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PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Johan van Wyk | ESCAPE

Name: Johan van Wyk
Picture title: ESCAPE
Category: People’s Choice 
Nationality: South Africa
Occupation: Retired, and enjoying nature photography

Technical information
Camera: Nikon D810
Lens: Nikkor 500mm F4
EXIF: F 6.6 at 1/4000sec and ISO 400
Accessories: Handheld

Johan says:

The Kgalagadi National Park is the second largest Nature Reserve in north west South Africa, and borders Namibia. It is one of the Country’s “Arid” parks, and consists mainly of desert and sand dunes. It is home to all of the large African cats, and big herds of springbok, wildebeest, ostrich and many smaller antelopes. To assist survival of these animals during the extremely hot summer months (daytime often above 45C), some waterholes have been created in strategic spots. The sparse vegetation gives great opportunities for wildlife photographers, especially around the few waterholes. The Blackbacked Jackal have learnt to ambush the Cape Turtle Dove and Namaqua Sandgrouse at some waterholes. Both bird species have a ritual of early morning drinking with its hundreds, and that’s when the Jackal tries to catch some food. The hunt is only successful now and then, but this “game” can last for hours. At the cost of extreme patience, it does provide the photographer with some excitement, and the odd rewarding shot.