We have been told by the experts that early morning is the very best time for game viewing. So we left our flats very early this p-day morning and drove to Pilanesburg National Park to try our luck. We can definitely say that it is the best time to see the sun rise. The sunrises are spectacular in South Africa, especially out in the bush.
We stopped by a waterhole hide and as we got out of the van to go to the hide, we saw a tree full of these bashful little Vervet Monkeys in the parking lot. This one was willing to pose for a moment while I photographed him(?). It's probably a female, it's too cute to be a boy.
This is a Lion's smorgasbord. Here, in this group, they would have their pick of four different kinds of animals within this small area. Four Tsessbe are in the back, two Wart Hogs are busy rooting for food and one Blue Wildebeest is resting with a Myna Bird on his back. To the right, out of the picture, is two Zebra. These different species will sometimes herd up in groups for safety. The Zebra have particularly sharp senses and because of their ability to readily detect danger, the other species like to hang around them as in this group. We have tasted Wart Hog in a restaurant and find it quite delicious. It tastes much like regular pork. No wonder the Lions like them so much.
As always, Pilanesburg is a wonderful place to photograph birds. This African Darter was very happy to show off it's beautiful plumage long enough for me to get this picture. Actually, it is drying out after a nice dip in the water looking for food.
If anyone knows what kind of bird this is, I could use some help. My guess is that it is a Squacco Heron.
We have been told by the experts that early morning is the very best time for game viewing. So we left our flats very early this p-day morning and drove to Pilanesburg National Park to try our luck. We can definitely say that it is the best time to see the sun rise. The sunrises are spectacular in South Africa, especially out in the bush.
We stopped by a waterhole hide and as we got out of the van to go to the hide, we saw a tree full of these bashful little Vervet Monkeys in the parking lot. This one was willing to pose for a moment while I photographed him(?). It's probably a female, it's too cute to be a boy.
This is a Lion's smorgasbord. Here, in this group, they would have their pick of four different kinds of animals within this small area. Four Tsessbe are in the back, two Wart Hogs are busy rooting for food and one Blue Wildebeest is resting with a Myna Bird on his back. To the right, out of the picture, is two Zebra. These different species will sometimes herd up in groups for safety. The Zebra have particularly sharp senses and because of their ability to readily detect danger, the other species like to hang around them as in this group. We have tasted Wart Hog in a restaurant and find it quite delicious. It tastes much like regular pork. No wonder the Lions like them so much.
As always, Pilanesburg is a wonderful place to photograph birds. This African Darter was very happy to show off it's beautiful plumage long enough for me to get this picture. Actually, it is drying out after a nice dip in the water looking for food.
If anyone knows what kind of bird this is, I could use some help. My guess is that it is a Squacco Heron.
2 comments:
Incredible sunrise. Wonderful pictures of the wildlife. WOW.
Hey Susan love the pics! The bird drying its wings which you named is probably in the same family as Double-crested Cormorants. They also look similar and dry their wings in the same manner. The last bird is diffinitly a Heron. Reminds me of our Night Herons, about the same size but lighter in coloration. Hope all is going well, and hope to see you soon? Heard you were coming home for a bit. Love ya MarJean7
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