Boubous and Bush Shrikes!

[Nerine]

Just recently returned from holiday in South Africa, spent mainly in the Eastern Cape. Magic!!! Birds were everywhere and the birdsong was something out of this world especially the Shrikes and Boubous who seemed to sing in a kind of choir!! You couldn’t always see them but to hear was almost better than seeing. Gorgeous Bush Shrike, Bokmakierie, Southern Boubou are just three of my many favourites. Also the call from the Water Dikkop as the light faded - oh yes and the sight of the Knysna Lourie - absolute paradise and I want to go back!!

Nerine

[CJW]

I'm really looking forward to my visit to SA, Nerine.
Were there any signs of tourist-related crime?

[Nerine]

I'm really looking forward to my visit to SA, Nerine.
Were there any signs of tourist-related crime?
Hi Chris
In the two weeks we were there, including driving through the Garden Route with our hire car and visiting Cape Town we did not see one instance of crime. We were told to close windows and lock the car at traffic lights where children tap on your window trying to sell you stuff. We packed our luggage out of sight when we parked. We were told not to look like tourists -now that's hard! - but I never felt scared nor threatened and the South Africans we met were amazingly friendly and helpful.

Enjoy your visit!

Nerine

[CJW]

It's as I figured then, just scare-mongering for the gullible by the press.

[tabatha]

You should, as in any large city, be aware of the possibility of car-jacking or other crimes in South Africa. The important things, when travelling in SA, are to know your route, be aware of your suroundings and do not to stop for anyone flagging you down! If in doubt (should you come across an emergency situation) call the police and let them deal with it.
Plan your route ahead - and book your overnight stays in advance - and you should be as safe as in any other country.

South African cities are really no more dangerous than any other major city in the world as long as you take sensible precautions.

You are much more likely, through ignorance, to encounter danger from the wildlife than from the people of Africa!

[tabatha]

Oh...... and yes, lock up your vehicle and remove valuables too - because, just as in any other city/country, there is the risk of your car being broken into - and if you fail to do this, your insurance will be invalidated!

Otherwise just enjoy the country, the people and the wildlife - you will have no better experience in your lifetime than of Africa!

[jdbirdman]

Hi hope you don't mind me gegging in! Just like to say what a great country SA is to bird.
I've lead four birding groups to south Africa and can honestly say I have never felt threatened. Having said that its always wise to do your homework first and if possible recruit the help of local birders. Not just because their knowledge of local areas for birding is so valuable, but also for their advise on where to go and where not to go.
My South Africa birld list is nearly 600 species and i have yet to see my bogey bird Gorgeous Bushshrike! I've stood metres away when one or two have been calling but seeing them is down to good fortune. Taita falcon, Finfoot, Palmnut vulutre, Rufous eared warbler, and Southern Royal Albatross have been my highlights. I hope to post my Namibia trip report here shortly
cheers
john

[Sarel]

[jdbirdman] i have yet to see my bogey bird Gorgeous Bushshrike


Me as well....................looking for it for quite a while, never saw one! and now that i am in holland, its horrible!!! I have been living in SA for years!
Going there in Januari, and AM going on the search again!!!!

[Nerine]

I never saw Gorgeous Bushshrike either, only heard it and like John I was really close. Itching to go back to SA, amazing country!

Nerine

[James Lowther]

Hi hope you don't mind me gegging in!

John,
I just knew you had to be from liverpool as soon as i read that! One of my all time favourite expressions.
James

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Good to hear you did well in South Africa, Nerine. You saw a few of the birds I did including the remarkable Knysna Lourie. I seem to remember they had a call that sounded rather like the noise made by a Mute Swan's wings - or is my memory playing tricks on me?!

[jdbirdman]

Never really thought about where it originated.........but I don't mind us scousers claiming it.

[Nerine]

a call that sounded rather like the noise made by a Mute Swan's wings - or is my memory playing tricks on me?!

Quite possibly! - the noise, not your memory I mean; I only heard a couple of gruff "barks" when I saw mine ! But I'm told they hiss and make other strange noises. I was in a forested area in the Tsitsikamma region when I saw it, it flew out above my head, so exciting, the beauty of the red in its wings as it flew was magical!

Nerine