This Week at Angama #370

This week, we encountered the Egyptian Pride, which had successfully hunted down a buffalo. We watched as the lionesses had their fill, and then the cubs took over, feeding as much as their bellies would carry and scraping their teeth on the carcass.

Cubs may start supplementing their diet with meat as early as four to six weeks and continue to nurse until about a year old. This variation can depend on factors such as the pride's dynamics and the availability of prey.

A few kilometres away, we captured one of the Taliban boys relaxing in the morning sun. His beautiful mane and mighty stature were well showcased as he sat on the recently burnt grass from the controlled burning.

During the dry season (June to October), the risk of wildfires rises as grass becomes dry and highly flammable, threatening wildlife, Maasai livelihoods, and vast landscapes. To mitigate this, the Maasai have long practised controlled burning, carefully setting small, patchwork fires to create firebreaks, clear dead grass, and curb invasive plants.

As we continued our drive, we made our way toward the border, drawn by reports of the Border Pride bringing down a buffalo the previous night. With their bellies full, the lions showed no urgency, retreating into the shade of a tree to escape the relentless heat of the sun, leaving one lion to guard the kill from the vultures and jackals, who were meters away from it.

A lappet-faced vulture flew over the buffalo kill, attempting to intimidate the lion into leaving so they could have a feast with other vultures and scavengers around. While hooded vultures cooled off from the scorching afternoon heat, patiently waiting for the lion to leave the buffalo carcass.

Later in the week, on a drive near the Mara River, we spotted a malachite kingfisher perched on a tree branch. This species is commonly found perching on reeds or aquatic vegetation, patiently waiting to catch prey. Its diet primarily consists of small fish, but it also consumes aquatic insects and crustaceans.

The malachite kingfisher is known for its rapid flight, characterized by short, rounded wings that create a blur of motion. It typically flies low over the water and has a distinctive call, described as a harsh 'tshik', often heard during flight. This bird's vibrant plumage and dynamic behaviour make it a favourite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. -Rio Marvin

The long rains have arrived, transforming these dusty plains into a lush green paradise. Typically occurring between March and May, these downpours dramatically change the landscape by expanding water bodies and flourishing vegetation, creating a season of abundance ideal for spotting migratory bird species.

When Mount Kilimanjaro breaks through the clouds, stormy skies create striking photographic opportunities perfectly complemented by the presence of the gentle giants that roam this land. During the rainy season, snowfall increases at higher elevations as rain turns to snow further up the mountain, complimenting the famous mountain with a thick white cap.

An abandoned warthog kill in Kimana Sanctuary quickly becomes an open invitation for the region’s thriving vulture population. And this week, we saw it in action. Drawn by the scent of fresh remains, these scavengers circle above before descending to feast.

Following their swooping flight, we discovered the aftermath of a lion’s hunt. These ever-watchful vultures nest atop the acacia trees near the lodge, constantly scanning the plains for any leftovers from predator kills, playing their crucial role in the ecosystem’s cycle of life.

The Sanctuary, home to Angama Amboseli, is a vital migratory point often regarded as a refilling depot for wildlife. It offers an opportunity to see big elephant bulls that occupy this region. One such iconic bull is Conor, a 41-year-old bull from the same CB family as Super Tusker Craig. His gentle demeanour is uniquely characterised by his low-hanging head and impressive pair of tusks.

Trailing behind him, or any other big, experienced bull, is often a group of young males learning from their elders. Older bulls serve as role models, guiding younger ones on proper social behaviour and essential survival skills such as locating water sources and identifying potential threats. Young males may enter musth prematurely without this mentorship, leading to heightened aggression.

Through our partnership with the Big Life Foundation, Angama supports crucial conservation efforts that protect these mature bulls, ensuring they play a vital role in maintaining social balance within elephant herds.

With its powerful hunting abilities, the secretary bird is one of the most unique raptors in the world. It's native to the open grasslands and savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike most birds of prey, it hunts on foot rather than from the air, feeding on snakes, insects, rodents, lizards, and small birds. 

The secretary bird is among the tallest raptors, standing at approximately 1.5 metres. We watched as one suddenly sprang into action, sprinting on its powerful long legs with its wings spread slightly for balance. This time, its prey was not the usual snake but a mere grasshopper — an easy catch. With a swift strike, the meal was grabbed and swallowed, leaving the bird scanning the grasslands for its next meal. 

Known for its unique breeding and striking physical appearance, the Africana jacana caught our attention. These wading birds have chestnut-brown plumage with a black-and-white head pattern, and their long legs with elongated toes are notable. Also known as lily-trotters, their claws allow them to walk effortlessly across floating vegetation, allowing them to thrive in freshwater environments with abundant floating vegetation.

Unlike the stark black-and-white contrast of adults, saddle-billed stork juveniles have a mix of brownish-grey and white feathers. Instead of the bright red and yellow saddle-shaped marking on the bill seen in adults, young storks have a dull, greyish-brown bill that slowly brightens with age. Adult females develop bright yellow eyes, while males retain dark eyes. Their dull greyish legs will gradually turn black and pink as they mature, and it will take around three years to develop full adult colouration. — Robert Sayialel