Giant Kingfisher, Kruger National Park
The High Level Bridge on the H12 close to Skukuza rest camp in the Kruger National Park is a haven for bird lovers. During the summer months, a variety of swifts, swallows and martins use the bridge's railings to rest in between nest building and soaring for insects.
African Fish Eagles perch in the trees along the river bank - providing easy photo opportunities while Grey and Goliath Herons search for fish in the shallows
But the bridge is undoubtedly one of the best places in the Park to observe Giant Kingfishers and Pied Kingfishers in action. They use the bridge as a vantage point, scouring the river below for fish. They then return to the railings to devour their catch.
Don't be in a hurry to leave the bridge as we have enjoyed some incredible sightings over the years. We have seen the Big 5 in the river valley (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). We've also seen cheetah on the far banks of the river and a pack of wild dog resting in the shade of the riverine bush following a successful hunt.
But by far the most exciting sighting was on our 2016 trip to the park, during the drought. We were watching a hyena clan chewing on the sun-dried hide of a hippo carcass; a collection of vultures circling the feast as they waited for scraps. Suddenly movement on the opposite side of the bridge caught my eye. To my amazement, a cape clawless otter clambered out of the river and performed an elaborate ritual to mark its territory.
Over thirty years worth of trips - and this was my first ever sighting of an otter. Sadly, the otter was a little too far away for a clear photograph. But we left with some amazing video footage as the animal was in no hurry to leave, giving us close to 15 minutes of viewing.
So take your time as you cross the bridge, stay a while and take in the view. You never know what you might spot.
