The Wildebeest

30/10/2024

So sad to hear this news.

Dinkelman, 44, was bitten in September and, due to an allergy to the venom, experienced an intense anaphylactic reaction

22/08/2024

I have recently read two old books that I found at a hospice. The first was "Spiders of Southern Africa" by J.H. Yates which was published in 1968. The second was "The Fur Seal of Southern Africa" by W.H. Zur Strassen which was published in 1971.

After reading these two books what struck me is the contribution that the layman came make through amateur observation and photography. Yates searched high and low for spiders and sent many specimens to museum and some of these were new to science. He recorded spider behavior that had only been observed once before. He definitely added to the knowledge of spiders at the time.

Strassen spent a lot of time observing the Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross in Namibia. He observed all facets of their lives from birth to death. It required him to have infinite patience but he was rewarded with special sightings such as a female giving birth a metre or two in front of him while he stood in the middle of the colony.

Hats off to these two gentleman. Perhaps we could all spend more time observing or researching a species or family and add to our collective knowledge.

21/08/2024

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15/06/2024

31/05/2024

If you are in the Gauteng area and looking for something to do then the Outdoor X expo at Idlewild is a great option.

14/05/2024

Are you looking to spend a bit of time in the countryside this weekend and not sure where to go? Here is one option for you.

Nampo 2024 started today and runs until the 17th May. This is the 56th time that this agricultural show is taking place. It takes place at the Bothaville in the Free State.

Besides the agricultural exhibits there will be 4x4 demos, the Kyknet women's program, quads and more. For more information visit

The NAMPO Agricultural Trade Show takes place in middle May and lasts four days.

04/05/2024

On Wednesday we took a trip to visit Lory Park Zoo in Midrand. After our last trip to the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria, which wasn't in the greatest state, we weren't sure what to expect.

We were pleasantly surprised. It is a compact zoo that mainly focuses on birds, monkeys and big cats. The animals seemed to be in great shape and the zoo was well run. I would love some of the enclosures to be bigger but it is what it is. The big cats were really fantastic to see up close and included white lions, leopards, tiger, lynx and more. There were a number of owl species to be seen including the Giant Eagle Owl (see photo).

The zoo was busy and is a great place for families with younger kids. Food and drinks are available as well.

Visit https://www.lorypark.co.za/ for more information.

03/05/2024

Did you know that today is International Leopard Day? The purpose of dedicating today to these magnificent cats is "to increase the global awareness of the status of leopards as well as the threats that leopard populations are faced with." Leopard Day occurs each year on 3rd May.

02/05/2024

Over the last two summers we have had a pair of Greater Striped Swallows nesting above our front door. After our initial reservations about the mess they would make they soon became part of the family. We enjoy their cheerful whistles and calls while they perch on our security gate, and miss them during their winter migration.

Last summer they had three broods with one having three chicks and the others two. This year they have had four broods with one chick leaving the nest only two days ago. I guess that they will leave us in a week or so but are sure to be back in September (I hope).

01/05/2024

Why do you often see flies sitting on the faces of antelope and many other species of mammal? You would think that it would drive the animal, like this female Nyala, crazy. I am sure it does but they are far more tolerant of it than us humans! Most species of fly are just after the natural secretions that come from the eyes and nostrils and are not harmful to the animal. Of course other flies like Bot Flies and Tsetse Flies are a different story.

30/04/2024

Birds are interesting creatures. Learning more about them can be an empowering experience. If you want to start birding, consider these tips.

25/04/2024

Great work by the Honorary Rangers removing snares in Kruger National Park. 👍

24/04/2024

This Wildebeest is not a fan of hunting but realises that hunters do make a big contribution to conservation through their "sport." If hunting is your thing then you may want to visit "Huntex" this weekend at Gallagher Estate.

For those of us that prefer to shoot with cameras there are plenty of stalls that will appeal to us.

Visit huntex.net for more info.

18/04/2024

On my many visits to Rietvlei Nature Reserve I normally encounter large flocks of Pied Starlings. Strangely, on other visits, they seem to be totally absent. They are very obliging subjects for a nature photographer!

22/03/2024

Did you know that today is World Water Day 2024. The United Nations decided that the theme this year should be "Water for Peace."

22/03/2024

I am sure many of you have already seen this elephant attack that took place in Pilanesberg Game Reserve but it is worth watching again. I only shudder to think what it would have done to my little Hyundai Atos! 😯

While animal videos are always a cute sight on social media, one clip from Pilanesberg has viewers shocked by this scary safari incident.

15/03/2024

This is just so cute!

"Just loungin'..." 🦁
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📷 Mohammed Jinnah 📍