January 8, 2013

Today was a rather busy day and I did not venture outside at all. It was too hot anyway.

Much to my surprise, this little critter flew in and sat on the cord of the flash drive where I was working at my desk - it was probably trying to find a cooler spot to rest, but I prefer to think 

that nature came indoors to visit me today ;)

It patiently posed for a few photos while I fumbled with the settings and then took off, 

disappearing out the door.

January 7, 2013

These tiny little Caterpillars are eating the new leaves of the Tree Fuschia aka African Walnut tree, Weeping Boer Bean or Huilboerboon. A new sighting for me - they are only about 10mm in length!

(spot the heart cut-out in the first photo?? )

 Further examination showed these strange tiny packages shown below- attached to the uneaten ends of the leaves. Is it poop or is could it be a cocoon of sorts?

I tried to open one, but because it is so small, could not find anything significant in it.

The package is about the size of the Caterpillar's head. Judging by the size of the body, I somehow doubt that it is poop.  The first photo shows the Caterpillar blowing a bubble.

Could it be that it 'sucks' nutrition in the form of fluids and then deposits the remains in the form of a little roll on the leaf? I can not find any information on Google.

January 6, 2013

Horsing around!

These Zebras entertained us for nearly an hour yesterday in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

We stopped next to a small pond in the quarry to photograph birds.

It wasn't long before the Zebras made an entrance. They did not mind us at all.

They were running in circles chasing, biting and occasionally kicking one another.

After a relaxed drink of water from the pond  next to our car, the fun would start all over again!

I doubt that it was serious - it really looked as if they were fooling around.

I have often watched Zebras, but never seen them at play.

If you click on the first photo, a slide show will open. 

This will allow you to view all the other photos by using your right arrow key. 

Unfortunately I had to reduce the size of the photos quite drastically because there are so many.

 The one on the left is asking whether you enjoyed the photos as much as I did taking them!?