Clear skies all night meant a really chilly dawn. And I was wrong in thinking it would be warmer higher up as it normally is. Today the cold seemed to extend all the way up in the atmosphere and flying for a couple of hours proved a really chilly affair.
Flying was productive but no sign of the big elephant herds. There were a couple of herds scattered in the mopanie south of Chinzwini dam, an area that is somewhat inaccessible.
A group of 4 white rhino were grazing south of Banyini and another group of 3 north east of Nduna.
The big big buffalo herds also seem to have split up. There was a herd of about 200 near Chivi and another in the north near Lojaan dam.
Manyari, Magwaza and one of the males had also chosen the mopanie thickets to lie up in south of Banyini. These lions never budge when I fly over them, no matter how low. But we surprised the Nduna pride youngsters to the north east and the cubs (about a year old), just bolted for cover leaving their mother standing around wondering what had got into them.
I also flew over the wild dog den. That caused pandemonium too as the pups, out playing, took cover back to the den. Although I’m not sure they actually got to the den as I pulled away as soon as I saw them panicking.
I think the pups probably aren’t using the den any more as they’re now too big, but they hang around the area and it’s used as a rendezvous area for them and the adults to get together when the adults get back from hunting.
Flying was great! But back on the ground things weren’t that great with my main subjects either being inaccessible in the hills (wild dogs) or stuck in mopanie thickets (elephants, lions)
But having a quiet time at Hwata pan, Snorkel my friendly elephant moved in after dark. We didn’t hear him coming and next he was at the pan drinking. And then we heard his blocked nasal passage. Snorkel got his name for the sound he makes when breathing. Much like the sound when breathing through a snorkel.
So it was a day when my camera didn’t make it out the box and the video clip today is that cutest little rhino calf I mentioned seeing about a week ago on Banyini.
Hi Kim,
How long will the calf stay with mom? 1 - 2 years?
Was the wind on your favour? because the mother seemed oblivious to your presence.
Lovely video.
Blocked nasal passages or no, “Snorkel” is a brilliant name for an elephant.
Great video of calm, charming rhinos.
Cutest, indeed! And all those wrinkles to grow up in! Didn’t know about the differing calf positions in rhinos, this calf was most impressive in staying up with the pace Mom set and going in the right direction. And again, Kim, was most surprised and impressed to actually hear Mom drinking. Awed should be in there, too.
One hundred and forty elephants…mind would have been so totally blown wouldn’t have even thought about the camera! A red letter day!
b.
Great Video and very cute calf.
Its so sad that they are killed for their horns, even the babies.
what its like … havin a RONI
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