Georges & Mireille Olioso, le Mail, 26230 Grignan, France
Itinerary
25 and 26 September. Holiday Inn Garden Court, Kempton Park. Hotel with garden, pool, many trees.
27 September (en route, between Johannesburg and Hazyview 400 km), weather is cloudy.
27, 28, 29 and 30 September. Kruger Park Lodge near Hazyview. Weather: blue in the morning, cloudy (some rains) in the evening. Hot (> 30° C after 9h30) Kruger Park Lodge (KPL after) is a lodge with golf course; the Sabie river run on the border ; some pans with reed beds. Native forest.
1 October 2002. Circuit : Hazyview, Pilgrim's Rest, Ohrigstad Nat. Reserve, Lydenburg, Sabie, Hazyview (environ 200 km). Weather: blue at Hazyview but fog in the hills to 9h. Very hot after 10h. Two sites: 1,5 km on the Mount Sheba road (grassland area). Ohrigstad Nat. Reserve (temperature is very hot).
2 October 2002. Cloudy, but no rain. KPL. Grassland area just before Graskop.
3 October 2002. Kruger Park (5h50 to 13h30), between Skukuza and Nembi with stops at birds hide 5 km before Skukuza and at the lakes Vervoer, Shitlhave and Meste. Cloudy to 9h.
4 October 2002. KPL (6h to 7h30), Cloudy, no rain. Lake near the road to Swartfontein between Hazyview and Witriver (10h30 to 11h15).
5 October 2002. Day with G. Batchelor and H. and D. Hall at Matafin Farm and Kaapsehoop Reserve. Fog early in the morning. Matafin Farm has a part as an Natural Heritage Site. 7h to 10h. Reserve de Kaapsehoop (10h30 to 13h30). Grassland areas and native forest in altitude.
6 October 2002. KPL de 6h to 7h. The weather is very hot. Swartfontein lake and river (8.30 to 10 am)
7 October 2002. KPL, rain all the day.
8 October 2002. Kruger Park ; Skukuza - Tshokwane - Lower Sabie - Skukuza (with stops at Orpen dam, Sunset, Nkuhlu and other sites without name 6.30 to 17.). Cloudy all the day, no rain. 76 species seen.
9 October 2002. Lowveld botanical Garden in Nelspruit. (Open at 8.) Rain forest, river and scrubs.
10 October 2002. Between Graskop and God's Window (grasslands with rocks, pines plantations), 6.30 to 11. Blue and hot.
11 October 2002. We leave KPL at 8. and drive to Piet Retief by Carolina and Ermelo. Sunny and hot. Mountain with grasslands. Night at Waterside Lodge in Piet Retief (lake with nesting herons and cormorants).
12 October 2002. Drive to St Lucia (about 350 km). Sunny and hot. St Lucia, residential area. The waste water treatment plant is a good site. Arriving in St Lucia, pass the bridge, turn left and immediately right on Beachstraat and, after ± 1 km, left on the first tarred road.
13 October 2002. St Lucia, the weather is windy and hot.
14 October 2002. St Lucia, lake Teza, near the Richard's Bay road. Pass the White Umfolozi and turn left at the second exit (to Mfolozi Lodge), pass the railway and park. There is a non tarred road just before the railway. Blue, windy and hot.
15 October 2002. Cloudy early morning, then hot (34°C). All the day in Umfolozi reserve. The Sontuli Loop is very good for Rhino, like the Bekaphanzi Pan.
16 October 2002. Morning along the Cape Vidal road and at Cape Vidal camp, 5.05 to 9.15. Blue, windy.
17 October 2002. Charters Creek (6.30 to 7.30). Blue and very hot. Then Dumazulu Zulu village
18 October 2002. Cape Vidal (5. to 8.). Blue, wind and wind and wind.
19 October 2002. Drive to Wakkerstroom (370 km). Rainy and cloudy, blue with wind at Wakkerstroom.
20 October 2002. Wakkerstroom, BirdLife South Africa centre. Weather like October northern France ! Very good place !
21 October 2002. Blue; before leaving Wakkerstroom, drive to Amersfoort road.
Species list (birds)
1. OstrichStruthio camelus. 1 between Ermelo and Piet Retief.
2. Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollis. 1 au KPL to Hazyview. 3, 01/10 Ohrigstad Nat. Reserve. 2, 10 km before Wakkerstroom, 19/10.
3. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens. ± 30, St Lucia mouth, 13/10, some nuptial ; only 18 same place, 16/10. 14, waste water treatment plant St Lucia, 18/10.
4. White-breasted CormorantPhalacrocorax carbo. 2 or 3 youngs, KPL. 1, 01/10 Ohrigstad Nat. Reserve. Seen Swartfontein lake, Kruger Park and Nelspruit Crocodile River. Some adults, St Lucia and Wakkerstroom..
5. Reed CormorantPhalacrocorax africanus. Some, KPL. Seen everywhere there is a pan. ± 20 nests and numerous flying youngs, Piet Retief, 11/10. Absent St Lucia. 1 young Wakkerstroom. Nests just before Amersfoort (coming from Volksrust).
6. African Darter Anhinga rufa. 2, KPL (1 nuptial plumage). 1 Meste lake, Kruger, 03/10. 1 Piet Retief, 11/10. Pair nesting just before Amersfoort (coming from Volksrust).
7. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. 1, 27/09 near Witbank. 3, Kruger park, 03/10 and 4, 08/10. Abundant St Lucia (45 waste water treatment plant, 18/10). 2 or 3 Wakkerstroom. Nests just before Amersfoort (coming from Volksrust).
8. Black-headed HeronArdea melanocephala. 3 between Carolina and Ermelo, 11/10. Numerous nests Piet Retief. 1, Teza lake, 14/10. 1, Umfolozi, 15/10. 1, St Lucia, 17/10. 1 near the Cape Vidal road, 18/10. Colony just before Amersfoort (coming from Volksrust).
9. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath. 1 Kruger park, 03/10 near Skukuza.
10. Great White Egret Ardea alba. 1, Kruger park, 03/10, near Skukuza. 1, 12/10 between Piet Retief and Pongola. 3, Cape Vidal road, 18/10. 2 near Wakkerstroom, 20/10.
12. Purple HeronArdea purpurea. 1 every day KPL. 1, Piet Retief 12/10. 3 (2 youngs), 20/10 Wakkerstroom.
13. Little EgretEgretta garzetta. 1, 27/09 near Witbank. 1, Kruger park, 03/10, near Skukuza.
14. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Abundant, seen everywhere. ± 35 nests and ± 100 birds Piet Retief. Colony just before Amersfoort (coming from Volksrust).
15. Green-backed HeronButorides striatus. 3, every day, KPL. 1, Sunset lake, Kruger park, 08/10.
16. Squacco HeronArdeola ralloides. 2, Sunset lake, Kruger park, 08/10. 1, 19 and 20/10 Wakkerstroom.
17. HamerkopScopus umbretta. 2 pairs(1 incubating bird very well seen), KPL. 1, Hall Farm, Matafin, 05/10. Common Kruger park. 1, Witriver, 09/10.
18. Woolly-necked StorkCiconia episcopus. 1, flying, 08/10, Kruger park. 5, 13/10 St Lucia. 2 feeding Teza lake, 14/10. 2 landing near Mtubatuba road, St Lucia, 15/10. Same day, 2 near the White Umfolozi river. 1, flying, 17/10, Charters Creek.
19. Saddle-billed StorkEphippiorhynchus senegalensis. 2, Sunset lake, Kruger park, 08/10.
20. Marabou StorkLeptoptilos crumeniferus. 61, drinking and bathing, Sabie river near Skukuza, Kruger park, 03/10. Only 1, 08/10 same place. 1, flying, Umfolozi reserve, 15/10.
21. Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis. 1, Sunset lake, Kruger park, 08/10. More than 30, waste water treatment plant, St Lucia, 12 and 13/10 and at least 74, 18/10.
22. African Spoonbill Platalea alba. Waste water treatment plant, St Lucia: 5, 12/10 and 11, 13 and 18/10. 1, 20 and 21/10 Wakkerstroom.
23. Greater FlamingoPhoenicopterus ruber. About 25, 21/10, 60 km east of Johannesburg near the N12 road.
24. Sacred IbisThreskiornis aethiopicus. Regular flying above the Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. 2 flying, Piet Retief, 11/10. 4, waste water treatment plant, St Lucia, 12, 13 and 18/10. About 12, 20/10 Wakkerstroom and 21/10 near Amersfoort.
25. Hadeda IbisBostrichia hagedash. 3 then 2 Holiday Inn garden, 25 and 26/09. Numerous, 27/09 near Witbank. Regular in small number, KPL. 1, 02/10 just before Graskop. Some, Kruger park, 03/10. Some everywhere.
26. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus. At least 6 from the road, 19/10, Wakkerstroom; 17 same place 20/10.
27. Southern Bald IbisGeronticus calvus. 4 adults feeding, 20/10 near the road to Volksrust, seen very well.
28. White-faced DuckDendrocygna viduata. Every day, 19, KPL. About 15 at roost, 13/10, St Lucia mouth. 19 (also), 18/10 near the Cape Vidal road.
29. Southern Pochard Netta erythophthalma. One female, 11 and 12/10, Piet Retief.
30. Egyptian GooseAlopochen aegyptiacus. Seen everywhere, often with chicks
31. South African ShelduckTadorna cana. A pair, 20/10 Wakkerstroom.
32. Yellow-billed DuckAnas undulata. About 12, Swartfontein lake, 04 and 06/10. 9, 12/10 Piet Retief. At least 12, 19/10 in front of the Flufftail Hide at the BirdLife centre, Wakkerstroom (1 female with 2 very young chicks). At least 200, 20/10, near the Amersfort road.
33. African Black Duck Anas sparsa. 2, 02/10, Sabie river, KPL. 2, Swartfontein river, 06/10. 2, 20/10 Wakkerstroom.
34. MallardAnas platyrhynchos. 2 males, 02/10 and 2 males and 1 female 05/10, Sabie river, KPL.
35. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota. 3, 19/10 in front of the Flufftail Hide at the BirdLife centre, Wakkerstroom, only 1 the 20/10, but 5, 21/10 near the Amersfoort road.
36. Spurwinged GoosePlectropterus gambensis. At the Swartfontein lake, 11, 04/10 and 10, 06/10. 12/10, 5 between Piet Retief and Pongola. 2 flying, Teza lake, 14/10. 1, 15/10 Umfolozi. 4, 16 and 1, 18/10 near the Cape Vidal road. Some, 19/10 Wakkerstroom.
37. Secretarybird Sagitarius serpentarius. 1, Kruger park, 08/10. 1, 21/10, 2 km before Amersfoort from Volksrust.
38. Hooded VultureNecrosyrtes monachus. 1 flying, Kruger park, 03/10, above the Sabie river near Skukuza. Another, 08/10.
40. African White-backed VultureGyps africanus. About 30, Kruger park, 08/10. 2 flying above the Mkuze river, 12/10. About 12, 15/10, Umfolozi.
41. Lappet-faced VultureTorgos tracheliotos. 1 adult Kruger park, 08/10, north of Lower Sabie.
42. Yellow-billed KiteMilvus aegyptius. 1 above the road between Hazyview and Kruger Gate, 03/10, then 2 Kruger park. 4 here, 08/10. Common, St Lucia. 5, 15/10, Umfolozi and some between Mtubatuba and the reserve.
43. Black-shouldered KiteElanus caeruleus. 1, 30/09, KPL. 1, 02/10, near Graskop and 1 another the same day km 18 between Hazyview and Graskop. The 04/10, 1 at the Hazyview exit to Witriver and 1 at the Witriver exit to Nelspruit. 1, Kruger park, 08/10. Some between Carolina and Piet Retief, 11/10 then 1 between Piet Retief and Pongola, 12/10. Some between Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom, 19/10. The same day, 8 km before Piet Retief, one is eating a big rodent. Some between Volksrust and Bethal.
44. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax. 2, Kruger park, 08/10.
45. Wahlberg's EagleAquila wahlbergi. 3, Kruger park, 08/10.
46. African Hawk EagleHieraaetus spilogaster. 1, Kruger park, 03/10, near Nembi.
47. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis. 1, 29/09, KPL. 1, 05/10, Hall Farm, Matafin. 1, 06/10 Swartfontein lake. The commonest raptor in the area visited. 1, 09/10, 10 km north of Witriver. 1 close to the road near Teza lake, 13/10. 1, 16/10 Cape Vidal road.
48. Martial EaglePolemaetus belicosus. Only in the Kruger park: the 03/10, 1 just after Kruger Gate, then 1 flying above Vervoer lake. 2, 08/10.
50. Brown Snake EagleCircaetus cinereus. 2, Kruger park, 08/10. 1, 18/10, Cape Vidal road.
51. Southern Banded Snake EagleCircaetus fasciolatus. 1 close to the road to Charters Creek, 17/10.
52. BateleurTerathopius eucodatus. 5 birds (3 adults) seen flying, Kruger park, 03/10. More than 10 (only 1 landed), 08/10, Kruger park. 2, 15/10, Umfolozi.
53. African Fish EagleHaliaeetus vocifer. 1 young, Meste lake, Kruger park, 03/10. ± 10, Kruger park, 08/10. 1 adult, 13/10 St Lucia mouth, then 2, 14/10. 1 adult, 14/10, Teza lake.
56. Gabar GoshawkMicronisus gabar. 1, Kruger park, 08/10.
57. African Marsh HarrierCircus ranivorus. 1, 12/10, km 96 between Piet Retief and Pongola. At least 3, 19/10 in front of the Flufftail Hide at the BirdLife Centre, Wakkerstroom.
58. Black Harrier Circus maurus. 1 immature, 19/10 in front of the Flufftail Hide at the BirdLife Centre, Wakkerstroom .
59. Black SparrowhawkAccipiter melanoleucus. 1 attempts to catch a Laughing Dove, 05/10, Kaapsehoop.
60. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro. 1 female, then 2 males, KPL. Female, 02/10, km 13, 5 between Hazyview and Graskop. Eared, 05/10, Hall Farm, Matafin.
72. Common MoorhenGallinula chloropus. Common (2 pairs with 1chick), KPL. Pair with chicks, 11/10 Piet Retief.
73. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata. Some, 27/09 near Witbank. 4, Piet Retief, 12/10. Common Wakkerstroom (± 250, 20/10).
74. African JacanaActophilornis africanus. 1 adult every day at KPL. Seen at every pool, Kruger park, 03/10. 3, 04/10 Swartfontein lake. At the Sunset lake, Kruger park, more than 60, 08/10. Some, waste water treatment plant St Lucia, 12/10. Displaying and copulating, 16/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia. At least 3, 18/10, Cape Vidal road.
75. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus. 1 on the beach, 16/10, Cape Vidal. 1, 16/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia.
76. Three-banded PloverCharadrius tricollaris. Pair, Sabie river, Kruger park, 03/10. Another at a second site, 08/10. 1 Pongola river, 12/10. 4, 14/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia. 1, 18/10, Cape Vidal road. 2, 20/10 Amersfort road, Wakkerstroom.
77. Kittlitz's PloverCharadrius pecuarius. 2, 14/10, near the Teza lake.
78. Lesser Black-winged PloverVanellus lugubris. 3, 08/10, north of Lower Sabie, Kruger park.
79. Crowned PloverVanellus coronatus. 1, in flight, 27/09 near Witbank. 2 flying, 11/10, Piet Retief. 3 together, 19/10, between Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom. Wakkerstroom, 20/10.
80. Black-winged Plover Vanellus melanopterus. 2 pairs, 01/10, Mount Sheba road, near Graskop. 4 pairs (1 with 2 very young chicks), 05/10, Kaapsehoop.
81. Blacksmith PloverVanellus armatus. Seen everywhere near the water. Pair with 3 flying youngs, 11 and 12/10, Piet Retief. Nest with 2 eggs, 16/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia (bird incubating). Bird incubating, 19/10, in front of the Flufftail Hide BirdLife Centre, Wakkerstroom.
82. Wattled PloverVanellus senegalus. 1 from the 30/09, KPL. Cape Vidal road, 3, 18/10.
83. White-crowned PloverVanellus albiceps. Pair with 1 very young chick, 08/10, Sabie river in front of Nkuhlu, Kruger park.
84. Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucos. 1, 08/10, Sabie river in front of Nkuhlu, Kruger park. At least 5, waste water treatment plant St Lucia, 12/10. 1, 15/10, Umfolozi.
85. Wood SandpiperTringa glareola. ± 12, waste water treatment plant St Lucia, 12/10. 1, 18/10, Cape Vidal road. 2, Wakkerstroom, 20/10 and 7, 21/10.
86. GreenshankTringa nebularia. 1, 08/10, Kruger park. At least 2, waste water treatment plant St Lucia, 12/10.
87. Marsh SandpiperTringa stagnatilis. 1, 18/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia.
88. RuffPhilomachus pugnax. Female, Sunset lake, Kruger park, 08/10. ± 15, 12/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia. 6 Wakkerstroom, 20/10.
89. Curlew SandpiperCalidris ferruginea. 1, 04/10, Swartfontein lake. ± 40, 14/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia, then ± 250, 18/10.
90. Little StintCalidris minuta. ± 30, 14/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia.
91. African SnipeGallinago nigripennis. Numerous (almost50), 19 and 20/10 near the Flufftail Hide, BirdLife Centre, Wakkerstroom.
92. Pied AvocetRecurvirostra avosetta. 1, from the 12/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia.
93. Black-winged StiltHimantopus himantopus. ± 15, 12/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia. 1, 15/10, Umfolozi. Pair with 1 chick (5 or 6 days old), 16/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia. 1 adult, 20/10 Wakkerstroom.
94. Water DikkopBurhinus vermiculatus. 2 (pair ?), 03/10, Vervoer dam, Kruger park. The14/10, 1 near the river and 1 waste water treatment plant, St Lucia. Between 19h30 and 20h, 5 birds seen during a 5 km drive, St Lucia.
95. Grey-headed GullLarus cirrocephalus. Some flying above the Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. 2, 16/10, St Lucia mouth.
96. Common TernSterna hirundo. 2 adults, 16/10, St Lucia mouth.
97. Swift TernSterna bergii. ± 20, 13/10, St Lucia mouth.
98. Caspian TernSterna caspia. At the St Lucia mouth: 10, 13/10 and 31, 16/10.
101. Feral PigeonColumba livia. Numerous, Kempton Park, 25 and 26/09. some, 10/10, Graskop.
102. Rock Pigeon Columba guinea. Tens flying above the Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. 1, 05/10, Kaapsehoop. Abundant, 19/10, Wakkerstroom.
103. Red-eyed DoveStreptopelia semitorquata. Only 2, Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. Some, KPL. Seen everywhere.
104. African Mourning DoveStreptopelia decipiens. 2, Kruger park, 03/10.
105. Cape Turtle DoveStreptopelia capicola. 2, Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09 then seen everywhere
106. Laughing DoveStreptopelia senegalensis. Common everywhere.
107. Green-spotted Dove Turtur chalcospilos. 3 (2 in song), 30/09, KPL. Seen in the Kruger park, 03/10. Some, 15/10, Umfolozi.
108. Tambourine DoveTurtur tympanistria. Eared, 05/10, Hall Farm, Matafin and Kaapsehoop. 1, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. 1, 18/10, Cape Vidal.
109. African Green Pigeon Treron calva. 1, in flight, 30/09, KPL. 8 on a tree and 3 flying, 02/10, KPL. 3 in flight, Kruger park, 03/10 and 3 landed in front of, 08/10.
112. Purple-crested Lourie Musophaga porphyreolophus. Regular KPL Hazyview. A beautiful species ! 1, Kruger park, 03/10 and some, 08/10. 1, Hall Farm, Matafin, 05/10. Some seen or eared, 12 and 13/10, St Lucia and also Charters Creek, Cape Vidal road and Dumazulu.
117. Burchell's CoucalCentropus burchelli. 2 catching frogs in a reed bed, 29/09, KPL. Seen also 02/10 and on another site, 06/10. 1, 13/10, Iphotwe trail, St Lucia. 1, 14/10, Munzi road. 1, 18/10, Cape Vidal road.
118. Wood OwlStrix woodfordii. 1, 19h45, Beachstraat, St Lucia, 18/10.
119. Spotted Eagle OwlBubo africanus. 1 adult and 2 big chicks in a tree near the lake, Amersfort road, Wakkerstroom, 20/10. Only the adult 21/10.
120. Horus Swift Apus horus. 1, Piet Retief , 11/10. 1, 16/10 , waste water treatment plant St Lucia.
121. African Black SwiftApus barbatus. 1, 04/10, Swartfontein lake. 1, above the Sabie river, Kruger Gate, Kruger park, 08/10.
122. White-rumped SwiftApus caffer. Some KPL. 2, 01/10, Mount Sheba road. Seen above the Swartfontein lake. Some, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. Numerous Wakkerstroom, 21/10.
123. Little Swift Apus affinis. At least 4 above the Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. Seen everywhere in small number. Abundant Kruger Gate, Kruger park and St Lucia. Seen Wakkerstroom.
124. Alpine SwiftTachymarptis melba. Some, 05/10, Hall Farm, Matafin and Kaapsehoop. 1, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. More than 10, God's Window, 10/10.
125. African Palm SwiftCypsiurus parvus. Some every day KPL. Seen, Kruger park, 03 and 08/10. Abundant in the town, Nelspruit. Common, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. Also Piet Retief and St Lucia.
126. Speckled MousebirdColius striatus. Two pairs building nests in the Holiday Inn garden, 25 and 26/09. Common KPL. Seen everywhere.
127. Red-faced MousebirdUrocolius indicus. Two flying above the Holiday Inn, 25/09.
128. Pied KingfisherCeryle rudis. Pair with 1 young, KPL. 1, Kruger park, 08/10. 1, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit.
129. Giant KingfisherMegaceryle maxima. 1 from the 02/10, KPL. 1, Kruger park, 08/10. 1, Piet Retief, 11/10. 1, 21/10 Amersfoort, in the town.
130. Half-collared KingfisherAlcedo semitorquata. 1, 29/09, KPL, not seen after.
139. African HoopoeUpupa africana. 2, 30/09, 1 le 02/10, KPL. 1, Kruger park, 03/10. 1 in song, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. 3, 18/10, Cape Vidal road.
140. Trumpeter HornbillBycanistes bucinator. 1, in flight, 14/10, St Lucia and 1 another, 15/10 at the Umfolozi gate. The 17/10, un in flight, near Charters Creek, and another in the town, St Lucia.
141. Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus. 2, Kruger park, 08/10.
142. Red-billed HornbillTockus erythrorhynchus. 8 in flight, 28/09, KPL. 2, Kruger park, 08/10.
143. Southern Yellow-billed HornbillTockus leucomelas. Some, very tame, Kruger park, 03 and 08/10.
144. Crowned HornbillTockus alboterminatus. Pair near the nest, 18/10, Cape Vidal.
146. White-eared BarbetStactolaema leucotis. At least 8 (2 groups), 14/10, St Lucia. 1, Charters Creek, 17/10. 1, Cape Vidal road, 1 Cape Vidal and 1 waste water treatment plant St Lucia, 18/10.
147. Black-collared BarbetLybius torquatus. 2 from 30/09, KPL. Seen in Kruger park 03/10 and 08/10. 1, 05/10 Hall Farm, Matafin. 2, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. 2, 13/10, St Lucia (Iphotwe trail). 1, 18/10, Cape Vidal road.
155. Red-throated WryneckJynx ruficollis. Pair at nest, 06/10, near Swartfontein lake.
156. Rufous-naped LarkMirafra africana. 1, in song, 30/09, KPL, then 2 every day. 1 in song, 12/10, between Piet Retief and Pongola; another, 15/10, Umfolozi.
157. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea. 1, 21/10, along the road, just before Bethal.
158. Blue SwallowHirundo atrocaerulea. Highlight of the trip ! 3 males and 1 female, 05/10, Kaapsehoop (many thanks to G. Batchelor !).
159. South African Cliff SwallowHirundo spilodera. Common, Wakkerstroom.
160. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. Some KPL and St Lucia. Numerous from 16/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia and, 17/10, Charters Creek. Seen, Wakkerstroom.
161. White-throated SwallowHirundo albigularis. 1, 01/10, Mount Sheba road. 1, 10/10, Graskop. Seen 11/10, between Carolina and Piet Retief and Piet Retief ; Wakkerstroom, 19/10.
162. Wire-tailed SwallowHirundo smithii. Common at low altitudes. In the Kruger park, 03/10. Pair feeding young, 04/10, KPL.
173. Eastern Black-headed OrioleOriolus larvatus. 1, Pretoriuskop camp, Kruger park, 03/10. 1, Hall Farm, Matafin, 05/10.
174. Pied CrowCorvus albus. 1, Witriver, 05/10. 2, Nelspruit and 6 Piet Retief, 11/10. Seen St Lucia and Mtubatuba, 14/10. Common, 15/10, Umfolozi and between this reserve and Mtubatuba. 1, Dumazulu, 17/10.
175. Black CrowCorvus capensis. 1 le 20/10 to Wakkerstroom and 2, same day, on the Volksrust road..
176. White-necked RavenCorvus albicollis. 1, 27/09, Patattanek pass. 1, 10/10, 2 km north Graskop.
177. Southern Black Tit Parus niger. 1, Hall Farm, Matafin, 05/10. 3, Kruger park, 08/10. Some, 15/10, Umfolozi.
178. Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii. At least 4 (1 very well seen, Lower Sabie) Kruger park, 08/10.
179. Black-eyed BulbulPycnonotus tricolor (barbatus). Common everywhere.
180. Bush Black-capLioptilus nigricapillus. 1 well seen, 05/10, Kaapsehoop.
181. Yellow-streaked BulbulPhyllastrephus flavostriatus. 1, Kruger park, 03/10.
182. African Yellow-bellied BulbulChlorocichla flaviventris. Some, 12 and 13/10, St Lucia. Seen Cape Vidal, 16/10.
183. Yellow-spotted NicatorNicator gularis. 1, 13/10, St Lucia.
184. Sombre BulbulAndropadus importunus. Common everywhere in forest and bush.
189. Cape Rock ThrushMonticola rupestris. 1, 01/10, Mount Sheba road. Common near God's Window, 10/10.
190. Buff-streacked ChatOenanthe bifasciata. Pair, 02/10, just before Graskop. Common near God's Window, 10/10.
191. Mocking ChatThamnolaea cinnamomeiventris. Pair, 10/10, near God's Window.
192. Southern Ant-eating ChatMyrmecocichla formicivora. Pair, 11/10, between Carolina and Ermelo then 1 between Ermelo and Piet Retief.
193. Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata. 1, 27/09, Patattanek pass. Abundant, 01/10, Mount Sheba road. Pair, 02/10, just before Graskop. Common Kaapsehoop. At least 2 pairs, Swartfontein lake. Common, God's Window, 10/10. Also Wakkerstroom. Numerous between Voksrust and Bethal.
219. Southern Black FlycatcherMelaenornis pammelaina. Seen KPL, Kruger park, Hall Farm (Matafin), Lowveld Garden (Nelspruit), St Lucia, Umfolozi and Cape Vidal road.
220. Cape BatisBatis capensis. Male, 02/10, just before Graskop. 1, 05/10, Kaapsehoop. 2, Orpen dam (Kruger park), 08/10.
221. African Paradise FlycatcherTerpsiphone viridis. Male, 05/10, Hall Farm, Matafin. 2 males and 1 female, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit.
222. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp. Seen everywhere near water.
223. Long-tailed WagtailMotacilla clara. 1, 02/10, then 2, 04/10, Sabie river, KPL. 1, Crocodile River, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit.
224. Cape WagtailMotacilla capensis. Common and widespread.
225. Grassveld PipitAnthus cinnamomeus. 1, 28/09, KPL. At least 10, 14/10, near Teza lake. Birds in song, Wakkerstroom.
227. Orange-Throated LongclawMacronyx capensis At least 6, 01/10, Mount Sheba road; 1, 02/10, just before Graskop ; 1, 10/10, near God's Window. At least 1in song, Wakkerstroom, 20/10. 1, 21/10, just before Bethal.
228. Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus. 1, 30/09, then 2, 02/10, KPL. 1 in song, 18/10, Cape Vidal road.
229. Common Fiscal ShrikeLanius collaris. 1, Holiday Inn, 25/09. Some, 27/09, Patattanek pass. Numerous along the road before Nelspruit. 2/3, KPL. 2, Mount Sheba road. 1, 02/10, Graskop. Common Umfolozi. 1, near Charters Creek, 17/10. Pair in the garden of the BirdLife Centre, Wakkerstroom. Common between Morgenzon and Rethal.
230. African Long-tailed ShrikeCorvinella melanoleuca. 3, Kruger park, 08/10.
231. Southern BoubouLaniarius ferrugineus. Seen (or eared) everywhere.
232. Three-streaked Tchagra Tchagra australis. 1, 28/09 and 02/10, KPL.
233. Black-crowned TchagraTchagra senegala. Kruger park, 03/10 and 08/10.
234. Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla. KPL, Kaapsehoop, Lowveld Garden (Nelspruit), Umfolozi. Common St Lucia.
235. Gorgeous Bush ShrikeTelophorus quadricolor. 1, 05/10, Kaapsehoop.
236. Orange-breasted Bush ShrikeTelophorus sulfureopectus. 1, 09/10, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. Common St Lucia.
237. Olive Bush ShrikeTelophorus olivaceus. Kaapsehoop, 05/10.
239. Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis. At least 4, Holiday Inn garden, 25 and 26/09. 1, Nelspruit, 05/10. 2, Graskop, 10/10. 4, Piet Retief. Also St Lucia, and Mtubatuba. Common Wakkerstroom. Also Volksrust, Amersfoort and Bethal.
243. Burchell's StarlingLamprotornis australis. Common Kruger park, 08/10 (pair building nest).
244. Glossy StarlingLamprotornis nitens. 1, 01/10 near KPL. In Kruger park, 03 and 08/10. St Lucia, Cape Vidal and Charters Creek. Common, 15/10, Umfolozi.
245. Greater Blue-eared StarlingLamprotornis chalybaeus. Kruger park, 03 and 08/10.
252. Scarlet-chested SunbirdChalcomitra senegalensis. Regular KPL. Pair, 13/10, Iphotwe trail, St Lucia. Male, 18/10, waste water treatment plant St Lucia.
253. African Black SunbirdChalcomitra amethystina. 3, 27/09 a few km before Nelspruit. Common KPL. Mount Sheba road, Hall Farm (Matafin), Kaapsehoop, Lowveld Garden (Nelspruit), near Graskop, St Lucia.
256. Collared SunbirdAnthreptes collaris. 05/10, Kaapsehoop and from the 06/10, KPL. Pair, 16/10, Cape Vidal.
257. Cape White-eyeZosterops pallidus. At least 3, Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. Numerous KPL. Seen everywhere (but Wakkerstroom).
258. Red-billed Buffalo WeaverBubalornis niger. Some, Meste lake, Kruger park, 03/10.
259. House SparrowPasser domesticus. Holiday Inn, KPL, Hazyview, Lower Sabie and Tshokwane (Kruger park), Graskop, St Lucia, Umfolozi.
260. Cape SparrowPasser melanurus. Only Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09.
261. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus. 05/10 at Hall Farm (Matafin) and Kaapsehoop. Also Lower Sabie and Tshokwane (Kruger park), 08/10.
262. Thick-billed WeaverAmblyospiza albifrons. About 10 KPL (male building nest, 07/10. Also Swartfontein lake, Lowveld Garden (Nelspruit), Piet Retief and Charters Creek.
263. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis. Hall Farm (Matafin), 05/10.
265. Cape WeaverPloceus capensis. Some KPL, Lowveld Garden (Nelspruit), Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom.
266. Southern Masked WeaverPloceus velatus. At least 8 nests Holiday Inn, 25 and 26/09. Rare ( ?) KPL. Some, Swartfontein lake and Piet Retief. Wakkerstroom.
277. Long-tailed Widow Euplectes progne. Some, 27/09 near Witbank. Some between Carolina and Piet Retief. and between Piet Retief and Pongola. Common Wakkerstroom. Abundant between Volksrust and Morgenzon, 21/10.
278. Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula. 2, 05/10, Kaapsehoop.
279. Blue-billed FirefinchLagonostica rubricata. Male, 02/10, near Graskop and some near God's Window, 10/10. Also Hall Farm (Matafin).
280. Blue WaxbillUraeginthus angolensis. 2 near Skukuza (Kruger park), 03/10.
281. Common WaxbillEstrilda astrild. Seen everywhere.
282. Bronze MannikinLonchura cucullata. Tens, KPL. Seen everywhere (but Wakkerstroom).
283. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura. Some KPL and Mount Sheba road. Also Swartfontein lake, between Carolina and Ermelo, St Lucia, Umfolozi and Cape Vidal road.
284. Yellow-eyed Canary Serinus mozambicus. Tens, KPL and Kruger park. Common Hall Farm (Matafin) and Swartfontein lake. Some, Lowveld Garden, Nelspruit. Seen also between Carolina and Ermelo. Common, Teza lake.
285. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis. 3, Mount Sheba road. Some, Kaapsehoop. Common, 10/10, near God's Window. Seen between Ermelo and Piet Retief. Common Wakkerstroom.
1. Crocidura flavescensGreater Red Musk Shrew. 1, 15/10, near Mtubatuba.
2. Rhabdomys pumiliaStriped Mouse. 1, 10/10, God's Window.
3. Paraxerus palliatesRed Squirrel. Common St Lucia and Cape Vidal.
4. Loxodonta africana.African Elephant. Only P.N. Kruger.
5. Equus burchelli. Burchell's Zebra. Kruger park, Umfolozi and Cape Vidal road.
6. Ceratotherium simumWhite Rhinoceros. 8, 15/10, Umfolozi.
7. Diceros bicornisBlack Rhinoceros. 2, 15/10, Umfolozi.
8. Hippopotamus amphibiusHippopotamus. Kruger Park Lodge (Hazyview). Kruger park, Umfolozi, Ohrigstad Nature Reserve and St Lucia.
9. Phacocherus aethiopicus Warthog. Seen in all the reserves.
10. Giraffa camelopardalis Giraffe. Kruger park and Umfolozi.
11. Connochaetes taurinusBlue Wildebeest. Kruger park, Umfolozi, St Lucia.
12. Damaliscus dorcas phillipsiBlesbok. ± 30, 19/10 between Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom.
13. Cephalophus natalensis Red Duiker. 2, Cape Vidal, 18/10.
14. Raphicerus campestrisSteenbok. Kruger park and near God's Window.
15. Neotragus moschatusSuni. Cape Vidal.
16. Aepyceros melampus Impala. Abundant in all the reserves. Also Kruger Park Lodge.
17. Pelea capreolusGrey Rhebok. In the grasslands at Kaapsehoop and God's Window.
18. Syncerus cafferAfrican Buffalo. Only Kruger park and Umfolozi.
19. Tragelaphus strepsicerosKudu. Kruger park, Umfolozi and St Lucia.
20. Tragelaphus angasiiNyala. Common Umfolozi.
21. Tragelaphus scriptusBushbuck. Kruger park and St Lucia.
22. Redunca arundinum Reedbuck. 2, Cape Vidal road, 18/10.
23. Kobus ellipsiprymnusWaterbuck. Common Kruger park. Rarer Umfolozi. Also St Lucia.
24. Panthera leoLion. Only Kruger park.
25. Genetta tigrinaLarge-spotted Genet. 1, 18/10, St Lucia.
26. Suricata suricataSuricate. 3, 21/10, between Volksrust and Amersfoort.
27. Cynictis penicilataYellow Mongoose. 1, 20/10, Wakkerstroom.
28. Mungos mungo Banded Mongoose. Common St Lucia (31 together).
29. Helogale parvula Dwarf Mongoose. Kruger park and Kruger Park Lodge.
30. Papio cynocephalus ursinusChacma Baboon. Common in all the reserve ; seen also out.
31. Cercopithecus aethiopsVervet Monkey. Very common. Everywhere (also in towns).
32. Cercopithecus mitisSamango Monkey. 2, 16/10, Cape Vidal.
Reptiles
1. Varanus niloticus Nile Monitor. Common, Kruger Park Lodge.
2. Crocodylus niloticusNile Crocodile. Everywhere there is water ! Common at Kruger Park Lodge.
3. Gerrhosaurus flavigularisYellow-throated plated Lizard. Common.
4. Agama atraSouthern rock Agama. Only Kruger Park Lodge.
5. Lygodactylus capensisCape dwarf Gecko. Kruger Park Lodge.
6. Hemidactylus mabouiaMoreau's tropical house Gecko. Common in the houses, Kruger Park Lodge and St Lucia.
7. Python sebaeAfrican rock Python. 1, between Sabie and Hazyview, 01/10.