How could I resist adding a giraffe photo or two today? My friends on Facebook are all having a go at a riddle, which if you get wrong, you have to change your FB profile to that of a giraffe to three days. Now I don’t see an issue with that, given giraffes are pretty handsome creatures!
So going along with the theme, here is today’s post: not my favourite photo of giraffes on our recent trip, but an appropriate end-of-day photo. These two guys were snapped as the sun set over the hills. They may look like they’re feeling rather amorous but in fact they’d been engaging in a protracted bout of necking. Unlike the 1960s human version, this is actually a way of ascertaining dominance of one male over another. Our guide said these fellows were not very old (teenagers maybe?) and were really practicing rather than taking it seriously.
In a serious bout, which this had looked to me, there’s a lot of bashing of necks going on. If the fight was severe enough it would be entirely possible to break the other guy’s neck.
So, an initially serene scene with a hidden tension.
It’s Shadow Shot Sunday so why not pop over and see what others have written and photographed.
Tropical Territory & Travel 
What a coincidence – I just learnt about (giraffes’) necking on SBS tonight.
Synchronicity Jill 🙂
What was the show? We were watching Kakadu.
I love giraffes, so I love these photos!
Ah, but wait there’s more to come Kelly!
So many secrets to discover in nature… wonder what animals really think of humans? Great photos… I’ve always loved giraffes…
Amazing photos there, Pauleen. A wonderful, breathtaking experience, I’m sure!
Thanks Alison. It was an amazing holiday.
I’ve always liked taking sunset photos though I daresay that not one of mine has ever included a giraffe. Very nice and unique shots.
Lee
Check out my interview with viral blogger Liza Long
Tossing It Out
Giraffes turn up all that often as a general rule Lee…just have to be in the right place 😉
FANTASTIC. I LOVE these photos. Just beautiful.
Thanks Sharon.