A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour South Africa ... · Day 1 – September 8, 2017: Birding...

Tropical Birding - Trip Report South Africa: Fairest Cape to Kruger, September 2017

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ATropicalBirdingSETDEPARTUREtour

SouthAfrica:FairestCapetoKruger8-24September2017

BarrierofSpearsExtension24-30September2017

TOURLEADERS:LisleGwynnandCrammyWanyama

ReportandphotosbyCrammyWanyama

DrakensbergRockjumper

Itwasapleasureco-guidingthishotsellingtriptoSouthAfrica,acountrywithmultiplehabitats.WehadanamazingtripaswewentfromcoastlinestoFynbos,Karooscrub,grassland,andAcaciaandMopaneWoodland,enjoyingabundantwildlifealongtheway.Whiletravelingthroughthishugecountry,wealsolearned some of its history and saw its different cultures. We did well with birds, scoring 482 birdspecies,andalsofound62mammalsand10reptilespecies.Wewerepleasedbytheweather,withonlya



fewshowersexperienced,whichdidn’tcostusmuchbirding,andhadsomewindyconditionsintheCape,which is typical. Much of the country was pretty dry following a long drought, but some areas likeSouthernKwa-ZuluNatal,appearednottohavebeenasaffected.

Day1–September8,2017:BirdingFalseBayNatureReserveandStrandfonteinSewageWorks.

Allmembersofthegrouphadarrivedthepreviousday,soweenjoyedsome“bonus”birdingbeforethetripofficiallystartedintheafternoon.WewokeuptothecallsofCapeWhite-eye,whichwasfeedinginthe villa gardens. By the swimmingpool therewas alsoRed-winged Starling,Red-eyedDove, and averyniceSouthernDouble-collaredSunbirdwhichisendemictoSouthAfrica,HadadaIbis,EgyptianGoose,andadistantflyoverofGreaterFlamingo,whichwewouldseebetterlater.Afterbreakfastwe,headedtotheupperdecktotryforafewmorespecies.Thispaidoff,withgoodviewsofanestingOliveThrush,afewCapeSparrows,andSacredIbis.

After some pre-tour preparation, Lisle and I were ready to officially start the trip. We headed toStrandfonteinandbirdedthesewagelagoons,thiswasanicespottobegin;everythingis“new”andcanbeseenverywell.WehadgoodviewsofRockandPlainMartins,BlacksmithLapwing,KelpGull,Red-knobbed Coot, African Swamphen, and Common Moorhen, Yellow-billed and Red-billed Ducks,SouthernPochard,CapeTeal,Spur-wingedGoose,SouthAfricanShelduck,CapeShoveler,GreaterCrested and Caspian Terns, Kittlitz’s, Three-banded, and Black-bellied Plover, CommonGreenshank, Little & Eared Grebes, Little Stint, Bar-tailed Godwit, Pied Avocet, an unexpectedWhite Stork,GreatWhite Pelican, Long-tailed &White-breasted Cormorants, and a few heronsincludingPurple,Black-headedandGrey.

CapeTeal



Lateronweaddeda fewmorewetlandandscrubbirds likeLittleEgret,CapeandSouthernMaskedWeavers, African Pipit, Cape Robin-Chat, CommonWaxbill,Karoo Prinia, Levaillant’s & ZittingCisticolas, Cape Francolin, Orange-throated Longclaw, Helmeted Guineafowl, African MarshHarrier,Yellow-billedKite,BootedEagle,AfricanFishEagle, Steppe and JackalBuzzards,LesserSwamp Warbler, and especially nice views of Little Rush Warbler which we tracked down afterhearingitcall.CapeBulbul,SouthernRed,andYellowBishopalsoshowedupverywell.

Whileheadingbacktoourvilla,themammallistalsokicked-offwithCapeGreyMongoose,whosetracksLislehadidentifiedearlierwhilebirdingalongthepaths.

Day2–September9,2017:WestCoastNationalParkandtheEnvirons.

Allfeelingenergizedafteranamazingfirstday,westartedearlytodayanddrovetoWestCoastNationalPark,arrivingbydaybreak.Theenvironsofthisbeautifulparkisloadedwiththickets,whitesand,andafewalkalinelakes.Ourbirdingstartedwithsomeraptors,withmigrantCommonandJackalBuzzards.RockKestrelwasanothernewoneforthemorning,andwehaddecentviewsofapairofthenomadicGrey-backed Sparrow-lark, Lark-like Bunting, Large-billed, Red-capped and Karoo Larks. ThegorgeousBokmakierie got everymember in the group very excited, not only because of its stunningappearancebutalsoitsamazingvocalizationbywhichthenameisderived.SouthernFiscal,SicklewingChat,CappedWheatear,YellowandWhite-throatedCanary,andflyoverviewsoftheBlackBustardwerealsoenjoyed,howeverwindyweathermadeithardtofindthetargetCapeLark.AfewmoregoodbirdsincompensationincludedcooloneslikeBlueCrane,whichisalsotheNationalBirdofSouthAfrica,andRufous-ventedWarbler,Red-headedCisticola,andNamaquaandRing-neckedDoves.

Withafewgoodbirdsinthepocket,wepausedtoeatourpackedbreakfast,thencontinuedourbirdingatVelddrif.ThiswasagoodspotasweaddedAfricanSpoonbill,Whimbrel,MarshSandpiper,SandwichTern, Pearl-breasted Swallow, Banded & Rock Martins, Ruff, Lesser Flamingo, Black-belliedPlover, SpottedThick-knee, andaverynicepalemorphpairBootedEagles.After somegoodSouthAfricanseafoodatLangebaan,wereturnedtotheparkandhadmorefantasticbirdingthisafternoon.Wedidwellwithafewofourtargets,likethethreatenedBlackHarrier,whichshowedupverywellattwodifferentspots,andCommonOstrich,KarooScrub-Robin,CapeBunting,thedifficultCapePenduline-Tit,Bar-breasted Apalis, Black-headed Canary,White-backedMousebird, and far better views ofBlackBustard: Imean, feeding,displaying, flying, running,youname it. Stoppingat somehidesandaboardwalkheregotusAfricanBlackOystercatcher,White-frontedPlover,CapeBunting,CardinalWoodpecker, and Malachite Sunbird. Mammals included a Steenbok, followed by the handsomelookingSpringbokandaquickBushDuiker.

Headingback toCapeTown,wehadaquickstop for therange-restrictedWesternCaperaceofCloudCisticolawhichworkedoutverywell,andAfricanPiedStarling,andPlain-backedPipitalsoshowedverywell.



Day3–September10,2017:BirdingCapeTownandenvirons.

Averyclearmorningwasmuchappreciatedsincethepreviousdayshadbeenabitwindyandpartiallycloudy.Wehad a lovely breakfast at ourB&B and thenheaded toBouldersBeach.Wehad very goodlooksattheJackassPenguins inavarietyofplumages;severalofthejuvenileswerelosingtheirfluffyfeathers as they changed to adult plumage. These are amazing animals towatch.Walking around thebeach, we added the vocal and endemic Southern Boubou, a few distant Little Swifts and hadphotographicopportunitieswithaBlacksmithLapwing.WenextwenttotheCapePointsectorofTableMountainNationalPark.AstunningmaleOrange-breastedSunbirdgreetedusat theparkgatealongwiththeplainerfemale,aswellasonenicemaleCapeSugarbird;thesetwoareSouthAfricanendemics,thelatterbelongingtoanendemicfamily.

JackassPenguins

We chose to have our packed lunch by the roadside, enjoying fantastic scope views of a hugecongregationofCapeGannets,andawholecollectionofcormorants.TheendemicCapeCormorantwasseen inhundreds, andBank andCrowned also showedwell.Wehaddistant viewsof SouthernRightWhale,HumpbackWhale,andseveralindividualsofCapeFurSeal.

OurplanwastobirdKirstenboschGardensthisafternoon,butwefounditnecessarytoalterit;itwasaSundayandtheparkwassocrowdedwehardlycouldevenfindaspottopark.So,wedecidedtohead



backtoStrandfontein to look for theuncommonMaccoaDuck; thisworkedwell,andwealsohadup-closeviewsofotherwaterfowl.

Day4–September11,2017:BirdingRockPoint,HaroldPorterandRooi-Els

ReadyformoreCapespecialties,wecheckedoutoftheB&B.WestartedwiththeStoneyPointatBetty’sBayforafewseabirdsandFynbosspecies,andhadasecondencounterwithJackassPenguins,alongwithCapeGirdledLizard,acoollookinganreptileoftheregion.WedecidedtotryourluckwithAfricanBlackDuckatHaroldPorter,whereviewsofCapeBatisandAfricanCrested-Flycatcherwereabigreward.Another nice observation of the Cape Sugarbird was also achieved, along with Alpine andWhite-rumpedSwifts,andGreaterStripedSwallows.HadadaIbiswerebreedinghereandwehadveryfineviewsofoneonthenest.Forourreptilelist,theRed-sidedSkinkandSouthRockAgamawereadded.

WecheckedintoournewaccommodationbeforewalkingdowntoafamousrestaurantalongthebeachatGordon’sBay,havingashortbreakinthewarmandwindyafternoon.WethenheadedtoRooi-Els,whichisafamousspotforCapeRockjumper,andalsototargetafewmoreofthespecialties.Walkingalongthepath,weaddedtheveryinterestingGroundWoodpecker–whichismostlyterrestrial.CapeGrassbirdshowedverywell, alongwithCapeRock-Thrush, andwehad abrief viewofSentinelRock-Thrush.NextweretheunpredictableCapeSiskin,FiscalFlycatcher,andFamiliarChat.Weenjoyedabitofashow with Verraeux’s Eagles getting mobbed by White-necked Raven. While scanning for CapeRockjumper,whichactuallynevershowedup(yet),wemanagedtofindapairofthesmallandcompact-lookingKlipspringer,whichisoneofthemanysmallantelopespeciesontheAfricanContinent.

KnysnaWoodpecker



Day5–September12,2017:BirdingThroughAgulhasPlainstoDeHoopNatureReserve.

Weleftinthedarkandhadabreakfaststopalongtheway,readytostartbirdingasdaylightcamein.Wemanagedtoenjoysomebetterviewsofafewspeciesseenearlierinthetripbeforewegottoasiteforourtop target,Agulhas Lark, which very cooperatively showed up. Long-billed Pipit was also happy toreveal its presence to us. We continued working on the day’s list with Cape Crow,Karoo Bustard,SouthernGrey-headedSparrow,AfricanHoopoe,CappedWheatear,andaddedaYellowMongooseforthemammallist.

WegottoDeHoopinperfecttimeforlunch.ThewelcomingcommitteeattheparkentranceconsistedofCape Sugarbird, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Common Ostrich, the incomparable-lookingchocolate-and-whiteantelope,theBontebok,andthreespeciesofswiftswhichincludedWhite-rumped,Little,andAlpine.TheteamwasenthralledwiththeverytameCapeSparrow,AfricanStonechat,CapeFrancolin, Southern Boubou, and Bokmakierie around the campground, andwe tracked down thealwaystrickyKnysnaWoodpecker.

Afterlunch,wetookaquickstrollaroundthethicketsforafewmoresupersightings;wegotSouthernTchagra,Bar-throatedApalis,SombreGreenbul,BlackCuckoo-shrike.Continuingwithourdriveinsearchofseveralspecialties,apairofLeopardTortoiseshowedupandanAcaciaPiedBarbet flewbythe car, causingLisle tohit thebrakes.MalachiteSunbird andPiedStarling also showedwell aswedrovetoourhotel.

Day6–September13,2017:BontebokNationalParkandtoWilderness.

Beforebreakfast,wewent intoBontebokNationalPark to tryour luck forCapeClapperLark.On thewayin,aDenham’sBustardcaughtourattentionasitflewofftheroad,andwehadbetterviewslater.CapeClapperLarkshowedupverywellwithseveralseen,andCapeGrassbird,BlackHarrier,JackalBuzzard, andSombreGreenbulwere bonuses. GreyRhebok, a newmammal for our list, showed upwhilewewere enjoying scope views of the lark, aswell asmoreBonteboks. A short drive to anotherbirdingspotproducedmoreviewsoffemaleandmaleCapeBatis,Pearl-breastedSwallow,andBlackCrake.



Bontebok

WeheadedbacktoouraccommodationandhadaverynicebreakfastbeforecontinuingforthedrivetoWilderness.Alongtheway, Joypickedouta femaleGiantKingfisherperchedonapower lineaboveasmallpond.Westoppedandhadexcellentviews then continued toWilderness,hadaverynice lunch,thenvisitedagreatbirdingspotrunbyaverynicecouplewithlovelybirds.Turacosarenormallyhardtohavegoodviewsof,butat thisplace,youwouldthinkthat isa joke. Imagine13 individualsofKnysnaTuracowithinthreefeet!JoiningthematthefeedersincludedthetoughtofindForestCanary,Streaky-headed Seed-eater, Chorister Robin-Chat, Swee Waxbill, Terrestrial Brownbul, and the LemonDovewhich skittish elsewhere.WealsohadgoodviewsorFork-tailedDrongo, a veryniceCardinalWoodpecker.Therestoftheafternoonwasspentenjoyingandphotographingthesestunners.

AgulhasLarkontheOverbergPlains.



KnysnaTuraco

Day7–September14–BirdingWildernessNationalPark

Thisisafamousplaceforsomereallygoodspecialties,andweweredeterminedtofind.Oneofthemwasfromanextremelyhardgrouptofind,Bradypterus;theKnysnaWarbler!But first,wechosetotakeaquickmorningwalkalong theHalf-collaredKingfisher trailbeforebreakfast.Thewalkstartedoffwithsome good specialties: a flying pair ofAfrican Black-headed Oriole, a pair of busyGrey Sunbirds,Collared Sunbird, Malachite Kingfisher, Green Woodhoopoe, Knysna Woodpecker, plus Bar-throatedApalis again, andawellperchedBlackSaw-wing.Amixed flockheldGreyCuckoo-shrike,Black-backed Puffback, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Olive Woodpecker, Green-backedCamaroptera,andfollowingitledustoverygoodgroundviewsofthefascinatingChoristerRobin-chatandWhite-staredRobin.We returned for breakfast, nailingRed-necked Francolin on theway, andenjoyeditinthecompanyofAmethystSunbirdandcallingWhite-browedCoucals.



SweeWaxbills

Wedid the famousKnysnaBigTree trail;birdingwasslowand theOliveBush-shrikeuncooperative,butitwasstillreallyenjoyablewithitsbeautifulnativeforest.WemanagedtogetmuchbetterviewsoftheAfricanCrested-Flycatcher.AfterlunchwevisitedafewbirdhidesaroundtheKnysnalakes,wherewedida clean sweepof thegrebes:Little,Eared andGreat-crested, aswell asWhite-backedDuck,LittleBittern,Dusky-brownFlycatcher, andPipingCisticola, but itwas themegaKnysnaWarblerthatreallymadetheafternoon.Thiswasgoodenoughtocallitaday,sincedarknesswasdrawingnear.

Day8–September15,2017:BirdingtoKarooNationalPark.

AnearlystartsawusonourwaytoKarooNationalPark,acompletelydifferenthabitatfromtheoneswehadcoveredbefore.Itwasmuchdrier,especiallywiththedroughtwhichaffectedtheregion.OnthewaywestoppedatSwartbergPasstotryourluckwithafewspecialties,includingtheCapeRockjumperthathadpreviouslyeludedus,buthereitdecidedto“playball”.WealsonailedtheskulkyVictorin’sWarbler,anicemaleCapeSugarbird,theunpredictableProteaCanary,andSentinelRock-Thrush.Wehadtotake a longer routedue to a road closure, but that earnedusMountainWheatear,KarooChat,PaleChantingGoshawk,anotherVerreaux’sEagle,andAfricanBlackDuck.

We arrived at BeaufortWest, had lunch, and headed into the park. On theway inwe had some nicemammals,SouthernOryx,RedHartebeest,GreaterKudu,andGreyRhebok.ThemorepatternedformofSouthernFiscal also showedverywell, alongwithAnt-eatingChat.Birding the campgroundand the



birdhidesproducedPale-wingedStarling,LesserSwampWarbler,SouthernMaskedWeaver,somevery busy Fairy Flycatchers, Rufous-vented Warbler, a pair of Pririt Batis, Karoo Thrush, andNamaquaPrinia.

Day9–September16,2017:BirdingtheKarooNationalPark

Droughtornot,wehadarainymorning,whichwasnotthebestweatherforourearlysession’sbirding,thoughtheregionsorelyneededit.

WestillmanagedtofindKarooLong-billedLark,KarooChat,andTractracChat,beforebreakingforbreakfast.Weproceededtothepark’ssurroundingsinsearchofLudwig’sBustard,andwemanagedtosee two individuals distantly flying, alongwith a fewKarooBustards in the same stretch. This being“larkcountry”,wecontinuedfindingtheminthe formofSpike-heeledandLarge-billed,andhadniceviews ofRufous-eared andLayard’sWarblers,which showed up in their typicalmanner of keepingvery low.WehadaniceChatFlycatcher out in theopenand scanningaroundgotusonto aGreaterKestrel, our thirdFalco of the tripafterEurasianKestrel andPeregrineFalcon.After lunchwehadviewsofPaleChantingGoshawk,Double-bandedCourser,andCapeCrombecwithsomehardwork.Mammal results were really good today, with Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Cape Mountain Zebra, andSouthernOryx,thefirsttwobeingunexpected,andthethirdamuchwantedspeciesforthegroup.

Day10–September17,2017:FlytoJohannesburg.

Basicallythiswasatraveldayasweclosedoffthesouthernsectionofthetrip,buthehadsometimeforbirdinginTankwaKarooNationalParkforafewlastbirds.AstopatLisle’sfavoriterockyspotgotustheKarooEremomela,apairofGrayTits,andthetargetCapeClapperLark.WethendrovebacktoCapeTowntoflytoJohannesburg,whichallwentbythebook,andcheckedinatourhotelforasinglenight’sstayonlanding.

Day11–September18,2017:BirdingtoWakerstroom

South Africa is a huge countrywith different habitatswidely distributed apart. A day like today, in acomplete different setting from the first part of the trip, results in lots of new species not tomentiondifferent vegetation and scenery. The areas were characterized by grasslands and rolling hills withpatches of forest. Setting off in the chilly weather with a packed breakfast, we started checking thegrasslands for the Eastern Clapper Lark which showed up briefly, and more cooperative birds likeWhite-quilled Bustard, Long-tailed Widowbird, Common Myna, Wing-snapping & WailingCisticolas, African Wattled Lapwing, and an unexpected immature African Hawk-Eagle. MammalsincludedWhite-tailedMouse,PlainsZebra,andBlesbokaswedrovetothefamousWakerstroombirdingarea.

Wegot toouraccommodation,had lunch, checked in, andhadabreakduring theheatof theday.Weresumedthatafternoon inhighspirits,spottingour first flockofRed-billedQuelea feedingwithabigcollection of Southern Grey-headed Sparrows. We sought out the Southern Bald Ibis, which wesucceeded in locating, along with Common Bulbul and Rufous-necked Wryneck. Several stops in



search of target species produced Rock-loving Cisticola, Rufous-chested Swallow, South AfricanSwallow, the colorful Golden-breasted Bunting, Buff-streaked Chat, White-winged Widowbird,African YellowWarbler,African Firefinch, and a pair of very niceOlive Bush-shrikes, which hadpreviouslyeludedusatWilderness.

Day12–September19,2017:BirdingWakkerstroom

Wakkerstroom is a famous ImportantBirdArea, andwas our birding site thismorning.We linkedupwithourlocalguideandstartedoffforthebestspots,drivingintotherockymountainsfortheAfricanRockPipit,whichrespondedbutremainedhidden.Astopatonepondgaveusmuchbetterviewsoftheweird lookingWhite-backed Duck, andAfrican Snipe for everymember of the group, andEasternLong-billedLarkalsoshowedupverywell,our third “long-billed lark”.Wealsogota fly-byviewofawell sunlit Southern Bald Ibis, dozens ofGrey-crowned Cranes,Rufous-breasted Sparrow-Hawk,moreWing-snappingCisticolas,allbeforeenjoyingourpackedbreakfast.Wecontinuedwithoursearchforlarksandthistimethefocuswasonatougherandverylocalizedendemic:Rudd’sluck.Thingswentverywellwiththisone.BlueBustardandafewveryexcitingMeercatswerealsoseenthismorning.

Rudd’sLark,oneofEarth’srarest

Wetookalunchbreakandthenheadedtoadifferentpartofthegrasslands.Toourever-growinglist,weadded White-bellied Bustard, good views of a well-found Temminck’s Courser, South AfricanSwallow,andthemostexcitingofthemall,aflockofthenomadicZebraWaxbill.

Day13–September20,2017:BirdingtoKrugerNationalPark

After twelvedays inAfrica,manywere looking forward toa real typicalAfricansafariexperience,andthat iswhatKruger isallabout.Thevarietyofhabitatshere is thereason for the fivehundredspecies



checklistofbirds,anumberthatexceedssomecountries’wholelist.Itwasquiteadrive,andwegottoKruger late morning. At the gate, Purple-crested Turaco, Black-collared Barbet, and SouthernCordonbleu awaitedus.Africa lovespaperwork, butquickly after that,we continued to SkukuzaRestCamp, getting nesting Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and dozens of Greater Blue-eared Starlings at thepremises.WepickedupBurchell’sStarling,Bateleur,ajuvenileWahlberg’sEagleperchedinatreebytheroadside,PaleFlycatcher,White-backedVulture,oneearlyWoodlandKingfisher,Lilac-breastedRoller, White-fronted and Little Bee-eaters, Chin-spot Batis, Red-billed Oxpecker, Red-billedBuffalo-Weavers, Saddle-billed & Wooly-necked Storks, Red-backed Scrub-Robin, RattlingCisticola, Green-backed Camaroptera, Common Scimitarbill, the gigantic Southern GroundHornbill, Crowned, African Grey, Southern Red-billed and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills,White-browedCoucal,andWhite-crownedandMagpieShrikes.LisleheardMiomboWren-warbleralthoughitdidnotshowuptobeseen,andaroundthelodgetheAfricanScops-owlandGreaterGalagocalled after dinner. Our mammal list grew massively today, adding Lion, African Elephant, CommonWaterbuck, Common Warthog, Nyala, African Buffalo, Bushbuck, Dwarf Mongoose, and Black-backedJackal.ThiswasagreatstartofawonderfulexperienceatKrugerNationalPark.

Day14–September21,2017:BirdingSataratoOlifantsRestCamp

Itwasawarm, clearmorningaswewalkedaround the chalets in the camp,andweenjoyedexcellentviewsofSulphur-breastedBush-shrike,Yellow-breastedApalis,White-browedRobin-Chat,White-throatedRobin-Chat,MariquaSunbird,GreyGo-away-Bird,thousandsofRed-billedQuelea,Black-collared and Crested Barbets, Green-backed Camaroptera, Arrow-marked Babbler, Yellow-breastedApalis,AfricanGreyHornbill,andmanymore.Wethenwentforbreakfast,whichturnedintoabirdshow,givingexcellentphotographicopportunitiesforhornbillsandstarlings.



AfricanElephantatKrugerNationalPark

Weheadednorthoutofcamp,andthisImustsaywasaverygooddrive.ItstartedwithgoodviewsofthreemaleHarlequinQuails,SabotaandRufous-napedLarks,andRattlingCisticola.Wecleanedupthe tchagra species after addingBlack-crowned andBrown-crowned, and sawRed-backed Scrub-robin,GroundscraperThrush,andmanyothers.

Bytheendofthemorning,wearrivedatournextrestcampinOlifants.Thebirdsherewerejustastame,withRed-wingedStarlingsarealwaysreadytocleanupyourtableatmeals!Wecheckedinandhadalittleafternoonsiesta.



KurrichaneThrush

Thedrive thisafternoongaveusour first sightingofDouble-bandedSandgrouse,whoreallydidnotwant to leave the road (and animals have right of way here),Natal Francolin,AfricanHawk-Eagle,White-breastedSunbird,andmanymore.

Day15–September22,2017:BirdingKrugerNationalPark

Heading to breakfast,we started offwithCape Starling, a callingGrey-headedBush-shrike, amuchbetter view ofWhite-breasted Sunbird, Yellow-breasted Greenbul,Hamerkop, Klaas’s Cuckoo, averyboldGolden-tailedWoodpecker,AfricanParadiseFlycatcher,andoursecondGoliathHeronofthetrip.WethenhadagamedrivethroughthedryMopanewoodland,makingseveralstopstoscanthebushesandwaterholesalongtherockyandsandyLetabaRiver,wherewemanagedtoaddKurrichaneThrush, African Green Pigeon, Village andRed-headedWeavers, a singleBank Swallow in flight,Yellow-throated Petronia, and a fly-away view of Small Buttonquail. Walking around Letaba RestCamp (our lunch stop),African Scops-Owl was hard calling in daylight, andwe found the trips onlyMiombo Wren-warbler. Here we also got our pair of Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Lesser MaskedWeaver,averyenjoyablemomentwithanArrow-markedBabbler,CommonBulbul,andRed-wingedandGreater Blue-eared Starlings. Suska found a Striated Heron during lunch, which everyone gotgoodshotsof.



Our after-lunch drive featured our first sighting ofRed-crestedBustard, and the evening drive afterdinnergotusSquare-tailed&Fiery-neckedNightjars,andtheAfricanScoopsOwlwhichhadeludedus earlierwas also nailed down. Lesser Galago, Small-spotted Genet, Springhare, Cape& ScrubHares,werealsoseenonthenightdrive,whileourdaytimedrivesyieldedSharpe’sGrysbok,SpottedHyena,andHippopotamus.

Day16–September23,2017:BirdingtoJohannesburg

AfterthreenightsataplacelikeKruger,oneisreluctanttoleave,however,goodthingsstillwaitedahead.WedecidedtoleavethroughPhalaborwagate,addingWhiteHelmetshriketoourlist,andasmallpackof 4 SpottedHyenas. Lisle’s planwas to takeus throughPolokwaneGameReserve adding somegreatspecies: Violet-eared Waxbill, Red-headed Finch, Mariqua Flycatcher, Tawny-flanked Prinia,White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Barred Wren-Warbler and a very nicefeeding flock of Bronze Manikins. Adding Sable Antelope and Tsessebe to our mammal was highlyappreciated.

CapeWeaver

Weproceeded to Johannesburg, doing a quick stop at Zaagkuildrift. The tiny pond here hostedCombDuck, StriatedHeron, and in its surrounding dozens of birdswere calling, a few of which includingCrimson-breasted Shrike, Green-capped & Burnt-necked Eremomelas, Kalahari Scrub-Robin,Southern Pied Babbler,Pearl-spotted Owlet,Great Sparrow,Desert andTinkling Cisticolas, andAfricanGrass-Owlwhichwewereable toobservequitewell in flight.Weproceededtoourhotelandhadanicedinner,celebratingtheendofthemaintour,declaringitasuccess.Wehadtobidonememberoftheteamfarewell,andtherestwouldcontinuefortheBarrierofSpearsextension.



Day17(startofextension)–September24,2017:BirdingtoMkhuzeGameReserve

BeforeheadingtoMkhuzeGameReserve,wevisitedMarievaleBirdSanctuaryforafewwaterbirdsweneeded,andbetterviewsofover fortyspecies inapproximatelyanhour’s timeofbirding.HerewegotourfirstandonlyHottentotTeals,BlackEgret,adistantflyingAfricanMarshHarrier,CaspianTern,African Snipe, Fan-tailed Widowbird, African Reed Warbler, and breeding individuals of Grey-hoodedGull.WehadourbreakfasthereandproceededtoMkhuze,catchingupwithaveryexcitingbirdforalongtheway,Secretarybird.AfterdrivingthroughZululand,wepassedthroughonestretchofafewhundred meters in Swaziland, and scored one Long-tailed Widowbird for our Swazi bird list. Weentered the reserve and reached our nice chalets, with Square-tailed Drongo and Black-belliedStarling seen along the way. A late afternoon drive along Beacon road gave us Purple-banded andScarlet-chestedSunbirds,averyniceBeardedWoodpecker,andYellow-spottedPetronia.Wewerespendingonenighthere, somade themost of itwith anightdrive. Itwasquite a birdydrive, gettingCrested Guineafowl, Tawny Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Spotted &Water Thick-knee, Fiery-neckedNightjar,SenegalLapwingandAfricanScops-Owl. A fewmammals includingGiraffe,Large-spottedGenet,CapeHareandanunbeatablesightingofaLeopard.

Day18–September25,2017:BirdingMkhuzeandtoSt.Lucia

Wehada leisurelybirdingwalkaround the rest camp.Thewoodshereareamazing, filledwithactivebirds and calls. We had our first encounter withAfrican YellowWhite-eye, accompanied by betterviewsofBlack-belliedStarling.AveryniceBeardedScrub-Robinwasnextonourdaylistfollowedbyawhole collectionofnewbirds that includedRed-frontedTinkerbird,AshyFlycatcher anda clean-sweepofthesouthernZululandspecialties:Pink-throatedTwinspot,Neergaard’sSunbirdandRudd’sApalis.



Pearl-spottedOwlet

Wedrovethereserve,stoppingatafewhides,andaddedCrownedHornbill,averyexcitingsightingofaflyingCrownedEaglewithprey in itspowerful talons,White-facedWhistling-Duck,Black-crownedNight-Heron,andonepairofdisplayingStripedKingfishers.

We continued on to St. Lucia, getting there in time for lunch. On checking into our lodge, we werewelcomedbyacoupleofMouse-colored&CollaredSunbirdsthatwereenjoyingthefloweringtreesinthegarden,andapairofWhite-earedBarbetswhichwerespottedbyJoyandDavidwhiletheywalkedaround.Itwasverygreenhere,unlikemostoftherestoftheplaceswehadvisited.WevisitedthesacredGwalagwala forest in themiddleofSt.Luciatown,whichtreatedustoabucketfulof lovelybirds.Newones were Eastern Olive Sunbird, Tambourine Dove, fly-away views of Livingstone’s Turaco, acheekymimickingRed-cappedRobin-Chatwho got the best of us several times,Woodward’sBatis,GreenMalkoha,Yellow-rumpedTinkerbird,ForestWeaver,averyniceNatalRedDuikershowedupforoursecondmammalofthedayafterBushDuiker,whichwehadgottenatMkhuze,andheardaveryvocalGorgeousBush-shrikewhichcompletelyeludedus.

Day19–September26,2017:BirdingIsimangalisoandenvirons.

After a rainy night, we were not sure how the day would turn out to be. We did a quick revisit toGwalagwala, for observationsofCrestedGuineafowl,EasternOliveSunbird and the elegant lookingTrumpeterHornbill.Afterbreakfastwecontinued to theestuary toenjoy looksatSouthernBrown-throatedWeaver,Arctic&CommonTerns,RuddyTurnstone,Sanderling,CurlewSandpiper,Pink-backedPelican,andWhite-facedWhistling-Duck.WecontinuedtoCrocodileParkandtoCatalinatonailbothFasciatedandBlack-breastedSnake-Eagles,alovelypairofEasternNicator,anicelooking



BrownScrub-Robin,Holub’sGolden,Yellow,ForestWeavers,CroakingCisticola,Yellow-throatedLongclawwhichBarbaraconfirmedlookedlike“hermeadowlark”,andCollaredPratincole.

Wemade itMtunzini in time for lunch, but the rained started again and the afternoon birdingwas awashout.

Day20–September27,2017:BirdingEshoweAreaandEnvirons

Theweatherwasmuchbetter,givingusbetteropportunitiesforsomeofourtargets.So,weheadedoutwith a packed breakfast to Ngoye forest, which we enjoyed, but it was hard work to find theGreenBarbet.Onehundredpercentofthesouthern‘Woodward’s’raceworldpopulationlivesinthissmallandpristinebeautifulforest,andwefinallysucceededinlocatingone.WealsohadRed-belliedBushSquirrel,NarinaTrogon,acallingYellow-streakedGreenbul,andflyoverviewsofapairofPalm-nutVulturesbeingmobbedbyPiedCrow and aBlackGoshawk.Weheaded toDlinzawherewithout a hassleweadded the tough and very cryptic Spotted Ground-Thrush, Red-chested Cuckoo, and heard Scaly-throatedHoneyguide.LaterwegotgoodlooksatthemagnificentCrownedEagle,andthetoughertofindGreenTwinspot.Palm-nutVultureviewswerehundredpercentbetteratourlunchstop.

Day21–September28,2017:BirdingtoUnderberg

WeheadedbacktoDlinzaForest,butrainmadethebirdingtherealmostimpossible,sowehadbreakfastandheadedofftoUnderberg.AveryniceLong-crestedEagleshowedupalongthewayandafewstopsinthecultivationfieldsoffthemainroadrevealedtheincreasinglyveryrareWattledandGrey-crownedCranes,GiantKingfisher,andDenham’sBustard.Wehadlunchalongtheway,andthenwenttohigherelevations in the mountains. We checked in at our B&B, and after a few minutes went out to thesurroundingmarshesandfarmlandswerewemanagedtonailHalf-collaredKingfisher,MarshOwl,averyskulkyRed-chestedFlufftail,moreGrey-crownedCranes,afly-byBaldIbis,MountainReedbuck,andmanymore.

Day22–September29,2017:Cleaninguptheendemics.

We linkedupwithour local guideand4X4driver, and togetherheaded to themostmountainousandsceniclocationsinSouthernAfrica.TheSaniPassroad,whichstartedofftypicallyverywindy,wasveryproductiveallalongtheway,knockingoffallthetargets.Thefirstsectionofthedrivehadaflockof11early-rising Cape Griffons, and while observing them, a patrolling Drakensberg Prinia caught outattention. Several more stops along the way got us views of very obliging Gurney’s Sugarbird andDrakensbergRockjumper,completingeveryspeciesofthesouthernAfricaendemicfamilies.Averyco-operativeBushBlackcap,Grey-wingedFrancolin,andskulkyBarratt’sWarblerwhichisalsofamousforbeingoneofthetoughestbirdstoseeinSouthernAfrica,alsoshowedverywell.AbirdingexperienceintoLesotho, another country, added sightingsofDrakensburgSiskin, the toughAfricanRockPipit,Lammergeier,(mostlyyoungones)andniceobservationsofSloggett'sIceRatwhichisendemictothesehighlands.Wedidprettywellwith theraremammalsof thisarea,adding toour list theshyMountainReedbuck,GreyRhebok,andoneCapeMongoose,whichwasbeingmobbedbyapairofveryunhappy



DrakensbergRockjumpers.Thedaywascompletedwithtripletsof freshlyfledgedSpottedEagle-owlsasweheadedbacktoouraccommodation,agreatwaytofinishasuccessfulexcursion.

GroundWoodpecker–acommonbirdontheSaniPass

Gurney’sSugarbird–aSanispecialty



Day23–September30,2017:BirdingtoDurban

ThiswasthefinalbirdingdayofthetourbeforewehadtoheadbacktoDurban.WestoppedatMarutswaa small native forest reservewhich held the threatenedCape Parrot, andwewere very surprised tocome across three individuals perchedup in a deadEucalyptus tree on the edge of this tiny beautifulforest!Aftertheytookoff,wecontinuedforawalkintheforestwherewescoredgreatviewsofthetoughto see Orange Ground-Thrush and one African Goshawk. Good looks at Knysna Turaco, Yellow-throatedWoodlandWarbler,Amethyst Sunbird and many more were enjoyed again at this samelocation,beforewehadtoheadtotheairport.

BirdList–ThetaxonomicorderandnomenclaturefollowsClements,version2017.

Letter“H”inthethirdcolumn,indicatesspeciesheardonly. SAEunderhighlightedspeciesnameisforSouthAfricanEndemic

STRUTHIONIFORMES:Struthionidae CommonOstrich Struthiocamelus

ANSERIFORMES:Anatidae

White-facedWhistling-Duck DendrocygnaviduataWhite-backedDuck ThalassornisleuconotusCombDuck SarkidiornismelanotosEgyptianGoose AlopochenaegyptiacaSouthAfricanShelduck TadornacanaSpur-wingedGoose PlectropterusgambensisAfricanBlackDuck AnassparsaYellow-billedDuck AnasundulataCapeShoveler AnassmithiiRed-billedDuck AnaserythrorhynchaHottentotTeal AnashottentotaCapeTeal AnascapensisSouthernPochard NettaerythrophthalmaMaccoaDuck Oxyuramaccoa

GALLIFORMES:Numididae HelmetedGuineafowl Numidameleagris

CrestedGuineafowl Gutterapucherani

GALLIFORMES:Phasianidae HarlequinQuail Coturnixdelegorguei

CapeFrancolin PternistiscapensisSAE–Exceptionalviewsonatseverallocations

NatalFrancolin Pternistisnatalensis



Swainson'sFrancolin PternistisswainsoniiRed-neckedFrancolin PternistisaferCrestedFrancolin FrancolinussephaenaRed-wingedFrancolin ScleroptilalevaillantiiGray-wingedFrancolin ScleroptilaafraSAEseengoodviewsof2pairsatSaniPass

CommonQuail Coturnixcoturnix H

PODICIPEDIFORMES:Podicipedidae LittleGrebe Tachybaptusruficollis

GreatCrestedGrebe PodicepscristatusEaredGrebe Podicepsnigricollis

PHOENICOPTERIFORMES:Phoenicopteridae

GreaterFlamingo PhoenicopterusroseusLesserFlamingo Phoeniconaiasminor

SPHENISCIFORMES:Spheniscidae JackassPenguin Spheniscusdemersus

CICONIIFORMES:Ciconiidae

Woolly-neckedStork CiconiaepiscopusWhiteStork CiconiaciconiaSaddle-billedStork EphippiorhynchussenegalensisMarabouStork LeptoptiloscrumeniferYellow-billedStork Mycteriaibis

SULIFORMES:Sulidae CapeGannet Moruscapensis

SULIFORMES:Phalacrocoracidae

Long-tailedCormorant MicrocarboafricanusCrownedCormorant MicrocarbocoronatusGreatCormorant PhalacrocoraxcarboCapeCormorant PhalacrocoraxcapensisSAE–SeenatseveralspotsofCape

BankCormorant Phalacrocoraxneglectus

SULIFORMES:Anhingidae AfricanDarter Anhingarufa

PELECANIFORMES:Pelecanidae

GreatWhitePelican Pelecanusonocrotalus



Pink-backedPelican Pelecanusrufescens

PELECANIFORMES:Scopidae Hamerkop Scopusumbretta

PELECANIFORMES:Ardeidae

LittleBittern IxobrychusminutusGrayHeron ArdeacinereaBlack-headedHeron ArdeamelanocephalaGoliathHeron ArdeagoliathPurpleHeron ArdeapurpureaGreatEgret ArdeaalbaIntermediateEgret MesophoyxintermediaLittleEgret EgrettagarzettaBlackHeron EgrettaardesiacaCattleEgret BubulcusibisSquaccoHeron ArdeolaralloidesStriatedHeron ButoridesstriataBlack-crownedNight-Heron Nycticoraxnycticorax

PELECANIFORMES:Threskiornithidae GlossyIbis Plegadisfalcinellus

SacredIbis ThreskiornisaethiopicusSouthernBaldIbis GeronticuscalvusSAE – Seen very well on three occasions at

Wakkerstroom, drivng from Kruger National ParkandLesothoHadadaIbis Bostrychiahagedash

AfricanSpoonbill Plataleaalba

ACCIPITRIFORMES:Sagittariidae Secretary-bird Sagittariusserpentarius

ACCIPITRIFORMES:Accipitridae

Black-shoulderedKite ElanuscaeruleusAfricanHarrier-Hawk PolyboroidestypusPalm-nutVulture GypohieraxangolensisLammergeier GypaetusbarbatusWhite-headedVulture TrigonocepsoccipitalisLappet-facedVulture TorgostracheliotosHoodedVulture NecrosyrtesmonachusWhite-backedVulture GypsafricanusCapeGriffon GypscoprotheresBateleur Terathopiusecaudatus



Black-breastedSnake-Eagle CircaetuspectoralisBrownSnake-Eagle CircaetuscinereusFasciatedSnake-Eagle CircaetusfasciolatusCrownedEagle StephanoaetuscoronatusMartialEagle PolemaetusbellicosusLong-crestedEagle LophaetusoccipitalisWahlberg'sEagle HieraaetuswahlbergiBootedEagle HieraaetuspennatusTawnyEagle AquilarapaxVerreaux'sEagle AquilaverreauxiiAfricanHawk-Eagle AquilaspilogasterPaleChanting-Goshawk MelieraxcanorusAfricanMarsh-Harrier CircusranivorusBlackHarrier CircusmaurusAfricanGoshawk AccipitertachiroRufous-chestedSparrowhawk AccipiterrufiventrisBlackGoshawk AccipitermelanoleucusBlackKite MilvusmigransAfricanFish-Eagle HaliaeetusvociferCommonBuzzard ButeobuteoJackalBuzzard Buteorufofuscus

OTIDIFORMES:Otididae KoriBustard Ardeotiskori

Ludwig'sBustard Neotisludwigii

Denham'sBustard NeotisdenhamiWhite-belliedBustard EupodotissenegalensisBlueBustard EupodotiscaerulescensSAE – 6 individuals seen on two occasions at

WakkerstroomKarooBustard Eupodotisvigorsii

Red-crestedBustard EupodotisruficristaBlackBustard EupodotisafraSAE - A few individuals seen very w including

courtshipdisplayatWestCoastNationalParkWhite-quilledBustard Eupodotisafraoides

Black-belliedBustard Lissotismelanogaster

GRUIFORMES:Rallidae AfricanRail Ralluscaerulescens H

BlackCrake ZaporniaflavirostraAfricanSwamphen PorphyriomadagascariensisEurasianMoorhen GallinulachloropusRed-knobbedCoot Fulicacristata



GRUIFORMES:Sarothruridae Red-chestedFlufftail Sarothrurarufa

GRUIFORMES:Gruidae

GrayCrowned-Crane BalearicaregulorumBlueCrane AnthropoidesparadiseusWattledCrane Bugeranuscarunculatus

CHARADRIIFORMES:Burhinidae WaterThick-knee Burhinusvermiculatus

SpottedThick-knee Burhinuscapensis

CHARADRIIFORMES:Recurvirostridae Black-wingedStilt Himantopushimantopus

PiedAvocet Recurvirostraavosetta

CHARADRIIFORMES:Haematopodidae AfricanOystercatcher Haematopusmoquini

CHARADRIIFORMES:Charadriidae

Black-belliedPlover PluvialissquatarolaBlacksmithLapwing VanellusarmatusSenegalLapwing VanelluslugubrisCrownedLapwing VanelluscoronatusWattledLapwing VanellussenegallusKittlitz'sPlover CharadriuspecuariusCommonRingedPlover CharadriushiaticulaThree-bandedPlover CharadriustricollarisWhite-frontedPlover Charadriusmarginatus

CHARADRIIFORMES:Jacanidae AfricanJacana Actophilornisafricanus

CHARADRIIFORMES:Scolopacidae

Whimbrel NumeniusphaeopusBlack-tailedGodwit LimosalimosaRuff CalidrispugnaxCurlewSandpiper CalidrisferrugineaSanderling CalidrisalbaLittleStint CalidrisminutaAfricanSnipe GallinagonigripennisCommonSandpiper ActitishypoleucosCommonGreenshank Tringanebularia



MarshSandpiper TringastagnatilisWoodSandpiper Tringaglareola

CHARADRIIFORMES:Turnicidae SmallButtonquail Turnixsylvaticus

CHARADRIIFORMES:Glareolidae

Temminck'sCourser CursoriustemminckiiDouble-bandedCourser SmutsornisafricanusCollaredPratincole Glareolapratincola

CHARADRIIFORMES:Laridae Gray-hoodedGull Chroicocephaluscirrocephalus

Hartlaub'sGull ChroicocephalushartlaubiiKelpGull LarusdominicanusCaspianTern HydroprognecaspiaWhite-wingedTern ChlidoniasleucopterusWhiskeredTern ChlidoniashybridaCommonTern SternahirundoArcticTern SternaparadisaeaGreatCrestedTern ThalasseusbergiiSandwichTern ThalasseussandvicensisAfricanSkimmer Rynchopsflavirostris

PTEROCLIFORMES:Pteroclidae Double-bandedSandgrouse Pteroclesbicinctus

COLUMBIFORMES:Columbidae

RockPigeon ColumbaliviaSpeckledPigeon ColumbaguineaRameronPigeon ColumbaarquatrixDelegorgue'sPigeon Columbadelegorguei H

LemonDove ColumbalarvataMourningCollared-Dove StreptopeliadecipiensRed-eyedDove StreptopeliasemitorquataRing-neckedDove StreptopeliacapicolaLaughingDove StreptopeliasenegalensisEmerald-spottedWood-Dove TurturchalcospilosTambourineDove TurturtympanistriaNamaquaDove OenacapensisAfricanGreen-Pigeon Treroncalvus

CUCULIFORMES:Musophagidae Livingstone'sTuraco Tauracolivingstonii



KnysnaTuraco TauracocorythaixPurple-crestedTuraco TauracoporphyreolophusGrayGo-away-bird Corythaixoidesconcolor

CUCULIFORMES:Cuculidae White-browedCoucal Centropussuperciliosus

GreenMalkoha CeuthmocharesaustralisKlaas'sCuckoo ChrysococcyxklaasRed-chestedCuckoo Cuculussolitarius

STRIGIFORMES:Tytonidae AfricanGrass-Owl Tytocapensis

STRIGIFORMES:Strigidae

AfricanScops-Owl OtussenegalensisCapeEagle-Owl BubocapensisSpottedEagle-Owl BuboafricanusVerreaux'sEagle-Owl BubolacteusPearl-spottedOwlet GlaucidiumperlatumMarshOwl Asiocapensis

CAPRIMULGIFORMES:Caprimulgidae Fiery-neckedNightjar Caprimulguspectoralis

Square-tailedNightjar Caprimulgusfossii

CAPRIMULGIFORMES:Apodidae AlpineSwift Apusmelba

AfricanSwift ApusbarbatusLittleSwift ApusaffinisWhite-rumpedSwift ApuscafferAfricanPalm-Swift Cypsiurusparvus

COLIIFORMES:Coliidae SpeckledMousebird Coliusstriatus

White-backedMousebird ColiuscoliusRed-facedMousebird Urocoliusindicus

TROGONIFORMES:Trogonidae NarinaTrogon Apalodermanarina

BUCEROTIFORMES:Upupidae

EurasianHoopoe Upupaepops

BUCEROTIFORMES:Phoeniculidae



GreenWoodhoopoe PhoeniculuspurpureusCommonScimitarbill Rhinopomastuscyanomelas

BUCEROTIFORMES:Bucorvidae SouthernGround-Hornbill Bucorvusleadbeateri

BUCEROTIFORMES:Bucerotidae

CrownedHornbill LophocerosalboterminatusAfricanGrayHornbill LophocerosnasutusSouthernYellow-billedHornbill TockusleucomelasSouthernRed-billedHornbill TockusrufirostrisTrumpeterHornbill Bycanistesbucinator

CORACIIFORMES:Alcedinidae Half-collaredKingfisher Alcedosemitorquata

MalachiteKingfisher CorythorniscristatusWoodlandKingfisher HalcyonsenegalensisBrown-hoodedKingfisher HalcyonalbiventrisStripedKingfisher HalcyonchelicutiGiantKingfisher MegacerylemaximaPiedKingfisher Cerylerudis

CORACIIFORMES:Meropidae White-frontedBee-eater Meropsbullockoides

LittleBee-eater Meropspusillus

CORACIIFORMES:Coraciidae Lilac-breastedRoller Coraciascaudatus

Rufous-crownedRoller CoraciasnaeviusBroad-billedRoller Eurystomusglaucurus

PICIFORMES:Lybiidae CrestedBarbet Trachyphonusvaillantii

White-earedBarbet StactolaemaleucotisGreenBarbet StactolaemaolivaceaYellow-rumpedTinkerbird PogoniulusbilineatusRed-frontedTinkerbird PogoniuluspusillusPiedBarbet TricholaemaleucomelasBlack-collaredBarbet Lybiustorquatus

PICIFORMES:Indicatoridae Wahlberg'sHoneyguide Prodotiscusregulus

LesserHoneyguide Indicatorminor HScaly-throatedHoneyguide Indicatorvariegatus



PICIFORMES:Picidae Rufous-neckedWryneck Jynxruficollis

Golden-tailedWoodpecker CampetheraabingoniKnysnaWoodpecker CampetheranotataSAE - Easy and good views at De Hoop Nature

ReserveandWildernessNationalParkGroundWoodpecker Geocolaptesolivaceus

SAE - Several individuals seen at Rooiles and SaniPassCardinalWoodpecker Dendropicosfuscescens

BeardedWoodpecker DendropicosnamaquusOliveWoodpecker Dendropicosgriseocephalus

FALCONIFORMES:Falconidae RockKestrel Falcorupicolus

GreaterKestrel FalcorupicoloidesPeregrineFalcon Falcoperegrinus

PSITTACIFORMES:Psittacidae CapeParrot Poicephalusrobustus

Meyer'sParrot PoicephalusmeyeriBrown-headedParrot Poicephaluscryptoxanthus H

PASSERIFORMES:Platysteiridae CapeBatis Batiscapensis

Woodward'sBatis BatisfratrumChinspotBatis BatismolitorPriritBatis Batispririt

PASSERIFORMES:Vangidae WhiteHelmetshrike Prionopsplumatus

PASSERIFORMES:Malaconotidae

Brubru NilausaferBlack-backedPuffback DryoscopuscublaBlack-crownedTchagra TchagrasenegalusBrown-crownedTchagra TchagraaustralisSouthernTchagra TchagratchagraSouthernBoubou LaniariusferrugineusCrimson-breastedGonolek LaniariusatrococcineusBokmakierie TelophoruszeylonusSulphur-breastedBushshrike TelophorussulfureopectusOliveBushshrike TelophorusolivaceusGray-headedBushshrike Malaconotusblanchoti



PASSERIFORMES:Campephagidae GrayCuckooshrike Coracinacaesia

BlackCuckooshrike Campephagaflava

PASSERIFORMES:Laniidae SouthernFiscal Laniuscollaris

PASSERIFORMES:Oriolidae

AfricanBlack-headedOriole Orioluslarvatus

PASSERIFORMES:Dicruridae Square-tailedDrongo Dicrurusludwigii

Fork-tailedDrongo Dicrurusadsimilis

PASSERIFORMES:Monarchidae AfricanCrested-Flycatcher Trochocercuscyanomelas

AfricanParadise-Flycatcher Terpsiphoneviridis

PASSERIFORMES:Corvidae CapeCrow Corvuscapensis

PiedCrow CorvusalbusWhite-neckedRaven Corvusalbicollis

PASSERIFORMES:Chaetopidae CapeRockjumper Chaetopsfrenatus

SAE – Good looks at three individuals at SwartbergPassDrakensbergRockjumper Chaetopsaurantius

SAE–SixindividualsseenatSaniPass.Onepairwasnestingintherocksbytheside

PASSERIFORMES:Nicatoridae EasternNicator Nicatorgularis

PASSERIFORMES:Alaudidae

Spike-heeledLark ChersomanesalbofasciataKarooLong-billedLark CerthilaudasubcoronataEasternLong-billedLark CerthilaudasemitorquataSAE–SeenatWakkerstroom

AgulhasLark CerthilaudabrevirostrisSAE – Good views of a few individuals at Agulhas

plainsBlack-earedSparrow-Lark Eremopterixaustralis

SabotaLark CalendulaudasabotaKarooLark Calendulaudaalbescens



SAE–SeenatVelddrifandKarooNationalParkRudd'sLark Heteromirafraruddi

SAE – Good observations in the Grasslands atWakkerstroomCapeClapperLark Mirafraapiata

EasternClapperLark MirafrafasciolataRufous-napedLark MirafraafricanaRed-cappedLark CalandrellacinereaLarge-billedLark Galeridamagnirostris

PASSERIFORMES:Hirundinidae PlainMartin Ripariapaludicola

BandedMartin RipariacinctaRockMartin PtyonoprognefuligulaBarnSwallow HirundorusticaWhite-throatedSwallow HirundoalbigularisWire-tailedSwallow HirundosmithiiPearl-breastedSwallow HirundodimidiataGreaterStriped-Swallow CecropiscucullataLesserStriped-Swallow CecropisabyssinicaRufous-chestedSwallow CecropissemirufaMosqueSwallow CecropissenegalensisSouthAfricanSwallow PetrochelidonspiloderaBlackSawwing Psalidoprocnepristoptera

PASSERIFORMES:Stenostiridae FairyFlycatcher Stenostirascita

PASSERIFORMES:Paridae

SouthernBlack-Tit MelaniparusnigerGrayTit Melaniparusafer

PASSERIFORMES:Remizidae AfricanPenduline-Tit Anthoscopuscaroli

SouthernPenduline-Tit Anthoscopusminutus

PASSERIFORMES:Pycnonotidae SombreGreenbul Andropadusimportunus

Yellow-belliedGreenbul ChlorocichlaflaviventrisTerrestrialBrownbul PhyllastrephusterrestrisCommonBulbul PycnonotusbarbatusBlack-frontedBulbul PycnonotusnigricansCapeBulbul PycnonotuscapensisSAE–Seenatafewlocations,excellentlooks



PASSERIFORMES:MacrosphenidaeCapeCrombec Sylviettarufescens

CapeGrassbird SphenoeacusaferVictorin'sWarbler CryptillasvictoriniSAE–Threeveryaggressiveindividualswellobserved

atSwartbergPass

PASSERIFORMES:Phylloscopidae Yellow-throatedWoodland-Warbler Phylloscopusruficapilla

PASSERIFORMES:Acrocephalidae

AfricanYellow-Warbler IdunanatalensisAfricanReed-Warbler AcrocephalusbaeticatusLesserSwamp-Warbler Acrocephalusgracilirostris

PASSERIFORMES:Locustellidae Barratt'sWarbler Bradypterusbarratti

KnysnaWarbler BradypterussylvaticusSAE – Very good looks at a single individual at

WildernessLittleRush-Warbler Bradypterusbaboecala

PASSERIFORMES:Cisticolidae

Bar-throatedApalis ApalisthoracicaYellow-breastedApalis ApalisflavidaRudd'sApalis ApalisruddiGreen-backedCamaroptera CamaropterabrachyuraMiomboWren-Warbler Calamonastesundosus H

BarredWren-Warbler CalamonastesfasciolatusRufous-earedWarbler MalcoruspectoralisRock-lovingCisticola CisticolaaberransRattlingCisticola CisticolachinianaTinklingCisticola CisticolarufilatusRed-headedCisticola CisticolasubruficapillaWailingCisticola CisticolalaisWindingCisticola CisticolagalactotesLevaillant'sCisticola CisticolatinniensCroakingCisticola CisticolanatalensisPipingCisticola CisticolafulvicapillaZittingCisticola CisticolajuncidisDesertCisticola CisticolaaridulusCloudCisticola CisticolatextrixWing-snappingCisticola CisticolaayresiiTawny-flankedPrinia PriniasubflavaBlack-chestedPrinia Priniaflavicans



KarooPrinia PriniamaculosaDrakensbergPrinia PriniahypoxanthaSAE–VerygoodviewsatOverbergandSaniPass

NamaquaPrinia PriniasubstriataGreencapEremomela EremomelascotopsYellow-rumpedEremomela EremomelagregalisBurnt-neckEremomela Eremomelausticollis

PASSERIFORMES:Sylviidae BushBlackcap Sylvianigricapilla

Layard'sWarbler SylvialayardiRufous-ventedWarbler Sylviasubcaerulea

PASSERIFORMES:Zosteropidae AfricanYellowWhite-eye Zosteropssenegalensis

CapeWhite-eye Zosteropscapensis

PASSERIFORMES:Leiothrichidae SouthernPied-Babbler Turdoidesbicolor

Arrow-markedBabbler Turdoidesjardineii

PASSERIFORMES:Promeropidae Gurney'sSugarbird Promeropsgurneyi

CapeSugarbird PromeropscaferSAE–SeenonfivedaysatCapeanditsenvirons

PASSERIFORMES:Muscicapidae

Dusky-brownFlycatcher MuscicapaadustaMariquaFlycatcher BradornismariquensisPaleFlycatcher AgricolapallidusChatFlycatcher AgricolainfuscatusGrayTit-Flycatcher FraseriaplumbeaAshyFlycatcher FraseriacaerulescensFiscalFlycatcher MelaenornissilensSouthernBlack-Flycatcher MelaenornispammelainaKarooScrub-Robin CercotrichascoryphoeusBrownScrub-Robin CercotrichassignataBeardedScrub-Robin CercotrichasquadrivirgataKalahariScrub-Robin CercotrichaspaenaRed-backedScrub-Robin CercotrichasleucophrysCapeRobin-Chat CossyphacaffraWhite-throatedRobin-Chat CossyphahumeralisWhite-browedRobin-Chat CossyphaheugliniRed-cappedRobin-Chat Cossyphanatalensis



ChoristerRobin-Chat CossyphadichroaWhite-starredRobin PogonocichlastellataSentinelRock-Thrush MonticolaexploratorCapeRock-Thrush MonticolarupestrisSAE–SeenatRooielsandSaniPass

AfricanStonechat SaxicolatorquatusBuff-streakedBushchat SaxicolabifasciatusSouthernAnteater-Chat MyrmecocichlaformicivoraMockingCliff-Chat ThamnolaeacinnamomeiventrisSicklewingChat CercomelasinuataKarooChat CercomelaschlegeliiTractracChat CercomelatractracFamiliarChat CercomelafamiliarisMountainWheatear OenanthemonticolaCappedWheatear Oenanthepileata

PASSERIFORMES:Turdidae SpottedGround-Thrush Geokichlaguttata

OrangeGround-Thrush GeokichlagurneyiGroundscraperThrush PsophocichlalitsitsirupaKurrichaneThrush TurduslibonyanaOliveThrush TurdusolivaceusKarooThrush Turdussmithi

PASSERIFORMES:Sturnidae EuropeanStarling Sturnusvulgaris

WattledStarling CreatophoracinereaCommonMyna AcridotherestristisPale-wingedStarling OnychognathusnabouroupRed-wingedStarling OnychognathusmorioBlack-belliedStarling NotopholiacorruscaBurchell'sStarling LamprotornisaustralisAfricanPiedStarling LamprotornisbicolorGreaterBlue-earedStarling LamprotornischalybaeusCapeStarling Lamprotornisnitens

PASSERIFORMES:Buphagidae Red-billedOxpecker Buphaguserythrorhynchus

Yellow-billedOxpecker Buphagusafricanus

PASSERIFORMES:Nectariniidae CollaredSunbird Hedydipnacollaris

Orange-breastedSunbird AnthobaphesviolaceaSAE–SeenonthreedifferentdaysaroundCape Cyanomitraolivacea



EasternOliveSunbirdMouse-coloredSunbird Cyanomitraveroxii

AmethystSunbird ChalcomitraamethystinaScarlet-chestedSunbird ChalcomitrasenegalensisMalachiteSunbird NectariniafamosaSouthernDouble-collaredSunbird CinnyrischalybeusNeergaard'sSunbird CinnyrisneergaardiGreaterDouble-collaredSunbird CinnyrisaferMariquaSunbird CinnyrismariquensisPurple-bandedSunbird CinnyrisbifasciatusWhite-breastedSunbird CinnyristalatalaDuskySunbird Cinnyrisfuscus H

PASSERIFORMES:Motacillidae CapeWagtail Motacillacapensis

AfricanPiedWagtail MotacillaaguimpAfricanPipit AnthuscinnamomeusLong-billedPipit AnthussimilisPlain-backedPipit AnthusleucophrysYellow-tuftedPipit AnthuscrenatusSAE–ThreeindividualseenatLesothoandoneheard

atWakkerstroomBushPipit Anthuscaffer

Orange-throatedLongclaw MacronyxcapensisYellow-throatedLongclaw Macronyxcroceus

PASSERIFORMES:Emberizidae Lark-likeBunting Emberizaimpetuani

Cinnamon-breastedBunting EmberizatahapisiCapeBunting EmberizacapensisGolden-breastedBunting Emberizaflaviventris

PASSERIFORMES:Fringillidae CapeSiskin Pseudochloroptilatotta

SAE – A few individuals seen at Rooiels andSwartbergPassintheirtypicalfeeingbehaviorDrakensbergSiskin

Pseudochloroptilasymonsi

SAE–SeenatSaniPassBlack-headedCanary Alarioalario

CapeCanary SerinuscanicollisYellow-frontedCanary SerinusmozambicusForestCanary SerinusscotopsSAE–SeenatWildernessandMarutswaForest

BrimstoneCanary SerinussulphuratusYellowCanary Serinusflaviventris



White-throatedCanary SerinusalbogularisProteaCanary SerinusleucopterusSAE – Very good looks at two individuals at

SwartbergPassStreaky-headedSeedeater Serinusgularis

PASSERIFORMES:Passeridae

HouseSparrow PasserdomesticusGreatRufousSparrow PassermotitensisCapeSparrow PassermelanurusSouthernGray-headedSparrow PasserdiffususYellow-throatedPetronia Petroniasuperciliaris

PASSERIFORMES:Ploceidae Red-billedBuffalo-Weaver Bubalornisniger

White-browedSparrow-Weaver PlocepassermahaliRed-headedWeaver AnaplectesrubricepsSpectacledWeaver PloceusocularisCapeWeaver PloceuscapensisSAE – Seen on several occasions around Cape and

Kwa-ZuluAfricanGolden-Weaver Ploceussubaureus

Holub'sGolden-Weaver PloceusxanthopsSouthernBrown-throatedWeaver PloceusxanthopterusLesserMasked-Weaver PloceusintermediusSouthernMasked-Weaver PloceusvelatusVillageWeaver PloceuscucullatusForestWeaver PloceusbicolorRed-billedQuelea QueleaqueleaSouthernRedBishop EuplectesorixYellowBishop EuplectescapensisWhite-wingedWidowbird EuplectesalbonotatusRed-collaredWidowbird EuplectesardensFan-tailedWidowbird EuplectesaxillarisLong-tailedWidowbird Euplectesprogne

PASSERIFORMES:Estrildidae SweeWaxbill Coccopygiamelanotis

Green-backedTwinspot MandingoanitidulaCommonWaxbill EstrildaastrildSouthernCordonbleu UraeginthusangolensisViolet-earedWaxbill GranatinagranatinaPink-throatedTwinspot HypargosmargaritatusGreen-wingedPytilia PytiliamelbaRed-billedFirefinch Lagonostictasenegala



AfricanFirefinch LagonostictarubricataJameson'sFirefinch LagonostictarhodopareiaRed-headedFinch AmadinaerythrocephalaZebraWaxbill SporaeginthussubflavusBronzeMannikin SpermestescucullataBlack-and-whiteMannikin SpermestesbicolorMagpieMannikin Spermestesfringilloides

PASSERIFORMES:Viduidae Pin-tailedWhydah Viduamacroura

Shaft-tailedWhydah Viduaregia

MammalList-Mammaltaxonomyfollows'FieldGuidetoMammalsofSouthernAfrica'byChris&TildeStuart(2007)

Cercopithecidae:Cheek-pouchedMonkeys ChacmaBaboon Papioursinus VervetMonkey Cercopithecusaethiops Sykes'sMonkey Cercopithecusalbogularis H

Galagidae:Galagos

LesserGalago Galagomoholi GreaterGalago Otolemurcrassicaudatus H Lagomorpha:Hares CapeHare Lepuscapensis ScrubHare Lepussaxatilis Sciuridae:Squirrels RedBushSquirrel Paraxeruspalliatus Smith’sBushSquirrel Paraxeruscepapi Pedetidae:Springhares Springhare Pedetescapensis Hystricidae:Porcupines White-tailedRatSAE–SeenatHeidelberg Mystromysalbicaudatus Four-StripedGrassMouse Rhabdomyspumilio SouthernAfricanVleiRat Otomysirroratus Sloggett's(Ice)Rat Otomyssloggetti



BushKarooRat Otomysunisulcatus Canidae:Dogs&allies Black-backedJackal Canismesomelas Mustelidae:Mustelids Spotted-neckedOtter Lutramaculicollis Herpestidae:Mongooses BandedMongoose Mungosmungo CapeGreyMongoose Galerellapulverulenta SlenderMongoose Galerellasanguinea DwarfMongoose Helogaleparvula YellowMongoose Cynictispenicillata Suricate(Meerkat) Suricatasuricatta Viverridae:Genets&Civets Small-spottedGenet Genettagenetta CommonLarge-spottedGenet Genettamaculata Hyaenidae:Hyaenas SpottedHyena Crocutacrocuta Felidae:Cats Lion Pantheraleo Leopard Pantherapardus Elephantidae:Elephants AfricanBushElephant Loxodontaafricana Procavidae:Hyraxes RockHyrax Procaviacapensis Equidae:Horses CapeMountainZebraSAE–SeenontwooccasionsatKarooNationalPark Equusz.zebra Plains(Burchell's)Zebra Equusquagga Rhinocerotidae:Rhinoceroses WhiteRhino Ceratotheriumsimum BlackRhino Dicerosbicornis Suidae:Pigs



CommonWarthog Phacochoerusaethiopicus Bushpig Potamochoeruslarvatus Hippopotamidae:Hippopotamuses Hippopotamus Hippopotamusamphibius Giraffidae:Giraffes Giraffe Giraffacamelopardalis Bovidae:HornedUngulates AfricanBuffalo Synceruscaffer CommonEland Taurotragusoryx GreaterKudu Tragelaphusstrepsiceros Nyala Tragelaphusangasii Bushbuck Tragelaphusscriptus Gemsbok Oryxgazella CommonWaterbuck Kobusellipsiprymnus MountainReedbuck Reduncafulvorufula GreyRhebok Peleacapreolus BlackWildebeest Connochaetesgnou BlueWildebeest Connochaetestaurinus RedHaartebeest Alcelaphusbuselaphus Bontebok Damaliscusp.pygargus Blesbok Damaliscusp.phillipsi Tsessebe Damaliscuslunatus Impala Aepycerosmelampus Springbok Antidorcasmarsupialis Klipspringer Oreotragusoreotragus Steenbok Raphiceruscampestris Sharpe'sGrysbok Raphicerussharpei RedDuiker Cephalophusnatalensis BlueDuiker Cephalophusmonticola Common(Bush)Duiker Sylvicapragrimmia SabelAntelope Hippotragusniger Otariidae:SeaLions CapeFurSeal Arctocephalusp.pusillus Balaenidae:Whales SouthernRightWhale Eubalaenaaustralis HumpbackWhale Megapteranovaeangliae



Delphinidae:Dolphins Indo-PacificBottlenosedDolphin Tursiopsaduncus

Reptile List - Reptile taxonomy follows 'Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa' by BillBranch(1998)

Crocodylidae:Crocodiles NileCrocodile Crocodylusniloticus Agamidae:Agamas SouthernRockAgama Agamaatra Geckonidae:Geckos MarbledLeaf-toedGecko Afrogeckoporphyreus Cordylidae:GirdledLizards CapeGirdledLizard Cordyluscordylus Varanidae:Monitors NileMonitor Varanusniloticus Scincidae:Skinks Red-sidedSkink Mabuyahomalocephala StripedSkink Mabuyastriata Testudinidae:Tortoises LeopardTortoise Geochelonepardalis AngulateTortoise Chersinaangulata Pelomedusidae:AfricanSide-neckedTurtles MarshTerrapin Pelomedusasubrufa

A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour South Africa ... · Day 1 – September 8, 2017: Birding...

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