially backyard birds. Some people turn their noses at them, looking for exotic animals and birds to photograph, but I love them all.

Having a wildlife garden is such a joy! Something happens every day: a woodpecker stealing hazelnuts from the squirrels’ stash, crows or badgers doing the same to the walnuts; jays and blackbirds bathing in one of the numerous bird baths; squirrels chasing each other up and the down the old oak; tree sparrows chattering in the bushes; or roe deer raiding the flower beds.

Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) hiding hazelnuts in the snow — *A red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) hiding hazelnuts in the snow*, *Lidingö (Sweden)*

And a squirrel because I love squirrels ❤️

Pangolin Photo Challenge: Good News!

3rd March 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Kangaroo Kangaroo Island

I’m thrilled to announce that my photo of these boxing young Kangaroo Island kangaroos was a finalist in the 2024 Pangolin Wildlife Photography Challenge‘s “Out of Africa” category.

I captured this photo while on a trip to Kangaroo Island, a beautiful and unique place in South Australia. It is one of my absolute favorite photos of the year, and it’s an honor to have it recognized among so many beautiful entries.

The kangaroos in the photo are Kangaroo Island kangaroos, a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus). Because of their long period of isolation from mainland Australia, the KI kangaroos are pretty different from the Western Grey kangaroos. They’re shorter, darker, and much cuter if you ask me!

I’m thrilled to have made it among the finalists. There were so many talented photographers and beautiful photos submitted. I’m honored to be included among them. Thanks to everyone who supported me!

I hope this photo helps remind people of how important it is to protect and preserve our wildlife and helps to raise awareness and appreciation for these amazing animals. Every animal has a unique story and deserves to be appreciated and respected.

My 2023 Favorite Photos
My 2024 Favorite Photos

Favorite Photos: February 2025

3rd March 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Lapalala Lion Lynx Red Squirrel

This is post 26 of 30 in the series “Favorite Photos”

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

*European Lynx (Lynx lynx)*, *Northern* *Sweden*

*European Lynx (Lynx lynx), Northern Sweden*

February has been a tough month: dark and gloomy, with a few snowflakes here and there. We took a quick trip to Northern Sweden in search of some sun and snow, as well as some wildlife photography opportunities. 😁 I haven’t had a chance to process many images from that trip yet; I just finished culling them, but I couldn’t wait to share these two photos of a beautiful female lynx. Isn’t she stunning? I’m looking forward to sharing more photos from the trip soon!

Here are a couple of squirrel photos from two years ago. As I mentioned earlier, we haven’t seen much snow this year. I was hoping to capture some “squirrels in the snow” photos, but I haven’t had any luck so far. There’s still a chance for snow, of course, but I’m tired of winter now and honestly don’t want any more snow. I’m ready for spring! How is the season treating you?

*Lion (Panthera leo)*, *Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa*

This is a new edit of a lion portrait I worked on a few months ago. While I was initially pleased with the first version, the idea of making a more dramatic edit kept coming to mind—I just couldn’t let it go! So, I decided to re-process the image, and I’m really happy with the final result.

Happy Valentine!

14th February 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Wildlife

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Love comes in all shapes and sizes ❤️Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Favorite Photos: January 2025

6th February 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Photography Wildlife

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Birds Glossy Black-Cockatoo Goldfinch Grebe Honeyeater Kangaroo Kangaroo Island Koala Llama Squirrel Sulphur-crested cockatoo

This is post 25 of 30 in the series “Favorite Photos”

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

*New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

As expected, most of the photos I edited in January were from my trip to Kangaroo Island in November and December.

I photographed this New Holland Honeyeater in one of the most unexpected places: the parking lot of a gas station in Kingscote. As you may have seen in my stories, we had to go to Kingscote to fix a flat tire. The inconvenience of the tire business was quickly overshadowed by the joy of capturing many beautiful bird photos that morning.

A parking lot is one of the most unexpectedly good locations for photographing birds. Birds, accustomed to humans, allow for a closer interaction than in the wild. The same goes, in fact, for any public space, be it a park, a botanical garden, or even a gas station.

*Australasian grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)*, *Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

I was up at five a.m. and driving to the lake well before sunrise, concealing myself in the bushes and waiting for the sun to rise. I was hoping to photograph cockatoos or kangaroos drinking, but I had no luck that day. However, that golden light makes everything look good, doesn’t it?

For a few minutes, the lake was transformed into a scene of pure magic, bathed in molten gold. Its water mirrored the orange earth and the rising sun, creating a breathtaking, almost otherworldly experience.

And just like that, in a matter of minutes, the golden spectacle was gone, leaving only memories and the promise of another day.

I love this photo of the two kangaroos at sunset. They were far away, and the light was fading fast. Realizing I wouldn’t have enough time to get closer, I made a conscious decision to go for a minimalistic look.

This has become one of my favorite photos from that day, and I’m happy I couldn’t get closer. I love the negative space and the silhouettes of the kangaroos, so small in the vastness of that field.

*Llama portrait, Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

Take a right here, mate!

One of my friends on Kangaroo Island looks after many rescue animals, including six llamas. The llamas, retired from wool production, enjoy a good life on my friend’s property. They have strong personalities, and watching their shenanigans was such a joy!

This is one of the handsome boys I enjoyed photographing that day.

I don’t think I’ve seen so many koalas in the wild on any previous trip to Australia. I just realized that when my Instagram stories featured at least one koala video a day; I feel truly blessed to have seen so many of the fluffy cuties. I hope this photo brought you as much joy as it did to me, and I hope to continue spreading happiness through my experiences ❤️.

*Sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita),* *Kangaroo Island, South Australia*

Here is another parking lot photo. I told you they are good spots for getting closer to wildlife! This is the same gas station in Kingscote as in the honeyeater photo.

An Australasian grebe calling for its young on a foggy morning on Kangaroo Island. It was 6:30 am, and the sun was not up yet. On my way to another location, I spotted this grebe family serenely floating on a small pond, shrouded in the waves of fog.

I stopped for a few minutes to take several photos, and this one became one of my absolute favorites from that trip.

*European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Lidingö, Sweden*

You know what they say about too many good things … as much as I loved editing photos from my Australia trip, it became too much after a while. I never thought I’d say that, but there you are!

I was looking for a winter photo when I came across this goldfinch image from a couple of years ago, and it was exactly what I needed. With no snow in sight and the days still dark, a wintery scene with a light edit was just the inspiration I was looking for.

And finally, here is a squirrel photo for your enjoyment!

Happy International Zebra Day!

31st January 2025 Mihaela Limberea

Wildlife

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Zebra

Happy International Zebra Day!

🦓Zebra (Equus quagga)

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

📍Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, South Africa

How The Zebra Got Its Stripes

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Mihaela Limberea

Category: Wildlife

Favorite Photos: June 2025

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Happy Mother’s Day!

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Happy Valentine!

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