Our waterhole is a magnet for a variety of larger birds that are often associated with water: we see various storks, herons and Egyptian geese there on a regular basis. During the last few weeks we have heard fish eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) calling frequently in the vicinity but they have always been in flight. We were therefore pleased to see one perched in a tree near the waterhole on 23rd September and to be able to photograph it. This one is a juvenile (as indicated by the black streaking on the chest, the poorly developed rufous belly colouration) and the lack of yellow in the cere, the coloured plate just above the beak) and we wonder whether the calls we have heard came from a breeding pair of adults. As their name suggests, fish eagles catch and eat fish, and so are generally found along rivers or close to large dams, but they also take any other small animals and birds that they can. .
Friday, September 30, 2011
Birds and bushbabies
Our waterhole is a magnet for a variety of larger birds that are often associated with water: we see various storks, herons and Egyptian geese there on a regular basis. During the last few weeks we have heard fish eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) calling frequently in the vicinity but they have always been in flight. We were therefore pleased to see one perched in a tree near the waterhole on 23rd September and to be able to photograph it. This one is a juvenile (as indicated by the black streaking on the chest, the poorly developed rufous belly colouration) and the lack of yellow in the cere, the coloured plate just above the beak) and we wonder whether the calls we have heard came from a breeding pair of adults. As their name suggests, fish eagles catch and eat fish, and so are generally found along rivers or close to large dams, but they also take any other small animals and birds that they can. .
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Acacias in bloom
One of the annual signs that spring is here and summer on its way is the flowering of the acacias, especially the knobthorns (Acacia nigrescens). These produce a mass of white blossom with a smell not unlike that of orange blossom. The flowers attract many insects and so the trees buzz, while giraffes also enjoy browsing on the blooms. Other acacias such as the blue-thorn (Acacia erubescens) flower at this time too. Last year the display across the bush was phenomenal: this year it looks as though it is going to be rather more restrained.
Knobthorn blossom |
One of the annual signs that spring is here and summer on its way is the flowering of the acacias, especially the knobthorns (Acacia nigrescens). These produce a mass of white blossom with a smell not unlike that of orange blossom. The flowers attract many insects and so the trees buzz, while giraffes also enjoy browsing on the blooms. Other acacias such as the blue-thorn (Acacia erubescens) flower at this time too. Last year the display across the bush was phenomenal: this year it looks as though it is going to be rather more restrained.
Giraffe browing on knobthorn flowers |
Blue-thorn acacia in bloom in the lodge gardens |
Thursday, September 8, 2011
New collar for favourite elephant
Soshangane with new satellite tracking collar visible |
Ezulwini - destroyer of trees! |
One of the younger bulls in Soshangane's group, 6.9.2011 |
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