Article Preview; New Nikkor 70-200mm F4 for Macro Photography

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Post and photos by Denni Raubenheimer

       

Its been quite the busy week and I have been unable to write my intended article on Nikon’s great new 70-200mm lens, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:4G ED, for use in macro and semi-macro photography. What I am able to do is post this pseudo-preview. The lens boosts top-end optical performance, record-breaking vibration reduction and small minimum focus distance. Here follow two samples taken with the lens on a Nikon D800, though only one of these fall into macro classification. 

African Honey-Bee, Taken with Nikon D800 and AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:4G ED, F/6.3, 1/2000s, ISO-900. 

 

Lesser bushbaby (Lesser galagos), Taken with Nikon D800 and AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:4G ED, F/4, 1/60s, ISO-6400.

Fearie Glen Nature Reserve, Pretoria – A Morning’s Photography and General Info

Black-shouldered Kite. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/2500s, F/7.1, ISO-400.

Article and Photographs by Denni Raubenheimer.

   Click on image to view larger version.

        Last week I was fortunate to have an early weekday morning open to do some wildlife photography. I had planned to visit Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve for a mix of photography and bird-watching. However, with economic crunches and an income that fluctuates from month-to-month I decided to rather opt for Fearie Glen Nature Reserve, which is much closer to our home. My disappointment at not being able to visit Roodeplaat would luckily be replaced by thankfulness.

        I reckon that as I got my gear ready the night prior to going I started leaning towards focusing on photography, in stead of combining it with a bird atlas list at the reserve. After all, together with my wife I had already made multiple bird atlas lists at the reserve, but never before gone solely for bird photography. I knew a good spot in the reserve for morning photography of nest-building weavers. Here, two less common species (for Pretoria) actively breed and nest during spring and summer, with nest-building starting in late winter. 

Female Southern Masked-Weaver. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/800s, F/5.6, ISO-250.

Click on image to view larger version. 

        So I found myself at the reserve at roughly 07h00 and slowly started towards the weaver colony before the sun had started to peek over the Bronberg range. Nevertheless, with the Nikon D800’s great low-light performance I kept my eyes and fingers ready for any nice photo-ops. About a hundred metres from the colony there is a cluster of reeds right next to the trail where Southern Red Bishops are always active during early summer. Here I got one decent photo of a common Southern Masked-Weaver female in very early sunlight. Even though bird-photography on-foot is arguably not ideal, the birds in the reserve are relatively trusting of people walking by – especially where trails pass closely by natural bird hotspots. 
        When I reached the weaver nests I didn’t spent time looking for the best spot, but went with memory and settled in a spot close to newly weaved nests that were desirably located. I noticed the birds were slightly agitated by my presence, so I got out a very high-tech piece of camouflage - a brownish-yellow table cloth. Deciding to give the birds time to accept my presence, I waited and checked my settings, making initial adjustments to exposure after some test shots. The first species that I noticed and which gave me some nice displays was the Cape Weaver – which has a lot of attitude. After the first territorial displays at a nest, the other weavers started to ignore me and thinking (on some instinctual level) of preserving good chances of procreating. It turned out that two Cape Weavers had nests within good photo-range and –angle and these two were constantly in battle through song and display. After some time one or two Village Weavers also mounted the stage. These seemed to have started their nests later than the larger Cape Weavers and were not only bullied by the latter, but sometimes robbed of weaving material. During all the above I was often at a loss to decide between settings for flight and others more suited for perched birds. Both these extremes, and some in-between, produced nice photos, though I obviously missed many shots. 

Male Cape Weaver. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/3200s, F/5.6, ISO-720.

Click on image to view larger version.

Village Weaver, male. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/3200s, F/6.3, ISO-900.

Click on image to view larger version. 

        At about 08h30, shortly before the light started to get slightly harsh, I was electrified with excitement as a Black-shouldered Kite (probably the resident kite that I had seen many times prior) flew in behind the weaver’s willow trees and landed a short stone’s throw away from me. It seemed to not have noticed me and was initially slightly hidden behind a willow. Wearing the table-cloth as a hood/cape slowly and trying to keep my posture more like that of a four-legged creature I slowly moved towards the raptor (luckily no-one was about to see all of this!). As I neared it was looking away from me and just before getting out from behind the last small tree that lay between us I made my final adjustments to settings – expecting it to take flight once it had seen me. It was probably only one or two seconds after having my focus points on it that it jumped into flight – my heart speeding elatedly as I clicked away. Its flight path had been quite desirable and I quickly looked at my play-back, and smiled.

Black-shouldered Kite just after having taken flight. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/2500s, F/7.1, ISO-400.

Click on image to view larger version. 

        I stayed close to the spot where I had photographed the kite, focusing on other weaver nests. There were a few nice opportunities at the new nests and then the Kite came back – choosing roughly the same perch! I missed it coming in and the perched and second take-off photos all came out with too many undesirable elements (mainly twigs and branches being inconsiderate :P). Nevertheless, I might have found a favourite perch and will be aiming for the spot when I can go again.

        All-in-all, for all the bird-watching that I have done at Fearie Glen, the reserve surprised me with its photographic potential. If you look for the seasonal hotspots, are willing to put some effort into optimizing your chances at good photos and are mindful not to take your camera gear into remote sections of the reserve where mugging might be a potential occurrence, then this popular municipal reserve can be a great patch for bird photography.

Male Village Weaver in flight. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/3200s, F/6.3, ISO-1250.

Click on image to view larger version.

General Info:

         For those of you who are not familiar with Fearie Glen Nature Reserve here is some basic info. As its name suggests this Pretoria municipal nature reserve lies in the suburb of Fearie Glen. It is spread along a section of the Moreleta River and includes portions of the Bronberg range of quartzitic hills. The reserve covers and area of 128 ha and has an extensive network of hiking trails. It can be regarded as reasonably safe. Criminal elements have from time-to-time been flushed out of the reserve by police, and at most times a good number of hikers are about. I would however not recommend that women hike through the remote portions of the reserve alone and neither would I recommend taking valuables into these sections if you are not part of a group. Nevertheless, over the past few years the reserve has probably been safer than most undeveloped places in Pretoria. Entrance to the reserve is dirt cheap (R5 per adult at the time of writing) and there is a large guarded parking area at the reserve entrance. At the entrance/office there are toilets and a drinks-and-snacks vending machine. Dogs on leashes are allowed inside the reserve (watch your step – Pretoria residents tend not to remove their dogs’ landmines from parks and trails), but apart from these the only facilities are the hiking trails, benches and a wooden platform along the river that is wrongly called a bird-hide. Gate times are from 6AM to 6PM. The amount of visitors that the reserve gets on a daily basis is a witness to its natural beauty that stands in the midst of our capital city’s eastern suburbs.

Wildlife:

        Fearie Glen Nature Reserve probably has most to offer bird watchers in terms of wildlife. It has a nice variety of typical resident species which is augmented through the seasons by nomadic and migratory species. Some of the common species in the reserve that I am quite found of are Red-throated Wryneck, Rock Martin, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Red-headed Finch, Cape Grassbird and African Black Duck. Look out for Giant Kingfisher and Black-shouldered Kite. In summer a host of weavers and allied species put on their summer displays, including White-winged and Red-collared widowbirds, Thick-billed Weaver and Southern Red Bishops. Smaller seedeaters abound – Yellow-fronted, Streaky-headed, and Black-throated canaries, Common Waxbill, Jameson’s Firefinch (uncommon) and Cut-throat Finch to name a few. When up on the hills keep your eyes open for Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (nomadic), Striped Pipit, Dark-capped Yellow-Warbler (summer), Amur Falcon (summer) and Fairy Flycatcher (winter). Other species that might be encountered in the reserve are Common Scimitarbill (uncommon), Spotted Eagle-Owl (not uncommon), Verreaux’s Eagle (uncommon), Brown-backed Honeybird and Lesser Honeyguide (common).  

       The reserve's once-abundant larger mammals, or rather small game, have at times suffered poaching, nevertheless interesting species persist under the radar. Rock hyrax are common on the highest hills, Vleirats occur in along the river, Bushpig have been encountered and Small spotted genet, Porcupine and Hedgehog are present, to name a few. I believe that Caracal are present in the reserve, as they are often seen on the nearby and quite developed CSIR kopje. Plans are currently in place to re-introduce some small game into the reserve. This will hopefully make the reserve’s ecosystem more balanced.  

Cape Weaver male displaying near its new nests. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/2000s, F/5.6, ISO-500. 

 Click on photo to view larger version.

ROODEPLAAT DAM NATURE RESERVE, PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

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Article by Denni Raubenheimer; photos by Denni and Yolande Raubenheimer.

White-winged Tern. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII.

Click on photo to view larger version.

        Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is a very nice reserve for those staying in Pretoria. It is close enough for short visits from anywhere in Pretoria, it is very affordable to visit, it offers a variety of possible activities and decent facilities, plus when you’re there you feel like you are (and are) away from the city. For those staying further away from the reserve, it is most worth visiting from a bird watching perspective, but still worth visiting for bird photographers and those that wish for a day-visit to a reserve where you can explore on foot. Although the reserve can be interpreted as having three sections, the true nature reserve is the southern section of the three.

        This article focuses on the southern section, where game, such as large antelope, is managed, and from which angling is not allowed. Hereafter, where referring to the reserve, it should be interpreted as referring to the southern section.

General info:

        The reserve lies along the southern shore of the Roodeplaat Dam and was proclaimed in 1977¹. The reserve covers an area of roughly 795 ha and is dominated by open acacia woodland, although portions of broad-leaved woodland do occur. A variety of antelope are common in the reserve. Jackals abound and small predators like Caracal and genet (possibly both Large-spotted and Small-spotted) are present. Due to an absence of dangerous game, hiking is allowed. A marked hiking trail of 7 km circles through the south-western portion of the reserve. The network of paved and gravel roads also make the reserve attractive to mountain bikers (which are allowed). Facilities include a well-planned picnic- and braai area, four bird-hides and ablutions at all the afore-mentioned, large conference facilities and self-catering accommodation ranging from chalets to a guest house which can accommodate up to 8 people. A large portion of the road network is paved and gravel roads can take you into the more remote portions of the reserve. Of the four hides, three are easily accessed by sedan vehicle. Only one of the hides is not situated on the banks of the dam and is thus productive not only for bird-watching, but also for game (when water is present). Entrance fee into the reserve is only R10 per adult and R10 per vehicle. Gate times are from 06h00 to 18h00.

        Directions: From Pretoria CBD get on N1-north and take Zambezi offramp. Turn right in Zambezi and keep straight. After crossing the intersection between the R513 (Zambezi) and the R573 keep straight for roughly 5 km and turn left on tarred road. After a further 3.7 km turn left on gravel road leading to reserve entrance.

Bird watching:

        Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve boast an impressive array of bird species. Over 250 species have been identified in the reserve and data from the South African Bird Atlas Project 2 suggests that the true number is possibly nearer to 300 than 250. This speculation of mine is based on the 9 by 8 km atlas grid in which the reserve occurs. More than 240 minimum two-hour atlas lists and a handful of shorter lists have been compiled for this grid over the past six years – and the total amount of species identified in the grid is 300! To have a look at the bird atlas project’s species list for the grid go to: http://sabap2.adu.org.za/summary_pentad.php?pentad=2535_2820. Personally, I have identified more than 120 bird species in the reserve after roughly 35 visits, not all of which included focused bird watching. I also have to add that if I had been a more experienced birder, this total would be higher.

        Bird watching at Roodeplaat can be rewarding throughout the year, but early summer is by far best. The reserve is quite good for raptors and waterbirds. African Fish-Eagles are resident and African Harrier-Hawk and European Honey-Buzzard (summer) are not uncommon. Noteworthy waterbirds to look out for are Great Crested Grebe, Goliath (uncommon), Purple (common), and Black (common at eastern-most hide) herons, Great and Yellow-billed (uncommon) egrets and White-winged Tern. In summer it seems that migrant bird species find Roodeplaat an attractive foraging/breeding grounds. Cuckoos and swallows are well represented. Atlas data suggests that at least eight cuckoo species visit the reserve in summer. Kingfishers are also well represented: Pied, Giant, Malachite, Brown-headed, Striped (inferred from atlas data), Half-collared (likewise inferred), Woodland  and Grey-headed. That’s 8 out of ten SA species, and chances are that the migratory African Pygmy-Kingfisher has just been unnoticed by atlasers.

        Also worth mentioning for bird-watchers making day-lists, or atlas-lists, is the bridge that lies north-east from the turn-off to the reserve on the main road leading past the reserve entrance. A day-list can always be augmented by birdwatching from the bridge (do not stop your vehicle on the bridge-section of the road).

Squacco Heron. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/2000s, F/7.1, ISO-640.

Seekoeigat hide. Click on photo to view larger version.

Photography:

        I would not say that Roodeplaat has as much to offer the wildlife photographer as the relatively nearby Rietvlei Nature Reserve, but for bird photographers it is well worth visiting and a given day at Roodeplaat might turn out more productive than another at Rietvlei. However, the four hides combined with the fact that you are allowed to leave your vehicle make Roodeplaat a very attractive affordable bird photography destination for those in and around Pretoria.

        In the light of my experience, I prefer spending time at the Seekoeigat hide . There is often a steady flow of White-breasted Cormorants flying past the hide as it looks out at a heronry (if that’s the right word) where cormorants and Sacred Ibis breed. Cormorants aren’t the only birds often flying by – various waterbirds fly-by and if you keep you’re eyes open interesting species will pass within photo-range. Action photos are not the only possibilities, with swimming species often close to the hide and shoreline- and trees abutting the hide on opposite sides. 

White-breasted Cormorant. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/2500s, F/7.1.

Seekoeigat hide. Click on photo to view larger version.

        The second-best photo-hide in my opinion is the eastern-most hide (which sedan vehicles can reach with due caution). To reach this hide turn in towards the office buildings and follow the gravel road past these, keeping more-or-less straight for about 1 km. Interesting species are often present around this hide (though often teasingly distant) like Black and Purple heron, Little Egret, African Jacana, Black Crake and Giant-, Pied- and Malachite kingfishers to name a few. Photographers from time-to-time put up perches close to this hide with either morning, or afternoon light in mind. These are often utilized by Pied Kingfisher and White-throated Swallow (summer). I’m sure a few lucky photographers have gotten very nice Malachite photos on these. Finally, opportunities to photograph game are not uncommon at this hide.

        The other two hides can also be good and I always try and quickly stop at the hide on the paved loop-road that lies away from the dam, which is productive for thirsty mammals, especially near sunset.   

        Photography from one’s vehicle can also be productive. The antelope species in the reserve can be quite confiding and the large number of Black-backed Jackal can offer nice photo opportunities. Furthermore, keep cameras ready near sunset and sunrise (at certain times of the year entry- and exit- times overlap with dawn and dusk) as you never know whether a caracal, or some similar night-time predator, might be encountered. 

Baby Banded mongoose. Olympus E-620. 1/640s, F/5.6.

 Click on photo to view larger version.

Final thoughts:

        Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve will continue to draw me and my wife back for more visits. Cameras will go along and binoculars too. We might sometimes leave the cameras when visiting the reserve with friends – probably then doing some hiking and spending time at the picnic area. When the need grabs me to get out and do some serious bird-watching, Roodeplaat is usually one of the options in my mind.

        I would strongly recommend visiting Roodeplaat Nature Reserve to any nature lover in and around Pretoria that has never been there before. 

Pied Kingfisher. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/2000s, F/7.1.

Seekoeigat hide. Click on photo to view larger version.

*** Due to an external hard drive presently not functioning I was unable to post a wider spectrum of photographs. I will be updating this post with mammal photos and pictures of some of the hides.

References:
1)  Roodeplaat Nature Reserve - An Unofficial Guide. www.roodeplaat-reserve.co.za.
I also liberally used the general information brochure for the reserve, which was produced by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment.  

Peregrin Falcon Delight at Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Article and photographs by Denni Raubenheimer

          Yolande and I have recommitted ourselves to posting on a regular basis on our blogs. I have a few articles in the back of my mind, but a recent visit to Rietvlei Nature Reserve (Gauteng, South Africa) has provided me with a good subject for a quick post to start the wheel into motion again.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve has given me and my wife many rewarding hours of bird watching, game viewing and wildlife photography. Recently, we have been visiting the reserve primarily for photography and when you visit a decent patch again and again you are sure to encounter great photographic opportunities.

          On the visit of interest we were a party of three photographers with two cameras and one baby to juggle (when she is older Yolande and I will be able to shoot simultaneously again:)). It was nearing late afternoon when, after having briefly stopped at Otter bridge (which is quite a productive spot for waterbirds), we headed up the road towards the reserve restaurant. At the crossing nearest to Otter bridge I spotted a raptor in a dead Bluegum tree. It was relatively high up, but it didn't look like a common species for the reserve – at least for winter months. I snapped an ID photo and re-positioned the vehicle so that the sun was roughly behind us and that my father-in-law would also be able to photograph the bird through his window. Luckily, baby was sleeping and Yolande was feeling patient :). I only realized later that it was a Peregrin Falcon – a species that I did not expect in the grassland dominated reserve. After re-positioning the car, I immediately started hoping to catch it taking flight. I was encouraged that the raptor was facing towards us and that it was facing into the wind – this meant that if it took flight its flight path would probably be roughly towards us. The waiting then began.

          I choose my camera settings for the hoped-for flight. Because the falcon was quite distant for my fixed 420 mm focal length I didn’t want my shutter speed (and thus ISO-) too high, as I would be cropping the photos. A 1/2000 s and a F7.1 (at which the D800 still has 9 cross phase detect focus points active) gave me acceptable ISOs with ISO on AUTO and using manual mode. I also wanted multiple (but not all) focus points activated in combo with Continuous Auto Focus for when the falcon would be flying. 

Peregrin Falcon testing the wind. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/1600s, F/7.1, ISO-560.

Click on images to view larger versions.

          Then the nagging question came up – what about nice portrait-type photos while the bird was still perched? The chosen settings would not give optimal photos of this type, and I didn’t even know if the raptor would take flight in the time frame I had available to wait. I made minor adjustments that would produce better perched-photos, but not too great changes to not be able to quickly switch back. So I dialled the shutter speed down to 1/1600 (only one notch as I didn’t have firm support for the camera) and changed to a single activated focus point, still keeping the camera on C-AF. At least that’s how I remember it, but then the falcon gave a pre-flight wing stretch/flap, as if to test the wind and (I’m sure I did then make some sort of adjustment) then it jumped into flight. Luckily, I was then aiming through my view-finder and shooting away, frantically trying to keep the raptor in the centre of my frame.

In the end I’m very satisfied with how the three posted photos came out. Most of the other photos were sufficiently sharp, but didn’t have all the elements, like bodily position etc., just right. The metadata shows that I had not switched the SS back to 1/2000 s and also not the focus points to 21 activated points, but nevertheless the in-flight photos came out nicely for me – the wing tips just not being frozen on 1/1600 s. 

Peregrin Falcon taking flight. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/1600s, F/7.1, ISO-500.

Peregrin Falcon in flight. Nikon D800, Nikkor 300mm F/4D, TC-14EII. 1/1600s, F/7.1, ISO-500.

          After identifying the raptor I was quite interested to see how often the species has been reported in recent atlas lists for Rietvlei Nature Reserve. I found this info on the Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2's website (sabap2.adu.org.za). With the grid sizes used for this atlas project the reserve covers the majority of a certain grid. It is then a fair assumption that most of the lists were made inside the reserve. For all of roughly 400 minimum two-hour bird atlas lists that were made for the grid over the past 6 or so years, the species has only been listed 6 times (and that by enthusiastic bird identifiers). What this means for me is that I was blessed with a very rare photo opportunity for where I found myself and with the Peregrin being the fastest flying bird in the world (up to about 400 km/hour at maximum speed!) I am very chuffed with having caught this species nicely in flight :)

 

Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre + Raptor-friendly Rodent-control.

Article and photographs by Denni Raubenheimer

This Verreaux's Eagle is one of the Centre's many feathered residents.

The Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre is located just outside of Dullstroom and had its beginnings in 1999. Initially focused on educating the public on raptors and their conservation, the Centre gradually developed its capacity for rehabilitating birds and is today recognised as a rehabilitation centre by Mpumalanga’s Nature Conservation body. The Centre is equipped with a more than capable hospital and manages to successfully rehabilitate and release about 30% of the damaged birds that get brought to the centre. Furthermore, offspring of survivors that cannot be released are released into the wild if the situation allows it.

Mark Holder, one of the owners of the Centre, was kind enough to answer some questions regarding the centre and bird-friendly rodent control methods.

Mark, what do most of the birds that get brought to the Centre suffer from?
Most of the birds that come in are orphans, victims of car collisions, or poison, were hooked up on barbed wire, or are bigger birds that collided with over head cables.

What are the most common sources of poisoning that you deal with at the centre?
Owls poisoned by people putting out rat poison. This occurs when an owl eats a poisoned rat.

Rat poison is a widely used means of controlling mice and rat populations around homes etc.. What birds and wildlife are rodenticides likely to harm? Is any group of raptors particularly vulnerable to rodenticides?
Predominantly owls.

Are all rodenticides harmful to birds that sometimes prey on poisoned rodents?
“All” poisons are harmful, “bird-friendly” poisons just take longer if the owl persists on feeding on the poisoned rodents.

What would you suggest as a means of controlling rodent populations around homes etc.?
Electric Rat Zapper, rat traps and owl boxes (to encourage owls to come and live in your vicinity).

How can the public contribute to the Centre’s success?
They can visit us and then send their family and friends. They can adopt a bird. If they don’t want to do any of the above they can simply donate money :)

Owls are more common in urban environments than most would think. This Spotted Eagle-Owl was photographed just outside of Scheerpoort, near the Gauteng-Northwest border.

When I visited the Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre roughly two months ago I was impressed with the large aviaries and thoroughly enjoyed the educational demonstration. In these demonstrations, birds that were made dependant on humans by uninformed members of public are kept fit in the process of giving an aerial show to the attending visitors. I was also impressed by much of the Centre’s philosophy. For instance, they put an emphasis on first making sure that a bird is fit before releasing it – a procedure that a study proved capable of making the difference between survival and death.

This Peregrin Falcon became dependant on human care and is a permanant resident at the centre. Members of the public should never raise rescued, or found, birds of prey, as prolonged human interaction, especially with juvenile birds, can render raptors unable to survive in the wild.

Regarding rat poisons: Though owl boxes and rat traps are by far more raptor-friendly means of controlling rodents, there are people that insist on using rat poison. Such people would do good in rather using raptor-friendly rodenticides, such as Racumin, that have a very much smaller chance of killing owls and raptors feeding on poisoned rats.

It is encouraging that establishments like the Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre save a large number of birds that would otherwise have died due to human influence. May the Centre and all other such establishments be prospered.

Shakati Private Game Reserve

 Article by Denni Raubenheimer
 Photos by Yolande van Niekerk & Denni Raubenheimer

Nestled in the Waterberg Plateau lies the little known Shakati Private Nature Reserve. Adorned with plants and trees typical of the Waterberg biome, Shakati’s 700 ha of semi-wilderness is home to an array of mammals, birds and reptiles. Within three hours drive from Pretoria, Shakati is ideal for couples, families and larger groups wishing for relaxation and quality time mixed with the African Bush.

Shakati's largest residents are its Giraffes. When visiting keep an eye out for Red-billed Oxpeckers servicing Shakati's herbivores.

Biodiversity:

Visitors to Shakati would do well to book themselves on a game drive to fully experience the faunal diversity of the Reserve. Whether your preference is mammals, birds, or reptiles - Shakati has plenty. Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Nyala, Common Reedbuck, Impala, Zebra and Wildebeest represent the bulk of the large herbivores. Mammalian carnivores include Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, various Mongoose species, Genets, African Civet, Caracal and Leopard, though the likelihood of seeing the latter two is slim. Day and night drives are good for Black-backed Jackal, night drives are good for South African Lesser Bushbaby, Springhare and Bat-eared Fox. 

If names such as African Hawk-Eagle and African Pygmy-Kingfisher make your ears prick, then the Reserve could easily entertain you for more than a weekend. Over 220 species of birds have been recorded on Shakati, which is not surprising as it contains prospering indigenous woodland and is largely bordered by the Moloko River. During a visit one is likely to encounter Fork-tailed Drongo, Black-headed Oriole, African Paradise Flycatcher, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Namaqua Dove, Emereld-spotted Wood-Dove, Kingfishers (Pied, Brown-hooded, Striped and Woodland) Woodpeckers (e.g. Bennets, Cardinal and Golden-tailed), Bee-eaters (e.g. White-throated and Little), Groundscraper Thrush, Violet-backed Starling, White-crested Helmet-Shrike and many more. “Special” species, requiring a bit more luck, are Goliath-, African Pygmy-, and Malachite Kingfishers, Common Scimitarbill, Red-crested Korhaan, African Hawk-Eagle (a pair annually breeds in an large Boekenhout near the entrance gate), Barn Owl and Spotted Eagle-Owl to name a few.

Though Pied Kingfishers are most common along the Mokolo River, they sometimes inspect the main waterhole.

Shakati is also rich in reptiles of various types. Nile Monitor, Veld Monitor, Tree Agama, Rock Agama and Leopard Tortoise might all be seen by luck, or a sharp eye. Finally, for those with appreciation for snakes, there is no shortage – Cobras, Puff Adders and Black Mambas representing some of the residents that that should be well respected..

Accommodation:

Visitors to Shakati have the privilege to make themselves home in one of three chalets. Each chalet can comfortably accommodate six adults and contains a kitchen, a single bathroom, an outdoor shower, a porch and an outdoor braai. The chalets are all situated within a camp of roughly 100×70 m dimensions and are widely separated to ensure privacy. The camp’s garden has a distinct Bushveld-feel. It is largely covered with green lawns, which are interspersed with trees, and even has rocky portions that blend well with the surrounding bush. The camp also contains a large communal braai area, a communal kitchen and -lounge and a swimming pool.

Facilities and Activities:

Apart from general relaxation visitors can entertain themselves by hiking, bird watching, exploring the Mokolo River on foot (enquire for keys from reserve manager), or by taking a day- or night game drive with the friendly reserve manager. A waterhole with adjacent hide is within easy walking distance from the camp and is frequented by the whole variety of Shakati’s antelope, as well as numerous bird species.

Tree Agamas, or "Bloukopkoggelmanders", are possibly Shakati's most colourful common reptile.

Personal Experience:

When I think of visiting Shakati, much beauty and many possibilities are stirred-up in my mind. Possibilities of seeing bird species I have not seen before, of maybe catching a glimpse of the deadly Black Mamba, or possibly coming across the resident African Rock Python. Of photographing an African Paradise Flycatcher at its nest, Woodpeckers in the camp, or an Owl during a night drive. Sure as rain I’m reminded of the sweet and earthy smell of the Waterberg Plateau’s bush, and of the abundance of Nile Monitors around the Moloko River. I think of the snorting of Wildebeest and Zebra, of the somewhat elusive Rooihartebeest and their hides – a very similar red as many of the sandstone formations in Shakati. I daydream of the place and wish I was there – amongst the hundreds of bird species, the huge Eland and other antelope, the profusion of wildlife - big and small, seen and unseen, heard and silent.

My first sightings of the beautiful African Pygmy-Kingfisher was at Shakati's main waterhole. This is also where this photo was taken.

Contact Details:

For more information on Shakati Private Game Reserve, or to make a booking, visit http://www.shakati.co.za/, or contact Gideon at 082 410 1808. Otherwise, e-mail your queries to reservations@shakati.co.za.

Kruger National Park: Interview with Kruger Field Guide

Article by Denni Raubenheimer
Photos by Yolande van Niekerk

The Kruger National Park is arguably the most prolific non-private nature reserve 
in South Africa for encountering the fabled Big 5, such as the Lion.

Margaux Mathey-Le Roux is a registered free-lance Field Guide that often leads open vehicle safaris through the World renowned Kruger National Park. She has been conducting tours for over 3 years and has a deep love for the Park and its wildlife. I am happy that she has obliged us in answering a series of question about her experience of the Kruger. 

Margaux, please tell us why you got into the nature-tourism industry?

It’s actually quite strange- ever since I was a little girl my parents would always take us into wild and remote wilderness areas for holidays, be it Kruger, the Kalahari or Mapelane (Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park.) My dad, being a passionate nature lover, traveller and adventurer would always try to expose us to various bush experiences, and so the seed was sown.

It was however much later in life that I decided to take up field guiding as a career, as this was the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for people and nature, showing the general public how wonderfully everything in the natural World has been assembled and how everything is interconnected and interdependent, and that we are responsible for maintaining this vulnerable balance.

I did my fist Field Guiding course in 2003, but I soon decided to get a proper university qualification, and decided to study Eco-tourism Management at Tshwane University of Technology. I did the 3 years Diploma course, and went on to do my B-Tech (Post grad studies), and I plan on doing my M-Tech in the near future.
In a few words how would you describe your experience of the Kruger as a safari guide?

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Kruger, and even though I can travel the same road a million times things are constantly changing, and just when you think you’ve seen it all nature always ends up surprising you. I love the unexpected thrill of it all!

It seems a general opinion that game- and tourist densities in the Kruger are highest in the southern portions of the Park. Has this been your experience?

I have to agree with this statement. Animal densities tend to be higher in the Southern parts, where the various ecotypes and vegetation types allow various plant species to flourish- giving rise to a greater mammal species diversity.

Access to the Southern Parts are also fairly easy, with major gates being found in close proximity to the N4 highway, and to easily accessible towns such as White River and Hazyview, so its natural for most tourists to make use of these access points in the South. Unfortunately during peak tourist seasons the roads can become quite congested, and the animals in general move away to find some peace and quite.

Between the southern, middle and northern portions of the Kruger, which do you prefer and why?

I prefer the North. It’s more remote, and although animal numbers tend to be a bit lower than in other parts of the Park, all of the Big 5 can be found in the area. It’s also a brilliant place for bird watching, and the scenery is magnificent. It just feels ‘wilder”, as a day can go by without seeing any other tourist- something that never happens in the South of the Park.
If you had to choose three favourite Kruger camps, excluding the more expensive private camps, which would they be and why?

Punda Maria: It’s far, remote and very hot, and very few people are willing to trek to this area, as this is not known to be an ideal area for Big 5 spotting. On the contrary, all of your Big 5 can be seen here, but I love the place for it lacks the mass influx of tourists who are only there to find the hairy scary animals. Punda is also known for its bird diversity, and any true birder would miss out if they have never been to this area of the Kruger. A true wilderness experience!

For some tourists the abundance and diversity of birds in the Kruger 
are its main attraction. Various birds, such as the Saddle-billed Stork, 
have their South African stronghold in the Kruger. 

Serenhi Bush Camp: This is a private bush camp, and it can be seen as being a little more expensive, but I think it’s worth every penny. It’s remote location and the small number of people that it can accommodate makes this an ideal camp if you want to get away from the masses. I’ve seen amazing things in this area- a leopard chasing buffalo, cheetahs and more seldom seen animals such as tsessebe and roan antelope. I might go so far as to say this is my favourite camp in the whole of Kruger.

Lower Sabie: For the average person who can only stay for a couple of nights, I can recommend Lower Sabie. This is a much more commercial camp than the others I mentioned, but its location on the banks of the Sabie River makes it an ideal place to do game viewing from. A drive next to the river is bound to deliver hordes of elephants, and further north one has a good opportunity to see cheetahs on the open plains. I like the camp for its diversity.

Apart from the Big 5, Cheetah and Wild Dog, what Kruger animals do you particularly enjoy encountering?

Well yes, after the African Wild Dog, I would have to say that my all time favourite animal is the Dwarf Mongoose! They are so curious, and if you were to switch your vehicle’s engine off they would actually come out of the bush in most cases and inspect your vehicle- very brave and often overlooked little creatures!

The Dwarf Mongoose is truly an inquisitive and brave member of the Kruger mammals.

As a guide and as someone staying close to the Kruger you’ve probably witnessed some amazing happenings in the Park. Please share one or two with us.

This is quite a tricky question!

I think one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had was when I was fortunate enough to stumble into a group five black rhinos whilst I was out doing a morning drive. For anybody who knows a little about these animals will know its not only endangered and scarce to find, but to see five together all at once was absolutely amazing and very rare. I was the only vehicle with them, and I urged my guests to keep as quite as possible, because these animals in particular have quite a notorious reputation for charging without provocation. We sat and watched them for several minutes, and then something extraordinary happened: two of them started to mate! This was a very rare and sacred moment- one that I doubt I will ever experience again in my lifetime.

Another moment that will always stay with me happened in 2007, during my first week of working as a guide. At that time I worked at one of the 5 star private lodges, and I was living on-site in the Kruger Park. In the middle of the afternoon I was asked to assist some of the housekeepers with preparing a room for the new arriving guests. I heard an alarm call of some of the resident bushbuck as I walked to the furthest suite, but I thought nothing of it, as it was hot and I thought that no predator would be active during this time of the day. I had managed to get to the door, when all of a sudden I saw three bushbuck dashing past us, followed in close pursuit by a rather ‘odd looking baboon’. It happened so quickly, yet it took my brain several seconds to register that this was not a baboon, but a leopard whom had just run past us and killed one of the bushbuck, less than 15 meters from where we were standing. What made the moment even more memorable is that we were standing in an unfenced area, and for the first time I was taught a very important lesson: always respect nature and the warnings she gives, and be ready to expect the unexpected!
Would you say visiting the Kruger on a regular basis has had an emotional or spiritual impact on your life? If so, please elaborate.

For sure it’s had both an emotional and spiritual impact on my life. Unfortunately there are days when the guests just want to chase after the Big 5, and in the process one loses a bit of the magic of the natural environment, but some days you are fortunate enough to come across like-minded souls who are keen to sit quietly and absorb the beauties of the wilderness. It’s in these quite moments that one can become so absorbed in the splendour and grandeur of it all and you cannot go without acknowledging the Awesomeness of our Creator.
If any readers were planning a visit to the Kruger National Park and wished to go on a guided vehicle safari, how could they contact you? And where do you meet-up with your tourists?

They could either email me at margauxmat@mweb.co.za, or they could phone me on 072 146 2716. I don’t have set safari rates, as I ensure each Safari experience is tailor-made to suit the group’s requirements, and I will then discuss all of these details with the party involved.

I do pick-ups at most hotels and lodges in the areas surrounding Southern Kruger, and it can even be arranged that I meet people inside the Kruger itself in the rest camps like Skukuza and Pretoriuskop.

Many people have a deeply emotional and even spiritual experience 

of places of such natural beauty as is found in the Kruger National Park. 

Much thanks to Margaux Mathey-Le Roux for the time and effort she took which made this article possible.