August 28, 2013

Despite the wind, we were very fortunate to see a variety birds on Saturday in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park. Due to wind and distance not all are excellent photos though!

A Brown hooded Kingfisher sitting pretty on a branch overlooking the water at Maphumulo

We spotted this Malachite Kingfisher at a distance - not a good photo, but the amazing splash of colour certainly warrants a post because it was the only sighting at a normally busy site.

Another not-so-perfect shot due to distance. We could not identify this little black and white bird. The tail and slight hook on the beak made me think that it might be an immature Fiscal Shrike although the size was more like a that of a Brubru

 This was the second time (ever!) that I have had the opportunity to photograph a Black Crake!

A very busy bird and therefore rather difficult to follow and get into focus. This was a fluke shot.....

Such an amazing contrast of colours!

August 25, 2013

Another lovely day spent in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park yesterday! The hi-lite of the day for me was the time we spent at Mapumulo Picnic site. We were entertained by a family of Nyalas who were not fazed by human company, and were also fortunate enough to see a pair of Fish Eagles mating. Other sitings included Giraffe, Rhino, Buffalo, Zebra, Impala, more Nyala, Warthog, Baboons, 

Vervet Monkeys, a Water Monitor and a wide variety of birds.  

I took many photos and will select and post as the week progresses. 

While photographing the Fish Eagles, I realised that I had company. To the right of me this young male Nyala was picking at the long grass. I had to smile when I saw the photo because it looks like he was stretching his neck to also watch the Fish Eagles.

And then to the left of me - the cutest face ever! All ears but not quite as trusting as the male in the previous photo.

We were in awe when two young Nyala rams engaged in a headbutting game - right in front of us!

The view @maggieztree shows a remarkable change since last week. It is amazing how fast the grass has recovered. A fresh new shade of green abounds in all the areas that were burnt!

August 18, 2013

After over 1000 days of posting photos I decided that it was time for a break!

We had experienced a period of drought and there was really not much to photograph on a daily basis.

After 40mm of rain two weekends ago, it is beginning to look like spring has finally sprung, and the garden is slowly coming to life again!

While I thoroughly enjoyed the break, I decided that I no longer want to feel obliged to go out and look for a subject to photograph for the daily post. I would rather post photos when the opportunity arises.

(My sincere thanks go to those who were worried and inquired about my absence,  and also for the many visits to the blog despite the fact that there were no daily posts)

Yesterday we took a short drive through the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.

I have not visited since July 21, and found it interesting to see how the scenery has changed.

This is the time of year when planned burning takes place in the Park. We have been fortunate enough not to have many runaway fires this year.

The photo below is stark in comparison to the next photo that was taken in the same spot last month.

Soon this area will be covered in new growth and the grazers will have a feast.

How amazing is the path that was revealed by the burning of the grass in the photo above. 

21 July:

A herd of Buffalo grazed their way over the crest and down the hill towards us

I zoomed in on the leader who had stopped eating and was staring at my car.

The photo above shows the scene @maggieztree on July 21. To the left of the tree just behind the long grass you can see where the previous 'burn' had ended.

The photo below was taken yesterday. The black burned area of the previous visit, is now covered in bright green new grass!  

One can clearly see that the tree is not as bare as it was a month ago.

Soon the newly burnt area will also be covered with fresh growth like the section in the background. The new grass looks unnaturally green compared to the rest of the scene

August 4, 2013

A Sunbird feeding on Milkweed flowers.

This photo was taken some time ago and although it did not quite make the 'post of the day' category, 

it did not land in the recycle bin.  It was a clear day but the light was not too good on the Sunbird. 

I like the misty morning feel of the photo. 

August 3, 2013

Last traces of the season's bloom

 (Leonotis leonurus, Lion's Tail or Wild Dagga)

August 2, 2013

 Today I found this cocoon on the dry stalk of a dead fern frond.

There is a larva in it, but I have no way of telling whether is is still alive.

It is only about 15 mm in length and covered with some sort of fiber held together with strands of silk. It would be very interesting to see what emerges from it - I will be watching it every day!

August 1, 2013

Brown Hooded Kingfisher

This looks like an immature bird - perhaps waiting for Mother to bring it some food?