We are now into the routine of a pre dawn departure and headed off looking for the wild dogs. They were definitely moving towards camp; we spotted them moving across a plain towards us only about forty five minutes
from camp as we were heading to where we left them last night.
We stayed with them while they hunted but they were unsuccessful - we didn't think they failed - albeit we know that only 70% of wild dog hunts are successful. We wondered if their heart was in the hunt as they weren't as tenacious as we had seen them in the evenings.
Hunting over for the morning, having scared zebra, wildebeest and a skittish giraffe they retreated to a resting place where they could lounge for the rest of the day.
When they were settled we tried some more ground level photography..... This time I wore a jumper to protect my sore elbows!
On our way back to camp for lunch we saw an eastern pale chanting goshawk and had great views of a tawny eagle eating a monitor lizard.
After lunch and siesta we had a photo review session and I learnt that picture composition is better if the dogs are allowed to keep their paws in frame!
We set off, on a different route to where we left the dogs this morning and found them 1km closer to camp.
Paul had acquired some stretchy bandages for my elbows which made a great difference when we alighted from the vehicle for more, and less painful, ground shots.
We watched the dogs wake up and ready themselves for hunting - they set off along the river and were particularly interested in a wildebeest dying and stuck in the mud but there was no safe way for them to reach it without joining the wildebeest. ( today's photo)
They regrouped and continued towards a big herd of wildebeest. You know when they at serious their ears go back,they crouch and move slowly forward as a pack - something triggers them to suddenly run and they are relentless in pursuit. The wildebeest headed over the plain then turned to move through a quite eroded wooded gulley which was too much for some youngsters who couldn't get up the side quickly enough and were caught - we didn't know where to look as it ended being wild dog 3 wildebeest 0. A group of adults did return to try and rescue the youngsters but they were well and truly chased off.
The dogs ate boisterously often eating from one carcass and then running to another - they were literally spoilt for choice. When the carnage was too difficult to watch I took a photo of the glorious sunset!
On our way back to camp we heard but couldn't see Verreauxs Eagle owl.