SAVANNAH SIESTA
A Shared Stillness: Buffalo and Oxpecker Seek Refuge from the Savannah Heat
The late afternoon sun hangs low over the African savannah, casting a golden haze on the dry, cracked earth. A thick, palpable warmth fills the air, and even the sound of the bush seems to surrender to the late afternoon heat. In the distance, a herd of African buffalo gathers near a sun-scorched riverbed, its once-flowing waters now reduced to a memory of cooler days.
Some buffalo linger in the sparse shade of a gnarled acacia tree, their hulking forms still as boulders. Others drop to the dusty ground, their massive horns tilting with the weight of the day's journey. Their heavy breaths push small clouds of dust into the air before it quickly settles again.
The herd's long march to find fresh grazing has taken its toll. Days of relentless travel have worn down even the strongest among them. Their vast, muscular frames rise and fall with each slow, measured breath. In the lull of the late afternoon, the insects that buzzed ceaselessly through the morning now hum with a softer rhythm, their urgency momentarily stilled by the sweltering heat.
It’s during this moment of quiet that the oxpeckers arrive. Quick-winged and deliberate, they flit in like opportunistic guests at an open buffet. For the oxpecker, the buffalo are not just hosts but partners in a centuries-old arrangement. The birds feed on the ticks, flies, and parasites that cling to the buffalo’s thick hide—freeing the buffalo from pests while feasting on a steady supply of nourishment. It’s a relationship forged by necessity, but sometimes, it seems, there is more to it than that.
One oxpecker lands on the curved ridge of a buffalo’s back. It hops and maneuvers with precision, its tiny claws gripping tightly to the coarse fur. It moves methodically, head darting in short, sharp motions as it probes the buffalo’s muzzle, searching for ticks hidden in the creases of skin. With each find, it snaps up its meal, a quick flick of the head marking success. The buffalo, unmoved, appears to notice none of it. Its large eyes have long since drifted closed, and the slow rhythm of its breath echoes the calm of the afternoon.
Then something unusual happens.
The oxpecker climbs higher, navigating the buffalo’s broad forehead until it reaches the space between the great, sweeping horns. For a moment, it stands there, as if considering its next move. But instead of continuing its search for food, it does something unexpected—it lowers its head and rests it gently against the buffalo’s skull. The bird’s body shifts ever so slightly, nestling into the groove as if it, too, has felt the weight of the day.
For a brief, perfect moment, buffalo and oxpecker remain in shared stillness. The buffalo’s eyelids remain closed, unbothered by its companion’s gesture. The oxpecker, usually a creature of quick energy and constant movement, finds its own moment of calm. Side by side, predator and forager, they embody the quiet harmony of the savannah.
This fleeting stillness is more than just a snapshot of nature—it’s a reflection of how survival on the plains often comes with moments of unexpected peace. The African buffalo, known for its formidable strength and unyielding defiance, finds solace in stillness. And the oxpecker, usually a symbol of persistence and motion, allows itself to pause.
Scientists have long studied the symbiotic relationship between buffalo and oxpeckers, often highlighting its functional benefits. The birds remove ticks and parasites, reducing the risk of infection for the buffalo, while the buffalo provides a living, moving buffet for the oxpecker. But moments like this suggest something deeper. Is it possible, even in the wild, for rest to be shared?
As the sun inches lower on the horizon, the moment passes. The oxpecker lifts its head, sharp and alert once more. It scuttles down the buffalo’s neck, scanning for one last meal before dusk. The buffalo, too, stirs, flicking its ears as if waking from a dream. The stillness of their shared pause is gone, but it lingers in my memory - a reminder of the gentle moments that exist the African bush.
Raw Africa Collection
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
Sony A1, Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 200mm, S: 1/800s, A: F6.3, ISO: 1,250.
