The 1st of April saw a shift in the weather here in Mpumalanga. It was much cooler in the evenings, even though the days were generally sunny. The local African Wood Owls started calling close to the house.
On 3rd April we enjoyed a run through Kruger along the S3.
The next day saw the return of the first winter visitor, namely Red-capped Robin-Chat calling in the riparian forest.
On 6th we entered Kruger & drove south to Berg-en Dal Camp. We explored the camp, mainly in view of visiting with our new off-road caravan. On the way back home, we came across eight Wild Dogs, which were sleeping their meal off in the road.
The next two days were spent around the house. The only species of note were a pair of African Wood Owls calling at night. We tried spotlighting them out without success.
On 11th April we booked a night at Talamati Bushveld Camp. This was a new camp for both of us & so we set off with some excitement, driving along the S36 gravel road. The first species of note was an adult pale phase Booted Eagle circling overhead. This was a late record for this species, normally occurring in the summer months.
The camp itself was very quiet & peaceful. Our accommodation was dated but quite adequate. We enjoyed a nice walk around the camp finding An African Barred Owlet. However, as dusk started to fall we had an unexpected visitor: Large Spotted Genet! This animal was completely tame & used to taking scraps from visitors. During the night we heard an amazing five species of Owl calling: Giant Eagle Owl; Barn Owl; African Barred Owlet; African Scops Owl & Pearl Spotted Owl.
The next day was my birthday! 69 years old! We packed up early & hit the road, driving north towards Muzandzeni Picnic Site. Best birds were African Hawk Eagle & a late Levaillant's Cuckoo calling loudly.
We then drove south along the main road & enjoyed a nice lunch at The Selati Restaurant at Skukuza. The evening was spent having drinks on our deck back home. A very nice day.
The next few days were spent in Pretoria doing a .lot of odd jobs, chief among them was a consultation with my surgeon who is conducting my operation on 9th May. I am having around 30 cms of my colon removed, together with the primary tumour. Five nights in hospital then a gentle recovery period is required.
To be completed.
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