The new guest didn't join us mid morning as originally thought, but arrived in time for brunch. George is Chinese, lives in Shanghai but studied in the US and speaks excellent English - I'm sure we'll all get on fine.
Whilst Ian had a couple of hours rest, after I'd downloaded and double backed-up this morning's photos (not sure why I bother really, I never take anything exceptional), I headed for the hide in front of our small waterhole. There is electric fencing on the camp side of the gully to deter elephants and then a walled walkway which being uneven stone path is quite difficult to walk on quietly. If animals spot you entering the hide they remain nervous and on high alert hence the height of the walls.
Daniel had told us the tale of one disobedient photographer who having not gone out on the afternoon game drive decided he'd visit the hide after dark - against the rules and completely stupid as the camp is not totally fenced and you can't even walk from your tent to the communal area without an escort. At that time there was a door leading to the lower hide and, when he opened the door, he came face to face with a snarling leopard. Apparently he just slammed the door and ran for all his worth!
It was fairly quiet and firstly just a lone female Impala, who was very nervous. Unfortunately the view of the waterhole is partially obscured by a bush and boulders.
Having let one of his harem establish there was no danger around, a male Impala then showed up.
And allowed a few of his lady friends to drink.
Followed by this beautiful Kudu with 3 full twists on his horns and therefore fully mature.
And before long he too was off - maybe a contender for my AofA Book ?
I just love this photo, it sums up perfectly my abilities as a bird photographer!
On a nearby bush were a few Red Billed Quelea, part of a larger flock which are nigh on impossible to photograph as they move en masse, like a murmuration, barely stopping for a second to drink the water.
Then suddenly the waterhole was empty.
Next to visit was a lone giraffe and TBH I'm surprised that its appearance caused the others to flee, but it would seem so.
And you can totally understand their reticence to drink, having to contort themselves into such a low position makes them so very vulnerable.
It was quite amusing as he/she knew I was there - by hearing/smell or just sense, I don't really know - but couldn't quite see me, hence the quizzical expressions.
The giraffe was quickly finished, which left me with just a couple of birds.
Yellow Fronted Canary
Cinnamon Breasted Bunting
And to finish a couple of obliging dragon/damsel flies - or possibly the same one twice, although I do think they are slightly different colours, so maybe m. and f.
OK that's my downtime taken care of, time now for a quick cup of tea and a piece of cake before our next game drive.