Visitors 11
Modified 17-Sep-23
Created 15-Sep-23
78 photos
On this morning drive, we encounter monkeys, zebra, elephants, waterbuck, and a lone jackal crossing a dry river valley. Birds: Bateleur eagle, vultures, stork, foraging lapwing, and colorful bee-eater. The waterbuck form a tight group, observing us with interest but no fear, the splendid-hornéd male backed up by 4 females. Pausing to watch a colony of mongooses, we experience a menagerie: baboon, warthog, impala, and dove. A dazzling Nata Spurfowl shows its plumage; dazzling Helmeted Guinefowl pass by.
[We also encounter a patrol of Matabele Ants, as they approach, surround, and pillage a colony of termites. In an orderly column, they then transport bundles of termites back to their nest, along with fallen comrades. See a nearby gallery for photos.]
Dazzle: Many animals and birds wear camouflage: prey, predators, or both, they find it prudent to be inconspicuous. Zebras are a well-known exception, with their dazzling black and white stripes. Two birds seen today also carry patterns in stark black and white. What is the benefit of this? [It seems that one benefit of the zebra’s stripes is to discourage biting flies from landing. I wonder if the new mottled zebra pattern we saw works as well?]
[We also encounter a patrol of Matabele Ants, as they approach, surround, and pillage a colony of termites. In an orderly column, they then transport bundles of termites back to their nest, along with fallen comrades. See a nearby gallery for photos.]
Dazzle: Many animals and birds wear camouflage: prey, predators, or both, they find it prudent to be inconspicuous. Zebras are a well-known exception, with their dazzling black and white stripes. Two birds seen today also carry patterns in stark black and white. What is the benefit of this? [It seems that one benefit of the zebra’s stripes is to discourage biting flies from landing. I wonder if the new mottled zebra pattern we saw works as well?]
Dan Quinn