Pel's fishing owl/buff-spotted flufftail South africa (1 Viewer)

[Steve Babbs]

Hi all

I'm off to South Africa during their winter. Of the sites I'm visiting, I know Pel's fishing owl is meant to be present at Kruger, Mkhuze and Lower Mkhuze and buff-spotted flufftail at Mkhuze and St Lucia but I am failing to get any recent information. Can anyone help?

I am very aware that both are tricky to see especially the flufftail. But any information would be gratefully received.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Andy Adcock]

Steve,
Was in Kruger for a couple of weeks last year.

No sightings of either as far as I'm aware.

Levuvhu and Olifants are given as the most regular sites for Pel's in a list I have for Kruger with status remarks.

The same list gives the Flufftail as 'probably a rare visitor'.

Have you got 'Southern African Birdfinder'? Very good value with a really useful map included.

Andy

 

[amears]

Pel's is hard in Kruger. It's also at Mkuze but you'll still need luck and local knowledge.

In Kruger, you could try to get in touch with the ranger John, who was working out of Letaba this spring. I've gone out on walks with him in 2009 and this year, and he's a good birder. He might be able to line you up with a shot at the owl. In Mkuze, I suggest you get in touch with a local ranger as soon as you arrive and see if they can help.

I've encountered Buff-spot twice, both in fairly rich, damp woodland/forest, once seen, once heard only. Doesn't have to be extensive habitat though. One thing to do is to learn the call (easy) and if you're lucky enough to hear one, try to see it (sure you know what I mean!).

Best of luck, Steve.

 

[Steve Keen]

Steve

have sent you a PM re Pel's

Steve

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

According to Ebird there are only a few sightings of Pel's Fishing Owl in South Africa this year. There are some reports over the past few months from the Mkuze area and one from Kruger.

Buff-spotted Flufftail doesn't figure too much either. A few recent records from Mt Sheba and one from Xumeni Forest. Very few anywhere else.