Pilansberg - another festive season in the Berg*

[Mel]

I think buzzard too, Amoli. Steppe buzzard.

Great bird sightings once again - with the starling being top of the pops.
Looking different or not, it still is a beauty.

[Amoli]

I forgot to show you this cheeky youngster picking a power push with a bull waterbuck.

[Amoli]

And the Wart family…


Mommy teaching babies to bath

[Amoli]

2nd day -

This morning we decided on a slow drive down Korwe loop – in search of unusuals…

A shrub/tree bearing fruit – yet it didn’t attract birds or animals..



Two Crimson breasted shrike kept us busy – pics on SHRIKE – Bird of the month January.

A grey go-away bird flew down and sat right next to my window – I could have put out my hand and scratched it’s head.




This mushroom made me think of Nan – please tell us the story of what it is used for, in case somebody hasn’t read it, or forgotton - like me. I asked the lizard to come into the picture for the beauty of it.
(I really did first see the mushroom first and then through the lens saw the lizard)



Very casually Efjay said we need to move a little forward as he saw a black bird…. So we moved….

…. A wishlist bird – another lifer… Jacobins Cuckoo

[Amoli]

This is the second time I see the Chestnut vented babbler and yet it amazes me for even seeing it.
It is well hidden inbetween these branches, all the same colour.



White winged widowbird



Nature’s own Christmas tree



On our way to the Rathalgo hide, we saw the European Roller .





It was very quiet at hide and at the water side except for a lone ellie coming downhill for a drink.





He gave himself a shake – boy, what a noise those ears make when the get flapped around



And walked away



This was a pretty picture for me – peace and content…






Afternoon Drive to follow……-

[Amoli]

the mushroom is a "Coprin chevelu" (chevelu = lot of hair , something like hirsute )
we eat them, they are very nice mushroom, just not to drink too much alcohol with
and this one is maybe a little bit dry, but we don't have to eat one completly open

have a look here : Coprinus comatus

Thanks Nan


Thanks Mel...

[Amoli]

Brunch at the centre was a sure winner once again – their food is fresh and value for the price.

These guys knew something I needed to learn… two heads are better than one



And…



We drove the Manyane Route in search of the Leopard !!

A squirrel.. – here my thoughts were of Liz …



Saw some nice birdies

[Amoli]

We came across some zebras with youngsters. These kids were in a playful mood

[Amoli]

On our return trip we saw the Buzzard again.

As I stopped to take some pics, it took off, flying towards us.

Frantically I was trying to focus, and only caught up once it landed quite near to us.

In its claws it had a lizard of sorts. These birds have super eyesight!!

















And then it took off and went back to its perch to enjoy supper – and we headed to camp for our supper.

[Amoli]

Last day – 24 December

We left for a short ride before we would return to pack and return home to spend Christmas with the family – wondering if there could be more pleasant surprises locked up in this reserve.

Not far from camp, we heard a bird cry. My mind was racing,
a secretary bird … no
a bustard…. No
a korhaan… no
looking for it, I realized although I had never heard this before, that it is Francolin – a coqui francolin.





I went in search for the little dam on the Tau link and followed STF directions to the last koppie where it flattens out… I couldn’t believe that I had never seen this turn-off before.



As we approached the dam we found a African olive Pigeon. I have seen it before, but these were my first nice pics.



We sat around for about an hour with no further sightings, so we decided to move on.

This sparrow and his wife had a nest at the centre. Still one of the prettiest birds around.




This Diderick was so near to the car – a great sighting.




We came across this boon family the previous day. They raid the nests in the tall grass around the trees for eggs.

Have you ever seen such submission!! This is no prin(ce)s – no ways…. This is the King himself.






A beautiful, large Black Shouldered Kite – sorry for the harsh light.
I see some references refer to them are Black Winged kites.



We returned to camp, packed up and took a leisurely drive home with the knowledge that the holiday is only half way.
Day after Christmas we will head north to Nylsvley.