ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURS’

TRIP REPORT

SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA and NAMIBIA

19th January to 22nd February 2003

Tour leader - David Hoddinott

Tour participants - Malcolm Roxby and Dawn Ross, Mark Beevers and Janis Slater, Robert Walthew, John Regan, Granville Potter.

Our trip total of 661 species in 35 days reflects the immense birding potential of Southern Africa. Whilst the focus of the tour was certainly the rich assemblage of Southern African endemics, we did not neglect the amazing diversity of mammals. Participants were treated to an amazing 168 out of a possible 172 endemics, near-endemics and breeding-endemics on our route, with other highlights including stunning views of an adult Pel’s Fishing-Owl amongst 11 species of Owls, all 11 Southern African Bustards, all 4 Sandgrouse and all 5 Babblers. Some of the mammalian highlights included fantastic views of a female Leopard, four of the Big Five (Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo), White-tailed Mongoose, Zorilla and Bat-eared Fox.
For more highlights and a detailed trip report read on ……..


Daily Diary

Day 1, 19th January: Durban – Umtentwini – Oribi Gorge. Our first birding spot of the tour was at the tranquil little town of Umtentwini. Whilst waiting for our target bird, the elusive Magpie Mannikin to show up we were treated to superb scope views of three African Green-Pigeons. Not long afterwards a lovely pair of Magpie Mannikins flew in and started preening, allowing us to get excellent scope views of them. These birds are rare and very localised throughout their range. We spent the late afternoon at Oribi Gorge enjoying our first forest birding Here we found Knysna Turaco, Olive Woodpecker, African Dusky Flycatcher and the delightful Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler. We ended the day on a fine note with a stunning Spotted Eagle Owl, perched at close quarters.

Day 2, 20th January: Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve – Umzimkulu Valley – Kokstad. We were up for an early start today to make the most of the superb forest birding offered at Oribi Gorge. At dawn, Dawn spotted a stunning Narina Trogon that was followed by Square-tailed Drongo, Cape Batis, Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills and more Knysna Turaco’s. Shortly afterwards we were entertained by a troop of Samango Monkey’s feeding in fruiting fig trees.
At the river we enjoyed superb views of a pair of African Black Duck. Other birds seen during the morning included a soaring Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Terrestrial Brownbul and Ashy Flycatcher At a forest stream we were treated to Mountain Wagtail and the stunning dragonfly, Dancing Jewel as well as a magnificent Emperor Swallowtail, the largest butterfly in Southern Africa.
We then moved on to the Umzimkulu Valley where we had great views of soaring Cape Griffons and Martial Eagle. Other interesting sightings here included Mocking Cliff-Chat, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, a superb male Swee Waxbill and Brimstone Canary. Moving on to Kokstad where we found Cape Shoveler, Black-crowned Night-Heron and an impressive Secretary-bird strolling across the grasslands. To cap the day’s events our evening drive produced good views of three White-tailed Mongoose.

Day 3, 21st January: Kokstad – Mt Currie Nature Reserve – Franklin wetlands - Creighton. An early start took us to Mt Currie where we searched for the secretive Red-chested Flufftail and African Rail. The flufftail proved to be extremely elusive but the Rail showed very well. A pair of Secretary-birds were seen walking in the grasslands and approached three Oribi Antelope. Thereafter we traveled to the Franklin wetlands and were rewarded with great views of large flocks of Gray Crowned-Crane, a stunning Corn Crake, Baillon’s Crake and to top the morning off, an African Grass-Owl. Moving on to Creighton I was astounded to see three Red-headed Finches perched next to the road, a rare sighting in KwaZulu-Natal. We enjoyed our packed lunch near some grasslands which produced White-winged Widowbird, Zebra Waxbill and Pale-crowned Cisticola. After such an incredible morning we thought we could not possibly better it in the afternoon, little could we guess what was to come!
We met up with Malcolm Gemmel, a Creighton farmer and he showed us around his local patch. We started off with superb sightings of a pair of South African Shelduck at a dam right outside his gate. We then went to search for the endangered Blue Swallow and were treated to outstanding views of a pair of these rare birds near their new nest site. En route we had good views of a Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk spotted by eagle-eyed Mark. Later we had superb scope views of three Stanley Bustards, several Black-winged Lapwings and finally a pair of the rare and seldom observed Black-rumped Buttonquail.

Day 4, 22nd January: Creighton – Sani Pass – Xumeni Forest - Creighton. We departed at dawn to make the most of the superb early morning birding at the foot of Sani Pass and en route were ecstatic to find a Spotted-necked Otter swimming in a roadside dam. Nearing the pass I was a little concerned about the weather as it had been very misty but it turned out to be a spectacular sunny day. We had superb views of three African Yellow Warblers near the border post before proceeding up the pass. Here we found some great birds and mammals including a family of the endemic Ground Woodpecker, a Fan-tailed Grassbird, Cape Rock- Thrush the endemic Gurney’s Sugarbird, the iridescent-green Malachite Sunbird, Mountain Reedbuck and Chacma Baboon. On the high plateau in Lesotho we enjoyed a drink in the highest pub in Africa whilst watching Bald Ibis, Orange-breasted Rock-jumper, Sicklewing Chat, Drakensberg Siskin, Cape Bunting and the unusual Sloggett’s Ice Rat. Thereafter we traveled further into Lesotho where we located Gray-winged Francolin, Large-billed Lark, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, the recently described Mountain Pipit and the scarce Gray Tit (the latter spotted by John.) We enjoyed lunch on a mountain slope where Layard’s Warblers, Fairy Warblers and colourful Drakensberg Crag Lizards entertained us. On the drive back down Sani Pass we saw Cape Griffons and finally the impressive Lammergeier, the latter just before the border post shut. Near the border post we had cracking views of two endemics, African Scrub-Warbler – a very secretive species and Bush Blackcap feeding young at a nest.
The day was not finished yet and we proceeded to Xumeni Forest for the late afternoon where we enjoyed an outstanding sighting of seventeen Cape Parrots, one of the rarest birds in Southern Africa. What a day !!!

Day 5, 23rd January: Creighton – Xumeni Forest - Impendle Nature Reserve – Midmar Nature Reserve – Hilton. We departed early to Xumeni Forest and en route had superb views of many White Storks and an unexpected Black-backed Jackal. The forest birding was slow however we scored further Cape Parrots, Orange Ground-Thrush, Red-chested Cuckoo and Forest Canary. Thereafter we traveled to Impendle NR where we had superb scope views of Red-necked Francolin, a stately pair of Blue Crane, a pair of Rufous-necked Wryneck, and a dark phase Pied Cuckoo. Next we moved on to Midmar Dam NR where we had good views of a number of birds including African Spoonbill, a pair of African Fish-Eagle, a stunning adult Black Goshawk perched on a rock, great flight views of Stanley Bustard and another African Grass-Owl. Mammals included the bizarre Black Wildebeest and Red Hartebeest. We also had an unusual sighting of a Marsh Terrapin on the road, quite some distance from the nearest water.

Day 6, 24th January: Hilton – Howick Falls – Umgeni Nature Reserve - Karkloof – Hilton. An early start took us to Howick Falls where we had brief views of Natal Francolin.
We then moved on to Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve where we located a juvenile Greater Honeyguide, Southern Boubou, Rock-loving Cisticola, the elusive Southern Tchagra and our first Giraffe.
Moving into the Karkloof we stopped at a wetland which amazingly produced a superb male Red-chested Flufftail, one which everyone got to see. The grasslands in this area revealed some exciting birds, we had all three SA cranes (Blue, Gray-Crowned and Wattled.), Eastern Long-billed Lark, the striking Buff-streaked Chat and Orange-throated Longclaw.
Next we headed into the nearby mist-belt forest where we found Gray Cuckooshrike, White-starred Robin, Olive Bushshrike, several Rameron Pigeons, a stunning Lemon Dove (well spotted by Malcolm,) superb scope views of Orange Ground-Thrush and a pair of Chorister Robin-Chats.
On our return to Hilton we again stopped off at Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, where our mission was to locate the scarce Cape Eagle-Owl. Luck was with us again as one flew out of its roost at dusk and gave us a good show.

Day 7, 25th January: Hilton – Doreen Clark Nature Reserve – Cedara – Albert Falls Nature Reserve – Shongweni Dam – Dhlinza Forest - Mtunzini – Bonamanzi. We departed early for our last mist-belt forest birding, at Doreen Clark NR and we were rewarded with good views of a pair of African Crested-Flycatcher, Cape Batis and Eastern Olive- Sunbird. At Cedara Agricultural College we had great views of Burchell’s Coucal and African Reed-Warbler. After breakfast we returned to Doreen Clark Nature Reserve and were treated to good views of the highly elusive Buff-spotted Flufftail. We then traveled on to Albert Falls NR where we found a covey of elusive Coqui Francolin and a pair of Fiscal Flycatchers. Shortly after leaving Albert Falls we had great views of twenty five White-necked Ravens near a roadside offal dump. On to Shongweni Dam where our highlight was a Brown-backed Mannikin. Next stop was Dhlinza forest and we were fortunate to get a superb sighting of Spotted Ground-Thrush just before it started raining. Finally we made our way to Bonamanzi Reserve with a quick stop at Mtunzini which produced a juvenile Palm-nut Vulture.

Day 8, 26th January: Bonamanzi – St Lucia – Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve – Mkuzi Game Reserve. Our early morning birding around Bonamanzi produced a fantastic mixed species flock containing the elusive Yellowbill, White-throated Robin-Chat, Bearded Scrub-Robin, and the stunning Pink-throated Twinspot. En route to St Lucia we had superb views of a pair of the localised Lemon-breasted Canary and a covey of four Crested Francolin. St Lucia produced a wide variety of species including; Lemon Dove, White-eared Barbet, a pair of Yellow-rumped Tinkerbirds inspecting a nesting hole, many Red-capped Robin-Chats, Rufous-winged Cisticola (recently split from Winding,) and Southern Brown-throated and Forest Weavers. Other specials included outstanding scope views of the rare Fasciated Snake-Eagle, several Livingstone’s Turacos, a Brown Scrub-Robin, Rudd’s Apalis and after some searching the impressive Woodward’s Batis. Mammals seen here included Red Duiker, the diminutive Red Forest Squirrel and six Hippopotamus. Thereafter we went to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in search of the secretive African Finfoot which unfortunately proved elusive. We did however have great views of an obliging pair of Natal Francolin and spectacular views of a displaying Black-bellied Bustard.

Day 9, 27th January: Mkuzi Game Reserve. We spent the entire day in Mkuzi GR, one of the top birding destinations in Africa. Our stop at Ensumo Pan was particularly fruitful as we located a wide variety of waterbirds including nesting Pink-backed Pelicans, Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed, Woolly-necked and Openbill Storks, Comb Duck, Collared Pratincole and many waders. Our drives on the network of roads produced Lizard Buzzard, Bateleur, magnificent views of Crested Guineafowl, Spotted Thick-knee, a stunning pair of Purple-crested Turaco, Pearl-spotted Owlet, European and Lilac-breasted Rollers, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-collared and Crested Barbets, Eastern Nicator, Yellow-bellied and Burnt-neck Eremomelas and Gray-headed Bushshrike.
Kumasinga Hide was good as always with superb sightings of several African Pygmy-Kingfisher, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike and the rare endemic, Neergaard’s Sunbird. Our night drive produced stunning views of European, Square-tailed and Fiery-necked Nightjars.
Mammals seen included a Black Rhinoceros mother and calf and hundreds of Nyala. Other interesting sightings were of a Leopard Tortoise, Rock Monitor and Foam-nest Frog.

Day 10, 28th January: Mkuzi Game Reserve – Pongola Nature Reserve - Wakkerstroom.
An early start was essential today to find the crepuscular African Broadbill. After extensive searching we were finally rewarded with superb views of a displaying male. This was bird of the trip for John. We were fortunate to find the secretive Four-colored Bushshrike in the same area, a stunning bird, the name says it all! Later we enjoyed a magnificent adult White Rhinoceros. Thereafter we traveled to Pongola Nature Reserve and en route stopped at a view point where we had good scope views of African Elephant and Buffalo. Pongola, despite being a small reserve, always seems to produce good birds and this visit was no exception. We were treated to superb flight views of Secretary-bird, White-headed Vulture and Eurasian Hobby. Other birds of interest here included Red-crested Bustard, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Red-billed, Southern Yellow-billed and African Gray Hornbills, Arrow-marked Babbler, Olive-tree and Icterine Warblers and Magpie Shrike.
Finally we traveled to Wakkerstroom and en route found a male Montagu’s Harrier, Dusky Indigobird, and a Flap-necked Chameleon trying to cross the road. Approaching Wakkerstroom we stopped at some grassland where we had magnificent views of four White-bellied Bustards, a great way to end the day.

Day 11, 29th January: Wakkerstroom. In the early morning we spent time at various wetlands and grasslands searching for the specials in the area. Some of the highlights included seeing a Red-winged Francolin right next to the road, two Yellow-breasted and a Yellow-tufted Pipit (both elusive SA endemics), African Pied Starling, stunning display flights of Yellow-crowned Bishop – bird of the trip for Bob, a male Parasitic Weaver singing and several African Quailfinch on the ground. Next we went in search of Rudd’s Lark, the most endangered lark in the world, which showed really well and after some searching we were finally rewarded with good sightings of Botha’s and Spike-heeled Larks.
After a delicious breakfast we visited a wetland which produced all three species of SA Grebe, Intermediate Egret and White-backed and Maccoa Ducks. In the nearby grasslands we found a Lesser Kestrel and an unexpected Red-footed Falcon amongst hundreds of Amur Falcons, Gray-Crowned and Blue Cranes, Blue Bustard, Wattled Lapwing, Mountain Wheatear and Southern Anteater-Chat. Mammals of interest here include Yellow Mongoose and the charismatic Suricate. On our return we had great views of a flock of Bald Ibis flying to their roost, this making it all four species of ibis during one day.

Day 12, 30th January: Wakkerstroom – Doornkop Nature Reserve - Polokwane. Leaving early we traveled to Doornkop Nature Reserve. A temporary wetland en route was literally teeming with waterfowl and amongst the commoner species we found both Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Cape Teal and Southern Pochard. After extensive searching at Doornkop for the rare Short-tailed Pipit I thought our luck had run out. However we were finally rewarded with sightings of a pair, nearby.
Thereafter we traveled to Polokwane (previously Pietersburg) and en route stopped at yet another unscheduled site. This produced one of the real bonus birds of the tour, Taita Falcon. We were able to enjoy extended views of two flying above the cliffs and then great scope views of one perched. A magic way to end the day.

Day 13, 31st January: Polokwane – Nata. Today was mainly a travelling day but we enjoyed the early morning around Polokwane. The star bird here is the endemic Short-clawed Lark and we had great views of three displaying individuals which allowed for good video footage. Other birds seen here included Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Rufous-vented Warbler, displaying Desert Cisticolas and Black-throated Canary.
After breakfast we traveled north into Botswana. Some of the birds seen en route included large flocks of Abdim’s and Marabou Storks, the magnificent Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller and Lesser Gray Shrike.
En route to Nata, we stopped at a small koppie near Francistown where we had superb views of a pair of the unusual and unexpected Boulder Chat. Later that evening we enjoyed a memorable sighting of six Lesser Bush Baby’s whilst enjoying a drink at the bar.

Day 14, 1st February: Nata – Shakawe. This morning we enjoyed an early drive in the Nata Sanctuary, a protected area of grasslands on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This turned out to be one of the best mornings of the tour with the following superb sightings; up to six male Montagu’s Harriers seen quartering over the grasslands, several Greater Kestrels, Swainson’s Francolin, the impressive Kori Bustard, White-quilled Bustard, approximately thirty Caspian Plovers, Capped Wheatear, Double-banded and Temminck’s Coursers and to top it all a fantastic flock of Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, bird of the trip for Granville, drinking at a puddle in the road. Other interesting birds and mammals included Eastern Clapper Lark, Chestnut-backed and Gray-backed Sparrow-Larks, Gray-rumped Swallow, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Black-backed Jackal and small herds of Springbok.
Whilst enjoying breakfast we were treated to superb sightings of several new birds including Meyer’s Parrot, a family of Southern Pied-Babbler, Black-fronted Bulbul, Green-winged Pytilia, Shaft-tailed and Eastern Paradise Whydahs and Black-cheeked Waxbill.
Thereafter we traveled to Shakawe. Along the way we saw some interesting birds including two juvenile Gabar Goshawks, Fawn-colored Lark, Greater Whitethoat, Burchell’s and Meves’ Glossy-Starlings, Yellow-billed Oxpecker foraging on a donkey and Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver. Shortly after arriving at Shakawe we saw our first Coppery-tailed Coucal. Later we went on an evening boat cruise and on our return were greeted by a magnificent Pel’s Fishing-Owl, a tour highlight for everyone.

Day 15, 2nd February: Shakawe. On our early morning walk we found African Mourning Dove, another Pel’s Fishing-Owl which allowed great scope views, an African Wood-Owl right near camp, Woodland Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, White-rumped Babbler, White-browed Robin-Chat, Swamp Boubou, Holub’s Golden-Weaver and Brown Firefinch.
After breakfast we enjoyed a boat cruise which produced Purple and Rufous-bellied Heron and White-backed Night-Heron, African Pygmy-goose, Barn Owl, Malachite, Pied and Giant Kingfisher, White-fronted, Little and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and a stunning Wire-tailed Swallow.
We also enjoyed good sightings of Spotted-necked Otter and a female Sitatunga (a rarely seen aquatic antelope). In the early afternoon we took a walk behind the lodge and found Bearded Woodpecker, Red-billed Firefinch and a superb adult and juvenile Black Cuckoo. In the late afternoon we took another boat cruise and saw Little Bittern, Allen’s Gallinule, several Lesser Jacanas, Greater Swamp-Warbler, Luapula (recently split from Winding) and Chirping Cisticolas. After dinner, a short night drive produced Springhare and a lovely Southern White-faced Owl.

Day 16, 3rd February: Shakawe – Mahango Game Reserve – Popa Falls. An early morning walk around Shakawe produced a juvenile Little Sparrowhawk and a splendid African Barred Owlet. We then traveled to Mahango Game Reserve where we spent the remainder of the day. The Okavango floodplain was full of wildlife and of special note were Saddle-billed Stork, three superb Wattled Cranes and several Red Lechwe. In the surrounding woodland we found Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Red-billed Francolin, Bennett’s Woodpecker, the striking Crimson-breasted Gonolek, White-browed Sparrow-weaver at their untidy nests and Violet-eared Waxbill.
Just outside the reserve we found a bird party which contained Pied Barbet and Scarlet-chested and Mariqua Sunbirds.
Thereafter we moved on to Popa Falls where we found a pair of African Wood-Owl and on our night drive, several Rufous-cheeked Nightjars.

Day 17, 4th February: Popa Falls – Mahango Game Reserve – Caprivi Game Reserve. An early morning stroll down to the Okavango produced several Water Thick-knees and Rock Pratincoles. In the early morning we went back into Mahango Game Reserve where we found the rare Slaty Egret, African Pygmy-goose, Bateleur, Long-toed Lapwing, Pied Cuckoo, Gray-headed Kingfisher, Broad-billed Roller, Mosque Swallow, White-crowned Shrike and Gray-headed Sparrow. Near Mahango Lodge we located Red-headed Weaver, African Penduline-Tit, Temminck’s Courser and Lesser Honeyguide.
In the afternoon we visited the Caprivi Game Reserve and found several interesting birds including a majestic Martial Eagle perched next to the road, African Golden Oriole, Groundscraper Thrush and the stunning White-headed Black-Chat.

Day 18, 5th February: Popa Falls – Caprivi Game Reserve – Rundu. We left early for the drive to Rundu and saw some interesting birds en route including African Cuckoo-Hawk, Black-breasted Snake-Eagle, superb views of several Double-banded Sandgrouse, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Ashy Tit and White-crested and Retz’s Helmetshrikes. Nearing Rundu in the late afternoon we had great views of sixteen Marsh Owls hunting over a wetland.

Day 19, 6th February: Rundu – Rundu Purification Works – Etosha National Park, Namutoni Camp. An early morning start took us to some Miombo woodland near Rundu where we found the stunning Rufous-bellied Tit that obligingly allowed fantastic scope views. We also found Gray Cisticola and a superb male Klaas’ Cuckoo in the same area.
After breakfast we traveled to the Rundu Purification Works which produced some great wetland species including the rare Dwarf Bittern, seen exceptionally well as it perched on top of a dead Acacia tree. Other interesting birds seen here were Lesser Moorhen and Greater Painted-snipe. In the nearby woodland we found a superb male Cut-throat. Thereafter we traveled to Etosha National Park and en route saw several Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Bateleur and Red-crested Bustard.

Day 20, 7th February: Namutoni. We departed early for the drive around Namutoni that produced three superb Dusky Larks, two juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoos, Carp’s Tit and hundreds of Chestnut Weavers. En route to Andoni plains we stopped on the edge of Etosha Pan. Here we found a fantastic accumulation of waterbirds including several Eared Grebes, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, South African Shelduck, Lesser Moorhen, Greater Painted-snipe, Black-winged Stilt, Marsh and Wood Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and Ruff. In the grasslands around Andoni we found Lappet-faced, White-backed and White-headed Vultures.
In the afternoon we took a drive around Fisher’s Pan where we enjoyed superb views of a huge bull African Elephant. In the late afternoon we took a drive around the Klein Namutoni loop. Here we had an incredible experience. Whilst waiting for the rain to stop, an Impala ram suddenly jumped into the road with a young female Leopard hanging from his throat. He promptly ran towards us and actually hit the back of our vehicle. Quite a commotion ensued as people were dashing around for cameras. A little while later the Impala threw off the Leopard and disappeared into the bushes. The Leopard followed but gave up almost immediately and we had great views of her as she walked out into the open. You could almost see the disgruntled look on her face. To add to the confusion several Black-lored Babblers were calling and gave brief views during this once in a lifetime experience.

Day 21, 8th February: Namutoni – Halali. We started off with a drive near Namutoni where we had good views of several diminutive Kirk’s Dik-dik and brief views of a flock of Black-lored Babblers. We then headed out to Andoni plains where we found Tawny Eagle, Red-capped and Pink-billed Larks and Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark. We then traveled to Halali Camp and en route saw Martial Eagle, Blue Crane, Red-crested Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, a superb pair of Burchell’s Sandgrouse and a displaying Barred Camaroptera. Mammals seen included Slender and Banded Mongoose and huge numbers of Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest and Gemsbok. In the afternoon we had superb views of a family of Violet Woodhoopoe in the camp, a roosting African Scops-Owl, several White-crowned Shrike and an Ovambo Tree Skink.

Day 22, 9th February: Halali – Okaukuejo. An early morning walk around Halali produced the only Bare-cheeked Babbler of the trip and we also had superb scope views of a male Red-footed Falcon. After breakfast we did a drive near Halali and had fantastic views of a pair of Red-necked Falcon, several Ludwig’s and Kori Bustards and Double-banded Courser.
Thereafter we traveled towards Okaukuejo and along the way saw Pale Chanting-Goshawk, Shikra, Lesser Spotted Eagle, a superb Rufous-eared Warbler and Rufous Sparrow.
Around the camp we found several inquisitive South African Ground Squirrels which allowed superb video footage and, at the floodlit waterhole, several Black Rhinoceros came down to drink.

Day 23, 10th February: Okaukuejo – Omaruru. We spent the early morning on a drive north of Okaukuejo and found huge numbers of Abdim’s Stork, several Secretary-birds, the diminutive Pygmy Falcon, a large flock of Spotted Thick-knees, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Red-headed Finch and a group of seven Spotted Hyaena.
Thereafter we traveled to Omaruru via Tandala Ridge Wildlife Lodge and Uis. At Tandala Ridge we were rewarded with outstanding views of the seldom seen Orange River Francolin. An obliging pair allowed Janis to get some superb video footage. Not content with this Tim took us to an area where we located a small group of the elusive Hartlaub’s Francolin. Other birds of interest at the lodge were many Namibian specials including our first Monteiro’s Hornbill, Short-toed Rock-Thrush and the unusual Dassie Rat.
We then took the less traveled route to Uis where we had stunning views of one of Namibia’s most difficult endemics, Herero Chat. This area also produced a newly described lark, Benguela Long-billed Lark and a superb pair of Augur Buzzards perched on a koppie next to the road.

Day 24, 11th February: Omaruru – Walvis Bay. A pre-dawn start was essential for us to get a shot at Freckled Nightjar. Fortunately they were very obliging and we had good views of one in the spotlight. Our next stop before breakfast was a nearby riverbed where we found a pair of the scarce and endemic Ruppell’s Parrot, the only ones of the trip.
After breakfast we enjoyed a relaxed time around the lodge. Specials seen here included Hartlaub’s Francolin, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike, Pale-winged Starling, Dusky Sunbird and the brightly coloured Namibian Rock Agama.
Thereafter we traveled south towards Walvis Bay and had a good sighting of a large flock of Bradfield’s Swift near Usakos. At Spitzkoppe we enjoyed good views of a pair of the elusive Southern Penduline-Tit. Travelling through the Namib-Naukluft Park we saw several Rueppell’s Bustards and a fast disappearing Suricate. Nearing Walvis Bay we were treated to vast columns of Cape Cormorant flying along the coastline and several Damara Terns on the sand dunes.

Day 25, 12th February: Walvis Bay – Rooibank – Swakopmund. An early morning start took us to Rooibank where we had fantastic views of at least three Dune Larks. After breakfast we traveled to Swakopmund Salt Works and in this area we found seven Gray’s Larks. The rest of the day was spent birding around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. The Swakopmund Salt Works was teeming with birds and there were large numbers of Eared Grebe, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Cape Teal, African Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit, a single Common Redshank – a national rarity, Red Knot, two Red-necked Phalarope and Hartlaub’s Gull.

Day 26, 13th February: Walvis Bay – Swakopmund – Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve.
An early morning drive to Paaltjies produced many Chestnut-banded Plovers and good numbers of other more common waders. We also saw White-chinned Petrel and Cory’s Shearwaters out at sea. We then traveled over the Khomas Hogland mountains to Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve. Along the way we enjoyed our only sighting of a truly wild Ostrich. This area also produced several Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and a large flock of Stark’s Larks.

Day 27, 14th February: Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve – Grunau. During an early walk in the reserve we saw Black-crowned Night-Heron, Little Bittern, Bearded Woodpecker, Short-toed Rock-Thrush, Rockrunner, Rufous-vented Warbler, Black-chested Prinia, Long-billed Pipit, Crimson-breasted Gonolek, Pale-winged Starling, African Masked-Weaver, Shaft-tailed and Pin-tailed Whydah.
After breakfast we made our way to Grunau and found Ludwig’s Bustard, Karoo Bustard and Namaqua Sandgrouse along the way. Arriving at our lodge we were delighted (well some of us anyway) to find a Black Spitting Cobra.

Day 28, 15th February: Grunau – Springbok. An early morning walk around our lodging produced several Karoo Scrub-Robin, Karoo Bustard and a superb male Pygmy Falcon. We then traveled south to Springbok via Port Nolloth. En route we had a superb sighting of a pair of Lappet-faced Vulture which were sitting in a field near the road. Nearing the coast we found Booted Eagle and Karoo Lark.
At Port Nolloth we saw Crowned Cormorant and several Cape Fur Seals. We then traveled north towards Alexandra Bay and had great views of several Cape Lark and the recently described Barlow’s Lark, the latter a highly range-restricted endemic.

Day 29, 16th February: Springbok – Brandvlei. An early morning stroll around the lodge produced some great sightings including Pied Barbet, Gray Tit, Cape Bulbul, Layard’s Warbler, Red-headed Cisticola, Pale-winged Starling, a superb pair of Damara Canary (recently split from Black-headed Canary) and several Western Rock Elephant-shrews and Smith’s Red Rock Rabbit.
After breakfast we traveled to Goegap Nature Reserve and found Pale Chanting-Goshawk, Mountain Wheatear, a small flock of Yellow-rumped Eremomela, Fairy Warbler, the enigmatic Kopje Warbler, Pririt Batis, Bokmakierie and Scaly Weaver.
En route to Brandvlei we found Karoo Long-billed Lark, Karoo Thrush (recently split from Olive Thrush), Black-breasted Snake-Eagle, Martial Eagle, an impressive Ludwig’s Bustard, a large flock of Black-eared Sparrow-Lark, Social Weaver, Lark-like Bunting, and several Klipspringer.

Day 30, 17th February: Brandvlei – Kenhardt. Our early morning drive on a loop road near Brandvlei was extremely successful and produced some great birds including large flocks of Namaqua Sandgrouse. At a water trough we found the elusive endemic Sclater’s Lark, Red-capped and Large-billed Larks, Karoo Chat, Chat Flycatcher, Yellow, White-throated and the nomadic Black-headed Canaries.
After breakfast we traveled up to Kenhardt where we had superb views of Orange River White-eye and on our return drive Northern Black and Karoo Bustard and Yellow-bellied Eremomela. In the late afternoon we did a short drive that produced Rufous-eared Warbler and Ferruginous Lark.

Day 31, 18th February: Brandvlei – Velddrift via Nieuwoudtville. We left Brandvlei early heading south towards Velddrift and en route stopped near Calvinia where we found the endemic Namaqua Prinia. Nearing Nieuwoudtville we found nineteen Burchell’s Coursers in stubble fields near the road. This was one of the top birds of the trip as we had searched extensively throughout Namibia without success. Next stop was Nieuwoudtville waterfall where we scoped several Cape Siskins and had superb views of our only Black Stork.
Thereafter we traveled to Paleisheuwel where on arrival we found the elusive Protea Canary.
Moving on to Velddrift, we found large numbers of waterbirds including Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Chestnut-banded Plover and Red-necked Phalarope. Around Velddrift other birds seen include a Booted Eagle with prey, Greater Kestrel, Cape Francolin, Namaqua Dove and White-backed Mousebird. On our night drive we found twenty Barn Owls, several Bat-eared Fox, Zorilla, African Wild Cat and Cape Grysbok.

Day 32, 19th February: Velddrift – Tienie Versveld Nature Reserve – West Coast National Park – Cape Town. We departed early for the drive south to Tienie Versveld Nature Reserve where we had great views of Cloud Cisticola. We then moved on to Yzerfontein where we found Crowned, Bank and Cape Cormorants and nearby Cape Clapper Lark, Cape Penduline-Tit, Cape Bulbul and Black Bustard.
Moving on to West Coast National Park we had stunning views of a Black Harrier flying right next to the road. Other birds seen here included African Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Egyptian Goose, South African Shelduck, Black-shouldered Kite, Eurasian Curlew and Red Knot. During lunch we had fantastic views of Cape Weaver and Cape Francolin, the latter even taking food from our hands.
We then drove down to Cape Town in the afternoon and enjoyed the African Penguin spectacle at Boulders.

Day 33, 20th February: Cape Town – Swellendam – De Hoop Nature Reserve. We made an early start for Sir Lowry’s Pass and had a fantastic morning. Some of the interesting species seen included good scope views of Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, Black Goshawk, unbelievable views of Hottentot Buttonquail walking on the track in front of us, Rufous Rock-jumper, Victorin’s Scrub-Warbler, as many as twenty Cape Sugarbirds, the stunning Orange-breasted Sunbird and Cape Siskin.
We then traveled to Swellendam and had superb views of a flock of Blue Cranes, and both Agulhas Clapper and Long-billed Larks. Near De Hoop we found Stanley Bustard, Black Bustard and Karoo Bustard.

Day 34, 21st February: Pelagic and Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Today we enjoyed a pelagic seabird trip off Cape Town and it was another very successful outing. Some of the birds and mammals we saw included African Penguin, Black-browed, Shy, Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Southern Giant, White-chinned and the rare Spectacled Petrel, Cory’s, Sooty, Manx and Greater Shearwater, Wilson’s and European Storm-Petrel, Cape Gannet, Brown Skua, Pomarine, Parasitic and Long-tailed Jaeger, Sabine’s Gull and Bryde’s Whale.
In the afternoon we visited Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where we saw more Cape Sugarbirds and Orange-breasted Sunbirds. Other interesting sightings here included Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Grassbird, Eland and Bontebok.

Day 35, 22nd February: Constantia Nek, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and departure. We spent the early morning at Constantia Nek where we had brief views of a Mountain Buzzard flying over the road. We then went to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and after a lot of searching had brief views of the elusive Knysna Scrub-Warbler. In the gardens we saw a Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk and a pair of Verreaux’s Eagle flying along the mountain slopes. Finally our African adventure drew to a close and the tour ended at Cape Town International Airport.

E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, BE = Breeding-endemic

BIRDS (660 species)

Ostrich Struthio camelus
Our highest count of the trip was of 35 birds in Etosha National Park on our drive from Halali to Okaukuejo. A highlight was however of seeing a single truly wild Ostrich in the Namib-Naukluft National Park on the 13 February. Many Ostriches have been reintroduced to National Parks and Game Reserves and of course also farmed in many areas, so it was particularly pleasing to see a wild Ostrich in the middle of the Namib Desert.
NOTE: The subspecies S. c. molybdophanes of dry East Africa is regarded by some authorities as a distinct species; Somali Ostrich. The form we observed would remain with the nominate Common Ostrich S. camelus. Clements does not as yet recognise this split.

Jackass (African) Penguin (NE) Spheniscus demersus
Good numbers of 500+ were encountered around our lodging at Boulders on the Cape Peninsula and several were seen on the pelagic trip. It must be said that one of the highlights of the trip was watching these curious creatures at point blank range.

Little Grebe (Dabchick) Tachybaptus ruficollis
Widespread and possible on any body of fresh water. Many sightings with largest numbers at Fickland Pan, Wakkerstroom (200).

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Ten at Fickland Pan, Wakkerstroom and four at Swakopmund Salt Works.

Eared (Black-necked) Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Six at Fickland Pan, Wakkerstroom, up to sixty near Namutoni in Etosha National Park and a fantastic count of 350+ at Swakopmund Salt Works.

Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
Both adults and juveniles were seen on the pelagic trip off Cape Town with a total of twenty observed.

Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta
The commonest of the albatrosses with as many as one hundred seen on the pelagic. We enjoyed stunning views of adults and juveniles flying right past the boat, and others sitting on the water as they waited for the nets to be lifted by the trawlers.
NOTE: Some authorities split the Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta, the one we observed, into two further species, Salvin’s Albatross T.c..salvini and Chatham Island Albatross T.c.erimita. Clements does not as yet recognise this split.

[Atlantic] Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos
We enjoyed superb views of two adults on the pelagic. The head of this species is suffused with grey and was particularly noticeable.
NOTE: Some authorities split the Yellow-nosed Albatross into the Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross T. chlororhynchos, the nominate form, and the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross T. carteri. Clements does not as yet recognise this split.

[Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross] Thalassarche [chlororhynchos] carteri
Three adult birds seen well.
NOTE: refer to the above species.

(Southern) Antarctic Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus
Two birds were seen very well as they sat on the water waiting for the trawlers to haul in their fishing nets.

White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis
Fairly common with superb sightings of some from the back of the boat.

Spectacled Petrel Procellaria conspicillata
We were extremely fortunate to see two sitting on the water near a trawler on our pelagic seabird trip. A rare and critically endangered species which only breeds on Inaccesible Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
NOTE: It used to be considered conspecific with White-chinned Petrel (P.aequinoctialis) but is now considered a full species.

Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
Superb views of many as they flew within metres of the boat off the cape.

Greater (Great) Shearwater Puffinus gravis
Great views of this handsome pelagic species which was observed fairly frequently in deeper waters off the cape.

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
Great views of at least thirty birds which were seen in rafts on the water and also in flight where there distinctive silvery underwings were particularly noticeable.

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
Three birds were seen fairly well as they sped past the boat whilst we were enjoying the spectacle of hundreds of birds around the trawlers.
NOTE: Yelkouan Shearwater (P.yelkouan) has recently been split from Manx Shearwater P.puffinus.

Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
Good numbers were seen at close range as they flew close to the boat with their typical feet pattering flight.

European Storm-Petrel Fregetta pelagicus
One bird was seen amongst several Wilson’s Storm-Petrels whilst observing hundreds of birds around the trawlers.

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Peak numbers of eighty birds were seen in the Walvis Bay area.

Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
One was seen at the St Lucia estuary, with a further 250 breeding at Ensumo Pan in Mkuzi Game Reserve. There are only two regular breeding populations in Southern Africa, the one we observed at Mkuzi and the other is in the Okavango Swamps in Botswana. The global population is estimated to be between 4000 and 6000 pairs.

Cape Gannet (BE) Morus capensis
Five birds were seen from Paaltjies at Walvis Bay and as many as one hundred birds were seen on the pelagic. One of only six Southern African breeding endemics.

Great (White-breasted) Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (lucidus)
This species was seen at several localities including wetland sites both at the coast and inland.
Peak numbers were of 400 at Veldrift Salt Works, with further sightings of thirty at Walvis Bay, thirty seen shortly after leaving the harbour on the pelagic and fifteen at St Lucia estuary, with smaller numbers at several other sights.
NOTE: The white-breasted African subspecies of the widely distributed Great Cormorant P. carbo is sometimes considered a different species; P. lucidus.

Cape Cormorant (BE) Phalacrocorax capensis
As many as ten thousand birds were seen in the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund areas and five thousand during the pelagic seabird trip.

Bank Cormorant (E) Phalacrocorax neglectus
We enjoyed scope views of three birds at Yzerfontein and a further eight birds during the pelagic seabird trip.

Long-tailed (Reed) Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
Recorded on most days at almost all wetlands sites in Eastern South Africa. Peak numbers of 50 were recorded in the Kokstad area on the 20th January.

Crowned Cormorant (NE) Phalacrocorax coronatus
Our first sighting was of two birds at Port Nolloth with further sightings of four at both Yzerfontein and during the pelagic seabird trip.

(African) Darter Anhinga melanogaster (rufa)
Seen at almost all fresh water localities with peak numbers of thirty at Shakawe.
NOTE: The resident African form P. rufa is sometimes lumped with the Asian P. melanogaster and the enlarged species called Darter. Clements uses the latter treatment of lumping these forms.

Gray Heron Ardea cinerea
Seen at most localities, with peak numbers of six on the 13th February in the Walvis Bay area and at Daan Viljoen NR.

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Commonly recorded throughout Eastern South Africa on an almost daily basis, with good numbers in the Creighton and Karkloof areas.

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Our first sighting of the largest heron in the world was of a single at Midmar Dam NR, with further sightings of three at Mkuzi, two at Shakawe and five in Mahango GR.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Two were seen near St Lucia, with a further five at Wakkerstroom and peak numbers of 32 were seen at Shakawe, most of which were small groups flying over to their roost sites in the late afternoon.
NOTE: The Cape Verde Islands A. p. bournei is sometimes split off as Cape Verde Purple Heron or Bourne’s Heron.

Great (White) Egret Ardea alba
Seen at many wetland sites but always in small numbers. We enjoyed excellent sightings of several in Mkuzi and Mahango Game Reserves.
NOTE: The nominate Old World Great Egret may be split from the New World A. a. egretta which would become American Egret. This split is as yet not recognised by Clements.

Slaty Egret (NE) Egretta vinaceigula
We enjoyed sightings of a single bird on successive days at Mahango Game Reserve and then two birds on the opposite side of the river on the 5th February when spending a day in the Caprivi Game Reserve.

Intermediate (Yellow-billed) Egret Egretta intermedia
We enjoyed superb views of three birds in Wakkerstroom.
NOTE: This group may be split into 3 species, the Africa Yellow-billed Egret (E. brachyrhyncha) (the form we recorded), Plumed Egret (E. plumifera) and the nominate Intermediate Egret. This split is as yet not recognised by Clements.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Our first encounter was in Albert Falls Nature Reserve with several more seen in Mkuzi and Mahango Game Reserves.
NOTE: Clements lumps Little, Western Reef (E. gularis) and Madagascar’s Dimorphic (E. dimorpha) Egret into a single species. This treatment is not widely accepted.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Peak numbers of six birds were recorded at the following sites; Mkuzi GR, Mahango GR and Rundu Purification Works.

Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris
We enjoyed superb views of one bird on the Okavango River during the boat trip at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Commonly recorded throughout Eastern South Africa on a daily basis.
NOTE: This group may be split into 2 species, the nominate Common Cattle Egret and the Asian/Australasian Eastern Cattle Egret (E. coromanda). This split is as yet not recognised by Clements.

Striated (Green-backed) Heron Butorides striatus
Up to eight birds were seen at Shakawe, with further sightings at Mahango GR and Rundu Purification Works.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticcorax nycticorax
Our first sighting was of one at a dam near Kokstad, with further sightings of three at Wakkerstroom, peak numbers of twenty at Shakawe, five at Namutoni Camp in Etosha NP and finally two on consecutive days in Daan Viljoen NR.

White-backed Night-Heron Gorsachius leuconotus
Up to four birds were seen on our boat cruises on the Okavango River at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Three birds were seen at Shakawe Fishing Camp in Botswana and a single bird was seen very well as we enjoyed scope views of it at a dam in Daan Viljoen NR.

Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
We enjoyed superb scope views of an adult at Rundu Purification Works. We were very fortunate to see this elusive and nomadic species as it was to be the only sighting of the trip.

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
This unusual bird, which is placed in its own family – Scopidae, was seen at most localities, and we found it to be most common along the river in Mahango Game Reserve. We also observed their enormous nest structure on several occasions.

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
We observed twenty feeding at the flooded Ensumo Pan in Mkuzi GR, these were to be the only ones of the trip.

African Openbill (-ed Stork) Anastomus lamelligerus
We enjoyed excellent scope views of up to fifteen at Mkuzi GR, with peak numbers of ninety on the floodplain at Mahango Game Reserve.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra
We observed one bird flying near Nieuwoudtville Waterfall. Although fairly widespread this is a particularly scarce bird in Southern Africa, where it is a resident cliff-nesting species.

Abdim’s Stork Ciconia abdimii
We first encountered them in good numbers, 160 on the drive from Polokwane to Nata Lodge. Further sightings included exceptional numbers in Etosha National Park, 500 on the drive from Halali to Okaukuejo and 300 the following day around Okaukuejo. Peak numbers of 800 were seen on the drive from Omaruru to Walvis Bay.

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
We found five around the coastal town of Mtunzini with a further two at Mkuzi Game Reserve.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia
We observed small numbers throughout the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands with peak numbers of one hundred in the Creighton area.

Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
One of these magnificent birds was seen in Mahango Game Reserve.

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
We recorded this species at several localities with peak numbers of fifty on the drive from Polokwane to Nata Lodge in Botswana.

Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
Commonly recorded at wetlands throughout Eastern South Africa and the South Western Cape, with highest numbers of sixty on the drive from Velddrift to Cape Town.
NOTE: The Malagasy T. e. bernieri and Aldabran T. e. abbotti are sometimes split off as Madagascar White Ibis (T. bernieri)

Bald Ibis (E) Geronticus calvus
Our first sighting of this stunning endemic was of two birds in Creighton. The following day, we saw up to forty in Lesotho and later 73 in the Wakkerstroom area. One of the world’s greatest birds !

Hadada Ibis (Hadeda) Bostrychia hagedash
This noisy bird was recorded daily at all locations throughout Eastern South Africa.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Our first sighting was of three at Mkuzi Game Reserve with peak numbers of forty seen in the Wakkerstroom vlei.

African Spoonbill Platalea alba
We found our first ones, a group of six at Midmar Dam NR, with good numbers of 25 at Wakkerstroom and 22 on the drive from Velddrift to Cape Town.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
Our first flock of 69 were found at a roadside pan near Carolina en route to Polokwane, good numbers of 1000 were seen at Fisher’s Pan near Namutoni in Etosha National Park and 800 at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
NOTE: Old World P. roseus may be distinct from New World P. ruber.

Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
Our first sighting was of five at a roadside pan near Carolina, with good numbers of 4000 and 1000 on consecutive days at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Small numbers were seen at several localities in Eastern South Africa with peak numbers of fifty at Ensumo Pan in Mkuzi Game Reserve.

White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
Our first sighting was of two birds at a roadside pan en route from St Lucia to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, with a further sighting of four at Fickland Pan near Wakkerstroom.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Commonly recorded at wetlands throughout Southern Africa, with highest numbers of five hundred on the drive from Velddrift to Cape Town.

South African Shelduck (E) Tadorna cana
We enjoyed good views of a magnificent pair at a roadside dam in Creighton and later as many as forty on Fisher’s Pan near Namutoni in Etosha NP.

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Commonly recorded at wetlands throughout Eastern South Africa, with sightings in the Creighton, Karkloof, Mkuzi and Wakkerstroom areas. Peak numbers of fifty were seen at Midmar Dam GR.

Comb (Knob-billed) Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
Our first sighting was of one bird at Kumasinga Hide in Mkuzi GR with a superb sighting of five in Mahango GR.

African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auritus
We had a fantastic sighting of 25 birds on the boat trips at Shakawe Fishing Camp, with further sightings of two and four on consecutive days at Mahango GR.

African Black Duck Anas sparsa
Our first sighting of this scarce river duck, was of a stunning pair at Oribi Gorge, we had only one further sighting, a single bird flying over Shelter Falls at dusk in Umgeni Valley NR.

Cape Teal Anas capensis
Two seen at a roadside pan near Carolina on our drive from Wakkerstroom to Polokwane, were our first ones with further sightings of 25 in Etosha and 50 at Swakopmund.

Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata
Commonly recorded at wetlands throughout Eastern South Africa, with highest numbers of over one hundred in the Kokstad and Creighton areas.

Red-billed Duck (Teal) Anas erythrorhyncha
We first found a pair at Franklin vlei, with peak numbers of twenty in Wakkerstroom.

Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota
We found small numbers in the Mkuzi, Wakkerstroom and Rundu areas with peak numbers of twenty seen in the Creighton and Namutoni areas.

Cape Shoveler (NE) Anas smithii
This near-endemic was encountered for the first time in the Kokstad area, where two birds were seen with further sightings of up to twenty in Wakkerstroom.

Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma
We only encountered small numbers of this uncommon species in the Wakkerstroom area.

Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa
Our only sighting was of six seen on Fickland Pan in the Wakkerstroom area.

African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides
We enjoyed good sightings of a single bird in flight on our drive through the Caprivi GR

Black-shouldered (-winged) Kite Elanus caeruleus
Recorded on most days at most sites throughout Southern Africa. We had great sightings of several at close quarters as they perched on fence posts next to the road in the Wakkerstroom and Brandvlei areas.

Black Kite Milvus migrans
Our first sighting was of one bird on the drive from Polokwane to Nata with a further three on the drive from Omaruru to Walvis Bay.
NOTE: The locally breeding form of the Black Kite M. migrans is considered by most authorities as a distinct species, (M. parasitus.)

[Yellow-billed Kite] Milvus [migrans] parasitus
Recorded on most days at most sites throughout the tour, except in Etosha NP and the Northern Cape. We saw particularly good numbers near Albert Falls NR, where birds were feeding on offal from an abattoir.
NOTE: Refer to previous species.

African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Our first sighting was of a pair at Midmar Dam NR and thereafter we saw several in the Zululand Game Reserves and Mahango GR. Peak numbers were six at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
We enjoyed superb views of one juvenile atop a Raffia Palm in Mtunzini.

Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) Gypaetus barbatus
We were fortunate to find one individual of this world-class raptor on our way down Sani Pass.

(African) White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
We found our first five birds in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, with several more in Mkuzi GR and small numbers in Etosha National Park.

Cape Griffon (Vulture) (BE) Gyps coprotheres
We saw eight birds in the Umzimkulu Valley near Oribi Gorge, a further five at Sani Pass and finally one at De Hoop NR.

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
Our first sighting was of two birds around Namutoni in Etosha NP, with three in the same area the following day. However the most spectacular sighting was finding two in a field in good early morning light between Grunau and Springbok.

White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis
We had a magnificent sighting of a pair soaring in Pongola NR, with further sightings around Namutoni in Etosha NP. The females white secondaries were clearly visible (this is the only vulture to display sexual dimorphism.)

Black-breasted Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
Our first sighting was of a superb juvenile perched on a dead tree in Botswana en route to Nata, with further sightings of small numbers on most days in Namibia and several in the Northern Cape. We enjoyed excellent views of an adult perched and then flying near Brandvlei.
NOTE: This resident Central and Southern African species is regarded by some authorities to be a form of Short-toed Eagle C. gallicus.

Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus
Our first sighting was of a bird perched on a dead tree near St Lucia, this bird allowed us good scope views. We enjoyed further sightings in Mkuzi Game Reserve, Northern Botswana and finally three in Etosha NP.

Fasciated (Southern Banded) Snake-Eagle Circaetus fasciolatus
We observed this rare eagle in St Lucia, where its presence was given away by mobbing birds. We had extended scope views of this scarce bird at very close range and it was certainly one of the top birds of the trip.

Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
Several birds were seen in the Zululand game reserves of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and Mkuzi. We enjoyed good sightings of small numbers each day whilst at Shakawe, Mahango GR, Caprivi NP and Etosha NP. One of the world’s classiest raptors!

African Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus
We enjoyed good views of several in the following areas; Kokstad, Franklin Vlei, Creighton, Wakkerstroom and Mahango GR. A total of seventeen birds were seen.

Black Harrier (E) Circus maurus
We had stunning views of our first one as it flew alongside us en route to Tienie Versveld NR. A real gem !!! We enjoyed sightings of a further three inside the West Coast NP.

Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
The first sighting was of a male en route to Wakkerstroom but our best sightings included an incredible six males in the Nata Sanctuary in Botswana.

African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus
Good views were had of two adults flying near Oribi Gorge with another great sighting of two juveniles at Xumeni Forest in Donnybrook. Peak numbers were three birds on the drive from Popa Falls to Rundu via the Caprivi GR.

Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
We were fortunate to have excellent views of one next to the road in Mkuzi Game Reserve, this was to be our only sighting of the trip.

Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates
We enjoyed scope views of our first one in Mahango GR, and later several more were seen in Mahango and Caprivi Game Reserves.

(Southern) Pale Chanting-Goshawk (NE) Melierax canorus
We enjoyed sightings of this near-endemic on virtually every day in Namibia and the Northern Cape. Peak numbers were 16 seen on the drive from Brandvlei to Velddrift..

Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar
We enjoyed scope views of two juveniles at our lunch stop on the drive from Nata to Shakawe followed by stunning views of melanistic birds near Shakawe and in the Caprivi GR.

African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro
One bird was seen displaying in Mkuzi GR.
NOTE: The West African forms are sometimes separated as Red-chested Goshawk (A. tousseneli).

Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk) Accipiter badius
Our first sighting was of one bird in the Caprivi GR with further excellent sightings of three birds in Etosha National Park.
NOTE: The Northern Shikra A. b. sphenurus is considered distinct by some authorities from the southern African Southern Shikra A. b. polyzonoides. These forms may also be split from the Asian nominate A. b. badius and other Asian forms. Clements does not as yet recognise any of these splits.

Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus
Two juvenile birds were seen on consecutive days at Shakawe Fishing Camp with a final sighting in Etosha NP.

Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris
We had good views of a bird flying near Creighton and then again at the end of the trip when we had superb flight and perched views of one at Sir Lowry’s Pass and another soaring at Kirstenbosch on our final morning.

Black Goshawk (Black Sparrowhawk) Accipiter melanoleucus
We had superb views of two adult birds on the 23rd January, the first perched in a dead wattle tree at Impendle NR and the second sitting on a rock in perfect late afternoon light in Midmar Dam GR.

Eurasian (Steppe) Buzzard Buteo buteo
A bird that was encountered in small numbers on virtually every day of the tour.
NOTE: Steppe buzzard (B.b.vulpinus) is sometimes considered distinct from the nominate Eurasian Buzzard B.buteo..

Mountain (Forest) Buzzard (E) Buteo trizonatus
One bird was seen very briefly flying over the road near Constantia Nek.

Augur Buzzard Buteo augur
We enjoyed good views of two birds perched on rocks near Uis en route to Omaruru.
These were surprisingly the only ones of the trip.

Jackal Buzzard (E) Buteo rufofuscus
Small numbers were seen daily in the KZN Midlands and in the Northern Cape.
Peak numbers of this attractive endemic raptor, were eight seen on the day up Sani Pass.

Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
Two birds were seen feeding on termites near Okaukuejo in Etosha NP.

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
As many as seven were seen at a carcass near Namutoni in Etosha NP.
NOTE: The nominate African Tawny Eagle A. r. rapax may be split from the Asian Tawny Eagle A. r. vindhiana. This split is as yet not recognised by Clements.

Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi
Several seen in Mkuzi GR with nice views of a pale morph individual in Mahango GR.

Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle Aquila verreauxii
Our first sighting was of one at Mt Currie NR, with another sighting of a pair in the northern Drakensberg, three birds en route from Nieuwoudtville to Velddrift and finally our best sighting of a pair flying low along some cliffs near Grunau.

African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster
We enjoyed superb views of a juvenile flying near Namutoni in Etosha NP and another at Tandala Ridge Wildlife Lodge.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
Our first sighting was of one en route from Polokwane to Nata but our best sightings were to come, with one adult flying near the road on our drive to Port Nolloth and another seen perched in a field at Velddrift.

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus
We were lucky to see a total of six birds on the trip. This is another species which requires a huge territory and this species numbers have declined in the last twenty years.
Our first encounter was of two in the Umzimkulu Valley near Oribi Gorge, with a further superb sighting of two in the Caprivi GR one of which was perched right next to the road, a magnificent adult perched near Namutoni and finally one on the drive from Springbok to Brandvlei.

Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
A total of seventeen seen in the KZN Midlands with some superb sightings of birds perched on roadside fences and telephone poles.

Crowned Hawk-Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus
An adult was seen soaring at Oribi Gorge, This magnificent bird, Africa’s most powerful raptor, specializes in hunting monkeys.

Secretary-bird Sagittarius serpentarius
We were very fortunate to see a total of nine on this tour. Our first one was seen near Franklin Vlei, with further sightings of a pair in Mt. Currie NR, one in Mkuzi GR, two in Pongola NR and the last sighting of three seen very well around Okaukuejo in Etosha NP. These birds require large open spaces of grassland or savanna and due to the reduction in these habitats their numbers are declining.

Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus
We enjoyed superb sightings of two near Okaukuejo in Etosha NP and a further sighting of a male near Grunau.

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
One female was seen and scoped in Wakkerstroom with a further sighting of one male en route from Halali to Okaukuejo.

Eurasian (Rock/Common) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Three seen well in Wakkerstroom with further sightings of small numbers daily in the Northern Cape.

Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides
We enjoyed good views of three birds at the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana with peak numbers of twelve seen on the drive from Brandvlei to Velddrift.

Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
We had an incredible sighting of a pair perched in a dead tree in early morning light near Okaukuejo in Etosha NP.

(Western) Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
We were fortunate to find one female amongst a huge flock of several hundred in Wakkerstroom. The only other sighting was of a superb male which was scoped from the viewpoint above Halali in Etosha NP.

Amur (Eastern Red-footed) Falcon Falco amurensis
Excellent numbers were seen in the KZN Midlands with peak numbers of 1100 in the Wakkerstroom area.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
Our first encounter of this migratory species was of two birds in Pongola NR, with further sightings in Mahango GR, Caprivi GR and peak numbers of eight in Etosha NP.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Our first sighting was at Sani Pass where we observed three flying along the escarpment.
Other sightings included three in the Wakkerstroom area, daily encounters in the Northern Cape including peak numbers of eight on the trip to Port Nolloth.

Taita Falcon Falco fasciinucha
We enjoyed a spectacular sighting of two birds flying around their nest and later one perched which allowed great scope views. One of Africa’s rarest raptors.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
A bird was seen flying near the airstrip in Mkuzi GR. A national rarity.

Coqui Francolin Francolinus coqui
Four birds were seen well in Albert Falls Nature Reserve.

Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena
We enjoyed superb sightings in Zululand the first a group of four near Bonamanzi and later more in Mkuzi GR.

Red-winged Francolin Francolinus levaillantii
We obtained decent views of one on our early morning drive in Wakkerstroom.

Gray-winged Francolin (E) Francolinus africanus
We had good views of a covey of seven, on top of Sani Pass.

Orange River Francolin Scleoptila levaillantoides
One of the highlights of the trip was having spectacular views of a pair at Tandala Ridge Wildlife Lodge. They were so obliging that we were able to get superb video footage.

Hartlaub’s Francolin (NE) Pternistes hartlaubi
Stunning scope views of three birds were obtained at Erongo Wilderness Lodge with our only other sighting being of three at Tandala Ridge Wildlife Lodge.

Red-billed Francolin (NE) Pternistes adspersus
Our first great sighting was of one on the road at Shakawe Fishing Camp with further sightings in Mahango GR, Etosha NP and Daan Viljoen GR.

Cape Francolin (E) Pternistes capensis
We enjoyed excellent views of many in Velddrift and the West Coast NP
Some individuals were incredibly tame at the latter site and they were even hand fed whilst we enjoyed lunch.

Natal Francolin (NE) Francolinus natalensis
We had magnificent views of a very co-operative pair in Hluhluwe GR after only having a fleeting glimpse at Howick Falls.

Red-necked Francolin (Spurfowl) Francolinus afer
We were very fortunate to have good scope views of one at Impendle NR, this was our only sighting of the tour.

Swainson’s Francolin (Spurfowl) (NE) Francolinus swainsonii
We had excellent views of one in Wakkerstroom and peak numbers of ten on the drive from Nata to Shakawe.

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
We unfortunately only heard this species at both Kokstad and Wakkerstroom.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Recorded on most days at many sites throughout Southern Africa, with peak numbers of one hundred on the drive from Cape Town to De Hoop NR.
NOTE: The nominate N. m. meleagris Helmeted Guineafowl, is sometimes regarded as distinct from the western (N. m. galeata) West African Guineafowl and the southern, which we recorded, (N. m. mitrata) Tufted Guineafowl. Clements does not as yet recognise these splits.

Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani
Our first sighting was in Bonamanzi GR and finally several in Mkuzi GR, that provided great video opportunities. The bird that always seems to have a bad hair day.
NOTE: The West African form is sometimes split off as Western Crested Guineafowl (G. edouardi).

Hottentot Buttonquail (E) Turnix hottentota
We were unbelievably lucky to see this bird let alone having it walk on the trail in front of us. We had absolutely stunning views of this very rare bird at Sir Lowry’s Pass. My bird of the trip
NOTE: The northern population are sometimes split off as Black-rumped Buttonquail (T. nana) from the Southern Cape form Hottentot Buttonquail T. hottentotta. The individual we observed was of the southern form. Clements does not as yet accept this split.

[Black-rumped Buttonquail] Turnix nana
Superb views of two birds, Creighton. A rare and elusive bird.
NOTE: Refer to the previous species.

(Southern) Gray Crowned-Crane Balearica regulorum
Good numbers were seen in the KZN Midlands including superb views of 250 in the Kokstad and Creighton areas and several more in the Karkloof area.
NOTE: This southern form is sometimes lumped with Black Crowned Crane B. pavonina of West Africa.

Blue Crane (E) Anthropoides paradisea
We enjoyed superb sightings of four in the Karkloof, six in Wakkerstroom, seven in Etosha NP and peak numbers of 129 near Swellendam. This is South Africa’s national bird.

Wattled Crane Grus carunculatus
We scoped a magnificent pair in the Karkloof area and then had great views of a pair with a youngster in the Mahango GR.

Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura elegans
We enjoyed fair views of a male at Doreen Clark NR, yet another bird we were extremely lucky to see.

Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa
We had good views of a male in flooded grassland in the Karkloof area. This was certainly one of the top ten birds of the trip.

African (~Water/Cape) Rail Rallus caerulescens
We had good views of an adult at Mt. Currie NR in the Kokstad area.

Corn Crake Crex crex
A bird gave us spectacular flight views at Franklin Vlei near Kokstad.

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris
Several were seen at Shakawe Fishing Camp in a pan right next to the lodge allowing us fantastic views.

Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla
One bird was seen well at Franklin Vlei near Kokstad.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Our first sighting was of three at Franklin Vlei, with a further sighting of four at Wakkerstroom Vlei.
NOTE: This cosmopolitan species is currently in taxonomic review and several forms are expected to be recognised as distinct species. The form we recorded would then become African Swamphen (P. madagascariensis.) Other forms to be recognised may include Indian Swamphen (P. poliocephalus,) Philippine Swamphen (P. pulverulentus) and Eastern Swamphen (P. melanotus).

Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrio alleni
We enjoyed great views of six on the boat cruises at Shakawe Fishing Camp, with a further three seen on our drive from Popa Falls to the Caprivi GR.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Commonly encountered at most wetland sites in the KZN Midlands with peak numbers of thirty seen near Kokstad.

Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata
We had good flight views of one at Rundu Purification Works and later superb views of a pair swimming at Fisher’s Pan near Namutoni in Etosha NP

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
Good numbers of up to six hundred were seen at Wakkerstroom.

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori
We were treated to superb views of six in Nata Sanctuary and twenty plus daily during our stay in Etosha NP. This huge bird is the world’s heaviest flying species.

Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii
Seven were seen in Etosha NP and another four on the drive from Springbok to Brandvlei but our best sighting was of one next to the road near Grunau.

Stanley (Denham’s) Bustard Neotis denhami
We had our first sighting of three in Creighton, great views of one flying at Midmar GR - a spectacular sight and five near Wakkerstroom.

White-bellied Bustard (Barrow’s Korhaan) (E) Eupodotis senegalensis
We had fantastic views of a family group of three near Wakkerstroom.
NOTE: Clements lumps the northern form of White-bellied Bustard E. senegalensis with the Southern African endemic Barrow’s or Southern White-bellied Bustard (E. barrowi). This treatment is not followed by most authorities and they are generally considered two distinct species.

Blue Bustard (Korhaan) (E) Eupodotis caerulescens
This endemic was seen very well in the Wakkerstroom area, with a total of thirteen seen.

Karoo Bustard (E) Eupodotis vigorsii
Superb sightings were enjoyed around Grunau and the following day on our drive south to Springbok.

Rueppell’s Bustard (NE) Eupodotis rueppelli
A total of nine birds were seen on the drive from Omaruru to Walvis Bay via the Namib-Naukluft NP. Some obliging birds seen close to the road allowed for great views.

Red-crested Bustard (Korhaan) (NE) Eupodotis ruficrista
We had superb views of a male in Pongola NR and then daily sightings in Etosha NP including fantastic views of a male calling.
NOTE: The southern Red-crested Bustard E. ruficrista used to be lumped with the East African Buff-crested Bustard E. gindiana and the western Savile’s Bustard E. savilei. All three of these species are now recognised by Clements.

Black Bustard (Southern Black Korhaan) (E) Eupodotis afra
We enjoyed good views of three near Yzerfontein and one near De Hoop NR.

White-quilled Bustard (Northern Black Korhaan) (NE) Eupodotis afraoides
Numerous in the grasslands of the Makgadikgadi Pans of Botswana where we observed twenty, with smaller numbers seen almost daily in Namibia, including great views of several in Etosha NP.

Black-bellied Bustard (Korhaan) Eupodotis melanogaster
We had close encounters with three of these impressive birds in Mkuzi GR but our best sighting was of a calling male in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi GR

Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis
We were fortunate to find a total of five on one boat cruise at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
Our first sighting was of a one at a lily covered dam near Oribi Gorge, with several at Mkuzi GR and good numbers at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis
We had great views of one male at Rundu Purification Works and later an amazing sighting of up to twenty at Fisher’s Pan near Namutoni in Etosha NP.

African (Black) Oystercatcher (E) Haematopus moquini
We enjoyed superb views of several at Swakopmund Salt Works, Velddrift Salt Works and around Boulders on the Cape Peninsula. Its numbers total 4800 and although one of the rarest Oystercatchers in the world it is commonly seen on the Cape Peninsula.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Small numbers were seen at Mkuzi GR and Wakkerstroom with good numbers of 200 at Etosha NP, 100 at Swakopmund and 150 at Velddrift.

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Our first sighting was of two at Mkuzi GR, with further sightings in Etosha NP and good numbers of 150 at Swakopmund.

Water Thick-knee (Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus
Our first sighting was of one in Mkuzi GR with further sightings in Mahango GR and Etosha NP.

Spotted Thick-knee (Dikkop) Burhinus capensis
Our first encounter was fantastic with two birds right next to the road in Mkuzi GR. Further sightings included a pair in Wakkerstroom and an unusually high count of 22 together in Etosha NP.

Burchell’s Courser (NE) Cursorius rufus
We enjoyed fantastic views of nineteen in stubble fields around Nieuwoudtville. This bird was given the name as the “unmentionable” as we had searched for it for seven days in Namibia without success.

Temminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii
Small numbers of this nomadic species were encountered at the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Mahango GR and finally in Etosha NP

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus
We enjoyed good views of two in the grasslands at the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and as many as forty in the grasslands around Okaukuejo in Etosha NP.

Collared (Red-winged) Pratincole Glareola pratincola
We obtained fair views of three at Ensumo Pan in Mkuzi GR.

Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis
Good numbers were seen around Popa Falls in Northern Namibia with a particularly good sighting of as many as one hundred flying along the river just north of the falls

Long-toed Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus crassirostris
It took some searching but finally we found three birds in Mahango GR

Blacksmith Plover (Lapwing) Vanellus armatus
Recorded almost daily at nearly all wetlands throughout Southern Africa.

Black-winged Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus melanopterus
We had fair scope views of ten birds in the Creighton area, an uncommon species of mid-altitude grasslands.

Crowned Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus coronatus
Fairly common in short grasslands in KwaZulu-Natal, we saw several in the Albert Falls NR, Mkuzi GR with further sightings in the Wakkerstroom area and Etosha NP.

(African) Wattled Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus senegallus
We had our first views of one in Bonamanzi GR, further sightings were in Wakkerstroom and Mahango GR.

Black-bellied (Grey) Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Small numbers were seen at Swakopmund with peak numbers of 100 in the West Coast NP.

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
We observed eight at Mkuzi GR, several in Swakopmund and over one hundred at Velddrift Salt Works.

Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius
We observed our first two at Mkuzi GR, eight in Etosha NP and peak numbers of twenty at Velddrift.

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
Small numbers at most wetland sites, with good views of several in Mt Currie NR, Mkuzi GR and Etosha NP.

White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
Up to eight were seen at the St Lucia Estuary, with good sightings of several in breeding dress at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus
Good numbers were seen of this striking wader at both Swakopmund and Walvis Bay with peak numbers of 60 seen at the latter site.

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus
As many as thirty were seen on the grasslands of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. We enjoyed superb views of both juveniles and adults in full breeding dress.

African (Ethiopian) Snipe Gallinago nigripennis
We had good views of fifty at Franklin wetland near Kokstad, superb views of several at Wakkerstroom vlei and finally six at Rundu Purification Works.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Up to thirty birds were seen at the saltworks in Swakopmund

(Common) Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
We enjoyed good views of up to sixty birds in the saltmarshes of the West Coast NP.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
We were lucky to see one at the West Coast NP.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus
We enjoyed superb views of one at Swakopmund Salt Works.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Our first sighting was at Mkuzi GR with further sightings at Wakkerstroom and Etosha NP where we saw as many as one hundred.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Several were seen in Mkuzi GR and Wakkerstroom with as many as two hundred in Etosha NP

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
We observed small numbers at most wetland localities. Peak counts of ten were seen at Franklin Vlei and at pans in Etosha NP.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Small numbers were seen at Mkuzi GR, Shakawe, Mahango GR, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Small numbers were seen at Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and West Coast NP.

Red Knot Calidris canutus
Up to one hundred seen at Swakopmund Salt Works and sixty seen in West Coast NP.

Sanderling Calidris alba
Our first sighting was of two birds at St Lucia estuary with further sightings at Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and finally as many as two hundred in the West Coast NP.

Little Stint Calidris minuta
Commonly encountered at several wetlands including Mkuzi GR, Wakkerstroom, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Velddrift. Peak numbers were seen in the West Coast NP where we saw as many as three hundred.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Several at Mkuzi GR with five hundred seen at both Velddrift and the West Coast NP however the highest count was at Swakopmund where up to one thousand were seen.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Small numbers were recorded at most coastal and inland wetland sites with peak numbers of five hundred at Fisher’s Pan in Etosha NP.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
We enjoyed three separate sightings of two birds at the following places, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Velddrift.

Brown (Subantarctic) Skua Stercorarius antarctica
Good views of four birds were obtained on the pelagic boat trip off Cape Town.

Pomarine Jaeger (Skua) Stercorarius pomarinus
One bird was seen on the pelagic trip shortly before leaving Cape Point.

Parasitic Jaeger (Arctic Skua) Stercorarius parasiticus
Up to 25 birds were seen on the pelagic trip. We obtained great views of some birds as they flew close to the boat.

Long-tailed Jaeger (Skua) Stercorarius longicaudus
One bird was seen far out to sea near a trawler on our pelagic trip.

Cape (Kelp) Gull (NE) Larus [dominicanus] vetula
Commonly recorded along the South and West Coast of South Africa.
NOTE: Recent work suggests that the Kelp Gull complex L. dominicanus may be split into as many as four species, the form we saw would become Cape Gull L. vetula which breeds in South Africa.

Gray-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus
A common species with six seen at the St Lucia Estuary.

Hartlaub’s Gull (E) Larus hartlaubii
Good numbers were seen in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the Cape Peninsula.

Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini
We enjoyed stunning views of three near the trawlers on the pelagic trip.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Great views of five birds were seen near St Lucia and another three at Velddrift.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Two birds were seen at St Lucia estuary with further sightings at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and peak numbers of three hundred at Velddrift Salt Works.

Greater Crested (Swift) Tern Sterna bergii
Three were seen at St Lucia estuary with further sightings in the West Coast NP and peak numbers of two hundred at Velddrift Salt Works.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo
A good count of three hundred and fifty was seen at Swakopmund Salt Works.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
We found four birds at Paaltjies near Walvis Bay and then up to twenty on the pelagic trip.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons
We had good scope views of one at the St Lucia estuary.

Damara Tern (BE) Sterna balaenarum
We had great views of small numbers around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
We observed several at Wakkerstroom and as many as sixty going to roost at Shakawe Fishing Camp. Some magnificent adults in full breeding plumage were seen at Fisher’s Pan in Etosha NP.

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Small numbers were seen at Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Velddrift.

Namaqua Sandgrouse (NE) Pterocles namaqua
Our first encounter was of small groups around Okaukuejo in Etosha NP and later as many as three hundred near Brandvlei.

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Pterocles gutturalis
Up to two hundred and fifty were seen on our early morning drive in the Nata Sanctuary. We had a magnificent sighting of them drinking at a puddle in the road that was no more than ten metres away.

Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus
We had outstanding views of a pair on the road in the Caprivi GR and another pair near Namutoni in Etosha NP.

Burchell’s Sandgrouse (NE) Pterocles burchelli
We were extremely fortunate to find a pair feeding on one of the loop roads near Namutoni, as it was our last chance to see this species. The pair showed incredible well and we had fantastic views.

Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia
Common in urban centres.

Speckled (Rock) Pigeon Columba guinea
Commonly recorded in urban centres, rocky areas and fields throughout Southern Africa. We enjoyed good sightings of several near Oribi Gorge and Creighton, with small numbers seen daily in Namibia south of Etosha.

Rameron Pigeon (African Olive-Pigeon) Columba arquatrix
Our first sighting was of several in Oribi Gorge but the best sighting was of fifteen birds perched in trees in the Karkloof Forests.

Delegorgue’s Pigeon (Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon) Columba delegorguei
We unfortunately only heard its melancholy call at Dhlinza Forest near Eshowe.

Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove Columba larvata
We had great views of this elusive species in the Karkloof area and then even better sightings of six at St Lucia. I had never found it so easy to observe this shy and retiring species.

African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens
Small numbers were seen well around Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Widespread and common in Eastern South Africa.

Ring-necked Dove (Cape Turtle-Dove) Streptopelia capicola
Widespread and common throughout Southern Africa especially in northern Zululand, Botswana and Etosha NP.

Laughing (Palm) Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Common in urban centres, we saw several in the Durban area, Mkuzi, Wakkerstroom and throughout Namibia. It was seen on virtually every day of the trip.

Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos
Commonly recorded in Zululand Bushveld areas with particularly good sightings at Kumasinga Hide at Mkuzi GR.

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
One was seen briefly at Oribi Gorge NR and another two at Hluhluwe GR

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
We observed small numbers throughout Namibia with as many as thirty seen on the drive from Rundu to Namutoni.

African Green-Pigeon Treron calva
We enjoyed a good sighting of three on the first day of the tour at Umtentwini with further sightings at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Rosy-faced Lovebird (NE) Agapornis roseicollis
We enjoyed superb sightings of up to nine birds around our lodging at Omaruru.

Cape (Brown-necked) Parrot (E) Poicephalus robustus
Fantastic views of seventeen at Xumeni Forest, Creighton. These numbers are exceptional as there is normally only one resident pair in this forest.
NOTE: This nominate brown-necked Podocarpus forest form of the Cape Parrot has been split off from the more widespread grey-headed savannah form (P. suahelicus), and is now considered to be one of the most endangered birds in Africa with a declining population of less than 600 individuals.

Meyer’s Parrot Poicephalus meyeri
We had great scope views of one at Nata Lodge with several others at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Ruppell’s Parrot (NE) Poicephalus rueppellii
We were very fortunate to find a pair in the late morning near Omaruru.

Livingstone's Turaco (Lourie) Tauraco livingstonii
We had great views of five in the St Lucia area.
NOTE: This species was previously considered a subspecies of either Knysna Turaco (Tauraco corythaix) or Green Turaco (Tauraco persa), depending upon the taxonomy followed.

Knysna Turaco (Lourie) (E) Tauraco corythaix
As many as fifteen were seen in Oribi Gorge NR with a further three seen at Xumeni Forest.
Note: This species used to be lumped under the Green Turaco (T. persa), now split into four full species the others being Knysna Turaco T. corythaix, Livingstone’s Turaco (T. livingstonii) and Schalow’s Turaco (T. schalowi).

Purple-crested Turaco (Violet-crested Lourie) Tauraco porphyreolophus
Our only sighting was superb views of a pair in the early morning in Mkuzi GR.

Gray Go-away-bird (Lourie) Corythaixoides concolor
This dry country species was observed in small numbers at Nata, Shakawe, Mahango GR and Etosha NP with peak numbers of thirty on the drive from Rundu to Namutoni.

Pied (Jacobin) Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus
We enjoyed superb views of both dark and light phase individuals at Impendle NR. Others were seen at Shakawe, near Mahango GR and in the Caprivi GR.

Levaillant’s (Striped) Cuckoo Oxylophus levaillantii
We enjoyed superb scope views of four in Pongola NR, another at Polokwane and two near Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
We had superb views of two juveniles near Namutoni in Etosha NP and later an adult at Omaruru.

Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius
One bird was seen well at Xumeni Forest with a further three in Hluhluwe GR.

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus
An adult and sub-adult were seen together at Shakawe Fishing Camp. We enjoyed stunning scope views of the two of them.

African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis
Two birds were seen reasonable well near Namutoni in Etosha NP.

Klaas' (Klaas’s) Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
One obliging male allowed for fantastic scope views near Rundu.

African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
We unfortunately only heard this bird at Umgeni Valley NR and St Lucia.

Dideric (Diderick) Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
Fairly common in Eastern South Africa with as many as ten seen on our day trip through the Karkloof.

Yellowbill (Green Malkoha/Coucal) Ceuthmochares aereus
This skulking species was seen extremely well in Bonamanzi GR, the only sighting on the trip. This is Africa’s only Malkoha.

Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus
One was seen in the late afternoon on arrival at Shakawe Fishing Camp with several others seen in Mahango GR.

Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis
We enjoyed good views of two at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchellii
Our only one was seen in a wetland at Cedara Agricultural College near Hilton.
NOTE: Clements does not recognise the widely accepted split of the southern dark-browed Burchell’s Coucal C. burchelli from the northerly White-browed Coucal C. superciliosus.

African Grass-Owl Tyto capensis
We enjoyed fantastic views of three birds, one at Franklin Vlei, another at Midmar Dam NR and finally one in Wakkerstroom. A bird which is normally very difficult to find and not seen on most tours.

Barn Owl Tyto alba
We enjoyed good views of one in Creighton and later another at Shakawe with superb views of twenty on our night drive at Velddrift.

African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis
We heard one in Mkuzi GR and finally had great views of one roosting in Halali Camp in Etosha NP.
NOTE: The African races are sometimes still lumped with European Scops Owl (O. scops).

Southern White-faced Owl Ptilopsus granti
Good views of one were seen on the night drive near Shakawe Fishing Camp.
NOTE: Clements and other authorities have recently split White-faced Owl on a geographical basis, approximately at the Equator. The genus has also been changed from Otus to Ptilopsis.

Cape Eagle-Owl Bubo capensis
We had great views of this scarce species at Umgeni Valley NR.

Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus
We saw one near Oribi Gorge and later two in Creighton, another near Shakawe and finally three at Velddrift.
NOTE: Clements splits the northern, dark-eyed form Greyish Eagle-Owl (B.cinerascens) from the more southerly yellow-eyed Spotted Eagle-Owl B. africanus. This split is not widely accepted.

Pel’s Fishing-Owl Scotopelia peli
A magnificent adult was seen and watched for several minutes at Shakawe Fishing Camp.
This was certainly one of the highlights of the trip !

African Wood-Owl Strix woodfordii
Mobbing birds alerted our attention to an adult which allowed for fantastic video opportunities at Shakawe Fishing Camp. A further pair were seen at Popa Falls.

Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum
We had superb scope views of this diminutive bird in Mkuzi GR and another near Okaukuejo in Etosha NP.

African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense
Great views of one bird were had at Shakawe Fishing Camp and then we enjoyed even better views of a pair in Mahango GR.
NOTE: The form we saw, G c ngamiense is sometimes split as Ngami Owlet.

Marsh Owl Asio capensis
Up to sixteen were seen at dusk near our lodge in Rundu.

Eurasian (European) Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
One was seen in Mkuzi GR with further sightings near Popa Falls and several in Etosha NP.

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena
Up to three birds were seen near Popa Falls and a couple more in Etosha NP.

Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis
As many as four birds were seen on our night drive at Mkuzi Game Reserve. We enjoyed outstanding views of several sitting on the road in the spotlight.

Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma
We obtained good views of two birds near Omaruru.

Square-tailed (Mozambique/Gabon) Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii
One was seen on the road on our night drive at Mkuzi GR.

African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
Fairly common in any area where large palms occur, we saw some at Nata Lodge and Etosha NP.
NOTE: The nominate African form of the Palm-Swift is considered to be distinct from the Malagasy form C. p. gracilis by some authorities. Clements does not as yet recognise this split.

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
Good numbers, 200 were seen at the JG Strydom Tunnel.

Common Swift Apus apus
Ten birds were seen near Wakkerstroom and also between Omaruru and Walvis Bay with peak numbers of forty on the drive between Daan Viljoen NR and Grunau.

African (Black) Swift Apus barbatus
Fairly common in Eastern South Africa where flocks of up to fifty were seen at Oribi Gorge, Sani Pass and Impendle NR.

Bradfield’s Swift Apus bradfieldi
We had magnificent views of two large flocks, one near Usakos and another on the drive from Daan Viljoen GR to Grunau. The former flock gave us stunning views as several birds were seen at eye level.

Little Swift Apus affinis
Seen at many localities, particularly large numbers of three hundred were seen near St Lucia.

Horus Swift Apus horus
We had good views of several in the Kokstad and Creighton areas.

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
Recorded almost daily throughout Eastern South Africa, with highest numbers of 5 in the Mkuzi GR and Wakkerstroom areas.

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
Recorded almost daily, only in Eastern South Africa.

White-backed Mousebird (NE) Colius colius
Small numbers were seen daily in the Northern Cape with a highest count of ten near Brandvlei.

Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus
Fairly common in the Zululand game reserves.

Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina
We were delighted to see a stunning male in Oribi Gorge NR, the only one of the trip.

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
As many as ten were seen on the boat trips at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta
We enjoyed stunning views of this delightful bird at Kumasinga Hide in Mkuzi GR.

Gray-headed (Grey-hooded) Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala
Good views of two birds on consecutive days at Mahango GR.

Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis
Several birds were seen daily at Shakawe Fishing Camp

Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris
We enjoyed good scope views of one bird near Mahango GR. A fairly common species which we missed in Zululand and only finally caught up with in Namibia.

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti
Great views of this small kingfisher were obtained at Mkuzi GR.

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
We had good views of several in the KZN midlands with further sightings at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Fairly common and seen at many localities with peak numbers of forty seen on boat cruises at Shakawe Fishing Camp.

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides
We enjoyed magnificent views of several right in front of the lodge at Shakawe Fishing Camp.
These birds allowed for fantastic video footage.

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
We observed five at Mkuzi GR, with further sightings at Shakawe Fishing Camp and Mahango GR.

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
Our first sighting was of three in Mahango GR with further sightings near Namutoni in Etosha NP.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
The first sighting was of several flying near St Lucia, with further sightings at Shakawe Fishing Camp where we enjoyed stunning views of several on the boat trips.

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Our first sighting was of two in Mkuzi GR, with other encounters at near Polokwane and several daily in Etosha NP. Our highest daily count was of forty seen on the drive through the Caprivi GR en route to Rundu.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides
Our first sighting of this spectacular species was seen on the drive from Polokwane to Nata where we enjoyed seeing an adult and juvenile perched on the telephone lines. Others were seen in Mahango GR and peak numbers of 41 in Caprivi GR
NOTE: Most authorities now split the northern and southern forms of this bee-eater, with Northern Carmine being M. nubicus.

European Roller Coracias garrulus
Our first sighting was quite unusual as we saw one quite far out of its normal range. It was seen between Underberg and Creighton. Other sightings were of several in Mkuzi GR, on the drives to and from Nata and near Namutoni in Etosha NP.

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata
A couple was seen in Mkuzi GR with others in Mahango GR and Etosha NP. This is another of Southern Africa’s magnificent birds.
NOTE: The Ethiopian C. c. lorti might be split as Blue-breasted Roller.

Rufous-crowned (Purple) Roller Coracias naevia
We had great views of our first one perched on a tree near the road en route to Nata. The following day we saw up to five on the drive to Shakawe. Small numbers were also seen in Etosha NP.

Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus
Another stunning Roller, two of which were seen in Mahango GR.