Ndutu VIII - lions, sunrise, wildebeest, flying eagle

There are dik diks in the grounds of Ndutu Lodge as we make our way from he room this morning, but it is still silly o'clock and pitch black so no point in trying to take a photo.

Lions

It is still dark when we reach the lake and encounter the lions we saw mating last night. The lack of light really pushes my camera to the limit, but I figure grainy photos is better than no photos.

They get up and start walking, but soon disappear into the thick undergrowth, probably to mate.

We are hoping they'll come out from the bushes, as the female needs space to be able to roll around after copulation, in order to distribute the sperm. We hang around for a while.

Moon

The moon seems to be particularly bright this morning.

Sunrise

For a few minutes the colours are glorious, with a heavy dew hanging over the water.

That moment does not last long, although the mist lingers for a while longer.

More Marabou Storks

They make great foregrounds for sunrise photos.

We even get a couple of hot air balloons thrown in for good measure.

Bearded Woodpecker

It doesn't look like the lions are coming back out again, so we move off to try and find the 'maternity ward' and see if the midwife is on duty (ie a place where the wildebeest are ready to drop their babies).

Red Bishop

Augur Buzzard

From his lofty position atop a tree, he is busy doing his ablutions and morning exercises.

Wildebeest

Such fickle animals, they run along at speed, stop and then walk back the way they came.

While Malisa and David are busy looking our for pregnant mamas who may honour us with the spectacle of their birthing; I spend the time photographing the birds that make wildebeest their home, or at least their dining table.

Wattled Starlings

I love to watch them as they try to stay upright while the wildebeest is walking, often with very comical results. The birds, I mean, not Malisa and David.

Cattle Egret

Secretary Bird

Long Crested Eagle

Dark Chanting Goshawk

Yellow Necked Spurfowl

Singing his little heart out!

African Hoopoe

Pale Tawny Eagle

Dark Tawny Eagle

We hang around for ages waiting for this eagle to fly. Well worth the wait!

African Hoopoe

We see two more hoopoe on the road – it is a bird we rarely see, let alone in any great numbers, but this morning alone they have been around in double figures.

Augur Buzzard

It is time for us to stop for a picnic breakfast and me to finish this blog entry. Stay tuned for more.

This safari was arranged by Calabash Adventures, the best safari company by far!