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Saturday 23/2/2013 13:55 - Another top secret destination 24:55

On our way back, in another riverbed this time, we found yet another white rhino sleeping in it! But on closer inspection, it did seem as if this rhino was not too well anymore - possibly old. He did seem very thin. Maybe he was in mourning...



On our way back, we got reports from some of the other investigators in the park that the Malelane Mafia was still in the same area. They had moved 200m down, into the shade of some trees. They were quite difficult to spot. The scene was not a good one when we found it... There were other investigators, not complying with the rules - going off-road to get a better sighting of the mafia!

But just then an Honorary Ranger arrived (so identified from the badges on her car). SO called her "Pseudoranger Suzie"... (Him and his names... ). She was not impressed with the situation and the law-breakers - and started cracking the whip on these guys. Once everybody was in legitimate positions again - we could spot some of the suspects much better.



Way to go "pseudoranger Suzie"!

Saturday 23/2/2013 15:00 - Berg-en-Dal Camp 25:00

After the long drive and all the hard work of the morning, we decided to spend a bit of time in camp. But if you're a detective on the job - there is really no time to rest! Got to get cracking on the case!

So off we went to go and interview some locals, and also hear if there had been any scoops from some of the reporters.

The Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Bruinkopvisvanger) was sitting right outside our bungalow, waiting to hear what evidence we had gathered that morning.



The tree squirrels were also eager to come and give their version of the events:



Close to the restaurant, we found some Collared Barbets (Rooikophoutkappers) having a snack:



While we were looking at this guy munching away, we heard a knocking. We decided to investigate... Just around the corner, we found more of these guys on a dead branch in a tree. There must have been at least 5 barbets, and at least 5 holes in that branch. They were taking turns to drill holes bigger. Almost looked like a "Barbet school"!



Other reporters seen along the way in the camp were this Pale Flycatcher (Muiskleurvlieevanger):



And the beautiful Grey-headed Bush-shrike (Spookvoel):



Saturday 23/2/2013 - Afternoon Drive 17:00 28:00

We decided to go on a short afternoon drive around camp. We saw many more of the victims coming to tell their story:



This guy sounded like a lawnmower chowing the grass...





Other evidence we could gather from the scene - was this slow guy, who told us he just couldn't get away from the scene fast enough...



And the reporter with the nice eyeshadow... Ms. Little Bee-eater (Kleinbyvanger):



It was another good day on the job. After a long day of work, we turned in to bed early. The next morning we had an appointment at 5am with some of the local professional guides on the scene to take us on a sunrise drive, to see if we could gather more evidence in the early morning hours...

Bushbuddies, seems like the investigation is going well.

All the locals are involved, which is always a good thing as they might have info in the small bit of detail needed.

The 'slow guy'...must not be underestimated - reminded me of 'Columbo'
and I wonder if Valiant Swart got his inspiration for the one song from the bird with the 'eye shadow'

Great sighting alround and look forward to next TR

Grey headed bush shrike mmm I think the investigator may have an incorrect mugshot!!

Great episode bb

John

Oh my - thank you Scotland Yard! At least you kept your eyes open. Inserted correct link now - thanks! Well - now you got a sneak preview...

look forward to that episode....

John

Great TR you have going Bushbuddies! So many great photos of great sightings and funny narrative to go along with it. I can't wait to read your next post.

Glad to see that the detectives had some rest. Nothing like a clear mind. If you get too tired that could lead to mistakes in the investigation

You certainly had a lot of paparazzi hanging around trying to get the scoop.
and those guys trying to drill down into the evidence

Bushbuddies,

Investigation is progressing well... ...All the Reporters are amazing ...great to see that they are all prepared to give their views.

Awesome to see that the locals were also consulted..they are always on the move ..but alas not always eager to share...always wanting to hide evidence...bringing it out on a rainy day.

Victims walking heads down ...they seem to be very reflective.

Looking forward to see all evidence located on the sunrise drive.

Looks like your investigation is going well

Well except for the meeting at LP

Gorgeous bird reporters all round

Love your investigation Bushbuddies!

Poor Rhino, indeed very thin.

What a beautiful Lion! Glad "Pseudoranger Suzie" got everybody back on the road again, so that you could at least get a good shot of the Lion!

Love all your beautiful bird pictures, the little slow guy, and a very healthy Rhino this time!

I am totally about your collared barbet sighting and pictures, Bushbuddies

As we never managed to even see these birds

Love also all your rhinos and feeling a bit sad about the old one

Wow, can not believe if you fall of a "Bus" you miss such a lot. STUNNING TR and PICS

Hi Bushbuddies

Obviously news of your investigation is spreading fast
You have so many reporters queuing up to be photographed

Plus you have the pseudorangers clearing traffic so you can get mafia mugshots

With this many assistants the Bushbuddies must be on the verge of cracking this case wide open

Oh dear, I do see that you have a special branch, or branches of secret agents. Keep them coming.

I agree, that Rhino does look very thin

Even the greatest of beasts must one day come to rest.
And when the day comes to lay his head down for the last time, may it be as it is here:
that he has lived out his days and invested in the future of his kind. Rest peacefully oupa Rhon