Super-full moon in Southern Africa

On the evening of the 23rd June, 2013, the full moon was not only the closest and largest full moon of the year; ti also presented the moon’s closest encounter with Earth for all of 2013. The moon will not be so close again until August, 2014. In other words, it’s not just a super moon. It’s the closest super moon of 2013.

On 24th June, 2013 Grant, I and his mum overnighted at a Guest House on the beach in Durban, South Africa. It was a warm evening and we enjoyed a take-away pizza in the lapa next to the pool. This was fortunate, as I suddenly realized there was a very bright moon rising over the sea and dashed out with my camera to take photos.

Isn't it amazing?

For more beautiful sky shots, please click here

Here's wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Do the Hokey Pokey...

Put your right foot in, put your right foot out...

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Our first birding trip back in Mwadui - July 2013

Last Saturday morning Grant collected me from home for our first birding trip since arriving back on site. Although it's winter here, we're hardly feeling any change in the weather, but we have noticed how dry and brown the bushveld has become - at first glance - not very conducive to birdwatching.   Nevertheless, when you go out armed with binoculars, camera and bird-seeking eyes, you'd be surprised what you actually manage to spot!

Malachite Kingfisher seen over the dam where our favorite flock of Dabchicks live

The only Dabchick we managed to see this weekend

A bird with striking markings - a Three-banded Plover on the edge of the dam

A Black-headed Heron always makes a wonderful photo subject

A male Namaqua Dove - to me one of the prettier dove species

So, although the surroundings seem bleak at this time of the year, we managed to see a number of birds (I've kept two back until I have a positive identification on them) on our first weekend of birding in and around Mwadui.

I'm linking my post to the Wild Bird Wednesday meme, hosted by Stewart of Oz. Please click here to see amazing bird photography.