The red-billed queleas had been unleashed

[Mel]

Did I spot correctly that one of the lions was collared?

Quite a few of them there

I like your shot of the baobab

[Pumbaa]

What beautiful summer day scenes!

But it does look hot...

Must be quite a big pride, and one with a collar too!

It was still bearable that day, hot but bearable

[Pumbaa]

Those really were flat lions!

Lucky to get two cuckoos!

Lovely views.

Would love to know their exact number but the slept over and on each other and behind bushes - It was impossible to count them

[Pumbaa]

Did I spot correctly that one of the lions was collared?

Quite a few of them there

I like your shot of the baobab

Yes, one was wearing a collar - We often noticed this already in large prides normally one female is collared

[Pumbaa]

The further drive along that road and the N’Waswitsonso as well as the drive along the S36 was then more than quiet again but we did not that bother because of the lions we saw – We just spotted a far away Wahlberg eagle but when we stopped at Ximanwaneni dam which again was carrying lot of water but besides a white headed vulture also no other birds were around



but that vulture really entertained us a lot as same shouted and finally also took an excessive bath



and dived deep into the water to clean its feathers. Here we stayed quite a while and watched the vulture whilst having a break from driving



and after the vulture finally flew away we also continued our way and once again stopped for another red crested korhaan



and although the grass was that high this year these birds could be seen this year that quite often as they always choose a pile of sand to stand on and start their shouting.

We even came across a kori but could not take decent shot as same was walking around quite fast and nearly always stayed hidden. Meanwhile it heated up again extreme especially compared to the previous rainy days but it was by far not that hot as last year on the day we drove from Skukuza to Satara.

The drive along the really straight S36 took quite long but from time to time we had to give some elephants right the way.



For sure we stopped again at Nsemani which was as full as we have never saw it before but nothing was around and so we continued but for sure had to stop again for the many zebra herds normally hanging around in that area.



It was amazing to see this area again that green as I still had lots of pictures in my mind with the last year’s drought which was simply heartbreaking.

Along the tar road we stopped in front of a tree which was invaded by baboons – Nearly all of them must have had a lazy day as most of them were sleeping on branches like leopards





For sure the juniors were up and discovered the world around them curiously whilst mom was guarding them



but nearly all the rest of that troop kept on sleeping.

[Pumbaa]

As always when baboons do come along I can watch them endlessly but as here was not that much action to be seen we continued but for sure had a great fun in photographing them.

Besides a lone birdie nothing else could be seen during the midday heat



and so we decided to check in. Same went smoothly and quick as ever also in view that it was already past 14.00 o’clock. We were rewarded with bungalow G176 for which I had requested. Whilst organizing and moving into the bungalow for the following 4 nights Timon noticed a cute squirrel close to our unit



and after a more than well relaxing break on our verandah we decided to drive a bit along the S100 although it was already late but we simply had to....We came across a pair of bateleurs



as well as a juvenile one close to the couple – Really do love their amber coloured eyes.



It took not long until we noticed that this year we might not see that much along that road as the grass was again far too high but for sure that is no complaint especially when knowing this area from last year’s drought but gladly birds can fly and do normally not always hang around on the ground and so we were more than entertained again by our feathered friends especially by a cute and fluffy grey headed kingfisher



which posed so nicely for us that soon Timon took more than a couple of shots.





to be continued....

[Mel]

I don't think I ever saw a vulture taking a bath... Often seen at waterhole, but never ever in there.
Weird that I only notice it now seeing your shot. But a really cool one

Nice bateleur family (at least I suppose so, since the juvvie was close by) and I also like the kingfisher

That baboon is a wannabe leopard

[Richprins]

What lovely bird pics, Pumbaa!

Ja, what a difference from the drought!

[PRWIN]

Caught up . Pumba great shots in the TR

[Pumbaa]

I don't think I ever saw a vulture taking a bath... Often seen at waterhole, but never ever in there.
Weird that I only notice it now seeing your shot. But a really cool one

Nice bateleur family (at least I suppose so, since the juvvie was close by) and I also like the kingfisher

That baboon is a wannabe leopard

It was great fun watching the bathing vulture as same was really frantic about getting clean