Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Pink-throated Twinspot |
 Dwarf Bittern |
 Buff-spotted Flufftail |
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 Bush Blackcap |
 Lemon-breasted Canary |
 Neergaard’s Sunbird |
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Overview
This custom tour was carefully designed for a single client, Tim, following a specific target list. Tim is a well-traveled birder, having visited South Africa before, along with many other destinations around the continent. Tim is also a keen photographer. As such, almost all of the time on this tour was devoted to tracking down various birds on the wish-list, and then focusing on getting good photos of these birds, if at all possible. In many instances various common and widespread species which were present around us, were not focused on, as such several birds heard calling were not actively sought out and seen.
Taking place during February, towards the tail-end of the austral summer, this tour was timed to be at a peak for many of the subtropical waterbirds that visit the region, such as Dwarf Bittern and Lesser Moorhen, along with the many palearctic migrants that winter in the region, such as various warbler species. In addition, this is also a great time of the year to find the many endemics and resident species that were also a priority. February is still in the core of the rainy season, and while we did have a few very wet days that impacted the birding, the rain itself didn’t adversely affect us eventually finding the birds we were seeking. More of a challenge was Tim testing positive for coronavirus at the start of the tour. This excluded the high mountain endemics of the Sani Pass from the equation, but we did well to work our way around as many of these as possible, finding some of them at backup places in other parts of the country. New government regulations were also on our side, as South Africa moved away from intense isolation requirements, with recent studies showing covid antibodies were widely present in the population, and shifting towards a more holistic view of ‘living with coronavirus’. This basically meant we were able to continue on with our tour, at the discretion of the other service providers.
Once it was determined we could indeed continue on with the tour, we certainly maximized the birding, and enjoyed a very successful tour, finding almost all of the possible targets, along with a host of tricky and unpredictable species that are scarce at the best of times. Starting off in Durban, we ventured towards the Drakensberg foothills, where we had mixed fortunes with weather, and the coronavirus hassles, but got our possible primary targets such as Cape Parrot and Blue Swallow, while enjoying many other scarce birds such as Wattled Crane. We then made our way slowly up the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coast, starting off at Eshowe. Here Buff-spotted Flufftail was a major highlight, along with others such as Spotted Ground Thrush, Green Barbet, Swamp Nightjar and Green Twinspot, before we moved up to St Lucia. A wide range of east coast littoral specials were seen here, including Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Livingstone’s Turaco, Woodward’s Batis and Rudd’s Apalis, while other specials seen here included Green Malkoha, Brown Scrub Robin and Grey Waxbill.
Time in and around the excellent Mkhuze Game Reserve followed, and produced many specials – most notably Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s Sunbird and Lemon-breasted Canary. A short stay in Wakkerstroom was very successful and gave up a lovely Red-chested Flufftail, along with White-bellied Bustard and Yellow-breasted Pipit, before we made our way to the Zaagkuilsdrift area, where the tour came to an end. The birding was simply fantastic here, with many waterbirds including Dwarf Bittern, Lesser Moorhen, African Crake and Greater Painted-snipe all featuring, along with other highly prized species such as River Warbler and Thrush Nightingale, together with Olive-tree and Icterine Warblers and Common Whitethroat. Resident specials seen here included Southern Pied Babbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern White-faced Owl, Great Sparrow, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Violet-eared Waxbill and so many more. Ultimately, just over 400 species were recorded on the trip, with just under this number being seen.
Detailed daily reports, and trip lists can be found below.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 3rd February 2022. Arrival in Durban, transfer to Underberg
Following Tim’s morning arrival into Durban, we made the journey down south to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, where we would spend a few hours birding. With the time near midday, and the heat absolutely sweltering, we did well picking up a showy male Knysna Woodpecker – one of our main targets for the morning! Knysna Turaco was another special bird that showed exceptionally well for us, as too was Mountain Wagtail and Forest Canary. A few other widespread species such as Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Bar-throated Apalis, Terrestrial Brownbul and Black-bellied Starling were also noted. The remainder of the afternoon was spent travelling to our lodge, stunningly set in the foothills of the lower Drakensberg Mountains. We picked up raptors such as Jackal Buzzard, African Harrier Hawk, Long-crested Eagle and Yellow-billed Kite, and a pair of Cape Longclaws as we arrived at the lodge. We settled in for the evening, with rain persisting throughout.
Day 2, 4th February 2022. Birding Sani Pass and Underberg farmlands
Today was our much-anticipated day trip up Sani Pass, with local guide Stuart, and into the Lesotho highlands, with a number of endemic and sought-after species on the cards. We had a difficult start to the day, as the rain from last night continued through the morning (and the rest of the day as it turned out) unabated. This obviously made birding difficult, and we had to maximise the patches where we only had light rain. Bush Blackcap obliged after a bit of a search, and gave us good views, while a flurry of exciting birds began off with lovely perched views of a pair of Half-collared Kingfishers, shortly followed by a group of four Olive Woodpeckers all chasing each other and a calling Red-chested Cuckoo sat in the open. Gurney’s Sugarbirds obliged on the flowering proteas, while smaller flowering plants held the likes of Amethyst, Malachite and Greater Double-collared Sunbirds. Stuart had a surprise in store for us, when he released a Rhinkhals up on the pass. Stuart had caught this venomous cobra species in a house in the Underberg area. Eventually we arrived at the border, where we had to undergo a Covid test before being allowed across. Unfortunately, Tim tested positive for coronavirus, meaning we couldn’t access Lesotho (and its birds), but much to our delight Tim was (and still is) in good health with seemingly no adverse effects. With new government regulations on our side regarding isolation periods and such, we were able to morph the rest of our day into birding the vast agricultural lands surrounding Underberg for other species we were after. Amur Falcon were sighted in various places, while calling Pale-crowned Cisticolas refused to show themselves. Grey Crowned Cranes were numerous, and we enjoyed a lovely sighting of a pair of Blue Cranes with their chick just about to fledge. Denham’s Bustard took some searching to locate, but we eventually found a bird in the mist and enjoyed prolonged views of this scarce species. All the while, numbers of glorious Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbirds displayed over the grasslands, and Southern Red Bishops over the reedbeds – with the rain continuing on. White-backed Duck proved elusive, despite searching various dams, while a Red-chested Flufftail played hide and seek with us, only offering me the briefest of views, and unfortunately left Tim without showing itself. By the time we called it a day in the early afternoon, we had amassed a decent list of birds, despite the miserable conditions. Our afternoon was spent sorting out the remainder of the trip, with the curveball Covid had thrown us today.
Day 3, 5th February 2022. Mistbelt forest and grassland birding
Having largely come to terms with the new normal on this trip, we set off early in the morning for Marutswa Forest, outside Bulwer where Cape Parrot would be our main quarry. The rain was still present, and it was something we would continue having to deal with throughout the day. We could not have timed it any better, and not five minutes after getting out the car at Marutswa Forest, two Cape Parrots came screeching in through the mist and drizzle, and landed in some of the nearby dead trees. We enjoyed some good scope views of this scarce species, before they disappeared back into the gloom as quickly as they had appeared. A vocal Cape Grassbird was seen before we saddled up, and made our way onwards to the Hela Hela Pass, where we would try for another of our main targets – Blue Swallow. A break in the weather en route saw us stopping at a roadside wetland where we enjoyed the antics of resident Little Rush and African Yellow Warblers, while a Diederik Cuckoo tried its luck trying to parasitize some Cape Weaver nests. Colorful species such as Southern Red Bishop and Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbirds also showed well, before we pressed onwards. A Dusky Indigobird greeted us at the gate to the reserve, before we headed in and made our way to one of the grassy ridges. Within in no time, we picked up a male Blue Swallow flying through the very heavy mist, and watched their feeding pattern. We positioned ourselves accordingly, and enjoyed very close fly-bys of a pair of these rare and highly sought-after birds! A break in the weather also allowed us to enjoy scope views of the birds perched nearby! We couldn’t believe our luck! A vocal pair of Fan-tailed Grassbirds were also picked up here, before we decided to head onwards and try our luck with some other birds. Xumeni Forest was our next port of call, where we had a short time to explore for some birds. Orange Ground Thrush was our main target, and after a bit of searching we enjoyed excellent views of both an adult and recently fledged juvenile bird. Barratt’s Warbler frustrated us by remaining out of sight, while a massive flock of some 50-strong African Olive Pigeons was a welcomed sight. We had our lunch in view of a dam with sought-after White-backed Ducks and a pair of the rare Wattled Cranes in attendance, along with a wide array of other waterbirds. We struck out with Red-chested Flufftail later in the afternoon once more, and Pale-crowned Cisticola refused to show itself remaining heard only as well. With the rain picking up again, we called it a day, and settled in for a traditional South African braai (barbeque).
Day 4, 6th February 2022. Transfer from Underberg to Eshowe, birding en route
Finally, we awoke to a morning with no rain (and even a brief period of sunshine), and headed out for a morning walk around the lodge. With a long drive ahead, we couldn’t dally for too long however. Pale-crowned Cisticola was a target for the morning, and we enjoyed several great looks at this scarce species in the morning. The whole area was very wet, and testament to this were the many Malachite Kingfishers all moving about in the grasslands. Grey Crowned Crane, Giant Kingfisher, Cape Longclaw and Long-tailed Widowbird were all seen well, as was the tiny Wing-snapping Cisticola which is very similar to its pale-crowned cousin. Searching some of the treed areas yielded Red-throated Wryneck and Bokmakierie.
After breakfast we checked out, and began the trip to Eshowe. Our first stop would be at Bisley Valley Nature Reserve, where our big target would be Southern Tchagra. Despite it being midday and warm with the sun out, we heard several birds, and after some patience and careful scanning, found a bird perched up, and enjoyed good scope views of this uncommon endemic – here at the edge of its range! Some coastal forest near Umdloti followed where we would focus on trying for Buff-spotted Flufftail. These are notoriously difficult birds to see, and after an initial unsuccessful attempt, followed by a rain-forced break, our second attempt was mightily successful and we enjoyed stellar views of this bird at length! We eventually had to tear ourselves away, and left the area with smiles brimming from ear to ear! We arrived in Eshowe, where we would spend the next two nights, in the early evening.
Day 5, 7th February 2022. Birding Eshowe and surrounds
Our morning started off at the nearby Dlinza Forest, where we met our excellent local guide, Junior, who would join us for the day (in his own vehicle). Here we focused our efforts on trying for Spotted Ground Thrush and Green Twinspot primarily. The former took a long while, and much effort to locate, and at our last stop, on our way out, we hit the jackpot and found a cooperative Spotted Ground Thrush that showed well for us, perched up and hopping along the pathway! The twinspot proved elusive, and we had no joy despite waiting at a regular feeding area for them. Several Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeons could be heard calling over the forest, but none were seen, and our next most interesting sighting was of a large group of Purple-crested Turacos busily feeding in a fruiting tree. Following a quick breakfast and coffee break, we set off to Ongoye Forest, where the highly localized woodwardi race of Green Barbet would be our main target. Some roadside birding along the way netted us an absolutely stunning male Gorgeous Bushshrike, which took some patience to see well, along with others such as Wahlberg’s Eagle and Red-breasted Swallow. Several Green Barbets could be heard on our arrival in the forest, which took some time and searching several sites, before we were rewarded with prolonged (and close!) scope views of a pair of these interesting birds! We thoroughly enjoyed our time watching them feed and call. Both Striped and Plain-backed Pipits showed well on our departure from Ongoye.
Amatikulu Nature Reserve was next on the agenda, and our lunch in the shady coastal forests was constantly interrupted by the likes of Black-throated Wattle-eye, Common Square-tailed Drongo and Grey Sunbird, amongst others. Swamp Nightjar was our main target here, and the bird didn’t disappoint with some good flushed views. Our last birding stop for the day was Umlalazi Nature Reserve, in Mtunzini. While trying for a calling Rufous-winged Cisticola, we heard the unmistakeable hooting of a Red-chested Flufftail, and immediately switched focus and attempted to see this skulking bird. Sadly, after a decent amount of time trying to see this species, we left the bird in peace and had to go without views. A male Purple-banded Sunbird, Eastern Golden (Yellow) Weaver and a surprise European Roller were the most notable sightings, before we finally saw a Rufous-winged Cisticola, at the last possible moment. Not to be forgotten were the immense numbers of crabs and grasshoppers seen in the grasslands here. We settled in for a wonderful evening, following a great day out birding, and rounded things off with both Spotted Eagle Owl and African Wood Owl in the gardens after dinner!
Day 6, 8th February 2022. Birding Eshowe, and transfer to St Lucia
A quick pre-breakfast walk around the lodge grounds and surrounds yielded various widespread species such as Purple-crested Turaco, Crested Barbet, African Dusky and Southern Black Flycatchers and Willow Warbler, amongst others. After gathering our things, and checking out, we called in at the Dlinza Forest once more, where the pesky Green Twinspot was our main target. It took a long while, and some up-to-the-minute information, but we were eventually rewarded with excellent and prolonged views of a female Green Twinspot, feeding unperturbed by us. Numerous Lemon Dove interactions were fascinating to watch, while skulking Olive Thrush and Chorister Robin-Chat also showed. With the sun high, raptors became more obvious, and we added European Honey Buzzard and Little Sparrowhawk, while a Crowned Eagle was displaying from high up. We covered the relatively short distance to St Lucia during the midday period, and spent some time enjoying the Southern Brown-throated Weaver colony near town, along with the resident Little Swifts. After checking into our guesthouse, we explored some of the coastal forest near the estuary which proved productive despite the warm conditions. A pair of sought-after Rudd’s Apalis showed well, before some careful scanning revealed a Livingstone’s Turaco perched in the canopy. We enjoyed some good scope views of the latter, before moving on. Various other species were present, and included White-eared Barbet, Green-backed Camaroptera, Collared Sunbird and Black-bellied Starling, amongst others. An African Pied Wagtail patrolled the grassy lawns, while Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters foraged overhead and numbers of Eastern Golden (Yellow), Thick-billed and Village Weavers stuck to the reedbeds. We settled in for the evening following another good day out.
Day 7, 9th February 2022. Birding the Isimangaliso Wetland Park
We set off early bound for the Eastern Shores of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. This section of the park consists of coastal grasslands, various wetlands and floodplains associated with Lake St Lucia, as well as coastal dune forest. We spent some time exploring all of these regions, but focused our time on the dune forests which held the majority of the specials we were searching for. Rudd’s Apalis and Livingstone’s Turaco were common, while it took some careful searching to find Woodward’s Batis, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher and Green Malkoha. Southern Banded Snake Eagle and Brown Scrub Robin also made us work hard to find them, but we were eventually rewarded with great views of these sought-after birds. A showy male Green Twinspot was another major highlight. The wetlands were perhaps of the least interest, as the whole region was covered in water, and all waterbirds were very thinly distributed. A lone Saddle-billed Stork was the most significant find. The grasslands however, provided some good birding as well, with a stately Secretarybird roaming the plains, while Yellow-throated Longclaws and Croaking Cisticolas flitted about in the grass. Open areas held the similar-looking Senegal and Black-winged Lapwings – giving great side-by-side comparative views, along with a vast flock of Collared Pratincoles. Numbers of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters dotted the area, with a few European Bee-eaters thrown in amongst them, while good numbers of Red-breasted Swallow were noted, on top of the more widespread hirundine species. We also added quite a few mammals to our list, with a group of three White Rhinoceros proving an early highlight, while two Spotted Hyenas loafing about in a large pond later on was a somewhat strange sighting. Herbivores were represented by African Buffalo, Greater Kudu, Southern Reedbuck, Common (Blue) Wildebeest, Impala, Waterbuck and Natal Red Duiker.
We took a quick break over the sweltering midday period, before setting off to explore the St Lucia Estuary area. The changes made here in recent times have certainly played a part in the fewer bird species present here, but the tern roost held large numbers of Little Terns, along with smaller numbers of Lesser Crested, Greater Crested, Sandwich, Common and Caspian Terns, while shorebirds such as Sanderling, Common Ringed Plover, Grey Plover and Whimbrel all showed well nearby too. We had an unsuccessful attempt to find a Sooty Falcon nearby, before settling in for the evening.
Day 8, 10th February 2022. Birding St Lucia, and transfer to Hluhluwe
We found ourselves starting the Igwalagwala trail, which runs around the outskirts of town, where we would focus our early morning efforts. We had done well the previous day with our targets, and only had a few outstanding birds. Grey Waxbill was an early highlight as we found a pair of birds slowly feeding and flitting around, which gave us great and extended views! Eastern Nicator was another of our targets, and it took some scanning and patience, but we were rewarded with excellent views of this shy and retiring species as well. Many of the other region’s specials were also evident, including Livingstone’s Turaco, Green Malkoha, Woodward’s Batis, Rudd’s Apalis, along with more widespread species such as Tambourine Dove, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Southern Boubou, Grey and Collared Sunbirds and Dark-backed Weaver.
After gathering our belongings and checking out, we set off for Hluhluwe, via the Western Shores of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. It was another scorcher of a day, and by mid-morning the temperature was sweltering and the birds were largely inactive – as such, our drive through the park was on the slow side, with the likes of Red-billed Oxpecker (adorning African Buffalo), African Wattled Lapwing and European Roller being the most interesting species seen. We also notched up new mammals in the form of African Elephant and Giraffe.
After a great lunch, we checked into our comfortable lodge, and after a short siesta, set off for an afternoon birding the nearby Mpempe Pan. Here, Lemon-breasted Canary would be our primary target, but with the wind having picked up massively, we knew we were in for a tough search. We did have to grind it out for over an hour of searching, before we struck gold and found a confiding pair of Lemon-breasted Canaries that allowed some great views! With the pressure off, we could enjoy some of the fine birding this area has on offer, and we revelled in the large mixed flocks of Senegal, Black-winged, Blacksmith and Crowned Lapwings – all giving us good comparative views. Tiny but colorful Western Yellow Wagtails foraged with a herd of cows, waiting for insects to be disturbed, before we found a flock of several hundred (and probably close on 1000) Collared Pratincoles. We spent some time with these birds, enjoying how they went about things, before eventually having to call it a day and return to our lodge. A lovely traditional braai (barbeque) rounded the day off in style!
Day 9, 11th February 2022. Birding Mkhuze Game Reserve
Today is always one of the more exciting birding days on this route, as we set off for the nearby Mkhuze Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s premier birding destinations. We had done pretty well with our main targets for the area, and only had a handful still remaining, chief amongst those were Neergaard’s Sunbird and Pink-throated Twinspot. Following an early start, we stopped off at the overflowing Muzi Pan, where we enjoyed some sublime wetland birding. As a result of the heavy rains throughout South Africa this season, and the massive Lake St Lucia being closed up (resulting in the water being pushed back up the system quite far), the entire Lake St Lucia floodplain system was totally inundated. Small groups of African Pygmy Geese and Pink-backed Pelicans dotted the open water, while numbers of the regionally scarce Allen’s Gallinule stuck to the denser reed vegetation, together with Black Crakes. Masses of Squacco Herons were present, and in amongst those were also Purple and Black-crowned Night Herons. A large variety of other widespread species were seen.
After entering Mkhuze Game Reserve, we made a beeline for the best sand forest habitat, where we would concentrate on our targets. As if on cue, a male Pink-throated Twinspot popped up as soon as we got out the car, but soon disappeared. Some careful searching and patience produced the goods, and we relocated the bird and found a female as well, foraging in the open nearby. We spent some time watching these stunning birds, before a Neergaard’s Sunbird called and had us shifting our focus. Almost immediately we located it, and enjoyed sublime views of a male of this scarce bird. We couldn’t have asked for any better views for either of these two species! The birds weren’t done and it seemed we were in the midst of a massive bird party, with Acacia Pied Barbet, Common Scimitarbill, Bearded Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, White-crested Helmetshrike, Black Cuckooshrike, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Green-winged Pytilia and so many more. As the day progressed the temperatures soared, even briefly touching 40 oC (104 oF), and the bird activity dropped. We pressed on for a little while still, spending some time in several of the well-appointed hides, and added various other species such as African Cuckoo-Hawk, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Bearded Scrub Robin, and Jameson’s Firefinch, before eventually calling it a day in the early afternoon. We tried once more for a Sooty Falcon on our return trip, but were unsuccessful. A night walk was enjoyable, yielding many scorpions, and a stunning show from a Fiery-necked Nightjar.
Day 10, 12th February 2022. Transfer to Wakkerstroom
A busy day lay ahead, as we tried to squeeze in as much birding as possible, before transferring up to the quaint high-altitude village of Wakkerstroom. With only a single night in Wakkerstroom, and a few tricky target birds, we had to time our day well. To maximise the best of the early morning, we began the day with a walk around the sand forest surrounding our excellent lodge, which was superb. A confiding pair of Pink-throated Twinspots showed exceptionally well early on, before we enjoyed extended views of two male Gorgeous Bushshrikes calling and moving about. Narina Trogon, a species that had somewhat surprisingly eluded us until now, was finally heard, and in no time, we revelled in the excellent views of this stunning bird, while nearby, a small group of Grey Waxbills were extremely confiding! A wide variety of other species were well seen, totalling over 60 on our short walk – some of which included comical Crested Guineafowl, African Green Pigeon, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-crowned Tchagra, Rudd’s Apalis, Black-bellied Starling, Ashy Flycatcher, White-throated Robin-Chat, and a plethora of sunbirds, including Grey and Purple-banded Sunbirds.
Soon after breakfast, we were on our way, and following a lunch stop en route, arrived in the Wakkerstroom area in the early-afternoon. It was another warm day, and our first target, White- bellied Bustard was nowhere to be found, at a usually reliable stakeout. Instead, we got acquainted with the likes of South African Cliff Swallow and Spike-heeled Lark. We pressed on, and eventually found some calling White-bellied Bustards, but the long grass prevented any views sadly. With time running out, we had to call it here, and soon arrived at some ouhout thickets, where a lovely pair of Bush Blackcaps put on a wonderful show for us (giving us far better views than we had had earlier on in the trip). Barratt’s Warbler was far more skulking, but with some patience and careful positioning, we enjoyed some great, and prolonged looks at this shy species! With only a bit of light left, we quickly headed off to a wetland to try our hand at Red-chested Flufftail. We heard several birds, but sadly couldn’t lay our eyes on any of them. Eventually we had to call it a day, and checked into our well-appointed guesthouse before settling in for the evening. A mixed afternoon with some of our targets showing well, and others frustratingly remaining heard only. Nevertheless, other exciting birds seen included South African Shelduck, Southern Bald Ibis, Secretarybird, Black Sparrowhawk, Rock Kestrel, Red-capped Lark, Banded Martin, Lazy Cisticola, Drakensberg Prinia and Cape Longclaw.
Day 11, 13th February 2022. Birding Wakkerstroom, and transfer to Zaagkuilsdrift
We had a short, but focused morning of birding, which began off at the wetland early on. Red- chested Flufftail was our main quarry here, and after a short wait, all our patience on this trip was rewarded in a single stroke as a male Red-chested Flufftail showed beautifully to us. We even managed to get some photos of this shy and difficult-to-see species, such were our views! Following our success, we made our way up the hill behind the town, where we enjoyed a confiding pair of Eastern Long-billed Larks almost immediately. Yellow-breasted Pipit was our next target to fall, and we spent some time with several of these birds as they flew up and down over their favoured areas. Getting views on the ground was tricky with the long grass, and the best views came of birds in flight. Our morning wasn’t done yet, as we latched onto a male White- bellied Bustard nearby, which gave us exceptional views as well. Not only did we get all our targets for the morning, but we got all of them well!
Following a hearty breakfast, we checked out and made our way to our next destination – Zaagkuilsdrift, which lies north of Pretoria. This is a long drive, and was punctuated with several birding stops. A large flock of Black-winged Pratincoles feeding low over the grass, and flying all around us, was a sight to behold, while a pan on the outskirts of Johannesburg buzzed with life, with vast numbers of various waterbirds. South African Shelduck and Cape Shoveler made up the bulk of the birds, but we also found Cape, Blue-billed and Red-billed Teals, Southern Pochard and African Black Duck, while groups of Ruff and a Common Greenshank were seen moving about. Vast numbers of White-winged Terns loafed over the water, while the surrounding areas held Glossy Ibis and a scarce Sedge Warbler. A Booted Eagle that came flying by overhead was a welcome surprise from all the many waterbirds. Some nearby grasslands yielded the likes of Amur Falcon, Orange-breasted Waxbill and large numbers of various bishops and widowbirds, well represented by Yellow-crowned and Southern Red Bishops, and Red- collared, White-winged, Fan-tailed and Long-tailed Widowbirds.
We eventually found ourselves on the famous (in birding terms) Zaagkuilsdrift Road, where we made our way to our well-suited lodge on the floodplain edge in the early evening. Some bird sightings enjoyed on our arrival were brief sightings of Dwarf Bittern and African Crake, along with repeat views of Black-winged Pratincole and some glorious Crimson-breasted Shrikes. We settled in for the evening, looking forward to a full day of exploring this birdy region.
Day 12, 14th February 2022. Birding Zaagkuilsdrift and surrounds
The penultimate day of the tour had arrived, and we set off in the early morning to bird this exciting region. Dry acacia thornveld scrub dominates the area, but a rich river and floodplain system also exists, which in wet years, like this year, hosts a wide array of exciting tropical species. Together, these habitats combine to make some of the most exciting birding possible in southern Africa. We slowly made our way to the inundated Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain, where we spent some time, before slowly working our way back through the acacia scrub, eventually returning at midday. We had an exceptional morning racking up over 130 species by the time we returned. A shy Dwarf Bittern perched up for us early on, giving us far more satisfactory views than yesterday with a wide supporting cast of many different waterbirds – the most exciting of which were Knob-billed Duck, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Squacco and Black Herons. Two pairs of African Crakes were seen crossing the road in front of us, while a pair of Greater Painted-snipes also gave us some views, as did an African Rail. Lesser Moorhens frustrated us for a short while, calling from the grassy floodplains, but eventually showed, and we enjoyed some excellent views of these scarce birds. After having had our fill of exciting wetland birding, and with the mercury rising, we focused our attention on the acacia scrub for the remainder of the morning.
Several palearctic warblers that winter in this area were our main focus with Common Whitethroat and the scarce Icterine and Olive-tree Warblers all showing well, before we focused on the resident specials. Tiny Cape Penduline Tits were a major target, and we enjoyed good looks at these miniscule birds, while mobile and noisy Burnt-necked Eremomelas were also seen nearby as groups of Scaly-feathered Weavers moved through the area. Kalahari Scrub Robins perched on the tops of the bushes, while Marico Flycatchers stuck to the lower strata, and the few flowers in the area held Marico and White-bellied Sunbirds. Several colorful parasitic seedeaters were also evident, with the stunning Shaft-tailed and Long-tailed Paradise Whydahs showing well. The tiny Pearl-spotted Owlet was also seen during the morning, and we also added other birds moving about overhead such as Cape Vulture and Marabou Stork (the latter a scarce bird in the area).
Following a midday break, we resumed our birding in the afternoon, exploring a different area along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. We enjoyed another mightily productive spell of birding focusing on more of the acacia specials. Early highlights went to a noisy group of Southern Pied Babblers we found feeding close to the road, and watching them turned up other birds such as Acacia Pied Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide, the delightful Crimson-breasted Shrike, Long-billed Crombec, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Chestnut-vented Warbler and White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, amongst others. A stop for a group of Southern White-crowned Shrikes yielded a very confiding Levaillant’s Cuckoo, before we heard the distinct contact calls of a River Warbler. We tried our best to see this bird, but couldn’t obtain any visuals, and pressed on slightly further. On hopping out at our next stop, our jaws dropped when we picked up on a further two River Warblers calling from the dense thickets. We set ourselves up, and after a lot of patience, we managed to get a few brief looks at one of these master skulkers, moving about at the base of one of the thickets. Rare birds at the best of times, we couldn’t believe our good fortune, as we called it a day, enjoying the sunset over the floodplains in the area.
Following dinner, we enjoyed a long and very productive night drive that was chock-full of birds. Southern White-faced Owls were one of our main targets, and we enjoyed many birds at regular intervals throughout the night. Good numbers of Marsh Owls were also seen, as were a few Spotted Eagle-Owls. Other nocturnal birds were a bit scarce, but we did find a pair of Square- tailed Nightjars, and a lone European Nightjar – both of which are rare birds in the area. Several Scrub Hares were the only mammal sighting of interest, and so ended a truly phenomenal days birding yielding over 150 species!
Day 13, 15th February 2022. Birding Zaagkuilsdrift and Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, and departure
Today was the last day of the trip, and fortunately for us, Tim’s international departure from Johannesburg was late in the evening meaning we had effectively a full day at our disposal. We had an early start once more, heading out to the floodplain reaches and in the acacia scrub, where we focused on some of our missing targets. An incredible Dwarf Bittern sighting started the morning off, before we enjoyed more looks a pair of African Crakes fiddling around the roadside edge. Greater Painted-snipes and Lesser Moorhens were also in evidence once more. One of our main targets was another scarce palearctic migrant, Thrush Nightingale. Like River Warbler, this is a shy bird that rarely comes out from the dark and dense thickets. We picked up on two vocal birds early on, and had to walk a little way through partly inundated grassland to get to the best area. We set ourselves up as the birds called around us, and over the course of the next hour or so, we enjoyed several looks, though all of them a bit brief. Nevertheless, we were thrilled to get another very scarce bird. Moving into the acacia woodlands, we quickly picked up on a Great Sparrow, one of our outstanding targets, as a group of White-backed Mousebirds fiddled around, before trying yet again for another of our missing birds – Barred Wren Warbler. We had heard the warbler several times over the last couple days, but had yet to lay eyes on one, and finally, we managed to get some great looks at this bird. Another skulker, Marsh Warbler, also made its way onto our seen list, after only hearing up until this point, and we enjoyed repeat views of specials such as Black-winged Pratincole, Acacia Pied Barbet, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Common Whitethroat, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Marico Sunbird and Green-winged Pytilia amongst others.
After a hearty breakfast, we gathered our things, and made our way towards Johannesburg, getting Covid tests done along the way to ensure Tim’s departure. With formalities out of the way, we could enjoy the remainder of the day, and made our way to the lovely Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of Johannesburg. We enjoyed a birdy afternoon with the likes of Speckled Mousebird, White-fronted Bee-eater, Crested Barbet, Black Cuckooshrike, Willow Warbler, Black-chested Prinia, Red-winged Starling, Fiscal Flycatcher, Red-headed Finch and both Black-throated and Yellow Canaries all showing early on. A large raptor that briefly popped up had us running for a gap in the trees, and we were rewarded with a lovely African Hawk-Eagle flyby – a rare bird in this region. One of our main targets, Brown-backed Honeybird, was proving elusive, and we finally struck gold while watching a Red-throated Wryneck, as a honeybird flew in. Though the views were a bit distant, we enjoyed good looks through the scope. Our attention soon turned to a Purple Indigobird that popped up nearby before we had to start making our way back out of the reserve. Fine Red-collared Widowbirds were our last sighting of interest before calling it a day, and bringing the trip to a close.
I would like to thank Tim for being amenable to the changes that were forced on us, during this trip, and for ultimately wanting to continue with the trip – as it turned out to be a truly incredible birding adventure, scoring a vast number of scarce and downright difficult-to-see species! From watching flufftails at close quarters, to crakes crossing the road, and a seemingly never-ending spree of owls on our night drive, this was certainly a trip to behold!
Bird List - Following IOC (11.2)
Birds ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, all other species were seen.
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following BirdLife International: EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable.
Common name/Scientific name
Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae)
White-faced Whistling Duck/Dendrocygna viduata
Fulvous Whistling Duck/Dendrocygna bicolor
White-backed Duck/Thalassornis leuconotus
Spur-winged Goose/Plectropterus gambensis
Knob-billed Duck/Sarkidiornis melanotos
Egyptian Goose/Alopochen aegyptiaca
South African Shelduck/Tadorna cana
African Pygmy Goose/Nettapus auritus
Blue-billed Teal/Spatula hottentota
Cape Shoveler/Spatula smithii
African Black Duck/Anas sparsa
Yellow-billed Duck/Anas undulata
Cape Teal/Anas capensis
Red-billed Teal/Anas erythrorhyncha
Southern Pochard/Netta erythrophthalma
Guineafowl (Numididae)
Helmeted Guineafowl/Numida meleagris
Crested Guineafowl/Guttera pucherani
Pheasants & Allies (Phasianidae)
Crested Francolin/Ortygornis sephaena
Red-winged Francolin (H)/Scleroptila levaillantii
Natal Spurfowl/Pternistis natalensis
Swainson's Spurfowl/Pternistis swainsonii
Nightjars (Caprimulgidae)
European Nightjar/Caprimulgus europaeus
Fiery-necked Nightjar/Caprimulgus pectoralis
Swamp Nightjar/Caprimulgus natalensis
Square-tailed Nightjar/Caprimulgus fossii
Swifts (Apodidae)
African Palm Swift/Cypsiurus parvus
African Black Swift/Apus barbatus
Little Swift/Apus affinis
White-rumped Swift/Apus caffer
Turacos (Musophagidae)
Grey Go-away-bird/Crinifer concolor
Purple-crested Turaco/Gallirex porphyreolophus
Livingstone's Turaco/Tauraco livingstonii
Knysna Turaco/Tauraco corythaix
Bustards (Otididae)
Denham's Bustard/Neotis denhami
White-bellied Bustard/Eupodotis senegalensis
Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Burchell's Coucal/Centropus burchellii
Green Malkoha/Ceuthmochares australis
Levaillant's Cuckoo/Clamator levaillantii
Jacobin Cuckoo/Clamator jacobinus
Diederik Cuckoo/Chrysococcyx caprius
African Emerald Cuckoo (H)/Chrysococcyx cupreus
Red-chested Cuckoo/Cuculus solitarius
Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae)
Rock Dove/Columba livia
Speckled Pigeon/Columba guinea
African Olive Pigeon/Columba arquatrix
Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon (H)/Columba delegorguei
Lemon Dove/Columba larvata
Red-eyed Dove/Streptopelia semitorquata
Ring-necked Dove/Streptopelia capicola
Laughing Dove/Spilopelia senegalensis
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove/Turtur chalcospilos
Tambourine Dove/Turtur tympanistria
Namaqua Dove/Oena capensis
African Green Pigeon/Treron calvus
Flufftails (Sarothruridae)
Buff-spotted Flufftail/Sarothrura elegans
Red-chested Flufftail/Sarothrura rufa
Rails, Crakes & Coots (Rallidae)
African Rail/Rallus caerulescens
African Crake/Crecopsis egregia
Lesser Moorhen/Paragallinula angulata
Common Moorhen/Gallinula chloropus
Red-knobbed Coot/Fulica cristata
Allen's Gallinule/Porphyrio alleni
African Swamphen/Porphyrio madagascariensis
Black Crake/Zapornia flavirostra
Cranes (Gruidae)
Grey Crowned Crane - EN/Balearica regulorum
Wattled Crane - VU/Grus carunculata
Blue Crane - VU/Grus paradisea
Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Little Grebe/Tachybaptus ruficollis
Stone-curlews, Thick-knees (Burhinidae)
Water Thick-knee/Burhinus vermiculatus
Spotted Thick-knee/Burhinus capensis
Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae)
Black-winged Stilt/Himantopus himantopus
Plovers (Charadriidae)
Blacksmith Lapwing/Vanellus armatus
Senegal Lapwing/Vanellus lugubris
Black-winged Lapwing/Vanellus melanopterus
Crowned Lapwing/Vanellus coronatus
African Wattled Lapwing/Vanellus senegallus
Grey Plover/Pluvialis squatarola
Common Ringed Plover/Charadrius hiaticula
Kittlitz's Plover/Charadrius pecuarius
Three-banded Plover/Charadrius tricollaris
White-fronted Plover/Charadrius marginatus
Painted-snipes (Rostratulidae)
Greater Painted-snipe/Rostratula benghalensis
Jacanas (Jacanidae)
African Jacana/Actophilornis africanus
Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae)
Eurasian Whimbrel/Numenius phaeopus
Ruff/Calidris pugnax
Sanderling/Calidris alba
Little Stint/Calidris minuta
African Snipe/Gallinago nigripennis
Common Sandpiper/Actitis hypoleucos
Wood Sandpiper/Tringa glareola
Common Greenshank/Tringa nebularia
Coursers, Pratincoles (Glareolidae)
Collared Pratincole/Glareola pratincola
Black-winged Pratincole/Glareola nordmanni
Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (Laridae)
Grey-headed Gull/Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
Caspian Tern/Hydroprogne caspia
Greater Crested Tern/Thalasseus bergii
Lesser Crested Tern/Thalasseus bengalensis
Sandwich Tern/Thalasseus sandvicensis
Little Tern/Sternula albifrons
Common Tern/Sterna hirundo
Whiskered Tern/Chlidonias hybrida
White-winged Tern/Chlidonias leucopterus
Storks (Ciconiidae)
Yellow-billed Stork/Mycteria ibis
Woolly-necked Stork/Ciconia episcopus
White Stork/Ciconia ciconia
Saddle-billed Stork/Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Marabou Stork/Leptoptilos crumenifer
Anhingas, Darters (Anhingidae)
African Darter/Anhinga rufa
Cormorants, Shags (Phalacrocoracidae)
Reed Cormorant/Microcarbo africanus
White-breasted Cormorant/Phalacrocorax lucidus
Ibises, Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)
African Sacred Ibis/Threskiornis aethiopicus
Southern Bald Ibis - VU/Geronticus calvus
Hadada Ibis/Bostrychia hagedash
Glossy Ibis/Plegadis falcinellus
African Spoonbill/Platalea alba
Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae)
Little Bittern (H)/Ixobrychus minutus
Dwarf Bittern/Ixobrychus sturmii
Black-crowned Night Heron/Nycticorax nycticorax
Striated Heron/Butorides striata
Squacco Heron/Ardeola ralloides
Western Cattle Egret/Bubulcus ibis
Grey Heron/Ardea cinerea
Black-headed Heron/Ardea melanocephala
Purple Heron/Ardea purpurea
Great Egret/Ardea alba
Black Heron/Egretta ardesiaca
Little Egret/Egretta garzetta
Hamerkop (Scopidae)
Hamerkop/Scopus umbretta
Pelicans (Pelecanidae)
Pink-backed Pelican/Pelecanus rufescens
Secretarybird (Sagittariidae)
Secretarybird - EN/Sagittarius serpentarius
Ospreys (Pandionidae)
Western Osprey/Pandion haliaetus
Kites, Hawks, Eagles (Accipitridae)
Black-winged Kite/Elanus caeruleus
African Harrier-Hawk/Polyboroides typus
European Honey Buzzard/Pernis apivorus
African Cuckoo-Hawk/Aviceda cuculoides
Cape Vulture - EN/Gyps coprotheres
Black-chested Snake Eagle/Circaetus pectoralis
Brown Snake Eagle/Circaetus cinereus
Southern Banded Snake Eagle/Circaetus fasciolatus
Bateleur - EN/Terathopius ecaudatus
Crowned Eagle (H)/Stephanoaetus coronatus
Long-crested Eagle/Lophaetus occipitalis
Wahlberg's Eagle/Hieraaetus wahlbergi
Booted Eagle/Hieraaetus pennatus
African Hawk-Eagle/Aquila spilogaster
Gabar Goshawk/Micronisus gabar
Little Sparrowhawk/Accipiter minullus
Black Sparrowhawk/Accipiter melanoleucus
African Marsh Harrier/Circus ranivorus
Yellow-billed Kite/Milvus aegyptius
African Fish Eagle/Haliaeetus vocifer
Common Buzzard/Buteo buteo
Jackal Buzzard/Buteo rufofuscus
Barn Owls (Tytonidae)
Western Barn Owl (H)/Tyto alba
Owls (Strigidae)
Pearl-spotted Owlet/Glaucidium perlatum
Southern White-faced Owl/Ptilopsis granti
Marsh Owl/Asio capensis
Spotted Eagle-Owl/Bubo africanus
African Wood Owl/Strix woodfordii
Mousebirds (Coliidae)
Speckled Mousebird/Colius striatus
White-backed Mousebird/Colius colius
Red-faced Mousebird/Urocolius indicus
Trogons (Trogonidae)
Narina Trogon/Apaloderma narina
Hoopoes (Upupidae)
African Hoopoe/Upupa africana
Wood Hoopoes (Phoeniculidae)
Green Wood Hoopoe/Phoeniculus purpureus
Common Scimitarbill/Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
Hornbills (Bucerotidae)
Southern Red-billed Hornbill/Tockus rufirostris
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill/Tockus leucomelas
Crowned Hornbill/Lophoceros alboterminatus
African Grey Hornbill/Lophoceros nasutus
Trumpeter Hornbill/Bycanistes bucinator
Rollers (Coraciidae)
Lilac-breasted Roller/Coracias caudatus
European Roller/Coracias garrulus
Broad-billed Roller/Eurystomus glaucurus
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Brown-hooded Kingfisher/Halcyon albiventris
Striped Kingfisher/Halcyon chelicuti
African Pygmy Kingfisher/Ispidina picta
Malachite Kingfisher/Corythornis cristatus
Half-collared Kingfisher/Alcedo semitorquata
Giant Kingfisher/Megaceryle maxima
Pied Kingfisher/Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters (Meropidae)
White-fronted Bee-eater/Merops bullockoides
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater/Merops persicus
European Bee-eater/Merops apiaster
African Barbets (Lybiidae)
White-eared Barbet/Stactolaema leucotis
Green Barbet/Stactolaema olivacea
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird/Pogoniulus bilineatus
Red-fronted Tinkerbird/Pogoniulus pusillus
Acacia Pied Barbet/Tricholaema leucomelas
Black-collared Barbet/Lybius torquatus
Crested Barbet/Trachyphonus vaillantii
Honeyguides (Indicatoridae)
Brown-backed Honeybird/Prodotiscus regulus
Lesser Honeyguide/Indicator minor
Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Red-throated Wryneck/Jynx ruficollis
Golden-tailed Woodpecker/Campethera abingoni
Knysna Woodpecker/Campethera notata
Bearded Woodpecker/Chloropicus namaquus
Cardinal Woodpecker/Dendropicos fuscescens
Olive Woodpecker/Dendropicos griseocephalus
Caracaras, Falcons (Falconidae)
Rock Kestrel/Falco rupicolus
Amur Falcon/Falco amurensis
Lanner Falcon/Falco biarmicus
African & New World Parrots (Psittacidae)
Cape Parrot - VU/Poicephalus robustus
Wattle-eyes, Batises (Platysteiridae)
Woodward's Batis/Batis fratrum
Chinspot Batis/Batis molitor
Black-throated Wattle-eye/Platysteira peltata
Bushshrikes (Malaconotidae)
Grey-headed Bushshrike (H)/Malaconotus blanchoti
Orange-breasted Bushshrike/Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus
Gorgeous Bushshrike/Telophorus viridis
Bokmakierie/Telophorus zeylonus
Brown-crowned Tchagra/Tchagra australis
Southern Tchagra/Tchagra tchagra
Black-crowned Tchagra/Tchagra senegalus
Black-backed Puffback/Dryoscopus cubla
Southern Boubou/Laniarius ferrugineus
Crimson-breasted Shrike/Laniarius atrococcineus
Vangas & Allies (Vangidae)
White-crested Helmetshrike/Prionops plumatus
Cuckooshrikes (Campephagidae)
Black Cuckooshrike/Campephaga flava
Shrikes (Laniidae)
Magpie Shrike/Urolestes melanoleucus
Southern White-crowned Shrike/Eurocephalus anguitimens
Red-backed Shrike/Lanius collurio
Lesser Grey Shrike/Lanius minor
Southern Fiscal/Lanius collaris
Figbirds, Orioles, Turnagra (Oriolidae)
Black-headed Oriole/Oriolus larvatus
Drongos (Dicruridae)
Fork-tailed Drongo/Dicrurus adsimilis
Common Square-tailed Drongo/Dicrurus ludwigii
Monarchs (Monarchidae)
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher/Trochocercus cyanomelas
African Paradise Flycatcher/Terpsiphone viridis
Crows, Jays (Corvidae)
Cape Crow/Corvus capensis
Pied Crow/Corvus albus
Tits, Chickadees (Paridae)
Southern Black Tit/Melaniparus niger
Penduline Tits (Remizidae)
Cape Penduline Tit/Anthoscopus minutus
Nicators (Nicatoridae)
Eastern Nicator/Nicator gularis
Larks (Alaudidae)
Spike-heeled Lark/Chersomanes albofasciata
Eastern Long-billed Lark/Certhilauda semitorquata
Sabota Lark/Calendulauda sabota
Rufous-naped Lark/Mirafra africana
Red-capped Lark/Calandrella cinerea
Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae)
Sombre Greenbul/Andropadus importunus
Yellow-bellied Greenbul/Chlorocichla flaviventris
Terrestrial Brownbul/Phyllastrephus terrestris
Yellow-streaked Greenbul/Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
Dark-capped Bulbul/Pycnonotus tricolor
Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae)
Black Saw-wing/Psalidoprocne pristoptera
Banded Martin/Neophedina cincta
Brown-throated Martin/Riparia paludicola
Grey-rumped Swallow/Pseudhirundo griseopyga
Blue Swallow - VU/Hirundo atrocaerulea
Pearl-breasted Swallow/Hirundo dimidiata
White-throated Swallow/Hirundo albigularis
Wire-tailed Swallow/Hirundo smithii
Barn Swallow/Hirundo rustica
Common House Martin/Delichon urbicum
Red-breasted Swallow/Cecropis semirufa
Lesser Striped Swallow/Cecropis abyssinica
Greater Striped Swallow/Cecropis cucullata
South African Cliff Swallow/Petrochelidon spilodera
Crombecs, African Warblers (Macrosphenidae)
Cape Grassbird/Sphenoeacus afer
Long-billed Crombec/Sylvietta rufescens
Leaf Warblers & Allies (Phylloscopidae)
Willow Warbler/Phylloscopus trochilus
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler/Phylloscopus ruficapilla
Reed Warblers & Allies (Acrocephalidae)
Lesser Swamp Warbler/Acrocephalus gracilirostris
Great Reed Warbler/Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Sedge Warbler/Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
African Reed Warbler/Acrocephalus baeticatus
Marsh Warbler/Acrocephalus palustris
African Yellow Warbler/Iduna natalensis
Olive-tree Warbler/Hippolais olivetorum
Icterine Warbler/Hippolais icterina
Grassbirds & Allies (Locustellidae)
River Warbler/Locustella fluviatilis
Fan-tailed Grassbird/Catriscus brevirostris
Barratt's Warbler/Bradypterus barratti
Little Rush Warbler/Bradypterus baboecala
Cisticolas & Allies (Cisticolidae)
Red-faced Cisticola (H)/Cisticola erythrops
Lazy Cisticola/Cisticola aberrans
Rattling Cisticola/Cisticola chiniana
Wailing Cisticola/Cisticola lais
Rufous-winged Cisticola/Cisticola galactotes
Levaillant's Cisticola/Cisticola tinniens
Croaking Cisticola/Cisticola natalensis
Neddicky/Cisticola fulvicapilla
Zitting Cisticola/Cisticola juncidis
Pale-crowned Cisticola/Cisticola cinnamomeus
Wing-snapping Cisticol/Cisticola ayresii
Tawny-flanked Prinia/Prinia subflava
Black-chested Prinia/Prinia flavicans
Drakensberg Prinia/Prinia hypoxantha
Bar-throated Apalis/Apalis thoracica
Rudd's Apalis/Apalis ruddi
Yellow-breasted Apalis/Apalis flavida
Green-backed Camaroptera/Camaroptera brachyura
Barred Wren-Warbler/Calamonastes fasciolatus
Burnt-necked Eremomela/Eremomela usticollis
Sylviid Babblers (Sylviidae)
Bush Blackcap – VU/Sylvia nigricapillus
Chestnut-vented Warbler/Curruca subcoerulea
Common Whitethroat/Curruca communis
White-eyes (Zosteropidae)
Cape White-eye/Zosterops virens
Laughingthrushes & Allies (Leiothrichidae)
Arrow-marked Babbler/Turdoides jardineii
Southern Pied Babbler/Turdoides bicolor
Sugarbirds (Promeropidae)
Gurney's Sugarbird/Promerops gurneyi
Starlings, Rhabdornis (Sturnidae)
Common Myna/Acridotheres tristis
Black-bellied Starling/Notopholia corusca
Cape Starling/Lamprotornis nitens
Burchell's Starling/Lamprotornis australis
Pied Starling/Lamprotornis bicolor
Violet-backed Starling /Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Red-winged Starling/Onychognathus morio
Oxpeckers (Buphagidae)
Red-billed Oxpecker/Buphagus erythrorynchus
Thrushes (Turdidae)
Spotted Ground Thrush – EN/Geokichla guttata
Orange Ground Thrush/Geokichla gurneyi
Olive Thrush/Turdus olivaceus
Chats, Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae)
Bearded Scrub Robin/Cercotrichas quadrivirgata
Kalahari Scrub Robin/Cercotrichas paena
White-browed Scrub Robin/Cercotrichas leucophrys
Brown Scrub Robin/Cercotrichas signata
Grey Tit-Flycatcher/Myioparus plumbeus
Southern Black Flycatcher/Melaenornis pammelaina
Marico Flycatcher/Melaenornis mariquensis
Fiscal Flycatcher/Melaenornis silens
Spotted Flycatcher /Muscicapa striata
Ashy Flycatcher/Muscicapa caerulescens
African Dusky Flycatcher/Muscicapa adusta
Cape Robin-Chat/Cossypha caffra
White-throated Robin-Chat/Cossypha humeralis
Red-capped Robin-Chat/Cossypha natalensis
Chorister Robin-Chat/Cossypha dichroa
Thrush Nightingale/Luscinia luscinia
Cape Rock Thrush/Monticola rupestris
African Stonechat/Saxicola torquatus
Buff-streaked Chat/Campicoloides bifasciatus
Ant-eating Chat/Myrmecocichla formicivora
Sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
Collared Sunbird/Hedydipna collaris
Olive Sunbird/Cyanomitra olivacea
Grey Sunbird/Cyanomitra veroxii
Amethyst Sunbird/Chalcomitra amethystina
Scarlet-chested Sunbird/Chalcomitra senegalensis
Malachite Sunbird/Nectarinia famosa
Neergaard's Sunbird/Cinnyris neergaardi
Greater Double-collared Sunbird/Cinnyris afer
Marico Sunbird/Cinnyris mariquensis
Purple-banded Sunbird/Cinnyris bifasciatus
White-bellied Sunbird/Cinnyris talatala
Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches (Passeridae)
Cape Sparrow/Passer melanurus
Great Sparrow/Passer motitensis
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow/Passer diffusus
House Sparrow/Passer domesticus
Weavers, Widowbirds (Ploceidae)
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver/Plocepasser mahali
Scaly-feathered Weaver/Sporopipes squamifrons
Thick-billed Weaver/Amblyospiza albifrons
Spectacled Weaver/Ploceus ocularis
Cape Weaver/Ploceus capensis
Eastern Golden Weaver/Ploceus subaureus
Southern Brown-throated Weaver/Ploceus xanthopterus
Lesser Masked Weaver/Ploceus intermedius
Southern Masked Weaver/Ploceus velatus
Village Weaver/Ploceus cucullatus
Dark-backed Weaver/Ploceus bicolor
Red-billed Quelea/Quelea quelea
Yellow-crowned Bishop/Euplectes afer
Southern Red Bishop/Euplectes orix
Yellow Bishop/Euplectes capensis
Fan-tailed Widowbird/Euplectes axillaris
White-winged Widowbird/Euplectes albonotatus
Red-collared Widowbird/Euplectes ardens
Long-tailed Widowbird/Euplectes progne
Waxbills, Munias & Allies (Estrildidae)
Bronze Mannikin/Spermestes cucullata
Green Twinspot/Mandingoa nitidula
Grey Waxbill/Glaucestrilda perreini
Common Waxbill/Estrilda astrild
Red-headed Finch/Amadina erythrocephala
Orange-breasted Waxbill/Amandava subflava
Violet-eared Waxbill/Granatina granatina
Blue Waxbill/Uraeginthus angolensis
Green-winged Pytilia/Pytilia melba
Pink-throated Twinspot/Hypargos margaritatus
Red-billed Firefinch/Lagonosticta senegala
African Firefinch (H)/Lagonosticta rubricata
Jameson's Firefinch/Lagonosticta rhodopareia
Indigobirds, Whydahs (Viduidae)
Village Indigobird/Vidua chalybeata
Purple Indigobird/Vidua purpurascens
Dusky Indigobird/Vidua funerea
Pin-tailed Whydah/Vidua macroura
Shaft-tailed Whydah/Vidua regia
Long-tailed Paradise Whydah/Vidua paradisaea
Wagtails, Pipits (Motacillidae)
Western Yellow Wagtail/Motacilla flava
Cape Wagtail /Motacilla capensis
Mountain Wagtail/Motacilla clara
African Pied Wagtail/Motacilla aguimp
Cape Longclaw/Macronyx capensis
Yellow-throated Longclaw/Macronyx croceus
African Pipit /Anthus cinnamomeus
Plain-backed Pipit/Anthus leucophrys
Striped Pipit/Anthus lineiventris
Yellow-breasted Pipit – VU/Anthus chloris
Finches, Euphonias (Fringillidae)
Forest Canary/Crithagra scotops
Black-throated Canary/Crithagra atrogularis
Lemon-breasted Canary/Crithagra citrinipectus
Yellow-fronted Canary/Crithagra mozambica
Yellow Canary/Crithagra flaviventris
Brimstone Canary/Crithagra sulphurata
Streaky-headed Seedeater/Crithagra gularis
Cape Canary/Serinus canicollis
Buntings (Emberizidae)
Golden-breasted Bunting/Emberiza flaviventris
Species Seen 393
Species heard only 9
Total species recorded 402
Mammal List
Mammals ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, all other species were seen.
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following IUCN
Red List: VU = Vulnerable.
Common name/Scientific name
Elephants (Elephantidae)
African Elephant – VU/Loxodonta africana
Squirrels and Relatives (Sciuridae)
Red Bush Squirrel/Paraxerus palliatus
Bushbabies (Galagidae)
Thick-tailed Greater Galago (H)/Otolemur crassicaudatus
Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecidae)
Chacma Baboon/Papio ursinus
Vervet/Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Blue Monkey/Cercopithecus mitis
Bats (Chiroptera)
Mauritian Tomb Bat/Taphozous mauritianus
Large-eared Slit-faced Bat/Nycteris macrotis
Hyenas and Aardwolf (Hyaenidae)
Spotted Hyena/Crocuta crocuta
Mongooses and Fossa (Herpestidae)
Yellow Mongoose/Cynictis penicillata
Common Dwarf Mongoose/Helogale parvula
Horses, Asses and Zebras (Equidae)
Plains Zebra/Equus quagga
Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae)
White Rhinoceros/Ceratotherium simum
Hogs and Pigs (Suidae)
Common Warthog/Phacochoerus africanus
Hippopotamuses (Hippopotamidae)
Hippopotamus – VU/Hippopotamus amphibius
Bovids (Bovidae)
African Buffalo/Syncerus caffer
Nyala/Tragelaphus angasii
Western Bushbuck/Tragelaphus scriptus
Greater Kudu/Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Common Eland/Tragelaphus oryx
Impala/Aepyceros melampus
Springbok/Antidorcas marsupialis
Southern Reedbuck/Redunca arundinum
Waterbuck/Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Grey Rhebok/Pelea capreolus
Hartebeest/Alcelaphus buselaphus
Blesbok/Damaliscus pygargus
Common Wildebeest/Connochaetes taurinus
Common Duiker/Sylvicapra grimmia
Natal Red Duiker/Cephalophus natalensis
Giraffes and Okapis (Giraffidae)
Giraffe – VU/Giraffa camelopardalis
Species Seen 30
Species heard 1
Total species recorded 31
Reptile List
Common name/Scientific name
Crocodiles (Crocodlylidae)
Nile Crocodile/Crocodylus niloticus
Tortoises (Testudinidae)
Leopard Tortoise/Stigmochelys pardalis
African Side-necked Turtles (Pelomedusidae)
South African Marsh Terrapin/Pelomedusa galeata
Monitor Lizards (Varanidae)
Rock Monitor/Varanus albigularis
Nile Monitor/Varanus niloticus
Elapid Snakes (Elapidae)
Rinkhals/Hemachatus haemachatus
Species Seen 6
Total species recorded 6