Sunsets and Sunrises
Sunsets and Sunrises just seem to be more special in Kruger than any other place. On Friday evening we drove down a no-access road and stopped on a low water bridge that crossed the Letaba river. There were a few birds around (distant Collared Pratincoles had the group excited), but for me the sunset was the star attraction.
On Saturday evening we had sundowners at a non-public picnic spot next to the Olifants River. It was one of those perfect evenings. I have very little to say about this – the photos speak for themselves.
I was not in a rush to leave Olifants on Sunday morning, and after loading my luggage into the car I stopped at the restaurant to watch the sunrise. Watching the black of the night melt away into grey and then an orange that I don’t think any artist can re-create is so special. 
I felt so incredibly close to my Creator and said a few words of thanks that I am able to experience such a moment. We should never, ever take anything for granted.
Sparrows
You expect to see House and Grey-headed sparrows in Kruger. I saw a few House Sparrows in Mopani. This Grey-headed Sparrow posed on the railing of the Letaba bridge.
It is very rare to see a Cape Sparrow in Kruger. We saw one at our coffee stop on the Saturday morning. Such a common bird everywhere else, and yet it caused a lot of excitement that morning. I saw a female again on my last morning at Letaba.
Spoonbill
I saw very few of these birds. These two were at the Shipandani causeway.
Storks
I saw six stork species during this trip – the last time this happened was in 2016! I saw Woolly-necked Storks not long after entering the Park. The Black Storks were part of a group of black, white and red birds at the Shipandani causeway. It was such a nice picture!
In that group were two other Stork species as well – There was a Marabou Storks overseeing proceedings.
There were also a few Yellow-billed Storks.
I saw a few Saddle-billed storks, more than some of my previous trips. The best sighting was just outside Mopani camp – this Saddle-billed Stork was right next to the road.
It looked as if it was hunting. I don’t think there was any food in the little puddle though as he never did more than just look around.
On one of the little loops on the S46 next to the Letaba River I came across a large flock of African Openbills. I counted more than 30 birds. The next day I found a large flock again but on a different section of the river. It must have been the same birds. On both occasions they were spread out – it would have been cool to get more into one frame!
Secretary bird
I had this unexpected sighting at the Mooiplaas waterhole.
Unfortunately, a boisterous herd of zebras was too much for him and he flew off minutes after I arrived. It was only the third time I’ve seen a Secretary Bird in Kruger.
Swallows and Swifts
As always there were lots of Little Swifts around. We also saw a few Wire-tailed Swallows and Lesser Striped Swallows. A highlight was two sightings of Mosque Swallows. We also had regular sightings of Barn Swallows.
Red-breasted Swallows are my favourites, and I saw a few at the turn off to the H15.
Shrikes
I’ve already mentioned the Southern White-crowned Shrikes. In addition to these we also saw Magpie Shrikes and many Lesser Grey Shrikes. There were also many Red-backed Shrikes around, both adults and immature birds.
On my last afternoon I found a small flock of White-crowned Helmet Shrikes.
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