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Saturday, 11 August 2012

August 11, 2012

We spent the morning in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. It is very dry and large sections have been affected by recent fires.  We so desperately need rain. 

We sat for quite a while watching Giraffe wandering around probably looking for something to eat. As can be seen from the photos, there is not much choice for them at the moment.  Considering the fact that they eat up to 34kg of leaves and twigs per day, they must do a great deal of walking every day.   
It was quite amazing but also sad to see how the Giraffe used its tongue to get hold of the few Acacia shoots that were available. 
Later, in one of the few sections of the park that have NOT been affected by fire, we landed up behind a vehicle where the driver dropped a burning cigarette out of the window!  
I stopped my car and stomped out the burning cigarette.
To you, Mr “Jeep with baby on board”,  I would like to ask: How many fires did  YOU start today?  
Although I had the decency to obliterate the registration number of your vehicle, I somehow feel that you do not deserve the gesture. 
People who have no conscience, are irresponsible or show no respect for nature should rather stay at home.  Come to think of it – these are probably the types who write snide remarks in the Visitors Book at the gate because our beautiful park did not live up to their expectations!  


Friday, 10 August 2012

August 10, 2012

 This is a Square tailed Drongo - much smaller than its Fork tailed cousin. 
I have often mistaken it for the Black Flycatcher, but have since learned that the Flycatcher has dark eyes, while this bird has reddish eyes

Thursday, 9 August 2012

August 9, 2012

White-throated Robin-chat
"Witkeeljanfrederik [Afrikaans]; Witkeel-lawaaimaker [Dutch]; Cossyphe à gorge blanche [French]; Weißkehlrötel [German]; Cossifa-de-peito-branco [Portuguese]"
This is another first for my birding list. I have seen them before but never managed 
a clear photo because they are very busy birds and constantly hopping around!
Today is a public holiday in South Africa and Mom and I spent a few hours in the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve. I took a video clip of a herd of 20 Elephants crossing the road in front of our car!
Also on the sightings list today are Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Impala, Warthog and a variety of birds. The park is desperate for rain.