April 2010 - Chameleon and the Snake

After seeing the pride of 5 lions we were heading back to camp when on the road in front of us we saw a green chameleon. It was a pretty odd sight as this mostly green creature was walking down the brown, sandy road...not blending at all! The chameleon's only defense is to blend. We stopped the truck and began to watch him. The next thing we saw was this skinny snake screaming out of the grass on the side of the road. He was heading straight for the chameleon.

What could he want? He ceratinly wasn't big enough to eat the chameleon? As we watched the snake began attacking the poor green creature. Another vehicle came up behind us and as it approached the snake shot off to the side of the road again. Once that truck had stopped...back he came. We don't think he was venomous as we didn't see any fangs, but boy oh boy was he after that poor chameleon. We watched for about 30 minutes and after that we left. Very sad to see, but part of the circle of life.

There is a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHnBEUP86ks

Cheri & John

April 2010 - Bee Eaters

For as long as I've know about bee eaters, I've wanted to take a photograph of one with a bee in it's mouth. After nine trips into the bush I finally got my wish! There they were...two little bee eaters sitting on a branch in the most beautiful light. I yelled, "stop stop stop", which BK promptly did. I couldn't believe my eyes...there was a bee eater with a bee in it's mouth! I grabbed my big gun and shot away!

As we watched, the bee eater took the bee and smacked him on the branch numerous times to kill him. I always wondered how they ate them without getting stung on the way down! Now I know....

Enjoy!
Cheri