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Klipspringer, Botswana, Africa

Of over 90 species of antelopes in our world, there is only one that lives on rocks and cliffs:  the klipspringer.  Named for its ability to jump rocks, the Afrikaans translation is “rock jumper.”

A very small antelope averaging about 22 inches (58 cm) high, Oreotragus oreotragus lives in southern and eastern Africa on rocky outcroppings.  It gracefully bounds across the rocks, and lands with all four feet together. This acrobatic skill is their best protection from predators like leopard, jackal, and hyena.  They browse on leaves, berries, and fruits and are not dependent on water; so they can stay isolated and protected high up on the cliffs.

I only saw this rock-dancing antelope once, the pair was hundreds of feet up on a rocky cliff.  But you know how it is when you see an animal that is exhibiting such beautiful skill; you stop and watch…

So you think one has to go to Africa to witness wild predator prey interactions? Ha, I say! Just go to central London. And, no I am not talking about the tube strike…..

Actually, we left Africa and flew to London on the first leg home to The Holler. We were looking forward to a spell of civilization and culture. But it seems, our safari was to continue in London. We checked into a hotel quite near the crowds and hustle of the British Museum, and I looked out our hotel window onto a city park, and this was the sight that greeted me!

There were four foxes in this family in the center of London. There were magpies too. Occasionally the foxes would snag a magpie which resulted in the magpies giving the foxes holy hell for hours. They would taunt and goad them.

I was supposed to be…

Warden Ronald in ‘t Veld made this photo on 25 June 2015 near Puttershoek in the Netherlands. It shows a kingfisher which had collided with a window. Fortunately, the bird had not broken anything. After recovery at the Vogelklas Karel Schot in Rotterdam, the kingfisher was freed again, warden Wicher Pen writes.

At the same place, at the same time, two recovered buzzards and a kestrel were freed as well.

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This 29 June 2015 video from Australia says about itself:

Great Barrier Reeftable coral provides vital shade for passing fish

Read more here.

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Translated from the Dutch Natuurmonumenten conservation organisation:

Saturday, July 4th, 2015

An extraordinary discovery in Salland [region in Overijssel province]. On cornfields the rare corn-cockle and corn marigold have been found. “Confirmation that the management by Natuurmonumenten is paying off,” says the Salland forester Marion Plagge.

Field management

Natural fields have almost disappeared. To turn the tide, Natuurmonumenten manages cornfields in nature reserve Eerde and National Park The Salland Ridge. The nature organization is working here together successfully with organic farmers. On these cornfields no poison or fertilizer is used, but only solid manure of organic origin.

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This video from Scotland says about itself:

30 June 2015

Three juvenile dolphins in Northbay on the Isle of Barra. One of the dolphins was completely trapped in seaweed and shallow water. After a successful rescue the dolphin joined the other two for a fine display of thanks! Rescue was performed by a group from Clearwater Paddling.

See also here.

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Look at this big gal! I wasn’t expecting to meet her! If you think she looks surprised, you should have seen Jim’s face. My first thought was that I was looking at Dr. Seus’s Grinch. You have to admit, she looks just like a friendlier version of the grinch…. except she isn’t green. And look at those eyelashes!

We have Holler Ostrich. Actually we don’t have any, but a fellow Hollerite has two. Personally, I don’t see the practicality of pet ostrich for us. I mean they can grow to nine feet, and weigh up to 320 pounds! And they can have attitudes. You can clearly see this guy’s attitude. Would you cross him? Apparently even lions don’t like to mess with ostrich and I can see why.

I think a 9 foot tall, 300 pound, attitudinal bird, that can run 43 mph, makes perfect sense in Africa, but less…