Last day – 24 December
We left for a short ride before we would return to pack and return home to spend Christmas with the family – wondering if there could be more pleasant surprises locked up in this reserve.
Not far from camp, we heard a bird cry. My mind was racing,
a secretary bird … no
a bustard…. No
a korhaan… no
looking for it, I realized although I had never heard this before, that it is Francolin – a coqui francolin.
I went in search for the little dam on the Tau link and followed STF directions to the last koppie where it flattens out… I couldn’t believe that I had never seen this turn-off before.
As we approached the dam we found a African olive Pigeon. I have seen it before, but these were my first nice pics.
We sat around for about an hour with no further sightings, so we decided to move on.
This sparrow and his wife had a nest at the centre. Still one of the prettiest birds around.
This Diderick was so near to the car – a great sighting.
We came across this boon family the previous day. They raid the nests in the tall grass around the trees for eggs.
Have you ever seen such submission!! This is no prin(ce)s – no ways…. This is the King himself.
A beautiful, large Black Shouldered Kite – sorry for the harsh light.
I see some references refer to them are Black Winged kites.
We returned to camp, packed up and took a leisurely drive home with the knowledge that the holiday is only half way.
Day after Christmas we will head north to Nylsvley.