I’m always happy when the dogs hunt on the open areas of Banyini. Just makes following them so much easier.
They spent about an hour this morning moving around the open savannah but were unable to locate any prey and ended up resting at a pan in the mopanie woodland to the east. The last time they were on Banyini when the grass was shorter, the place was a seething mass of animals and the dogs just couldn’t believe their luck. That was when Puzzles killed an adult male impala and then the rains poured down on us!
Later this morning I went to check on reports of Ground Hornbills nesting in baobab down south. It was an interestingly shaped baobab and a good sized specimen. And of course there was no ways I was going to be able to climb it to check on the nest. The birds weren’t there as they mainly feed the youngster at dawn and dusk. Best bet I think is going to be to fly over the tree and see what goes on.
The dogs headed north early this afternoon coming out on the western end of the airstrip. On their arrival there they were greeted to a multitude of impala about half way along the strip. A few giraffe too were standing around.
It was too far for the dogs to start their advance but some of the pups were into mode and stalking but gave up when they realised mom and dad weren’t interested.
The impala were still unaware of the lurking danger and happily grazing.
After standing around in the open for 20minutes, the dogs started their advance, now about 500m from the impala. With ears flattened Puzzles led the way and the rest of the pack fell into place behind her, then Jiggy took over the advance. With 300m to go they moved from single file and advanced abreast with each other. All with ears back and head held low they walked with purpose. It was impressive to watch this infantry brigade in action.
And still the impala seemed unaware of them.
At about 200m the dogs broke into a trot still advancing in a front. At less than a 100m the impala were suddenly alerted and bolted. This was the cue for the dogs to attack. At incredible speed they were out of the starting blocks scattering their prey. Somehow they singled out the weaker ones and chased those with purpose deep into the bush.
I eventually found Jiggy on his kill. He was later joined by a pup. They fed well and then called the others but nobody came. They must have made another kill elsewhere. Eventually others did arrive, some already bloodstained. A good hunt after all.
Having seen all of this and filmed it on the airstrip, I begin to realise the ease of filming on the open plains of the Serengeti. Maybe one day when I’m big I’ll get to film up there!
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