Just before 2008 came to its end, I decided to visit the nearby Wildlife Park in Lelystad. The weather was good for the time of year. There was sun but it was freezing cold. Although the winters in the Netherlands aren’t what they just to be, this winter is trying to proof everybody wrong. The temperature was -7 degrees Celcius. I realized that I need to buy some gloves without fingertips to protect me a little and still allow me to shoot. Anyway, this time I had to do without them. A warm cup of coffee afterwards brought my fingers back to life again.

As you can see on the photo animals too understand that sitting around makes and keeps you cold. A little action will heat things up. These two kept challenging each other for some time. Due to the cold the park was rather empty. The lack of wind excluded the noise of the nearby roads. The result was silence combined with the rattling sound of their horns. One of those moments you fall in love with nature.

They kept me busy for a while. The light and there movements made it not easy to get a good shot. I found this one of the better shots.
On Flickr you will find some more shots including some of another – even younger – couple.

Since this is the first post of the year, I cannot leave you without wishing you and your loved ones all the best for 2009! Cheers!

or any other