Addo Elephant National Park (January 2011) *

[Ronnie]

I took this pic when this beaut walked passed within three meters of my vehicle and paused for a brief moment to have a peep at me...

At that moment I felt so small and insignificant

[Ronnie]

Hi guys,

I recently met up in Addo Park with Mel and her SO along with another friend from the other forum and her dad.

What a lovely meeting it was of forum friends whom had never met in person before. :D

It was really special meeting all you folk, a privilege and honour to show you around Addo Park.

I really enjoyed the time we were able to spend together and I would gladly do it again.

Here is a pic of a lion sighting we had.
Mel will be doing a TR when she gets back home so you mites will have to wait a little longer to see more

[Ronnie]

Lis that lion was lying with its front paws on the edge of the road and I was parked on the opposite side of the road so that makes it 3 to 5 meters from me.
I only have a small "mik 'n druk" camera so long shots are out for me.
Mel and SO were over the moon. I am afraid you gonna have to wait for her TR.
My lips are sealed or should it be "my fingers are not typing any more" //\0--
This is just to wet your appetite a little of what's to come.

[Ronnie]

Thanks to all for your comments, much appreciated.
Peter the lion sighting was in the southern section.

[Ronnie]

A once in a lifetime Caracal sighting

On a recent cool early morning visit to the Park my attention was drawn to some movement under a bush.
As I stopped I realized that it was a Caracal and that it was moving out from under the bush to the opposite side.
I had to move my vehicle a little forward to see on the other side of the bush.
What a surprise for me when I saw not ONE but THREE Caracal emerging from under the bush.
It was an adult with two sub-adults and I watched as they quickly disappeared into the long grass.
All three Caracal were in splendid condition.
WOW what a sighting

[Ronnie]

So that was the caracal sighting I missed by a few days, hey?

S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Well, you always need a reason to come back...

It was great meeting you, Ronnie and I can't say how much I appreciate that you took so much time to guide us through Addo!
Enjoyed spending time with you lots! Thanks millions for all you did for us all.

As for that lion sighting - amazing shot! Seems I was in the wrong car as I only got him from the side.
Oh, so much to tell about those Addo lions...

[Mel]

They are all over the Eastern Cape and lots are found in the Alex Forest area..Seen stacks at a farm south of Grahamstown and saw 2 in Addo Colchester area last year 2010 at 11h00

After having been to Addo again now, I'd say the honey badgers are extremely elusive there. Having seen 2 at the same time is just stunning! Could you post a pic or two of that sighting? Please?

[Ronnie]

In spite of it raining in Port Elizabeth this morning I decided to spend the day in Addo Park.
Soon after entering the park at gate opening time the rain stopped
It was cold and there was not much game about.
I stopped my car when I noticed this blackheaded heron next to the road.
It had its eyes fixed on something in the grass.
In a flash the heron shot out its head into the long grass and when it raised its head it had a squeaking mouse impaled on its beak for breakfast.
The squeaking soon ceased and the heron swallowed the mouse head first.
Within thirty seconds the ordeal was over...breakfast was done and dusted
Mel this took place a little way up the hill from where we saw the lion kill :)

[Ronnie]

Four in one shot

When I visited the park on Sunday I experienced a very good birding day.
I took this pic at Hapoor Dam and managed to get four different birds into one frame.
Lining up in the back row from the left are:-
Blackheaded Heron, Egyptian Goose, Blackwinged Stilt, Egyptian Goose, Blackwinged Stilt and Blackheaded Heron
I the front showing their tail feathers to us are a pair of South African Shelduck




This Blackwinged Stilt waded closer

[Ronnie]

Thanks Lis
I could not recall where I had seen your pics of Addo, here or on the other side.
One can see the reeds amongst the ellies in the middle.