Alphabetical list

Finally I managed to photograph several species of weavers while in South Africa. This text is common to all them except the long-tailed widowbird and the grosbeak weaver. Encounters with the two species were so interesting, different from those with the other weavers, it had to be reflected in information in separate texts. These birds could be observed and photographed in such large number, because the number of their species and the abundance of individuals there in South Africa is shocking.

Thanks to our "camping" travel formula in Botswana, we were very close to nature. The best photos of the Southern Red-billed Hornbillwere taken one morning. As usual, we got up before sunrise, a quick, simple breakfast and the procedure of packing up the camp begins. At this time, all around us the environment wakes up and the sun rises. At first there is even a lack of light for photos, the morning fog interferes a bit, but it's a matter of a few minutes to be able to photograph in a while.

During our stay in South Africa three hornbills were photographed: the crowned hornbill, the southern yellow-billed hornbill and the trumpeter hornbill. This was my first contact with hornbills and I must admit quite successful. Although the birds were always a little too high and too far, but probably that is the case with hornbills which, in principle, prey in crowns of trees eating fruit.

It was my first encounter with a wolf. The wolf showed itself for several seconds to the left of the lookout. Our vigilance was dulled towards such a newcomer, because now and then there were herd of stray dogs similar in size. Dogs were coming to the carcass without hesitation and began the meal. The wolf was surprised by the movement of the lens, it stopped, heard the shutter button press, and then walked away. It stopped before hiding behind the hill, looked around posing well for the last shot, and disappeared.