Once Upon a Time in the Northwest

[Dewi]

Thanks Pumbaa & Lis.

We came upon a creche of Ostrich chicks South of Mata Mata. There were 12 in all, watched over by two males.







Fawn Coloured Larks were very common, but rarely sat still long enough to get decent photos.





Southern Grey-headed Sparrows were more obliging though.



And a lifer for me, Shaft-tailed Whydah.



Sociable Weavers were everywhere. Surely one of the commonest species in the park?



And Marico Flycatchers seemed to enjoy hanging around all the picnic spots.

[Dewi]

Thanks for the comments Toko, Lis, Leachy & Mel.

At one of the picnic spots, a cheeky Cape Crow came over and I had a conversation with it. I would caw at it, and it would caw back in the same fashion. Shame we could not understand eachother though. -O I'm certain it was asking for food, but as per usual, the birdies went hungry as we were keeping all edible stuff to ourselves.





LBR's were seen most days, usually sitting out in the open as they normally do.







And a Purple Roller also obliged on one occasion.



Black-headed Herons were scarce, I'm sure more would have arrived after the rains though.

[Dewi]

Thanks Mel, Flutterby, Wild Dreamer & PRWIN.

Mel, not sure exactly where I saw the herons, but it was at one of the waterholes South of Nossob.


We saw quite a few Spotted Thick-knees during our wanderings in the park.





and Northern Black Korhaan were also very common and alerted us to their presence by their raucous calls as we drove by.



Kori Bustards were seen daily, with pairs or even small groups noted.





Ludwig's Bustards were rarer, but we still saw them on most days, but often at a distance.



But the best sighting for me was the Double-banded Courser, a lifer and one I'd been looking forward to seeing.

[Dewi]

Thanks for commenting Leachy, mposthumus, harrys, Flutterby, PRWIN, Lis & Mel.

Leachy, we saw several Kori's in flight, but getting pics of them was another issue, always flying away, but I'll post the "best" one anyway, but promise not to laugh too much. :lol: They do look prehistoric in flight though.

PRWIN, the pic is heavily cropped, they were always rather shyer than the Kori's.

Mel, There is always next time, you will see one on your next trip I'm sure.

A few more bird photos for you coming up.

Kori in flight.



Scimitarbill.



Pririt Batis.



Double-banded Courser.



Violet-eared Waxbill's.



Groundscraper Thrush.



Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.





Crimson-breasted Shrike.

[Dewi]

Hi Lis, Flutterby, Pumbaa, PRWIN, Amoli & Mel, glad the Kori pic gave you a good giggle :lol: and thanks for the compliments. \

At TR we had an encounter with a young bat which kept crawling into the chalet. Eventually put it out of harms way in the eaves, where he crawled into the straw for shelter.





This Lion did not look too healthy, broken jaw maybe?



This Jackal was obviouly used to being fed as it was tame as anything.



The same for this Yellow Mongoose who sat patiently as we ate our lunch. He went hungry though.



But this Sand Lizard was not quite as tame, and would not stay still for long.



We saw few Red Hartebeest on this trip, they all seemed to be in the dunes waiting for the rains.



Blue Wildebeest were much more easily seen, with one always not too far from any of the waterholes.

[Dewi]

Time to wrap this TR up I think, as I'm running out of photos to show you.

Thanks to all of you for reading and commenting. I appreciate the compliments you have all posted.

So, to end off, a mixed selection of random pics....

A colourful Tree Agams flashing his blue throat.





A young Gemsbok poses for a photo.



As does a female Springbok.



PCG's in a variety of plumages.

Juvenile.



Sub-adult.



Adult.



A Tawny Eagle in flight.



And for fans of the dainty little Black-shouldered Kites.



How could I resist not posting another of the stunning juvenile Martial Eagle.



And a simple pic of Kgalagadi clouds in late evening light.



Hmmmmm? Wonder where I can go to next????????

[puppy]

Superb photography, Dewi I specially loved the cuddle of white-faced scops owls on Page 1