Rietvlei Nature Reserve through Greenies' Eyes

[Penga Ndlovu]

Nice pics Amoli.



Here are a few of mine taken 3 weeks ago: (February 2012)







Some French kissing Cormarant style:





The 3 tenors:

[Penga Ndlovu]

This one dipped its beak in the paintjar:



Somebody is racing:

[Dzombo]

Excellent photos.
What camera equipment are you using??

[Penga Ndlovu]

Thanks all.

Just some basic stuff Dzombo.

An old NikonD70S and a first generation Sigma 170 - 500mm

[Dzombo]

Do you not find the lense very heavy?
I have a Sgma 50-500.
Sometimes in the confines of a car it is almost impossible to stabalise.

[Penga Ndlovu]

The 50 - 500mm is indeed a lot heavier than the 170 - 500mm.
I made myself a nice beanbag to stabilize the lens and that works like a dream.

Freehand is also possible with the 170 - 500mm, but I would not like to do that with a 50 - 500mm.

Way too much glass in it. -O

[Amoli]

We arrived early for our meet on Saturday and did a drive through the park.
Here are some of my "new" sightings in this park, and some old favourites also.. :D

This pic of the Secretary birds is cropped and a bit fuzzy... but they are Secretary birds... :roll:



White throated Bee-eater


And we found the pied starling nest...


These pictures I post to say thanks for all the photo lessons you peeps teach me...







If this was a birding event - I still have about 10 pictures that need to be ID'd -O

[Amoli]

I had another great trip to Rietvlei today. It was noticeable how few birds were around.

Here are two 'new' sightings for me - making them lifers...

Please help me with an ID here - in the shade the belly appeared a rich yellow colour. It was no longer than 40 - 50cm (see the brick wall for size)







I was so excited to see the Giant Kingfisher. I never thought it was such a big bird

[Dewi]

Nice pics Amoli.

The Lizard is a Water Monitor. A very young one by the looks of it.

[Amoli]

While on the drive through the reserve yesterday,
I saw some cars parked - and people standing outside.
It didn't upset me - they're grown-ups, and make their own choices.

Some short distance into the bush was a Rhino,
grazing, and not taking much notice of us.

The next minute one of these guys (tourist) started walking toward the Rhino.
All the time he was calling it and waving it to come nearer for a picture
Between gulping for air, I jumped from my seat and said to his friends that he doesn't want to do this !!!
It stays a wild animal and WILL charge if it feels endangered.

I started my car and left.
I chose not to witness stubborness.