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Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:15 pm
by Dewi
Mel, Ronnie gave me a heads up that this bird may be Rufous-naped Lark, hence my confused birder remark.
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:15 pm
by Mel
So we're still on that day when we were out and about with Ronnie, the Aussies and of course my SO. We went all the way to Matyholweni gate as we were desperate for a toilet. While standing in the car park, Ronnie said: ‘Fish eagle!’ Indeed, there was one soaring high above us. Even if the photos have come out rubbish I am very happy that I at least got to see one!
After stretching our legs, some cold drinks (Soft drinks! Still midday!) and a few bites of food we returned to the cars to make our way towards the main camp again. En route some:
Don’t eat it all up!
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:15 pm
by Mel
I said. Leave some for me!!!
Oops, sorry too late. 
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:16 pm
by Mel
Another bloke passed us very close by:
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:16 pm
by Mel
And just before the camp:
I told you to stop for black-shouldered kites, Ronnie! :P
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:16 pm
by Mel
As we had had a looong morning drive, we decided to take it slow and spent the rest of the day in the camp. It had become rather hot and we were all pretty exhausted. Must have been the heat… Can’t believe that the nights before would have anything to do with it…
So we sat at the rondavel and cracked open a first cold one while reminiscing about the experiences of the last three days and always having a watchful eye on the waterhole. But that was and had been very quiet for the whole time we stayed there. Only the nightly hyena visits made up for it. We had seen the odd kudu, jackal and an assortment of birds, but never once an ellie came down to drink.
Later in the afternoon – being refreshed with a few Castles by then – I started chasing the birds in the camp.
There had also been a hoopoe, neddicky, laughing dove on the lawn in front of our unit. But most pics didn’t come out too great so I give posting them a miss. Maybe I should’ve started bird hunting before beer drinking.
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:21 pm
by Mel
We also got a beautiful double rainbow in the sky. But I had too much lens again and my equipment was still in the car. So this is all I got on my camera. Mel must have zillions on hers though as I abducted her camera for the rainbow.
Early evening we had to say goodbye to Ronnie for good. Three days had passed in a wink and we were meant to go to Mountain Zebra the next day. Without Ronnie.
It was also our last night with the Aussies and Mel and I were set to make the most of it. And we did. Her dad and SO had gone to bed but we sat until the wee hours.
And wee it was the next morning for us as well.
But well worth it!
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 9:22 pm
by Ronnie
Hi Mel,
How strange it feels to come to the end of your Addo Park chapter of your TR.
Our final journey from the Southern Gate to the Main Camp on the last day will be remembered by that large ellie bull that came strolling down the road past our car and the BSK
What a lovely shot you have of the BSK.
If I recall correctly this was your last pics taken in the game area and the best BSK sighting you had. :D
Quote “ I told you to stop for black-shouldered kites, Ronnie! :P “
How lucky you were that I stopped. -O
Mel when we first started planning to meet up in Addo Park it all seemed so far away .
The day then soon arrived when we met and here we are now at the end of your TR of your Addo Chapter.
The three days that I met up with you folk passed in a flash.
It was lovely meeting up with you and Spots and great to show you around the park.
The lovely rainbow that formed over the park late on our last afternoon was a very apt ending to our meeting. :D
I would love to do it all over again.
PS. I will be following you on the remainder of your TR.
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:00 pm
by Mel
Mel wrote:A bit further an Eastern clapper lark (Tick!)
Thanks for the ID help, Dewi!
Sooo, Ronnie and Dewi have gone a looong, looong way to get this bird really right.
Ronnie has connected to a mate who has drawn up a bird list for Greater Addo
and Dewi contacted Doug Newman and Gordon King, authors of 'LBJs made simple'.
In the end it's been a vote of 3:1 for a rufous-naped lark against African pipit.
(That includes your initial opinion, Ronnie!).
Thanks the both of of millions for all the time you took to help me to get this ID right!
Highly appreciated! And it just goes to show what lovely people we got on this forum.
Re: Addo and the Frontier Parks - Two-timing the KTP
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 9:35 am
by Mel
ADDO
30/03/2012
Before leaving the camp and Addo altogether, I had to pop into the hide once more to see if anyone was available for a photographic session. Alas, it was very quiet and only the common moorhen (tick) tried to please me and my camera:
