Braaiing with Wild Cats*

[Pumbaa]

I was once again a pure joy to observe their expressions on their furry faces



and how they stood on their back legs to get a better view



into all possible directions. Once again the sun stood at the right side to illuminate everything as brilliant as possible.



One extreme courageous guy even utilized a log as look out.



We would have observed them longer but somehow all of them one after the other crossed the street even under our car and disappeared on the other side.

At the last stretch of the S25 we stopped once again at one of these “vulture trees” as there is always a vulture get together taking place



and also a couple of white storks came across.



A quick break at Crocodile Bridge was once again needed and owe could enjoy the variety of animals which could be found just after you left the camp – Lots of wildebeests, zebras and impalas were grazing nearly everywhere and between their legs today the cattle egrets could be seen running around



obviously on the search for something yummy which the many legs of the antelopes had just flushed up.



The sky started once again to turn into the deepest blue ever with now nearly no clouds anymore and so another hot day could be awaited.

Today it was time for some feathered once and we had luck as they landed always on a close by branch and stayed long enough so that we could get a couple of shots.



The European rollers were as always busy nearly everywhere.



Pity was that another huge martial eagle also landed in a close by tree but same was so lush that we only got headless shots of the majestic raptor.

Instead of the S28 we today decided to drive the S130 and to spend a final visit at Duke’s before we were heading Northwards the next day.

Many magpies were flying around and giraffes and zebras could be admired – with some warthogs photo bombing this picture.



Even another white rhino came across and it was a real please to watch same whilst we were munching some cookies



same was on the way to a large puddle and after we also could realize several small wounds on its skin same made it itself comfortable in the muddy water.



Close to Duke’s we met once again the large buffalo herd which came across already yesterday but nevertheless we stopped again and enjoyed it to be surrounded by them – The stampede is coming!



Today we even could admire the cute little ones which also just have enjoyed a muddy bath,



teenager looked curiously into our car with a mouthful



and quite a lot of moms



and dads came by as well and allowed us some nice shots.



I smell you! although I assume that the group of them was a bit smellier than we in the hot car.



Nearly all of them must have visited earlier a waterhole as all of them looked muddy





and wet



even the still hornless calves.



to be continued with one of the best sightings we ever had in Kruger.....

[Richprins]

Hey, Pumbaa! Got a late reply from Dr De Vos about this one today....his opinion is definitely a snare, either broken off and under the skin, with skin growing over, or wound healed after snare! The outstretched neck is also diagnostic as to trouble with breathing, possibly, in his experience!


Will move over to "strange animal behaviour", if that's ok?

[Pumbaa]

After we stayed long enough with them and after we only got bum shots because they were walking steadily farer away we carried on, however, met another chap who obviously shared the same spa with the buffaloes.



The northern part of the S28 was quiet today and soon we were heading forward for a short good-bye visit to Lower Sabie and Sunset dam. On the tar road we once again had to stop for an impressive martial eagle on top of a tree throwing stares down to the people in the cars.



On the Lower Sabie causeway we once again admired the noisy hippos out of which this one looked like dead but gladly same turned the body from time to time and was only sleepy in the cold still flowing water.



Besides the slushy green sort of pap looking water at Sunset dam nearly nothing could be admired besides the ever present sandpiper and the three banded plover,



the majority of animals such as crocodiles, yellow billed storks and grey herons could only be seen from far. Finally we waved a last good bye for this year and turned around to head back southwards but for sure head so stop for some more beautiful waterbuck ladies.



A lovely surprise awaited us right at the Gomondwane pontoon although we had to wait quite a while until it was our turn in at least watching the head of another male lion who just slept right beside the pontoon in the shade.



Unfortunately due to the heat the air was glimmering again and unfortunately not the best pictures although we stayed quite a while and even had the lion to ourselves after all the cars left. We felt a bit sorry for the lion as his left ear was littered with ticks which looked a bit like a piercing. Nevertheless we enjoyed once again to be that close to such a majestic creature and stayed quite a while and on top we were happy that we once again had the honour in spotting another lion.



Originally we wanted to pay Mpondo dam another visit because we visited same only once and because of the road closures there last year but we had enough from driving that day and preferred to do a short afternoon drive instead than to spend the whole day in the car and so we headed slowly back to Biyamiti via the H5/S108/S25 – Well I must say that this was the more than right decision......

On the Bume causeway – also a nice spot to stop we had to wait until another elephant bull finally cleared same -



gladly same trotted off slowly in the water paying no interest in us at all so we could enjoy one of the many dragonflies which always could be found whilst stopping at such causeways



and then suddenly out of nowhere in the middle of the day in the midday heat when you really did not expect to see anything we were blessed with one if not the highlight of our this year’s Kruger visit – a black rhino right in front of us!



Hectically we started to distribute the cameras and the only thing we could hear was our breathing and the steadily click of the button



but somehow the blackie came steadily closer after same at first sight still hid behind a far too small bush with some flowers curiosity won and same got more and more interest in ourselves,



the investigation of the car, the big lenses or two more than happy people continued not knowing why all the fuss was going on around it.





Besides us only one other car with a group of people also staying at Biyamiti was sharing this magnificent sighting – this was only our second sighting of a black rhino in Kruger and besides three other sightings of blackies in some KZN parks this was the closest we ever had and most probably will ever have.



Unfortunately our black friend came closer and closer until same was only two meters it could also have been less from our car so we got a bit uncomfortable by that close presence





and so Timon switched the engine on and as already expected the rhino lost immediately the interest and started to walk away into the thick bush – My magical road delivered once more! WoW What a sighting!

Needless to say that we now soared for the rest of the day through Kruger and such sightings just making the thrill out of a Kruger visit – You are with your mind already in camp relaxing a bit but then you got knocked down by such a thriller and are talking still years after that when coming to that spot: “Do you remember? - this was here, were we spotted.....” Unforgettable memories!

A quick stop on the Biyamiti causeway then followed with lots of black smith plovers sunbathing in the sand and a lovely woodland kingfisher shaking its head after having been successful in hunting



and after every feather finally returned to its place.



to be continued with some birdies......

[Pumbaa]

Back in camp we had problems then in bringing down our adrenaline level and so we went around on the search for some birdies also to stretch our legs a bit from the whole day in the car. Best spot in finding some birdies was the tree where we parked our car under besides our bungalow so we in fact had not to walk that far.....A funny sighting was a black headed bulbul checking out what might have hidden under one of its wing.



After everything had been checked same made itself comfortable and did not flew away during the rest of our stay under that tree.



Then we spotted or first heard some juvenile birds where we definitely had no clue what same might become later.



Both of same we extreme demanding and as a chinspot batis male with food in the bill could be found close to the juveniles we supposed that they might belong to that bird.



Maybe the experts can help – I will post the pictures under the relevant topic.



We also abused the poses of the chinspot batis for some nice shots



but somehow we nearly missed our afternoon drive as we were so fascinated by the bird life in that camp but as this was already our last evening in Biyamiti we forced us into the car for a short drive to the Biyamiti causeway on the S25. Along the way we found once again the noisy grey lourie from early morning and another brown snake eagle which we captured especially with the lovely blue sky in the background.



As we still had a bit time we carried on and stopped on one of the lovely ponds on that road and although a bit far away and hidden we located a juvenile black-crowned night heron at least we suppose that same is one.



The remaining road was quiet so we turned around so that we finally could stop a bit longer on the causeway as same is still one of our favourite places to spend our last hours in that area. The woodland kingfisher was still flying around but we also spotted an extreme close green backed heron checking out the small waterfalls for fish.



Normally this is the favourite spot of the hamerkop but same was today fishing right under the bridge so we could not capture same



but although we had no luck with the hamerkop another colourful fluffball jumped in and so we had the honour in spotting a beautiful malachite kingfisher which we saw at that spot for the very first time



but nevertheless for us it is always a pleasure when this little birdie is coming across





and on top is posing so nicely and sat still or even returned to the same place whilst being on the hunt. Inevitable our time at Biyamiti camp has nearly been expired and we had no alternative in heading back to camp but stop - always great when something is coming across at least so you can retard the departure a bit longer! – two cute white fronted bee eaters positioned very picturesque on top of a dead tree stump and let us stop again.



There we have been joined by another car also keen in taking pictures of the busy bee eaters and whilst standing so close together and with Timon’s monster lens it is always easy to get into a conversation with the passengers in the other cars and so we did and with wildlife lovers it is always easy to find a topic of conversation



and so we nearly lost the clock out of sight and we had to pray that the large grey ones might not come across whilst driving for the very last time the hilly road back to camp.



I am sure you all know the highest point on the S139 whilst coming from the S25 there we had bad luck as in the valley a huge elephant bull trotted peacefully sniffing here and there across the street- On top of the road meanwhile three cars were hoping that the road will be cleared soon so that we could get back to camp in time. Gladly Mr. elephant finally hurried up and we all arrived in time in camp.

We had a nice final braai in Biyamiti and were already a bit sad that our stay there was already over but as always were looking forward already to our next camp. As the genet did not show up this night we called it an early night as it was once again an exciting day especially with the sighting of the black rhino.

Thursday, 13. February 2014 – Biyamiti – Skukuza

When we awoke this morning we soon realized that it must have rained the whole night consequently the ground was muddy and slippery and it continued to drizzle steadily during the morning so the day started extreme dull and it was difficult to take pictures when we left the camp in Northerly direction so we did not expect to see that much on the S139.

An emerald-spotted dove came across



and whilst stopping for a quick look out at Blinkwater suddenly out of nowhere at the edge of the look out we met again our huge elephant bull who walked steadily into our direction and in order to be on the safe side we wanted to drive backwards but behind us we noticed then another car which not yet realized the elephant. Well after some scary moments the two cars and the elephant relaxed and somehow agreed who got the right of way and the two cars could depart without in any way getting terrorized by Mr. elephant. Nevertheless please be aware that there is an elephant owing that territory around Blinkwater but gladly he is one of the kinder ones!!!

So we slipped on steadily on that road and had to beware of the many leopard tortoise which were criss-crossing that road in the slowly getting brighter morning. As already expected we did not see that much but that was maybe because we had to take care a bit too much onto the road itself. Some European bee eaters braved the drizzle rain and at least Mrs. Bushbuck stayed long enough for a short click.



Nearly at the end we spotted another Jacobin cuckoo but unfortunately same moved too much so only blurred pictures came out. It took not that long and we arrived at Biyamiti weir the other car must have decided to took another road as we had the weir once again all to ourselves and so we took our time to say good-bye for a long long time.

At that early hour the birdies stayed away but the hamerkop did not let us down



and allowed us some nice shaky shots and close ups.





to be continued with some good old friends again.......

[Pumbaa]

After we took enough pictures and looked into all directions we carried on via the Biyamiti loop and had luck in spotting a majestic kudu bull at the boulders which we already saw at that area relatively often.



Gladly he was one of the lesser shy ones and allowed us to observe him extensively.



Lots of wet spider webs and leopard tortoises joined us during our further ride on the that road and although the weather was not great the views into the riverbed are always awesome. We were happy to get another picture of a spotted flycatcher even with raindrops



and to spot again a couple of double-banded sandgrouse which we missed already a bit.



Last year we had already luck with raptors especially during rainy and stormy weather and this year it was the same obviously these majestic birds prefer it a bit cooler and windier – A bateleur showed us what same had found and with what it was still busy in feeding on.



It looked like a backbone of a smaller animal – maybe a mongoose,



however, we stayed with same quite a while until our photographic appetite had been satisfied. When we left same still sat on the branch in the drizzling rain still with the remains of a backbone in its claws.



Then we had to stop again as a herd of elephants could not decide on which side of the road they continue to carry on their walk.



It took quite a while until all bummers left and we could carry on and finally we also found a spider web close to the road so we could capture same once again – There must have been hundreds of same and during dry weather they remain mostly invisible but when it got wet same are brilliantly visible



and we were also successful in capturing one of the large groups of helmeted guinea fowls which held us a bit up that morning as we had to drive carefully not to overrun one member of their huge family.



Meanwhile we were gliding already on S114 after no other car came across on all the other travelled roads earlier this morning and needless to say that within the vicinity of Skukuza camp and the nearby entrance gates more and more safari vehicles now could be found everywhere – Then we simply had to stop for this miserable looking raptor trying desperately to dry its feathers.



Suddenly we were caught in a traffic jam and surrounded by safari vehicles and finally were facing a large elephant bull showing who the boss is on that road. Some cars and not only safari vehicles dared to pass the elephant but I guess to drive that close to Mr. road block might not have raised his mood this rainy morning.



As soon as the elephant carried on all cars drove backwards which looked quite funny but gladly most of them respected the elephant's right of way – Two women in a smaller car which came across were already desperate and frightened as they had to avoid the elephant already nearly the whole road but somehow we had luck as he suddenly turned into the bush and all cars happily could pass



Mr. elephant only wanted to reach his private waterhole which was located close to the road and was completely ignoring the traffic around him overall although looking huge and grumpy he was gladly one of the milder ones but in fact that you do not know the minute you are facing same.

With no other unforeseen disturbances we already arrived quite early in Skukuza and after a short break I wanted to visit the bank to change some traveller’s cheques – and was told that FNB did no longer change traveller’s cheques into Rand!!! – So after some calculation and summing up we came to the conclusion that with the change of the EURO notes we had taken with us and with credit card payments we will not have any troubles until the rest of our stay and gladly so it was but in fact it would definitely have been a useful hint to get such information prior to our departure so I would have calculated our travel money differently – All in all I must say that the bank employee was once extreme helpful and patient with me!

Anyway still early enough we finally could leave the camp again to explore the area especially the so called magical quadrate (H4-1/H12) and somehow after the trouble in the bank the magic worked as we came across once again wild dogs



and on top relatively close to the road although once again in an area where the acacia bushes have grown together thickly and where the grass including some flowers already started to sprout relatively high





but after the obligatory manoeuvering with the car Timon found a spot where we could watch the doggies nicely.



Two of them a male and a female found on top obviously interest in each other and the mating started as well. From the other doggies we only could see an ear or realized some movement behind a bush but all in all it must have been a numerous pack.



Due to the vicinity of the busy camp it was obvious that soon as traffic jam started to build up but the wild dogs did not feel disturbed in any way



and after three years were we spotted on the H4-1 from the camp to the high water bridge nearly nothing this year the sightings were once again getting better and better there. I guess this was caused because of the floods during these years as only a couple of years ago this road was a reliable spot for lions, elephants, leopards and hyaenas.





Once again a stay in this busy camp paid off as already so often and the earlier troubles at the bank were blown away completely.



to be continued....

[Pumbaa]

As always we stayed as long as the painted ones were visible and after the mating thing had finished the pair got tired and laid down flat like a lion and we had to get lucky shots from them when they lifted their heads.



After another awesome half an hour we spent with them they nearly had settled for the day and we left this magnificent spot.



The view from the high water bridge is always beautiful and always so different – Gladly this year we experienced no road closures in this area and therefore all our beloved roads could be driven again after our last year’s disappointment with nearly each road closed.

A group of ground hornbills came across and although the grass was again extreme high in that area we got some nice shots.



and obviously something high above attracted the interest of the hornbill as well as same looked quite a long time up.



Finally after a 2 year’s break due to flood closures we could also drive again our beloved Marula loop and soon had to stop again to let a herd of elephants crossing the street and somehow a couple of impalas joined the elephants too.

Then the name “marula loop” lived up to its name as in a valley of that loop a huge marula tree was standing right behind the road and lots of more than ripe fruits had already fallen down and under the tree in between the fallen marula a troop of baboon had made themselves comfortable and was busy in feeding on the marulas.



There were also lots of little ones around some of them were quite old enough to already start to feed on the marulas but there were also much smaller ones which could not understand the mess about the fruits



and so they were more interested in running around, tease each other and run back to their moms.



How we do love to watch on this way the baboons in their usual habitat instead of raiding the dustbins in the camp or even to break into your bungalow, especially these hoarding adults with some countable marulas in their chops was funny to watch and instead of eating first the already hoarded ones more followed already.



Sometimes they reminded me of myself when eating cherries in summer – I put as much in my mouth as possible and after eating all of them I only spit out the pips!



Then we heard the cracking of branches and we already thinking of an elephant herd also interested in the marulas but it was gladly only another majestic kudu who joined the troop of baboons and started to fed on the leaves on a bush vis-à-vis the marula tree



So we continued in taking pictures of both the baboons and the kudu and were once again happy that no other car chased them away



but after a very entertaining break we finally left them too as we wanted to spend some time at Lake Panic before checking in.



Needless to say that we also paused a bit on the Sand river and Skukuza causeways and there we took our first picture of the famous railway bridge



The weather had cleared up and it was a lovely blue sky with a couple of clouds but it must have rained harder already in that area earlier as huge puddle nearly everywhere could be seen – A crocodile swam by with the obligatory hitchhikers in form of two dragonflies on head and nose.



Prior to the turn off into Lake Panic lots of safari vehicles blocked the road and finally it was our turn and we could admire a Wahlberg eagle with its prey in form of a bird.



We were at least pleased that also the safari vehicles do stop for such a beautiful raptor but funny was that the guide of the one vehicle asked us if we know what this raptor might be.....



After all got their shots the vehicles disappeared and we could change our position to continued our photo shooting. Maybe you can help with the identification of the bird the Wahlberg captured due to the long yellow legs and brown white feathers we supposed that it could be a water dikkop.



Finally we entered again Lake Panic hide and as already expected due to the number of cars on the parking area same was extreme full but we still found space on a bench and started to scan the area and soon discovered a group of totally four pied kingfishers busy in starting and landing nearly the whole time in a bush so it was extreme difficult to capture same altogether



but we had luck as all of them were willing to land on the dead branch in the middle of the lake and stayed long enough so that we finally could get shots from them from nearly each ankle.



From far we already could observe an African jacana together with a gorgeous fluff-ball in form of a tiny chick and we so much hoped that they might come a bit closer the whole time we spend at the hide.



to be continued........

[Lisbeth]

Sometimes they reminded me of myself when eating cherries in summer – I put as much in my mouth as possible and after eating all of them I only spit out the pips!

I must try this once without being choked

[aat]

Pumbaa,
Great great shots .... really beautiful bird pictures !!
Your title sounds familiar ...smileeeee ....

[Pumbaa]

Thanks so much Mel, nan, Richprins, Tina, Flutterby, Lisbeth and Aat for your amazing comments and compliments

[Pumbaa]

A couple of water dikkops could be observed on the island resting on the shore.



Some other people in the hide told us that they already spent nearly the whole day there and that only recently a herd of elephants came to drink and although we missed same we still had fun and joy in watching the pied kingfishers



flying around and fishing which might have been two adults and two nearly grown little ones which from time to time still begged for some fish.





From far we already heard thunder and the sky started to cloud over so many people intended to leave the hide before it might start to rain so gladly the hide got emptier and emptier until only we both and another couple left so we all had a bit more space to walk around and change positions and so we also were finally able to take at least one shot of another brown hooded kingfisher.



A couple of pied wagtails could also be seen and a large group of white faced ducks now could also be seen far better



and with the closer coming dark grey clouds and thunder also the jacanas came closer and closer





although the white faced ducks did not bother about the thunderstorm at all as all of them continued to feed.



Meanwhile it started to rain slightly and a heavy wind came up which might have frightened the jacana chick as same now was hiding under mom’s or even dad’s body



same also looked finally a bit miserable but withstood the heavy thunderstorm extreme bravely protecting the little one



and the rain meanwhile came down in torrents



and as I simply do love rain and thunderstorms it was another once in a lifetime experience having spend this afternoon in the hide in a different way than only with sunny weather and a hot wind blowing.

The white faced ducks did not bother anything either the lightning or the closer coming rolling of thunder



Needless to say that we had no other chance than to wait until the thunderstorm might have passed by and rain might have stopped otherwise we would have slipped back to the car and when reaching same we and our cameras would be completely soaked through so we stayed and enjoyed the raindrops falling onto the thatched roof of the hide – It was amazing and a more than wonderful memory to this holiday. After nearly half an hour the thunder could only be heard in the distance and the rain got less and also our little fluff ball dared to leave it’s hiding place under the wings of its parent



eying suspiciously to the sky and then we had the honour in a private photo shooting with this little chick as same was so close as we never ever before have seen one and so Timon snapped once again away especially when observing the jacana chick



it was obvious that same was still not complete as the cute wings were far too small



whereas it’s feet looked like alien ones



and compared to its parents nothing fits really together.



As it was the whole day quite bearable and not that hot the rain did not cool down as it had already been the whole day not that hot but for the vegetation that heavy rain must have been a blessing – Gladly whilst staying in Skukuza this year it rained as much as never before but only in adequate dose so no road closures had to take place.



to be continued....