Stories from Tar Roads and From Spots

[Pumbaa]

Luckily meanwhile the giant kingfisher came a bit closer



and the cameras were busy in capturing same



also the carmines were still there as well as lots of other cars who also stopped for the masses of different birds.



We were able to move a bit forward and now also the white fronted bee eaters presented themselves from the right side and six of them were more than willing to pose for us.



This was definitely the best birding spot this year for us and we could have spent the rest of the day there but as it still was a long way to go to Mopani we said with heavy hearts and a couple of more shots good bye and finally carried on.





Pity was that meanwhile the drizzle turned into a continuous rain and so we once more during this trip experienced another rainy day and consequently it got quieter the more North we drove at least along the S95 we stopped for a group of wildebeests



at Twisappel we noticed a waterbuck mom plus her youngster.



The rest was quiet and whilst we turned into the S50 the road got extreme muddy and slippery at least we came across a Namaqua dove a bit hidden in a mopane bush



and a Kittlitz’s plover on the ground.



At Mooiplaas waterhole we decided already that we will not drive any further along the S50 at least for the time being due to the bad road conditions but that was anyway not important any longer as a look through the binoculars revealed still a bit far away a honeymoon couple in the rain.



So it was decided that we for the time being will not go anywhere and luckily so did the lions

[Pumbaa]

in the beginning they still were a bit far away and as the bushes there sometimes hide them we decided that also despite the rain we will wait as our hope was that they might come a bit closer



although they were despite the vegetation and rain still extreme good visible



and whilst we waited during another break of their mating at least this birdie was more than willing to come closer



and even posed for us in the rain.



The lions still were hanging around in the distance





and it was extreme pity that we had to close our windows from time to time when the rain got more.



We shared that sighting only with one or two other cars and had most of the time the lions all to ourselves





but after a while in which we enjoyed a nice break in our car with snacks it even stopped to rain and got slightly brighter





for sure in no minute the windows opened again and the



photo shooting could be continued.





to be continued……..

[Lisbeth]

Great photos of the white-fronted bee-eaters I thought that they only sit like that in winter when it's cold, but obviously I was wrong

The male lion looks rather abusive, but she does not seem to care

Good for you that the rain stopped

[Richprins]

What astounding bird shots the last two episodes, Pumbaa!

A great variety indeed, and the filtered light and rain make it so special!

I like contrast of the birdie on the wet branch.

And a lucky lion spot!

[Pumbaa]

Great photos of the white-fronted bee-eaters I thought that they only sit like that in winter when it's cold, but obviously I was wrong

The male lion looks rather abusive, but she does not seem to care

Good for you that the rain stopped

It looked only like that - The male lion was quite nice to her The bee eaters also sit like that in hot summer

[Pumbaa]

What astounding bird shots the last two episodes, Pumbaa!

A great variety indeed, and the filtered light and rain make it so special!

I like contrast of the birdie on the wet branch.

And a lucky lion spot!

Yes the rain set in quite fast at least the birdies and also the lions stayed

[Pumbaa]

As the lions were lying or hanging around in a more than open area



we also noticed a group of hadedahs



searching for something to eat in the grass



and as if patient will be rewarded we could not believe our luck as now from time to time also the sun dared to show up between the still grey clouds.



It was meanwhile already early afternoon and as we spent already more than two hours with the honeymoon couple we decided to have lunch at Mopani and after we checked and moved into our bungalow we will be back later again



but before we did so a short visit to the Shipandani causeway had to be done and as already presumed same was not crossable. It could be that some cars crossed same due to the car tracks but for us the water still was too high and too strong flowing.



At least we took a look around and discovered despite the high water a grey heron



as well as a very well hidden green backed heron



but then we needed an urgent comfort break at Mopani camp and as still a bit time was left we paid a short visit at the shop until it was then time to check in and we got the key to bungalow No. 18 unfortunately this time without view as we had to change camps slightly shortly prior our departure due to the fact that Lufthansa only flew into South Africa three times a week instead of daily.

After we moved in we went to an early lunch into the restaurant and must say that same was quite full at that time of the day and also the food was extreme yummy and after we finished same we strolled a bit along the walkway to enjoy the view into Pioneer dam a bit longer and there we discovered a white bellied sunbird



as well as carmine bee eaters and even a red bishop



until the white bellied sunbird presented itself still from another angle.



After another short break at our bungalow we for sure headed back to Mooiplaas and soon discovered the honeymoon couple again and now to our delight extreme close right at the water reservoir

[Pumbaa]

Luckily the sun was still shining and as they were now extreme close we had a great time in watching and photographing them first both together



and then him



and her alone



funny were also two territorial wildebeests staring at the lions from a safe distance but nearly motionless at least the black backed jackal in the background moved



and the other wildebeest not far from the other one but in the best afternoon light.



Also another Kittlitz’s plover could be seen



whilst we still admired the lions.





Needless to say that it was such a fantastic sighting and besides only a handful of other cars who did not stay that long we nearly had the sighting again all to ourselves.



For sure we photographed still the Kittlitz’s plover



and after we already heard them now quite a lot black backed jackals could be seen widespread in the high grass not far from the lions.





to be continued……

[Lisbeth]

A beautiful sunbird

and a great lion sighting

[Richprins]

Lovely stuff, Pumbaa, it feels as though we are right there with you!

The causeway sure was full!

Great sunbird, love Mopane!

And a great concrete backdrop to the lions...something different!