Africa Wild

Great pics STF.

The Starling is either dust bathing, or more likely "anting."

They let the ants swarm all over and use their formic acid as a type of insecticide to get rid of parasites. It is also believed to act as a suppliment to their own preen gland to help maintain their feathers in good condition.

While I'm on about ants here - the "Stonechats" are Anteating Chats.

Hi Dewi - thank you for all the very interesting information.

How fortunate we are to have this reserve so nearby...

Travelling to Rietvlei in winter takes a wee bit longer than in summer.
Here are some pics filled with heavy mist..



This aloe at the entrance gate serves as a weather buro - currently very misty in the park



No raptors this morning



View from Island Bird Hide - what lies beyond the now and here, is unknown..

Misty Black Shouldered Kite



and waterbuck...



and buffaloe...



Yippeeee... the sun is breaking through

As you will see in my previous post how long the grass is at the moment.
Soon the reserve will start with the burning programme.

Is winter a time to give your cameras a rest. No, never - there are some wonderful birds during winter months and our animals don't fly away either.

Haven't seen the Springbuck all summer -



The black collared barbet is a first for me in Rietvlei



And a friendly African Grey Hornbill



Some elegant jewellery



and for fun a Sared Ibis.



and, of course. I would come back with some UNKNOWN birdies which I will put up on the ID thread...

That's all for now..

Well done with the Barbet, Amoli.

Some nice misty scenery photos

Thanks Toko - it does have it's own beauty

Looks lovely in the mist! And you saw buffalo!!

Wet, misty and misterious Is it cold too?

Nice barbet