Daily Archive for January 3rd, 2009

Birds for Africa


After pulling myself out of a “coma” this morning, I’ve realized what a good nights sleep can do for a person.
I headed for Banyini pan and had a chilled morning observing the bird life. There is so much activity from African Jacanas, Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover), and Wood Sandpiper to Pied Kingfishers.

Wood Sandpiper

When you park in one place for a while, you kind of become part of the surroundings and life in the bush carries on as normal. Two male impalas were comfortable enough to be having a match up, although it seemed it was more of a practice run than anything.

Impala Match Up

Back to the Buffalo kill and Manyari was so fat that she could hardly breathe again. Late yesterday afternoon, Magwaza had come down to help rip the carcass apart. It is now minus all the entrails and the entire area has that familiar putrid stench. Manyari has taken cover some hundred meters away under a low hanging acacia tree, I don’t think she could move if she wanted to.

Giraffe, Malilangwe

At sunset yesterday we caught up with Kim following the Dogs heading south, it’s impossible to stick with them through the Mopani Trees so we let them carry on.
Hwata pan has been an area of neglect due to its accessibility, but after two days break from heavy rains, I wanted to give it a try. Hwata pan was quiet apart from a Black Rhino on route. I continued letting the birding day unfold and enjoyed much activity.

Oxpecker