Some humid days and an occasional unexpected chill in the air herald the onset of the rains. Our resident wildlife at Pamuzinda Safari Lodge seems to be gathering itself in preparation.

The Birdlife

On the river the Fish Eagles have young. The four commonly seen Kingfisher species – Malachite, Pied, Grey Headed and Giant – can be seen flitting noisily through the bankside vegetation. Higher up on dead boughs the Broad Billed Rollers are busy proclaiming their territories.

Monitor Lizards on the riverside banks are actively foraging for their next meal. Numerous species of Dragonflies on the wing provide a kaleidoscope of colour. To the untrained eye, the dragonflies look either blue or red. However, a closer look reveals that each colour contains several markedly different species.

Flowers & Butterflies

It is a little early for the wealth of Wild Flowers that we can expect once the rains arrive. This shortfall is compensated for by several Butterfly species preparing to breed so their emerging caterpillars can feast on the various food plants that will be making their appearance in the next few weeks. Alongside them, one or two spectacular Wasp species are busily gathering mud to make their nests.

Mammals

On the mammal front our giraffes are doing exceptionally well and there are several substantial family groups to be seen making the most of what remains of the dry season foliage and biding their time for the vegetal bonanza that will emerge in the next few weeks.

Our plains game is also thriving with the Lodge lawns proving an irresistible attraction to impressive numbers of Impala, Wildebeest and Zebra together with the more occasional Kudu or Eland.

Warthogs will soon be in their element and family groups with a number of sub-adult young are a common sight

Thanks for reading and see you at the next installment of my Riverside Rambles! – Brian Petit