South Africa Mega Birding Tour II 14th January to 7th February 2017 (25 days) Trip Report

Blue Crane by Leon Fouche

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader André Bernon

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 2

Tour Summary South Africa is such a diverse country with many different plant biomes and also includes the smallest Floral Kingdom in the world – the Cape Floristic Region. This obviously comes with a huge amount of endemic species, fauna and flora. South Africa also has a great infrastructure in terms of roads, accommodation and is able to facilitate a great tourist experience. We had a fantastic 25-day round- trip of South Africa and raked in some fantastic sightings! We did very well with the endemics and near-endemics of southern Africa and our trip total ended up with 522 species of birds and 59 species of mammals!

Top 10 list of birds as voted for by the participants:

1. Blue Crane 2. Drakensberg Rockjumper 3. Wattled Crane 4. Double-banded Courser 5. Long-tailed Paradise Whydah 6. Lesser Jacana 7. Orange-breasted Sunbird 8. Chestnut-banded Plover 9. African Penguin 10. Terek Sandpiper ______The Tour in Detail

Our first day was set aside as an arrival day. We met each other as our different flights brought us all together in the largest city of South Africa - Johannesburg. Our lodge, close to the OR Tambo International Airport, had a surprising amount of bird activity. While everyone got to know one another, we managed to tick off endemics and near-endemics to the southern African sub-region, such as Karoo Thrush, Cape Robin-Chat, Cape Sparrow, Cape White- eye and Fiscal Flycatcher. Other species included the handsome Red-headed Finch, Southern Masked Weaver, the gaudy Grey Go-away-Bird, Southern Red Bishop and Speckled & Red-faced Mousebirds. We even had fly-by views of many African Darters, Grey Heron and Little, African Palm & White-rumped Swifts. We all congregated for our first dinner together and discussed the proceedings for the tour Cape Robin-Chat by Adam Riley ahead and our plans for the following day.

We had an early start this morning, and headed north of Johannesburg towards an area with species typical of the more western and interior part of southern Africa. After grabbing a cup of coffee on the go, we reached our destination that we planned to bird for half the day. Desert Cisticola, Swainson's Spurfowl, White-winged Widowbird, Red-backed & Lesser Grey Shrikes, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Black-chested Prinia and Chestnut-vented Warbler were evident from the start. Species that we had to work a little harder for included the sporadic Monotonous Lark, the attractive Crimson-breasted

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 3

Shrike, Icterine Warbler, Great Sparrow, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Gabar Goshawk, Lilac-breasted Roller, Pearl-breasted Swallow and Village Indigobird. We neared a massive wetland which had filled up with a lot of rain recently. This proved to have attracted a large amount of waterbirds, and first up was fantastic sightings of many displaying Yellow-crowned Bishops. The wetland proper held Intermediate, Little, Western Cattle & Great Egrets, Squacco, Purple & Black Herons, a flock of Black-winged Pratincoles, a few White- winged Terns, Fulvous- & White-faced Whistling Ducks, African Swamphen, Marsh & Wood Sandpipers and Little Stint. A Greater Spotted Cuckoo perched for what seemed an endless amount of time, whilst Black-chested Snake Eagle, African Fish Eagle and Lesser Kestrel were the raptors evident. We had a picnic lunch in the most welcoming shade after enjoying a nice surprise in the form of a Dusky Lark and Pallid Harrier. We left this area after having great success and moved on to our home for the next night, Dusky Lark by Glen Valentine Polokwane.

A reserve near our accommodation was visited in the afternoon and delivered the goods. Our main target was the endemic and range-restricted Short-clawed Lark, and it was found relatively quickly as we had a couple of birds displaying atop small bushes. We enjoyed this endemic amongst other great species such as Eastern Clapper, Rufous-naped & Sabota Larks, Common Ostrich, European Roller, African Hoopoe, Marico & White-bellied Sunbirds, Marabou Stork, Red-breasted Swallow and African Hawk Eagle. We retired to our accommodation after a long day and enjoyed our dinner while tallying our total amount of species for the day - a whopping 146 species of birds! Not even mentioning mammals such as Common Eland, Steenbok, Black- backed Jackal, Nyala, Plains Zebra and many Giraffe.

On this morning, our adventure took us back to a reserve near Polokwane. A brief walk around the entrance produced more Diederik Cuckoo, Marico Sunbird and a stunning male Fiscal Flycatcher. We heard the call of Burnt-necked Eremomela and no sooner did a few birds give us spectacular views as they sang away atop an acacia. We ventured further into the reserve and noticed a large Cuckoo, which turned out to be Levaillant's Cuckoo, sunning himself in the glorious morning rays. We managed to pick out more Short-clawed Lark, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Spotted Flycatcher, Wahlberg's Eagle, Long-billed Crombec and Red- breasted Swallow. New birds for our trip were targets such as Ashy Tit, the magnificent Long-tailed Paradise & Shaft-tailed Whydahs, a singing Kalahari Scrub Robin, Greater Honeyguide, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, the large Bearded Woodpecker, colourful and Long-tailed Paradise Whydah by Adam Riley

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 4 inquisitive Klaas's Cuckoo, Tawny-flanked Prinia and Red-chested Cuckoo. Some thermals provided us with soaring White Stork and both Cape & White-backed Vultures together for comparison. We moved further west from Polokwane to the Soutpansberg mountain range to target some forest species. After lunch, we headed further up the mountainous terrain, into some moss- covered escarpment forest and were welcomed with some heavy rain and mist. After waiting patiently for it to pass over, we accepted defeat and headed on to our accommodation nearby. The rain had set in, but we still managed to see a beautiful pair of Southern Double- coloured Sunbird, African Dusky Flycatcher and Bar-throated Apalis. We had a great home-cooked meal and enjoyed the great conversation before heading to a Black-fronted Bushshrike by Adam Riley nice, warm bed.

We were up at dawn and headed to a section of pristine forest nearby to try our luck at the targets that we were unable to try for yesterday, because of the rain. Leaving our accommodation, we had luck after the recent rains. Three species of Robin-Chat were seen together, foraging on the road out in the open. Firstly, Cape then Red-capped and lastly two Chorister Robin-Chats! We arrived in the forest to a glorious sighting of a male Narina Trogon out in the open. Not too long after, we heard the call of our main target and went in search of the Black-fronted Bushshrike. We had great views of many Yellow-throated Woodland Warblers, Knysna Turaco and glimpses of a Barratt's Warbler. We neared the sound of our target and after some searching, we had fantastic views of a stunning male calling out in the open – Black-fronted Bushshrike! We enjoyed this sighting of a very localised bird for a few moments before we continued and ticked off a pair of Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Many Yellow-streaked Greenbuls with their characteristic wing-flicking and also a Grey Cuckooshrike.

We had to move on, as the drive ahead of us to the Wakkerstroom area was a long one. Birding en route proved entertaining and highlights included a flock of about 150 White Stork, two sightings of out-of-range Pale-chanting Goshawks, another flock of Storks - this time made up primarily of the nomadic Abdim's Stork and a single dark phase Booted Eagle. Also of interest was a 'pan' or reservoir with about 80 Greater and 300 Lesser Flamingoes. As we neared Wakkerstroom, we could immediately see why this area is renowned for birding. A haven for endemics and near-endemics was proven almost immediately, with views of the breeding-endemic South African Cliff- Swallow, Cape Longclaw, Amur Falcon, Greater Kestrel, a huge flock of Black- winged Pratincoles, Cape Weaver, Ant- eating Chat, Wing-snapping Cisticola and Banded Martin. A great highlight came in the form of three Blue Korhaan - right next to the road! A quick scan produced South Africa's national bird - Blue Crane. It was not long after that we found the monotypic Secretarybird striding across a field, out in the open. We checked into our favoured accommodation before moving onto the Knysna Turaco by Keith Valentine

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 5 wetland on the fringes of town. We managed to find a pair of South African Shelduck, Southern Pochard, African Reed Warbler and African Wattled Lapwing as we witnessed a huge flock of Southern Bald Ibis flying overhead. We headed to a different section of wetland, where we’d had some luck previously with Marsh Owl, and we were not to be disappointed. A stunning sighting was had as it sat out in the open for all to see! As the light faded, we headed for dinner in celebration of a fantastic 'travel' day.

Today started early with a cracking sighting of two White-bellied Bustards in an open field right next to us! We even witnessed them calling to each other. A great way to start the day in this magnificent and scenic region of South Africa. We moved up to about 2,000m and looked for our next big target. We managed to pick up on the feint call of our White-bellied Bustard by Markus Lilje quarry and within minutes, picked up two male Yellow-breasted Pipits having a little 'argument' as to who's land this was. The same area also produced Denham's Bustard, Eastern Long- billed Lark, a fantastic sighting of a pair of African Rock Pipits, Mountain Wheatear, handsome Buff- streaked Chat, Cape Canary and close-up views of the seldom seen Horus Swift. We made our way back for a scrumptious breakfast after a very successful morning, racking up White-backed Duck and Whiskered Tern along the way.

After a well-deserved breakfast, we continued our search for some of the great birds that this place has to offer. The first bit of excitement came in the form of at least a hundred Amur Falcons. A small stream produced a great sighting of Half-collared Kingfisher. A male Montagu's Harrier was seen not long after. We found our next target with relative ease and enjoyed spectacular looks at a pair of Botha's Lark within a couple of meters of us. We left this rare little Lark in search of an even rarer Lark: Rudd's Lark - considered to be one of the rarest Larks in the world. On our way, we cleaned up with another Eastern Clapper Lark and a displaying Cloud Cisticola. We reached an area where Rudd's Lark had recently bred and went in search of our prey. We picked up on a bird next to us within record time and enjoyed great looks. Other birds of interest here were Pale-crowned Cisticola, Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, South African Shelduck, Banded Martin, Southern Bald Ibis, Cape Shoveler and Common Quail. We also managed views of the iconic Meerkat, Southern Reedbuck and the endemic Black Wildebeest. The afternoon was spent looking at birds in the wetland. Excitement came when a female Western Marsh Harrier came in low and landed in some reeds. We also got Sedge, Little Rush & Lesser Swamp Warblers, Giant Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey Crowned Crane, Cape Weaver, Brown-throated Martin and Hottentot Teal. A great way to end a very successful day. We retired after a lovely Buff-streaked Chat by Adam Riley meal in preparation for tomorrow.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 6

We climbed in altitude this morning, to over 2,000m. A cracking male Sentinel Rock Thrush was first on the cards and proved to be a firm favourite. Not long after, we came across a Denham's Bustard right next to the road - providing our best views yet. Other good birds in this area were Cape Canary, Buff-streaked Chat, Cape Longclaw, Greater Striped & White-throated Swallows and Banded Martin. Yet another Denham's Bustard strode across the road in front of us and soon afterwards, we witnessed a pair of Red-throated Wrynecks interacting with one another before being chased off by a Pied Starling. We paid another visit to the local wetland and were surprised that a national vagrant - the Western Marsh Harrier, was still there. A colourful Malachite Kingfisher popped into view while his bigger cousin, the Giant Kingfisher, looked on. A Little Bittern was a nice surprise and better views of African Reed Warbler and Cape Weaver were had. Another Harrier species, this time an African Marsh Harrier, came into view over the wetland. After a hearty breakfast, we continued our tour south, toward the province of KwaZulu-Natal. As we descended, we noticed a change in habitat and the accompanying birds. A Bateleur warranted a stop for a better look, and as we did, we witnessed a Wahlberg's Eagle bomb-dive it. A lunch stop broke up the travelling, especially as we wandered around the surrounding 'bushveld' or woodland while we waited for our food. New birds here came in quick. These included Southern Black Flycatcher, Violet-backed Starling, Chin-spot Batis, Black-bellied Starling, the stunning Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Striped Kingfisher, African Paradise Flycatcher, Sombre Greenbul, Bronze Mannikin and yet Cape Grassbird by Hugh Chittenden another look at a Greater Honeyguide.

After filling our bellies, we hopped in the vehicle for 20 minutes before we reached our accommodation in the Mkuze area. This area is absolutely fantastic for birding because of its many endemic species within the varied habitat types - including the rare 'sand forest' and some great wetlands and coastal grasslands. After checking in, we familiarised ourselves with the birds of the 'sand forest' that our lodge was set in. A walk on a trail was an excellent outing as almost every species encountered was new. First up were some Red-backed Mannikins, followed by a pair of Grey Sunbird feeding on a flowering creeper. A Red- fronted Tinkerbird decided to join the same tree. A pair of African Yellow White-eye showed well, on the southern edge of their range here. We had to spend some extra time getting good looks at a pair of Bearded Scrub Robins. A small mixed flock of birds produced our first endemic to this region - Rudd's Apalis, right next to our heads. This same mixed flock gave us Yellow-bellied Greenbul and Purple- banded Sunbird. As the sun disappeared, an Eastern Nicator started to call, and some quick manoeuvring saw us finding his Rudd’s Apalis by Adam Riley

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 7 calling post and afforded us great views of him singing away. We then enjoyed drinks and dinner on the deck, with great views of this fantastic destination.

An early start this morning was needed as we headed to the famous Mkuze Game Reserve. A small reserve with an array of biodiversity! As we signed in at the entrance gate, an Orange-breasted Bushshrike popped into view before an African Harrier Hawk lazily flew overhead. A great display from a Long- tailed Paradise Whydah was certainly a favourite before we got Common Scimitarbill, Violet-backed Starling, Cardinal Woodpecker, Southern Black Tit, African Hoopoe and a female Black Green-winged Pytilia by Keith Valentine Cuckooshrike. Not long after, we managed to find the major target for this area, an endemic bird to this 'sand forest' region - Neergaard's Sunbird. A single male bird was found singing away, atop a large Boer Bean tree! We managed to also bump into another endemic to this region - a pair of the attractive Pink-throated Twinspots. We then visited a small waterhole and hide. This proved fantastic and not long after arriving, we had Green-winged Pytilia, Common Waxbill, European Honey Buzzard, Lizard Buzzard and a huge South African Rock Python hiding away in the water! We managed to find Woolly-necked Stork and Dusky Indigobird here too, before a gigantic African Elephant crept up without us noticing and continued to drink and spray mud all over his body - what a sighting, especially being so close.

We had a different variety of birds around Nsumo Pan and ticked off African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Pink-backed Pelican, Goliath Heron and a Greater Painted Snipe in plain open view! We left the reserve to explore the surroundings of Maputoland and had lunch under a large Fever Tree. A big surprise came in the form of an Allen's Gallinule - a rare bird in this part of the world. Southern Brown- throated Weaver was new here along with some views of Wire-tailed Swallow and a rare reptile in the form of an East African Serrated Turtle. Moving on from here proved tough, but a sighting of a Sooty Falcon quickly occupied us! A section of coastal grassland was visited next, and we had great success here too. Our huge target here was the sought-after Lemon-breasted Canary. A few individuals were spotted in the distance and a quick follow-up produced a flock of about twenty!

We moved on after enjoying this great bird and were surprised to spot an Ayre's Hawk Eagle flying overhead! A Grey-rumped Swallow put in a brief appearance. We continued onto the edge of the St Lucia estuary and were amazed at the numbers of species and individuals seen. African Elephant by Andre Bernon

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 8

The endemic Rufous-winged Cisticola showed well next to a Yellow-throated Longclaw. A bird flew off the side of the road, African Crake! A Black-bellied Bustard also continued to walk on the road for all to see. Further on, we witnessed a great spectacle - over 600 Collared Pratincoles flocking overhead! A Pallid Harrier was a nice surprise in this area, whilst the more common African Marsh Harrier quartered nearby. Reaching our turning point and heading back, we were very fortunate to see some Quailfinch right out in the open! We enjoyed another great meal in the African bush whilst talking about our plans for the following day.

We started with a walk within the sand forest near the lodge. We were targeting Pink-throated Twinspot to acquire better views than yesterday. We moved on after Pink-throated Twinspot by Adam Riley finding none but did manage African Yellow White-eye, Grey Sunbird and Bearded Scrub Robin. A small patch of coastal forest nearby gave ample opportunity to catch up with Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, White-bellied Sunbird, Spectacled Weaver, Thick-billed Weaver, Collared Sunbird, Crowned Hornbill and a lovely sighting of a pair of Wahlberg's Eagle sitting side by side. We packed our bags for our next stop after a great breakfast. We headed for the small coastal village of St Lucia, but decided to try once more for our colourful target. We soon heard its call, which can often be missed. A search gave us mouth-watering views of a regional endemic - Pink-throated Twinspot! After this, it was a short drive to St Lucia, with its adjoining coastal forest on the edge of Africa's largest estuarine system on one side, and the Indian Ocean on the other. As we arrived, we could tell that rain had just fallen and with the current shortage of rain, we knew the birds would be out.

A brief stop on the estuary gave us cracking views of Lesser Swamp Warbler and Eastern Golden & Southern Brown-throated Weavers. We headed for a patch of pristine coastal forest and within no time, we had a large mixed flock of birds. This flock was comprised of Southern Boubou, Eastern Golden Weaver, Square-tailed Drongo, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Dark-backed Weaver and Rudd's Apalis. We heard the feint call of another target and quickly moved into position to find a pair of Woodward's Batis feeding together! We continued birding and managed to find two more great birds in the form of Grey Waxbill and Brown Scrub Robin. We left the forest and headed to the mouth of the estuary and scrounged through the tern roost and waders. Species evident were Curlew and Marsh Sandpipers, Common Ringed & White-fronted Plovers, Saddle-billed & Yellow-billed Storks and Goliath Heron. As we worked through the flock of terns, we had about 150 Little Terns! Other species were Grey- headed Gull, Sandwich & Greater Crested Terns and a massive surprise - a vagrant Gull-billed Tern! This was a great find and constitutes about the 20th sighting of this species in Southern Africa!

Southern Brown-throated Weaver by Keith Valentine

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 9

After a great welcome to St Lucia, we headed for lunch and then checked into our great accommodation on the edge of some coastal forest. In the afternoon, we continued our search in the nearby coastal forest and were greatly rewarded in between the intermittent rain. A favourite moment came when we had a pair of Livingstone's Turaco out on an exposed tree for some time. Here we also had White-eared Barbet, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Red-capped Robin Chat and Olive Sunbird. As the sun set in this beautiful part of the world, we made our way to dinner and went in search of an owl in the forest after dark. We located a pair within a couple of minutes and managed to follow the call and eventually found a beautiful female African Wood Owl within 10m of us! A great way to end a fantastic day.

We left the coastal village of St Lucia for the locally famous Ngoye forest, near the African Wood Owl by David Hoddinott coastal town of Mtunzini. We had luck on our side and bumped into a pair of Palm-nut Vultures along the way. Upon reaching the forest, we had to struggle with heavy winds, but eventually found our primary target - Green Barbet. A future arm-chair tick for sure. Other birds seen in the forest included many Trumpeter Hornbill, the endemic Cape Batis, Black-bellied Starling and Red-backed Mannikin. After finding our target, and with the heavy winds, we decided to move off earlier than usual and head for cover in the valley below. A small reserve was visited nearby and this proved to be a good choice as we had the most fantastic sighting of a pair of Green Malkoha and also Black-throated Wattle-eye. We reached the town of Eshowe after lunch and made our way to the Dlinza forest. It was rather quiet, but we still managed to get great views of Lemon Dove, Collared Sunbird, Dark-backed Weaver and Square-tailed Drongo, and a highlight was when a minuscule Blue Duiker came within meters of our feet! Nearer our lodge, we found some activity and a mixed flock of birds included Trumpeter Hornbill, Black-collared Barbet, Southern Black Tit, Golden-tailed Woodpecker and Southern Black Flycatcher.

We made our way onto the aerial boardwalk within Dlinza Forest first thing in the morning. We waited and scanned patiently until we spotted our most wanted bird up on the tower - an Eastern Bronze- naped Pigeon! She sat out in the open for all to see before moving off. We managed to see two more individuals, one being a male. Other birds from the tower were Grey-headed Bushshrike, Grey Cuckooshrike, Olive Woodpecker, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, Olive Sunbird, White-eared Barbet and African Olive Pigeon. We made our Green Malkoha by Adam Riley way down to the forest floor in search of our next quarry. Here, we found Narina Trogon, Dark-backed Weaver and Cape Batis before we saw a movement on the ground amongst some leaf litter. A spectacular looking Spotted Ground Thrush

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 10 popped into view for all to enjoy. A few minutes later, we found its partner, which gave us even better views of this sought-after species. We hit the road and headed south and then inland from Durban. We visited a small wetland before lunch and were surprised at the sheer number of birds present. Black-winged Lapwing, Cape Shoveler and Cape Teal were new for our tour. White Stork, Blacksmith Lapwing, Wood Sandpiper, Goliath Heron, Ruff, Little Stint, Hottentot & Red-billed Teals, African Reed Warbler and South African Shelduck were all evident too. We made our way to the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal after a fantastic lunch, managing to spot a family of Ground Woodpecker sitting on a boulder near the road. We alighted from the vehicle to get even better views and were really rewarded when a pair of Blue Swallow came in flying right over our Spotted Ground Thrush by Markus Lilje heads! This rare bird circled the surrounding grassland, for all of us to study a bit more, before moving off. This fantastic piece of grassland also gave us Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Prinia, Wailing & Pale-crowned Cisticola, Yellow Bishop, Red-collared & Long-tailed Cisticolas, Jackal Buzzard, Horus Swift, Cape Longclaw and Banded Martin. We heard the call of a Red-winged Francolin and went in pursuit. Great views were eventually had, whilst yet another Blue Swallow came into view! We made our way to the town of Himeville, at the base of the Drakensberg Mountains, in preparation for our adventure into Lesotho the following day.

Sani Pass by Andre Bernon

We started the morning in some mist as we headed to the start of the famous Sani Pass in the Drakensberg Mountains, which starts in South Africa and heads into the Kingdom of Lesotho. Our first bit of excitement came in the form of Swee Waxbill, Greater Double-collared & Amethyst Sunbirds, Red-throated Wryneck, Cape Grassbird, African Firefinch, Streaky-headed Seedeater, African Yellow Warbler, Ground Woodpecker and Cape Rock Thrush. As we gained altitude in this beautiful landscape, we entered a protea belt and soon encountered the Gurney's Sugarbird, forming an endemic family to Southern Africa. Buff-streaked Chat, African Black, Horus & Alpine Swifts, Malachite Sunbird, Familiar Chat and Wailing Cisticola were all common; whereas a great sighting of a Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk was a nice surprise! We ascended once again to over 2,000m and quickly managed to see a flock of Drakensberg Siskin amongst some Rock Hyrax. A few seconds later, we spotted our main target, Drakensberg Rockjumper! Great views were had of a pair as they foraged close to us, interacting with one another and often stopping to sing. After enjoying these great

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 11 birds for some time, we proceeded up the pass to Sani top. Here, a single Black Stork flew overhead as the cute Slogget's Vlei Rat looked on.

As we entered Lesotho and searched its short, shrubby habitat reminiscent of the Karoo, we managed to find some great species typical of this harsh habitat. The noisy Grey Tit, dainty Fairy Flycatcher, Yellow Canary, Mountain Pipit, Large- billed Lark, Karoo Prinia, Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture and Sickle-winged Chat were all new to our sightings list and very sought-after too! After a great picnic lunch, we headed back for South Africa. Before descending the pass, we had a traditional celebratory drink at the highest pub in Africa. Little did we know what was Drakensberg Rockjumper by Glen Valentine in store for us next! We gradually descended and suddenly spotted a large bird next to a puddle on the road. We lifted our binoculars and were absolutely amazed to see an immature Allen's Gallinule! What on earth was this bird doing in this mountainous terrain? A few hundred miles south of its normal range! We enjoyed this spectacle and it then moved off into the thick brush. We searched the fields at the base of the mountains and managed to find all three South African crane species: namely Wattled, Grey-crowned & Blue! A Black Sparrowhawk showed well and we also found a pair of roosting Western Barn Owls! Our last stop for the day was a stake-out spot for a tricky bird. We seated close to a thick, bushy area and out wandered a Buff-spotted Flufftail! A great sighting of a male bird with its bright red chest in the open. A great way to end a fantastic day!

This morning, we headed for an escarpment forest named Marutswa. The forest edge gave us fantastic views of the endemic Forest Canary feeding young, as well as Swee Waxbill, Cape Grassbird, Red-collared Widowbird, African Olive Pigeon and Drakensberg Prinia. Within the forest, we managed to spot a Bush Blackcap and Knysna Turaco, and an Orange Ground Thrush was seen by a few participants. We continued to the Pietermaritzburg area and stopped off at a large wetland, which produced the main target within minutes - a cooperative Buff-spotted Flufftail by Hugh Chittenden Cuckoo-Finch! Mammals were also abundant here, and herds were made up of Hartebeest, Impala, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest and Plains Zebra. Other birds worth mentioning included African Marsh Harrier, the handsome Jackal Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, Amur Falcon, Red-throated Wryneck, Brown-throated Martin and a small covey of Red-winged Francolins! A small patch of forest was visited in the mist and proved to be quiet, but we did have our best views of Olive Woodpecker out in the open above our heads, and also more Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler. After lunch, we checked into our accommodation and proceeded to do more birding. We visited the Karkloof area, and a walk within the forest produced magnificent

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 12 views of Orange Ground Thrush and Mountain Wagtail. Other birds seen in the light drizzle were Knysna Turaco, Lemon Dove, Forest Canary and Olive Thrush.

Today we planned to fly to the city of Cape Town. We left early and headed for some birding before making our way to King Shaka International Airport. The wetland was absolutely teeming with birds, and first up was a Black Crake. Not long after this, we found a massive surprise in the form of an out-of-range Lesser Jacana! We enjoyed prolonged views as it preened out in the open. Other good birds here included Tambourine Dove, Red-faced Cisticola, Marsh & Wood Sandpipers, Little Stint, Hottentot, Cape & Red-billed Bush Blackcap by Adam Riley Teals, Cape Shoveler and White Stork. We made our way to the airport and found our flight to be delayed. We eventually got to Cape Town and made our way directly to the De Hoop area to the east. The drive through the Overberg region of the Western Cape is rich in birdlife and harbours many endemics. We encountered numerous Blue Crane and Jackal Buzzard along the drive, and were really lucky to spot the striking Black Harrier quartering low and right next to our car - very impressive! We managed to see a few Denham's Bustards at close quarters and were lucky to spot a pair of Karoo Korhaan out in an open field for a nice change. Nearer our accommodation, we had views of the bold Bontebok sub-species of the Blesbok, as well as some crepuscular Cape Hairs. On the birding front, we saw a small covey of the endemic Grey-winged Francolins, as well as a small group of Capped Wheatear. We retired to our accommodation on the Breede River and enjoyed a great home-made dinner.

We were up at dawn and started searching the immediate area for some new targets. As we got moving, we were greeted by a herd of Common Eland in the middle of the road. The rain had set in and hindered our birding, but a few gaps without rain gave us the opportunity to find a regional endemic - Agulhas Long-billed Lark. We also found Karoo Scrub Robin, White- throated Canary, Karoo Korhaan, Large- billed Lark, Yellow Canary and Plain- backed Pipit. We headed back for breakfast and by that time the rain was falling even harder and was not letting up. We had a Hottentot Teal by Adam Riley scrumptious breakfast and decided to move on to Cape Town a bit earlier than expected. En route we witnessed the effects of the weather system. Huge amounts of water had accumulated in valleys and depressions and some areas even had huge amounts of water flowing over the road! We managed to leave the area before any more flooding and arrived in Cape Town in time for lunch. We then made our way to the Strandfontein Waste Water Treatment Works. This refuge for birds harbours absolutely huge amounts of individuals and different species. Little Stint, Common Ringed Plover, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-billed & Cape Teal, Cape

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 13

Shoveler, Southern Pochard, thousands of both Greater & Lesser Flamingos, Black-winged Stilt, and Greater Crested, Sandwich & White-winged Terns were all abundant. New birds came in the form of Hartlaub's & Kelp Gulls, African Snipe, Pied Avocet, Karoo Prinia, Cape Spurfowl and Cape Bulbul. After spending some time here, we made our way back to Cape Town and then south onto the peninsula to our fantastic accommodation.

This morning saw us head to Strandfontein once again. Mornings seemed much more productive, and we managed to get views of Black-necked & Greater Crested Grebes and Maccoa Duck. A first for our mega tours to South Africa was a sighting of a Temminck's Stint. We enjoyed this great wader as it was entering breeding plumage. A patch of fynbos was visited and produced numerous Cape Sugarbirds, Orange-breasted & Southern Double- collared Sunbirds, Familiar Chat, Grey- backed Cisticola, African Black Swift and Grey-winged Francolin by Glen Valentine a single female Cape Rockjumper. We visited the largest colony of African Penguin on the mainland and enjoyed this great spectacle of at least a thousand birds! African Oystercatcher was also seen foraging on the rocks, amongst many Cape, Bank & White-breasted Cormorants. We then visited the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens and enjoyed a brisk walk after lunch. We enjoyed Cape Batis and Swee Waxbill before we heard the call of an endemic to South Africa - Victorin's Warbler! We zoned in on this skulking species and eventually got close-up views - too close for binoculars! We made our way back to Cape Town in time for dinner and spoke about the plans for the following day.

Unfortunately, our pelagic trip had been cancelled, much to our disappointment. But safety definitely comes first. We decided to head to the Cape Point Nature Reserve and enjoyed some sea-watching from the most south-westerly point of Africa. We managed to pick out some Cory's Shearwater, as well as many Cape Gannets. Cape Siskin was new to us here and we enjoyed a few flocks. We then headed to a spot for the Cape Rockjumper off the peninsula, as a few people hadn't seen it yesterday. We almost immediately got onto a male bird high up on a slope. We continued to watch him for a while when he was joined by his partner. They continued to chase each other around and hop from boulder to boulder. Both Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird were in full force too. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and proceeded to an area near Cape Town we had staked out for our next endemic. We searched the protea-covered slopes, and after a long search, we managed to catch up with a spectacular sighting of a Protea Canary! This was a great way to end the day, with some great scenery too.

We left the mother city and headed up the west coast of South Africa toward the West Coast National Park. Our first stop in the Temminck’s Stint by Andre Bernon

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 14 park was the Geelbek hide in order to time the tides to our advantage. The shorebirds were everywhere and some good species included Chestnut-banded Plover, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers, Lesser & Greater Flamingos, Sanderling, Cape Teal and South African Shelduck. We also saw White-backed Mousebird, Karoo Lark and Southern Black Korhaan in the surroundings. Other notable sightings were Chestnut-vented Warbler, Crowned Cormorant, Common & Sandwich Terns, Grey-winged Francolin, Cape Spurfowl, Martial Eagle, White-throated Canary, Cape Bulbul and Karoo Scrub Robin. We retired after a great meal in preparation for our Karoo odyssey to follow.

One last visit to some 'strandveld' habitat produced a sought-after species in the form of the tiny Cape Penduline Tit. Passerines were abundant here and we had sightings of Karoo Scrub Robin, Grey-backed African Penguins by Markus Lilje Cisticola, Grey Tit, Bokmakierie, Southern Black Korhaan, and a Peregrine Falcon also made an appearance. We headed further north and managed to get much better views of Chestnut-banded Plover and were surprised to find a vagrant in the form of two Red-necked Phalaropes. We reached the 'bushmanland' area and settled into our accommodation after a great lunch. The afternoon was spent exploring the surrounds and saw us finding Karoo & Tractrac Chats, Pale-winged Starling, Karoo Long-billed & Large-billed Larks, Chat Flycatcher and many Karoo Korhaans!

We headed out early this morning for the area around a small town named Brandvlei - meaning 'burning marsh'. En route we saw more Karoo Korhaan and also the attractive Rufous-eared Warbler and nomadic Lark-like Bunting. We pushed on to an area good for Red Lark and we quickly found a few individuals and one bird was seen within meters of us, foraging on the ground. After great success with this highly localised endemic, we headed in search of more specials for this area. We staked out a very active watering hole and saw many Yellow & White-throated Canaries. A pair of Ludwig's Bustards strode across the plains, whilst many Grey-backed Sparrowlarks also came in. We were treated to a sighting of two stunning male Black-headed Canaries and not long after that, two Sclater's Lark came in to drink! The afternoon also produced another Cape Penduline Tit at close quarters, as well as Pale-chanting Goshawk, Grey Tit, Greater Kestrel, and Spike-heeled & Large-billed Larks. We were pleasantly surprised to find a foraging group of four Sclater's Larks and enjoyed close-up views. Amongst them was also a single Karoo Lark, which showed us all its features well.

Today saw us leaving the town of Calvinia and heading further north-west to the Springbok area. The first bit of excitement came when an Aardwolf darted into the road in front of us, also many Cape Grysbok and Springbok. Roosting raptors were evident: Martial Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Orange-breasted Sunbird by James Wakelin

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 15

Lanner Falcon and Pale-chanting Goshawk. After a little picnic breakfast, we pushed on through the iconic dirt roads of the Karoo. We spotted a group of very black birds and proceeded to watch the highly nomadic and difficult to get Black-eared Sparrowlark! We watched these birds foraging next to the vehicle as a small flock of Karoo Eremomela appeared. Not to be outdone, a beautiful Rufous- eared Warbler also showed well. Three great species in one binocular view! We enjoyed the scenic drive with sightings of Double-banded Courser, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Dusky Sunbird, Verreaux's Eagle and more Black-eared and Grey-backed Sparrowlarks. After dinner, we went on a short night drive to see what we could find. First up was s very inquisitive Cape Fox, which can sometimes be difficult to find. It came within meters of the vehicle. We then managed to spot some eyes up on some boulders and on closer inspection, we found it to be an African Wild Cat! We topped off these two great mammal sightings with a spectacular Spotted Eagle Red Lark by Hugh Chittenden Owl sitting quietly on a fence post.

This morning saw us leaving early, heading west to the coast and near to the border with Namibia. Our targets were a couple of highly range-restricted Lark species. We found the impressive Barlow's Lark within minutes of searching. We witnessed this great bird within a few meters of us, foraging in the soft white sand. Whilst watching the Barlow's Lark, a whole group of Cape Long-billed Lark came in, displaying and landing close by. We headed back to the Namaqualand area around Springbok. A short walk around our accommodation showed us a superb sighting of a pair Verreaux's Eagles! After lunch, we headed to the Goegap Nature Reserve and enjoyed many Capped & Mountain Wheatear, Bokmakierie, Spike-heeled & Sabota (Bradfield's sub-species) Larks and Dusky Sunbird. We searched hard and eventually got great views of the tough to find Cinnamon-breasted Warbler! After a good dinner, we headed out for yet another night drive. Excitement all came at once when we spotted a Freckled Nightjar and a Bubo species of Owl at the same time! Further searching here gave a superb sighting of the Freckled Nightjar as it flew over our heads, as well as the rare and hard to find Zorilla!

We left first thing in the morning, once again, and headed further north along the N14 motorway. Upon reaching the town of Poffadder, we made a turn west towards the Namibian border. This road proved to be exciting on the birding front, especially after some recent rain. First up was a stunning male Pririt Batis, as well as a Fairy Flycatcher. Sabota & Karoo Long- billed Larks showed well, also the new Fawn-coloured Larks. Grey-backed & the rare Black-eared Sparrowlarks were also evident, as well as many Ludwig's Bustard and a couple of Karoo Korhaans. After Pale Chanting Goshawk by Markus Lilje some searching, we were rewarded with

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 16 the hard-to-find Burchell's Courser! Other notable birds included the endemic Orange River White - eye, Dusky Sunbird, Cape Teal, Red-eyed Bulbul, Karoo Chat, Karoo Thrush and Chat Flycatcher. The next bit of excitement came in the form of a gorgeous Pygmy Falcon near some Sociable Weaver colonies. We arrived in the Augrabies area and headed to the National Park in the afternoon. As we entered the park, we managed to spot a small group of Double-banded Sandgrouse! We witnessed these birds within meters of us! Afterwards, we visited the impressively powerful falls with many Augrabies Flat Lizard looking on. We also saw Pale-winged Starling within meters of us, also Cape Robin Chat, Long-billed Crombec and Red-eyed Bulbul. A short drive in the park produced more Double- banded Coursers, Sabota Lark, Southern Fiscal (of the Lakatoo sub-species), Cape & Lark-like Buntings, Three-banded Plover and Black Crake.

Once again, we headed to the Augrabies National Park for a stint of morning birding. Larks were abundant and we Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters by Andre Bernon managed to rake up Karoo Long-billed & Sabota (Bradfield's) Larks, whilst many Namaqua & Double-banded Sandgrouse were also seen. We had many Scaly-feathered Weavers, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Dusky Sunbird, Chat Flycatcher, Cape Spurfowl, Pale-winged Starlings, Acacia Pied Barbet and our best sighting of a Namaqua Warbler! Some mammals included the impressive Gemsbok, the agile Klipspringer, Rock Hyrax and some playful Vervets and Chacma Baboon. We headed for the capital city of the Northern Cape - Kimberley, and witnessed a massive flock of Abdim's Stork riding some thermals. After checking into our next 'home', we headed out to explore the direct surroundings and had excellent birding! First up was a Rufous-cheeked Nightjar on the nest! We also got a few Short-toed Rock Thrush, the colourful Violet-eared Waxbill, Quailfinch, Double-banded Courser, African Hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, Black Kite, Desert & Cloud Cisticolas, Eastern Clapper Lark and Northern Black Korhaan. After a great home-cooked, traditional meal, we went on our greatly anticipated night drive. The first bit of excitement came when we spotted a family of Bat-eared Foxes, followed by the very rare Black-footed Cat! It didn't end there, because soon after, we spotted an Aardvark! We enjoyed this spectacular beast several times and were extremely lucky to have done so! Skilful spotting revealed the seldom-seen South African Hedgehog! Other creatures included both Cape & Scrub Hares, Springhare and a huge Cape Cobra! We also saw more Rufous-cheeked Nightjar and a pair of Spotted Thick-knees.

The following day was spent in the newly proclaimed Mokala Game Reserve. A recent storm had attracted many Lesser Kestrels and Amur Falcons, as they lined the fences en route. Scaly-feathered & Sociable Weavers were abundant, as well as Eastern Clapper Larks. We estimated at least a total of 80 birds seen throughout the day! Mostly displaying in the cool, overcast weather. We saw a few Red- crested Korhaan and a male even displayed Aardvark by Rich Lindie

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 17 by shooting up to the sky and tumbling to the ground! There were hundreds of heads of game: Springbok, Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Blesbok, Gemsbok and some African Buffalo. We also saw the critically endangered White Rhinoceros here. Other great sightings were Shaft-tailed Whydah, Buffy Pipit, Capped Wheatear, Brubru, Brown- crowned Tchagra, White-backed Vulture, Common Scimitarbill, Fiscal Flycatcher, African Reed Warbler and another Pygmy Falcon. We managed to also have a great display by a pair of Temminck's Coursers! An outing in the afternoon gave us views of Blue Crane with some young colts, Short-toed Rock Thrush, more Temminck's & Double-banded Coursers, Black-throated Canary and Violet-eared Double-banded Courser by Lee Gutteridge Waxbill.

The last day of this Mega tour of South Africa had already arrived, and we had to make our way to the city of Johannesburg. A brief stop in Kimberley gave us some great sightings of many Bradfield's Swift amongst Alpine & Little Swifts. En route we spotted White-backed Vulture, Eastern Clapper Lark, Northern Black Korhaan, Long-tailed Widowbird, South African Shelduck and at least three flocks of the uncommon Black-winged Pratincoles! A small stop in some suitable habitat saw us finding the endemic Melodious Lark, including some displaying from a few birds. This is area proved great for Larks, as we also got Spike-heeled, Eastern Clapper & Rufous-naped Larks. We also managed Red-throated Wryneck, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Black- throated Canary, Orange-river White-eye, Red-eyed Bulbul and Swainson's Spurfowl. We stopped for some lunch after our birding and proceeded to the bustling city of Johannesburg, where we concluded this highly successful and enjoyable Mega Tour of South Africa. Orange River White-eye by Adam Riley

Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded.

List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (522 in total: 512 seen, 10 heard) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2016. IOC World Bird List (v 6.3).

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 18

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus australis Observed 3 days in total.

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Observed 1 day in total. Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor (1) 40 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. A large was seen mixing with White-faced Whistling Ducks at the Kgomo-Kgomo wetlands. White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus leuconotus (4) 4 Wakkerstroom 18.1. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis niger Observed 1 day in total. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos (1) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Observed 4 days in total. South African Shelduck Tadorna cana Observed 1 day in total. Cape Teal Anas capensis Observed 1 day in total. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata undulata Observed 1 day in total. Cape Shoveler Anas smithii Observed 3 days in total. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Observed 3 days in total. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota (4) Wakkerstroom 18.1, Wakkerstroom 19.1, Darvill Sewage Works 23.1 and Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma brunnea (5) Observed Wakkerstroom 17-19.1, 80 Strandfontein Sewage Works 27.1 and 40 Strandfontein Sewage Works 28.1. Maccoa Duck (NT) Oxyura maccoa (2) 4 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 4 Strandfontein Sewage Works 28.1. We saw a couple of pairs of these diving ducks.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Observed 3 days in total. Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani edouardi (1) 25 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. A large flock was seen feeding along a forested road near the St.Lucia village.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 19

Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui coqui (2) 1 heard Polokwane GR 15.1 and 1 heard Polokwane GR 16.1. Grey-winged Francolin Scleroptila afra (4) 1 heard Sani Pass 24.1, 12 Agulhas Plains 26.1, 5 West Coast NP 30.1 and 7 West Coast NP 31.1. Red-winged Francolin Scleroptila levaillantii levaillantii (2) 1 Impendle NR 23.1. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena sephaena (2) 5 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 2 Polokwane GR 16.1. Cape Spurfowl Pternistis capensis Observed 1 day in total. Natal Spurfowl Pternistis natalensis natalensis (2) 3 Polokwane GR 15.1 and 3 Polokwane GR 16.1. Red-necked Spurfowl Pternistis afer castaneiventer (1) 1 heard Sani Pass 24.1. Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii swainsonii (4) 30 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 5 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 1 Polokwane GR 17.1. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix africana (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1. A single bird was seen well near Wakkerstroom at Fickland Pan.

Penguins Spheniscidae African Penguin (EN) Spheniscus demersus (2) 1000 Stony Point 28.1. We visited the largest colony on the mainland and counted a whopping 1000 birds!

Shearwaters and Petrels Procellariidae Cory's Shearwater Calonectris borealis (1) 3 Cape Point 29.1. A few distant birds were seen through the scope at Cape Point.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis Observed 3 days in total. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus infuscatus (3) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1, 1 Stony Point 28.1 and 6 Velddrif 31.1. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis gurneyi (2) 3 Stony Point 28.1 and 50 Velddrif 31.1.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Observed 5 days in total. Lesser Flamingo (NT) Phoeniconaias minor Observed 2 days in total.

Storks Ciconiidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis (2) 2 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 4 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus lamelligerus (1) 2 Mkuze GR 20.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 20

Black Stork Ciconia nigra (1) 1 Lesotho 24.1. Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii (2) 20 en route 17.1 and 100 en route 5.2. A large flock was seen riding a thermal near Kimberley. Woolly-necked Stork (VU) Ciconia episcopus microscelis (3) 6 Mkuze GR 20.1. White Stork Ciconia ciconia ciconia Observed 5 days in total. Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis (1) 1 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer (3) 2 Polokwane GR 15.1 and 1 Polokwane GR 16.1.

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Observed 1 day in total. Southern Bald Ibis (VU) Geronticus calvus (4) 30 Wakkerstroom 17.1, 80 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 30 Sani Pass 24.1. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash hagedash Observed 3 days in total. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Observed 1 day in total. African Spoonbill Platalea alba (4) 10 Wakkerstroom 18.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1, 2 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1 and 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 27.1.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus payesii (1) 2 Wakkerstroom 19.1. A bird was seen extremely well at a wetland in Wakkerstroom. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax (2) 3 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 2 Wakkerstroom 20.1. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (2) 5 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 12 Wakkerstroom 20.1. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Observed 1 day in total. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea Observed 3 days in total. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Observed 1 day in total. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath (3) 2 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 1 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea (5) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Wakkerstroom 19.1 and 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. Great Egret Ardea alba melanorhynchos (2) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 6 Mkuze GR 20.1. Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia brachyrhyncha (2) 3 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 2 Mkuze GR 20.1. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 21

(2) 2 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 2 Muzi Pan 20.1. Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta Observed 1 day in total.

Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta umbretta (1) 1 Darvill Sewage Works 23.1.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (3) 90 Strandfontein Sewage Works 27.1, 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 28.1 and 1 West Coast NP 30.1. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens (1) 9 Mkuze GR 20.1.

Boobies and Gannets Sulidae Cape Gannet (VU) Morus capensis (1) 50 Cape Point 29.1.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus Observed 3 days in total. Crowned Cormorant (NT) Microcarbo coronatus (2) 2 Cape Point 29.1 and 1 West Coast NP 30.1. Bank Cormorant (EN) Phalacrocorax neglectus (1) 60 Stony Point 28.1. A large group was seen nesting on the rocky shoreline, also seen collecting kelp to line the nest. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Observed 1 day in total. Cape Cormorant (NT) Phalacrocorax capensis Observed 1 day in total.

Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa rufa Observed 1 day in total.

Secretary-bird Sagittariidae Secretarybird (VU) Sagittarius serpentarius (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 17.1 and 1 Impendle NR 23.1. A total of 2 birds were seen walking through tall grass in search of food.

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus Observed 1 day in total. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus typus (2) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 2 en route 21.1. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis (1) 2 en route 22.1. A pair were seen in some Raffia Palms in the town of Mtubatuba.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 22

Bearded Vulture (NT) Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis (1) 4 Lesotho 24.1. This mountain species was seen well near the nest in Lesotho. European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus (2) 1 Mpempe Pan 20.1 and 2 en route 25.1. This national rarity was seen three times at Mpempe Pan, Midmar Dam NR and Howick Falls. White-backed Vulture (NT) Gyps africanus (4) 10 Polokwane GR 16.1, 2 en route 19.1, 30 Mokala NP 6.2 and 10 en route 7.2. Cape Vulture (VU) Gyps coprotheres (2) 2 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 15 Lesotho 24.1. Seen well next to some White-backed Vultures for comparison. Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis (4) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Mpempe Pan 20.1, 1 West Coast NP 30.1 and 2 en route 2.2. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus (1) 1 en route 21.1. A single bird was seen well near the town of Hluhluwe soaring together with an African Harrier- Hawk. Bateleur (NT) Terathopius ecaudatus (1) 1 en route 19.1. A young bird was seen in flight en route to the Mkuze area. Martial Eagle (NT) Polemaetus bellicosus (2) 1 West Coast NP 30.1 and 1 en route 2.2. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Observed 3 days in total. Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi (4) 3 Polokwane GR 15.1, 1 Polokwane GR 16.1, 1 en route 19.1 and 3 en route 21.1. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus (2) 1 en route 17.1 and 1 en route 2.2. A single bird was seen well en route to Wakkerstroom, amongst a flock of Abdim's Stork. Ayres's Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii (1) Mpempe Pan 20.1. Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii (2) 2 en route 2.2. A pair was seen perched in the Gamoep area en route to Springbok. Another pair was seen soaring around Springbok. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster (1) 3 Polokwane GR 15.1. A pair with a youngster was seen extremely well, perched and in flight. Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus meridionalis (1) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar gabar (3) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 1 heard Marrick GL 7.2. Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus (8) 2 en route 17.1. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro tachiro (1) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. A great sighting of a perched bird was had in Mkuze GR. Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris rufiventris (1) 1 Sani Pass 24.1. A good flight view was had when a single bird was seen soaring above the cliffs at the base of Sani

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 23

Pass. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus melanoleucus (1) 1 Sani Pass 24.1. A n adult was seen feeding in an open field. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus (2) Wakkerstroom 18.1 and Wakkerstroom 19.1. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus Observed 1 day in total. Black Harrier (VU) Circus maurus (2) 3 Agulhas Plains 26.1 and 1 Agulhas Plains 27.1. Our best sighting was of a bird flying right besides our vehicle for some time and also landing, giving us great views. Pallid Harrier (NT) Circus macrourus (2) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and Mpempe Pan 20.1. Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 17.1 and 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius parasitus Observed 9 days in total. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Observed 1 day in total. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus Observed 2 days in total. Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus Observed 6 days in total.

Bustards Otididae Ludwig's Bustard (EN) Neotis ludwigii (2) 2 Brandvlei 1.2 and 12 Onseepkans 4.2. Many birds were seen travelling to the Namibian border near Poffadder. Denham's Bustard (NT) Neotis denhami stanleyi (4) 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1, 2 Wakkerstroom 19.1, 3 Agulhas Plains 26.1 and 1 Agulhas Plains 27.1. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis barrowii (1) 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1. 2 males were seen right next to the vehicle. Blue Korhaan (NT) Eupodotis caerulescens (1) 3 Wakkerstroom 17.1. A small group was seen right next to the road as we entered the Wakkerstroom area. Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii (5) 2 Agulhas Plains 26.1, 1 Agulhas Plains 27.1 and 2 Onseepkans 4.2. Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista (1) 3 Mokala NP 6.2. A bird was even seeing calling and then displaying by flying 20m off the ground and then tumbling to the ground. Southern Black Korhaan (VU) Afrotis afra (2) 1 West Coast NP 30.1 and 3 Langebaan 31.1. Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides afraoides (6) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 1 heard Polokwane GR 16.1. Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster notophila (1) 2 Mpempe Pan 20.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 24

Flufftails Sarothruridae Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura elegans elegans (2) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 1 Sani Pass 24.1. We had the best views one could have of this bird when our local guide invited us to see his resident bird in his garden. Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa rufa (2) 1 heard Wakkerstroom 17.1 and 1 heard Wakkerstroom 18.1.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae African Crake Crex egregia (1) Mpempe Pan 20.1. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra Observed 2 days in total. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis Observed 1 day in total. Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni (2) Muzi Pan 20.1 and Sani Pass 24.1. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus meridionalis Observed 1 day in total. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Observed 1 day in total.

Cranes Gruidae Grey Crowned Crane (VU) Balearica regulorum regulorum (4) 3 Wakkerstroom 18.1, 2 Wakkerstroom 19.1, 80 Sani Pass 24.1 and 3 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Blue Crane (VU) Grus paradisea Observed 1 day in total. Wattled Crane Grus carunculata (1) 2 Sani Pass 24.1. A pair was seen really well at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Thick-knees Burhinidae Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis (3) 2 Wakkerstroom 17.1, 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 27.1 and 2 Marrick GL 5.2.

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae African Oystercatcher (NT) Haematopus moquini Observed 1 day in total.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Observed 2 days in total. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Observed 2 days in total.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus Observed 1 day in total.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 25

Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus minor (2) 109 Darvill Sewage Works 23.1 and 3 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. A huge flock was seen roosting on the open ground near a pan. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Observed 3 days in total. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus lateralis (3) Up to 12 Wakkerstroom 17-19.1. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola squatarola (2) 1 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1 and 5 West Coast NP 30.1. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula tundrae (6) 1 en route 17.1 and 4 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Observed 2 days in total. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris Observed 2 days in total. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus Observed 1 day in total. Chestnut-banded Plover (NT) Charadrius pallidus pallidus (2) 9 West Coast NP 30.1 and 20 Velddrif 31.1. This great wader was seen on two days on the west coast of South Africa.

Painted-Snipes Rostratulidae Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis (1) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. A female bird was seen out in the open at Nsumo Pan.

Jacanas Jacanidae Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis (1) 1 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. This sought after bird was seen really well, preening on the edge of a pan. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Observed 1 day in total.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis nigripennis (2) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 27.1 and 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 28.1. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica lapponica (1) 20 West Coast NP 30.1. Many birds were seen from the Geelbek hide. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus phaeopus (2) 50 West Coast NP 30.1. Eurasian Curlew (NT) Numenius arquata (1) 3 West Coast NP 30.1. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Observed 1 day in total. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Observed 1 day in total. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Observed 1 day in total. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 26

(1) 1 West Coast NP 30.1. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (2) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 1 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres interpres (1) 4 West Coast NP 30.1. Sanderling Calidris alba alba (3) 1 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1, 30 West Coast NP 30.1 and 1 Port Nolloth 3.2. Little Stint Calidris minuta Observed 2 days in total. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii (1) Strandfontein Sewage Works 28.1. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Observed 2 days in total. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Observed 1 day in total. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (1) 2 Velddrif 31.1.

Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae Burchell's Courser Cursorius rufus (1) 8 Onseepkans 4.2. A small flock was seen in the distan in an open plain near the Namibian border along the Orange River. Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii ruvanensis (1) 2 Mokala NP 6.2 and 2 Marrick GL 6.2. 2 pairs were seen really well. The first pair showed some interesting courting behaviour by moving their heads and bodies in a rocking motion. Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus (3) 2 en route 2.2, 4 Marrick GL 5.2 and 2 Marrick GL 6.2. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola fuelleborni (1) 600 Mpempe Pan 20.1. A massive flock was seen on the St.Lucia estuary floodplain! Black-winged Pratincole (NT) Glareola nordmanni (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Wakkerstroom 17.1 and 100 en route 7.2.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus poiocephalus Observed 1 day in total. Hartlaub's Gull Chroicocephalus hartlaubii Observed 1 day in total. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Observed 1 day in total. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica (1) St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Observed 2 days in total. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii bergii Observed 1 day in total. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Observed 2 days in total.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 27

Little Tern Sternula albifrons albifrons (1) 150 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. A large flock was seen at a roost in St.Lucia. Common Tern Sterna hirundo hirundo (1) 200 West Coast NP 30.1. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida (3) 3 Wakkerstroom 17.1, 10 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 1 en route 7.2. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (2) 30 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 100 Strandfontein Sewage Works 27.1.

Skuas and Jaegers Stercorariidae Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus (1) 3 en route 29.1. A few birds were seen near Strand as we witnessed them troubling Terns for food.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua (4) 5 Brandvlei 1.2, 4 en route 2.2, 5 Augrabies Falls NP 4.2 and 50 Augrabies Falls NP 5.2. Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus (2) 7 Augrabies Falls NP 4.2 and 3 Augrabies Falls NP 5.2.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia livia Observed 1 day in total. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea phaeonota Observed 6 days in total. African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix (3) 5 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1, 5 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 15 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba delegorguei delegorguei (1) 3 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. We wating patiently and eventually managed to spot a few birds, flying and perching atop the tall trees. Lemon Dove Columba larvata larvata (2) 2 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 1 Benvie Farm, Karkloof 25.1. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Observed 5 days in total. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Observed 16 days in total. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis senegalensis Observed 5 days in total. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos (3) 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 12 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria (3) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 22.1 and 1 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis capensis (7) 3 en route 17.1. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus delalandii (3) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1, 3 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 1 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 28

Turacos Musophagidae Livingstone's Turaco Tauraco livingstonii reichenowi (2) 4 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 22.1. Great views were had of some birds perched whilst calling. Knysna Turaco Tauraco corythaix (2) 3 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 3 Marutswa NR 25.1. Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus porphyreolophus Observed 5 days in total. Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor (4) 3 Johannesburg 14.1, 20 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 10 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 1 en route 17.1.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchellii burchellii (1) 1 Mpempe Pan 20.1. Green Malkoha Ceuthmochares australis (2) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 2 en route 22.1. A pair of birds were seen well in Enseleni Nature Reserve. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius (2) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and Mokala NP 6.2. Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii (1) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1. A single bird was seen sunning. Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius Observed 2 days in total. Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas (2) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus (2) 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus clamosus (2) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 3 Mokala NP 6.2. Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius Observed 1 day in total.

Barn-Owls Tytonidae Western Barn Owl Tyto alba poensis (1) 2 Sani Pass 24.1. A pair was seen roosting at a farm in the Sani Pass area.

Owls Strigidae Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus africanus (1) 1 en route 2.2. A great view was had of a bird on a night drive in the Springbok area. African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii woodfordii (1) 1 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. We managed to find a single bird, with its mate nearby, on a short night walk. Marsh Owl Asio capensis capensis (1) 1 Wakkerstroom 17.1. As the sun faded, we found a confiding bird perching on a pole near the wetland in Wakkerstroom.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 29

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena (1) 3 Marrick GL 5.2. We spotted a roosting bird near its recently abandoned nest, also two birds on the night drive. Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma (1) 1 Goegap NR 3.2.

Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Observed 3 days in total. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Observed 1 day in total. Common Swift Apus apus (3) 10 en route 31.1, 400 en route 4.2 and 20 en route 7.2. Huge flocks were seen in the western part of South Africa. African Black Swift Apus barbatus barbatus Observed 1 day in total. Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi deserticola (2) 30 en route 5.2 and 50 en route 7.2. We managed to find many birds within the city of Kimberley. Little Swift Apus affinis Observed 4 days in total. Horus Swift Apus horus horus (3) 4 Wakkerstroom 18.1, 4 Impendle NR 23.1 and 6 en route 24.1. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer Observed 3 days in total.

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Observed 2 days in total. White-backed Mousebird Colius colius Observed 1 day in total. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus Observed 4 days in total.

Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina narina (2) 1 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 1 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1.

Rollers Coraciidae Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus caudatus (2) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. European Roller (NT) Coracias garrulus garrulus Observed 3 days in total.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris (1) 2 Polokwane GR 16.1. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti (1) 2 Hluhluwe Town 19.1. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis cyanoleuca

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 30

(2) 5 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus cristatus (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 19.1 and 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata (1) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1. A single bird was seen on a small wooded stream near Wakkerstroom. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima maxima (5) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1, 1 Wakkerstroom 19.1 and 1 en route 28.1. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rudis Observed 1 day in total.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus hirundineus (2) 15 Augrabies Falls NP 5.2 and 1 Mokala NP 6.2. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus persicus (2) 30 Muzi Pan 20.1 and 5 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Observed 1 day in total.

Hoopoes Upupidae African Hoopoe Upupa africana Observed 3 days in total.

Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills Phoeniculidae Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Observed 2 days in total.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris (2) 20 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 1 Polokwane GR 16.1. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas leucomelas (2) 5 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 4 Polokwane GR 16.1. Crowned Hornbill Lophoceros alboterminatus (1) 3 Mkuze GR 21.1. African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus epirhinus (1) 4 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator (3) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1, 8 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 12 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1.

African Barbets Lybiidae White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis leucotis (3) 12 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 10 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 20 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Green Barbet Stactolaema olivacea woodwardi (1) 2 Ongoye FR 22.1. A pair was seen really well. Definitely a future split into the Woodwardu0027s Barbet. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus bilineatus (4) 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 6 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus pusillus (2) 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 31

Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas Observed 4 days in total. Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus torquatus (4) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 1 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1, 2 en route 23.1 and 1 Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii vaillantii (3) 2 Polokwane GR 15.1, 1 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator (2) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 1 Hluhluwe Town 19.1.

Woodpeckers Picidae Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis ruficollis (3) 2 Wakkerstroom 19.1, 1 Sani Pass 24.1 and 3 en route 25.1. Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni (3) 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 1 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus (1) 4 Impendle NR 23.1. Bearded Woodpecker Chloropicus namaquus (2) 1 heard Polokwane GR 15.1 and 2 Polokwane GR 16.1. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens (5) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 3 Mkuze GR 20.1. Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus griseocephalus (3) 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 22.1, 1 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1 and 2 Doreen Clark NR 25.1.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus semitorquatus (2) 1 en route 4.2 and 1 Mokala NP 6.2. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Observed 3 days in total. Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus Observed 1 day in total. Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides rupicoloides Observed 1 day in total. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis Observed 3 days in total. Sooty Falcon (NT) Falco concolor (1) en route 20.1. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus biarmicus Observed 1 day in total. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (1) 1 Langebaan 31.1.

Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis Batis capensis (5) 1 heard Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1, 1 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1, 1 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1, 1 Sani Pass 24.1 and 2 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 28.1. Woodward's Batis Batis fratrum

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 32

(1) 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. Chinspot Batis Batis molitor (3) 2 Hluhluwe Town 19.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 2 en route 21.1. Pririt Batis Batis pririt (3) 1 Onseepkans 4.2, 3 Augrabies Falls NP 5.2 and 1 Mokala NP 6.2. Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata peltata (1) 1 en route 22.1. A female bird was seen in Enseleni Nature Reserve, in some riparian woodland.

Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti (1) 1 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Black-fronted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus nigrifrons sandgroundi (1) 1 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1. Olive Bushshrike Chlorophoneus olivaceus (4) 1 heard Kurisa Moya 16.1, 1 heard Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1, 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 1 heard Marutswa NR 25.1. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus similis (3) 1 heard Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Gorgeous Bushshrike Telophorus viridis quadricolor (2) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Great views of a male was had on the walk to the Kumasinga hide. Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus Observed 1 day in total. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis (2) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 2 Mokala NP 6.2. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus (3) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla (4) 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 12 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 5 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 3 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus (5) 1 heard Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 heard Polokwane GR 16.1, 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 1 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 1 Sani Pass 24.1. Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus (3) 3 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 2 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 3 Mokala NP 6.2. Brubru Nilaus afer (3) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 1 Mokala NP 6.2.

Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia caesia (2) 1 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 2 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava (3) 1 Polokwane GR 15.1, 1 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 2 Mkuze GR 20.1.

Shrikes Laniidae Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus (3) 60 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 15 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 2 Polokwane GR 17.1. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Observed 2 days in total.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 33

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor (2) 30 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 10 Mokala NP 6.2. Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris Observed 9 days in total.

Old World Orioles Oriolidae Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus larvatus (2) 1 en route 18.1.

Drongos Dicruridae Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii ludwigii (3) 1 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1, 10 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 6 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Observed 1 day in total.

Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas (3) 1 heard Kurisa Moya 16.1, 2 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Observed 1 day in total.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae House Crow Corvus splendens splendens (1) 3 en route 28.1. A few birds were seen within Cape Town. Cape Crow Corvus capensis capensis Observed 6 days in total. Pied Crow Corvus albus Observed 9 days in total. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis Observed 1 day in total.

Rockjumpers Chaetopidae Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus (2) 1 Rooi-Els 28.1 and 3 Rooi-Els 29.1. Drakensberg Rockjumper Chaetops aurantius (1) 2 Sani Pass 24.1.

Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita (2) 2 Lesotho 24.1 and 1 Onseepkans 4.2.

Chickadees and Tits Paridae Southern Black Tit Melaniparus niger (3) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1, 2 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 3 Sani Pass 24.1. Ashy Tit Melaniparus cinerascens cinerascens (2) 2 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 5 Mokala NP 6.2.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 34

Grey Tit Melaniparus afer Observed 4 days in total.

Penduline-Tits Remizidae Cape Penduline Tit Anthoscopus minutus (2) 1 Langebaan 31.1 and 1 Calvinia 1.2.

Nicators Nicatoridae Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis (2) 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and 1 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1.

Larks Alaudidae Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata Observed 3 days in total. Short-clawed Lark Certhilauda chuana (2) 2 Polokwane GR 15.1 and 2 Polokwane GR 16.1. Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata (4) 1 Calvinia 31.1, 1 heard Brandvlei 1.2, 1 Onseepkans 4.2 and 2 Augrabies Falls NP 5.2. Eastern Long-billed Lark Certhilauda semitorquata (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 3 Wakkerstroom 19.1. Cape Long-billed Lark Certhilauda curvirostris (1) 5 Port Nolloth 3.2. Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris (1) 1 Agulhas Plains 27.1. Dusky Lark Pinarocorys nigricans (1) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Black-eared Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix australis (2) 25 en route 2.2 and 2 en route 4.2. We were luckily to have an influx of this notoriously difficult species near Kliprand. Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis (3) 30 Brandvlei 1.2, 20 en route 2.2 and 80 Onseepkans 4.2. Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota Observed 4 days in total. Fawn-colored Lark Calendulauda africanoides (3) 5 Onseepkans 4.2, 10 Mokala NP 6.2 and 1 en route 7.2. Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens (2) 3 West Coast NP 30.1 and 1 Calvinia 1.2. Red Lark Calendulauda burra (1) 4 Brandvlei 1.2. We managed to get really close to a few birds just outside of Brandvlei. Barlow's Lark Calendulauda barlowi (1) 2 Port Nolloth 3.2. We saw 2 smart birds just north of Port Nolloth. Rudd's Lark (VU) Heteromirafra ruddi (1) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1. We had close up views of this rare Lark near Fickland Pan. Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata fasciolata Observed 3 days in total. Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana Observed 2 days in total.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 35

Monotonous Lark Mirafra passerina (1) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Melodious Lark (NT) Mirafra cheniana (1) 4 Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. Sclater's Lark (NT) Spizocorys sclateri (1) 4 Calvinia 1.2 and 2 Brandvlei 1.2. This sought after species was seen twice, drinking from a waterhole and also foraging in some open plains. Botha's Lark (EN) Spizocorys fringillaris (1) 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1. We got really close to this pair. Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris (5) 2 Lesotho 24.1, 2 Agulhas Plains 27.1, 1 Velddrif 31.1 and 4 en route 2.2. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea cinerea Observed 3 days in total.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans Observed 6 days in total. Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis Observed 2 days in total. Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor layardi Observed 13 days in total. Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus Observed 1 day in total. Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris (4) 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1, 4 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 2 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1. Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris (5) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1, 1 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1, 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 2 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 1 heard Brandvlei 25.1. Yellow-streaked Greenbul Phyllastrephus flavostriatus flavostriatus (2) 20 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 1 heard Ongoye FR 22.1.

Swallows Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera holomelas Observed 2 days in total. Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga griseopyga (1) 1 Mpempe Pan 20.1. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola paludicola Observed 3 days in total. Banded Martin Riparia cincta cincta Observed 2 days in total. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica rustica Observed 3 days in total. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis Observed 2 days in total. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii smithii (3) 2 en route 17.1, 3 Muzi Pan 20.1 and 1 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Blue Swallow (VU) Hirundo atrocaerulea

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 36

(1) 3 Impendle NR 23.1. Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata (2) 6 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 2 en route 2.2. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Observed 11 days in total. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum (1) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1. Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata Observed 3 days in total. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica unitatis (4) 2 en route 17.1, 5 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 7 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 5 St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa semirufa Observed 2 days in total. South African Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon spilodera Observed 1 day in total.

Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer Observed 1 day in total. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens (7) 2 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 1 Polokwane GR 16.1, 1 en route 21.1 and 3 West Coast NP 30.1. Victorin's Warbler Cryptillas victorini (1) 1 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 28.1. We managed to find this skulker in some thick fynbos.

Leaf-Warblers Phylloscopidae Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla (2) 3 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 2 Doreen Clark NR 25.1. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Observed 1 day in total.

Reed-Warblers and Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris Observed 1 day in total. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus arundinaceus (1) 1 heard Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (1) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1. African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus Observed 1 day in total. African Yellow Warbler Iduna natalensis natalensis (3) 2 Wakkerstroom 19.1, 1 Sani Pass 24.1 and 2 Brandvlei 25.1. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina (1) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1.

Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala (2) Wakkerstroom 18.1 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 28.1. Barratt's Warbler Bradypterus barratti (2) 1 Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1 and 1 Sani Pass 24.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 37

Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops nyasa (2) 1 heard Darvill Sewage Works 23.1 and 3 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana (4) 5 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 3 Polokwane GR 16.1, 5 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 7 en route 21.1. Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla Observed 4 days in total. Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais (3) 1 Wakkerstroom 17.1, 20 Impendle NR 23.1 and 12 Sani Pass 24.1. Rufous-winged Cisticola Cisticola galactotes galactotes (1) 2 Mpempe Pan 20.1. Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens Observed 1 day in total. Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis natalensis (3) 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1, 3 Ongoye FR 22.1 and 2 Marutswa NR 25.1. Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla Observed 2 days in total. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis terrestris Observed 1 day in total. Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus (4) 10 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 2 Marrick GL 5.2, 3 Mokala NP 6.2 and 2 en route 7.2. Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 3 Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. Pale-crowned Cisticola Cisticola cinnamomeus egregius (2) 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1 and 1 Impendle NR 23.1. Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii ayresii (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 17.1 and 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava (3) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1, 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and 3 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans (3) 4 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, 2 Mokala NP 6.2 and 2 Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa Observed 9 days in total. Drakensberg Prinia Prinia hypoxantha (4) 2 Wakkerstroom 19.1, 2 Impendle NR 23.1, 2 Sani Pass 24.1 and 4 Brandvlei 25.1. Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata (2) 1 Brandvlei 1.2 and 1 Augrabies Falls NP 5.2. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Observed 2 days in total. Rudd's Apalis Apalis ruddi fumosa (3) 3 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, 1 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida (1) 2 Mkuze GR 20.1. Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis (2) 3 Brandvlei 1.2 and 3 en route 2.2. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura (3) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1, 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 1 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea (2) 1 heard en route 2.2 and 1 Goegap NR 3.2.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 38

We had to work hard for this skulker and eventually found one on the edge of a rocky outcrop. Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis (1) 1 Brandvlei 1.2. Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis (1) 3 en route 2.2. We found a small flock on the roadside near Kliprand. Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis usticollis (1) 4 Polokwane GR 16.1.

Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii jardineii (2) 5 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and 4 Polokwane GR 16.1.

Old World Warblers Sylviidae Bush Blackcap (NT) Lioptilus nigricapillus (2) 3 Sani Pass 24.1 and 1 Marutswa NR 25.1. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin (1) 1 heard Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Chestnut-vented Warbler Sylvia subcaerulea Observed 1 day in total. Layard's Warbler Sylvia layardi (2) 1 Lesotho 24.1 and 1 en route 2.2.

Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies Zosteropidae Cape White-eye Zosterops virens Observed 9 days in total. Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus (4) Onseepkans 4.2, Augrabies Falls NP 5.2, Augrabies Falls NP 6.2 and Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis (1) Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1.

Sugarbirds Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer (3) Agulhas Plains 27.1, Rooi-Els 28.1 and Du Toitskloof Pass 29.1. Gurney's Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi gurneyi (1) 3 Sani Pass 24.1.

Starlings Sturnidae Common Myna Acridotheres tristis tristis Observed 2 days in total. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris Observed 1 day in total. Black-bellied Starling Notopholia corrusca corrusca (5) Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1, Mkuze GR 20.1, St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Cape Starling Lamprotornis nitens Observed 2 days in total. Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis (1) 15 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Pied Starling Lamprotornis bicolor

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 39

Observed 1 day in total. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster verreauxi (3) 1 Hluhluwe Town 19.1, 5 Mkuze GR 20.1 and 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio morio Observed 9 days in total. Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup Observed 6 days in total.

Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorynchus (2) 4 Polokwane GR 15.1 and 10 Mkuze GR 20.1.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Orange Ground Thrush Geokichla gurneyi (1) 1 Marutswa NR 25.1 and 2 Brandvlei 25.1. This sought after bird was seen well feeding out in some open ground. Spotted Ground Thrush Geokichla guttata guttata (2) 1 Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and 2 Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa litsitsirupa (3) 3 en route 15.1, 3 Polokwane GR 16.1 and 2 en route 17.1. Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana (1) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus (4) Wakkerstroom 18.1, Wakkerstroom 19.1 and Brandvlei 25.1. Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi (6) Johannesburg 14.1 and Polokwane GR 15.1.

Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Karoo Scrub Robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus Observed 3 days in total. Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata quadrivirgata (2) Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena (3) 1 Polokwane GR 16.1, Marrick GL 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2. White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys leucophrys (4) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1, 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and Mkuze GR 20.1. Brown Scrub Robin Cercotrichas signata (3) 1 heard Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1, 2 St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and 1 heard Ongoye FR 22.1. Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus (1) 1 heard Mkuze GR 20.1. Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina (2) Hluhluwe Town 19.1 and Rutledge Dam 22.1. Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus (1) 2 Mkuze GR 20.1. Chat Flycatcher Melaenornis infuscatus Observed 7 days in total. Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis (4) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1, Marrick GL 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 40

Fiscal Flycatcher Melaenornis silens Observed 2 days in total. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Observed 3 days in total. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens (1) 1 heard Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta Observed 2 days in total. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra Observed 1 day in total. White-throated Robin-Chat Cossypha humeralis (1) 1 heard Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis (3) Kurisa Moya 17.1, St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and Ongoye FR 22.1. Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa (4) 1 heard Kurisa Moya 16.1, Kurisa Moya 17.1, 1 heard Ongoye FR 22.1 and Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris (2) 8 Sani Pass 24.1 and 2 Rooi-Els 28.1. Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator (2) 1 Wakkerstroom 19.1 and 8 Sani Pass 24.1. Short-toed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes (2) 3 Marrick GL 5.2 and 2 Marrick GL 6.2. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Observed 1 day in total. Buff-streaked Chat Campicoloides bifasciatus Observed 2 days in total. Sickle-winged Chat Emarginata sinuata (1) 40 Lesotho 24.1. Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii Observed 5 days in total. Tractrac Chat Emarginata tractrac (4) Calvinia 31.1, Brandvlei 1.2, en route 2.2 and Goegap NR 3.2. Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora Observed 8 days in total. Mountain Wheatear Myrmecocichla monticola monticola Observed 4 days in total. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata Observed 2 days in total. Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris Observed 2 days in total.

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris (3) St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and Doreen Clark NR 25.1. Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea (2) Rooi-Els 28.1 and Cape Point 29.1. Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea (4) St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, Dlinza Forest NR 22.1, Dlinza Forest NR 23.1 and Doreen Clark NR 25.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 41

Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii (1) 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1. Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina (3) Wakkerstroom 18.1, Wakkerstroom 19.1 and Sani Pass 24.1. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis gutturalis (2) Hluhluwe Town 19.1 and Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa famosa Observed 1 day in total. Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus Observed 1 day in total. Neergaard's Sunbird Cinnyris neergaardi (1) 1 Mkuze GR 20.1. A great sighting of this rare bird calling from the top of a tree. Greater Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris afer (1) 3 Sani Pass 24.1. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis mariquensis (3) Polokwane GR 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1 and 4 en route 21.1. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus (2) Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and Mkuze GR 20.1. White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Mkuze GR 20.1 and en route 21.1. Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus fuscus (4) en route 2.2, Goegap NR 3.2, Augrabies Falls NP 4.2 and Augrabies Falls NP 5.2.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali mahali Observed 4 days in total. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Observed 7 days in total. Great Sparrow Passer motitensis (1) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus Observed 9 days in total. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus Observed 1 day in total.

Weavers and Allies Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger (1) 2 Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Augrabies Falls NP 4.2 and Marrick GL 5.2. Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons (3) Mkuze GR 20.1 and Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis (3) St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, 1 Darvill Sewage Works 23.1 and 2 Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis Observed 8 days in total. Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus subaureus (2) St. Lucia Estuary 21.1 and Rutledge Dam 23.1.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 42

Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus marleyi (2) Muzi Pan 20.1 and St. Lucia Estuary 21.1. Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius cabanisii (2) Mkuze GR 20.1 and Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus Observed 5 days in total. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Observed 2 days in total. Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor (3) St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1, Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea lathamii (1) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer taha (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, en route 17.1 and Wakkerstroom 18.1. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix Observed 5 days in total. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis (1) Impendle NR 23.1. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris axillaris Observed 9 days in total. White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus albonotatus (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1 and en route 17.1. Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens ardens Observed 3 days in total. Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne progne Observed 3 days in total.

Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba melba (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mkuze GR 20.1. Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala (3) Johannesburg 14.1, en route 2.2 and Marrick GL 6.2. Pink-throated Twinspot Hypargos margaritatus (2) Mkuze GR 20.1 and Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala rendalli (2) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata rubricata (1) Sani Pass 24.1. Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis niassensis (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mkuze GR 20.1. Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus (3) Polokwane GR 15.1, Marrick GL 5.2 and Marrick GL 6.2. Swee Waxbill Coccopygia melanotis (3) Sani Pass 24.1, Marutswa NR 25.1 and Harold Porter Botanical Garden 28.1. Grey Waxbill Estrilda perreini incana (1) St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Observed 2 days in total. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis digressa (3) Mpempe Pan 20.1, Marrick GL 5.2 and Willem Pretorius NR 7.2.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 43

Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata scutata (2) Hluhluwe Town 19.1 and en route 21.1. Red-backed Mannikin Lonchura nigriceps (2) Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1 and Ongoye FR 22.1.

Indigobirds Viduidae Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata amauropteryx (1) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1. Dusky Indigobird Vidua funerea funerea (2) en route 19.1 and Mkuze GR 20.1. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura Observed 1 day in total. Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia (2) Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mokala NP 6.2. Long-tailed Paradise Whydah Vidua paradisaea (2) Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mkuze GR 20.1. Cuckoo-finch Anomalospiza imberbis (1) en route 25.1. A single bird was seen well in some reeds in the Midmar Dam Nature Reserve.

Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis capensis Observed 4 days in total. Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara torrentium (1) Brandvlei 25.1. Seen along a small forested stream. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp (2) St. Lucia Estuary 21.1 and Darvill Sewage Works 26.1. Cape Longclaw Macronyx capensis Observed 1 day in total. Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus vulturnus (2) Mpempe Pan 20.1 and Rutledge Dam 22.1. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Observed 3 days in total. Mountain Pipit Anthus hoeschi (1) Lesotho 24.1. A pair was seen in the karoo-like scrub on the top of the Drakensberg Mountains. Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis (2) Marrick GL 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2. African Rock Pipit Anthus crenatus (1) 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1. A pair was seen really well calling from the top of a rocky outcrop. Yellow-breasted Pipit (VU) Anthus chloris (1) 2 Wakkerstroom 18.1. We managed to find a couple of males displaying in some short grassland.

Finches, Euphonias Fringillidae Forest Canary Crithagra scotops (1) 8 Marutswa NR 25.1. Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 44

(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1, Mokala NP 6.2 and Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. Lemon-breasted Canary Crithagra citrinipectus (1) 20 Mpempe Pan 20.1. We were luckily to find a large flock of these nomadic birds. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica Observed 1 day in total. Cape Siskin Crithagra totta (1) 8 Cape Point 29.1. Drakensberg Siskin Crithagra symonsi (1) 6 Sani Pass 24.1. Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris Observed 3 days in total. Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata Observed 1 day in total. Streaky-headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis (3) Sani Pass 24.1, Agulhas Plains 26.1 and Agulhas Plains 27.1. White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis Observed 7 days in total. Protea Canary Crithagra leucoptera (1) Du Toitskloof Pass 29.1. We worked hard to find a single bird in some proteas near a small watercourse. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis canicollis Observed 1 day in total. Black-headed Canary Serinus alario (2) 2 Brandvlei 1.2 and 6 en route 2.2. Both sub-species were found. 'Black-headed' drinking from a water trough near Brandvlei and also the less common 'Damara' sub-species near Kliprand.

Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani Observed 6 days in total. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi tahapisi (3) Polokwane GR 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1 and Willem Pretorius NR 7.2. Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis (7) Sani Pass 24.1. Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris (3) 2 Polokwane GR 15.1, 2 Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1 and Mokala NP 6.2.

Mammals (59 in total: 57 seen, 2 heard)

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Aardvarks Orycteropodidae Aardvark Orycteropus afer

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 45

(1) 1 Marrick GL 5.2.

Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxodonta africana (1) Mkuze GR 20.1.

Hylaxes Procaviidae Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis Observed 1 day in total.

Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis (1) 1 heard Woodbush Forest Reserve 17.1. Vervet Chlorocebus pygerythrus Observed 3 days in total. Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus ursinus Observed 1 day in total.

Rabbits, Hares Leporidae Cape Hare Lepus capensis (3) Agulhas Plains 26.1, Calvinia 1.2 and Marrick GL 5.2. Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis (2) Goegap NR 3.2 and Marrick GL 5.2.

Hedgehogs, Gymnures Erinaceidae Southern African Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis (1) Marrick GL 5.2.

Springhares Pedetidae Spring Hare Pedetes capensis (1) Marrick GL 5.2.

True Mice and Rats, Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae Southern African Vlei Rat Otomys irroratus (1) Wakkerstroom 18.1. Sloggett's Vlei Rat Otomys sloggetti (1) Lesotho 24.1. Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio (1) Langebaan 31.1.

Squirrels Sciuridae Red Bush Squirrel Paraxerus palliatus (1) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1. Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis (1) en route 28.1. South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris (3) Augrabies Falls NP 4.2, Marrick GL 5.2 and Marrick GL 6.2.

Cats Felidae

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 46

Black-footed Cat Felis nigripes (1) Marrick GL 5.2. Wild Cat Felis silvestris (1) en route 2.2. Seen lazing on a rock on a night drive near Springbok.

Mongooses Herpestidae Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata Observed 3 days in total. Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus Observed 1 day in total. Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus (2) Marrick GL 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2. Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo (1) Mkuze GR 20.1. Meerkat Suricata suricatta Observed 2 days in total.

Hyenas, Aardwolf Hyaenidae Aardwolf Proteles cristata (1) en route 2.2.

Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas (2) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1 and Mokala NP 6.2. Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis megalotis (1) Marrick GL 6.2. Cape Fox Vulpes chama (1) en route 2.2.

Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae Zorilla Ictonyx striatus (1) en route 4.2. We were luckily to find this out a night drive from Springbok.

Sea Lions Otariidae Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus Observed 1 day in total.

Zebras, Horse, Asses Equidae Plains Zebra Equus quagga Observed 2 days in total.

Rhinceroses Rhinocerotidae White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum simum (1) Mokala NP 6.2.

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 47

(3) Polokwane GR 15.1, Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mokala NP 6.2.

Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius capensis (2) Muzi Pan 20.1, Mkuze GR 20.1 and St. Lucia Estuary 21.1.

Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus Observed 1 day in total. Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus Observed 1 day in total. Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis Observed 8 days in total. Natal Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis (2) St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1 and St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 22.1. Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou Observed 2 days in total. Common Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus Observed 1 day in total. Topi Damaliscus lunatus lunatus Observed 1 day in total. Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus Observed 2 days in total. Roan Antelope Hippotragus equinus (2) en route 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2. Sable Antelope Hippotragus niger (2) Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mokala NP 6.2. Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus (2) Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mokala NP 6.2. Suni Nesotragus moschatus (1) Umkhumbi Lodge 19.1. Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus (3) en route 2.2, Goegap NR 3.2 and Augrabies Falls NP 5.2. Gemsbok Oryx gazella (3) Goegap NR 3.2, Augrabies Falls NP 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2. Grey Rhebok Pelea capreolus (4) Wakkerstroom 18.1, Impendle NR 23.1, Sani Pass 24.1 and Agulhas Plains 26.1. Blue Duiker Philantomba monticola (2) Dlinza Forest NR 22.1 and Dlinza Forest NR 23.1. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris campestris (3) Zaagkuildrift Road 15.1, Marrick GL 5.2 and Mokala NP 6.2. Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis Observed 2 days in total. Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum (1) Sani Pass 24.1. Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula (1) Wakkerstroom 18.1. Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia Observed 1 day in total. African Buffalo Syncerus caffer caffer

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 48

Observed 1 day in total. Nyala Tragelaphus angasii Observed 1 day in total. Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx Observed 1 day in total. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros (2) Polokwane GR 16.1 and Mokala NP 6.2.

Giraffe, Okapi Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa Observed 1 day in total.

Amphibians (8 in total: 4 seen, 4 heard)

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Screeching frogs or squeakers Arthroleptidae Bush Squeaker Arthroleptis wahlbergii (1) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1.

True toads Bufonidae Guttural Toad Amietophrynus gutturalis (1) Kurisa Moya 16.1. Karoo Toad Vandijkophrynus gariepensis (1) Lesotho 24.1.

Narrow-mouthed frogs Microhylidae Bushveld Rain Frog Breviceps adspersus (1) 1 heard Kurisa Moya 16.1. Whistling Rain Frog Breviceps sopranus (1) 1 heard St. Lucia, iGwalaGwala Trail 21.1.

Petropedetidae Petropedetidae Common Caco Cacosternum boettgeri (1) 1 heard Sani Pass 24.1.

True frogs Ranidae Common River Frog Amietia angolensis (1) Brandvlei 25.1.

Moss frogs Rhacophoridae Grey Foam-nest Treefrog Chiromantis xerampelina (1) Mkuze GR 20.1. We found one sitting on the wood outside the hide at Nsumo pan.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 49

Reptiles (23 in total: 23 seen)

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Tortoises Testudinidae Angulated Tortoise Chersina angulata (2) Harold Porter Botanical Garden 28.1 and West Coast NP 30.1. Speke's Hinge-back Tortoise Kinixys spekii (1) Mkuze GR 20.1.

Afro-American Sideneck Turtles Pelomedusidae Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa subrufa nigra (1) Mkuze GR 20.1. East African Serrated Mud Turtle Pelusios sinuatus (1) Mkuze GR 20.1.

Agamas Agamidae Ground Agama Agama aculeata (1) Goegap NR 3.2. Southern Rock Agama Agama atra atra Observed 1 day in total. Common Spiny Agama Agama hispida (1) Brandvlei 1.2.

Geckos Gekkonidae House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia Observed 1 day in total. Cape Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus capensis Observed 2 days in total.

Spinytail Lizards Cordylidae Cape Snake Lizard Chamaesaura anguina (1) West Coast NP 30.1. Highveld Crag Lizard Cordylus melanotus Observed 1 day in total. Western Cape Crag Lizard Cordylus microlepidotus (1) Stony Point 28.1. Black Girdled Lizard Cordylus niger (1) West Coast NP 30.1. Augrabies Flat Lizard Platysaurus broadleyi (1) Augrabies Falls NP 4.2.

Trip Report – RBT SA Mega II 2017 50

Lacertidae Namaqua Sand Lizard Pedioplanis namaquensis (2) Brandvlei 1.2 and en route 2.2.

Skinks Scincidae Giant Lance Skink Acontias plumbeus (1) Umkhumbi Lodge 21.1. Wahlberg's Snake-eyed Skink Panaspis wahlbergi (1) Harold Porter Botanical Garden 28.1. African Striped Skink Trachylepis striata striata Observed 1 day in total.

Monitor Lizards Varanidae Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus Observed 1 day in total.

Pythonidae Pythonidae Southern African Python Python natalensis (1) Mkuze GR 20.1.

Lamprophiidae Lamprophiidae Common Brown Water Snake Lycodonomorphus rufulus (1) Wakkerstroom 18.1.

Elapidae Elapidae Cape Cobra Naja nivea (1) Marrick GL 6.2.

Crocodiles and relatives Crocodylidae Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus cowiei (1) St. Lucia Estuary 21.1.

______

Rockjumper Birding Tours Worldwide Birding Adventures PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa Tel: +27 33 394 0225 Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com