One is lulled into a false sense of security here weatherwise. Last evening’s perfect light gave no indication that this morning would be any different. At 5.30am I am the only vehicle at the gate but noting an ominous bank of cloud to the south I hurry back to camp to store away exposed possessions. And just as well. A brisk wind brings up squalls of rain interspersed by bursts of sunshine.
I wander down the Sabie River road H4-1 but conditions are not good. Birds in particular tend to hide away in windy conditions. I do see a couple of items of interest.
Something about Rollers. So called because of their rolling flight.
5 Species are to be seen in the Park.
Both the above are European Rollers which migrate to southern Africa. Now here is an interesting snippet. The first photo shows the bird as very blue whilst the second (the one in flight) is much duller. The blue bird migrates to Europe whilst the duller one migrates to Asia during our winter.
It really is incredible the distances travelled by migratory birds. This next one is a Curlew Sandpiper which breeds on the northern coastline of Russia.
Whilst we are on the topic of bird migration, try this one. I recently read that a Godwit that had been microchipped was tracked flying non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand. That’s 12,000Km’s across the Pacific. And how does it know how to find the relatively tiny island of NZ in the middle of nowhere? If it misses NZ the next stop is Antarctica. Astounding.
Returning from my morning drive, I visit Lake Panic and am gratified to find that it has filled with water in my absence. Despite the thick grass there is enough open water to warrant a visit – perhaps tomorrow if the weather is good.
This afternoon I go out along the H1-1 towards Pretoriuskop with the idea of taking the lovely S65. But it is closed so I turn and amble down the Sabie H4-1 taking the loop roads as I go. I find an immature Diederik’s Cuckoo (Note the coppery tinge).
I end the day by encountering the ugly side of Kruger. Two speeding idiots (not tourists) have managed to have a head-on collision on a 50kph wide open road.
The mind boggles how they managed it. Meanwhile up the road the grossly overweight and most uninspiring traffic officer spends her day parked under a tree pouncing on tourists who don’t come to a complete stop at the wide open 4-way crossing. Oh dear!!
3 Comments
Beth Molasky February 20, 2021 at 1:55 am
Besides for all the interruptions with the accident and the policewomen, you are back to your birds and sanctuaries again! Good for you!
Jane Gom February 22, 2021 at 2:20 pm
As a matter of interest how did you know they were not tourists? If they were Parks Board or delivery vehicles they should be taken to book by the authorities.
Richard Grant February 26, 2021 at 5:32 am
Both drivers were young males by themselves, always the worst speedsters in the Park. I am afraid that Absolutely No Consequence to transgressions prevails here and in SA generally.