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Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 1:33 pm
by Pumbaa
Sprocky wrote:Great bird sightings, Pumbaa!!

Thanks Sprocky and it was such a joy to find that different feathered friends

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 1:34 pm
by Pumbaa
We in fact could not complain about all the sightings

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 1:35 pm
by Pumbaa
Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 1:36 pm
by Pumbaa
Mel wrote:Grand capture of the babbler preening

Love the green paradise and the lush and green one
Then there is the cute little bee-eater and the really impressive paradise whydah
Beautiful photos again

It was such a joy to watch and photograph the little bee eaters

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 1:38 pm
by Pumbaa
Especially when surrounded by the lush and green vegetation.
Today it was one of those few sunny days we had this year and not only us but also the impalas enjoyed the weather.
As you can notice this year the grass was impala high so we did not complain that we did not see that much in that area.
We came across a tawny eagle,
a chinspot batis
and at the crossing with the S100 we were stuck again in a traffic jam as there several elephant herds crossed the road.
Some of them presented us their beautiful headgear
which needed some professional attachment
at least it is headgear and food all in one.
For sure all the elephants had right the way and we gave enough space but nearly all of them were very gentle and only took care of their own business.

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 1:39 pm
by Pumbaa
Obviously the headgear was the dernier cri between the elephants this February
but we had a lot of fun in observing them especially with the many little ones between them.
We stood quite a while there until all of them had crossed the road and we could continue our way but for sure it is always something very thrilling to see that many gentle giants together.
We paid Gudzani dam another visit and spotted in the distance a lot of open billed storks and also on the bushes along the causeways on the S41 we in fact spotted more of these storks.
In the more open area after the causeways and until the crossing with the S90 we spotted that masses of brown raptors as we have never ever seen before
reason was that masses of the red billed queleas were nesting in the bushes along that road and so attracted a lot of raptors. It was such a spectacle and such a noise level it was simply breathtaking.
We also noted a great number of marabou storks in that area and for sure it was already decided
that we will pay them another visit with an extensive photographic session as today the birds were a bit too far away for some decent shots. At the causeway at the end of the S41 we spotted as already often during other trips a red bishop but the grass was far too high and was always hiding our red friend.
Also we got our next giraffe fix some were feeding
whereas other were staring.
to be continued......
Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 5:23 pm
by Richprins
What beautiful scenery there in summer, Pumbaa!
I can't wait for a quelea predator frenzy, never seen that!
Ja, the elephant generally rip the grass out so it can't grow again...destructive! But the soil wears their teeth down faster...

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Sun Nov 26, 2017 7:56 pm
by Mel
Your ellie with the beautiful headgear is very, very cute
But of course, the little crossing the road is just as sweet
And again, lots of great bird sightings and photos

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 10:52 am
by Flutterby
I've often seen ellies with grass/branches on their heads...I wonder why?
Lovely pics again Pumbaa!

Re: The red-billed queleas had been unleashed
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 9:34 am
by Pumbaa
Richprins wrote:What beautiful scenery there in summer, Pumbaa!
I can't wait for a quelea predator frenzy, never seen that!
Ja, the elephant generally rip the grass out so it can't grow again...destructive! But the soil wears their teeth down faster...

The noise level at all those quelea nests was incredible
