First up, the answer to the bird challenge from a few days ago is Zitting Cisticola.
As James said it is a very nondescript bird and when it is not calling one can easily confuse it with a few similar looking species. This one had been collecting spider web as nesting material and it was fascinating to see its unique nest (post coming out on the nest next week).
Now onto what’s been happening this last week.
The Ntsevu pride have spent the last couple of days in the central parts of the reserve. Yesterday afternoon they were found resting near a waterhole and as the afternoon progressed a herd of buffalo came down to drink. They immediately sprung into action and chased the lead buffalo but it was a rather half-hearted attempt and in no time at all they were back at the waterhole and resting again.
The Styx Pride has been very interesting to follow over the last week as they are a pride that we have not had many sightings of in previous months. They have been seen on both sides of the Sand River on wildebeest and kudu kills and we are hoping to catch a sight of them actually crossing the river as it is quite full at the moment and would make for incredible viewing.
As for leopards, the Flat Rock male was seen early one morning patrolling a part of his territory in the north of the reserve. Interestingly, he has been seen quite a bit in the north which has led us to speculate whether all the competition in the south between the Senegal Bush, Inyathini, Maxim’s and Mawelawela males, all of which were viewed this last week, has seen him shifting his territory a bit further afield. The Finfoot female was also found this morning and she seems to be doing well with her newfound independence.
Enjoy this Week in Pictures…
A herd of buffalo approaching the waterhole grabbed this Ntsevu lionesss’ attention. Together with her sisters she made an attempt to hunt one but the herd were quick to react and group together for protection.
Exploring the north one morning I found the Xinzele female on a termite mound as the sun was rising and it made for a breathtaking silhouette.
A small female often found in NW Marthly. Similar spot pattern to her mother the Ingrid Dam Female.
A very special view of a Pearl Spotted Owlet out in the open in broad daylight.
One of the Birmingham Males sits still listening for any sounds in the night that may inspire him to move.
A herd of elephants stick close together as they walk down the road towards us.
The Xinzele Female stares at an advancing Hyena that was moving behind our vehicle.
A young impala ram stands attentively with rolling hills behind, accentuated by early morning mist.
The Finfoot female leopard watches us lazily while resting. She had been followed by a hyena to the edge of a thicket line where she settled to sleep. Having a very full belly, we suspect she had just finished a large meal.
An African fish eagle launches itself off a dead tree from where it had been perched with its partner. Fish eagles form monogamous pairs that establish territories – in this case along the banks of the Sand River close to the Londolozi camps.
Behind the scenes; Kevin Power and James Souchon photograph the Ntsevu pride on a golden afternoon.
A panoramic stitched image of a late afternoon scene in the south-western parts of Londolozi.
A Hamerkop stands patiently in the flowing water of the Sand River, waiting for small fish to jump upstream. By slowing the shutter of the camera down, the flowing water becomes a wonderful smooth pattern.
The Nkuwa Female at sunset. She has started to establish a territory in the north-western parts of the reserve.
One of the Ntsevu youngsters tries to muscle its way into a wildebeest kill that the pride had made.
A Cape Turtle Dove comes down to the water’s edge in the early evening to drink, completely oblivious to the lioness sitting on the bank next to her as seen in the reflection.
We were lucky to find these rhinos sleeping at the top of a rise in the road which gave us a great opportunity to get an eye-level view of them.
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Stunning pics James. Love the pearl spotted owlet, the lion and rhino.
Thanks Marinda
James, I loved all the photos, I saved Xinzele Female, Herd of Elphants, Pearl Spotted Owl, Ntsevu Lioness, Finfoot Female, African Fish Eagle, Kevin Power, Kevin Power & James Souchon, Nkuwa Female, to my pictures.
Great to hear, thanks Joan
TWIP always provides us with a plethora of images and this week’s array are no exception. It was nicely balanced. I noticed the addition of the Xinzele female- who is she? Have I missed something? Thank you James for continuing to bring Londolozi to us who can’t be there.
Hi Denise, She is the daughter of the Ingrid Dam Female and most likely the Anderson Male. Her territory is in the north western parts of the reserve around Ximpalapala Koppie. She was born in early-mid 2017
Aha, I was there in November 2018 and didn’t see her- only her mother in the same tree a couple of days. It was thought she had a cub somewhere….
Even by Londolozi standards there are some crackers there
The owl and the pussycat (the Xinzele leopard)
Sadly no pea green boat
Thanks Ian
Wonderful photos, thanks. Love the owlet, how lucky you were to see that. And the Xinzele female – haven’t seen that name before, tell us more!
Hi Suzanne, She is the daughter of the Ingrid Dam Female and most likely the Anderson Male. Her territory is in the north western parts of the reserve around Ximpalapala Koppie. She was born in early-mid 2017
Some really EXCELLENT shots, guys. Congratulations! I have taken an awful lot of them as Screensavers! Love the Pearl Spotted Owlet! Wendy M
Glad you are enjoying them Wendy!
James, another great week. My favorite was the Xinzele female in the rising sun
Hi Andrew and Daniel, thanks a lot!
That herd of elephants is not practicing social distancing. (Ha ha)
Haha… would be interesting to find them a mask that would fit as well!
I was glad to see Kevin Power is still in Londolozi. When I was there a year or so ago he and Tracker Ray made my visit ever so much more informative and enjoyable.
Another amazing week of photos. I love the diversity of subjects, content, lighting, and composition. Absolutely beautiful and inspiring! Thank you so much!
Always a pleasure Paul!
Excellent shots! Thanks for sharing!
It’s a pleasure Darlene, glad you enjoyed them
Wow! That pearl spotted owlet – just stunning!
Hi Michael, It really is!
Wow absolutely beautiful photos. Keep up the great work
Thanks Brian!
Incredible images, love the light!! That image of the fish eagles is spectacular!!
Thanks Callum
Great selection of photos James! Have you had any sightings of the Ingrid Dam Female recently? I haven’t seen anything on her in some time. Also, any idea as to what happened to the sixth member of the Styx Pride and if it is the youngest of the three younger lionesses born under the Birmingham Males that is the one missing (her mother was the lioness calling in the sighting with James T). Also (final question, promise) was wondering if you know the sex ratio of the Ntsevu youngsters? Thanks a bunch!
Hi Michael, We haven’t seen the Ingrid Dam Female for some time now.As for the Styx Pride we thought there were 6 in the beginning but I believe there are only 5. The Ntsevu Pride has about 5/6 young males in it.
thanks for sharing. loved sharing with the kids this morning.
Hi Andrew, it’s such a pleasure. glad you enjoyed it!
Great pix as always. First reference I have seen to the Xinzele leopard. Could you please provide some background?
Hi Al, hope you are well! She is the daughter of the Ingrid Dam Female and most likely the Anderson Male. Her territory is in the north western parts of the reserve around Ximpalapala Koppie. She was born in early-mid 2017
Thanks James. I was wondering if the Ingrid dam young female had been named. Take care.
Xinzele is spending time on Londolozi now? And I love Finfoot and Nkuwa!
James you’ve done a superb job with your selections of images this week. So many special ones! I’m envious that you are able to see this on a daily basis. Always something new and exciting. My thanks!
James! What fun you all are having with Londolozi all to yourselves! We are jealous of course! We loved see a few shots of the Xinzele Female and the Nkuwa Female. We will need to research their lineage for sure. The eye of the Finfoot is over-the-top and your shot of the elephants is mesmerizing. Thanks!