Spotting the Bald Ibis on the R532: A Birdwatcher’s Adventure
Some might call it a “Babalas Bird” (Hangover bird) encounter, but whatever the label, the adventure that unfolded was one for the books. It was a typical Sunday, and I found myself cruising down the scenic R532 from Hoedspruit to White River. My mind, however, was elsewhere, still lingering on the liquid-fueled excitement of Saturday’s events. (South Africa beating the All-Blacks in the first test at Ellis Park)
Out of nowhere, just as I was nearing the halfway point, there it was—the infamous Bald Ibis, known to locals as “Kalkoen Kop.” This feathered menace has been my long-standing nemesis in the world of birding photography. I’d been chasing the perfect shot of this elusive bird for what felt like an eternity.
The Sudden Encounter
At first, I thought it was just a mirage, perhaps a side-effect of the previous day’s indulgence. But no, this was real! Without a second thought, I slammed the brakes, pushing the ABS to its limit. The car screeched to a halt like a taxi dodging a pothole, and I quickly jumped out, ninja-style, camera in hand, heart racing with excitement.
This was the moment I had been waiting for! Finally, I had the Bald Ibis in my sights, poised to get the perfect shot that had eluded me for so long.
Flat Battery and a Vanishing Bird
But as fate would have it, my excitement was cut short. The red flashing light on my camera mocked me—flat battery! In a panic, I dove back into the car for a quick battery change. Precious seconds ticked by, and by the time I was ready, the wily bird had sensed my presence and was already in flight. It clocked me faster than a speed camera, leaving me standing there in awe, but without the shot I had hoped for.
At this point, I was ready to unleash a series of colourful expletives, but thanks to the quick autofocus and 30 frames per second of my trusty Canon R6, I managed to snap two shots before the Bald Ibis disappeared over the horizon. Victory? Not quite. But at least I had something to show for it.
Ticking the Bald Ibis off the List
Despite the challenges, I was thrilled to have finally encountered my avian nemesis. After all, birding is about the experience as much as the photo, and the journey along the R532 provided just that. The Bald Ibis may have gotten away this time, but the adventure itself was a story worth telling.
If you’re ever in the area and looking to spot some amazing birds, the R532 offers a range of birdwatching opportunities. You might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Bald Ibis, but be sure to have a fully charged battery on hand!
Final Thoughts
Birdwatching is full of unexpected thrills, and spotting the Bald Ibis on the R532 was a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, remember that the chase is often just as rewarding as the capture.
And next time, I’ll definitely double-check my batteries before hitting the road! Check out some Kruger Birding Tours Here
Thank you for reading and look out for new birding adventures soon here.
Andrew