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| While we were attending to the warthogs, these two first-time visitors to our yard stopped by. Moments later, there were more. |
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
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| After the zebras left, the warthogs drank from the pond and went back to looking for pellets. |
It would be easy to assume that spending most days on the veranda in this holiday home in the bush, that boredom would eventually set in at some point. After all, how many animals can we watch and photograph day after day?
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| A new warthog family stopped by, one mom and five babies. It doesn’t take too many handfuls of pellets to get mom to stare at me for more. |
For us, it’s never enough. We consider our passion and enthusiasm, not unlike a sports fan which can easily spend free time watching sporting events on TV. Is it a hobby? Perhaps, to some degree.
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| Four boys had stopped by for some pellets and fawning. They loved it all. |
But, it feels more profound than a hobby would be for us. When the zebras showed up in the yard yesterday afternoon, neither of us could wipe the smiles off our faces or deny the rush of feel-good hormones coursing through our veins. It’s indescribable.
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| The warthogs weren’t happy to see the zebras since they’d have to share the pellets. On a few occasions, there was a scuffle, but no one was injured. |
We easily recall the excitement we felt in our old lives when we spotted a coyote, a moose, a deer, a heron, or even a bald eagle in our yard on the lake. Oddly, at that time, we weren’t into taking photos. Who’d want to see them anyway?
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| Although there are only a few big cats in Marloth, there’s little risk of danger for most animals. And yet, they are always on the lookout. |
No one ever enjoys feeling obligated to watch a friend or family member’s slideshow with photos from their yard or a recent vacation/holiday. We all recall being stuck in this uncomfortable position at different times in our lives.
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| These magnificent animals don’t hesitate to make eye contact, nor do we. |
For us, there’s a certain irony that we ended up with this well-read blog that draws readers from all over the world, day after day, anxious to see what photos we’re posting for the day. We’re amazed by this!
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| I was contemplating the steps to the veranda. |
You may wonder, why are we so fascinated with warthogs? Their looks are not necessarily a big draw, although I find them quite adorable, mainly due to the knowing look in their eyes. They’re smart, like most members of the boar and pig family.
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| Munching on the pellets, we placed them on the edge of the veranda. |
That intelligence and ability to communicate with each other and, with us, is astounding. In a short time (three weeks since we arrived), those that regularly visit already know the sound of our voices and respond when I call them from afar. It’s magical, for sure.
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| During most of their visit, they stayed close to one another and not too far from us. |
And the rest? The zebras? They, too, are intelligent animals, and we have no doubt they’ll return soon after the pleasure time they spent in the yard with us, not only from the pellets they consumed but the keen attention we paid to their playful antics.
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| This guy walked along the bottom step. |
At 5:00 pm, friends Lynne and Mick arrived for dinner. We started our evening with a few light snacks and drinks at the big table on the veranda. When we’ve had company for dinner, we dine outdoors, which most residents of Marloth Park seem to prefer over dining indoors.
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| Tom said, “Please don’t kick that little car!” They didn’t. |
Like us, everyone wears repellent after dusk when the mozzies are most active. As a mosquito magnet, I have to wear it day and night. We keep the bedroom door shut at all times to reduce the number of insects in the bedroom at night. Nothing is more annoying than the sound of a mosquito buzzing around one’s head at night.
We roasted two whole chickens on the braai, and by 7:30, dinner was served with sides and salad. The conversation was splendid. Although our lives are very different, we share in the passion of our love for wildlife. Lynne and Mick are huge bird enthusiasts.
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| Each zebra has its distinct stripe pattern, not unlike a human fingerprint. |
You can find Lynne and Mick’s website here. They are amazing photographers, and their birding skills have been helpful for us in identifying birds throughout the world, along with our friend Louise in Kauai, Hawaii. They have both been excellent resources for us when we’re unable to locate a species we discover along the way.
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| They were done in our yard and decided to move on. It seems there’s always a warthog in the photo! |
When the evening ended, we all hugged goodbye, appreciating the quality time we spent together. Tom had left a massive pile of dishes and pots and pans in the separate out-of-the-way service kitchen. I insisted on helping him with the dishes, but he wasn’t having any of that. A half-hour later, he was done, everything was clean, and we headed off to bed.
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| This pudgy baby warthog, now about six months old, was exhausted after the day’s events and rested in the shade. Yesterday the temperature was over 90F, 32C. |
As usual, this morning, while outdoors, we experienced a new sighting we can’t wait to share tomorrow! Soon, we’re heading to Komatipoort for a few items. Oops, I must go! I just heard the sound of hooves on the dirt road. I wonder who that might be?
Happy day!
Photo from one year ago today, March 5, 2017:
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| Two newly born bush babies peering out at the world awaiting them In Marloth Park, South Africa. This photo was taken by friend Mick Dryden (wife, Lynne), with whom we had dinner last night, who are both extraordinary photographers and birders. Ironically, Mick and Lynne were our dinner guests last night! Click here for more. |