Diary of Stu

Diary of Stu Wildlife, Bird & Travel Photography

Every campsite seems to have its regulars, and few are as entertaining as the Tree Squirrel.While most visitors are busy...
17/06/2026

Every campsite seems to have its regulars, and few are as entertaining as the Tree Squirrel.

While most visitors are busy watching for lions, elephants, and leopards, these little characters are often putting on a show of their own. Constantly on the move, darting between branches, flicking their tails, and investigating every possible food source, they seem to possess endless energy and curiosity.

Despite their small size, Tree Squirrels play an important role in the bush, helping to disperse seeds and keeping the ecosystem ticking along. They may not be the stars of the safari brochures, but they are undoubtedly among the most charismatic residents of camp.

Spent some time with these stunning Little Bee-Eaters, and it’s easy to see why they’re among Africa’s most colourful bi...
16/06/2026

Spent some time with these stunning Little Bee-Eaters, and it’s easy to see why they’re among Africa’s most colourful birds.

Perched patiently on a branch, they scan the air for passing insects before launching into a graceful aerial chase. With their vibrant green plumage, golden throats, and flashes of turquoise, they seem almost too colourful to be real.

Watching them at work is a reminder that some of the most fascinating wildlife moments aren’t always the biggest or loudest. Sometimes, all it takes is a small bird, a quiet moment, and a little patience to appreciate the beauty of the bush.

One of the more striking birds to spot in the Kruger National Park is the Crested Francolin. Often seen strolling along ...
14/06/2026

One of the more striking birds to spot in the Kruger National Park is the Crested Francolin. Often seen strolling along roadsides or quietly foraging through the bush, these charismatic birds are full of character.

With its distinctive crest, intricate plumage, and piercing call echoing through the veld, the Crested Francolin is a wonderful reminder that some of Kruger’s most rewarding sightings aren’t always the biggest ones. Sometimes, it’s worth slowing down and appreciating the smaller residents that make the bush so special.

A round of golf at Skukuza Golf Club is always an adventure. With no fences separating the course from the surrounding b...
13/06/2026

A round of golf at Skukuza Golf Club is always an adventure. With no fences separating the course from the surrounding bush, every hole offers the chance of an unforgettable wildlife sighting. Few golfing experiences can match teeing off in the heart of the Kruger.

For about 20 minutes, Satara Rest Camp was the centre of a full-blown birding frenzy. One seemingly ordinary tree became...
10/06/2026

For about 20 minutes, Satara Rest Camp was the centre of a full-blown birding frenzy. One seemingly ordinary tree became a hotspot of activity, hosting an incredible mix of species including this beautiful Grey-Headed Bushshrike, an Orange-Breasted Bushshrike, Blue Waxbill and Common Waxbill, a Brubru, and several Green-Winged Pytilia. Moments like these are what make birding so addictive — you never know when a single tree will deliver an unforgettable spectacle.

Immature Striated (Green-Backed Heron) just outside Satara Rest Camp.
09/06/2026

Immature Striated (Green-Backed Heron) just outside Satara Rest Camp.

I was treated to an absolute show at our Skukuza campsite — a whole parade of sunbirds making the most of the sunshine a...
07/06/2026

I was treated to an absolute show at our Skukuza campsite — a whole parade of sunbirds making the most of the sunshine and bursting flowers. Collared, White‑bellied, and Purple‑banded sunbirds were having a full‑on field day, flitting between blooms like they owned the place.

Morning sunshine and mischief — these hyena pups were basking in the warmth, taking in the world with those curious youn...
06/06/2026

Morning sunshine and mischief — these hyena pups were basking in the warmth, taking in the world with those curious young eyes.

This beautiful Crested Barbet was hard at work hunting for lunch, tearing strips of bark off the tree to expose the inse...
04/06/2026

This beautiful Crested Barbet was hard at work hunting for lunch, tearing strips of bark off the tree to expose the insects hiding underneath. Watching it go at the trunk with that powerful bill was a proper treat.

Fun fact: Crested Barbets are known as “bush carpenters” because they excavate their own nest holes in dead wood — and their loud, trilling call can carry for kilometres through the bush.

I was absolutely stoked with this sighting. This is a bird I’ve wanted to photograph for ages — always heard it, and on ...
03/06/2026

I was absolutely stoked with this sighting. This is a bird I’ve wanted to photograph for ages — always heard it, and on the rare occasions I’ve seen it, it’s been perched high in the canopy, way out of reach. But on a simple walk to the shops at Berg‑en‑Dal, this beauty suddenly dropped down to forage right in front of me. One of those unexpected Kruger gifts.

The Black‑headed Oriole is famous for its striking call, which many birders describe as sounding almost tropical — a liquid, whistling note that carries far through the bush.

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