The Early Bird Catches The Worm

[Flutterby]

I love the mongoose pics!

[PJL]

I love the mongoose pics!

Thanks Flutts
I would imagine it has left the den now.... they grow up so quickly

[PJL]

For our afternoon drive we were naturally going to try and keep tabs on the lions, and it also made sense to check out the Gorah loop where we had previously seen bat-eared fox dens at this time of the year. The lions on Domkrag loop were completely hidden by this point, but there were plenty of cars around so they hadn't gone far.... we would check back later all being well.

Further round the loop we had a nice sighting of a pale chanting goshawk. There's something about this particular loop which seems to attract them as they are often seen on the bushes here



We did an initial exploration up Gorah loop to Carols Rest, but along the way we were very fortunate to spot and actually photograph a duiker. They're not often seen in Addo during the day, and normally the moment they see you they bolt away so it was great to get some pics



Gorah loop was otherwise quiet except for a couple of dagga boys grazing near Carols Rest





We trundled back down past the lions who were still flat out somewhere in the bushes and decided to check out hyena dens at Rooidam. They weren't to be seen, but just as we arrived a herd of elephant came down to drink. It was incredible to see them form a line - they normally just circle around the water holes, but this was much more like the line up you get at riverfronts such as Chobe... and to put the icing on the cake Valli Moosa joined the gang







This was already a very special sighting, but following the sad news of Valli being killed by another bull this will remain as a very fond memory of this gentle giant









As evening wore on we again checked the potential bat-eared fox den sites without any luck. There only seemed to be kudu around



Heading back to the lions, we came across an extremely new-born red hartebeest calf - it clearly still had its umbilical cord visible



Knowing that the lions were close by, it was perhaps not surprising that its mom seemed to be on high alert



However she didn't need to worry. Although the lions were visible again they weren't going anywhere fast!



Perhaps they would be up and moving for us if we got up early the next morning

TBC

[Lisbeth]

Great pic of the PCG

I just love the photos of the "Gang" and some nice memory pics of Valli Moosa

Very flat lions

[Flutterby]

Love the ellie pics...so sad about Valli!

The calf is extra cute!

[Richprins]

Nice Brown Duiker pic, Peej...ja, they are difficult to catch!


Your last pics of Vallie then? Very good!

Superb baby!


I still think those buffalo have been bred...they are all meant to look like this!:

[nan]

superb "gang" of Elephants

[Flutterby]

I did think those buffs looked a bit like bison!

[nan]

and there is some nice horns

[Mel]

The late Valli Moosa... and he never bothered to show himself to me. Now there won't be any opportunity anymore

On a positive note: Your sightings never fail to amaze - and educate! The duiker is an animal I hadn't known you could find in Addo