BY RAPHAEL MBUNDA
It is the dry season and most birds and wildlife congregate around the Tarangire River and the remaining water sources. High in a palm tree, a pair of long-crested eagles have chosen to raise their chick. The sighting feels like winning the safari lottery.
The melodies of a mourning dove lull us into a daze as we stop our vehicle to allow two yellow-throated sandgrouse to make their way slowly to the edge of the road. On the ground, a female and her newly hatched chicks, still wobbly on their feet, make an endearing sight before quickly disappearing into the grass. It is truly a sight to behold as the adult male soaks his belly feathers in the shallow water before returning to his chicks. These specially adapted feathers absorb and carry water for the chicks to drink.
We meander along the river’s sandbars, enjoying the warm weather that has brought out a variety of birds. We see a black crake, a black-headed heron, a hamerkop and a common sandpiper wading near a pool. The sandpiper’s distinctive habit of constantly bobbing its tail and hindquarters catches our attention as it walks along the water’s edge.
In the swamps, an African jacana, also known as the ‘Jesus bird’, hops across lily pads. On the other side of the river, baboons are agitated by something, although I cannot see what has disturbed them.
Then the calls of a drongo draw my attention. I initially think it is a youngster calling to be fed, but no food is forthcoming. Eventually, it swoops down to catch a small morsel. Fork-tailed drongos are pirates, stealing food from other birds by frightening them into dropping their prey.
My heart swells with joy as I watch a slender, elegant serval step gracefully through the golden grass. It is hunting what looks like an African hook-nosed snake. With its paw, it taps the snake’s head rapidly, then pounces repeatedly until the snake stops moving. The African hook-nosed snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans, feeding on rodents and occasionally amphibians.
Today, the high-pitched chirps of different bird species, the calls of frogs and the buzz of insects along the riverbed have provided a perfect treat for the senses. In the distance, a herd of buffalo begins to move away from the river’s bare sand towards fresh pastures, followed by cattle egrets.
Across the vast grasslands, we hear the booming call of a male ostrich announcing his presence to attract a receptive female. To us, it sounds like a gentle reminder to leave this quiet place that these animals call home.
Raphael Mbunda +255 756 606 070, Leganga Lodge in Usa River. Birding is his hobby. mbundarb11@gmail.com
