A thirsty giraffe treated by an unsuspecting oxpecker ended up soaked after a birdbath of a completely different kind.
The tiny red-bill bird was soaked after being captured by the drinking giraffe just as water spilled out of his mouth.
Wildlife photographer and safari guide Bernhard Bekkers took these funny snaps.
The 41-year-old was on an excursion in Kruger National Park when he saw the funny scene.
He said: “The bird was caught in a spray of water and looked like it was trying to cool itself down.”
“Birds usually help clean the giraffes of ticks and they are usually around large mammals because they are actually after the Blood in the Parasites living on the host’s blood.” This particular bird was just in the right place at the wrong time.
“It was a great moment because you couldn’t duplicate this shot again.” Pic by Bernhard Bekker/Caters News “I’ve shot many giraffes at water holes and never seen this happen before.”
With new camera equipment with high shutters rates, these shots become easier to take, but you still need to be in the right spot at the right time.”
“I didn’t even notice it until I returned to the office and began processing some photos from the trip.
“I saw an amazing shot and was quite impressed that it was captured at just the right moment.”