SANParks.org Forums

Do you get underground water tables in that area?
I noticed how dry the river beds were, even in Feb, but also how lush the greenery was. Or is it something to do with being in the tropics, more humidity in the air? Or have the plants just adapted.

I don't now saraf. I think it has more to do with the climate. I know that we in Pretoria have a great advantage above Johannesburg which is only about 50km south from us. We have lush greenery almost all year around. In fact almost anything will grow in PTA.

Our rainfall is not higher than JHB's at all, mighty even be slightly lower IMHO. We however have 3-5 degrees higher temperatures than JHB. Minimum and maximum.

Pafuri is warmer than the places south of it.

Hope this helps a bit?

Regards
WTM

Originally a quizphoto in case you're wondering.
GP was about to box my ears when she saw me taking the photo. Called me evil and such..

I want first & last name, and all you know about this person...

Frank Mabasa

A bit of figures; Frank had 244 birds on his list last year, the list is printed and hanging on the tree near the fridge.
When I was there he was already up to 320 birds for this year.
It must be a very nice job....

Is he still enjoying his 'forum' binocs and bird book?

Means i did a good stitching job there

Thanks DQ, it is really good to hear!

Met Frank at Pafuri on 12/12, very nice and knowledgeable man.
Must have revised his list though, because he told me he was on 311 birds for the year.
He sends his regards to all the forumites.
Admirable man, he could have been just a cleaner but his keen interest in his surrounds has turned him into a valuable Park asset.
I hope they adjust his salary accordingly !

Hi has anyone seen any pel's fishing owls @ parfuri
I've been told that parfuri picnic spot is the place to see them.

Best to ask Frank who works at the picnic spot if they are around. He will know. He has seen them there - he showed me a feather of one

I have met Frank this past May.
We were "flying" our yellow ribbon on our vehicle's radio aerial while visiting Pafuri for the first time.
While having a sandwich and coffee on one of the benches overlooking the the river, Frank came to us and introduced himself.
He noticed the yellow ribbon and asked whom we were and that he was informed to look out for the yellow ribbons on vehicles.
He proudly showed his own little yellow ribbon on his shirt and started telling us about all the goodwill he received from some dedicated forumites.

He's a great guy - and my personal thanks to the people who initiated the idea to assist Frank with the binocs and the bird ID course.

Frank took me and the SO on a short walk up the dry river in Dec 2003 and showed us a breeding pair. This was my only sighting of Pells so far, but hope to visit Frank again soon.

Was there just 2 weeks ago .
Frank pointed out wattle eyed fly catchers , tropical boubou and trumpeter hornbill .
I didnt ask about pells fishing owl , I do believe I should have read this thread about 4 weeks back

I just love the place!!

(and trying to fix the page bug in the process...)