Stories from Tar Roads and From Spots

[Pumbaa]

Saturday, 27 February 2021 – Mopani - Shingwedzi

Driven roads: H1-6 – S50 – S143 – S144 – H1-6 – S103 – S50 – H1-7 - Confluence

Unfortunately during the night the rain set again in and we packed everything together whilst drizzling although the first hot coffee under the roof on our verandah was a must and to our delight a barn owl suddenly landed on one of the bars of the roof obviously same also did not like the rain but soon left again so unfortunately no picture but we were happy having been visited by same that early in the morning.

For sure whilst leaving the gate is was still extreme dark and we drove straight to Mooiplaas on one hand because the Shipandani causeway might still not be crossable and on the second hand we wanted to check out if our honeymoon couple will still be there. For sure they were



but as we got yesterday so many brilliant shots we only stayed a couple of minutes with them as on top nothing extraordinary happened we carried on.

Unfortunately the rain got more and the road still was very muddy and slippery so definitely not a pleasant drive. Whilst we neared another car which suddenly stopped we saw something spotted and catlike crossing the street – It was a cheetah, our one and only during that trip, but same was not willing to turn its head at least once to us so this is just a proof shot at least we saw one.



All the Nshawu waterholes were deserted that rainy morning, however, here and there along the road we noticed some animal activity – We detected marabou storks



and whilst we neared Tihongonyeni we just realized a herd of elands disappearing far in the distance between the many mopane bushes at least we got a bum shot.



Right at Tihongonyeni a large group of very wet ostriches were hanging around



and a couple of black backed jackals



as we did not make it yesterday to Tihongonyeni due to the honeymoon couple we at least wanted to pay a short visit there as this is always a must stop for us as normally there is always something to be seen



and besides the ostriches and black backed jackals a lot of wildebeests were around as well.



We were happy about the nicely posing ostriches as they were so close and they did not bother the rain





and they were happily searching for something for breakfast.

[Pumbaa]

Normally we always drive the S50 when moving from Mopani to Shingwedzi but we did not trust that road after the rain although same was not closed but after the experiences with all the flooded causeways we with heavy hearts decided to drive today via the tar road, however, the S144 could be driven and after we spotted in the distance buffaloes as well as impalas now more black backed jackals appeared.





The road was also extreme muddy and slippery, however, the jackals had only eyes in running and searching for something eatable.





Further down the road we then met also a large group of zebras who were more than willing to pose



and to our luck even from time to time the drizzle stopped and it was dry and so it continued nearly the whole day. The rain alternated with dry periods although we hoped that the rain finally had gone after the really wet first week in the park.



Also along that road we noticed lots of white storks





quite close to the road all extreme wet





as we already were looking for them in all the other areas we were finally happy in having found them here in the far North.



This one was obviously also asking: “when finally the rain will stop”.



to be continued…………….

[Lisbeth]

A pity with all this rain Nothing looks the same and the most interesting animals disappear.

The last time I was at Tihongonyeni, it was a beautiful day and the area was spotted with lots and lots of white storks With the rain pouring it is not even recognizable.

[Pumbaa]

A pity with all this rain Nothing looks the same and the most interesting animals disappear.

The last time I was at Tihongonyeni, it was a beautiful day and the area was spotted with lots and lots of white storks With the rain pouring it is not even recognizable.

Unfortunately the rain continued also the next day so it was not that pleasant last days in the parks at least weatherwise

[Pumbaa]

The tar road was then unfortunately extreme quiet besides this lovely posing tawny eagle



and although we did not expect to see that much we decided to pay a short visit to Olifantsbad and soon we were thrilled and I soon yelled “They are existing also in yellow” -



quite a few yellow bishops were hanging around here flying around between the high grass some stayed farer away but finally also one



decided to land in a bush close to where we stood – Indeed a more than nice surprise and another lifer for us too.



We stayed here quite a while as it was simply so peacefully quiet at that sport besides the yellow spots but after a while we carried on and along the tar road we came across quite a group of elephants who suddenly popped out from behind a bush



followed by a couple of smaller calves who were nearly invincible in the hight grass.



Further down the road we then stopped saddle billed storks



whereas the female quite fast disappeared a bit farer away in the bushes



he stayed with us for a while and a couple of poses until he then followed his wife.



Again it got quiet but it stayed dry and here and there in trees we noticed Wahlberg eagles





and another tawny.

[Pumbaa]

Quite early we reached already Shingwedzi camp and after a short break there we left same again via the back gate as it was still too early for check in unfortunately the causeway was this year impassable and it looked as if there is in fact no causeway.



At least the S50 was open so we decided to drive a bit on same although the grass was high and the bushes dense at least the rain indeed had stopped for a longer period now and so we stopped for a large group of impalas



enjoying a lazy day in the bush.



As birding is always brilliant along that road we soon noticed grey hornbills



and carmine bee eaters for sure for water birds the river was unfortunately far too high.



Suddenly behind some dense bushes we realized a movement and the culprit was wearing a white tail tip and to our big surprise on that rainy day we counted leopard No 8 during that trip which was for sure a new record for us.



Unfortunately same only sat there for seconds and then disappeared completely out of sight but a leopard is a leopard and with the cheetah and the lions earlier that day it was after all indeed a very successful day when it comes to cats although from some of them we only saw a glimpse.



The road along the river revealed another saddle billed stork



and a beautiful eagle where the expects might help me with the ID?



Far too soon and fast same decided to fly away then.



to be continued……………….

[Lisbeth]

Methinks that the yellow thingie is a yellow-crowned bishop, but most likely a lifer anyway Surely, I have never seen one in Kruger The same goes for the leopard

The raptor is quite a puzzle If it had yellow eyes it would be an osprey....but it hasn't

[harrys]

Some wonderful bird photos and then a Leopard

[Richprins]

It must get a bit depressing after a while with all the wetness, Pumbaa!

What a day with all the cat species,especially in the north!

Congratulations indeed!

Lovely pics, I like the wet ostrich!

And the Shingwedzi sure is full!

I think the eagle is a pale form Wahlbergs.

[RogerFraser]

What lovely pics despite the weather .

That Stork really does seem to be watchin the weather

Last time we went over the causeway it was a drought so nice to see the water