Being a lover of the bush its easy to appreciate the small things when on a game drive, especially when they put on what seems like a performance just for you! On a recent trip to Hwange National Park in the wet season we drove around the corner to see this little Red Billed Spurfowl taking in the afternoon sun on a dead tree right next to the road. Immediately cutting the engine we rolled slowly to a stop right opposite the bird. With my heart in my mouth and fully anticipating the little guy to flap off we waited for a few minutes in complete silence. Red seemed to be taking it all in his stride and after surveying us for a few minutes went back to his usual routine, which happened to be his late afternoon bath.
After much vigorous preening and grooming he ended the pamper session with, literally, a little song and dance! Shuffling up and down the dead branch he crooned, sqwuaked and sang all to our utter astonishment and wide eyed enjoyment. After just the rich amount of time and feeling as if he had obviously entertained us enough he threw back his head for on last trill and flapped off into the setting sun. It has been one of the most enjoyable bush experienced I have had in a long time, being serenaded as the hot African sun goes down!
Chris frequently travels to Southern and east Africa's best wildlife destinations leading Photographic Safari Workshops, why not join him in Hwange in October 2014