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| This was an exciting sighting for us, the elusive nyala which we’d never seen during this past year in South Africa. From this site: The handsome slate-brown shaggy coat is marked with white vertical stripes and spots on the flanks. Rams appear more charcoal-grey in colour. The rams have long inward curved horns 650 mm (26 inches) and a white chevroned face. They have a ridge of long hairs along the underparts, from behind the chin to between the hind legs, they also have a mane of thick, black hair from the head along the spine to the rump. Rams weigh 115 kg (254 pounds) and measures 1.05 m (41 inches) at shoulders. Ewes are much smaller and do not have horns, and weigh 59 kg (130 pounds) and stand 900 mm (35 inches) at shoulders. Ewes are chestnut-coated with even more prominent white stripes on the flanks. |
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
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| This is a black-shouldered kite. From this site: The black-shouldered Kite is a small, graceful raptor and the most voracious eater in the raptor family. It needs to consume up to 25% of its body mass every day – that is the equivalent of about two mice. This means each bird probably kills around 700 mouse-sized animals a year. |
Its late in the day, almost 1600 hours (4:30 pm) and I’m anxious to get today’s post uploaded to ensure we can begin wildlife watching on the veranda by our usual 1700 hours (5:00 pm).
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| At first, when we glimpsed at these three well-hidden animals we thought they were |
Thus, I’m rushing a little and only sharing a few of the highlights of today’s outing in Kruger National Park, leaving the balance of the exciting sightings for tomorrow.
It was a perfect day to enter the park. The weather was a moderate 26C, (79F), the sky was overcast and cloudy but there was no rain in sight. These were ideal conditions for wildlife to be in plain view. We weren’t disappointed.
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| Known to be rather shy it was tricky taking a few photos. |
On the hottest of days, the animals often stay undercover from the scorching sun or gravitate toward water holes we’re unable to see from the paved or dirt roads. With the recent rains many formerly dry waterbeds now have some water to attract the animals. Considerably more rain is desperately needed to have an impact on the river.
The Crocodile River we cross upon entry into the park is practically bone dry. Five years ago during this same time period, the river was practically overflowing as opposed to its current sparse sections of water leaving many animals seeking smaller bodies of water for sustenance.
It was difficult to take a photo of the three of them together but we waited patiently for this shot.
We took off at 9:00 am, leaving the preparation of today’s post for our recent return. Subsequently, we’re breezing through as quickly as possible and will provide a more comprehensive post tomorrow.
I tried sitting outdoors on the veranda while preparing this but the biting black flies were so bad, I had no choice but to come indoors to finish here. The sofas and chairs in the living room, although comfy for lounging, are not suitable for working on a laptop.
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| While we waited we were able to finally able to take a few photos of the individual nyalas. |
So i apologize for this quick post but promise more for tomorrow especially since we have some stunning sightings to share that we’ve saving exactly for that purpose.
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| It was a shame they wouldn’t come out from the dense bush but we did the best we could. |
Our plan today was to drive on the paved road all the way to Lower Sabie and to stop for breakfast at the popular Mugg & Bean, one of few restaurants in Kruger National Park. The food was hot, fresh and served quickly based on the fact that we were two of only about eight diners in the entire restaurant.
After breakfast we were back on the road, taking a dirt road off the beaten path. It was during this diversion that we saw the two bird photos were sharing today. We’d previously posted photos of the European roller but never of the black-shouldered kite.
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| A wildebeest mom and her offspring. |
As many of our readers are well aware, we aren’t necessarily “birders” in the truest sense of the word. However, from time to time when we spot something unique we’re excited to share it with our readers. Of course, we have a special affinity toward our resident francolins, Frank and The Mrs., and the mating hornbills.
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| The mom kept a watchful eye on us to ensure we were no risk to her young calf. |
There were few tourists in Kruger although at a few sightings, four or five vehicles were stacked up making it difficult to get into a good position for easily taking photos.
In these circumstances, our mutual patience and persistence pays off. We picked a good spot and waited for a better position to open up. Eventually, other observers lost interest and moved on, enabling us to move into a better location.
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| This was the first photo we’d taken of a tree squirrel in Kruger National Park. |
That’s what self-driving in a national park is all about, having the flexibility to do what’s necessary to take good photos while maintaining a degree of courteousness and kindness – a winning combination.
This evening we’ll stay in, cook dinner and look forward to darkness when the flies seem to disappear but then, the pesky mozzies appear. Oh well, TIA (this is Africa) after all, isn’t it?
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| This a a European roller. From this site: The European roller is the only member of the roller family of birds to breed in Europe. Its overall range extends into the Middle East and Central Asia and Morocco. They are migratory, wintering in Africa, mainly in the east and south. |
We hope you have a pleasant evening and that all is well in your world!
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Photo from one year ago today, January 28, 2018:
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| This elephant seal on Steeple Jason Island didn’t care for our photo taking. For more photos from Antarctica, please click here. |