I spent most of the 2nd December in hospital, having been prodded, poked & needled as well as having scans. Unfortunately my results were not good & it looks like I am in big trouble!
We left Sabie Park on 3rd December & spent the night at our house in Pretoria. Then we were up early, driving south along the N1 to spend the night with Francois & Juantelle in Bloemfontein. On the way we saw several Little Swift & South African Swallow colonies. The latter species is one that I don't see very often, as I don't live or birdwatch within its summer breeding range. So I was delighted to obtain some photos.
A colony of South African Swallows.
The nests are very densely packed.
South African Swallow building its nest.
Great to see this species. it is common within its range,
but I am rarely in its range at the correct time of year.
We arrived at the Karoo National Park mid-afternoon & settled into our chalet, which was very nice.
The restcamp is set in beautiful surroundings.
We had a nice shaded verandah & enjoyed
great views over the veld.
The view from the chalet.
Red Hartebeest
Cape Mountain Zebra
Male Grey Rhebok
Female
Springbok is the most abundant large maamal
in this national park.
Some of the largest Leopard Tortoise were
common here.
Southern Masked Weaver were common
in the rest camp.
White-throated Canary
Bokmakerie
Dusky Sunbird
The 6th December was our only full day in the Park, so we were up early driving the Potlekkertjie Loop via the Doornhoek Picnic Site & returning via the Klipspringer Pass. It was a long but very good day.
A road less travelled.
Typical scenery in the park
Booted Eagle
Dark phase
Karoo Korhan
Short-toed Rock Thrush
Karoo Long-billed Lark
Karoo Chat
Trac-trac Chat
Grey-backed Cisticola
Rufous-eared Warbler
Delana at the Doornhoek Picnic Site.
Delana had some work to do, so I went on a drive around the Lammertjies Loop Road. Weather was very hot & birdlife was scarce, but I had a nice time.
