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The Umhlanga Coast is a magnificent stretch of the South African shoreline. It shows off the splendour and wonder of this country in a tranquil display that remains extremely powerful. This is part of KwaZulu-Natal and is very close to the city centre of Durban, which is the province’s main city and one of South Africa’s major metropolises. However, the Umhlanga Coast whisks you away from the bustle of city living and to the peaceful prettiness of the Indian Ocean as it lazily dances onto the sand. The Umhlanga Coast is characterised by long stretches of sandy beaches that promise stunning backdrops against which to swim, surf or sunbathe. The Indian Ocean has particularly warm waters, averaging 24 to 26 degrees during the summer. There are a number of beaches along the Umhlanga Coast, spread through the areas of Umhlanga itself, La Lucia, Mount Edgecombe and Umdloti.

29 November 2018Landscape, Picture of the day, Travel

Siesta

The dark silver-grey body of the Blue wildebeest is marked with dark vertical bands on the front quarters. Blue wildebeest are characterised by a long black mane and a beard of hair hanging from the throat and neck. Both sexes grow short curved horns. In adult bulls, the horns are heavily bossed. Bulls weigh 250 kg and measure 1.5 m at the shoulders. Cows are slightly smaller, measuring 1.4 m at the shoulder and with a mass of 180 kg. Blue Wildebeest are seasonal breeders. Births of single calves per cow occur during summer after a gestation period of nine months. Calves can run with the herd within minutes after birth.

28 November 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife

Proud

One explanation for why females favour long tails in male long-tailed widowbirds is that the expanded tail enlarges the lateral surface area of the male by 2–3 times, making him much more visible from far distances over open grassland. However, this is most likely not the whole explanation, especially considering that prior to mating, females spend a great deal of time comparing males and, thus, do not rely on sighting them from a distance. As of this time, the exact function of epaulette in male long-tailed widowbirds is unknown. However, its use does resemble that of the red-winged blackbird, being displayed during courtship and threat displays. Thus, the two most conspicuous ornaments of the male birds in the two species may be favoured by different forms of sexual selection: the tail of the long-tailed widowbird by female choice and the brightly coloured epaulettes of the long-tailed widowbird and red-winged blackbird by male contest competition.

27 November 2018Picture of the day, Wildlife