We’ve been cooped up taking shelter from the rain with no communications or internet for the last few days. It was quite pleasant waking up to the sound of rain pouring down and not having to be anywhere or do anything, but I was eventually itching to get out. So I eventually got to do a little photo commentary to pull us through - enjoy.
After a little wet weather the bugs are starting to make their appearance along with the flying ants. I shudder at the thought of the mosquitoes coming out in full force!
Animals know when the rain is coming; the hyenas prudently took shelter in the hills in expectation of the wet weather, but they still come down to the communal den during the evenings to socialize.
The elephant bulls are out and about looking for the high protein browse in the south of the reserve.
Just before the rains came I paid a visit to Nduna Dam and ran into a Kori Bustard walking the edge of the dam. They are huge birds and this one was not in a hurry to fly away as I was shadowing it.
Another great thing about summer is the summer visitor birds taking up residence on the reserve including the woodlands kingfisher with its expressive call.
Great video again, Mark!
The first photo you took is just absolutely breathtaking, I love the way the sun is blocked by the clouds, yet it still peers over the top, amazing! It’s funny watching all of the buffalo get stuck in the mud, I could also see some of them give up and just lie there, bathing in the heat to cool down.
The buffalo are so amazing, they are blocks of muscle with legs. It must be heart stopping to have a group of them approach you while filming. As always, incredible footage. Thank you.
That bug in the picture is really neat looking!
Speaking of mosquitoes, what do you use to fight against malaria. Chloroquine is a bit weak for Africa, as I understand. Just wanted to get the thoughts of a person who lives there.
If on foot, buffalo are one of the most dangerous animals to come across in the bush. A sizable herd of buff is always a worthy filming opportunity.
Scienceguy: we use a herbal spray called Demal 200, has worked so far, and we only use it during the summer months. It can also be used to treat malaria, but we keep coartem on standby if we need it.
thank you very macht good blog