Jump to content

Recommended Posts

michael-ibk

So what was the special sighting here?

 

gallery_19319_1560_5110383.jpg

 

A Verreaux´s Eagle! At first it was soaring high up in the sky - which was enough to thrill me, this was one of the birds highest up my wishlist for this trip, and I had read that Augrabies is a place with a decent chance to see them. What I did not expect was the bird to come closer ...

 

gallery_19319_1560_4423052.jpg

 

... closer ...

 

gallery_19319_1560_10400934.jpg

 

... and closer! The Canon 100-400 is a push-pull lens, and when taking photos of birds in flight I fix it at 400. Which is a sensible thing to do most of the times - because normally you don´t expect a high-soaring eagle to get so close that it will no longer fit in the frame. :)

 

gallery_19319_1560_11112326.jpg

 

Well, this time, this was a bit of a mistake:

 

gallery_19319_1560_11157663.jpg

 

We watched the Eagle for almost 20 minutes. It soared high and low, circled around the gorge - probably on the look-out for Hyrax, its favourite prey, until it finally left.

 

gallery_19319_1560_3655233.jpg

 

Such a good performance for us - thank you, dear Eagle! :)

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Spectacular sequence ( #1 to 3) of the Verreaux Eagle in flight. I have the old version f the same lens but doubt very much getting similar results.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I rented today the new version of the same lens...boy, that's heavy. I loved it, but no way I can hand hold it.

 

Your eagle is beautiful....and looking at you all the time :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Alexander33

The quiver trees are iconic, Michael. I've never seen them, and that landscape is truly memorable. I had no idea that the trees bloom -- stupid me!

 

Kudos once again on the Verreaux's Eagle. Those are memories we live for, no?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

screentraveller

how can the rock hyrax become so fat? is there so much grass in the rocks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Heheh that "fat" little hyrax tilted a bit to the side as it lifted its hind leg - prob to scratch an itch.

 

wow to the eagle - look at those talons! boy, did he put on a show for you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Augrabies looks like a lovely place. Great pictures of the Falls and the Verreaux's eagle.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Many thanks, @@xyz99 , @@AKR1 , @@Alexander33 , @@Kitsafari and @@Zim Girl - the eagle definitely was a trip highlight for me.

 

 

 

how can the rock hyrax become so fat?

 

They went on a trip with Dantes. ;)

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

The Eastern part of Augrabies Falls NP is very rocky and arid - I really enjoyed the scenery.

gallery_19319_1560_5290064.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_11679869.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_14166591.jpg

We were not just here for landscapes - we were on a special mission this afternoon. This is the perfect habitat for one of my "wishlist mammals" for this trip, an antelope I had not seen so far. Dantes was confident we could find them, and we searched and searched and searched the rocks for ...

 

gallery_19319_1560_4909245.jpg

 

Klippspringers! :)

 

gallery_19319_1560_18275964.jpg

 

We surprised this pair when we went around a bend. At first we didn´t even see them, they blend in really well in this environment, and Dantes had to be patient to direct us to them. :)

 

gallery_19319_1560_3818959.jpg

 

I love the way they are standing, moving just on the tips of their hooves, a bit like Ballerinas. :)

 

gallery_19319_1560_1184739.jpg

 

They are strictly monogamous and when you see one you can count on the other being very close - they tend to stick very close together. When one is feeding the partner is on the lookout for predators, taking turns.

 

I think they have a very friendly face:

 

gallery_19319_1560_7421582.jpg

 

Actually their habit of moving away just a bit and then look back to evalaute the danger means trouble for them in some area - of course they are easily hunted that way. But because of their mostly inaccessible habitat that´s not a real problem, they are classified as "Least Concern".

 

After they delighted us with posing in the sun for a few short precious moments they soon retreated into the shadows.

 

gallery_19319_1560_236730.jpg

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Soon they turned up again on the next hill, and we spent some time admiring them from afar.

 

gallery_19319_1560_7681573.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_5202421.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_5688782.jpg

 

More landscapes:

 

gallery_19319_1560_9706044.jpg

 

Night fell - it really had been a most enjoyable first day here in Augrabies Falls. What an underrated park!

 

gallery_19319_1560_9204996.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_965873.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

We had a long drive planned for the next day, to explore the Western side of the park. But before breakfast we used one of the trails following the gorge. This 2 km trail takes one from the camp to Arrow Point and the Twin Falls and back.

gallery_19319_1560_5419448.jpg

A fairly easy walk, and many signs and arrows on stones lead the way - though good hiking boots are definitely recommended.

 

gallery_19319_1560_6109011.jpg

There was something sad about this Baboon, and when he stood up we could see what was amiss.

 

med_gallery_19319_1560_5259401.jpg

The poor animal had no hands! Snares? Genetic defect? Who knows ... Interestingly, the other members of the troop did accept him, we saw him grooming others with his stumps, always in a subordinate position. Apparently, Baboons do take care of their wounded, I can hardly imagine this one being able to fend for himself all on his own.

 

med_gallery_19319_1560_2001712.jpg

Arrow´s Point - here ends the trail.


gallery_19319_1560_5543518.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_3766552.jpg

Many Alpine Swifts are swishing around the sky here.

 

gallery_19319_1560_6136687.jpg

I enjoyed this walk so much that I would return here early next morning on my own before we would leave Augrabies.

 

gallery_19319_1560_1041646.jpg

Interestingly, the Twin Falls looked like this on the first walk ...


gallery_19319_1560_5590491.jpg

 

... and had proper falls the next day!

gallery_19319_1560_5654919.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Birds love camp areas, and Augrabies Falls is no exception. Lots of feathered beauties to be found.

 

gallery_19319_1560_13996593.jpg

 

Southern Masked Weaver (Female)

 

gallery_19319_1560_3072369.jpg

 

Karoo Prinia

 

gallery_19319_1560_2635212.jpg

 

Red-Eyed Dove

 

gallery_19319_1560_3829494.jpg

 

White-Backed Mousebird

 

med_gallery_19319_1560_4565066.jpg

 

Laughing Dove

 

gallery_19319_1560_2340146.jpg

 

African Red-Eyed Bulbul

 

gallery_19319_1560_199448.jpg

 

Pale-Winged Starling

 

gallery_19319_1560_4056520.jpg

 

Orange River White-Eye

 

Some smaller mammals also could be found:

 

gallery_19319_1560_2970892.jpg

 

Slender Mongoose

 

gallery_19319_1560_6566301.jpg

 

Yellow Mongoose

 

gallery_19319_1560_5194862.jpg

 

And just another Lizard pic I forgot to insert in the earlier post

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

The full park loop is quite a task - almost 90 kms. Very few people seem to go farther than Echo Corner, the whole Western part of the park is mostly unvisited. Not a single other car all day long - bliss!

gallery_19319_1560_14541312.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_106110.jpg

Three-Banded Plover

med_gallery_19319_1560_172816.jpg

White-Throated Canary

gallery_19319_1560_3032620.jpg

Namaqua Sandgrouse pair

Detect a pattern here? Yes, the Eastern part of the park did not produce any mammals, and we kept concentrating on birds. When I say we I mean mostly me. I left any pretense of being a member of the "IANAB"-club and just enjoying taking pics of birds (of course without being such a silly thing as a birder) when I thought it would be so much fun to see how many different lark species I could find and photograph. Dantes and me were most convinced we had found at least six different ones but now, sitting at the PC and despairing at the task of having to identify them, I do wonder if they were not all the same. :)

Sabota Lark? Fawn-Coloured Lark? Large-Billed Lark? Karoo Long-Billed Lark? Pink-Billed Lark? Spike-Heeled Lark? Take your pick. :)

gallery_19319_1560_2505598.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_2954973.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_1877250.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_2498984.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_3852095.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_6701715.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_3917886.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_929958.jpg

@@AndMic´s patience was growing thin, and so I did promise and also promise now, dear readers - "No more Larks!" :)

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wonderful Eagle, beautiful Klipspringer and amazing landscapes. You are also accumulating a large number of beautifully photographed birds! The Red-eyed Bulbul is a favourite - but who would have thought you would get so involved with Larks?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

gallery_19319_1560_18459722.jpg

 

The further West we got, the more mammals we found - and quite a diversity of them. Never in big numbers, and since they are not used to vehicles here most would flee as soon they would see us. Still, I never had expected to see so many different species in a park that has a reputation as a "scenic park" only.

 

gallery_19319_1560_4026858.jpg

 

Springbok - a foretaste of our Kgalagadi experience

 

gallery_19319_1560_7477202.jpg

 

A Cerberus Squirrel

 

gallery_19319_1560_4810784.jpg

 

Ok, just two Cape Ground Squirrels. :)

 

gallery_19319_1560_4440162.jpg

 

A road is intersecting the park, and this tunnel is going underneath, essentially cutting the park in two. Not many animals would probably pass through here. Rock Martins were using it for nesting. (I did say no more Larks, not no more birds. :))

 

More and more Quiver trees brightened up the landscape.

 

gallery_19319_1560_14350399.jpg

 

And of course each one had their own Dusky Sunbird.

 

gallery_19319_1560_3813882.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_3255809.jpg

 

Acacia Pied Barbet

 

med_gallery_19319_1560_16993816.jpg

 

The car we were using in the Cape and here in Augrabies - very spacious.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

A bit of landscapes:

 

gallery_19319_1560_1913740.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_3414810.jpg

 

And flowers:

 

gallery_19319_1560_1058176.jpg

 

But I did promise more mammals, so here they are:

 

gallery_19319_1560_8518298.jpg

 

Gemsbok. Several herds of them, none very approachable.

 

gallery_19319_1560_8222743.jpg

 

These Red Hartebeest were a bit more relaxed.

 

gallery_19319_1560_11631167.jpg

 

Greater Kudu

 

gallery_19319_1560_17357091.jpg

 

... running away. :)

 

We also saw some Eland. The only major herbivore occurring here we did not find was Common Duiker. What about predators? Leopards are around (but rarely seen), as is Caracal. We did see one very distant Black-Backed Jackal. No Lions, Cheetah, or Hyena here.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

gallery_19319_1560_10532369.jpg

This Giraffe was one of the few animals not minding us at all.

med_gallery_19319_1560_3693893.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_16373573.jpg

Steenbok

Our most sought-after animal here was the Hartmann´s Mountain Zebra, a "cousin" of the Cape Mountain Zebra. We did find them - but very far away and nervous. Which surprised Dantes, normally they are quite relaxed here according to him. Still, it was good to see them - another new species for us.

gallery_19319_1560_15134150.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_7088895.jpg

A Dassie Rat - another "lifer".

med_gallery_19319_1560_22137931.jpg

There´s a picnic site in the far West where we had a small lunch. The toilet here would have been a nightmare for anybody not too fond of Reptiles. :)

gallery_19319_1560_5234354.jpg

White-Browed Sparrow-Weaver

Our highlight of the day was a family of Bat-Eared Foxes. Of course they rapidly disappeared in the high grass but what a nice surprise! So far we had only seen them in Botswana, quite distantly, so this certainly qualified as our best ever Bat-Eared-Fox sighting. :)

gallery_19319_1560_5906365.jpg

gallery_19319_1560_8106147.jpg

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

We returned to camp at about 16:00 am. After a very quick rest, another walk to the falls and an early dinner we went on a night drive. This was not included in our itinerary, night drives are not allowed for visitors but parks are offering it. It´s very good value (a few hundred ZAR for almost three hours), like so many things in South Africa, and we were lucky enough to be the only participants. Besides the chance of seeing some nocturnal animals this was very enjoyable just for being in an open car again - something I did miss a bit on this trip.

 

And the drive was quite productive, we saw lots of Springhares, Cape and Scrub Hares ...

 

gallery_19319_1560_3319160.jpg

 

... Genets and an African Wild Cat.

 

gallery_19319_1560_6642357.jpg

 

And then there was this almost-sighting. Our guide asked "Oh, that´s a ... Did you see that?" "No, what?" "Oh, I just saw a Striped Polecat disappearing under that bush." Striped Polecat - better known as Zorilla. @@Tom Kellie would have had a heartattack for sure. :)

 

It´s always baffling when certain rules we all take for granted are no rules at all when you go to different parks. In Botswana you are told never to stand up in a car when in the presence of predators. In India it´s more like "Jump as high as you can in order to see the Tiger." (Exaggerating a bit but it can feel like that at a crowded sighting, and certainly nobody tells you to sit down.) And while everywhere I´ve done night drives it was "We never put the light on herbivores" here our guide (a very friendly guy btw) happily spotlighted all antelopes we encountered. And to my surprise that was a lot - Kudu, Duiker, Eland, Gemsbok, Giraffe, Hartebeest - lots of them. Where had they all been during the day here in the Eastern sector?

 

gallery_19319_1560_1223098.jpg

 

Which also gave us a better look at the Hartmann´s Mountain Zebra.

 

gallery_19319_1560_6335053.jpg

 

I particularly enjoyed seeing this Spotted Eagle-Owl.

 

gallery_19319_1560_811303.jpg

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

So that was Augrabies Falls. I really loved this place, the stunning scenery, the lack of visitors, the diversity of birds and mammals - a wonderful small (or not so small) park, and definitely so much more than just some waterfalls. I was really sorry not to have one day more - there are several trails one can do here, the "Ebony Trail" along the riparian vegetation (about 3 km) and the "Dassie Trail" (8,5 km round trail along the gorge mostly). I really would have enjoyed doing these two, but no time left. There´s also the Klippspringer Trail (36 km), but one needs to book this with the park, it´s not allowed to do this on your own. Two overnights have to be done on this route, in "rustic stone cabins".

 

On our way back to Upington we stopped at a very special shop - there´s no accounting for taste! :)

 

gallery_19319_1560_15293142.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_13802045.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_16477117.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_2495578.jpg

 

Thank you - it was (good so far)! :)

 

While Dante was taking care of some things for the Kgalagadi leg of our trip we were enjoying some wine tasting here:

 

gallery_19319_1560_1590707.jpg

 

med_gallery_19319_1560_2983209.jpg

 

med_gallery_19319_1560_12573722.jpg

 

gallery_19319_1560_8764106.jpg

 

Andreas celebrating my "No more Larks" promise. :)

 

Up next:

 

gallery_19319_1560_4613012.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Wonderful Eagle, beautiful Klipspringer and amazing landscapes. You are also accumulating a large number of beautifully photographed birds! The Red-eyed Bulbul is a favourite - but who would have thought you would get so involved with Larks?

 

Certainly not me, Tony - and thank you! :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Alexander33

Wow, I'm really taken with the landscape in Augrabies. The klipspringers on the red rock formations are just fantastic. Love the eagle owl. And bat-eared foxes! Everyone's getting great looks at bat-eared foxes, it seems. I really need to get back to Africa.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

SafariChick

@@michael-ibk Wow, loved your photos and description of Augrabies Falls! The scenery IS stunning - that walk was really beautiful! But as you say, great animal sightings too! The Verreaux Eagle was fantastic and I especially loved the combo of the klipspringers with the red rocks. Poor baboon, but glad to hear he seems to be accepted and taken care of - that is heartwarming. And I literally laughed out loud at your comment about the restroom and anyone who is not too fond of reptiles!

Edited by SafariChick
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@@michael-ibk and @@AndMic , you are bringing us beauties of South Africa with every new post and every new photo! We (me and Zvezda) are really enjoying the diversity of your photos. Hmmm, maybe I should check out how much is the airfare to Cape town :P ?! Is August a good time to explore the area??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great landscapes everywhere and I love that slender mongoose. It would be very interesting observing that baboon for a while and seeing how it gets on with things. Great report as usual Michael.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Amazing! Augrabies is just getting better and better and with probably some of the best Klipspringer pictures I have ever seen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Safaritalk uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using Safaritalk you agree to our use of cookies. If you wish to refuse the setting of cookies you can change settings on your browser to clear and block cookies. However, by doing so, Safaritalk may not work properly and you may not be able to access all areas. If you are happy to accept cookies and haven't adjusted browser settings to refuse cookies, Safaritalk will issue cookies when you log on to our site. Please also take a moment to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy: Terms of Use l Privacy Policy