The main reason why Bonamanzi has such a broad spectrum of bird species is that the are several diverse ecosystems packed into it's 4 000 ha including sand forest, acacia woodland/forest and several rivers and dams. On the way to the fever tree forest one morning I came across a small flock of crowned hornbills perched atop a euphorbia sunbathing.
Though I've seen signs of them, this was a first, mom and a youngster placidly grazing but dehorned unfortunately. The things we have to do to try to hang onto this highly endangered species, sad.
In the forest I stopped the vehicle next to a stretch of water and heard a slight rustle in the grass. A couple of meters of African rock python were rapidly disappearing and by the time I got the camera there was but a half meter still showing. Rather surprising in winter as they normally hibernate.
Took a stroll in another section but didn't go too far as the was very fresh buffalo dung along the trail, however dozens of these stunning flies were very happy!
Nearby a brown commodore was obliging enough to allow a photograph......
.....and a small group of Burchell's zebra decided flight was the better option and took off with a chorus of farts.
The fever tress Vachellia xanthophloea themselves are pretty special with their green trunks and flaky, yellow bark, which is described by the specific name.
There's a herd of impala that are regulars in the campsite and these two youngsters were busily allopreening.
A walk around Lalapanzi Campsite produced an imperious African fish eagle........
.........a monster turtle laboriously hauling itself up the bank,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Back in the forest a group of noisy terrestrial brownbuls were rummaging around in the leaf litter and one actually paused a while in a patch of sun and proceeded to preen - well not all birds are beautifully coloured!
In the tree above a group of southern yellow white-eyes were busily foraging.
Out on the plain I found a small herd of buffalo but could not maneuver to get side on so had to take through the windscreen, never very satisfactory,
The little blue waxbills are always a welcome find......
.......but this toothsome fellow - not so much!
A drive by the river produced a yellow-throated longclaw singing lustily from the top of a small tree.
Titus the drone was sent aloft to scan this section of the Hluhluwe in a failed attempt to find the ever elusive finfoot.
Was very kindly invited by Wendy van Elden's colleague Mervyn to join them and other friends for a weekend at Tierskloof in the central 'berg. As Wilma and Willem were also invited, they suggested I overnight with them in Richard's Bay so we'd only use one vehicle. On the morning of departure I took a walk around the estate and was very impressed by the "lawnmower" in the vicinity of the clubhouse.
Not sure how the Berg resorts manage as the roads to them just get progressively worse. Slow going does have advantages, such as spying a spectacular pair of wattled cranes foraging in a field.
Tierskloof, between Highmoor and Giant's Castle, was a trout farm in a previous life but is now a rather grand housing estate. As the sun slipped behind the mountains the area was bathed in a glorious golden light which the picture unfortunately doesn't really do justice but Wilma does!
Saturday morning involved a climb to Everest Basecamp, or that's what it felt like to this old pair of knees and as the high Berg came into view a sprinkling of snow became apparent........
............and the cherry on top, a majestic bearded vulture soaring above.
On an afternoon drive we hooked up with some bald ibis showing off their splendid plumage in the late sun. Have never noticed that reddish brown patch on the wing before.
Sunday involved a gentle walk up the river to a small patch of forest and on one of the dams on the way a pair of South African shelduck, female left and male right.
A most enjoyable weekend in great company unfortunately came to an end and it was back to Bonamanzi where I found this intriguing bud..............
..............which belongs to the Prickly Wild Hibiscus Creeper H. surattensus, the capitals in case you think I added the adjectives.
Once more at the river came across the forth species of the family to date the unfortunately named black-winged lapwing which is very much like the Senegal lapwing but has pink legs not black.
And after about a thousand shots a reasonable one of a grey-rumped swallow on the wing.......
........and one of it's rump! Would need to sell the Beast and the bakkie to do better though.
Yes there has already been a yellow-throated longclaw in this post but they're just so pretty......
.........and of course the always appealing "Ag shame"!
