Southern African Forum (1 Viewer)

[Martin Hobbs]

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!

Thanks Alan,
Nice picture of the Greenbacked Heron.
I will check where Babalala picnic site is..

I am not sure if Crocodile Bridge is open, we will be coming out of there (hopefully) the week after next.

Martin

 

[Martin Hobbs]

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

Roberta,
You could try the below for your trip to Cape Town. Trevor does organise trips for birders in the Cape, usually Pelagic trips, which would certainly give you some new sightings!!

http://www.zestforbirds.co.za/
http://www.hardaker.co.za/

I am sure you will have a great trip to South Africa.

Martin

 

[Sal]

Martin have a great time. See if you can spot and photograph a couple of the Kruger Tuskers whilst you're up there - most of them seem to live in the Northern half of the park. Hope you have some really good bird sightings. I would like to see pics of Dickinson's Kestrel and some more Carmine Bee-eaters . . . !

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Dave did you find this to be the case while you were in Kruger? I certainly didn't.

Hi, Alan -
In resonse to your query my answer would be ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I saw one speeding vehicle, which we reported at Satara. Outside of that everything was great - no problems at all. I think there are still people around who hanker back to pre-1994 days, and are unable to accept that the demographics of park visitors and staff have changed. We had a fabulous time, and were treated with considerable courtesy by the various park employees with whom we came in contact. Our accommodation at Letaba and Satara was excellent, and we enjoyed the swimming pool at Letaba. We were impressed by the new public area at Olifants, which opened the day after we visited, and by the work underway at Letaba to update the restaurant area. Many rondavels have had new patios added, so all in all we thought the KNP was doing a great job.
Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Martin have a great time. See if you can spot and photograph a couple of the Kruger Tuskers whilst you're up there - most of them seem to live in the Northern half of the park. Hope you have some really good bird sightings. I would like to see pics of Dickinson's Kestrel and some more Carmine Bee-eaters . . . !

Here, Sal -

Let me put you out of your misery. Hopefully, Martin will find some more.

Photo 1 - Nxabega, Okavango Delta
Photo 2 - Zarafa, Selinda area, close to Lake Zibadianja

Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Sal]

Thanks Dave - beautiful. I've only ever seen one Dickinson's kestrel, about sixteen years ago.

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Kruger Park, 12th-16th December 2009

All good things come to an end, even KNP visits, and we woke to our last morning in the Park. We planned to leave via Orpen Gate, taking the H7 road which began just a couple of kilometres south of Satara. The bush was full of those obliging little birds, Red-backed Shrikes, sitting there in full view (photo 1, male, photo 2, female). Contrast these little guys with inveterate skulkers like Gorgeous Bush Shrikes and White-thoated Robin-chats. They and their cousin the Lesser Grey Shrike give the birdwatcher value for money.
The distinctive 4-note call of Rufous-naped Larks drifted across the grasslands. You could easily spot them, always in some prominent position elevated above the tops of the grasses. Some years ago I paced out the distance between calling larks, and found, in the Krugersdorp area, that it averaged around 150m. It would seem likely, therefore, that this would approximate the average diameter of a single territory.
Marabou Storks descending to the left of the road suggested something of interest, and sure enough, there was the remains of a kill with vultures, and Marabou in attendance. Both White-backed and Hooded Vultures were present (photo 3). The small head and fine beak of the Hooded Vulture can clearly be seen. We were delighted, for the Hooded Vulture was a first sighting for the trip and raised our vulture score to four, White-backed, Lappet-faced, White-headed and now Hooded.
I slowed down to look for ducks and water birds in Nsemani Dam, and then turned down the small, dead-end spur road which ran past the western edge of the dam. The occupants of a couple of parked cars were gazing excitedly into a thick copse which lay between us and the dam. What have we here, we thought. I turned at the end of the road and drove back to the two cars. And we spotted a long, black and gold, white-tipped tail waving in the undergrowth. Not bad, we thought, we haven’t seen any lions, but a leopard is welcome any day. It wasn’t the world’s greatest sighting – but at least he or she had manners enough to stand up briefly so that we could grab a look. I never cease to be amazed at how somebody, somewhere, somehow, will always come up with a brilliant sighting, no matter how well-hidden the animal.
And we were about to get even luckier. A philanthropic soul driving towards Satara signalled us to stop. “Are you heading for Orpen?” he said. “If you drive just one and a half kilometres down the S36 you’ll find a resting pack of wild dog. You won’t miss them, because a herd of zebra is keeping a very close eye on them.” And sure enough, exactly one and a half kilometres down the dirt road, there they were, dozing contentedly in the shade while a twitchy group of zebra kept a beady eye on them (photos 4 & 5). Note that this is a good tip if one is searching for predators. Any time you see a group of prey animals all staring in one direction, particularly if they are staring upwind, stop and look carefully. Chances are they have become aware, either by sight, sound or smell, of the presence of a predator.
And regretfully, that was about that for our visit. We stopped at Orpen to find that the small residential section had been substantially reconstructed, and looked absolutely great. Something to remember, perhaps, if you are battling to find accommodation in the park.
Note that I will still make one or two further posts about things of general interest - not necessarily birds - arising from our visit.
Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Sal]

Well thanks Dave for a very interesting account of your visit to the park. You seem to have had some great sightings, both bird and others. Leopard and wild dog in one day is pretty good. Yes I agree with you about the Red and Grey-backed Shrikes. Very attractive and quite ready to sit and stare so that you can enjoy them. I saw the new-look bungalows at Orpen - we were able to go into an empty one and gave a look. Beautifully done; but we found the constant flow of traffic through the camp as they went in and out of the Orpen gate a bit off-putting.

 

[Allan Hobbs]

Dave,
thanks for the write-ups, I've really enjoyed reading them.

I know how you feel about Kruger visits coming to an end. I've been talking to my wife about time in the Kruger. We have decided that on our 30th Anniversary (2013) we are going to treat ourselves to at least a month in the Kruger. I'm starting to plan it already :t:

Allan

 

[RobertaG]

Guide information

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.

Thanks Sal, forgive my slow reply, have only made brief visists to the forum over the past few days. I had thought of trying to contact the hotels direct but have struggled to find e-mail addresses for them, will try harder!

Roberta

 

[RobertaG]

Roberta,
You could try the below for your trip to Cape Town. Trevor does organise trips for birders in the Cape, usually Pelagic trips, which would certainly give you some new sightings!!

http://www.zestforbirds.co.za/
http://www.hardaker.co.za/

I am sure you will have a great trip to South Africa.

Martin

Thanks Martin, I'll check out the links. Hope you're having a great time yourself!

Roberta

 

[Dryocopus]

All good things come to an end, even KNP visits, and we woke to our last morning in the Park. We planned to leave via Orpen Gate, taking the H7 road which began just a couple of kilometres south of Satara. The bush was full of those obliging little birds, Red-backed Shrikes, sitting there in full view (photo 1, male, photo 2, female). Contrast these little guys with inveterate skulkers like Gorgeous Bush Shrikes and White-thoated Robin-chats. They and their cousin the Lesser Grey Shrike give the birdwatcher value for money.
The distinctive 4-note call of Rufous-naped Larks drifted across the grasslands. You could easily spot them, always in some prominent position elevated above the tops of the grasses. Some years ago I paced out the distance between calling larks, and found, in the Krugersdorp area, that it averaged around 150m. It would seem likely, therefore, that this would approximate the average diameter of a single territory.
Marabou Storks descending to the left of the road suggested something of interest, and sure enough, there was the remains of a kill with vultures, and Marabou in attendance. Both White-backed and Hooded Vultures were present (photo 3). The small head and fine beak of the Hooded Vulture can clearly be seen. We were delighted, for the Hooded Vulture was a first sighting for the trip and raised our vulture score to four, White-backed, Lappet-faced, White-headed and now Hooded.
I slowed down to look for ducks and water birds in Nsemani Dam, and then turned down the small, dead-end spur road which ran past the western edge of the dam. The occupants of a couple of parked cars were gazing excitedly into a thick copse which lay between us and the dam. What have we here, we thought. I turned at the end of the road and drove back to the two cars. And we spotted a long, black and gold, white-tipped tail waving in the undergrowth. Not bad, we thought, we haven’t seen any lions, but a leopard is welcome any day. It wasn’t the world’s greatest sighting – but at least he or she had manners enough to stand up briefly so that we could grab a look. I never cease to be amazed at how somebody, somewhere, somehow, will always come up with a brilliant sighting, no matter how well-hidden the animal.
And we were about to get even luckier. A philanthropic soul driving towards Satara signalled us to stop. “Are you heading for Orpen?” he said. “If you drive just one and a half kilometres down the S36 you’ll find a resting pack of wild dog. You won’t miss them, because a herd of zebra is keeping a very close eye on them.” And sure enough, exactly one and a half kilometres down the dirt road, there they were, dozing contentedly in the shade while a twitchy group of zebra kept a beady eye on them (photos 4 & 5). Note that this is a good tip if one is searching for predators. Any time you see a group of prey animals all staring in one direction, particularly if they are staring upwind, stop and look carefully. Chances are they have become aware, either by sight, sound or smell, of the presence of a predator.
And regretfully, that was about that for our visit. We stopped at Orpen to find that the small residential section had been substantially reconstructed, and looked absolutely great. Something to remember, perhaps, if you are battling to find accommodation in the park.
Note that I will still make one or two further posts about things of general interest - not necessarily birds - arising from our visit.
Best wishes,
Dave

Wow! Dave two of my target mammals for my next trip to SA - Wild Dogs and the all illusive Leopard!

Shrikes i like - we get good views of Great Grey Shrikes every year - The red usually as well but if I go to Espana its a full house of WP ones!

You heard about our Brown Shrike - I guess I have mentioned him? LOL!

As always great report - thanks Dave - I seem to really be there again!

 

[cossypha]

Great report Dave - as usual!

Those shrikes are nice birds, and the vultures - 4 species! thats like the Zambezi valley. Do you get Cape Vulture in KNP as well??

Its nice to read so many reports of birding in SA, especially well-written ones like these on the SA forum :t:

 

[cossypha]

I've seen some good birds in the last few days here at Borrowdale Brooke.

6 Species of warbler - Willow, African Reed-, Great Reed-, Dark-Capped Yellow, Sedge and Little Rush Warblers - the latter being a lifer for me. I've heard it many times, but saw it for the first time today!
I've seen Little Bittern, Wood Sandpiper and Long-Tailed Paradise-Whydah. Blacksmith and Wattled Lapwing both number 20+ on the golf course. I heard Red-Chested Flufftail for the first time. I dont know if you get them in SA... They have a great call, but so hard to see!
Swallows aplenty - with 7 species seen.The most interesting being Red-breasted Swallow and Eastern Saw-wing.
A single Eurasian Hobby flew overhead this evening.

Pics: African Jacana, Wood Sandpiper, Red Bishop, Dark-Capped Yellow-Warbler and a Monitor lizard, just to spice things up.

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Great report Dave - as usual!

Those shrikes are nice birds, and the vultures - 4 species! thats like the Zambezi valley. Do you get Cape Vulture in KNP as well??

Its nice to read so many reports of birding in SA, especially well-written ones like these on the SA forum :t:

Thanks for your kind words.
Cape Vultures do occur occasionally in KNP. although they are commoner in the Drakensberg and the Cape. There is also a colony in the Magaliesberg, near Rustenburg. In KNP, White-backed Vulture is the most common, followed by Hooded, White-headed and Lappet-faced in that order. There may be debate about the latter two - White-headed and Lappet-faced are both relatively uncommon, and some observers may wish to reverse the order of these two. I am unsure where Cape Vultures would fit in that hierarchy, but would expect them to be scarce.
Lappet-faced Vultures are important in that they are the most powerful vultures, so others may depend upon them to tear open fresh carcasses so that lesser birds can feed. This can de deduced from the bill structure - the Lappet-faced Vulture, at the top of the totem pole, has a massive bill, while the Hooded, at the bottom, has a feeble, slim bill best adapted to cleaning flesh off bones and hard-to-get-to places.
Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Allan Hobbs]

Thanks for your kind words.
Cape Vultures do occur occasionally in KNP. although they are commoner in the Drakensberg and the Cape. There is also a colony in the Magaliesberg, near Rustenburg. In KNP, White-backed Vulture is the most common, followed by Hooded, White-headed and Lappet-faced in that order. There may be debate about the latter two - White-headed and Lappet-faced are both relatively uncommon, and some observers may wish to reverse the order of these two. I am unsure where Cape Vultures would fit in that hierarchy, but would expect them to be scarce.

Dave

Hi Dave,
from my (admittedly little) experience I would be one of those who would reverse the order of the White-headed and Lappet Faced. In KNP we have seen Lappet-faced on several occasions over the years, but have still to see a White-headed.

The Hodded Vulture can show a lot of white on the head. I wonder how many of these have been mis-identified as White-headed, even though other features, eg the bill, are very different.

Allan

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Wow! Dave two of my target mammals for my next trip to SA - Wild Dogs and the all illusive Leopard!
QUOTE]
Hi there,
While we were delighted with our sightings, we would have to confess that no skill whatsoever was involved. Sheer luck in both cases - somebody told us about the wild dog, and we turned down a little road by a dam to look for water birds and found a leopard. So many of the best sightings are like this: no matter how good your bushcraft, you need that extra slice of luck.
Over the years we have been lucky with leopards, having encountered them in Kruger, Pilanesberg, Okavango Delta, Western Cape, the Waterberg, Okonjima in Namibia.......and way back in 1964 or thereabouts, I came home one evening to my little bungalow in Dodoma, Tanzania, to find a leopard leaning against the warm bricks of my wood-fired water heater, keeping off the chill of the night. But we have lived in Africa since 1963, which means we have had plenty opportunities to spot the elusive cat. There have been uncounted bush trips when we have utterly failed to see leopard, lion, wild dog, and so on. So you must never feel that a bush trip has been a failure...for all the things you miss there will be a dozen fascinating encounters, both great and small, which will leave you marvelling at the wonder of it all.
You will have noted that in my recent Kruger report I have included creatures as insignificant as tadpoles......because all have their role to play in the bush.

Wishing you lots of leopards (and a wild dog or two) on your next visit,
Dave

 

[Dave Kennedy]

Hi Dave,
from my (admittedly little) experience I would be one of those who would reverse the order of the White-headed and Lappet Faced. In KNP we have seen Lappet-faced on several occasions over the years, but have still to see a White-headed.
The Hodded Vulture can show a lot of white on the head. I wonder how many of these have been mis-identified as White-headed, even though other features, eg the bill, are very different.
Allan

Thanks for this observation, Allan. Maybe some of the other KNP regulars will contribute their opinion on White-headed v Lappet-faced vultures. My personal score on the two species is roughly identical - no more than a cumulative handful of each from all our various visits.
Your point about confusion between White-headed and Hooded Vultures is well taken. The key feature I use for Hooded Vulture is always the slim, weak-looking bill. The bill of the White-headed Vulture - reddish-orange with a blue base - is very helpful. In my post #1562 (photo 4) you can just see, although the young White-headed Vulture is standing in the shadow, the red/blue colouring of the beak.
Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Allan Hobbs]

While we were delighted with our sightings, we would have to confess that no skill whatsoever was involved. Sheer luck in both cases - somebody told us about the wild dog, and we turned down a little road by a dam to look for water birds and found a leopard. So many of the best sightings are like this: no matter how good your bushcraft, you need that extra slice of luck.

So you must never feel that a bush trip has been a failure...for all the things you miss there will be a dozen fascinating encounters, both great and small, which will leave you marvelling at the wonder of it all.
You will have noted that in my recent Kruger report I have included creatures as insignificant as tadpoles......because all have their role to play in the bush.

Dave

Dave,
I totally agree about the luck aspect. I've lost count of how many times we have been watching something, and then just as it has disappeared someone else turns up and has missed it by a few seconds. The most obvious one for me was seeing a Caracal as it ran across the road in front of us. We stopped but others just a short distance behind us missed it completely. Right place, right time. Of course we have more often been the ones who turn up only to have someone say "you've just missed it".

We have often had days when we haven't seen any of the big specials, but like you we are interested in absolutely anything, so we have never had a day when we have left the park feeling disappointed. On our first visit to the game parks we obviously wanted to see the big spectacular mammals, but now we spend more time looking for small mammals, reptiles, insects etc. We have had some strange looks from some people when we tell them we are watching dung beetles or butterflies! I just love that feeling when you drive through the gates at dawn and wonder what we will see.

Allan

 

[Allan Hobbs]

Sal,
a final few photos of visitors to our feeding station in the snow (practically all the snow is gone now, although there is still a lot of ice on the lakes and ponds)

1 Blackbird (male, female is brown)
2 Nuthatch
3 Robin
4 Woodpigeon

Enjoy
Allan