Sprocky's visits to Kruger Park

[Sprocky]

Hi all and once again thanks for the kind comments!

I did a very quick trip today to get back in time to see the wannabies lose big time. /

Here are some of today's shots.

After very little rain, the area is already changing fast.



A pair of African Hawk-Eagles at their nest.



Mommy waiting while her youngster takes a break.

[Sprocky]

It is not too often that you get a chance to photograph these guys in a tree.



Tawny Eagles

[Sprocky]

Damn, this weekend was HOT!!! I am still trying to recover. Ox

It was a different trip to the park. We entered that gate at about 14h20. It was so hot that there was almost nothing to be seen. On the way up to Tsendze we listened to the SHARKS giving the Cheetahs a klap. When we arrived at Tsendze after booking in at Mopani, we pitched the tent and just chilled.....until close to midnight. I was up at 05h00 waiting for LVB to surface, which he did at around 06h00, my LO only woke up after 07h00. We then very slowly started taking down the tent and packing for the trip home via Letaba for lunch. We did see two Cheetah, but they were laying low in a small bit of shade in the 40+ degree's. (Maybe they were keeping out of sight after getting beaten by the SHARKS!! -O

Here are a few of the sightings...

A different looking Buff...



A good looking Tusker with only one tusk



This SB Stork didn't seem to mind the heat while going after food.



This Buff tried hard to dodge the sun in a small strip of shade.

[Sprocky]

Thanks everyone.

If you saw even a glimpse of cheetah, you saw more than we did when we visited LVB!!!

As always excellent photos!!

Val, this shot would not normally be posted, but just to show that we did see Cheetah here it is.

[Sprocky]

We were going to spend a quiet day at home today...then the SO asked me if I would like to go into the park for a short while? Dumb question, in a flash I was ready, armed with my camera and a few snacks. We headed straight for Sable Dam,...not much was moving so we had a sarmie or two and just enjoyed the sounds and smells until a Blacksmith Lapwing decided to mob a Fish Eagle...



We then drove to the hide, all that was there was one Elephant bull. Suddenly he took interest in us and headed in our direction at speed...



He then just ambled along next to the hide, not concerned about us at all. When we left the hide we got this chap at the exit. He caused a bit of excitement, not knowing which way to go. First he came towards us then veered away, the two girls didn't know which way to go either...

[Sprocky]

Thanks again to all of you that pop in here to take a look.

I have a few not too good pics from a very HOT weekend in the park.

This old boy was in a group of four, even at around 07h00 on Sunday morning they were trying to keep out of the sun.



This little one also battled to try and find shade, I don't know how it dealt with all of those flies around it.



At Sable this bull was heading downhill in a hurry.



This was why, you could see the instant satisfaction on it's face.

[Sprocky]

I have just spent the morning travelling the low maintenance roads around the Phala area, what a pleasure. I heard my first Woodland Kingfisher of the season this morning and also saw my first....let the pics do the talking.





A Zebra busy munching away.



A White-headed Vulture.

[Sprocky]

After a few drops of rain this Bateleur was trying to dry out.



Then it was the turn of the Lappet-faced Vulture.





An finally my sighting of the day,...an Eland.

[Sprocky]

Thanks again everyone.

This mornings trip was a bit uneventful, there were apparently Lion on Sable Loop yesterday but I couldn't find them this morning.

I did see more baby Impalas and there are still a lot of very pregnant ewes walking around.



After hearing the Woodlands every day now, I saw my first one for the season this morning. It is not a very good shot, but it didn't give me much time.



This Plated Lizard also only afforded me one shot before it ran for cover.



This is the first time that I have seen a Goshawk perched on a termite mound.



This Water Monitor at least gave me time for a few pics.

[Sprocky]

A few pics taken this morning...

I think this is a juv Red-backed Shrike.



Maybe one of the botanists on the forum can ID this flower for us.



I trust that this one is known by all.