Sal
Well-known member
Amazing. The best you can do here is a packet of garden bird seed, although sometimes at a market you can buy home made cone feeders and sunflower seed balls. I rather like the Christmas-tree effect - especially in the snow!!!
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Southern African Forum (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Dave Kennedy
- Start date
Amazing. The best you can do here is a packet of garden bird seed, although sometimes at a market you can buy home made cone feeders and sunflower seed balls. I rather like the Christmas-tree effect - especially in the snow!!!
Dryocopus
Was Eagle before...still am in life!
Please dont laugh at the dreadful pic - but just to show you the numbers of Goldfinches I get here in my garden at the moment! Taken through double glazed kitchen window!
Strangely the Goldfinches,its the younger ones...who as juveniles fed on sunflower hearts and still do, the adults eat the niger seed- the black feeder is niger seed -the other three have sunflower hearts in as the blue and great tits and the Chaffinches like to whizz in and grab a seed and go as well!
I will put up a pic of the tree in my garden as well as that has the fat balls and coconut halves with fat in, and a fat ball feeder(the starlings like - you cant see as its on the far rigt side! and the House Sparrows feeder of mixed seeds - yes house sparrows here have learnt to feed from feeders.
I also scatter food on the ground -the Blackbirds/ Robins and other enjoy it as well as the Wood pigeons and Collared Doves.
Strangely the Goldfinches,its the younger ones...who as juveniles fed on sunflower hearts and still do, the adults eat the niger seed- the black feeder is niger seed -the other three have sunflower hearts in as the blue and great tits and the Chaffinches like to whizz in and grab a seed and go as well!
I will put up a pic of the tree in my garden as well as that has the fat balls and coconut halves with fat in, and a fat ball feeder(the starlings like - you cant see as its on the far rigt side! and the House Sparrows feeder of mixed seeds - yes house sparrows here have learnt to feed from feeders.
I also scatter food on the ground -the Blackbirds/ Robins and other enjoy it as well as the Wood pigeons and Collared Doves.
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BusangaBirder
Member
Hello all
My birding interest lies in southern african species predominantly. I work as a safari guide in zambia and as such am very lucky to have witnessed many different species. When im back in the UK i also enjoy birdwatching with my father who ironically owns and runs a safari company http://www.busangasafari.co.uk/speci...g-safaris.html
with specific birding emphasis safaris (i digress...)
What i would really like to know is if anyone has seen picathartes Picathartes oreas in the congo? again my father sells safaris to the congo but i would really like to know if anyone has been and seen picathates there??
i was going to post this on the 'Congo' forum but thought i would try here first!
what a great forum, i love reading about all the latest sightings.
My birding interest lies in southern african species predominantly. I work as a safari guide in zambia and as such am very lucky to have witnessed many different species. When im back in the UK i also enjoy birdwatching with my father who ironically owns and runs a safari company http://www.busangasafari.co.uk/speci...g-safaris.html
with specific birding emphasis safaris (i digress...)
What i would really like to know is if anyone has seen picathartes Picathartes oreas in the congo? again my father sells safaris to the congo but i would really like to know if anyone has been and seen picathates there??
i was going to post this on the 'Congo' forum but thought i would try here first!
what a great forum, i love reading about all the latest sightings.
Sal
Well-known member
Hi BusangaBirder and welcome to the Southern Africa forum. Having never been to the Congo I can't help you. I would imagine posting your query re Picathartes oreas on the Cameroon or Nigerian forum would be a better option. I seem to remember that it is an equatorial species and I think its pretty rare and probably protected.
Dave Kennedy
Well-known member
Martin Hobbs
Well-known member
Allan Hobbs
Body in the UK, heart in South Africa
Like Martin my books are in Marloth. I agree on Agama, but how about male Ground Agama (Agama aculeata) in breeding colours?
Allan
BusangaBirder
Member
thanks sal will do!
Dave Kennedy
Well-known member
Kruger Park, 12th-16th December 2009
Having enjoyed a horizontal afternoon after a cold lunch back at Satara, we managed to rouse ourselves sufficiently to drive out along the Sweni Road (S126), which turns off westwards about 10km south of Satara, and follows the Sweni River upstream until the road meets the S36 at Musandzeni Picnic Site. Not that we would ever get that far......it was far too late in the afternoon, and the previous heavy rain had left these dirt roads just a little tricky. OK for the 4x4 brigade – but since I have a standard saloon, and none of the passengers felt much like pushing, I agreed to be careful.
The Sweni road, much as had the S100 N’wanetsi road that morning, proved to be lush and beautiful, the prevalence of Fan Palms Hyphaene pietersiana along the river putting me in mind irresistibly of the Okavango Delta. Large puddles on the verges and elsewhere were seething with countless tadpoles, providing a bonus for Hamerkops and other waders like Ruffs and Wood Sandpipers. The tadpoles were largish, and may have belonged to the African Bullfrog Pyxicephalus edulis, but that I cannot confirm.
Some of the Sycamore Figs Ficus sycomorus on the river bank were huge, and must, while fruiting, have provided sustenance to many animals and birds, of which African Green Pigeon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Thick-tailed Bush-baby, Baboon, Vervet Monkey, and assorted Barbets, Bulbuls and Mousebirds spring to mind. Southern Ground Hornbills (photo 1) and small groups of White Storks (photo 2) paced the lush grasslands with measured tread, while colourful Carmine and European Bee-eaters (photo 3)hawked insects from favourite perches. A laid-back baboon troop sauntered casually past, babies, seemingly all ears, perched like little jockeys on their mothers’ backs. No need to rush....there was food for everyone in this green paradise. On the north side of the road, a Slender Mongoose foraged for insects around a large rock half hidden in the long green grass.
I turned the car, and headed back along the way we had come. There was no point in going further, and having to rush back to reach camp before gate closing time. Pulling the car over to the verge, we broke out the coffee flasks for a temperate sundowner. Behind us the sun was sinking, setting the seed-heads afire with golden light, and masking everything in a glowing haze. Halfway through my first cup of coffee a group of elephants emerged from the riverine bush to our right, and sauntered, in that deceptively slow way that they have, towards the road. Now there’s a thing, thought I. If they were to do what they often do and stop for a browse on the road ahead of us, we might struggle to make closing time. So I started the engine, and drove forward some way beyond the slowly-advancing ellies. Now we could finish our coffee in peace, while they carried on their way. Until my daughter, sitting in the back seat and therefore just that little closer to the action, said ‘Er, Dad – there’s an elephant just behind us!’ Which there indubitably was, almost invisible in the haze which obscured the back-lit bush (photo 4). The sods must have turned through 90 degrees, and trundled up behind us without us even noticing. All part of the charm of the bush.
Back at the junction with the main H1-3, I checked my watch and saw we had a little time to spare. I turned south, intending to go just as far as the Sweni bridge to see what we could see. And I was very glad that I did for, right there and then, a fine breeding herd of elephant climbed up onto the road from the eastern side, crossed over, and headed off up the Sweni. And it got even better when we got to the bridge, for there were three white rhinos grazing alongside a group of zebra (photo 5). What a great way to end the day.
Best wishes,
Dave Kennedy
Having enjoyed a horizontal afternoon after a cold lunch back at Satara, we managed to rouse ourselves sufficiently to drive out along the Sweni Road (S126), which turns off westwards about 10km south of Satara, and follows the Sweni River upstream until the road meets the S36 at Musandzeni Picnic Site. Not that we would ever get that far......it was far too late in the afternoon, and the previous heavy rain had left these dirt roads just a little tricky. OK for the 4x4 brigade – but since I have a standard saloon, and none of the passengers felt much like pushing, I agreed to be careful.
The Sweni road, much as had the S100 N’wanetsi road that morning, proved to be lush and beautiful, the prevalence of Fan Palms Hyphaene pietersiana along the river putting me in mind irresistibly of the Okavango Delta. Large puddles on the verges and elsewhere were seething with countless tadpoles, providing a bonus for Hamerkops and other waders like Ruffs and Wood Sandpipers. The tadpoles were largish, and may have belonged to the African Bullfrog Pyxicephalus edulis, but that I cannot confirm.
Some of the Sycamore Figs Ficus sycomorus on the river bank were huge, and must, while fruiting, have provided sustenance to many animals and birds, of which African Green Pigeon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Thick-tailed Bush-baby, Baboon, Vervet Monkey, and assorted Barbets, Bulbuls and Mousebirds spring to mind. Southern Ground Hornbills (photo 1) and small groups of White Storks (photo 2) paced the lush grasslands with measured tread, while colourful Carmine and European Bee-eaters (photo 3)hawked insects from favourite perches. A laid-back baboon troop sauntered casually past, babies, seemingly all ears, perched like little jockeys on their mothers’ backs. No need to rush....there was food for everyone in this green paradise. On the north side of the road, a Slender Mongoose foraged for insects around a large rock half hidden in the long green grass.
I turned the car, and headed back along the way we had come. There was no point in going further, and having to rush back to reach camp before gate closing time. Pulling the car over to the verge, we broke out the coffee flasks for a temperate sundowner. Behind us the sun was sinking, setting the seed-heads afire with golden light, and masking everything in a glowing haze. Halfway through my first cup of coffee a group of elephants emerged from the riverine bush to our right, and sauntered, in that deceptively slow way that they have, towards the road. Now there’s a thing, thought I. If they were to do what they often do and stop for a browse on the road ahead of us, we might struggle to make closing time. So I started the engine, and drove forward some way beyond the slowly-advancing ellies. Now we could finish our coffee in peace, while they carried on their way. Until my daughter, sitting in the back seat and therefore just that little closer to the action, said ‘Er, Dad – there’s an elephant just behind us!’ Which there indubitably was, almost invisible in the haze which obscured the back-lit bush (photo 4). The sods must have turned through 90 degrees, and trundled up behind us without us even noticing. All part of the charm of the bush.
Back at the junction with the main H1-3, I checked my watch and saw we had a little time to spare. I turned south, intending to go just as far as the Sweni bridge to see what we could see. And I was very glad that I did for, right there and then, a fine breeding herd of elephant climbed up onto the road from the eastern side, crossed over, and headed off up the Sweni. And it got even better when we got to the bridge, for there were three white rhinos grazing alongside a group of zebra (photo 5). What a great way to end the day.
Best wishes,
Dave Kennedy
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Sal
Well-known member
Sounds idyllic Dave. How lucky you are to have see Carmine Bee-eaters. I haven't seen any for years because they are always gone by the time i get to Kruger. But I can remember seeing them at Nsemani Dam, about fifty of them, perched all over the branches of a dead tree like tropical flowers - stunning sight. (That tree has now fallen and only a very small portion remains.) Nice mix of Zebra and Rhino in your last pic, it looks all wrong to see them in such green grass!
Martin Hobbs
Well-known member
Dave,
Very descriptive prose, it made me feel as if I was there..... which I will be in a few days time.
Martin
Martin Hobbs
Well-known member
We shall be making our final preparations tomorrow and Sunday for our upcoming trip into Kruger from Monday.
We have family over from the frozen north!! (my wife’s family this time, not Allan) and so they are going to feel a bit of a difference in temperature I think!!
We will be entering KNP at Punda Maria, spending two nights there, then a night in Shingwedzi, a night in Letaba, two nights in Satara (because it is my favourite!!) and two nights in Talamati (first time staying here) before driving out of Crocodile Bridge and to the house in Marloth Park.
I will make a list of the birds I hope to see which will hopefully result in some new ticks for me….but even if I see nothing new, just being in this ‘green paradise’ as Dave has described is special.
Martin
We have family over from the frozen north!! (my wife’s family this time, not Allan) and so they are going to feel a bit of a difference in temperature I think!!
We will be entering KNP at Punda Maria, spending two nights there, then a night in Shingwedzi, a night in Letaba, two nights in Satara (because it is my favourite!!) and two nights in Talamati (first time staying here) before driving out of Crocodile Bridge and to the house in Marloth Park.
I will make a list of the birds I hope to see which will hopefully result in some new ticks for me….but even if I see nothing new, just being in this ‘green paradise’ as Dave has described is special.
Martin
Allan Hobbs
Body in the UK, heart in South Africa
Dave Kennedy
Well-known member
Here's to a brilliant trip, Martin. If you have half as much fun as we did it'll be great. Try your luck with Montagu's and Pallid Harriers as you approach Satara from the north. If you see any I will be seriously envious! And my little family of Scops Owls at Satara hung out at circle C, between huts 71/72.
Best wishes,
Dave
MarcellC
Well-known member
Hi again all
Martin, this lizard seems a bit 'odd' - with the body of a lizard and a head that says "agama"
I've just had a look through the Bill Branch 'Snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa' - the colours are very in the ballpark for a flat lizard but the snout of your lizard is miles too short and stubby for that.
Interesting indeed
Martin, this lizard seems a bit 'odd' - with the body of a lizard and a head that says "agama"
I've just had a look through the Bill Branch 'Snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa' - the colours are very in the ballpark for a flat lizard but the snout of your lizard is miles too short and stubby for that.
Interesting indeed
Dave did you find this to be the case while you were in Kruger? I certainly didn't.
Scops Owl at Satara's day visitor area
Goliath Heron and Greenbacked Heron at Lake Panic Hide.
Martin: is Crocodile Bridge gate open? When I was there in Nov, it was still closed. Don't forget to look out for Dickinson's Kestrel around the Babalala picnic site area!
Scops Owl at Satara's day visitor area
Goliath Heron and Greenbacked Heron at Lake Panic Hide.
Martin: is Crocodile Bridge gate open? When I was there in Nov, it was still closed. Don't forget to look out for Dickinson's Kestrel around the Babalala picnic site area!
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RobertaG
Well-known member
Finding guides for single days
Hello
I thought I'd post my question here as it always seems such a friendly and helpful forum. I sent the following to an email address given to me at the Rutland birdfair by someone from birdingafrica but have had no response. Our trip is now only a month away (yippee) and I wondered if anyone here has any advice? I realise that this is not the best way to see the birds but this is what I have! Also any insight on why I have not had a reply?
"I am coming to SA from the UK in Feb (Feb 15th to Mar 1st) on a family holiday - guided tour, fixed itinerary - but will have a couple of 'at leisure' days when I hope to fit in some proper birding. If possible I would like to find a guide to help me make the best of these days - bearing in mind I will have no transport of my own.
My free days will be at 'Hippo Hollow country estate' at the edge of Kruger on the Sabie river, at Natal Spa Resort (near Vryheid?) Bivane river and possibly a free day in Cape Town, although this one might be harder to get away for!
Can you help me get on the right track ? Any advice or information would be gratefully appreciated"
Thanks all
Roberta
Hello
I thought I'd post my question here as it always seems such a friendly and helpful forum. I sent the following to an email address given to me at the Rutland birdfair by someone from birdingafrica but have had no response. Our trip is now only a month away (yippee) and I wondered if anyone here has any advice? I realise that this is not the best way to see the birds but this is what I have! Also any insight on why I have not had a reply?
"I am coming to SA from the UK in Feb (Feb 15th to Mar 1st) on a family holiday - guided tour, fixed itinerary - but will have a couple of 'at leisure' days when I hope to fit in some proper birding. If possible I would like to find a guide to help me make the best of these days - bearing in mind I will have no transport of my own.
My free days will be at 'Hippo Hollow country estate' at the edge of Kruger on the Sabie river, at Natal Spa Resort (near Vryheid?) Bivane river and possibly a free day in Cape Town, although this one might be harder to get away for!
Can you help me get on the right track ? Any advice or information would be gratefully appreciated"
Thanks all
Roberta
Sal
Well-known member
Hi Roberta
I don't think I can help with Cape Town or Hazyview. Natal Spa actually has it's own guided bird walks as far as I know and I'm sure if you contacted them they would be able to put you in touch with a local bird guide if you want to go further afield. However you should do this before you go as they need to be booked. (But see below re transport)
I would think that the other two resorts might able to help you if you contact them before you leave. Not having transport of your own might be a problem in all three areas as many of the bird guides are 'community guides' who have been trained by SASOL or similar, and will not have their own transport. Not knowing who you emailed makes it a bit difficult to comment as to why you have not had a reply. It could be that the email address is out of date.
Hope you can manage to get something sorted out. Maybe someone else on this forum can help further.
I don't think I can help with Cape Town or Hazyview. Natal Spa actually has it's own guided bird walks as far as I know and I'm sure if you contacted them they would be able to put you in touch with a local bird guide if you want to go further afield. However you should do this before you go as they need to be booked. (But see below re transport)
I would think that the other two resorts might able to help you if you contact them before you leave. Not having transport of your own might be a problem in all three areas as many of the bird guides are 'community guides' who have been trained by SASOL or similar, and will not have their own transport. Not knowing who you emailed makes it a bit difficult to comment as to why you have not had a reply. It could be that the email address is out of date.
Hope you can manage to get something sorted out. Maybe someone else on this forum can help further.
Martin Hobbs
Well-known member
Marcell,
I have checked my copy of the same book, and also couldn't identify this lizard for definite. As Dave has mentioned, it looks Agama, however I agree with your doubts on the colours.
I am not sure at all.
Martin
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Martin Hobbs
Well-known member
Dave,
I will look out for the Pallid Harriers, and if I see them I will try and get a picture for you!!
I will also check out your Scops at Satara.
Thanks
Martin
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