Some nature pics

A friend and I recently went to the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, where we took some early morning photos. As you can see, there was quite a bit of frost on the grass still. I was just struck again by what animals are in the reserve, and that virtually in the city - OK, on the outskirts of it then, if you want to be pedantic. :-)  I thoroughly enjoyed the morning in the nippy coolness, with a fellow photographer and nature lover. We made ourselves a cup of coffee each before entering a bird hide, and that helped us to stay thawed, as our backsides got quite cold sitting on those wooden benches, looking out over the water. My friend showed me how a water fowl pulled its feathers close to its body before diving, to ensure that its body stayed dry and warm. On resurfacing, it would puff out its feathers again - too cute for words! There were quite a few species of birds that one doesn't see in our gardens. It seems one little falcon was at least as curious about me as I was about it.
I counted myself lucky that we saw black wildebeest, buffalos and white rhinos. The first of two rhinos crossing the road looked quite menacing, so we backed up a bit, which seemed to satisfy the gent that we weren't bent on harming his lady, after which she crossed over as well. My attempts at photographing blesbuck weren't so successful, seeing that, as my friend told me, they were for ever running away - apparently quite difficult to hunt as well. (I'll leave that to the hunters - my camera is sufficient for me!) I look forward to more expeditions to other locations as well - I've heard that Ezimvelo have quite a stock of game - so that might be our next outing. Will keep you posted...