Kgalagadi 2013, cricket and... wow O/\ *

[nan]

Part 1

7/11.3.2013
Kalahari tented camp No 1 (Honey Moon )

As usual, the journey was long and arduous
As usual I struggled with the weight of luggage
As usual, the excitement was at its height
As usual I was on my way to my favorite park ... and more cricket to find many friends
As usual I realized that I did not more age ...but this time it was very serious

I entered Twee Rivieren at about 15 hours for a night and for the first time I saw White-backed Mousebird,
Too tired for a drive, I just started to split my suitcase into smaller bags what are easier to transport and especially to find a much less heavy suitcase ... its place (the only place) was above the fridge/freezer (almost my height ). Many small travel/transport but my back thanks me
In small camps, no problem, there is always someone to help, I thank you Jacques... and still Jacques who was everywhere...

White-backed Mousebird/Coliou à dos blanc

[nan]

The next day (08/03/2013), a little invigorated, I launched into the Auob riverbed to spend the next 4 nights at KTC (who can call in English for reservations, did not left me much choice ) but I must say that the tent No. 1 ... Honey Moon is definitely the best, larger, nobody to my left, just enough place for the Lions, Hyenas and other Cheetahs ... not to mention my friend the Mongoose.

I got lucky on the first day. I found a male Cheetah lying under a tree, Lanner Falcons, even an African Grey Hornbill with his dinner.
Steebok... running to hide



Fawn-colored Lark/Alouette fauve


Spike-heeled Lark/Alouette éperonnée

[nan]

Suricate








Northern black Kohraan/Outarde à miroir blanc, male

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a couple of Tawny Eagle/Aigle ravisseur... very well hidden


a couple of Fork-tailled Drongo/Drongo brilliant


the first Cheetah... a male

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Chestnut-vented Tit-Babler/Parisome grignette

there is a Barn Owl/Chouette effraye in the hole of the tree


African red-eyed Bulbul/Bulbul brunoir


For a first day... it was not so bad

à suivre...

[nan]

The next morning (09/03/2013), stupor Elena comes my way.
The Mata Mata's hurry missed it ... just have to drive more slowly and why not follow me .
Now I've found a scam, I stay in the middle of the road until the car slows down ... like a woodcock blonde who can not drive

So, back to Elena followed by her three youngsters (7-8 months). After the first two shots through the windshield my camera refused to take any picture ... my memory card was full ... and I lost a few precious minutes/seconds .... you never know what you will find and it is always better to control everything, battery, memory card settings to be prepared for all eventualities. And that I knowed

through the windshield

[nan]

exactly what I would like.... thank you Elena

[nan]

Elena you are a star and a so good mum
not easy to raise 3 cubs in the desert




we have to follow mum

[Mel]

Superb!!! Maybe I shouldn't try to swap our 3 nights at KTC in October
if I want to stand chance of seeing Gertie and her offspring again.

Samevloeing... I only got far off blurds. But am looking forward to seeing what
we missed 3 minutes earlier. -O

[nan]

I also found White-backed Vulture, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Lion, Giraffes, a Grey Hornbill with a kill and Black-faced Waxbill at the camp

White-backed Vulture



African grey Hornbill/Calao à bec noir