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PullThatCork

@pullthatcork.bsky.social

1.4K followers 2.3K following 157 posts

#Wine blogger, amateur #photographer, ham radio operator #W6OP, retired but still active software developer #Swift #SwiftUI. Love to #travel, especially south west #Africa #Botswana All photos are my own or my wife’s. pullthatcork.com w6op.com

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PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

SkyNest Social a native Mac app for BlueSky.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Lions roaring. A little out of focus but the sound is incredible. Chitabe Lediba, Okavango Delta, Botswana #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Quidi Vidi, St. John’s Newfoundland. #travel

Image of a small boat, white with a blue deck. It is tied up with the Quidi Vidi Brewery behind it.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Not my best but I wanted to see how the carousel works. I missed the African Fish Eagle as it hit the water but got a good sequence as it flew away with a bream it caught. #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #birds #birding

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Southern Carmine Bee-eater, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #birds #birding #zambia

A vividly colored bird with a bright pink chest, turquoise-blue wings and tail, and a long black tail streamer perches on a thin vine. It tilts its head upward while holding an insect in its beak, set against a soft, blurred background of green and golden foliage that makes the bird stand out dramatically.

A large group of vividly colored birds with a bright pink chest, turquoise-blue wings and tail, and a long black tail streamer some perched in a dead tree and some flying.

Three vividly colored birds with a bright pink chest, turquoise-blue wings and tail, and a long black tail streamer perched in a dead tree.

A vividly colored bird with a bright pink chest, turquoise-blue wings and tail, and a long black tail streamer perches on a thin vine. It tilts its head upward while holding an insect in its beak, set against a soft, blurred background of green and golden foliage that makes the bird stand out dramatically.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Blue Wildebeest, Mobabe depression, Botswana #Botswana #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky

A blue wildebeest stands in golden grassland, facing the camera. Its curved horns frame a shaggy dark mane and bearded face, while warm evening light highlights the texture of its coat. Other wildebeest appear softly blurred in the background, suggesting a larger herd nearby.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Lion cub resting, Mobabe depression, #Botswana #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #lion #cat

A young lion cub lies on dusty ground, looking directly at the camera with alert amber eyes. Its oversized paws and rounded ears emphasize its youth, while warm golden light highlights its tawny fur. In the background, the legs and body of an adult lion rest nearby, suggesting the cub is safely surrounded by its pride.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Bateleur Eagle, Mobabe depression, Botswana. #Botswana #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography

A large dark eagle stands upright on a bare tree branch against a pale blue sky. Its black feathers contrast with a bright red face, orange beak, and vivid orange feet. Pale silver-gray patches on its folded wings stand out against its otherwise dark body, giving the bird a striking and regal appearance.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Roadrunner in the morning, Wilcox, Arizona. #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #birds #birding

A roadrunner stands on a small mound of dirt in a desert setting, its beak open as if calling out. The bird’s long tail stretches behind it, and its streaked brown, black, and white feathers blend with the dry landscape. Soft green grasses frame the scene, while the blurred background gives the photo a calm, natural feel.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

My wife took this photo of her reflection in the guides sunglasses on one of our trips to Namibia. #photography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #Namibia #Africa

A close-up portrait shows a guide wearing a woven tan hat and mirrored sunglasses under a vivid blue sky. The image focuses tightly on the upper half of the person’s face, with calm eyes visible beneath the brim of the hat.

The mirrored lenses reflect the surrounding desert scene like tiny landscapes. In one lens, a broad tree spreads its branches across dry ground, glowing in warm gold and orange tones from the reflective coating. The photographer can be seen faintly in the reflection beneath the tree, camera raised, capturing the moment. In the other lens, a safari-style vehicle and open, sunlit terrain are reflected, giving a sense of a hot, expansive outdoor setting. The overall feeling is intimate and striking, with the sunglasses acting like windows into the world around the guide.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Today #BirdOfTheDay theme is #LockedOn Spotted Dove, Herdsman Lake, Western Australia #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #Australia #birds #birding

A small, softly colored bird stands quietly among a tangle of dry leaves, twigs, and pale golden grass, blending naturally into its surroundings. The setting feels warm and earthy, dominated by shades of tan, brown, and muted gold, like a dry woodland floor or scrubby garden area.

The bird is positioned slightly right of center and turned sideways, facing left, as if pausing to listen or scan the ground. It has a gentle, dove-like shape with a rounded body, short neck, and slender dark beak.

Its head is smooth and pale gray, with a large dark eye encircled by a subtle reddish ring that gives it an alert but calm expression. Around the back and sides of its neck is a striking black patch sprinkled with tiny white spots, resembling a delicate beaded collar or starry scarf.

The body feathers are soft shades of brown and gray, layered like overlapping scales on the wings. The chest and neck carry a faint rosy or pinkish tone, while the folded wings deepen to darker brown toward the tail.

The background is softly blurred, making the bird stand out sharply against the textured mess of dried leaves and thin branches. The overall feeling is quiet and intimate — a shy bird momentarily revealed in a hidden, sun-dried corner of nature

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Buff-Banded Rail, Herdsman Lake, Western Australia #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #Australia #birds #birding

A medium-sized ground bird strides across short, sunlit grass from left to right, its body low and alert as if moving with purpose. It has the shape of a rail or small marsh bird — compact but elongated, with long legs and a slightly forward-leaning posture.

The bird’s head and upper neck are a rich rusty brown, almost chestnut colored, contrasting with a soft gray face and throat. A bright white stripe runs above the eye like an eyebrow, making the face look sharply marked. Its eye is vivid red and striking, standing out against the darker feathers.

The body is richly patterned. Across the chest and sides are bold black-and-white horizontal stripes, giving a zebra-like appearance. The back and wings are mottled shades of brown, gold, and black, with pale spots and streaks that resemble camouflage against dry grass and brush.

Its bill is long, narrow, and slightly pointed, colored dark reddish-brown with a hint of yellow near the tip, suggesting a bird that probes the ground for food. The legs are long and pale pinkish-gray, stretched in a walking stride, giving the bird a purposeful, almost stealthy movement.

The setting is simple: a patch of dry green-and-tan grass with a few thin stems and weeds in the foreground. There are no trees, water, or other animals visible, keeping all attention on the bird and its intricate feather patterns. The overall impression is of an unusual, beautifully patterned bird quietly crossing an open lawn.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Black Swan, Herdsman Lake, Western Australia #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #Australia

A large dark water bird glides across rippling water, centered slightly left in the frame. It is a black swan, with velvety black feathers and a long, elegant neck held upright in a graceful curve. Its bill is vivid red with a pale tip, standing out sharply against the dark plumage.

The swan is viewed from the side as it swims calmly from left to right. Its wings are slightly raised and curled at the back, creating layered, ruffled feathers that add texture and shape. A small patch of white feathers is visible near the tail.

The water fills the entire background—soft blue-green with gentle waves and subtle reflections. There are no shorelines, plants, or other birds visible, giving the image a peaceful, open feeling. The lighting suggests daytime, with soft sunlight catching the swan’s feathers and the movement of the water. The overall mood is quiet and serene, like watching a lone bird drifting across a lake.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Black-backed Jackal. Lakipia, Kenya #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #kenya #africa

My aplogies as I am a very poor writer. The following is AI generated. I would appreciate anyones opinion on that.

A slender, fox-like animal stands alert in a dry, grassy landscape. Its body is mostly tan with a darker, black-and-silver pattern running along its back and tail. It has large, pointed ears, a narrow face, and a bushy tail. The animal is turned slightly sideways but looks directly toward the viewer, appearing watchful and cautious. The background is open and muted, with pale grasses and no other animals or objects nearby.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #LargeBirdsInFlight #Birds Here is a Goliath Heron taken in the Okavango Delta. #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #Heron #bird #birding #Africa #safari

A very large gray and copper colored heron just taking off. There is a white beard on the throat.

A very large gray and copper colored heron just taking off. There is a white beard on the throat. This photo shows the wings in a more closed position.

A very large gray and copper colored heron just after taking off. It is clearing the reeds.

A very large gray and copper colored heron after taking off. It has cleared the reeds and is mostly up in the sky.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Straw-Necked Ibis, Herdsman Lake, Western Australia #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #Australia

A medium sized bird with a black head, a white body and iridescent wings walking on grass.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

A Galah in Mueller Park, Subiaco, Western Australia #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #BirdPhotography #Australia

A large pink parrot on the ground eating fruit dropped from a tree.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

I couldn’t decide which I liked better, color or BW. What do you think? #Leica #photography #travel #photographersofbluesky #streetphotography #streetphoto #candid #blackandwhite #urbanphotography #urbanlife

A laneway in Sydney, Australia with a takeout restaurant on the left and in the distance a man walking away. This photo is black and white.

A laneway in Sydney, Australia with a takeout restaurant on the left and in the distance a man walking away. This photo is colors muted by the night.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

My wife took this photo of a Pel’s Fishing Owl. Okavango delta, Botswana. #Botswana #littlevumburacamp #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

A large brown owl with thin black bars. It is high in a tree and looking directly at the viewer.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Giant Kingfisher on the Kafue river, Zambia. #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography

A large dark kingfisher sitting on a wooden railing.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

I was wandering around Sydney, Australia one day and thought this was an interesting scene. #Nikon #photography #travel #photographersofbluesky #streetphotography.

Two men sitting at a table in front of a restaurant.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

Peggy’s cove, Nova Scotia #photography #travel #photographersofbluesky

Two fishing boats docked side bt side in the harbor with a beutiful blue sky.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

Painted wolves (African wild dogs) trying to chase a lion away from their den, Okavango delta, Botswana #Botswana #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #lion

A male lion looking at the viewer with the wild dogs in the background.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Grey Backed Camaroptera. Okavango delta, Botswana. #Botswana #littlevumburacamp #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica #birdoftheday

A small grey and white bird with green wings. It is sitting on an almost vertical branch.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Blue Wildebeest, Okavango delta, Botswana #Botswana #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky

A Blue Wildebeest, a type of antelope looking directly at you. It has rather short horns with a black face.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

Young male Impala, Linyanti, Botswana. #Botswana #littledumatau #OkavangoDelta #impala #antelope #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Elephants and Red Lechwe in the Savuti Channel, Linyanti, Botswana. #Botswana #littledumatau #OkavangoDelta #elephants #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

A large herd of elephants with many Red Lechwe antelope grazing in the foreground.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

Lilac Breasted Roller. Linyanti, Botswana. #Botswana #littledumatau #OkavangoDelta #bird #birds #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

A medium sized bird in flight. There are beautiful blue wings and the breast is a deep lilac color.

A medium sized bird in flight. There are beautiful blue wings and the breast is a deep lilac color.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Goliath heron. Okavango delta, Botswana. #Botswana #littlevumburacamp #OkavangoDelta #Egret #Heron #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

A large heron standing in the reeds.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Great Egret and reflection. Little Vumbura camp, Botswana. #Botswana #littlevumburacamp #OkavangoDelta #Egret #Heron #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

A large white egret standing in a marsh. There is a reflection of the egret in the water.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Africa Fish eagle with catch of a Mozambique bream. Little Vumbura camp, Botswana. #Botswana #littlevumburacamp #OkavangoDelta #eagle #birds #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

The eagle reddish brown with a white head and is flying with a fish in its talons.

The eagle reddish brown with a white head and is flying with a fish in its talons.

The eagle reddish brown with a white head and is flying with a fish in its talons.

The eagle reddish brown with a white head and is flying with a fish in its talons.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Female Doubled-Banded Sandgrouse. Little Vumbura, Botswana. You can distinguish this from the Namaqua by the yellow ring around the eye. #OkavangoDelta #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #photographersofbluesky #birds #BirdPhotography #WeAreWilderness #ExpertAfrica

A medium sized bird standing in dried grass. It is looking at the viewer with one eye.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Female leopard we ran across on one of our game drives at Chitabe Lediba camp, Botswana. #Botswana #chitabecamp #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #cats #leopard

A closeup photo of a leopard looking directly at the viewer.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

A nice male lion resting after a meal. #Botswana #moketecamp #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #cats #lion

Head shot of a male lion showing its beautiful mane.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

African Wildcat, the ancestor of the domestic house cat. About the same size but longer legs and tail. #Botswana #moketecamp #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #photographersofbluesky #cats #caturday

A grey cat with black stripes on the legs. While heading away it looks over its shoulder at the viewer.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Optimism Hammerkop looking for a meal. #Botswana #littlevumbura #OkavangoDelta #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #birds #BirdPhotography

A medium size water bird staring at a puddle about a foot in diameter thinking there may be a frog or fish in it.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Elephant crossing the Osprey lagoon at Duma Tau camp in the Okavango delta. #travel #botswana #wearewilderness #africa #elephant #expertafrica #okavangodelta #dumatau

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Sunset on the Okavango delta. #sunset #littlevumbura #botswana #wearewilderness #photography #travel #Africa

A beautiful sunset taken from almost water level from a mokoro

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Sunset at camp Chitabe Lediba in the Okavango delta. #africa #photography #travel #safari #wearewilderness #sunset

A beautiful sunset with palm trees in the distance

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

I took this Puffin photo from a boat on our way to Little Fogo island, Newfoundland. Fortunately the water was very calm that day. #photography #wildlifephotography #safari #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #travel #newfoundland

A photo of a Puffing flying about a foot above the calm ocean.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Grey Crowned crane. #Tarangire National Park, #Tanzania #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #travel

A tall, regal bird stands on a patch of light reddish earth surrounded by green grass. It has long, slender black legs and a graceful upright posture. Its body feathers are mostly soft gray with white wings that have striking golden-yellow accents near the back. The bird’s neck is long and smooth, covered in fine silvery-gray feathers.

Most striking is its head: it has a dramatic crown of stiff golden feathers that radiate like a sunburst, giving it a halo-like appearance. Its face is mainly white with a bright red patch under the eye and a black topknot covering its forehead and beak area. The red and white contrast sharply with the golden crown and gray body, making the crane look both flamboyant and dignified.

The background is a natural grassy landscape, with blurred green plants and a soft dirt path, suggesting the bird is in a savannah or wetland habitat.

Disclaimer: I am not that good a writer, the description was generated by ChatGPT and is very accurate.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

We had a nice hike at the Cosumness River preserve and found this Green heron. #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #Heron #bird #birding

A medium sized heron standing in the reeds.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Coqui Francolin #Hwange National Park, #Zimbabwe #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #travel

This image shows a bird standing on a forest floor covered in dry leaves and twigs.

The bird is medium-sized and quite striking in appearance:
• Its body is mostly covered in black and white horizontal stripes, creating a bold pattern.
• Its head and upper neck are a rich golden-brown or rufous color, contrasting sharply with the striped body.
• It has a yellow beak with a darker tip, and a noticeable dark eye.
• Its legs and feet are bright yellow.
• The surrounding area is dry with brown and gray leaves on the ground, and thin yellowish grass stems sticking up.

The bird stands upright and alert, facing slightly to the left with its beak open, possibly calling or vocalizing. The light is soft and natural, and the bird is the central focus of the image, well-lit and in sharp detail against a muted, earthy background.

Description generated by AI

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Golden monkeys. #Volcanoes National Park, #Rwanda #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel

Two Golden monkeys sitting on rocks, one looking at the camera and the other looking down at the ground. They are surrounded by ferns and other vegetation.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

We had a great hike this morning at Granite Mountain in the McDowell Sonoran Desert preserve. Scottsdale, AZ. #photography #wildlifephotography #NaturePhotography #travel

Gila monster

Cactus and mountains

Sonoran coral snake

Saguaro cactus lining the trail

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Swainsons’s Spurfowl #Tarangire National Park, #Tanzania #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #travel

A medium sized bird looking backwards with brown wings and a black and white speckled breast. The head is black with red around the eye and on the throat.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 20/04/2025

Can you spot the grasshopper? We found this guy while hiking in the Fish River Canyon, Namibia #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #NaturePhotography #travel #Namibia

A photo of dark reddish brown rocks with a prehistoric looking grasshopper that is the same color as the rocks.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Squaco Heron in the #OkavangoDelta #Africa #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #travel #Heron #bird #birding

A medium sized heron sitting in the grass.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Elephants play fighting in the Osprey lagoon, Linyanti #Botswana #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #travel #Elephant

Two elephants playing fighting in water up to their belly.

PullThatCork @pullthatcork.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Western Cattle Egret in breeding plumage. #Nyerere National Park #Tanzania #Nikon #photography #wildlifephotography #Africa #safari #NaturePhotography #birds #BirdPhotography #travel #Egret #bird #birding

A large white bird with coppery feathers on its back and breast standing in some brush.