Africa - Through the Eyes of Carlos Lopes

Africa

Through the Eyes of Carlos Lopes

Spotted Eagle Owl

The Spotted Eagle Owl is grey, common, has ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. The other big boys have orange eyes (Cape Eagle Owl) and black eyes (Giant Eagle Owl.) No way one can confuse them. This one was seen at Sabi Sabi, on the ground of all places. And why not? This fella is the most adaptable of all owls. Not fussy where it nests, what it eats, and where it eats it. In fact, it also catches prey whichever way, often "running" after the prey on the ground. A true survivor, and hence the most adaptable. I know that these birds can easily become aggressive when they become used to the human presence around them - in fact, one way of telling is the fact that they stay on the ground and don't fly away. Approach it and it will strike out. Yeah, they do attack and it is normal to hear reports of dogs on leashes being walked by their owners being swooped by an angry Spotted. The best about this bird, however, is that it can be very deceptive to locate by sound. Try this: Perched above your head and it calls as if far away from you.

Kudu

This magnificent specimen came out of nowhere and stopped short of my vehicle. I had no time to take a second photo as it turned back in leaps and bounds with its trophies low down touching the upper body. Only then did I notice the other three younger male companions. Most amazing animal indeed. It reminds me of the one female that approached me and licked my hand when I offered it. Obviously an habituated animal in the Krugersdorp Reserve, one of the many surrounding the Johannesburg area.

Longtailed Widow

Always wondered why this bird got this name. It must have been a widower for a longtime because it was going crazy demonstrating to a whole lot of females in the area. Poor bloke... It must not be easy to carry that longtail around, so it bounds its flight in bursts. This was taken at the entrance to the Kromdraai reserve, where I went to drop my rescued aurora snake, aptly named "Aurora." The juvenile of this bird looks like the female (a drab beige/brown) except for the red epaulettes.

Crocodile Feast

Crocodiles are the third biggest killers of humans in Africa, generally, after the Hippo. The mosquito is the first. The larger specimen, normally older individuals are not easily seen, taking to water at the sighting of humans. Probably to approach if we're near the water. This is because they will attack a human opportunistically. This time, a hippo washed up dead near a convulsive part of the river Sabie, and the big ones came out. The feast was awesome to observe, with pairs taking turns at the carcass. One lone lion was about 5 meters from the scene, patiently waiting its turn.