Wild PhotoMag

Greater Kruger Wildlife Photography Workshop, 18-20 September 2015, Trip Report

2015-09-25T06:56:00.001+02:00

The female Leopard they almost missed. Photo by Simone Swart.

The past three years have seen me and Yolande spend a significant amount of time in nature reserves with clients. In descending order (time-wise) this was mainly in Rietvlei, Dinokeng, Mabalingwe and Pilanesberg nature reserves. Although visiting the Pilanesberg for multiple days always stirs up much excitement, no previous photographic guiding excursion had us as excited as we had been about this past weekend’s wildlife photographic workshop at Indlovu River Lodge.

Indlovu River Lodge is situated inside the pristine Karongwe Private Game Reserve and roughly between Hoedspruit and Tzaneen. They can be described as a luxury big five safari lodge with a focus on providing visitors with an intimate and private lodging experience. They have also adapted themselves to cater for the photographic safari market with a specialized photographic safari vehicle and two sunken photographic hides. No self-driving is allowed and good protocols are adhered to by lodges in terms of game drives.

The one thing that had everyone slightly concerned was the weather forecast. Overcast weather and some drizzle were predicted for much of the weekend. All participants were however willing to brave the weather and low light and none of us were left disappointed.

After initial greetings Yolande had the clients for a presentation on composition in wildlife photography (I had made sure to have my initial technical intro with the clients prior to the workshop). Hereafter, there was a quick lunch and then I was off with the clients for a first session in the mammal-photo-hide. This turned out somewhat disappointing with only an adult male Nyala and some birds quenching their thirst in front of us. The antelope that were nearby seems wary and it turned out that a stashed leopard kill very close to the hide was the reason. This also explained all the game viewer activity that we had been hearing close to the hide.

Nyala bull sipping water taken from mammal-photo-hide.

We all soon forgot about any lack in luck around the camp fire and made sure to fatten up on the three course meal for the next day's activities. I did not taste the complimentary house red, but the complimentary white wine was really nice.

The next day was the cloud-break in terms of luck. Yolande left on a morning game drive with the clients at roughly 06h30 (later than usual due to overcast conditions). And what a game drive this proved to be. Three different leopards in one drive (a first for driver and tracker, Johnty and John) all of which provided descent photo opportunities, as well as Karongwe’s confiding adult female Cheetah on an Impala kill photographed on foot (leaving the game vehicle is allowed when John and Johnty deem it safe)! I’ll let the photos do the talking..

Leopards no. 1 - muscular brute.

Leopard no. 2 with few days old Bushbuck kill - still fresh enough for a Leopard.

Leopard no. 3, which was well spotted by Nicky Reid.

Karongwe's adult female Cheetah feeding on her Impala kill.

The second afternoon drive was again lead by Yolande. The highlights of this was a large adult lioness leaving her place of rest just as the game vehicle got to her, a herd of Cape buffalo that weren’t all very excepting of the vehicle (..read mock-charge) and four very cute Black-backed jackal pups playing around their den.

Cape buffalos in River bed.

Baby Black-backed jackals at play.

In between drives we were spoilt with delicious food, had some time for relaxing and had photo evaluation sessions with each client. Before the second game drive Yolande had also done her second and final presentation on composition.

The final morning we opted for another drive and had decided to head to the areas where the majority of elephant had been roaming. Our quest for the elephants was unsuccessful from a photographic perspective, but we did see a few and it was nice to explore further regions of the reserve. The highlight of this drive was photographing hippos while lying flat on our bellies before coffee and rusks.

Hippopotamus photographed while lying flat on our bellies under the watchful eyes of our bush guides, John and Johnty.

After getting back all three participants final selection of top-five photos were made and edited, the workshop ended with a friendly show and tell of everyone’s top five photos.

Back in the city and we all have great photos, but I hope the super experiences of the weekend stay vivid in our memories until we one day depart..

Photos by Participants:

"Leopard no. 2" by Nicky Reid.

Baby Black-backed jackals by Nicky Reid.

Hippo pod by Nicky Reid.

Feeding Cheetah by Simone Swart.

Cape buffalo by Simone Swart.

Nyala bull quenching its thirst by Cornel van Zyl.

Burchell's zebra by Cornel van Zyl.

Wahlberg's Eagle by Cornel van Zyl.

The Wonder of Mirror-Up for Low Light Photos

2014-12-31T10:14:00.001+02:00

Article and photos by Denni Raubenheimer
***Click on images for high res versions

All experienced photographers with long lenses can attest to the challenges that low light brings to achieving sharp images. One of the fundamental things that I teach beginner clients with regards to shutter speed is how to know if your shutter speed is quick enough to avoid camera shake when shooting hand-held. The guide line is simple: keep your shutter speed faster than your focal length, or at least equal to it, when shooting hand-held. If your camera has a cropped sensor then I advocate using your effective focal length as the minimum. However, this isn’t always feasible in low light. This is where Mirror-Up shutter release mode, or a delayed shutter, becomes useful.


Leopard at sunset. Focal length 420mm without VR at 1/400s using a bean bag with Mirror-Up. Click on image for high res version.

Professional Nikon D-SLRs have a shutter release mode called Mirror-Up (M-Up). This mode is the same as activating Mirror Lock-Up with a Canon, or other D-SLR, but it is readily accessible. It is also effectively the same as setting a delay of at least one second between your camera’s mirror-lift and the actuation of the shutter.

Mirror-Up isn’t always the go-to in low light situations, one will usually compensate for low light with large apertures, high ISOs, physical stabilization (e.g. a bean bag) and, or vibration reduction (i.e. image stabilization). However, for relatively stationary subjects and especially when you want to avoid excessive ISOs and don’t have very good image stabilization (or none at all) Mirror-Up can help you produce sharp images at shutter speeds well below those you would usually require.

Reflections and ripples in water at sunset. Focal length 420mm without VR and on a beanbag at 1/320s with Mirror-Up.

In Mirror-Up one needs to press the shutter button twice to take a photo. The first press lifts the camera’s mirror, the second one releases the shutter. If one waits a second or two after the mirror lifts, before pressing the shutter button a second time the vibrations caused by the mirror lifting will have largely faded and will not reduce image sharpness. The effect of these vibrations are negligible at high shutter speeds, but at low shutter speeds they will reduce image sharpness. Obviously, their effect become redundant if the camera is not kept physically stable – then blurring caused by the “macro” movements of the camera will far outweigh blurring caused by the internal vibrations produced by mirror-lift. Furthermore, different D-SLR camera models’ mirrors produce different amounts of vibration as their sizes, weights and rotational velocities differ. Nevertheless, at shutter speeds that are low relative to focal length when one’s camera is kept relatively static, avoiding the vibrations generated by mirror-lift will always improve image sharpness.

The Nikon D800 has a 36MP full-frame sensor that can show very high levels of detail and thus easily betrays a lack of sharpness. It’s mirror-lift (or rather -slap) causes significant vibrations and when using good quality lenses vibrations coming from the mirror can significantly impact image sharpness at slow shutter speeds. With the D800 I most often shoot wildlife at 420 mm (300mm f/4 with 1.4 TC) with a Nikkor lens that does not have VR (i.e. IS). Due to the high resolution that the combination of the lens and sensor give, the photos quickly betray lacking sharpness. Personally, I find that for consistently pin-sharp images (when not panning) with this combo hand-held I need to go faster than 1/800s (i.e. 1/1000s, or faster). In low-light I have found that if I have to shoot hand-held at 420mm I can use 1/400s when I use Mirror-Up and get consistently acceptable sharpness, and noticeable sharper images than when not using Mirror-Up. I would then estimate one stop improved stability for hand-held without VR (i.e. IS) at telephoto focal lengths.

Burchell's zebra at sunset. Focal length 420mm without VR and hand held at 1/320s with Mirror-Up.

Where the release mode really shines is when I use it on a beanbag. When shooting wildlife from a vehicle and to a lesser extent on foot I am very fond of bean bags. The are not as stable as tripods, but give lots of maneuverability with lenses that are not excessive in weight. With the non-VR 300mm f/4 + 1.4 TC and on a steady beanbag I can quite comfortably shoot at 1/250s and expect sharp images (without a cable release), whereas I would not try and avoid going below 1/400s in these conditions in regular release modes (remember the D800 easily betrays lacking sharpness and has significant “mirror-slap”). When I need to, I can go even slower on a bean bag with Mirror-Up. The below image of the Giraffe was taken at 420mm and 1/100s on a not-so steady bean bag.

Giraffe at sunset. Focal length 420mm without VR and using bean bag at 1/100s with Mirror-Up.

100% crop of above image.

I once was forced to capture bioluminescent waves under a starry sky on a beanbag (I cannot remember if it was with, or without a cable release). I only had a brief few moments to grab equipment before my “body guards” left for the beach and had decided not to add a tripod to our flight luggage. Furthermore, my “guards” quickly became impatient on the beach, so I just went for Mirror-Up and tried keeping the camera as static a possible on the beanbag (mounted on a laundry basket!). In the end I used 1s exposures at ISO-12800. Amazingly, a portion of the images were acceptably sharp!

Bioluminescent ocean waves under starry sky. Focal length 24mm on bean bag at 1s shutter speed with Mirror-Up.

The draw-back for using Mirror-Up on live subjects and when shooting without a tripod is that after lifting the mirror you shoot blind, i.e. your view-finder is completely black. Also, you obviously lose continuous release. However, in situations where my subject does not require continuous release and the light demands slower shutter speeds than the value of my focal length Mirror-Up is often part of the solution – and sometimes invaluable.

Burchell's zebra portrait. Focal length 420mm without VR and on a bean bag at 1/320s with Mirror-Up.

100% crop of above image.

Black-headed Oriole. Focal length 420mm without VR and on make-shift beanbag at 1/250s with Mirror-Up.

100% crop of above image.

Nikon D610: Informal Review with Comparisons to Nikon D800

2014-09-22T23:11:00.001+02:00

Article by: Denni Raubenheimer

Photos by: Denni Raubenheimer and Yolande Raubenheimer

The Nikon D610 is the relatively new “entry-level” full-frame from Nikon. Its pricing makes it an attractive option to those wanting to enter the world of digital full-frame and also a likely choice for serious amateurs and professionals looking for a second, or third, full-frame body. Reviews of this acclaimed model are abundant. However, here I give my impressions of the camera and compare it to the awesome non-flagship Nikon D800. Many wanting to purchase an “affordable” Nikon full-frame will have to choose between the D610 and D800. I hope this article will help such readers to come to sensible final choices.

Butterfly taken heldheld with single AF-point and C-AF. Nikon D610, 1/400s, 280mm, f/8, ISO-500.

Technical background:

To give some context to readers that are not familiar with Nikon’s latest full-frame bodies. The D610 was released quite shortly after the D600. The sensor and image quality of these two models are the same and the specs are near identical. A noteworthy improvement in the D610 is an upgraded auto white balance system. Unofficial as it might be, the main reason that the D610 was produced so quickly after the D600 is arguably that it resolves the problematic tendency of the D600’s shutter-mechanism to expel micro droplets of oil onto the camera’s image sensor. Nevertheless, the D610 and D600 are Nikon’s most affordable full-frame D-SLRs retailing for around 1800 USD and 1500 USD, respectively (body-only). The Nikon D800 (and D800E) is one rung up the ladder (the camera that pioneered 36 Mega-pixels in the full-frame arena; a highly acclaimed and ground-breaking model) costing about 2600 USD (3000 USD for the D800E; body-only). The next rung of the ladder is that of the flagship D4 and D4s that retail for roughly 5000 USD and 6500 USD, respectively (body only). These flagship models are arguably only suited for successful professionals and the significantly wealthy, but offer unbeatable image quality and autofocus performance (though those with a preference to Canon would probably argue that Canon’s flagship 1D X outguns the Nikon flagship).

Very recently, the D750 and D810 were launched. The former lies in between the D610 and D800 and the latter is the successor of the D800. The D750 makes choosing the best “affordable” Nikon full-frame a more difficult choice. Comparisons to the D710 are not included in this article.

Specifications:

Here are the core specifications of the D610:

- 24 million effective pixels

- 6016 x 4016 maximum resolution (3:2 ration)

- Sensor size and type: full-frame CMOS

- Processor: Expeed 3

- ISO: 100 – 6400 (Boosted: 50 – 25600)

- File formats: NEF (RAW) 12 – 14 bit (lossless compressed/compressed/uncompressed) and Jpeg (fine/normal/basic)

- Regular Nikon Autofocus types with addition of face detect AF.

- Focus points: 39 (9 cross-type)

- Shutter speed range: 30s. – 1/4000s.

- Shooting modes: P, A, S and M.

- Flash X sync speed: 1/200s.

- Max frame rate: 6 frames per second

- Buffer in RAW: 14 frames at lossless 14-bit RAW format.

- Drive modes: single, continuous low, continuous high, mirror-up, quite shutter release, timer

- Metering modes: Multi (matrix), Centre-weighted, Average and Spot.

- Exposure compensation range: ± 5 stops

- AE bracketing:

- WB bracketing:

- Storage: 2x SD slots

- Remote control: wired and wireless

- Body Material: Magnesium alloy and on top and behind with polycarbonate front.

- Environmental sealing: Water and dust resistant

- Weight with battery: 850g.

- Dimensions: 141 x 113 x 82 mm

- Video resolutions: 1920x1080 (30/25/24 fps) and 1280x720 (60/50/30/25 fps)

- Video format: MPEG-4, H.264

- Microphone and speaker are mono.

- Timelapse capable: Yes

--- Specs obtained from www.dpreview.com

Red-knobbed Coots. Nikon D610, 1/1600s, 420mm, f/7.1, ISO-720.

Nikon D610 specs vs. Nikon D800

The most noteworthy areas where these fall short of the higher-end Nikon D800 are the maximum shutter speed (1/4000s. vs. 1/8000s.), the amount of focus points (39 points vs. 51 points), flash X-sync speed (1/200s. vs. 1/250s.), body material (Magnesium alloy on top and behind with polycarbonate front vs. complete magnesium alloy skeleton) and resolution (24MP vs. 36MP). In terms of resolution the “deficit” of the D610 is only really relevant to photographers that require the utmost detail in their images and have an arsenal of lenses with extremely good resolution and to those that often need to crop their photos significantly (though at high ISOs extreme cropping with the D800 is generally not feasible for retaining good image quality). Lastly, the D610 outguns the D800 in maximum frame rate, namely 6 fps vs. 4 fps, but has a smaller buffer (14 vs. 20 frames at max frame rate and 14-bit compressed RAW).

For videographers that can afford the D800 the choice between the two is a no-brainer, with the D800 being a professionally competent video D-SLR camera. For those who might only on occasion need high quality video, the D610 is good enough.

Nikon D610, hand-held, 1/250s, 50mm, f/3.2, ISO-1250.

100% crop of above photo after resizing to 16MP. Note ISO of 1250.

First impressions:

The very first impressions that I had of the D600 were of briefly handling clients’ cameras. I liked the feel and somewhat liked the smaller size (I have large hands). The playback from a few images suggested very similar to near identical image quality to that of our D800. I could see that the autofocus area was slightly smaller than that of the D800, but also that for wildlife application it would generally be large enough. The most noteworthy difference that I spotted on the D600’s body was the lack of a designated AF-ON button. After these first brief interactions with the D600 I felt sure that had we gone for the D600, in stead of the D800, we would still have had a more than adequate primary body for our wildlife and general purposes.

After receiving the test unit that we had for two weeks it didn’t take me long to configure it to our preferences. Something that Nikon’s recent pro bodies allow is exposure compensation via Auto ISO in Manual mode. This is an extremely versatile shooting mode set-up, so that’s what I used for most of the shooting I did with the test unit. After shooting a few images I could notice that the D610 sample did have noticeably longer lag in between shots compared to the D800. This is probably the only significant criticism I have of the D610 vs. the D800. Apart from the time lag (that I quite quickly became unconscious of) shooting with the D610 was very enjoyable and I never felt unconfident in the camera’s abilities.

Handheld image at ISO-3200 with no NR. Click on image to see cropped window at 100% after resizing to 16MP..

Performance:

The D610 performs like a true pro-grade body. White balance and focus are very dependable and hard to distinguish from the D800. While shooting birds in flight I did get the impression the D610’s focus tracking was slightly inferior to the D800. However, the D610 largely made up for this with its quicker frame rate and thus it seemed that the amount of critically sharp photos were similar to what I would have expected to produce using the D800.

The size of the AF point array on the D610 has been critisized quite a bit, because it is somewhat smaller that that on the D800 and D4. For me personally, the area covered by the D610 would be sufficient to shoot most of the action-shots that I tend to try and capture. Only with birds in flight smaller than pigeons would I wish for a larger array.

In general, when depth of field becomes very narrow in non-action situations it advisable to move one’s single Autofocus point as near as possible to where you want the focus to lie in your final composition (i.e. compose first and then move the AF point to where you need to focus), even though almost all D-SLR models’ central AF points are most accurate, because one can easily significantly move a narrow focus-field during re-framing. Here the D610’s somewhat smaller AF point array also falls short of the D800 (and D4). However, the left- and right most AF–points do actually still lie outside the image frame’s vertical thirds. Unfortunately, the top and bottom Af-points that lie away from the central AF-cluster do not reach the upper and lower thirds of the camera’s image frame. If you wanted to place your focus exactly on the intersection of two thirds one would still have to reframe slightly upwards, or downwards, after using the nearest AF-point.

While using our test unit I did often use single AF-points away from the centre of the frame and never noticed unreliable zones.

ISO performance on the D610 was very much what I expected – near identical to D800 images after down-sampling to 24MP. This says a lot, because if you then downsample high ISO D610 files to 16MP you end up with ISO performance that negligibly falls short of that of the Nikon D4!

Little Egret in flight. Nikon D610, 1/2500s, 420mm, f/6.3, ISO-280.

100% crop of above image.

Concluding comparisons and final thoughts:

In terms of image quality the D610 and D800 are near identical for full screen viewing and A4 prints. The photo-file advantage of the D800 is in its groundbreaking resolution and capacity for large prints and significant image cropping at low to moderate ISOs. However, for most people 24 MP is more than sufficient. The D610 will also have less of a load on your file storage space and computer’s RAM.

Choosing a D800 over a D610 is not going to give any ISO advantages.

The D800 does arguably have a significantly better AF system than the D610. This is slightly compensated for by the 50% faster max frame rate of the D610 (6 fps) compared to that of the D800 (4 fps). However, this “compensation” is sort of nullified by the smaller buffer of the D610, which will always fill quicker than with the D800 using comparable RAW formats.

Ergonomically, the D610 handles well. The lack of a designated AF-ON button (which the D800 has) means that one has to assign the AE-L/AF-L button to AF-ON if you wish to configure the camera to back-focus only. This then means that you temporarily lose an AE-L button and then have to “sacrifice” another pragrammable button, like the Fn button, to AE-L if you need the function.

Personally, I am glad that we have the D800. For us it is worth the extra money. However, at the time we were able to afford it. Furthermore, we had gone for the D610 I strongly doubt our portfolios would have suffered noticibly and maybe not at all.

If you can not responsibly afford the D800, but can afford the D610 – then you can confidently go for the D610 – its abilities are completely professional and its image quality is awesome. If you can afford the D800, but would prefer to have money to spare for camera optics – the D610 is more-than just competent.

Down-sampled image with moderate NR. Nikon D610, 25s, 24mm, f/2.8, ISO-6400.

Nikon D610, 3s, 24mm, f/13, ISO-500.

Nikon D610, 1/500s, 44mm, f/2.8, ISO-3200.

100% crop of above image without NR after resizing to 16 MP at ISO-3200.

Slightly unstable tripod used for this image. Nikon D610, 1/400s, 420mm, f/9, ISO-400.

Nikon 70-200mm f/4 (AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm 1:4G ED)

2014-05-22T12:07:00.001+02:00

Article & photos by Denni Raubenheimer

Until relatively recently Yolande and I had been shooting with Olympus gear. When we had the opportunity to change system to Nikon we were very excited. Don’t get me wrong, Olympus is a good camera manufacturer. Its mirrorless OMD series even challenges the previously overlooked limitations of the digital SLR design. However, in the D-SLR arena few manufacturers can keep up with Nikon and Canon. Moreover, for the time being the pro-grade D-SLRs from these two companies are the most proficient pro cameras on the market. Together with the monstrous D800 we acquired two Nikon lenses, the Nikon 300mm f/4 and the recently launched Nikon 70-200mm f/4. Apart from its excellent optics, the 70-200mm f/4 has a small minimum focus distance. These two features in combination with Nikon’s latest 24 and 36 MP sensors (which give much space for cropping) made me want to write an article on the use of the lens for macro purposes (hence my article pre-view http://www.wildlifestockimage.blogspot.com/2013/08/article-preview-new-nikkor-70-200mm-f4.html). I have aborted that intention and opted rather for this general review of the lens.

African elephant. Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/4, 1/800s., ISO-200, 200mm.

Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/5, 1/100s., ISO-1250, 160mm.

When we bought the 70-200mm f/4 there were not yet any official reviews on the lens. There was only the product information given by Nikon, previews mainly based on specifications and sample galleries. The three main reasons we went ahead and bought the lens was the lens’ MTF data provided by Nikon, the zoom range and the price (costing roughly 1200 USD, while the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII retails for roughly 2100 USD). Furthermore, the lens’ minimum focus distance is only one metre and the vibration reduction in the lens was quoted by Nikon as up to 5 stops (at the time one stop more than any other lens).

Kalahari landscape. Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/8, 1/320s., ISO-100, 70mm.

African honey-bee. Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/4, 1/4000s., ISO-1250, 200mm.

Today we have owned the Nikon 70-200mm f/4 for more than a year. It is our sharpest lens, performs fast and accurate focusing and gives super image quality on our Nikon D800. Furthermore, the lens delivers spectacular bokeh - as far as I'm aware, just as aesthetic as that from the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII at similar depths of field. The only criticism I can actually give the lens is superficial – it does not look nearly as pro-grade as the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII! Alas, I think the quality of our photos is more important than how impressive our equipment looks :P. However, there is one area where my reading has shown a weakness in the lens compared to the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII. The f/4 lens exhibits significantly distortion at close distances. This distortion will generally go completely unnoticed, but when a close-up frame gives clear indications of real parallelism, then this weakness becomes evident.

Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/5, 1/250s., ISO-2500, 200mm.

100% crop of above image (note high ISO of 2500).

Shooting with the lens is a real pleasure. Relative to its size it is quite light, making it easy to shoot hand-held for long periods. Its quick focusing and excellent optics are apparent while shooting. The lens seems robust in-hand and its zoom- and focus rings are smooth and have well balanced resistance (i.e. aren’t too tight, or lose). The lens does not exhibit noticeable focus breathing and zooming is internal to the housing (i.e. its length stays constant while zooming).

Cattle Egret shot hand-held. Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/4, 1/2000s., ISO-200, 200mm.

100% crop of above image.

All-in-all the lens is an exquisite piece of hardware that on a value-for-money basis outperforms its F2.8 predecessors. I am not saying that it makes the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII redundant, an extra stop of light is worth a hell of a lot when you really need it and the f/2.8 VRII version does have quicker AF, but if your budget is tight then the shortcomings of the f/4 become negligible. Furthermore, a 70-200 mm lens that is as sharp as the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII at less than two thirds of the cost is worthy of note in itself.

White rhinoceros. Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/4, 1/800s., ISO-400, 200mm.


Hovering African honey-bee. Nikon D800 + Nikon 70-200mm f/4; f/6.3, 1/2000s., ISO-900, 200mm.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 Informal Review

2014-03-10T19:16:00.003+02:00

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Article by Denni Raubenheimer (www.masteryourcamera.co.za)

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Photos: Mostly by Denni Raubenheimer


X-PRO1. Source: www.fujifilm.com.

Round-about the end of last year Fujifilm sent us a sample of their pro-grade mirrorless interchangeable-lens X-PRO1 camera together with three Fujifilm lenses to test out. The lenses were the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 XF R, the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro and the Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF R LM OIS. After researching the X-series a bit my wife and I were very excited about getting our hands on a sample of the X-PRO1 and I must say that it surpassed my expectations.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/25s, ISO-400, f/7.1.

Lets first talk about the X-series for those of you who have not read much about these cameras. The X-series cameras might be part of the first significant onslaught on the validity of digital SLR cameras in a world of ever-developing digital camera technologies. They are mirrorless digital cameras with interchangeable lenses and APS-C sized sensors. The respective models all show very competitive image quality to similarly priced D-SLRs and a handful of these models host sensors with Fujifilm’s innovative X-TRANS colour filter array. The X-TRANS CMOS sensor is found in the X-T1, X-PRO1, X-E1, X-E2 and X-M1. It allows these cameras the absence of low-pass filters (i.e. boosted resolution; these filters are found in most D-SLRs and reduce image resolution) and simultaneously helps them avoid moiré and false colour generation (on a near-pixel level). For more information on the revolutionary X-TRANS colour filter array of these sensors go to http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x_pro1/features/.

Furthermore, these cameras not only boost great image quality (also at high ISOs), but competent AF systems and good ergonomics. The latter can arguably be credited to the film-camera-like designs of the X-models. Looking very much similar to old film cameras, the X-models (purposefully) have a strong retro aesthetic. Lastly, the X-PRO1 is the flagship of the X-series, but has unofficially been dethroned by the much newer X-T1. This implies superior image quality, specs and build quality to its smaller kin (apart from the T1).


X-PRO1 top-view. Source: www.fujifilm.com.

Nuff-said about the X-PRO1’s technical background. Let’s talk about our first impressions of the camera. In this regard the very first thing that struck me was the stylish retro design and robust feel of the camera. The second thing that struck me, was that the camera felt really comfortable in my hand – something I had not expected from its lack of rounded edges. I have large hands and quite like the size of full frame D-SLRs like Nikon’s D800, but the X-Pro felt really comfortable – something I suspect would also be the experience had my hands been smaller. The external and very manual controls of shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation were novel to me (having very little experience with film SLRs), but made me feel more in control of the settings, though I would need time to learn to adjust them without looking. Furthermore, after just a few photos my playback reflected the commendable image quality of both the X-Pro and the Fujinon 50mm f/1.4. It also did not take long before we had our own evidence of the camera’s very commendable high ISO performance.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/290s, ISO-400, f/2.0.

After having used the camera for more than two weeks both Yolande and I were more than a little fond of it, to say the least. We had use of a camera with image quality comparable to that of a decent full-frame in a relatively small and quite robust package. The lenses are also comparably smaller that pro-level D-SLR lenses, which meant that we could easily take the X-PRO along with all three lenses on spur-of-the-moment outings. With just a single lens the X-PRO is even more convenient to keep at your side, so it often tagged along when we left the house.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/640s, ISO-800, f/4.0.

It took me longer than it should have to figure out the difference between the two modes of the optical/electronic hybrid viewfinder. Its “optical” mode is rather commendable in giving the advantage of more responsive autofocus (a characteristic more usual in D-SLRs), showing an area wider than its photo-frame (though this has its cons) and giving superimposed electronic data – amongst others a live histogram (which is also present in the digital-viewfinder mode). Being a D-SLR shooter a must admit I grew quite fond of having a digital preview of my exposure and with relatively quick and reliable autofocus in live view through the back LCD screen I often used this viewfinder. What I enjoyed about this latter divergence, was the ease with which one could shoot from unique angles, such as from floor-level. Using regular live view our sample did sometimes miss-focus, but I doubt more often than an entry-level D-SLR would while shooting through the viewfinder.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/180s, ISO-800, f/4.5.

Regarding the lenses. It didn’t take long to develop a crush on Fujinon’s 35mm f/1.4. This lens has awesome resolution and quality and the construction not only feels robust, but also as if Fuji followed balanced simplistic approach to the design. We didn’t get any indication that the lens suffered any autofocus weakness and I was quite impressed with the minimum focus distance. Apart from the fixed focal length I would have gladly kept it glued to the X-PRO. Honestly, I don’t know what I miss most – the X-PRO1, or the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/480s, ISO-640, f/2.0.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/1050s, ISO-200, f/2.8.

The Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF was not in the same league as the 35mm prime. However, expecting it to be is would be silly. Lets look at its price and what it represents. The 18-55mm costs around 700 USD and is effectively an enthuisiast-level wide-angle. In this regards it performs reasonably well, but where it exceeds expectations is in build quality. The lens feels robust and delivers more than acceptable image quality. For its class the lens is acceptably fast and pleasant subject isolation is possible with good technique.

Unedited photo from Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/500s, ISO-800, f/4.5.

100% crop of unedited photo above; Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF.

We didn’t get to shoot much with the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro, but the build quality feels good and the focus ring allows precise focusing on macro distances. When I tried focus tracking with the lens on our toddler the focus accuracy was poor, but this whether this was due to my technique, the X-PRO, or the specific samples that were used – I don’t know. If it was due to the lens then that’s a non-issue in terms of the lens’s macro specialization.

Unsharpened with no noise reduction. Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro. 1/50s, ISO-3200, f/8.

All-in-all I was quite sad to send the Fujifilm gear back. I grew particularly fond of the X-PRO1 for its great image quality in a robust and compact body and also developed a strong affinity for the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 XF R for its lovely image quality. If our specialization was journalistic, or travel photography I would be strongly tempted to switch to Fujifilm for the great image and build quality the X-series offers in relatively compact packages.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/270s, ISO-200, f/8.0.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/250s, ISO-3200, f/5.6.

100% crop of above. Fujifilm X-PRO1 at ISO-3200 in low light.

Unedited photo from Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/55s, ISO-6400, f/2.

100% crop of above. Fujifilm X-PRO1 at ISO-6400 in low light.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 18-55mm f/2.8-4 XF. 1/160s, ISO-800, f/6.4.

Fujifilm X-PRO1 + Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. 1/2500s, ISO-200, f/2.8.

DINOKENG WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 8-10 NOVEMBER 2013

2014-02-24T14:12:00.000+02:00

Article by Denni Raubenheimer

White rhino mother and calf by Karina White.

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I was slightly nervous about what Dinokeng’s bushveld would provide with us before our first Dinokeng wildlife photography workshop on 8-10 November 2013. Even in our top game reserves one is never guaranteed photo-ops with sought-after wild photo-subjects. However, in retrospect, and after two workshops in Dinokeng from Tamboti Game Lodge, I cannot complain for a lack of great photo-ops in the time we have spent in the reserve during workshops.

Before getting into my account of our November workshop, let me give some basic information on the recently established Dinokeng Game Reserve. The Dinokeng Game Reserve is a large residential game reserve with free roaming Big 5 located roughly 30 minutes north of Pretoria. It was officially opened on 22 September 2011 and boosts the first free-roaming lion and elephant in the Tshwane Metro for more than 100 years. There are roughly 30 lodges within the reserve that offer a variety of accommodation and activities. Typical habitat found in the reserve is Acacia bushveld and mixed bushveld, that both vary from densely bushed to open tree-savanna. Although no self-drive routes yet exist in Dinokeng, game-drive providers have access to a large network of roads for game viewing. Entrance fees are R25 per adult and R15 for children between 2-12 with the first hour in the reserve being free.

Common Ostrich by Gretchen Pypers.

Our rendezvous with our three workshop attendees was at 16h00. Two of the participants had arrived much earlier and seemed to have already started to unwind from work. After everyone formally meeting each other the workshop’s structure was discussed and it’s main aims given – improving the participants wildlife photography and facilitating a memorable weekend.

Our first drive had nice and sunny late afternoon light. There were some good opportunities with wildebeest and zebra in typical acacia-rich Dinokeng bushveld. We played around with subject isolation and took advantage of the animals’ habituation to game vehicles. Near the end of our drive Derrick (Lodge owner and driver) got a tip-off of three White rhino next to a stream close to the lodge. We headed in their direction with thumbs crossed and luckily found them a stone’s throw away from our searching vehicle. By keeping quite and giving them time to relax they slowly ambled nearer to our vehicle and even though the light had become rather dim everyone had good opportunities to photograph these gentle giants.

White rhino photographed next to small stream close to Tamboti Lodge.

The next morning Yolande and our clients left on their photo-drive shortly after sunrise. The highlights of their drive was a small group of Giraffe in early back lighting and two separate encounters with White rhino. The first was of a single one only moderately close to the vehicle and the second of a group of three which included the rhino-equivalent of a toddler.

Baby Giraffe in back lighting by Karina White.

Two presentations were given during the course of the day and some time was also spent on bird photography in Tamboti’s bird-rich garden. The weekend would give both me and Yolande respective lifers (something I had not expected since we have spent much time birding in the region). For me it was a Great Spotted Cuckoo in the garden and for Yolande it was to be an African Cuckoo-Hawk (which is not at all common close to Pretoria).

On our second late-afternoon game drive we planned to try and photograph rare leucistic (white) Black-backed jackal pups. For a second year a female leucistic Black-backed jackal that roams a territory overlapping with the lodge had had white pups in a den nearby Tamboti. The den was about one kilometre from the lodge and Derrick had gauged the time the pups typically surfaced before evening. This only happened nearer to dusk, so the first part of the drive was not in their direction. For the first part we encountered many antelope and we photographed some zebra close to the vehicle in beautiful golden light as we started to head towards the den. Nearing the site we all quieted down and then Derrick stopped. He gestured into a wooded patch some 40 metres in front of the vehicle and one-by-one we all saw two small white jackals. I was elated just to see them and we all tried to contain our excitement as we observed the two interacting with their two regularly-coloured siblings and tried to manoeuvre into favourable angles for the best photos. The light was already very low, but all managed to capture the special memory of a very rare sighting and here and there a good photo was captured.

Rare leucistic Black-backed Jackal pups.

The final guided game drive once again left just after sunrise. This drive had comparably little large game sightings, but was an avian delight. More than one species of raptor was encountered, but the most noteworthy was an adult African Cuckoo-Hawk. The vehicle followed it from perch to perch for a while and the passengers were treated to witnessing the tenacious belligerence with which Fork-tailed drongos evict raptors from their territories. Some time was also spent trying to capture swallows in flight.

African Cuckoo-Hawk.

After the last drive and some welcome breakfast our clients had time to select some of their better photos from the workshop. We helped them refine these selections and did some basic editing to the final selections. The workshop was then ended with a show-and-tell and Yolande and I were very impressed by our clients’ photos. Gretchen Pypers had to leave straight after the show-and-tell and the rest of us had final farewell beers in the bar-lounge. All-in-all a very memorable weekend.

Sunlight through clouds during game drive.

Farewell beers.

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

2013-08-17T13:23:00.000+02:00

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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

2013-08-08T16:17:00.001+02:00

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

2013-07-29T12:20:00.002+02:00

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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

2013-07-23T22:40:00.000+02:00

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.

2010-07-05T20:40:00.001+02:00

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

2010-06-10T19:12:00.000+02:00

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

2010-05-04T19:39:00.000+02:00

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.

Falling in love with birds

2010-04-18T21:06:00.000+02:00

By Denni Raubenheimer

My wife has often teased me about the answer I gave when three years ago she asked me whether or not I like birds. My answer was basically - “No, with exception of Fish Eagles and stuff”. The irony and her reason for teasing me is that in the past year and a half or so I’ve fallen in love with them.

Years ago I didn’t care much for most birds, though I did have an appreciation for eagles, such as these majestic African Fish Eagles.

For me, as is the case for quite a number of South Africans, the Kruger National Park (KNP) played a major role in the development of my passion for birds. My first visit to the Kruger was at the end of my honeymoon. My wife and I had flown to Zanzibar and after about a week on the island backpacked through portions of mainland Tanzania and Malawi. We had really wanted to visit one of Tanzania’s great parks, but we realized that for the price of 2 days and one game drive in the Serengeti Game Reserve we could camp in the Kruger for about ten days, plus do our own game drives. We thus opted for the Kruger. Our expectation was mainly for lions, elephants and other large mammals and throughout our visit we saw mammals galore. What also happened is that we were constantly admiring feathered creatures – constantly getting to know new bird species and raving about their beauty. Some species that stood out for me during that first visit were Lilac-breasted and European Rollers, Carmine and European Bee-eaters, Woodland and Giant Kingfishers, Marabou and Yellow-billed Storks, as well as African Scops-Owl.

During my first visit to the Kruger one of my most memorable experiences was observing an African Scops-Owl at close quarters with a headlamp as it scanned its surroundings for prey. I kept thinking “It’s exactly like a miniature version of a larger Owl.”.

The relatively well known African Jacana has long toes that enable it to spread it’s body weight and walk on floating plants such as water lilies. Though omnivorous it feeds largely on insects and crustaceans that have aquatic habits.

After that first visit to the Kruger, whenever I found myself away from the city I would be more attentive to the birds around me. I also picked up bird books more often, so my knowledge was growing. Probably about four months after our honeymoon my wife and I bought a box full of fifty or so past issues of Africa Birds and Birding. Having a tendency for collecting information and having had developed a passion for wildlife photography I saturated my brain with each issue. My knowledge of South African birds quadrupled in a short time and as it tends to go with most fields of knowledge - the more you know about a study field, the more interesting you find it.

My wife and I are quite lucky to have one or more pairs of Klaas’s Cuckoos visit our garden on regularly intervals each summer. I was lucky enough to take this photo of a male out of one of our windows.

Although learning about birds and becoming familiar with more species was pivotal in the growth of my admiration for them, it was the realization of their beauty and variety that truly enamoured me. I came to realize that birds are arguably as morphologically diverse as mammals and on average much more colourful. They might not be as fierce as big cats, but can be just as majestic. They are probably more often overlooked than wild mammals, but their variety, in terms of numbers of species, far exceed those of mammals. In South Africa, for instance, more than 900 species of birds occur, compared to only about 300 species of mammals. Take that into account, plus the fact that birds are relatively geographically uninhibited, then there is no surprise that no matter where you live you should have a multitude of birds to admire. Take Pretoria for example. I used to just notice doves and other “boring” species in my home city, but since I’ve started to look at birds and keep my eyes open for them, I constantly have the opportunity to muse at the beauty of one or other of the approximately 400 species that have been recorded here.

This White-backed Vulture, along with numerous other vultures, came swooping down to earth shortly after a Zebra had given birth. My wife and I were both amazed at how rapidly the vultures responded and at how they seemed to appear out of nowhere.

With my eyes open to the abundance of birds wherever I find myself, I am indebted to them for making nature’s beauty and diversity a much greater part of my daily experience. More than that, having developed a love and appreciation for birds, I have found yet another diamond in the treasury of the natural world.

Lilac-breasted Rollers have an affinity for bushveld, savannah and woodland vegetation zones. Can one help but admire their colourful plumage?

My first experience with African Wild Dogs

2010-02-17T11:12:00.000+02:00

My first experience with African Wild Dogs

Most of my 30 years on earth I have spend on this continent called Africa, and last month was the first time that I happen to stumble upon a pack of wild dogs. Spending some time in a nature reserve in the Mpumalanga area my husband and I came upon a pack of wild dogs hanging out on a gravel road after a meal. Being called wild dogs, I some how didn’t think that a ‘wild dog’ would actually be so dog like. (I don’t know what I was thinking?). They did absolutely everything exactly like a dog would. They scratched like dogs, growled like dogs, played like dogs, pounced upon one another like dogs, turned their heads slightly to the side and tilted their ears - like dogs. But, on the other hand they where more fit and unpredictable than any dog I’ve encountered.

What also surprised me was that all their teeth where so strong and white and their coats where fluffy and shiny. I don’t know how good it would be to try this at home, but it seems a diet consisting mostly of fresh impala meat goes down very well with dogs.

The other thing that amazed me was how fearless they where. While we were watching the Wild dogs at a water hole, we saw a pack of three nervous zebras chasing down upon the them. A dog would be singled out for attack by the zebras and it would stand its ground until the last minute before fleeing. As the zebras would chase the ‘unfortunate’ dog the other dogs would assemble from behind and chase the Zebras! It was just one big game for the wild dogs, but the zebras seemed pretty out of it.

Something about wild dogs that I find very interesting is their ability to share - which is definitely not a main characteristic of most carnivores in Africa. The pack is run by an Alfa male and female which are the only ones that get to mate. The babies born form the Alfas are taken care of by the whole pack. So every time after a hunt the dogs will assemble and through-up a little ‘fresh’ food into the babies’ mouths. The wild dogs that stay behind to take care of the babies will also receive some take always…

Wild dogs are also known for the fact that they are nomadic and babies are moved on a regular basis. Can’t help to think that it might contribute to the fact that they come across so incredibly fit and slender.

While spending time with the wild dogs I also made a new discovery. I was allergic to them! At one stage we spend some time quite close to a few wild dogs lying under a tree. At first I was captivated being so close to them, but then I got exactly the same allergic reaction I get form being close to normal dogs… I couldn’t keep my sneezes in and startled the wild dogs every timed it happened. So unfortunately we had to leave…

Even though the mannerisms of wild dogs are very similar to those of your pooch at home, I will under no circumstances suggest that you climb out of your car and try and hang out with them. Unlike your pooch these dogs kill for a living, and it seems like they quite enjoy it too. You might think you have your eye on the dog in front of you, just to be taken down form behind by 15 other dogs. Oh, and if you think that you are a pretty big guy, think again, your might have size but they’ve got the numbers.

There was something quite mesmerizing about these animals. They represented a sense of freedom, a wild secret that they carry with them. One you would only know if you had run with the pack and felt the excitement of a kill… It always makes me sad to think of how endangered they are.

Tswaing Meteorite Crater

2009-11-18T12:31:00.000+02:00

Tswaing Meteorite Crater as seen from the crater's rim.

On a recent visit to the Tswaing Meteorite Crater (also known as Saltpan) my wife and I were pleasantly surprised at all it has to offer nature lovers. Located approximately 40 km north-northwest of Pretoria (4), the impact crater is anomalously well preserved and home to a wide range of prolific fauna and flora. Due to its value to science and tourism the crater and its immediate surrounds form a protected area open to the public at a small entrance fee.

Impact, Geology and Archaeology:

Roughly 220 000 years ago a moderately sized meteorite hit Southern Africa forming the Tswaing Meteorite Crater. Like many meteorites the ‘Tswaing Meteorite’ was vaporised on impact. It is believed to have been 30-50 m in diameter as it sped to the Earth’s surface at 72000-108000 km/hour (2). The energy released by the impact was roughly equal to that of 1000 nuclear bomb explosions (2). Most, if not all, non-primitive life forms within a radius of about 20 km of the impact site was obliterated (2).

The Meteorite impacted the Nebo granite of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, overturning and tilting various portions of granite. Apart from the crater and structural geology of Tswaing, rapidly deformed quartz and feldspar crystals, as well as melt-breccias formed from the granite bear witness to the colossal impact event (4).

The rim of the crater has an altitude roughly 60 m higher than the surrounding country, while the crater floor lies roughly 120 m below the highest portion of the rim (1). The crater’s basin (i.e. floor) lies below the regional watertable (3). This resulted in the formation of a semi-permanent lake inside the crater, as ground- and rain water tend to flow into the crater basin (3). Due to a higher average rate of evaporation from the lake than the average rate of rain water addition to it, the lake has been saline for many millennia.

The saline character of the lake is responsible for much of the crater’s archaeological significance. Stone Age artefacts have shown that people hunted, gathered and collected salts at Tswaing from roughly 150 000 to 30 000 years before present. In historical times, between 1912 an1956, salt and soda was mined commercially at Tswaing by SA Alkali Ltd..

Biodiversity:

Black-winged Stilt is one of the bird species one is likely to encounter at the crater lake.

In terms of nature, Tswaing arguably has most to offer birders, though various mammals and numerous trees and plants occur in it. Roughly 260 bird species have been documented within the conservancy (2). This large array of birds can be attributed to the mixture of bio zones within Tswaing. They are Acacia woodland, mixed woodland (crater rim), river and wetland (wetland occurs in the north-eastern sector of the conservancy), areas where grasses dominate and the crater lake with its shores (2). The Acacia and mixed woodland attract species such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Red-chested Cuckoo (in summer), Burchell’s Coucal, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Cardinal Woodpecker, Fork-tailed Drongo, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Pearl-spotted Owlet (2) and Acacia Pied Barbet (2). At the saline crater lake one can expect to see species such as Black-winged Stilt, Cape Teal, Little Grebe, Black-smith Lapwing, Pied Avocet (2) and Three-banded Plover. The wetland in the northeast of the conservancy hosts various Warblers (Willow, Icterine, Garden, Marsh, Great Reed and River), African Rail and African Purple Swamphen, to name a few (2). After high rainfall Harlequin Quail and Dwarf Bittern may visit the wetland (2). A final birding highlight I wish to mention is the African Hawk-Eagle pair that breed within the crater every year (2). The public is strongly urged not to approach the eagle’s nest, as this might interfere with the raptors’ breeding success.

Various small mammals such as rodents, mongoose, hares, genets and Vervet Monkey (2) occur at Tswaing. Larger mammals include Chacma Baboon and introduced antelope such as Impala.

Finally, for those with a passion for botany – many trees in the Tswaing have been tagged with numbers. Lists with the corresponding tree species names can be obtained at the Tswaing Museum (2).

Personal experience:

Upon entering Tswaing the first two birds we saw were Brown-hooded kingfishers...

I’ve only visited the Tswaing Crater once, but the experience has definitely motivated me to want to go again. Upon entering Tswaing the first two birds we saw were Brown-hooded kingfishers, the third species, I believe, was a White-winged Widowbird – both of which you would rarely see in Pretoria. The most prominent birdcall, evident throughout our visit, was that of the Red-chested Cuckoo, which we spotted in flight a handful of times. Other prominent vocals were those of Burchell’s Coucals and Arrow-marked Babblers.

The environment within Tswaing, especially near the crater, seemed healthy and thriving. Walking in-and-around the crater evoked a feeling of being in a remote part of Africa. This feeling was probably due to elevated humidity, pristine woodland, and the strange geomorphology of the crater.

One thing I want to do differently if I visit Tswaing again in summer – is to take lots of mosquito repellent. As soon as we started descending into the crater, we started loosing blood!

Access, facilities and costs:

The Tswaing Crater is open to the public from 07:30-16:00 everyday (2). Entrance costs R15 per adult and R20 per car (optional) and is payable at the Tswaing Museum. One may leave one’s car at the museum and enter Tswaing on foot. The entrance to Tswaing is located roughly 200 m north of the museum along the M35. Obtaining a permit for one’s car gives one access to a limited portion of the conservancies’ road network - enabling one to drive up to near the crater’s rim. A clearly marked hiking trail exists, for which a map is given on the information brochure obtained at the museum. The full length of the trail is 7.2 km (2). Day visitors can make use of the picnic area which includes braai facilities and toilets (2). Finally, camping and chalets are available at Kgotla Camp (2). For more information phone 012 790 2302.

Conclusions:

The Tswaing Crater is a must-see for Gauteng nature lovers, especially to those that enjoy birdwatching. Being only about 40 km from Pretoria – visitors from our Capital City could easily do just a morning- or afternoon visit. Visitors from further a field would probably do best to make a day-visit of Tswaing, or to sleep over at Kgotla Camp.

Denni Raubenheimer

info@wildlifestockimage.com

References:

1) Brandt, D. and Reimold, W.U. (1995). The geology of the Pretoria Saltpan impact structure and the surrounding area. South African Journal of Geology, 98 (3), 287-304.

2) Marias, E. and Peacock, F. (2008). The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng. Mirafra Publishing, Cape Town. – 384pp.

3) McCaffrey, L.P. and Harris, C. (1996). Hydrological impact of the Pretoria Salt Pan crater, South Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 23 (2), 205-212.

4) Partridge, T. C., Demenocal, P. B., Lorentz, S. A., Paiker, M. J. and Vogel, J. C. (1997). Orbital forcing of climate over South Africa: a 200,000-year rainfall record from the Pretoria Saltpan. Quarternary Science Reviews, 16, 1125-1133.

Gauteng Nature: Austen Roberts and Pretoria Botanical Gardens

2009-10-20T10:20:00.000+02:00

Nature oases within large cities’ limits might be prone to unnatural elements, but, as is the case with the Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary and the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, may offer a wealth of natural beauty. And though the fauna in such havens might be aware of human activity around them, they often continue with their required daily activities as if we were not there.

1) Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary

This White-faced Duck was photographed through one of the viewing holes in the wall built along the path leading to the Sasol Hadeda Hide.

The Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary is located on the site of an old clay quarry in the suburb of Nieuw Muckleneuk and was established in 1958. Though it apparently took a while for a wide variety of birds to start roosting and/or abiding in the sanctuary, it soon became a refuge and prime foraging site to a large number of bird species.

Biodiversity:
More than 160 species have been recorded in the sanctuary and in addition to birds some antelope (Common Duiker and Blesbok) and Leopard Tortoises call the sanctuary home. Slender Mongoose, though not confined to the sanctuary, is also often seen. Some of the birds one is likely to encounter are Blue Crane, Sacred Ibis, White-faced Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Egyptian Goose, Little Grebe, Reed Cormorant, African Darter, Black Crake, Warblers (Lesser Swamp, Little Rush and Willow), Southern Masked Weaver, Thick-billed Weaver and Village Weaver. Kingfishers are common (Pied, Giant and Brown-hooded) and various elusive species, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Bittern, might also be seen.

This female Giant Kingfisher took a breather on a tree adjacent to the Sanctuary’s main dam and next to the walkway leading to the Sasol Hadeda Hide.

Access and facilities:
The general public may not venture into the sanctuary itself, but can view it either from the walkways that follow the sanctuary’s fence, from the Blue Crane Restaurant, which borders and overlooks much of the sanctuary and from the Sasol Hadeda Hide. The walk around the fence may sound dull, but a number of small dams are located close to the fence and one is sure to see a good number of bird species and some antelope if one walks around the whole perimeter. The Blue Crane Restaurant allows a good view over the sanctuary’s main dam, especially from its top deck. With a pair of binoculars one can utilize the restaurant’s vantage point to the full, although the view itself is scenic and many birds should be well within range to observe without optical aid. If one is a birder then a visit to Austen Roberts is not complete without making use of the Sasol Hadeda Hide. This hide is well designed with a walkway leading to the hide that largely conceals the visitor from birds. Furthermore, this walkway also has eye-level gaps in its concealing wall that allow for intimate close-up views of a number of ducks and other birds. The hide itself looks out onto a small stream on side, an embayment fringed by reeds and much of the sanctuary’s main dam. Look out for Warblers and Black Crake around the hide and upon entering and leaving the hide scan the nearby trees that fringe the dam for Kingfishers. Another feature of the sanctuary is the small museum located between the restaurant and hide. It features displays of a number of birds preserved by taxidermy and would be enjoyed by most children, though adults (like myself) are not exempt.

The birds, and certain antelope like the Common Duiker, in the reserve are quite habituated to humans, which allows for close views and many photo opportunities. Whether one is a serious birder and/or nature photographer or just a nature lover, the Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary has something to offer. Its tranquillity and beauty allow the mind to escape from the hustle and bustle of surrounding suburban Pretoria.

2) Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
Apart from being a nice picnic spot, the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens offers access to patches of bush of pristine flora and a healthy diversity of birdlife. Situated near the N1-N4 interchange, the gardens were established in 1946 and span a large area of 76 hectares. A quartzite ridge runs through the gardens and separates its southern and northern portions. Apart from the woodland biozone defined by the ridge, portions of natural grassland occur, while the remainder of the gardens is composed of a mosaic of mini-gardens, all having different themes, and lawns that are interspersed with trees.

When the fig trees that grow on the quartzite ridge that runs through the gardens develop ripe figs one is likely to find the beautiful African Green Pigeon along with various other frugivores gorging themselves on these fruit.

Biodiversity:
The botanical gardens are home to a wide spectrum of life, from plants and trees to reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Roughly 200 species of birds have been recorded and one may well be surprised to encounter species you might not expect well within Pretoria such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Acacia Pied Barbet, African Green Pigeon and in summer Grey-headed Kingfisher. A mammal rather ubiquitous on the quartzite ridge is the Rock Hyrax (Dassie) and if you’ve never seen these large rodents in a tree – this is a common spectacle in the gardens. I have not seen any, but I’m sure mongoose, genets and various snakes are also resident in the gardens. Finally, I wouldn’t be doing the gardens due honour by neglecting to mention its floral diversity. More or less 1000 and 500 species of flowering plants and trees occur in the gardens, respectively. The gardens’ diversity in trees is impressive considering that it accounts for more than half of our indigenous tree species. Furthermore, many of the trees occurring in the gardens are labelled - displaying their common and scientific names.

As well as lawns interspersed with threes and woodland area, the gardens contain large patches of grassland that provide ideal conditions for many flowering plants, as well as prime foraging grounds for Spotted Thick-knee and the like.

Access & facilities:
The botanical gardens are open year-round from 08:00-18:00. Adults pay R18.00 for a day’s entrance, students R10 and children under ?? R??. Facilities include a visitor’s centre, an environmental education centre, a restaurant overlooking a small dam and ablution facilities. Note that the restaurant’s entrance is outside the gardens - fringing the gardens’ main parking area. Finally, the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s head office is located inside the gardens and has a commended bookstore.

So, whether one is in the mood for a picnic, a short hike, birding or just nature, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens offers a wide spectrum of natural beauty and diversity at an affordable price.

Denni Raubenheimer

PS: In writing this article I consulted ‘The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng’, a desirable book to any Gauteng birder.

Gauteng Nature: Pretoria, Rietvlei Nature Reserve (Entry 2)

2009-10-09T13:11:00.000+02:00

Photo: Denni Raubenheimer www.wildlifestockimage.com

The first three places in Pretoria that I would recommend for nature lovers are Rietvlei Nature Reserve, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary. It must be noted though, that the latter two cater more for bird lovers and bird photography. Also worth note, and by no means inferior, except arguably to Rietvlei, are Roodeplaatdam Nature Reserve and the Magaliesberg Mountain Range. Finally, for those seeking a relaxing walk through nature or to do some birdwatching in Pretoria East, the Fearie Glen Nature Reserve is a very affordable option. Please note that the series of articles I am writing on the nature areas in and around Gauteng will be limited to ones I have personally visited.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is situated on the eastern outskirts of Pretoria adjacent to, and southwest of, the R50 to Delmas. One of the features of this roughly 4000 ha reserve is its wide range of mammals, ranging from mice and mongoose to black wildebeest, white rhino and a pair of cheetahs. The reserve also boasts a wide range of birds (roughly 280 species have been observed), including water-affinite species like African Fish Eagle, Kingfishers (Giant, Malachite, Pied and Half-collared are common) and Goliath Heron, a whole host of water birds and grassland species such as Korhaans (Northern Black, Barrows and Blue), Orange-throated Longclaw and African Grass Owl.

Grasslands, marshes, gently undulating hills and two dams dominate the landscape. Luckily the network of roads and 4 hides allow visitors excess to almost every nook and cranny of the reserve. Until recently there were only three hides, one at each of the dams and the other along the Vlei Route downstream of Marais Dam. The reserve’s new hide is situated on the eastern side of the Rietvlei Dam, roughly southeast of the camping area. In my opinion it is by far the best hide. It looks out onto a small island which hosts breeding colonies of Reed- and White-breasted Cormorant and allows the visitor a 270º viewing range. Grey-headed gulls, Reed-knobbed Coots, Little Grebes and African Darters are some species usually within sight. Furthermore, there are reedbeds on both sides of the hide that together with a half-drowned dead tree a few metres from the hide attract a number of birds, and offer Kingfishers desirable perches.

Another birding and photography hotspot is at the small bridge just downstream of the Marais Dam along the Vlei Route. Here my wife and I have had the opportunity to photograph Black-shouldered Kite and Malachite Kingfisher and I have read in more than one source that it is prolific for sightings of not only Malachite Kingfishers but also Pied-, Giant-, and Half-collared Kingfishers.

Visitors may enter the reserve between 05:30 and 17:00 in summer (Sept.-Mar.) and between 06:00 and 16:00 in winter. Entrance is R35.00 per person, but no fee is charged for children under the age of 12. The reserve offers accommodation in the form of two overnight huts, as well as camping in a separate portion of the reserve. Please note that the camping fee does not include entrance to the other part of Rietvlei. Finally, guided hikes and game drives are also available to the public.

All in all Rietvlei is a jewel of Pretoria that is well maintained and managed. It offers a wide variety of fauna and natural beauty in close range of the Pretoria CBD at prices affordable to the average Joe.

In my next entry I will be discussing the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary.

Denni Raubenheimer
info@wildlifestockimage.com

PS: In writing this article I consulted ‘The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng’, a desirable book to any Gauteng birder.

Gauteng Nature: In and Around (Entry 1)

2009-10-09T13:02:00.000+02:00

Photo: Denni Raubenheimer www.wildlifestockimage.com

Gauteng. Economic and industrial hub of South Africa. Probably the Province most synonymous with the rat race. With all the development and industry associated with this region, what does it still have to offer nature lovers? In my opinion, still quite a lot.

In my next entrees I will be focused on the nature reserves, wilderness areas and nature oases in and close to Gauteng. Being based in Pretoria I will start off with “Jacaranda Stad” and her surrounds and by the end I hope I will have done justice to a still beautiful Province.

Please feel free to suggest locations in and nearby Gauteng that you would like to be discussed, or to comment on your experience of such places.

Denni Raubenheimer
info@wildlifestockimage.com

Dubbelsnip Gallinago media (great snipe) op die plaas Doornfontein.Verskyn in ‘Laniarius’: nr. 101, winter 2006.

2009-10-09T12:57:00.000+02:00

‘n Dubbelsnip Gallinago media (Great Snipe) op die plaas Doornfontein 374 tussen Modimolle (Nylstroom) en Vaalwater

Willem Boshoff

Op 26 Desember 2005 het ek die plaas Doornfontein besoek en ek was verstom oor hoe droog dit op die plaas was. Die normaalweg standhoudende spruit, die Sandrivier, was gereduseer tot ‘n baie klein lopie waaroor ‘n mens met redelike gemak kon spring. Weerskante van die stroom was daar plekke waar dit goed modderig was en hier en daar was daar klein modderige pannetjies met byna geen water nie. Hierdie deel van die spruit is tans onder die vlak van ‘n damwal, sowat 100 meter verder stroomaf, maar die dam was waarskynlik nie meer as 5% vol nie. Daar was net ‘n klein poel water digby die wal.

Met die afstap dam toe het ‘n snip naby die spruit uit die kort oewerplante reg voor my opgevlieg. Drie kenmerke het my onmiddellik opgeval: eerstens was die buitestertvere spierwit en besonder opvallend, tweedens het die snip met ‘n redelik stadige vlerkklap, byna moeisaam of rustig, gevlieg, derdens het die snip slegs ‘n kort entjie met ‘n boog direk van my af weggevlieg, gaan sit en tussen die plantegroei in verdwyn. Ek het om twee redes onmiddellik gedink dat dit nie ‘n Afrikaanse Snip (Gallinago nigripennis, African Snipe) kon wees nie: die vliegpatroon was heeltemal verkeerd en die snawel het vir my te kort gelyk. Kenmerkend van die Afrikaanse Snip is juis dat hy gewoonlik nie reguit nie, maar met ‘n sigsag-patroon, ver wegvlieg voordat hy weer gaan sit. Dikwels kan ‘n mens hom weer vind in die omgewing waar hy gaan sit het. Voorts is sy opvallende lang snawel vir my ‘n kenmerk in vlug.

Die klein illustrasie van Newman se veldgidse (1984:105, 1996:105) het dadelik by my opgekom. Daar dui hy ‘n slingerende vliegpatroon vir die Afrikaanse Snip en ‘n direkte boogvlug vir die Dubbelsnip aan. Nadat ek die veldgidse van Newman (1984:104-5, 1996:104-5) en Sasol (2002:186-7) geraadpleeg het, het ek geen twyfel gehad oor die uitkenning nie. Alhoewel Newman nie in die teks gewag maak van die helder wit aan weerskante van die stert nie, beeld sy klein illustrasie van die Dubbelsnip in vlug dit wel uit. Albei se beskrywing van die Dubbelsnip as “’n seldsame somerbesoeker” het my egter huiwerig gemaak om te opgewonde te raak. ‘n Opmerking in die Transvaalse atlas, wat deur Viljoen geëggo word, het my egter agter die boeke laat inskuif toe ek later by die huis kom: “Any future Transvaal reports of this species should be carefully documented and verified” (Tarboton et al 1987:100) en “Enige moontlike waarnemings moet aangemeld word” (Viljoen 2005:204). Ek het die waarneming ook telefonies met Mostert Kriek en Peter Milstein bespreek en hulle het albei gemeen dat die kenmerke op ‘n Dubbelsnip dui. Peter Milstein het ook sonder meer twee foto’s beskikbaar gestel wat hy op 11/9/1971 tydens beringing by die Chualemeer in Mosambiek van ‘n Dubbelsnip geneem het. Die foto’s word hier met sy toestemming gepubliseer.

Op 30 Desember 2005 is ek saam met Koos Pauw en Ray en Helen Biran terug plaas toe om te gaan kyk of ons die snip weer kon opspoor. Byna onmiddellik nadat ons by die dam aangekom het, het ‘n Afrikaanse Snip voor ons opgevlieg en al die kenmerkende Afrikaanse Snip dinge gedoen: hy het vinnig, slingerend en laag vir omtrent 60 meter weggevlieg en gaan sit waar ons hom ‘n rukkie later weer opgejaag het en hy dieselfde weer in die teenoorgestelde rigting gedoen het. Ons het hom drie kere gesien en kon die kenmerkende wit onder die pens duidelik sien, terwyl die spierwit buitestertvere van die Dubbelsnip ooglopend ontbreek het. Daarby was sy lang snawel elke keer in vlug opvallend. Hierdie kenmerke en gedrag het bevestig dat die ander snip nié ‘n Afrikaanse Snip was nie.

Toe ons in die gebied kom waar die rivier normaalweg in die dam invloei, het Koos Pauw en Helen Biran ‘n snip gesien wat van die modder af op ‘n dooie boomstomp geklim het. Toe ons beweeg het hy opgevlieg en skaars vyf meter weg buite sig op die modderoewer gaan sit. Ek het nader beweeg en net toe ek naby kom het hy met ‘n direkte boogvlug dwars voor ons verby in die lang riete in gevlieg en omtrent tien meter verder gaan sit en verdwyn. Die spierwit buitestertvere was duidelik uitkenbaar en die relatief korter snawel Ons het genoeg gesien om te bevestig dat dit ‘n snip was en dat die vliegpatroon totaal anders was as die Afrikaanse Snip wat ons toe reeds verskeie kere dopgehou het. Die belangrikste kenmerke (wit buitestertvere en direkte en kort boogvlug) was baie duidelik te sien en ek het geen twyfel oor die uitkenning van die Dubbelsnip nie. ‘n Besoek aan die plaas tydens die daaropvolgende naweek deur Trevor Hardaker het niks opgelewer nie.

‘n Oorsig oor die literatuur

Die beste beskrywings en illustrasies van die Dubbelsnip het ek in drie boeke oor waad- en jagvoëls (Viljoen 2005:203-4; Hockey & Douie 1995:247-8; Richards 1988:123-4) en in Lars Jonsson (1993:252-3) se Europese veldgids gevind. Veral Jonsson en Hockey & Douie se illustrasies was van baie groot hulp.

Hockey & Douie (1995: 247) vestig die aandag op die feit die Dubbelsnip nat toestande nodig het om te wei, maar dat hulle nie afhanklik is van oop water, soos damme of panne nie. Hulle verkies moerasagtige plekke soos vloedvlaktes en tydelik oorspoelde gebiede en hulle kom dikwels in dieselfde habitat as die Afrikaanse Snip voor. Clancey (1996:91) meld dat hulle in suidelike Mosambiek ook langs dreineringskanale, langs bewerkte lande voorkom. In sy veldgids vir Botswana meld Newman (1989:64) na ‘n uitstekende beskrywing dat die Dubbelsnip uiters sporadies in die Linyanti-Okavangostreek voorkom en dat hulle kort gras rondom alkaliese panne en droeër grond as die Afrikaanse Snip verkies.

Dis duidelik dat getalle van die Dubbelsnip gedurende die Twintigste Eeu dramaties afgeneem het. Richards (1988:123) dui die suidelike oorwinteringsgebied in Suider-Afrika aan as ‘n groot halfmaan wat van noordelike Namibië ooswaarts tot in Mosambiek sterk en dan suidwaarts tot in die Weskaap. Dit is grootliks onakkuraat. Meer akkuraat is die kaart in Sinclair & Ryan (2003:170) wat klaarblyklik van die resultate van die SABAP gebruikgemaak het en wat aandui dat die verspreidingsgebied nie ver suid van die Okavango- en Zambesiriviere sterek nie.
Hockey & Douie (1995:247) meld dat Dubbelsnip gedurende die tweede helfte van die Negentiende Eeu nie skaars was in die Transvaal, Natal en Oos-Kaap nie, maar die laaste rekord van die voël in Suid-Afrika is een wat tussen 1904 en 1907 in Pondoland geskiet is, totdat een weer in 1984 by die St Luciameer gevind is.
• Cyrus & Robson (1980:13) vermeld ‘n verdere waarneming gedurende September 1970, maar oordeel dat dit bevestig moet word en lys die Dubbelsnip onder die voëls van Natal waarvan die verspreiding merkbaar afgeneem het (1980:25).
• Tarboton et al (1987:100) dui dieselfde tendens vir die Transvaal aan en meld dat Ayers tussen 1876 en 1885 ten minste 15 Dubbelsnippe by Potchefstroom versamel het.
• In die Weskaap is ‘n Dubbelsnip gedurende die Negentiende Eeu op die Kaapse Vlakte versamel en onbevestigde berigte lui dat die voël ook by die Olifantsrivier en by Porterville waargeneem is (Hockey et al 1989:94).
• Wat die Ooskaap betref is die volgende inligting uit die Transkei ter sake: Die welbekende kunstenaar CG Finch-Davies was van 1893 tot 1914 in die Transkei gestasioneer. Quickelberge (1989: 57) meld dat Rev R Godfrey rapporteer het dat Finch-Davies die Dubbelsnip dikwels in vleilande by Lisikisiki en Bizana gevind het, maar dat dit nie so algemeen by Matatiele was nie.

Dit is interessant om te sien hoe Roberts en ander standaard studies, soos die SAOS Checklists traag was om die afnemende getalle van Dubbelsnip in Suid-Afrika te reflekteer:
• Gill (1940:143) meld dat uitsonderlike voorbeelde van Dubbelsnip omtrent op enige plek kan opduik, dikwels op redelik droë grond en gewoonlik, maar nie altyd nie, in die somer.
• Roberts (1940:104) beskryf die voël bloot as ‘n besoeker wat slegs gedurende die somermaande in Suid-Afrika verskyn (Roberts I).
• McLachlan & Liversidge (1957:135) beskryf die verspreidingsgebied soos volg: Aangeteken in die Oos-Londen distrik en van Potchefstroom af noordwaarts, met ‘n ou aantekening uit die Kaapse Afdeling (Roberts II; dit bly die beskrywing tot by Roberts IV, 1978).
• Die eerste Checklist of the Birds of South Africa (Winterbottom 1969:87) beskryf die Dubbelsnip as ‘n palearktiese besoeker aan Oos- en Suid-Afrika wat skaarser word hoe verder suid ‘n mens gaan.
• Die tweede SAOS Checklist of Southern African Birds (Clancey 1980:73) beskryf die Dubbelsnip as ‘n besoeker, veral aan die Ooskaap, Natal en Zululand en noordwaarts in die ooste. Dit is ook gelys in Namibië en is na bewering in die Suidweskaap versamel.
• Maclean (1984:254) sê die Dubbelsnip in suidelike Afrika is wydverspreid in noordelike Zimbabwe, suidelike Mosambiek, Transvaal; asook Owamboland; met geen onlangse rekords vir Natal tot by die Ooskaap nie. Hy meld dat die getalle oënskynlik afneem (Roberts V; dit bly so in Roberts VI, 1993).
• Hockey et al (2005:342-343) bied ‘n goeie oorsig van die historiese en meer onlangse waarnemings (Roberts VII).

‘n Unieke patroon van veranderde verspreiding oor die afgelope eeu geld vir die Dubbelsnip.
• Waar daar vóór 1920 geen rekords van Dubbelsnip in Zimbabwe was nie, is die meerderheid van die veertig waarnemings sedert 1955, asook die grootste konsentrasie (van vier), juis in Zimbabwe aangeteken (Hockey & Douie 1995:247; Hockey 1997:770). Dit is veel minder as die groep van meer as twintig Dubbelsnippe wat in 1899 by Durban saam gesien is. Die veranderde verspreidingspatroon mag die resultaat wees van landbou-aktiwiteite in Suid-Afrika (waar vleilande drooggelê is) en Zimbabwe (waar vleilande oënskynlik beskikbaar gekom het) (Hockey & Douie 1995:247).
• Penry (1994:292) vermeld vyf waarnemings van Dubbelsnip in Botswana tussen 1967 en 1989. Hy meen die voël word maklik misgekyk en dat dit moontlik ‘n gereelde jaarlikse besoeker aan die noordelike vleilande kan wees.
• Underhill et al (1999: 85) meen dat die Dubbelsnip moontlik steeds ‘n skaars besoeker aan noordoos Namibië mag wees. Winterbottom (1971: 96) verwys na rekords uit Ondangwa, Namakunde en Omaruru. Brown (s.a.:26) dui die verspreidingsgebied aan as Ovamboland en Caprivi. ‘n Geringde voël is in Julie 1967 in Ondangwa, Namibië herwin. Die voël is tien maande tevore in Finland bering en die herwinningsdatum van 15 Julie is moontlik eerder die datum van aanmelding as die datum waarop dit werklik gevind is (Underhill et al 1999: 85).
• ‘n Verdere Dubbelsnip is op 11 September 1971 by die Chualemeer in Mosambiek (25° 01´ S, 32° 55´ O) deur P le S Milstein bering (persoonlike mededeling, sien meegaande foto’s) en Clancey (1996:91) meld ‘n waarneming by Marracuene, net noord van Maputo en verder verskeie waarnemings noord van die Saverivier. (Vir geografiese besonderhede: Clancey 1996:304, National Geographic Maps 2003:109).
• In suidelike Malawi word die Dubbelsnip aangedui as “seisoenaal redelik algemeen” by die Chilwameer, oos van Zomba en op die Mosambiekse grens (Newman et al 1992:55, National Geographic Maps 2003:140,149).
• In Zambië kan die Dubbelsnip in die somermaande op enige plek in nat grasveld opduik, maar dit kom voor in klein getalle en word min aangeteken (Aspinwall & Beel 1998:78).

Die Dubbelsnip is nie ‘n alledaagse verskynsel nie. Die waarneming op die plaas Doornfontein het my op ‘n ontdekkingstog in die literatuur geneem wat ek graag met ander voëlkykers deel. Ek vertrou dit sal iemand interesseer. Daarmee het ek ook probeer om iets te doen aan die versoek dat waarnemings van die Dubbelsnip sorgvuldig rapporteer moet word.

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