Two good Terns

On Sunday the 2nd we experienced our hottest day so far with the mercury topping 37 degrees Celsius. It was a warm reminder that, despite the ominous chilly mornings, Winter has finally gone. Warthogs and Rhino wallowed in the cooling mud, the cats crawled deep into the shade of the bushes and we layered ourselves with sunscreen. At about 5 o’clock, a huge tower of cloud rose in the west and a hot wind began to blow gustily. At about quarter past, I knew we were in for a storm. Before I could even voice my concern, we noticed a huge wall of lightning, dust and rain heading our way. I drove like the wind as we battered our way through the front of the storm and took shelter in Heatherton Towers, the reception area, where we watched the violent storm and had a few drinks. Quite a scary experience, yet exhilarating. The next day, everything was fresh and clean, as if the storm had ushered in a new season. We made our way towards a dam and whilst watching some hippos, Andy noticed two peculiar white birds, with dark faces, swooping over the water. ‘Those look like they are from the sea!” He exclaimed. Upon closer scrutiny we identified them as Whiskered Terns. Not out of their range, but only seen a few times on Kwandwe. They must have sailed in on the storm. I don’t think they planned their visit because they weren’t around the next day. Pity, one night isn’t nearly enough to truly experience Kwandwe’s wonder.

Posted: Kwandwe by Toast Seagers, Date: 2 December 2007