A morning in Southern Kruger

28 August 2022 - Ngwenya to Lower Sabi; Day 3

Normally we don't head into the Kruger on weekends, as it is much busier than during the week. So, we made sure we got to the Croc Bridge Gate well before opening time and even then we were 8th in the queue. We hadn't pre-booked a day pass, but as we were so early it was not an issue. By 6:20am we were in the park and drove slowly northward as the skies lightened - but it was a little gloomy and overcast this morning.

We had the usual plains game on the way up, but around 10km before Lower Sabi came across one of the big Buffalo herds and spent some time enjoying their antics. They appear docile, but don't let this outward appearance fool you - always give them some space. Again, I didnt fail to locate a single Yellow-billed Oxpecker in the herd - they are uncommon in the south, but I always seem to find one or two on Buffalo. There were also many Egret's following the herd - either on the ground, or hitching a lift

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus)

Just before Lower Sabi, a male Red-crested Korhaan was calling from the side of the road.

Red-crested Korhaan (Lophotis ruficrista)

We had a pit stop at Lower Sabi and then continued to Lower Sabi and made use of our new picnic basket to enjoy coffee and muffins whilst enjoying the wildlife around the dam. The Hippo's didnt provide much entertainment and the Crocs were all sleeping on the banks, but there were 3 returning waders foraging on the shoreline; Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

and Ruff

Ruff (Calidris pugnax)

Along with a Common Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

But also a pair of White-crowned Lapwing's which over the years have also started been seen more often in the south. Just look at the spurs on these birds!

White-crowned Lapwing (Vanellus albiceps)

Three-banded Plovers are almost resident at Sunset Dam

Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris)

After our coffee stop, we drove slowly back to Croc Bridge, this time taking the gravel road. It was great to see two Lappet-faced Vultures as the circled above and then cruised over us - like a pair of A380's

Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos)

A little further an immature Bateleur did the same

Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)

Back at Ngwenya, we made a light lunch and chilled for the day. In the late afternoon we had a leisurely walk around the grounds with African Fish Eagle overhead

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

Near the restaurant an African Jacana was foraging next to one of the many dams

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)

Whilst a Pied Wagtail did the same on the lawn outside one of the chalet's

African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)

Scarlet-chested Sunbirds are prevalent in the Lodge grounds

Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis)

I found another Red-faced Cistic along the entrance road

Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops)

As the sun lowered in the sky, Green Pigeon's returned to their roosts

African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus)

Green-capped Camaroptera's appeared

Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura)

and the White-browed Robin-Chats started calling with their incredible repertoire

White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini)

Again, I added a few more butterflies in the gardens; Brown Pansy

Brown Pansy (Junoni n. natalica)

False Wanderer

False Wanderer (Pseudacraea e. imitator)

Southern African Caper White

Southern African Caper White (Belenois c. severina)

Round-winged Orange-Tip

Southern Round-winged Orange Tip (Colotis e. omphale)

and a Velvet-spotted Babul Blue

Velvet-spotted Babul Blue (Azanus ubaldus)

You have to look a lot more carefully and closely to find dainty Damselflies. I managed two species today; Common Citril

Common Citril (Ceriagrion glabrum)

and a Variable Sprite doing Damselfly gymnastics. This species is a really good record for the area

Female Variable Sprite (Pseudagrion sjoestedti)

Male Variable Sprite (Pseudagrion sjoestedti)

And finally this Striped Skink, so a really good day in the Park and around the Lodge

Striped Skink (Mabuya s. punctatissima)