Mafikeng Birding Blog

Abdim's Stork: the common intra-African migrant that brings "good luck"

2012-02-11T19:10:00.014+02:00

Though the arrival of Abdim's Stork around Mahikeng was earlier this time than last year; it is still late than the previous years.Last year they went pass Mahikeng and Masutlhe on the 30th January.

This year they went pass Mahikeng in early January. They were seen on their annual migratory path, through the Village of Masutlhe, on the 8th January heading South. They spend time on the ground, walking and flying short distances as they move.

Abdim's Storks inhabit the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa, but during the breeding season they move to the North of the Equator.

According to one of the myths they bring "good luck" and this is because they migrate to and fro at the peak of the rainy season(i.e from November to March). On their way as they pass through Eastern Africa; the rains would be pouring.

They are still present around Mahikeng at the moment but the numbers have declined.(I will keep you posted on their departure date)

You can follow this link for a story on their late showing last year: http://mafikengbirds.blogspot.com/2011/01/abdim-stocks-pass-mafikeng.html?spref=tw

Abdim's Stork: a common intra-African migrant in January 2012

Abdim's Storks showing in large flocks around Masuthle but numbers have gone down

Great Egret: the mystery behind the bill

2012-02-09T06:06:00.003+02:00

After being tormented by the bill of a Great Egret I spotted in the tall grass on the side of a road; in a swamp, at the village of Disaneng; I could not resist the temptation of finding more about it. The following is what I gathered from comments, replies, books and word of mouth interactions.

The interesting attribute to the Great Egret when breeding is that the facial skin (where the lore and the cere are situated) flashes bright emerald green for only a brief period of time before returning to the pale olive green. At this time the bill also changes to black from usual yellow. The "breeding" bill is actually a "courtship" bill and this brings us to courting.

When courting, they erect their mantle and scapula plumes called ‘aigrettes’. This is where the word egret is derived from.

The "breeding" bill is actually the "courtship bill"

Breeding Great Egret with yellow cere against familiar green ones

2012-02-05T21:32:00.010+02:00

While doing the Summer CAR count today we came across the following Great Egret.

The first reaction was that it was a Snowy Egret but on careful look, considering the size, it was clear that it was a breeding Great Egret. While a breeding Great Egret had greenish cere, this one had yellow ones. It was in a swamp just next to the road. It was obscured by tall grass for proper identification. Only the mysterious head was sticking out.

Look clearly at the following images and give your opinion. Is this a Great Egret or not?

Great Egret with yellow cere

Breeding Great Egret

Further twenty kilometers down the road we came across this non breeding one. The was no doubt about it.

Non breeding Great Egret

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary: Summer Coordinated Waterbird Count (CWAC)

2012-02-01T21:57:00.007+02:00

The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary's Summer Coordinated Waterbird Count (CWAC) was held during the past weekend. A good number of volunteers turned up for the count which started at 8h00 on Saturday morning.
There were quite some few surprises.
A total number of 49 species were spotted, bringing the total number of birds counted to 17766.
Topping the list was the Red-knobbed Coot followed by the Egyptian Goose with 14081 and 773 respectively. The weather was fine for a counting day.
This is higher than the numbers obtained in previous years Summer count (2010).
A total number of 55 species were spotted and the total number of birds counted was 6779.
Topping the list once again was the Red-knobbed Coot followed by the Egyptian Goose with 2777 and 1075 respectively.
This figures do not include the Leeupan Dam count.

Egyptian Geese: Their numbers lower than previous years

African Snipe(Ethiopean Snipe): great camouflage

2012-01-26T17:42:00.002+02:00

After disappearing for some few years from the Lichtenburg Bioderversity Conservation Centre (formerly known as the Lichtenburg Nature Reserve), the African Snipe reappeared this week once again.
At first I could not recognise them; all I could see were the Common Greenshanks, but at close scrutiny with the help of a spotting scope I started seeing them. What an amazing camouflage.

African Snipe: well camouflaged

Help identify this bird

2012-01-18T17:18:00.004+02:00

Yesterday, (just before a storm) while birding at Modimola Dam; enjoying the parade of Whiskered Terns up and down the dam, Egrets and Ruffs taking on each other over a patch of dry a spot.

I spotted the bird in the image below in a group of Curlew Sandpipers. At first, I thought it was one of the Ruffs by just scanning at its plumage.

On second look, the black head turned out to be a mystery. I also thought maybe it was a juvenile of a Whiskered Tern.

Please, help in identifying this bird.

The black bill and the head from the side

The head from the back

The neck and the chest all white and the back plumage grey to brown

I mistakenly thought it was a Ruff by its plumage. But, then the head was that of a Tern.

Now, if it was a Tern then it must have been a juvenile one. Which Tern or what bird could this have been?

In a matter of minutes the bird was gone but I managed to take some few shots of it.

Red Bishop: New year birds

2012-01-09T09:13:00.001+02:00

My birding in the new has been wonderful. I have had shots of birds which have been illusive in the past years.
One of these birds is the Red Bishop. Known to be polybgamous; can keep up to seven females.

Red Bishop male in breeding plumage. Can keep up to seven females

Red Bishop displaying from perch with plumage puffed out to attract females

Red Bishop female

A day after Christmas: Cape Longclaw

2011-12-28T10:49:00.001+02:00

Cape Longclaw walking on tufty grass foraging for food

After deciding not to do any birding on Christmas day, I set off on the day thereafter for some few hours of birding. There was not much to be seen as far as birds were concerned. I guess, most of the spots, where I do my birding, were deserted due to holiday picnics. There were only empty bottles and tins to the aftermath.
Amids the litter, the Cape Longclaw caught my eye. I could not resist the orange throat but to have a shot at it

Climate ChangeTalks have come and gone

2011-12-18T11:33:00.014+02:00

Hi everyone,

Great to be back again. Well, I do not have any photos this time for you, my adorable readers, due to a minor eye operation I had two weeks ago. Anyway, I am fine after a restful short-break.

In the mean time, a lot has taken place including the Climate Change Talks which were held down here in South Africa at Durban.

In support of our feathered friends; the climate issue is of grave concern. We cannot ignore the fact that in some parts of our world, bird migratory patterns have already started altering. Everyone is saying "It's all about climate change."

Let me share the following with you for a CHANGE from BirdLife International Community website.

Happy Holidays

Special plea by Bird Life International to the talks:

Bird Life’s 6 key “asks” for the Durban Conference:
1. Secure a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, and secure a mandate to negotiate a legally binding instrument to be adopted no later than 2015;
2. Agree modalities and guidance for halting emissions from deforestation and degradation by 2020, whilst safeguarding biodiversity and livelihoods;
3. Agree robust and transparent rules for accounting for emissions from the land use, land use change and forestry sector that reflect emissions actually released to the atmosphere;
4. Account fully for emissions from bio energy;
5. Agree modalities for national adaptation planning that deliver to vulnerable groups and ecosystems;
6. Establish a pathway to deliver adequate finance to the new Green Climate Fund from 2013.

For a full story follow this link:
http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/11/birdlife-calls-on-governments-to-deliver-in-durban-climate-change-talks/

This was the ultimate outcome:
“Durban has kept alive and opened the political space to negotiate a fair, ambitious and binding deal but much still needs to be worked out. Parties must approach the negotiations from 2012 with a renewed sense of urgency, increasing their ambition in terms of emission reductions, and putting these pledges firmly on the table.”

For a full story follow this link:
http://www.birdlife.org/community/2011/12/roadmap-to-a-new-global-agreement-%e2%80%93-what-did-durban-deliver-for-our-climate/

Hope there's a light at the end of the tunnel for our feathered friends as well.

Pink-backed Pelicans return to Modimola Dam

2011-11-24T23:27:00.004+02:00

Pink-backed Pelican's crest on head fairly distinct

Today, while birding at Modimola Dam, I witnessed the return of Pink-backed Pelicans. They were last seen in the area in February/ March this year. There were both adult and juveniles in the group of ten.

Pink-backed Pelican giving some guttural notes

During their presence just before winter they were in the company of Great White Pelicans. This time the Great Whites were not present.

Pink-backed Pelican emptying the big pouch

Pink-backed Pelicans just after arrival

Amur Falcons arrive to confusion at Mahikeng uprooted roost tree site

2011-11-22T23:18:00.001+02:00

Amur Falcon arriving to an uprooted roost tree

Today , after a night of heavy rains, a group of Amur Falcons together with some more Lesser Kestrels arrived for their annual migration in the Mahikeng CBD to find their favorite roost tree uprooted.
They circled lower than ussual around the spot where their roost tree was and perched on nearby buildings and dead trees. A bigger number had turned out today and it was interesting to see them hovering lower than ussual around the spot where their favourite tree once stood.

Graph showing how over the years the numbers have increased

The year 2010 had a record number of migrating kestrels and falcons coming to roost at the tree in the Mahikeng CBD than past years. The numbers are likely to drastically decline this year.

Migrating Kestrels arrive to find familiar roost tree uprooted in Mahikeng

2011-11-16T06:31:00.000+02:00

Lesser Kestrel back to overwinter but familiar roost tree no where to be found

The first group of a handful of Lesser Kestrel, mainly males, arrived at the uprooted roost tree in the Mahikeng CBD on Monday the 14th November 2011 at 18h15. They are one day later than last year.
After circling the area in search of their annual roost tree they took refuge on a dead tree nearby.
More than 3000 birds came to roost in the uprooted tree last summer.It will be interesting to see how they are going to react to the new situation.

The giant roost tree ready to be brought down last winter

Egyptian Goose in the sweltering heat

2011-10-24T22:31:00.001+02:00

I was fascinated by this Egyptian Goose perched on a rock outcrop honking profusely. The temperature was remarkebly 39°C. A record high for this part of the world.

Egyptian Goose

Short-clawed Lark: the final frontier

2011-10-15T16:38:00.007+02:00

Having enjoyed the flight displays and shrilling utter over the past few days in one area, I guess, this is a Short-clawed Lark spot. It is in the outskirts of Dibono Village, near the Disaneng Dam. This particular individual, identifiable with the the a black spot in the underparts; I will dub him "Spotty".
On this hot and windy day from my GPS I took the following readings:

S 25º 49.223’

E 025° 22.236’

A call from an elevated perch (just before midday) cannot be missed

The outpost for scanning his territory

Active even in the heat of the day; persistently calling

Short-clawed Lark: the search continues

2011-10-14T17:03:00.003+02:00

In search of the bird again; I went back to the spot at Dibono Village near Disaneng Dam. After a frantic search and listening around, the bird ultimately called. It was around midday. Approaching the area where the call came from I found the bird on top of a bush calling. Seeing me it flew further down the open grass land and perched on a bush. For a moment; while I was watching, it rose up high into the air and dropped steeply on a flight display. Looking around further there was another one uttering a shrill on top of a bush. At long last the search had come to a close. A new spot for Short Clawed Larks.

Open grassland and scttered bush where the search ended

A familiar pose and a call uttered from the top of a bush

Short-clawed Lark - threatened or near threatened?

2011-10-10T17:59:00.005+02:00

Today while birding near Disaneng Dam, just in the outskirts of the village of Dibono, I heard the call of a Short- clawed Lark. This is a spot ±80 km away from Botsalano Game Reserve; where the species is in reasonable occurence and just a mere ±40km from Mahikeng.

Short-clawed Lark - endemic to the region.

Though known to be existing only in two disjointed populations in South Africa besides the South Eastern parts of Botswana, the Short-clawed Lark (Certhilauda chuana), “chuana” bearing reference to the Tswana people, is thought to be undergoing a localized range contraction and population reduction. On the other hand its distribution may also be influenced by seasonal or eruptive movements.It is endemic to the region.
Roberts VII Bird Guide book regards it as "near threatened" while its status in the IUCN Red List it is evaluated as "Least Concern".
Any information on this species is hereby sort from any where or any source.

Whiskered Terns move in at Modimola Dam after the first rains of the season

2011-10-04T21:39:00.003+02:00

After the first rains of the season on Saturday night, the locally common nomads the Whiskered Terns; who normally move about according to rainfall, started moving into Modimola Dam.They were in great numbers than usual because I counted close to sixteen at the time.The Coots, Ruffs and Lapwings were not keen on letting go their territory

Whiskered Tern dipping to surface of water for food

Whiskered Tern landing

Whiskered Tern flying low

Cape Longclaw: The bird with bright orange bib

2011-09-28T22:15:00.000+02:00

My patience was rewarded this week when I managed to take a shot of the Cape Longclaw out of the grass. The bird is vey much illusive. It hides in the tall grass and occasionally peeps out to see any intruder. Instead of flushing it out of the grass I waited patienly for it to come out. The bird is endermic to Southern Africa.

Cape Longclaw out of the tall grass

Cape Longclaw with the bright orange bib

Common Greenshank at Disaneng Dam

2011-09-24T21:14:00.001+02:00

Following the Molopo River from the Modimola Dam down to the Disaneng Dam in search of more migrants was full of surprises. Just before the begining of the Disaneng Dam I came across a colony of cattle egrets and among them was this Common Greenshank; a first in the area of its group. At a glance I could not see it as it was totaly blended with the suroundings. What a camouflage.They breed in Northern Europe and migate to Africa.They are widespread in Southern Africa.

Common Greenshank

Common Greenshank taking a nap

Another migrant turns up at Modimola Dam: Marsh Sandpiper

2011-09-20T19:22:00.001+02:00

While scanning the tidal mudflats of the Modimola Dam which is gradually being invaded by algae; I saw this solitary wader. Looking closer it turned out to be the Marsh Sandpiper. I have been in the area a day before but it was not there. It breeds in South Eastern Europe, Central/South Russia and Mongolia. It migrates to Africa. It is widespread in Southern Africa.

Marsh Sandpiper in solitary

Marsh Sandpiper pecking for food

Three-banded Plover: a very colourful waterside bird

2011-09-18T15:02:00.008+02:00

While visiting the Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre this morning; in search of more migrants, my attention was drawn to the Three-banded Plover pecking and probing in mud with rapid jabs. A common resident in Southern Africa and very colourful.

Three-banded Plover branding its two black bands separated by a white one

Three-banded Plover with a beautiful red eyering running in short spurts

Three-banded Plover can be easily overlooked when standing still

Latest arrival migrant at Modimola Dam: Ruff

2011-09-13T17:28:00.001+02:00

Ruffs arrived earlier this time at Modimola Dam than in previous years . Last year they only pitched up in October. Like the Wood Sandpiper they breed in Northern Europe and Northern Asia; migrating to Southern Africa for Summer. They are widespread in South Africa.

Ruff just arrived

Walking around with diagnostic orange tinged legs

Walking and probing for food

More migrants arrive at Modimola Dam: The Wood Sandpiper

2011-09-10T15:26:00.001+02:00

The Wood Sandpiper breeds in Northern Europe and Asia migrating to Southern Africa to wetlands like Modimola Dam for their annual winter break. Spring is in the air.

The Wood Sandpiper foraging on floating vegetation

The Wood Sandpiper just arrived

Migrants - The Stint was indeed a Little Stint

2011-09-09T15:11:00.001+02:00

I received an overwhelming response to my quest to identify the mysterious Stint. The final verdict was in no doubt a Little Stint. I received responses from local birders and as far afield as Russia, China and Australia. Trevor Hardaker had this to say - "Both photos are of moulting Little Stints unfortunately – the legs, in particular the tibia, are too long for Red-necked Stint and the bill is also too long and finely tipped to consider that species" Niall Perrins had this to say- "They arrive back moulting out of their breeding plumage, looking very different to how we normally see them. I think your Stint is a Little Stint still in partly breeding plumage" Lastly Mark Young from Australia provided a link to some of his photos depicting a Red-necked Stint.Thanx to every one who took all the pains to assist. Thanx

A Little Stint coming out of its breeding plumage

Migrants have started arriving: Little or Red-necked Stint?

2011-09-07T22:04:00.000+02:00

Differentiating between a Little Stint and Red-necked Stint has always been difficult for me. After spotting this bird with my binoculars at Modimola Dam on Saturday I was convinced that it was a Little Stint. It was only after studying some photos I had taken of it that I started doubting my identification. The bird started looking more like a Red- necked Stint than a Little Stint. Little Stint is abundant in South Africa but not the Red-necked Stint. Have I seen a rare bird?

Help identify the Stint

Help idendtify the Stint

Black Crake: not so shy but adorable

2011-09-02T14:16:00.000+02:00

I spend the past two days trying to get a shot of this shy bird. To my surprise it has always evaded me appearing at the most unexpeted places.

Black Crake

Black-shouldered Kites during season of veld fires

2011-08-22T17:15:00.000+02:00

It is August and veld fires are a common occurrence. Amidst the smoke and strong winds, it is common to see Black-shouldered Kites patienly perched on power lines awaiting rats and mice as they flee the raging fires.

Black-shouldered Kite

Black-shouldered Kite going for a perch

Nice perch on a power line

African Hoopoe a fairly common garden bird

2011-08-15T01:47:00.000+02:00

As we move into the month of August the African Hoopoe will also go into its breeding season. This African Hoopoe has a nest in my neighbour's house-roof and every year it has one or two broods during its breeding period.

African Hoopoe

Red-knobbed Coots at peak of breeding season

2011-08-09T16:07:00.002+02:00

While birding today at Modimola Dam, it was quite apparent that the coots were at the height of their breeding season. Close to seven nests were visible after the tall reeds were cut at Modimola Dam.

One of the Red -knobbed Coots nesting.

Others were already wandering around with their young.

More on "African Spoonbill a remarkable bird"

2011-07-31T11:49:00.001+02:00

I have recieved numerous requests from followers, friends and the general public; both within the country and abroad, after my last publishing of the African Spoonbill photos on this blog. Here are some more images of the bird.These photos were also taken at Modimola Dam which boasts a large number of these wonderful water birds.

African Spoonbill basking in the sun

African Spoonbill in flight

African Spoonbill a remarkable water bird

2011-07-24T18:08:00.002+02:00

African Spoonbills breed in winter down here in Southrn Africa. The breeding period may stretch up to early spring. As we bid farewell to one of our coldest winters, I spotted a flock of this remarkable birds foraging at Modimola Dam .It was wonderful to see juveniles together with adults.

African Spoonbill and its long spoon like bill

African Spoonbill wading and foraging slowly

Grey-headed Gulls are great fishers

2011-07-21T11:59:00.002+02:00

While Birding at Modimola Dam yesterday afternoon I was fascinated by fishing Grey- Heade Gulls. Taking fish bigger than heads. There were both breeding and non breeding birds. What was surprisingly enough was that the non breeding ones were more active in terms of diving whereas the non breeding ones only wanted to fight over the catcch

Active Grey- headed Gulls before diving (the non breeding ones)

Going down for the catch.

Nice catch!!!!

Off to enjoy the meal.

Watching in envy and jealous (the breeding ones).

Gabar Goshawk Juvenile visits my garden

2011-07-04T21:10:00.000+02:00

I have seen adult Gabar Goshawks visiting the huge trees in the park next to my home for the past several years. Their visits have been all year round. Juveniles were never around or in their company.
I was surprised to see juvenile Gabar Goshawk on Sunday, close enough; that is as far as my doorstep chasing Red-headed Finches from my bird feeders.

Juveile of a Gabar Goshawk after a good meal

Scanning the bird feeders for Red- Headed Finches

Malachite Kingfisher at Modimola Dam

2011-06-24T22:51:00.000+02:00

The last two days have been pretty warmer and I was tempted to go out for some birding this afternoon.I saw this Malachite Kingfisher among some dry reeds waiting patiently for some fish or whatever.

Malachite Kingfisher

Cape Longclaw at Modimola Dam

2011-06-24T13:40:00.000+02:00

In the dry winter grass, the Cape Longclaw is easily detectable by its bright orange bib.

Cape Longclaw

Common Greenshank overwintering at Modimola Dam

2011-06-14T17:29:00.001+02:00

While all the migrants had left for their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere; some of the migrants overwinter. I came across this Common Greenshank (a Palearctic summer visitor) wading solitarily at Modimola Dam today.

Common Grenshank

Common Greenshank

Winter birding

2011-06-11T12:36:00.003+02:00

After three days of cold and wet winter. I woke up to a warm Saturday morning with birds singing from the cold spell. Among those who were out to feed were the following.

Groundscraper Thrush

Groundscraper Thrush snack

Cape Wagtail

Burchell's Starling at Disaneng Dam

2011-05-28T22:10:00.002+02:00

Past two days had the temperatures dropping down drastically and birding was a bit uneasy.Spotting two Burchell's Starlings at Disaneng was a real bonus.

Hopping around on a cold chilly morning

Hopping around

Red-billed Oxpecker at Disaneng Dam

2011-05-19T17:44:00.004+02:00

My Birding today was quite an exciting one as I spotted a flock Red-billed Oxpeckers at the Disaneng village.I have never seen these birds around that area in the past six years of my birding there.

Large red bill and the bare yellow skin around the eye.

Scrambling over the animal's body to get ticks.

Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk at Disaneng Dam

2011-05-13T21:39:00.003+02:00

Today while birding at Disaneng Dam near the village of Dibono I came across a pair of Southern Pale Chanting Goshawks. A first in the area.

One was a sub adult of the Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk

Adult Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk on a comfortable look-out post

White-breasted Cormorants nests decreasing in number at Modimola Dam and reason found.

2011-05-09T21:57:00.003+02:00

With the Cormorants breeding period in full swing; the White-breasted Cormorants nests at Modimola Dam near Mahikeng in the North West Province have shown a significant decrease in number.

White-breasted Cormorants breeding site

One of the dead trees providing platform to thirteen (13) nests

Last year, May 2010; I counted thirty four (34) nests at these breeding site.This year again, at the very same time, there are only twenty four (24) nests. My worst fear came to an abrupt end on Sunday the 8th May 2011, when I saw a man rowing his way on a makeshift rubber dhingy towards the nests. He was just about to bring down one of the nest with chicks when I interrupted him. Amidst the noise made by the frantic birds trying to protect their young he rowed his way to the other side of the dam and fled.

The bird trying to protect the nest with chicks

The alleged assailant rowing towards the nest.

I approached some of his friends and fishermen too; witnessing the spectacle, to find out what was he up to. They told me that the nesting material of the White-breasted Cormorant is highly sort by spiritual healers as it has some supernatural powers.

Female White-breasted Cormorant and chicks

Back with the chicks after the nest was rescued

The Modimola dam is part of the Molopo Wetlands and it is a home to five of the pelecaniform species. Great White Pelicans have started showing up in the dam in good numbers while the Pink-backed Pelicans are residents and increasing in number significantly. The Darter is in abundance. The Reed Cormorant numbers are almost equal to those of their counterparts, the White-breasted. Is this the new kind of poaching that will threaten these birds?

Larger birds with long legs in flight at Modimola Dam

2011-05-03T22:31:00.011+02:00

The sky having cleared after several days of rain, I decided to go out for some birding at my favourite spot at Modimola Dam last Saturday morning. My day was rewarded with sight of larger birds with long legs scouring the shores of the dam. My highlites were the Great Egret, which is not common in the area and the Yellow-billed stock, an intra-African migrant.

Yellow-billed Stock

Taking off together with a juvenile

Airborne

Taking a pause in the long grass along the shores of the dam

Great Egret

In full flight. Legs are all black

Squeacky whines and screams after taking off.

Taking a pause in the long grass

Pilanesberg National Park birding

2011-04-28T13:58:00.013+02:00

My wet and rainy day at the Pilanesberg National in the North West Province did not deter me from capturing some of the birds as migrants depart from our Southern African grounds. Local resident birds were also in dispaly in the soaking rain.

Red-billed Hornbill

Early morning snack. Found in great numbers around the park.

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Quite photogenic. Common around the park.

Violet-backed Starling

An intra-continental breeding migrant known to migrate to as far as Zambia, Sudan and Ithiopia. Some overwinter.

Golden-breasted Bunting

A melodious bird with a distinct song.

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

The head with bold stripes

Great Egret

The largest of the egrets

Red-billed Oxpecker at Pilanesberg National Park

2011-04-28T13:30:00.007+02:00

Red-billed Oxpecker

Hitching a ride at the back of a giraff. They are regarded as near threatened due to the use of pesticides.Their numbers have drastically gone down.

While the majestic giraff is crossing the road; another stunt takes place. This is not safe.

Mahikeng's migrating Kestrels roost tree succumbs to pressure

2011-04-20T17:52:00.005+02:00

Today, the 20th April 2011, the Mahikeng Kestrel roost tree was cut and brought down to give way to a business development. The tree has hosted migratory birds from as far as Russia and China during Summer every year for the past decades.The birds had just left at the begining of April this year and are expected to be back in early November again for Summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

The giant ceases to exist as life goes on around it.

Holiday home is NO MORE

Mahikeng's migrating Kestrels roost tree under threat

2011-04-08T16:06:00.011+02:00

The migrating Kestrels roost tree at the Corner of Hatchard and Tillard Streets in Mahikeng (Nort West Province - Republic of South Africa) has to give way to a new business development. The tree has been a host to more than 3000 migrating Kestrels every summer when they head down to Southern Africa from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.

It is only a week after the birds' departure that their natural host becomes a victim of circumstsnces. The birds are expected to be back by early November 2011.

The tree is situated inside the late Mrs E. Bernard property, who was a Kestrel lover and an avid monitor. The local bird club, The Mafikeng Bird Club, was using this tree to monitor migrating Kestrels roost in colaboration with other roosts monitors in several towns across the country through the Migrating Kestrels Project.

In 2005 there were only 500 birds counted from the tree as compared to 3700 in February 2011.It hosts Lesser Kestrels, Amur Falcons and Red-footed Falcons. The Lesser Falcons being in the majority, followed by the Amur Falcons. The Red- footed falcons are always in the least.

The tree standing alone after the site was cleared

The giant ready to go down on Sunday the 10th April 2011 if all goes according to plan

Migrating Kestrels depart from Mahikeng Roost tree

2011-04-03T11:07:00.009+02:00

Yesterday, was that time of the year again when the migrating Kestrels that annually fly down to Southern Africa from their breeding grounds in Asia and Europe had to depart on their long journey back again. They normaly spent four months at this roost tree at the corner of Hatchard and Tillard Street in the Mahikeng CBD before flying back.
The birds were counted in January this year during the national Kestrel count day; and ± 3000 birds were recorded inclusive of those in the adjoining trees. That was an increase in number from last year.
This year they departed almost at the same time as last year but only a day earlier.In 2009 they arrived and departed earlier (look at the table below).It will be interesting to watch their arrival and departure in the coming season.

The roost tree is now deserted after the departure. The evenings are all quiet now.

The morning of the departure. Getting ready for the long journey back to Asia and Europe.Mostly are Lesser Kestrels and Amur Falcons

Arrivals and departures in the last three years
Year period         Arrival               Departure
   2008-9            28/10/2008            23/03/2009
   2009-10          09/11/2009            03/04/2010
   2010-11          13/11/2010            02/04/2011

You can also follow the link below for more information on their migratory route:

http://www.africanraptors.org/amur-falcon-migration-route-finally-plotted/

More on Pink-backed Pelicans at Modimola Dam

2011-03-30T22:44:00.000+02:00

Pink-backed Pelican comfortable on a concrete support pillar

Banded Grey-headed Gull at Modimola Dam

2011-03-30T22:30:00.001+02:00

While birding at Modimola Dam this afternoon I came across this Grey-headed Gull in its breeding plumage with a metal ring.I am not aware of any ringing activity within Mafikeng and my guess is that it must be from somewhere within the country or from across neighbouring Botswana. I wish I could know what distance Grey-headed Gulls could travel. Anybody with an answer? There is quit plenty of the at the dam and this is my first sighting of one with a ring.

A breeding Grey-headed Gull with a metal ring

As the sun was setting it was still perched at the same spot

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary once more

2011-03-17T12:42:00.003+02:00

The Southern Masked Weaver at Baberspan Bird Sanctuary.Time running out for the last brood of the season. This photo was taken during the Ringing and Atlassing Conference which was held there recently

Le Vaillant's Cisticola with a ring at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary. The photo was taken just after dawn.

Pink-backed Pelicans at Modimola Dam

2011-02-27T18:59:00.001+02:00

Sunday morning birding walk is always a joy to me. This flock of Pink-backed Pelicans were just perched in my path and preening each other. As I approached they started flying off in a spectacular way.

Pink-backed Pelicans flying off

A good number of Pink-backed Pelicans congregated

Grey Heron at Modimola Dam

2011-02-26T21:57:00.003+02:00

While birding at Modimola Dam this morning I came across this Grey Heron lazing away on a rock. With the recent good rains the shoreline is under water and waders are almost absent. Red-knobbed coots dominate the waters.

Grey Heron

Grey Heron preening herself

Bokaa Dam birding in Botswana

2011-02-23T15:57:00.003+02:00

Yesterday I visited the Bokaa Dam in Botswana for some birding. In the four hours that I spent there I listed 47 species. The place is teeming with bird life. I was just about to leave when a flock of Marabou Storks came flying in. It was about sixty of them.

Yellow billed Kite

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Black Kites in Lichtenburg

2011-02-15T15:03:00.004+02:00

On the 12th February 2011 I visited the Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre again to check on the Black Kite population I saw there the week before. Indeed the number had increased. I managed to take a photo of this juvenile who seemed to be amused by my presence.In the group there were some Yellow-billed Kites as well. It has always been a challenge to distiguish between the two.

Juvenile Black Kite

The juvenile Black Kite in full view

African Stonechat in Lichtenburg

2011-02-06T19:32:00.001+02:00

Today I visited the Lichtenburg Nature Reserve and it was to my amazement to find African Stonechats in big numbers. Lichtenburg being 60km away from Mafikeng.This species is not found in Mafikeng but with the recent burst the distribution may cover Mafikeng

Abdim Stocks pass Mafikeng

2011-01-30T21:16:00.011+02:00

Today at midday, 30th January 2011, the first group of about fifty Abdim Stocks pitched up 25km West of Mafikeng on their usual annual migratory path. This is contrary to the usual late November or early December arrival and passing the town. Their annual path is through the villages of Masutlhe and Modimola from across neighbouring Botswana. They are two months late this season. The question is;

Are they on their way to the North or South?

If they are on their way to the North it means they are now migrating back. The question is;

Why did they avoid their usual annual path on their way South?

If they are only on their way South now, it means they are late or it is just another late group.
This are the questions I would like to answer in the next few days or weeks. I will keep you posted.

Click the image to enlarge it

Just landed and looking around

Just landed

Moving around in groups. A juvenile and an adult

Amur Falcons roost in Mafikeng

2011-01-28T20:54:00.002+02:00

Male and Female Amur Falcons that roost at the Mafikeng CBD on a telephone line

Lesser Kestrels roost in Mafikeng

2011-01-23T22:48:00.000+02:00

Lesser Kestrel on a telephone line. They are found in great numbers during the day.

Kestrel Count Day

2011-01-22T13:20:00.006+02:00

Today (22nd February 2011) is the official Kestrel Count Day in South Africa and volunteers are all out counting Kestrels from their roost trees. The following pictures were taken today just before and as they left for the day from their roost tree. This roost tree is in Hatchard Street in Mafikeng CBD. I arrived at the tree with members of the Mafikeng Bird Club at 05h00 to witness the lift off. The roost has Lesser Kestrels in the majority,the Red Footed Falcons following the latter in numbers and the Amur Falcons in the minority.The first group arrived at the roost tree on the 13th November 2010 and they were Lesser Kestrels and later on bigger groups started arriving from their wintering grounds in Europe and Asia. Click on the following link for more information

http://www.africanraptors.org/amur-falcon-migration-route-finally-plotted/.

Click to enlarge the image

The large group lift-off at 05h30

The first group lift-off at 05h16

At 05h10 before lift-off -just some twittering in the tree

Water ponds all over for birding

2011-01-20T21:04:00.005+02:00

After the recent heavy rains, water has collected in ponds all over and birds are gathering in great numbers. You do not have to travel far for a shot of some of these beautiful feathered friends. Below are some of the photos I took in some of the ponds in and around Mafikeng.( alongside some roads)

Please click on the image to enlarge it.

Little Egret - looking around

Grey Heron a bit confused

Blackwinged Stilt - water in abundance

Swallow-Tailed Bee-eater Juvenile

2011-01-16T21:47:00.003+02:00

Today while chasing the Great Scimiterbill at Disaneng Dam, I came across this Swallow Tailed Bee-eater juvenile. Athough it was overcast and drizzling I managed to get a shot of it.

Dusky Lark at Disaneng Dam

2011-01-11T01:28:00.001+02:00

On the 9th January 2011 close to the village of Dibono I spotted this Dusky Lark

Caspian Tern at Modimola Dam

2011-01-06T15:47:00.002+02:00

An uncommon summer visitor

Suddenly it was a pair

Blue Cheeked Bee-eater

2011-01-03T02:12:00.004+02:00

A summer visitor at one particular spot at Disaneng Dam.

Great White Pelican at Modimola Dam

2011-01-02T21:04:00.006+02:00

A surprise spotting of a Great White Pelican at Modimola Dam. Strange enough the dam has plenty og Pink Backed Pelicans. A spotting of a Great White one was a surprise.

Pin Tailled Whydah

2010-12-30T23:38:00.003+02:00

Karoo Thrush

2010-12-30T23:22:00.004+02:00

Common Greenshank at Disaneng Dam

2010-12-30T23:11:00.008+02:00

On the 29th December 2010 I spotted an injured Common Greenshank at Disaneng Dam.

Spurwinged Goose at Modimola Dam

2009-06-01T22:13:00.003+02:00

Spurwinged goose with its spurs visible on the wings.

This goose was spotted in the company of Sacred Ibises, African Spoonbill, Egyptian Geese, Whiteface Ducks and Red Knobbed Coots

Pink Colored Cattle Egret at Disaneng Dam

2009-05-10T22:45:00.006+02:00

On the 4th January 2009 while atlasing around the Disaneng Dam I came across this pink colored cattle egret which was among other normal cattle egrets.

On the 27th April 2009 I saw it again in the same area. The photos I took of it were not so good in both instances.

Today once more I came acros this funny bird still among other cattle egrets perched on top of a thorn tree. This time I manged to take some photos of it even though it was at a distance.

I am looking for someone who can give me an expalanation on this finding.

Southern Yellow- Billed Hornbill

2009-05-04T22:54:00.006+02:00

Southern yellow-billed horn bills are mostly found in great numbers at the Botsalano Game reserve situated 35 km from Mafikeng. Look at its massive bill.

Another spot of interest in Mafikeng is the Cookes Lake where white and reed cormorant are in abundance.

Lesser Flamingos at Modimola Dam

2009-05-01T22:49:00.002+02:00

Today I witnessed a very colourful and interesting spectacle. Flamingos together with their young were hovering over the Modimola Dam for several hours and finaly flew off towards the South

Mafikeng Botanical Park

2009-04-28T22:16:00.001+02:00

Mafikeng Botanical Park has new residents

The Mafikeng Botanical Park is home to a pair of Egyptian Geese. They are normaly seen with their chicks frolicking around the lawn particularly in the morning. They are quite cute said one onlooker. Eight cute little chicks.

Capped Wheatear at Modimola Dam

2009-04-28T10:57:00.001+02:00

Something for a twitch

I have just seen a Capped Wheatear for the first time around the Modimola dam on Sunday 26th April 2009. I went back to the same spot where I saw it the following day on Monday and it was still there fighting with Cape Sparrows for its newly found teritory. I have never seen this bird in this area in the last five years I have been doing birding there.