2 November 2015
Setting out
bright and early, it was a hot day from the start, but we were lucky to
get some very diverse sightings. Just over an hour into our drive, we spotted 2
Honey badgers foraging on the trot, pausing for a dig and a sniff every so
often resulting in a quick snack.
Not long after
that a large bull Sable Antelope came galloping out the bush and across the
road with majestic horns and his jet-black coat gleaming in the morning light.
Then it was
time for breakfast at a nearby camp and a memorable one it was, as we had
breeding herd of elephant feeding in the riverbed.
After a midday
break, we headed out again on an afternoon that will be remembered for two
things.
Firstly, the
complete change in weather, as it was now extremely windy with a misty haze
blowing in from the East contributing much to the chill factor.
Secondly, that
it was a great afternoon for birding. Among many species seen were 2 owls - a
Spotted Eagle-Owl peering out of its nest in a tree cavity and a Pearl-spotted
Owl on the hunt. We first saw it as it flew across in front of us with what
appeared to be a small bird in its talons. It proceeded to finish its prey
before a short rest.
A Nearby Tree
Squirrel had to make quick escape as the Pearly then tried to pounce!
We then saw a
Little Sparrow hawk with a Fork-tailed Drongo kill which it took into a tree,
plucked and ate!
Adding to this we
got sightings of Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino and Following a Hyena down
the road.
It certainly was
a day to remember!
