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Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 5:45 pm
by 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.

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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.

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Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 5:48 pm
by 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
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Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 5:52 pm
by GavinW
And few more just because I can ;-)
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Close up



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it's talons :shock:


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And hopping off to the other cars



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Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 6:06 pm
by 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. :-0

Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 6:12 pm
by Alf
Amazing pictures ^Q^ ^Q^ ^Q^ ^Q^

Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 6:48 pm
by Lisbeth
Great Martial eagle youngster sequel. It even manages to look intelligent lol It will soon be able to fly if not eaten before O** Also the adult looks funny ;-)

Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 6:59 pm
by Klipspringer
^Q^ ^Q^ ^Q^

These are boths juveniles.

Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:17 am
by Lisbeth
That's what I thought \O

Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:46 am
by Richprins
Grand pics, Gavin! \O

Re: Social distancing in the Kgalagadi Oct/Nov 2020

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2021 6:24 pm
by GavinW
Thanks everyone for all your comments.
We were really pleased with that ME sighting O/\


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

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

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

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