Dog Day Afternoons.

[Dewi]

Thanks Lis, RP & Pumbaa.

Interesting question RP.

Impala Aepyceros melampus are the only species in the tribe Aepycerotini and Aepyceros is the only species in this genus. There were up to 6 recognised subspecies at one stage, but recent molecular studies now recognise only two; The Common Impala A. m. melampus & The Black-faced Impala A. m. petersi. Some authorities also consider a third sub-species, A. M. rendilis or East African Impala as viable.

Southern Lechwe Kobus leche are members of the genus Kobus, with four recognised subspecies. K. l. anselli, K. l. kafuensis, K. l. leche & K. l. smithemani.

Impala are so different to other antelope that they certainly belong in their own tribe and as yet, there is no evidence of more than one species having ever been present. They are the only antelope that have the tufts of long black hair above the hooves of their hindlegs that cover the metatersal glands.


I retain the right to post my higgledy-piggledy Travel Tale in any way I deem fit.

[Richprins]

Interesting!

Kobus is a renowned Afrikaans naturalist, you know!

[nan]

we name them "Cobe de Lechwe"
very different horns

nice

[Michele Nel]

Wow Wow Wow and Wow again...
Wild dogs ....awesome
A whole pile of interesting birds as well...
But those bridges......a big no no no no from me

[ExFmem]

Just now started this TT, and like the saying, "No way, Jose'!", I was thinking, "Hooey!, Dewi."

Then I thought, he's gonna spin a fantastical yarn, then at the end, pull the 'ol book/movie ending...."And then I awoke and realized it was all just a dream."

But just in case it wasn't the sun, beer, or your incredible imagination, I'll say this is really a wonderful TT and your writing prowess is very entertaining and evocative.

Glad you're not conforming to the "norm", and defining your own TT parameters. Sort of like Christmas where you never know what you'll wake up to! I'll have more of the same, please.

LOVING IT!!!

[Dewi]

RP, I googled Kobus and nothing came up. Has he changed his name?

Thanks Nan.

Thanks Michele - Lots more birdies to come, and possibly one or two more puppies. You'd be fine on those bridges. Monty would make sure you got over safely.

Thanks ExFmem. I'll try to keep you on your toes for the remainder of this missive. There's adventure, tragedy, romance & a sprinkling of comedy yet to be told here.

[Lisbeth]

Romance?

[Dewi]

Yes Lis.

[Dewi]

Just behind the grooming Red Lechwe, a Long-toed Lapwing was feeding in the long grass of the marsh. I tried desperately to get even a record pic, but failed miserably.

Fortunately, the three Wattled Cranes nearby were not so camera shy and were busy feeding at the edge of one of the pools. They are stunning looking birds with their elongated secondary feathers blowing in the breeze and are, as with all cranes, very elegant looking.



At first we thought they were a pair with a youngster, but as all three had grey caps, they were all at least one year old.



One bird started to display, spreading his enormous wings.



Followed by hops & jumps into the air.





I tried to figure out if these were all males, one male and two females, or two males and one female, but never quite figured it out. Males are slightly larger than females, but I could not discern any difference in size with these three.





The one bird continued to display and we sat there mesmerised by this sight. These birds are endangered. They were one of my sought after species to see on this trip, so to come across this sight was one of the highlights of the trip for me.

[Lisbeth]

Cranes are beautiful birds This is a species that I have not even heard about

Pretty pond or whatever the water was