A regular sunset feature at the moment are the Quelea and every day they present themselves in a different way. Actually it’s really the light that makes it all that different. But it also depends on whether they descend on Banyini waterhole all at the same time or spread over time.
The elephant again spent their whole day the other side of the Chiredzi river, topping up my frustration levels.
I travelled far and wide patrolling the reserve in search of other possible activity. Chiloveka dam, or rather mud hole, is now nearly at an end and the barbel/catfish now even more concentrated. How they survive in this thick pasty mud is a miracle. Every few minutes the mud erupts into life as the barbel jostle for space in their ever reducing world, and at the same time gasping for any air they can find. They must swallow mouthfulls of mud with each gasp (maybe this sustains them), it’s surprising they don’t choke. A pair of Fish Eagles have taken up residence with easy pickings at hand. Surprisingly the Marabou Storks haven’t moved in for easy pickings too.
At midday these vultures had swung in from the skies to cool off and drink at Banyini, before being carried off on the next thermal. And after the Quelea had finished their dance, it was a big thrill to see the elusive and rare Black Rhino lumbering in for his refreshment.
Temperatures are on the up again and there really isn’t any sign that it rained last week. The only green grass is that around the edges of Malilangwe dam which numerous animals are taking advantage of.
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