The change of seasons at Singita from a hot and wet summer to a cool dry winter is well on its way. One of the most evident indications of this change is the relentless rutting of the impala rams. The constant snorting and grunting of the dominant males herding groups of prized females into tight, easy to defend groups can be heard all day and late into the night. Males are constantly chasing each other at high speeds through the bush and occasionally facing up to each other in spectacular physical battles of horn clashing. All of this hard work of fighting, herding, mating, and displaying does not leave much time for feeding, resting or looking out for predators. As a result the predators have swapped from killing mainly the new young impala to adult rams. The rutting season will climax in early May.

As the bush gets drier and dustier and the last of the migrating birds leave us for the winter, it certainly has not affected the birding with specials including an immature Scalythroated Honeyguide, a bird not regularly seen in the area as well as great views a few days back of a group of African Quailfinch. Most exciting was a White-backed Night Heron on a night drive last week - a nocturnal heron it is found along quiet tree lined waterways and is considered vulnerable in Southern Africa according to the red data list, mostly due to habitat destruction and degradation of rivers and streams.

The Ravenscourt female, who has just given birth, is identified by the distinctive notches in her right ear. On the mammal’s side, sightings have been great. The most exciting news being that one of the resident female leopards has given birth. Although we have not had a glimpse of the cubs yet, we are waiting in anticipation and it could be any day now. Added to this is the fact that we believe she has them hidden in the rocky outcrops running to the east of Boulders Lodge!