Birds galore, Elephants in huge numbers, zebras “dazzling” the horizon, Impalas leaping through the air, lions roaring and the expanse of the land. All incorporate the feel of Kruger. The next few blogs will highlight my photography and hope to entice you into coming to South Africa with me in 2022.
Oxpeckers are usually found on the backs of large mammals such as giraffes, rhino, zebras, elephants and hippos. There are two different types: Yellow-billed & Red-billed, they both remove parasites but in different ways.
The Red-billed Oxpeckers has a slender, flattened bill used for “scissoring” parasite and grease formed from the hide of the animal. The Yellow-billed Oxpeckers has a stouter bill used to pluck the parasites off the hide. Both use their beaks to open wounds and scars from which they sip the blood. Not always a help to the animal it is doing it to.
The host also provides a platform for courtship displays and a ride to the final destination while getting cleaned up. It is a win-win situation.
Animal Behavior
One of my favorite things to watch is animal behavior and interactions with other animals. The photo on the left of the Heron & Nile Crocodile was so much fun to witness. Nothing happened to the Heron, but we watched that croc get closer and closer while the heron seemed unaware of the danger.
Africa Spoonbills hunt for food by touch. The Spoonbill will rhythmically sweep its slightly open bill from side to side, grabbing any prey felt between its mandibles.
Hippoptamus are usually found in lagoons, channels, rivers & floodplains. They are considered the most dangerous animal in Africa. They look to me like giant pigs. They can be found during the day in the water with only the tiny ears, eyes & nostrils protruding above the surface.
Dusk is when they typically trudge inland to feed. They prefer slow moving or still water. Due to the weight of their muscles, they cannot float, but rather walk along the bottom. They usually paddle to stay on the surface.
When they dive under the water, a hippo will press its ears flat against its head. They also take a deep breath and close their nostrils tight. They can stay under for up to 5-6 minutes.
Hippos are hairless except for the nose, ears & tail. The tough hide will ooze a pink fluid. This helps the animal keep its skin from drying out in the hot sun & protect it from the sun. Some people believe the hippo is bleeding. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings, especially any walkways leading to water.
Many more adventures through Kruger National Park to follow. I will have a whole series on Elephants, birds and so much more. Continue to follow and I hope you are enjoying all the photos. REMEMBER, any photo you see and would like to have on your office wall, home, give as a gift – I can do. Let me know and I can give you a price. I will be adding a store to this website very soon.
Awesome once again. You continue to amaze me. Hugs