Wildcast - African bush adventures live-blogged to a screen near you

Well I can’t have big WOW’s every day, and after yesterday, today was somewhat calmer. I didn’t actually get to shoot anything. (This video is from a couple of days ago when the elephants came to drink at Simbiri dam.) There was no activity at the hyaena and the wild dogs were all there. Pups underground and adults barking as normal with my approach. They really have got me puzzled in how to deal with them. Yesterday an eland cow had to be destroyed as she was suspected of having rabies. (Her head has been sent away to be tested.) I went to check on the carcass today and nothing had fed on her. No hyaenas and no vultures. So I’m rushing right now to get out the office to spend the night at the carcass hoping hyaenas will have a party tonight. I spent midday working on my vehicle. A couple of punctures and the normal service. Then in the golden hour I was back out driving along the Chiredzi river where I encountered this bull. He wasn’t sure of me but as soon as I turned to drive off he charged but stopped in his tracks when I turned back towards him. These guys are always  so funny and such humour. Whereas this big dude didn’t give me the time of day. He was quite happy destroying his Acacia. I’m rushing out now and hoping for some cool hyaena action tonight! adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, eland, elephant, elephants, endangered species, experience, experience adventure, film, filmmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hyaenas, hyena, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, rabies, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zebra, zimbabwe

WOW! WOW! WOW! What an evening. I was on Banyini in the late afternoon hoping the elephants would come to drink. I moved to the east and listened. Yes they were somewhere in there in that thick mopanie. Moving back onto Banyini I got set up waiting for them to come out the woodlands. I was amazed at the amount of sound of all the bushes breaking. It was a lot louder than usual. Just before the sun set the light was absolutely stunning and I was just hoping the elephants would pop out. But no such luck. And a lovely sunset too that the elephants were also missing. But then they came and they came. And now I realised why there was so much crashing of bushes. Probably nearly 140 elephants came out onto Banyini. I have never seen so many together here. It was absolutely stunning as they came out in single file. But as the pressure mounted they came out in their droves. It’s stunning enough to see so many elephants, but when you see them from the ground, where I was sitting filming, the experience increases ten-fold and is truly AWESOME! They passed by me less than 20m on both sides as they headed on to drink. Even as I type this I still feel blown away by the experience and feel so hugely privileged! Earlier today my luck was not that good. There was nobody home at the hyaena den. With no joy there I headed west hoping to pick up on one of my spotted friends somewhere out there. And indeed I did. This same dude I’d filmed yesterday. He was just cruising around on his own. And when I switched off the vehicle he just had to come and investigate. He was even keen to lick my lens. I left him resting and headed up into the hills. I got my normal reception, a number of barks. But when I checked out the wild dog den I found a pup wedged in the entrance. Yes wedged! I moved in to a couple of meters and it didn’t budge. (These guys sure are getting too big for their den.) Not wanting to cause too much disturbance, I left him for a couple of hours waiting at Manyuchi pan. Impala and zebra came in to drink and a lone duiker. Back to the wild dog den I was happy to see the pup had got itself unstuck and was in the den. Lets hope they move den soon. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, buffalo, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, elephant, elephants, endangered species, experience, experience adventure, film, filmmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hyaenas, hyena, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

This morning the hyaena den produced a new hyaena but no sign of the others. This youngster, about 18months old strolled up to the back of my car and proceeded to chew on it. Not on the rubber tyres but on the metal handle! They sure love eating cars. Wanting to get some better photos of the youngster I got out the car. He ran off but was immediately back to investigate. Instinct told him to run but he just couldn’t resist coming to check me out. He would come up close, scare himself, run off and then come right back again. This went on for about half an hour. Eventually we both got bored of each other and he moved off. He was walking away in the dense mopanie when I suddenly saw he take off like lightening. What could be chasing him, a lion? No, it was a mother warthog with her 2 little piglets. And so the game started. The hyaena would saunter back towards the warthog and the mother would chase him off. This must have gone on at least 20 minutes. I could only just see glimpses through the mopanie and was frustrated as it was pointless me even trying to film anything. When the hyaena finally gave up on the warthogs, I left. Walking up to the wild dog den, crunching every leaf I could find, I got there with no sign of the adults or pups. I was standing close to the den when the adults suddenly barked. They must have smelt me. It was then only that I saw the pups. They were on top of the den and came careering round the front only to find me a few meters away. It didn’t stop them as they bolted underground. But 2 of them battled to squeeze through the hole. It’s actually quite worrying ‘cos the pups are quite big now and getting in and out the den is a problem. And even more of a problem getting out. I just hope they don’t get stuck in there. No doubt they’ll soon move again. At least I got to see the little guys. They seemed well. I wasn’t able to get a head count but there seemed to be enough of them. With both those bases covered, wild dogs and hyaenas, I went drifting around the reserve for a few hours before heading back to camp to work on my vehicle. It’s been taking quite a bashing and I haven’t worked on it for ages. It’s probably going to keep me busy a few days yet. Banyini was pretty active this afternoon with lots of plains game scattered around. And then at sunset I took my chance on the elephants. There was a small family herd drinking at Simbiri dam. This time I caught them just as the sun set. Still not the best time but at least I was able to film something!

The hyaena den at dawn was surprisingly quiet. Usually the arrival of my vehicle gets the inquisitive little guys out to see what’s arrived. But there was no sign of them and I wonder if they haven’t moved den. Shortly a big mommy arrives and calls in the den entrance, a low growl. She’s calling her cubs to come and suckle. But her cubs are tiny and right now probably sound asleep. Call as she may she gets no response. And to make it worse she can’t go in there to wake them. The den is too small and specially so designed to keep out predators. So she decides to wait it out, but the sun soon gets too much and she leaves to find shade. I left the den too and less than a kilometre away was at the wild dog den. They’re still there. The adults shouted their abuses at me, and the pups were growling and hassling each other underground. I haven’t seen them now for about a week and no doubt they’ve grown somewhat. I’m really at a loss as to how to work with the dogs at the moment. I know sitting there I’ll just be putting added pressure on them and anyway wouldn’t get any footage. So I’ll have to wait till they move again. This will probably be when the pups are big enough not to be den bound any more, which could easily be in the next couple of weeks. It was back to the hyaena den at dusk and mom arrived just as the sun was setting. Again she called and again her cubs slept on! No doubt hunger will wake them as night falls. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, clouds scenic, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, film, filmmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hyaenas, hyena, malilangwe, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I took to the skies again this morning. Utter bliss! This big herd of buffalo had just drunk at Bandama pan. I was sort of flying looking for the elephants, which were in much the same place I found them yesterday morning. But I was also just flying for the pleasure. For the rest of the day I was with the elephant herds feeding in the dense mopanie scrub. Not a fun area to drive around in. But the elephant enjoyed it, stripping bark all day. In late afternoon the herds were headed for Banyini pan. It was perfect. The light was great and they would no doubt head across the open area in single-file, some 40 elephants. I was set up and ready for the spectacle. I waited and waited and waited. Then I realised I’d been had. The herds had done a u-turn and were headed for Simbiri dam. They really aren’t following orders. And like yesterday the herds only arrived after sunset. Too dark to film. But a couple of young bulls arrived just on time with the last light. When the light on the ground had disappeared I turned to the last glow of the day to film Marabou Storks silhouetted against the golden skies. adventure, africa, african, african birds, animal, animal kingdom, animals, bird, birding, birding african birds, birds, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, elephant, elephants, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, fly, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, malilangwe, marabou stork, mashable, microlight, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, ornithology, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, stork, ultralight, video, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I haven’t flown for a while and what a pleasure it was this morning. It was pretty chilly up there but that too meant it was lovely and stable. Just the best flying conditions. I picked up the elephants first thing to the south of the hills. Mission accomplished I went flying for pleasure. Over Malilangwe dam where the trees stood like skeletons held up in the water. Then my favourite, flying down the Chiredzi River. There weren’t many animals to see down that way but the sandy riverbed is awash with animal tracks. Further down a herd of buffalo were drinking but unfortunately the sound of this huge bird disturbed them. This morning I went all the way down to the Runde River. I haven’t flown down there before. The river is incredibly wide, nearly 500m, and sandy with a narrow winding watercourse. I flew low level down the river my wheels barely off the sands. What an exhilarating experience! With my feet back on the ground I picked up the elephant herds feeding in the mopanie south west of Ganyani. Mandlovu was there with her family and Chipfongwe sure is growing, already his little tusks are showing. He’s now 22months old. Several families were together feeding in the mopanie, about 30 elephants in total. The bull Tuchem was there too. I haven’t seen him for ages, but he hadn’t forgotten me and for the rest of the day would repeatedly come right up to the car touching it gently. When I was filming these little guys playing I suddenly felt the car move and turned around to find Tuchem at the back giving me a little nudge. Although I haven’t worked with the elephants for several months, it was like I had left them yesterday. Well except that Chip had grown, but the herds were totally accepting of my presence feeding all around the car. Really just so cool to be around these amazing animals again. Towards sunset they were headed to Simbiri dam, a stunning location in the rocks. I raced ahead of them and got set up at the dam. The light was perfect and I was in the perfect spot, but no elephants. They really hadn’t read the script today. Just as I was putting my camera away as the light had faded and was now too dark to film, the elephants came in in single file to drink! (They just don’t get it, do they?!) adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, buffalo, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, elephant, elephants, experience, experience adventure, film, filmaker, flickr, fly, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, malilangwe, mashable, microlight, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, teach, ultralight, video, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I checked up on the dogs today. I can only presume they’re all fine as they didn’t venture out the den but I could see them right down in there. Also the parents weren’t around to bark at my arrival. No doubt off hunting in the late afternoon. A slight cause for concern were the 7 members of the Nduna pride hanging out at Manyuchi pan. This is not too far from the wild dog den. The pups will be fine so long as they don’t venture too far from the den as they were prone to do from the previous den. Also I haven’t seen lion up in this area for a couple of years, which explained my ease at walking to the den in the dark. Now I’m going to have to rethink that strategy! I haven’t seen these lions for ages and presume these are the youngsters that I last saw when they were 3 months old. Their quiet time was disturbed when a troop of baboons came sauntering down to drink at Manyuchi pan. Until they saw the lions. Their barks became incessant and no doubt irritating to the lions. But they were far too lazy to do anything about it. In the morning I was again on my travels around the property looking for the elephant herds. There was quite a lot of activity south of Nduna but no sign of the huge beasts. I think I’ll fly in the morning and see where these huge grey monsters are hiding out. There was a fair amount of activity at Bandama pan. A young elephant bull arrived to drink. He was joined by a herd of zebra and a lone wildebeest, which proceeded to roll in the dust. And when the impala came to join in the elephant saw them off. And so the cooler weather continues and the winds that are characteristic of August have already started their big blow during the days, but calm at night. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, baboon, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, cubs, documentary, ecotraining, education, elephant, elephants, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, lion, lions, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, pan, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

A new find! To the north of Manyuchi I found a new hyaena den! When I was there at dawn I was greeted by these two little guys. They were just curious to see this strange beast and hung around for ages watching me. Then lying in the den entrance was a female suckling her youngster/s. Her cub/s are really small and I only briefly saw the head of a tiny little black cub. Not more than a week old and hardly mobile. Mom will suckle these youngsters for ages lying right in the hole. Only when they’re a little more mobile will she suckle them out the den. I left mom still holed up and headed west to the Chiredzi River. I had decided I’d drive the whole length of the river today. Near the upper end on the far bank I saw these lions. A lioness and some about one year old cubs. Other than that the river was fairly quiet. I then headed back east to Chiloveka dam where there was considerable bird activity. 5 Black Storks together was a rare find, but they didn’t hang around for me. Several Black-headed Herons were feeding on the shores while a Spoonbill frantically swept the waters as it hunted small aquatic life. And a crocodile lay motionless, as good as being dead, on the sandbank. I headed back north in the late afternoon to Banyini where a troop of baboons had come to drink and take advantage for the green flush that the pan continued to provide, as long as it had water.

I left the dogs in peace again today and went in search for those mating lions. I was convinced they’d still be on Banyini open area, as they tend to hang around there when mating. There was no sign of them just when it would have been perfect to have them in the mist that hung over Banyini this morning for ages. Even then there were only a few impala to film in the mist. In the afternoon I tried adventuring down to the Chiredzi River. But the cold weather and cloud cover wasn’t proving good for anybody to be out where I wanted them. It was only at sunset that I realised I hadn’t shot any video or any photos. I’d seen quite a variety of animals through the day, giraffe, impala, zebra, warthog, elephant, wildebeest, but hadn’t bothered to take any photos believing the light would get better later. So frantically at sunset out came both cameras at Banyini pan where I videoed the Egyptian Geese diving for tubers and tried to get hugely creative with a couple of photos of the sunset. Not doing very well, am I? Tomorrow afternoon I hope to go and check on the wild dogs again. It’ll be just my luck that they’ve moved! Which of course would probably be good IF I can find the new den. adventure, africa, african, african birds, animal, animal kingdom, animals, bird, birding, birding african birds, birds, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, clouds scenic, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, egyptian geese, elephant, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, lion, lions, malilangwe, mating, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, ornithology, pamushana, pan, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I felt like I’d been let loose today. After having spent the last few weeks intently watching a wild dog den based in one spot on one rock all day, I was now free to roam the reserve. I drove all over checking out all my favourite spots and waterholes. Seeing which ones still had water, where the elephant activity was, how the bush was drying up and just generally getting a feel for the area again. My morning was fairly quiet as a strong wind picked up, no doubt bringing a cold front with it. In the afternoon I was on Banyini where it was all happening. Although in the morning it was all quiet. An impala herd were chilling in some shade although it was hardly weather for shade. I was looking for the sun today. A few old dagga boys (buffalo bulls) had just been wallowing in the pan and were on their way out. The wildebeest were taking time out from their hectic morning of grazing. West of the pan I picked up the trio, Sjambok, his brother and Magwaza. And strangely enough, well not really, Sjambok and Magwaza were mating. Manyari wasn’t with them. No doubt she’d gone off hunting knowing that this activity (or rather non-activity) would carry on for days. While sitting with them this White Rhino cow came by with a tiny tiny calf. It was so small the lions couldn’t even see it in the long grass, luckily. Actually so small it could easily be mistaken as a warthog. This little guy was so cute walking in front of mom as she directed him from behind with her horn. (see video clip in time to come) She drank at the pan and they were off again. I stayed with those ‘overly-energetic’ lions until sunset and called it a day. A good day feeling I was able to spread my wings again. adventure, africa

Not a photo or even any video, did I shoot today. (The hornbill video I shot a few days ago on Banyini) I didn’t even get to see the pups. They didn’t come out all day. The adults came by several times, barked at me and left. I decided I’m going to give them a break from my incessant presence. This new den makes it that much harder for them to get to the pups with me there and I think I’m putting unnecessary pressure on them. But also I think the adults might be hunting at night at the moment with the moon being almost full. This is fairly common with wild dogs. If this is the case then they’re feeding the pups at night and there’s no reason for them to come out in the day. So then I really would be wasting my time.

It really wasn’t much of a day for me or the pups I suppose. It started with carting all my equipment to the new den. A good 15minutes walk up the mountain, which I had to do several times to get all my gear there. That was my workout for the day. I spent my morning freezing on my very uncomfortable rock until the sun eventually reached me around 9am. For the rest of the day I sat on my rock waiting. I could hear the pups in the den but didn’t see them all day. The adults came round a couple of times, barked at me and left. The sun had set and the light at it’s limit. As I packed up. Mom arrived and called. The pups were frantic to get to her as her calls became more and more intense. Eventually they appeared but then couldn’t get to her. They didn’t know their way around the new den with all its cracks and crevices. Mom was just there but how to get to her? Eventually they found a way round. By now there just wasn’t enough light to film and I packed it in. And not even a photo did I shoot today! adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, dog, ecotraining, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I got to film the pups leaving the den when mom called them and that was it for the day. They never came back. Eventually after waiting a couple of hours I went in search of them. 3hours later I found them in the hills about a kilometre and a half to the east! Yes they’ve got a new den. And just when you think it can’t be worse than the last one, it is! Terrible for filming. And they seem to be sharing it with some Dassies. I can’t think the dassies will be too impressed. I had to let them be and was able to get down to Banyini before sunset just in time to find One-tusk and her family drinking at the pan. The tiny calf in the herd was having fun testing his little trunk in the water. Well actually it looked like that trunk had a mind of it’s own. The little guy sure didn’t have it under control. In her usual fashion, when the herd left the pan One-tusk had to come and say hello. I was ready for her this time and had my wild angle lens on the camera. But again she came to push on my door and I had to push and then slap her on the forehead to stop. Only when I slapped her did she move back and seemed hurt that I had the audacity to slap her. I need to teach her to have more respect for my car!

Well the sort of good news is the pups are beginning to ignore this thing sitting on a rock watching them all day. As I moved around doing my thing they carried on playing, every now and then watching me but not dashing off underground. Mom and dad of course continue to be wary of me. Understandably. After feeding them early this morning the pups went on a walkabout with the adults to the east. This time they were gone for ages. Again I was convinced they had moved on to a new den. Again I was proved wrong and the little guys soon scattered back home when mom barked at me. And so the slow process of habituating them continues. And I think with some success.

It was another of those quiet-ish days at the den. I’m still working without my hide and still the adults came in to feed the pups calling them to the back of the den. They both came in at different times probably having made different kills. At least the pups were able to stock those rounded little tummies. I was only able to film the pups when they were out at first light as they ran around wildly playing with each other and seemed unconcerned with that thing watching them on the rock! For the rest of the day they were only out when being fed and all that activity was behind the rocks, again! With all them dogs out of action for the next few hours I went on a walkabout at midday. Walking in these hills is truly magical. It’s rugged harsh country but has a beauty of it’s own. And even now, 6 months since the last rains fell, there are still seeps oozing water out the ground in various places in the hills. These are obviously much sort after by the animals and not surprisingly I bumped into a number of grumpy old buffalo bulls at one spring. They weren’t sure whether to come and sort me out or not but seeing how huge I am, they quickly retired! Then I rounded a bush and almost slap bang into this young elephant bull. He was as surprised as I was but stood his ground. He then made several shuffles towards me making sure to kick up as much dust as possible. And then luckily he took off. Again my huge hulk must have scared him off! With the adult dogs having hunted successfully this morning they didn’t go hunting this evening and were coming in to the den, saw me, barked and moved off. No doubt they’ll have their fun in the dark when I’m gone.

There’s been a big weather change. Yesterday’s maximum was 33 degrees C and today as the clouds rolled in for the day the temperature never got over 23 degrees C. But that I don’t think had much effect on the wild dogs behaviour. They were all out at the back of the den with the adults when I arrived and with one bark mom had them all scattering back into the den. All was quiet for a couple of hours as I now sat perched on my same rock, but this time without my hide. I’m now sitting in the open about 10m from the den on an isolated rock. This is really close to try to habituate the dogs, but it’s the furthest I can get from them. I reckon the dogs are now used to my hide but they aren’t getting used to me ‘cos they basically don’t know I’m there. So I have to make an appearance and they need to see me there all the time and that I actually don’t mean them any harm. Mom arrived back after a few hours, saw me on the rock, barked and went round to the back of the den where she called and the pups went running for grub. (This behaviour was no different to when I was in the hide.) But the pups came back shortly afterwards and hardly ventured from the den entrance as they kept an eye on this guy on the rock. But soon seemed to settle down. They did on a couple of occasions go round to the back but were soon in the den again. And that was them for the day. All day I could hear them squabbling in the den but they never ventured out again. (and so of course I didn t even get any photographs today.) As it was getting dark, no sunset as the cloud blanket smothered all, the adults came up from the valley to the den. They saw me, barked once and went round to the top of the hill. I didn’t see them again and when I left they didn’t bark. So has me sitting in the open worked? Well it hasn’t made anything worse. The dogs reacted in much the same way as they did when I was in the hide. So lets just hope it can only get better. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, clouds scenic, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I’m really a bit lost as to how to approach this whole habituation process with the dogs. The pups were out in the dark when I got there playing at the back of the den, which they carried on doing to after sunrise. Actually when I first heard the noise at the back there I was convinced it was a porcupine rummaging around. So after sunrise on investigation I found the pups on the loose. Then the alarm call. The adults were with them, and the pups scattered back to the den and underground. As a predator I could so easily have scooped a couple of them. All was quiet till about 8am when mom called them to the back of the den and must have regurgitated food for them ‘cos they came back with 2 ears of a young impala. These provided the ideal toys for ages. A while later mom called them again. This time they didn’t come back. I was now convinced mom was moving them to a new den. I followed after some time. Again to the east I found them milling around with the adults. They hadn’t seen me. 6 pups came filing past me within a couple of meters. Mom was following but stopped about 10m away and called. They all turned and headed back east. How mom didn’t see me I really don’t know. But following after them again I was bust! Both adults had me spotted. Their barks sent the pups in all directions. Then there were pups lost everywhere, calling and calling hoping to be found. I left them to round themselves up and was sure they’d head back to the den. Indeed they were there when I went back a while later. Sitting in my hide I waited out the last remaining daylight hours. Come sunset when it was too dark to film, I was just getting out my hide when mom barked. She was on her way in to the den and now I’d blown it! I just wasn’t getting it right today. And I’m actually beginning to think if I really am getting right at all? The dogs are getting the better of me already, as they don’t feed the pups in front of the den anymore. They call them round to the back. No good for filming. And when the adults do come to the den they’re really only used to the hide and not what’s in it. So is the hide really helping me in habituating the dogs? I like to believe they are sort of getting used to me when they see me walking. But of course they will bark, as they need to protect their pups. So I’m now thinking I might try a new approach from tomorrow. I’m going to take the hide away. The adults probably won’t come in but I think they’ll call the pups around to the back of the den. That would of course be no different to what’s happening at the moment. But then there’s also the chance they might move den. Well the new den could hardly be any worse than this one as far as my access goes. I wonder too if I’m not harassing them too much? At least when I disturb them out the den it’s good practise for emergencies and this ‘predator’ isn’t going to eat them. While in the hide I’m reading a book “Queen Bees Wannabes” about helping teenage daughters survive adolescence. There are no simple answers to the very complicated world of teenage girls. But there is at least guidance. And I was just wishing there was a book out on how to survive habituating wild dogs. Some advice would really help! adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, cute, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, impala, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, porcupine, predators, puppy, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

It must be a tough day for the pups. When I arrived at dawn I heard what sounded like mom suckling them, but it wasn’t long and she left. The little guys played around the den a while and then disappeared underground only to resurface about 11h00 when mom called them. They went to the back of the den and again I think they were suckling. But were all soon back at the den. And that was them done until dusk. Just when the light was fading they came out to mess around and play and burn off all that pent up energy. And this evening there was no sign of the adults. So hopefully, for the pups, they’re out hunting!

The pups are really into this predawn thing. And they stay out for some time when the light just isn’t enough for filming. About an hour after sunrise mom arrived with food. It’s been a while since she last provided solid food for them. The male’s been doing all the work. But today he didn’t seem to have scored. As usual the pups moved round to the back of the den and something told me the adults weren’t there. So after about an hour I went to check on them. Sure enough there they were chilling out in the shade. They weren’t even aware of me and I had purposefully not moved quietly so I didn’t spook them. They really are looking for trouble out there. The safety of the den is a good 50m away. I rustled some leaves and 3 pups moved back to the den. Rustled some more and another 3. And the last 3 just weren’t keen to go. More frantic rustling was necessary. While lying out there waiting I heard lions calling a long way to the west. Luckily they hardly ever come this way. And later I heard leopards mating not too far to the east. With the pups all back in the den by midday I decided to go walking. I walked for some 3 hours just wandering around the bush and into the hills. I so love to do that and wish I had more time to just wander around out there on foot. Back in my box in the afternoon and nobody showed their face until sunset when I was packing up. The pups came to mill around the den entrance. They saw me moving around and just stood there watching. I spoke to them as I sometimes do. I think it’s good for them to hear my voice so at other times where I might surprise them, if I talk I hope they’ll settle down. (works with elephants!) It can’t be long now and these little guys are going to be moving far and wide. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, elephants, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, puppy, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

Pups were out when I arrived and they watched me creep into my hide. They knew they were safe with their den just there. About an hour after sunrise the male arrived and fed the pups. He’s sure proving to be a successful hunter! The female not having fed tried to pick up scraps that the pups had missed. I’m not sure if she’s going out hunting but now for several days she hasn’t been on a kill. Having all fed they disappeared behind the den. An hour later still, no sign. So again I went trailing after them. Eventually I got barked at. They were lying up in the open, adults and pups, a long way to the east. Why would the female do this? It’s so unsafe for the pups. Maybe she’s a first time mother. With me having disturbed them it was straight back to the den. I only joined them again at sunset. But this time I didn’t go into the hide but perched myself above the den and waited. I heard the female come in and suckle the pups. I was weary of trying to shoot while the adults were there but with all the noise of the pups suckling I was sure I could do it. Slowly, very slowly, I peeked over the edge. I had hardly seen the mother and she saw me and bolted with much barking and the pups scattered underground. I was so hacked off with myself for trying and now I’d ruined the only chance I had of filming the pups from that angle. Especially as I’m sure they’ll be moving den in the next day or so. A short while later, with the sun just about to set, I heard the male arrive. I didn’t peek over this time. I heard him feed the pups and waited a little longer. Sure he had moved off I peeked over and saw the pups running around picking up their scraps of meat. They didn’t think of looking above them and I was able to film away fairly freely. Great stuff from this totally different point of view! But I wondered why the female didn’t alert the male to me being potential danger? Was it just that I had surprised her that scared her and actually she is getting used to me. Of course I like to think so. So who knows what tomorrow will bring. With these little guys growing up so fast everyday is different. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, kill, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, puppy, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

The early starts at the den are now habit and it seems to be habit for the little guys too. For at least half an hour they were out and the light was too low for me to shoot anything. Then mom arrived but she had nothing to offer them and moved off again. She kept coming in for some reason and was snapping at the pups. The pups then followed her to the back of the den. They were gone some time when I heard a lost pup calling a long way to the east in the hills. Were they moving den? Not long afterwards all the pups arrived back at the den. So what was that all about? While they were gone, a black mamba came slithering around the den and disappeared into the rocks. These are one of the world deadliest snakes. But they aren’t a threat to the puppies unless the puppies harass it. I didn’t see it again. About mid morning the male arrived and I heard him greeting the female and it sounded like she was whining for food. The pups were quick to pick up on the sound and joined them. Some of them returned with chunks of meat. So dad had obviously been successful. Then all went quiet and there was no sign of any of the dogs for nearly 2 hours. I was sure they were moving den. So I packed up and went in search of the new den. I went east presuming they went the same way as this morning. Then I heard a lost pup calling. They were probably about 400m east of the den. Eventually I found the pups milling around but seeming to be heading slowly back west. The adults were doing their own thing and slowly following after the pups. That was until the female smelt me and then saw me. She ran off barking and chauffeured the pups straight back to the den. With all that disturbance I left them in peace only returning in the afternoon. The alpha female came in before sunset and suckled the pups behind the bushes. Typical! She obviously had nothing else to offer the pups and felt they needed something. But then why wasn’t she out hunting? Maybe she’ll go tonight or early in the morning. But generally the dogs are diurnal hunters. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, cute, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, hyaenas, hyena, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, puppy, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

I decided to get up to the den even earlier today so I didn’t disturb the pups if they were getting up early. I ended up fumbling my way up the hill falling over rocks and logs in the dark. And who knows what was watching me. I just kept hoping the lions weren’t in the area. Just about at the hide and an adult dog gave a short bark and that was all. (Very encouraging, as maybe they really are getting used to me) I was safely in my hide as the first light was appearing in the east. And yes the pups were out early just playing around. Far too early for me to film, there not being enough light. But they stayed out for ages and in the end I was able to film them. Then they were back to bed. Last night I got a report that the male dog was seen on an impala kill and was chased off by a leopard. So presumably this was the male barking at me and the female was out hunting this morning. There was strong wind blowing this morning so I didn’t hear the alpha female approaching around 10h00. It was only as she arrived at the den and was calling the pups out that I heard her. She stood there suckling them for less than a minute before regurgitating food and leaving. Some of the pups suckled but most of them were just waiting for the real food. The pups played around for ages and even went round the back of the den where I can’t see them. They were gone for ages and I didn’t hear a peep. I was worried they were moving den. Thankfully not, one by one they came back to the den and again I got a final count of 9. With the pups back sleeping for the rest of the day a Natal Francolin visited the den and was soon joined by a Slender Mongoose that came sniffing around for titbits of carrion left over from the pups feeding. It did pretty well. Unfortunately these mongoose are carriers of the Rabies virus. They don’t actually get it themselves but can pass it on to other animals. So if this mongoose is a carrier the pack could potentially be wiped out. Lets just hope this is not the case and I can habituate the pack fast enough so we can inoculate them all. Unfortunately we can only do the pups once they’re 3 months old. In the afternoon I decided it was again time for photographs and this time I was lucky. The light was stunning when the little guys came out to play. And the noise of the camera didn’t hassle them at all. So click away I did, frantically! At last my first pictures of the little guys. adventure, africa, african, african birds, animal, animal kingdom, bird, birding, birding african birds, birds, blog, blogumentary, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, francolin, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, impala, kill, leopard, malilangwe, mashable, mongoose, narrowcasting, nature, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, rabies, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

The pups were out the den soon after I arrived. There was just a faint glow in the east and still too dark for me to film. But they played outside for some time and eventually the light improved and I was able to film. Then I heard what sounded like something chewing on my vehicle at the bottom of the hill. I can’t see the vehicle from my hide, but I also couldn’t go down there without disturbing the pups. So I sat tight while my vehicle got eaten. But my problem was soon solved by the adult dogs as I heard them twittering and harassing a hyaena that would have tucked it’s backside into a bush and was yeowling as the dogs tried to nip its backside. Thankfully they managed to harass it enough that it didn’t go back to my vehicle. But later in the morning it did venture up close to the den and was sent packing by the adult dogs. I didn’t see the pups again for the rest of the day. At midday I left them to go repair a puncture and then spent some time at Manyuchi pan, which is close to the dog den. Later in the afternoon the 2 adult dogs arrived at the pan to drink and headed off west hunting. I went back up to the den hoping to get some photographs of the pups but all I heard was them squabbling in the den. They never ventured out. So my progress continues with the pups spending more time out the den! Long may it last! adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, baboon, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, cute, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, hyaenas, hyena, malilangwe, narrowcasting, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

When I arrived at the den in the dark this morning one of the adults barked at me and left. And for the rest of the day there was no sign of the adults or the pups. I could hear the pups squabbling in the den but they didn’t venture out without the adults there. Midday I left the den for a few hours. This is usually a time when nothing happens. (I’ve noticed it with these dogs and also the previous pack I’ve followed. Midday is their main sleep time. Night time too.) Back again in the early afternoon and still not a peep from the adults. As the light was fading and only just enough for me to film, the pups came out to play on their own without the adults being there. This is brilliant news. So hopefully in the days to come they will now be brave enough to play outside the den! At very last light the alpha female and alpha male arrived to feed the pups. They were both well fed. I’m not sure if they killed this afternoon or if this was from the morning’s hunt. They seemed oblivious to me in the hide. Great stuff. But after a while when I moved the male saw me and barked. But only once. The pups of course scattered but were soon out again looking for scraps. As it got dark I packed up. This time the dogs were a little more serious in their barking but I like to think they’re getting used to me. Not too likely after only a week or so at it. It also seems that these are the only 2 adults in the pack. There’s been no sign of the other female. Has she maybe gone off and had pups on her own? Has she teamed up with Whisky? Wouldn’t that be the best!

I got to the den and set up just in time for the adults to arrive. They must have left to go hunting in the dark this morning and were successful. The 2 females arrived at the den whining to call the pups. Like ants they erupted from the den to receive warm fresh meat regurgitated by the adults. And meat they got. Lots of it. Those tummies were bulging and yet they still wanted more. The alpha female came back to check they’d eaten all their breakfast and one of the pups tried to suckle from her, but she’s already drying up and the pups are already enjoying a meat only diet. And for the rest of their lives it will be fresh meat. Very seldom will they scavenge from a carcass they didn’t kill. Especially if not fresh. It was great to have the pups running around for about 15minutes fighting/playing with each other before they retired for the rest of the day. With such full tummies they needed to sleep them off. With them up to nothing I slept off part of my day in the hide. That eternal waiting game. A comfortable double bed would make it a lot easier. But then I’d be in such a deep sleep I wouldn’t wake up to anything. And so that being the very reason I’m always uncomfortable when trying to sleep in the field. Maybe I should just get an assistant to keep an eye on things for me while I sleep in comfort?? I’m not able to get photographs of the pups at the moment because the noise of the camera will have them running for cover. For now these images are from a couple of years ago. But soon I hope to get new images. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, blog, blogumentary, conservation, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, kill, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

Yeah! I m safely back in the bush! Just busy getting all my equipment sorted and ready to roll at sunrise tomorrow. But not so exciting to be sitting in my hide again all day. I just hope the wild dogs will again perform and continue to get used to my presence. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, experience, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, impala, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

It was one of those days in town. And thankfully I only do this once a month! Running around shopping malls with my trolley ain t the kind of thing I call fun. Well not just yet. And dentists and doctors also don t fit into my fun category. Anyway I m all set to hit the road again back to the bush tomorrow!!! adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blogumentary, conservation, documentary, ecotraining, education, experience, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, kids, lion, lions, malilangwe, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

Penny s birthday today and I just couldn t face not being with her. I drove through the night to arrive at dawn to surprise Penny. She s a happy bunny to have her daddy. Happy dad too now needs to recover! These buffalo just kept coming and coming out the woodland. It was a huge herd. Really spectacular.

At last the pups gave me a peek into their lives although it didn’t last very long. The alpha female arrived obviously after a successful hunt around 8h30 this morning. On arriving at the den she whined a little ways off but really quietly. I think she was a little apprehensive with that thing in the hide. Then she got bold and walked to the den and called them out. Unfortunately she remained behind some bush, which I had left there to give her some cover. She suckled the pups standing up and then shortly another dog regurgitated meat for them. (Not sure if it was the male or the other female. Actually we don’t even know if there are 3 adults in the pack.) That was when I got lucky and the pups came into my clearing to eat the chunks. They are just so cute these little guys. They lost their ugly look they have at about 3 weeks and are now looking more like dogs. But stocky little dogs. Nothing lean like their parents. That will only come at about 4 to 5 months. For now they’re just cute little puppies. Having filmed them for about 4 minutes my tape ran out and just the click of me changing tapes alerted the adults. With one bark the pups underground! (I wasn’t able to get any photos today. This photo was taken a couple of years ago and those pups are much the same age as these little guys are now.) Several hours later the Alpha came back to the den but then saw me through a little gap in the hide. She barked several times and didn’t come back. But at least they really do seem to be getting used to me at last. Still got a long long way to go. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blog, blogumentary, bush, bush knowledge, conservation, cute, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, endangered species, experience, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hunting, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, puppy, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe

Another day in my hide and another day of no filming. The good thing is the dogs are still around and they did call the pups out while I was there but they called them around the corner into the rocks where I couldn’t see them. It looked like they were already regurgitating meat for the pups. Then and adult gave one bark and the pups bolted back into the den. And that was them for the day. At least the dogs did call the pups out with me there and when they saw me arriving this morning they only gave one bark and left me alone. So hopefully they’re slowly getting used to me. It’s sure going to be a long slow haul. While sitting in the hide in the afternoon I heard a skirmish not too far off with wild dogs and a hyaena. I presume the dogs had killed and the hyaena was trying to steal the carcass. The dogs were having none of it and kept badgering the hyaena. The hyaena kept screaming as the wild dogs tormented it. The lions roaring was more roaring stuff I hadn’t used before, shot a couple of weeks ago just after the lions had made their waterbuck kill. adventure, africa, african, animal, animal kingdom, animals, blogumentary, conservation, documentary, dog, ecotraining, education, experience, film, filmaker, flickr, GLTP, gonarezhou, Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, hyaenas, hyena, lion, lions, malilangwe, mashable, narrowcasting, Open Content Alliance, pamushana, peace parks, photo, photos, podcasting, predators, teach, video, wild dogs, wildcast, wildcasting, wilderness, wildlife, wildlife documentary, youtube, zimbabwe