A Week in the Bush Vol. 524
on Nov 20, 2024The unmistakable call of the Woodland kingfisher echoes through the air as it lands in our area, a distinctive sound that resonates loudly and signifies much in the African savanna. We had been eagerly awaiting their arrival, and early last week, we were fortunate to witness what may be one of the first to arrive from their long intra-African migration. Travelling from southern Africa to the equatorial regions, these birds always make their first stop in South Africa at the beginning of summer, then journey northward toward the equator as the season comes to an end.
We observed several vultures descending to feast on a portion of a carcass that had been dropped by a jackal. The jackal had been attempting to carry its prize away from a larger kill but lost its grip, providing an opportunity for the vultures to swoop in and scavenge.
This female Saddle-billed stork was warming up in the morning sun near a small waterhole. Following the recent rains, the bush is now filled with natural waterholes, providing refuge for many aquatic creatures. These storks, ever opportunistic, have taken advantage of the abundance and are returning to these water sources to feast on the frogs and tadpoles hiding within.
A small Southern Vine snake was spotted while on safari. This highly venomous species is known for its remarkably docile nature and rarely displays aggression when left undisturbed. Brilliantly camouflaged, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings, often resembling a twig or branch, making sightings exceptionally rare and special.
This Dark Chanting Goshawk was feeding on something on the ground. When we stopped for a closer look, we quickly realised that termite alates, emerging from the ground after the recent rains, were providing an easy meal for the bird. The Goshawk expertly snatched up the alates as they emerged, making the most of the abundant feast. Known for their versatility, these birds have a broad diet, preying on everything from other birds to reptiles and insects.
On our way back to Earth Lodge, we spotted this magnificent Verreaux's eagle owl perched on a low branch beside the road. These striking owls are easily recognised by their distinctive pink eyelids. Often found near roadsides, they take advantage of the open terrain, where they can spot prey beneath them, such as roadkill. The lack of vegetation in these areas provides an ideal vantage point for hunting.
As we drove along the southwestern section of our reserve, we spotted vulture activity nearby. We followed up immediately and found the Nkuhuma and Talamati male lions with yet another buffalo kill - a cow and a calf. The calf had already been consumed, and vultures were scavenging its remains, leaving only the adult cow. These young males have been remarkably successful over the past few days, with a steady supply of food, and they seem to be thriving in this area. However, with the dominant males’ whereabouts unknown, these lions remain cautious, and careful not to draw too much attention to themselves.
We moved on to visit a hyena den and our visit was met with incredible excitement. With so many buffalo taken down in recent hunts, these hyenas are revelling in the leftovers left behind by lions, hauling their spoils back to the den. We watched as each hyena seized a piece, then dashed away from the others to protect its hard-won meal. Hyenas live by a strict hierarchy, and it's usually the least dominant or youngest members who struggle most to secure their share when the clan gathers.
The Msuthlu Pride, accompanied by the Gijima males, embarked on a long walk to a nearby waterhole to quench their thirst after a full day of feasting on their two buffalo kills. The pride has been feeding steadily for a day, and there is still an ample amount of meat left on the carcasses.
It is encouraging to see the Gijima males remaining close to the pride and actively bonding with them. Their presence is particularly reassuring given the recent activity of young male intruders encroaching on the Gijima’s territory.
A few days later, we were thrilled to locate the Gijima males in the southern section of our reserve, a part of their territory they hadn't visited in quite some time. With the recent rains, they needed to reestablish their presence and scent-mark the area. Both males appeared well-fed, their heavily panting breaths and full bellies suggesting they had enjoyed a substantial meal. They spent most of the day resting, conserving energy, and as night fell, they began to stir. By sunset, they were fully active, their powerful roars echoing through the reserve - a clear warning to any rival males to stay away from their domain.
In the late afternoon light, a Msuthlu lioness rests protectively with her cubs nestled close by. Each cub showed a different side to their lives, one quietly nursing on the mother’s nutrient-rich milk, one asleep on her back and one inquisitively staring back at us. Together revealing the gentle, nurturing side of life in the African Bush.
We have spent a couple of days following tracks of a male leopard but have been unable to locate him. While driving in the same area, we came across this male impala presenting the perfect side portrait. He was staring into the distance, alarm calling to warn his females and young lambs that have been born over the last few days to get back to safety. Just then, we noticed the male leopard in the distance – Nottins!
He was walking down the road, stopping from time to time to inspect any termite mounds as he knows warthogs could be returning from a day of grazing. He decided to rest on one – patiently waiting…
Driving along the eastern section of our reserve led to great excitement as we bumped into the large N’weti male as he was on a scent-marking mission, making sure his scent stayed prominent in his territory after the rains that might have washed it away. Male leopards must ensure their whole territory is covered in their scent to prevent other males from wandering into their territories unaware of the dominant male's presence. N’weti found a thicket where he started grooming himself and rested.
We successfully located the Golonyi female sheltering in a deep drainage line, where she was feeding on a duiker kill she had brought down. With most of the carcass already consumed, she began moving further east into our reserve. Along the way, she scent-marked and vocalised with her distinctive rasping call, asserting her presence and ensuring other leopards were aware of her presence in her territory. Over the past few months, this elusive female has roamed extensively, searching for the ideal area to claim as her own. Her increasing presence within our reserve suggests she has finally established this region as her territory.
While observing her, her mammary glands appeared to show signs of lactation. While we have yet to see her cubs or pinpoint her frequent movements, all indications suggest that she might indeed be nursing. We eagerly await confirmation, and until she decides to reveal her cubs, we can only hope and anticipate the moment she introduces them to us.
We heard the distant alarm calls of monkeys and decided to follow the direction they were focused on. Our efforts paid off when we discovered a female leopard in the midst of taking down an impala. We stayed with her for a while as she began feeding. Despite her attempts, the impala was too heavy for her to hoist into a tree. After feeding, she climbed a nearby tree and settled on a sturdy, horizontal branch, which provided the perfect platform for her to rest.
As she grows in size and stature, her transformation into a strikingly beautiful leopardess is evident. Her name, meaning "Peace", reflects her calm and composed demeanour - unless a meal is at stake, in which case her determination shines through. Settling into her new domain, Kurhula is a promising young leopardess, embodying her lineage's strength and grace while forging her path in the wild.
Hunting poses a significant challenge for sub-adult leopards such as the Mgiba female, but she is faring remarkably well. We observed this young female as she skilfully navigated through the small trees, attempting to stalk a herd of impalas. However, her inexperience ultimately worked against her, and after several unsuccessful attempts, she retreated to rest under the shade, conserving her energy for another opportunity later.
Searching high and low for leopards with the current heat, we were lucky enough to find this beautiful female as she came down a tree, with her focus on something in the thickets. As we followed, we quickly realised it was a newborn impala lamb, but the mother impala spotted the leopard before she could get within striking range and led her youngster to safety. This time of the year, with all the young impalas being born, is prime time for leopards as they benefit from easy meals. Unfortunately for the leopard, she was unlucky this time and she continued deeper into the thickets, looking for her next opportunity.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Devon Jansen, Franco Hey, JP van Rooyen, Ronald Mutero and Ruan Mey
