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What a difference a few months makes.....
21st September 2011 - 0 comments
21st September 2011 - 0 comments
In: Weather
March vs September in the Luangwa...
Stormy Skies
18th September 2011 - 0 comments
18th September 2011 - 0 comments
We saw the first build up of storm clouds today, suggesting that we are heading towards the rainy season a little earlier than usual this year. We always have several false starts, where the clouds mass on the horizon, and the wind begins to blow, and then it all comes to nothing.
This evening the steel-grey clouds mixed with the golden light of the setting sun to give a fantastic mauve effect. This Great White Egret chose to fly down the river at just the right moment.
This evening the steel-grey clouds mixed with the golden light of the setting sun to give a fantastic mauve effect. This Great White Egret chose to fly down the river at just the right moment.
Robin and Rachel's Wedding
18th August 2011 - 0 comments
18th August 2011 - 0 comments
Usually my blog is about wildlife, but I thought I would include a couple of photos that I took of a wedding yesterday, since the ceremony was in the bush, and there was plenty of wildlife around....!!
Robin and Rachel got married at a place we call Elephant Crossing. We gave them a selection of locations, and they chose this one. I'm glad they did because the setting and the light were perfect. We also took some photos at Flatdogs Camp's Jackalberry Treehouse before moving in a game viewer to the wedding site.
No bush wedding would be complete without a severe-looking armed scout.....
Robin and Rachel got married at a place we call Elephant Crossing. We gave them a selection of locations, and they chose this one. I'm glad they did because the setting and the light were perfect. We also took some photos at Flatdogs Camp's Jackalberry Treehouse before moving in a game viewer to the wedding site.
No bush wedding would be complete without a severe-looking armed scout.....
Shaka
14th August 2011 - 0 comments
14th August 2011 - 0 comments
In: Mammals
During 2010, a new male lion appeared in the area, and ousted the existing pride male, an old boy named Slit (from a nasty injury that left him with a slit in his nostril). The new male was named Shaka, after Shaka the Zulu Chief who usurped his predecessor and was famed for his brutality.
In fact, Shaka has been mating with the pride females almost continually since then, and hasn't had much time to show off his brutality. Today, however, I saw him limping across a dambo before resting in the evening sun to show off his fast-growing mane. His limp could be the result of a conflict with another male, who challenged his right to the females in the pride. Or, of course, it might just have occurred while hunting over the very rough ground that is left behind as lagoons dry up.
In fact, Shaka has been mating with the pride females almost continually since then, and hasn't had much time to show off his brutality. Today, however, I saw him limping across a dambo before resting in the evening sun to show off his fast-growing mane. His limp could be the result of a conflict with another male, who challenged his right to the females in the pride. Or, of course, it might just have occurred while hunting over the very rough ground that is left behind as lagoons dry up.
Night drive
10th August 2011 - 0 comments
10th August 2011 - 0 comments
In: Mammals
This genet provided the perfect pose, showing exactly why they are such efficient hunters. Just at home in the trees as on the ground, they emerge from the shadows in a flash and turn roosting birds, eggs, grasshoppers and small rodents into dinner.
African Hawk Eagle
05th July 2011 - 0 comments
05th July 2011 - 0 comments
In: Birds
Coming back from the park this morning, I stopped on the bridge to talk to the ZAWA scouts at the gate. All the while that I was standing there, I could hear Guinea Fowl calling frantically from the area near our access road.
I rushed down there, knowing that the extended calls from the ground dwelling Guinea Fowl signalled a bird of prey - which seem to be their biggest fear - rather than any other predator. Looking around in the trees nearby, I eventually found this female African Hawk Eagle sitting in a sausage tree.
It's clear from her swollen crop, that she had already eaten (probably a whole Guinea fowl!) and wasn't about to feed again.
I rushed down there, knowing that the extended calls from the ground dwelling Guinea Fowl signalled a bird of prey - which seem to be their biggest fear - rather than any other predator. Looking around in the trees nearby, I eventually found this female African Hawk Eagle sitting in a sausage tree.
It's clear from her swollen crop, that she had already eaten (probably a whole Guinea fowl!) and wasn't about to feed again.
Kasanka & Bangweulu
29th June 2011 - 0 comments
29th June 2011 - 0 comments
A friend and I just enjoyed a fantastic trip up the Great North Road to Kasanka NP and Bangweulu Swamps. While both areas are famous for their birdlife, Kasanka is also home to the world's most visible popuation of the shy Sitatunga antelope, and the plains surrounding the Bangweulu swamps provide grazing for 100,000 Black Lechwe.
The birdlife at Kasanka is astonishing, and we didn't have to try too hard to see lots of new species, as well as large numbers of species that are much rarer down here on the Valley floor. Bohm's bee-eater was a new one, although they seemed to be restricted to a stand of Red Mahoganies along the Kasanka river.
We were also lucky to see the famous Shoebill, although in the distance. Much better sightings were to follow in Bangweulu.
Heading along the bumpy road that leads to the swamps, we came across Lake Waka Waka which is a little gem in an otherwise dry, barren patch of miombo woodland. The name means 'something shiny' in Bemba and it certainly lives up to that name.
Endlessly we followed the dry dirt track, wondering when it would end, until finally, we burst out onto the open plains of Chikuni and were met with an unbelieveable sight. As far as the eye can see, on all sides, Black Lechwe feed on the closely cropped grass. No wide angle lens can do justice to that view.
Out into the swamps on the first morning, we were lucky and got a tip from a fisherman that there was a Shoebill nearby. Approaching slowly over a couple of hours, we managed to get in very close and enjoy this bizzare sight.
Early morning mists on the swamps were particularly beautiful and especially on the day we left, when I just managed to get a shot of some Red Billed Teal landing on the water against the rising sun.
The birdlife at Kasanka is astonishing, and we didn't have to try too hard to see lots of new species, as well as large numbers of species that are much rarer down here on the Valley floor. Bohm's bee-eater was a new one, although they seemed to be restricted to a stand of Red Mahoganies along the Kasanka river.
We were also lucky to see the famous Shoebill, although in the distance. Much better sightings were to follow in Bangweulu.
Heading along the bumpy road that leads to the swamps, we came across Lake Waka Waka which is a little gem in an otherwise dry, barren patch of miombo woodland. The name means 'something shiny' in Bemba and it certainly lives up to that name.
Endlessly we followed the dry dirt track, wondering when it would end, until finally, we burst out onto the open plains of Chikuni and were met with an unbelieveable sight. As far as the eye can see, on all sides, Black Lechwe feed on the closely cropped grass. No wide angle lens can do justice to that view.
Out into the swamps on the first morning, we were lucky and got a tip from a fisherman that there was a Shoebill nearby. Approaching slowly over a couple of hours, we managed to get in very close and enjoy this bizzare sight.
Early morning mists on the swamps were particularly beautiful and especially on the day we left, when I just managed to get a shot of some Red Billed Teal landing on the water against the rising sun.
Do crocodiles eat water birds?
14th May 2011 - 0 comments
14th May 2011 - 0 comments
It's a question that I've been asked regularly by guests over the last couple of years, and I think a question that I asked before I became a guide. The answer is usually 'no' but there's rarely an explanation as to why not! Because of the feathers? Because some birds clean the mouths of crocodiles so the reptiles respect all birds?
I think crocodiles may take any water bird that comes too close, provided that it is the right size. In the northern area of the park recently, I saw this crocodile catch an Egyptian Goose and drag it under water. So that answers the question then.
I think crocodiles may take any water bird that comes too close, provided that it is the right size. In the northern area of the park recently, I saw this crocodile catch an Egyptian Goose and drag it under water. So that answers the question then.
Serval!
06th April 2011 - 0 comments
06th April 2011 - 0 comments
In: Mammals
Almost the first game drive that I took this year, we found a Serval in the long grass near the old airstrip. Not commonly seen in this area, they are more at home in open grassy plains, which aren't in abundance here. Their huge ears and fantastic sense of smell allow them to hunt rodents in the long grass, pouncing on them from several yards away. They're also famous for hunting Guinea Fowl, sometimes jumping high into the air to pull one down as the birds make a clumsy attempt to take to the air.
Still Raining
28th March 2011 - 0 comments
28th March 2011 - 0 comments
Even at the end of March, it's still raining heavily several days a week. I don't mind too much as the showers bring a freshness to the air which has disappeared after a couple of days of hot sunshine.
The leaden black skies look stunning as a backdrop to the fresh greenery all around. Birds are mating, insects are at their peak, and the park is lush and green.
This Grey Lourie was enjoying the morning sun after a wet night.
And this Citrus Swallowtail sat drying its wings long enough for me to compose a photo.
And then it rained again. Big, fat, heavy, wetting droplets which thud on the brim of your hat, and soak everything in a matter of seconds!
The leaden black skies look stunning as a backdrop to the fresh greenery all around. Birds are mating, insects are at their peak, and the park is lush and green.
This Grey Lourie was enjoying the morning sun after a wet night.
And this Citrus Swallowtail sat drying its wings long enough for me to compose a photo.
And then it rained again. Big, fat, heavy, wetting droplets which thud on the brim of your hat, and soak everything in a matter of seconds!
Waterbuck
15th March 2011 - 0 comments
15th March 2011 - 0 comments
In: Mammals
I came across this confident-looking male Waterbuck in the park a couple of days ago, and enjoyed the contrast of his dark coat against the red topped grass.
Moonlit night
15th March 2011 - 0 comments
15th March 2011 - 0 comments
In: Landscapes
I came across this photo when I was going through some old images. Not too sure why, but I quite like it!
The Wildebeest that thought it was a Zebra
21st January 2011 - 0 comments
21st January 2011 - 0 comments
In: Mammals
This Cookson's Wildebeest has been hanging around this area recently, which is very unusual since we don't tend to find them this far south. What is even more strange is that he is on his own! They are herd creatures and rely on the protection on the eyes and ears of everyone in the herd for safety, so I suggest this animal simply got lost and couldn't find his herd. He joined a herd of Zebra down here and seems happy to feed with them on the short grassy plains.
Out of character...
07th January 2011 - 0 comments
07th January 2011 - 0 comments
In: Birds
I'm not in the habit of taking photos of animals or birds that are simply portraits. I tend to look for 'wildlife in its surroundings' and photograph that instead. However, this Open-billed Stork was too tempting a prospect as it dried its feathers in the sun after a session of water bathing in the lagoon below.
Do Giraffes Mourn?
27th November 2010 - 0 comments
27th November 2010 - 0 comments
In: Mammals
Recently we found a dead giraffe behind the camp. When we found her, she was still warm and there was no obvious cause of death. We discussed the various possibilities but could only conclude that she must have been killed by an acute injury because she was in good condition and showed no sign of sickness.
During the first night, hyaenas came and opened up the belly and began feeding on the carcass. The following day, vultures arrived, and at one point, all four species of vultures from this area were feeding on the carcass. At the feast, there were a few Hooded, White-headed and Lappet-faced Vultures, but the vast majority were White-backed Vultures (well over 100 of them!). Due to their size, the Lappet-faced Vultures were able to keep the others at bay while they fed, but once they had eaten their fill, the battle for the tastiest bits between two of the smaller species ensued. The smallest species, the Hooded Vultures, had to wait their turn on the margins of the melee.
I went to have a look at the carcass one evening a couple of days later to see whether there were any clues now that the body had been opened up. Internally, everything seemed normal, although I am far from an expert on Giraffe physiology! The following day, fewer Vultures came to feed; the remaining birds were mostly Hooded Vultures which have thinner bills, allowing them to access flesh that is out of reach of the heaver bills of the other species.
Four days after the giraffe died, the vultures had almost finished feeding and only a couple remained at the site. The rest of the giraffe herd, which hadn’t come anywhere near the carcass, began to approach, and stood nearby, staring at the body. The last few vultures continued squabbling over the desiccated remains and the giraffes made no attempts to chase them off. They didn’t approach closer than 10m to the carcass, but appeared to be observing the situation intently.
When it began to get dark, they left the scene, one-by-one or in pairs, at their own pace.
Elephants famously show behaviour that resembles mourning, but I’ve not heard that giraffes act in the same way. I think that they were just interested in the scene, and they certainly showed no distress or aggression. While taking photos, I was within 30m of the carcass, and they simply watched me as I walked slowly around, but were not concerned by my presence.
The giraffe repeated this behaviour the following day and for a third day after that. But, now they seem to have lost interest and have returned to browsing leaves and creepers in the shrubs around the dambo.
PS - I found a research paper on giraffe in Kenya containing an anecdote, similar to the story above, where adult giraffe repeatedly came close to the carcass of a dead calf and occasionally nudged it to see if it would respond. But they also noted that "despite the large amount of evidence for such behaviour in elephants, this exploratory or investigatory behaviour of dead conspecifics and apparent ‘protective’ behaviour of the carcass has seldom been recorded in other mammal species and certainly not in giraffe."
Seems that we have observed something unusual here. The carcass is still out in the dambo, but there are no vultures anymore. I suggest that the very dry weather and lack of water means that there are plenty of other carcasses in the surrounding area so the scavengers needn't pick at scraps when there is so much else on offer.
During the first night, hyaenas came and opened up the belly and began feeding on the carcass. The following day, vultures arrived, and at one point, all four species of vultures from this area were feeding on the carcass. At the feast, there were a few Hooded, White-headed and Lappet-faced Vultures, but the vast majority were White-backed Vultures (well over 100 of them!). Due to their size, the Lappet-faced Vultures were able to keep the others at bay while they fed, but once they had eaten their fill, the battle for the tastiest bits between two of the smaller species ensued. The smallest species, the Hooded Vultures, had to wait their turn on the margins of the melee.
I went to have a look at the carcass one evening a couple of days later to see whether there were any clues now that the body had been opened up. Internally, everything seemed normal, although I am far from an expert on Giraffe physiology! The following day, fewer Vultures came to feed; the remaining birds were mostly Hooded Vultures which have thinner bills, allowing them to access flesh that is out of reach of the heaver bills of the other species.
Four days after the giraffe died, the vultures had almost finished feeding and only a couple remained at the site. The rest of the giraffe herd, which hadn’t come anywhere near the carcass, began to approach, and stood nearby, staring at the body. The last few vultures continued squabbling over the desiccated remains and the giraffes made no attempts to chase them off. They didn’t approach closer than 10m to the carcass, but appeared to be observing the situation intently.
When it began to get dark, they left the scene, one-by-one or in pairs, at their own pace.
Elephants famously show behaviour that resembles mourning, but I’ve not heard that giraffes act in the same way. I think that they were just interested in the scene, and they certainly showed no distress or aggression. While taking photos, I was within 30m of the carcass, and they simply watched me as I walked slowly around, but were not concerned by my presence.
The giraffe repeated this behaviour the following day and for a third day after that. But, now they seem to have lost interest and have returned to browsing leaves and creepers in the shrubs around the dambo.
PS - I found a research paper on giraffe in Kenya containing an anecdote, similar to the story above, where adult giraffe repeatedly came close to the carcass of a dead calf and occasionally nudged it to see if it would respond. But they also noted that "despite the large amount of evidence for such behaviour in elephants, this exploratory or investigatory behaviour of dead conspecifics and apparent ‘protective’ behaviour of the carcass has seldom been recorded in other mammal species and certainly not in giraffe."
Seems that we have observed something unusual here. The carcass is still out in the dambo, but there are no vultures anymore. I suggest that the very dry weather and lack of water means that there are plenty of other carcasses in the surrounding area so the scavengers needn't pick at scraps when there is so much else on offer.
Burchell's Coucal
30th October 2010 - 0 comments
30th October 2010 - 0 comments
In: Birds
Today I spent a while watching a Burchell's Coucal foraging in the leaf litter around the base of an Ebony tree. It had a fairly successful time, first finding a centipede and then a small snake which I think is a Cape Centipede Eater, although without a good view of its head, I wouldn't be sure.
European Cuckoo
26th October 2010 - 0 comments
26th October 2010 - 0 comments
In: Birds
When I arrived back from a road trip around the area, I spotted this odd looking creature in a nearby tree. It flew like a Cuckoo but didn''t look like any cuckoo I''d ever seen before. After taking a couple of photos, and playing with the idea that it might be a very rare Long-tailed Cuckoo, I decided that I think it is a rare hepatic morph of the Eurasian Cuckoo, and is a colour variation found only in the females.
