The Big Cat Diary and a Couple of Lifers

[Pumbaa]

I have a lot of catch up to do, but little by little, I'll get there

Lisbeth - It is good to have you back

[Pumbaa]

The buffaloes seemed also to love the mud from the puddles





or they had problems in getting rid of their feathered friends



and one even was wearing a collar.



The weather did not look that promising and also here the park was very dry although compared to the Satara and Olifants area the trees and bushes at least had leaves and a bit grass on the ground could be realized as well.



A couple of colourful carmine bee eaters at least brightened up the dark morning with their awesome colours



and presence.



The rest of the S52 was again totally quiet - must say that we never had so far any luck on that road although love to drive same and I am sure one day we will hit the jackpot there. Now our way leaded us back to camp via the causeway were we had luck as three beautiful nyala males



just arrived there to start feeding.



They were hungry and each bit of green had to be tasted

[Pumbaa]

Gladly there was still a bit water left where we spotted later during that trip water birds



and also the remaining green in the pond had to be tasted by the nyalas.





We are always happy when they do come across and gladly the far North so far did not let us down when it comes to nyalas.

After a very much needed break we decided to drive one of our favourite road in the park the Mphongolo loop as same could normally only be driven the day we are leaving the park but today it was the road we had chosen and although we did not drive the entire loop it was a more than lovely drive. First we drove North via the tar road and we stopped for this beautiful tawny eagle



but also here it was totally quiet and so we turn into the S57 to finally drive on the S56 back South again as we so far drove that loop only from South to North this was a totally new angle of that road for us. Also the Mphongolo had still water left with some larger puddles where a goliath heron was on the look out.



The rain also got more but an enormous buffalo was totally content with the weather



and also allowed some close ups. Really an impressive animal against which I do have quite lots of respect.



At least between the legs of the little egret one could already see that it started to get greener again after today's rain and from the rain during that night.



Now we knew where all the buffaloes from the South could be found they all moved Northwards



and settled down in a lovely riverbed



and simply were happy about that rainy weather. "What's up?"



to be continued.....

[Flutterby]

I like the nyala in the flowers.

[Richprins]

The heron also has a "bat hair day!"

Ja, S-52 can be a waste or astounding...

Some of the buffs still look a little skinny...

Almost more yellow-billed than red oxpeckers in the north these days?

I also like the leisurely nyala sighting, always water at the causeway!

[Lisbeth]

Buffs, birds and nyalas.......all very pretty photos

[Mel]

The carmine bee-eater would make for a nice tick on my bird list Beautiful!
My three first and only visits to Kruger weren't really distinguished by birding
Will amend that on the upcoming trip. Who knows if and when I will ever go back after that

[Pumbaa]

I like the nyala in the flowers.

During that trip we indeed saw quite a lot nyalas

[Pumbaa]

The heron also has a "bat hair day!"

Ja, S-52 can be a waste or astounding...

Some of the buffs still look a little skinny...

Almost more yellow-billed than red oxpeckers in the notrh these days?

I also like the leisurely nyala sighting, always water at the causeway!

Never saw that much yellow billed oxpeckers during that trip than ever before - This year we saw none

[Pumbaa]

Buffs, birds and nyalas.......all very pretty photos

The animals of the North of Kruger and more to come