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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Padraig" data-source="post: 3191438" data-attributes="member: 2093">20.2.15 Cont.Still in the 4 by 4 with Phil Zappala and Tim, we did a trip through the teak woodland.The first notable bird was a Kori's Bustard, the second of my trip. A Bradfield's Hornbill flew between trees beside the road. I also got to see an adult Shikra, also my second on on this trip.There was a Gabar Goshawk in a tree near a pool of water. I wanted to get out of the vehicle to get a better look. There were 2 elephants on the far side of the pool but they looked relaxed. Just then a buffalo walked by the vehicle, made for the water and lay down. Maybe walking hadn't been such a good idea after all!There were solar panels beside the pool to pump up water. I was told that in the dry season, this can pump enough water to cater for giraffes or buffalo but not enough for elephants , who have to go down to the river to satisfy their thirst.Driving around, we got the following:Brown Crowned Tcahagra, White Crested Helmet Shrike, a cuckoo species (unable to say whether it was Common (European) or African);White Headed Vulture, African Harrier Hawk (Gymnogene), Tawny Eagle, juvenile Bataleur, Long Toed Plover, Shelley's Francolin.That was it for the morning drive.In the afternoon I drove myself out the road towards Zimbabwe to search for a Long Crested Eagle which tends to feed by some road-side telegraph poles after 5pm.The bird was not there so I went down to the river. There I found a Green Sandpiper. I was told that there was a single bird which was seen at the local sewage works. This must have been the same bird, now down by the river.I refused to give up on the eagle and eventually I saw it flying in the distance. Then finally, towards sunset, I finally got it landed on a telegraph pole. My first ever Long Crested Eagle.I headed to Mowana Lodge for a final look for Bat Hawk but again was unlucky.I also hoped to see Retz's Helmet Shrike there but I spent too long looking for the Eagle and had missed the light. My last chance for both species was gone.</blockquote>

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