Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

[GavinW]

Tuesday 27 October 2020

Our morning drive saw us driving north up the Nossob River as far as Melkvlei, then crossing over the Lower Dune Road at Kij Kij and returning to Twee Riveren along the Auob River.


There is a tree after Leeudril at the start of the two track leading to Rooiputs on the Botswana side of the river where we have seen martial eagles nesting in the past.

As we arrived at the intersection this morning, we noticed an adult in the tree, and wondered why it was looking intently to the ground.

While we were watching the eagle we soon heard calls coming from the grass below the tree and soon saw what all the commotion was about
A juvenile Martial was on the ground and wandering around.

[GavinW]

What followed was one of the weirdest sightings we have ever had, as the juvenile walked right up to our vehicle, inspected it and then wandered off to have a look at some of the other cars at the sighting.


Loads of pics of the juvenile follow, but I am sure you will agree they are worth posting

[GavinW]

And few more just because I can

Close up

it's talons

And hopping off to the other cars

[Mel]

Brilliant series of the juvvie martial. Love watching them. They are so curious and not yet spoilt in regards of being easily scared off.

[Alf]

Amazing pictures

[Lisbeth]

Great Martial eagle youngster sequel. It even manages to look intelligent It will soon be able to fly if not eaten before Also the adult looks funny

[Klipspringer]

These are boths juveniles.

[Lisbeth]

That's what I thought

[Richprins]

Grand pics, Gavin!

[GavinW]

Thanks everyone for all your comments.
We were really pleased with that ME sighting


Carrying on towards Kij Kij we had some nice sightings of this Gemsbok up on the dune in the morning light

As well as of the bateleur eagle looking out from a vantage point in a tree

Just before Kij Kij , these wildebeest were making their way down from the dunes on the east