Eastern South Africa II 12th to 26th February 2016 (15 days) Cape Extension II th nd 26 February to 2 March 2016 (6 days)

Southern Carmine Bee-eater by Gareth Robbins

Trip report and photos by tour leader: Gareth Robbins

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This was the first day of the tour and we left our accommodation in Kempton Park and made our way towards Zaagkuildrift. We passed Pretoria and stopped at a fuel station to get some coffee and have a look at some birds at the small pond below the station. Birds such as Southern Masked Weavers, Africa Palm Swifts, Cape Sparrows, Common Mynas and a Purple Heron. We finally arrived at the start of the Zaagkuildrift Road and saw Northern Black Korhaan, Amur Falcons, Black- chested and Tawny-flanked Prinias, Lesser Grey, Red- backed and Magpie Shrikes, Red-breasted Swallows, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Southern Boubou, Grey Go- away-birds, Desert, Rattling and Zitting Cisticolas and a White-winged Widowbird. We stopped at a large dam where we saw White-faced Whistling Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Hadada Ibis, Squacco Hero, Great Shaft-tailed Whydah by Gareth Robbins Egret, African Snipe and Black Heron. Further down the road we started to see more specials such as Olive-tree and Icterine Warblers, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Crested Barbet, Southern Red Hornbill, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Long-billed Crombec, Woodland Kingfisher, European Bee-eaters, Brown-backed Honeyguide, Chinspot Batis, Burchell’s Starling, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Marico Flycatcher, Green-winged Pytilia, Speckled and Red-faced Mousebirds, Blue Waxbill and Village Indigobird. We arrived at small village called Kgomo-Kgomo where we saw Scaly-feathered Weavers, Black- throated Canaries and a Great Sparrow. Opposite the village was a large wetland where we saw Yellow-billed Storks, Black-winged Pratincoles, Wood Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and Greater- striped Swallows. We took another side road and were fortunate to find a large birding party consisting of Icterine Warblers, Marico and White-bellied Sunbirds, Acacia Pied Barbet, Barred Wren-Warbler, Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah and the impressive Violet-eared Waxbills. We continued back along the Zaagkuildrift Road and saw Swainson’s Spurfowl, White-browed Sparrow-Weavers and a few of us saw Black-faced Waxbills. After a successful day we drove back to our guest house in Kempton Park.

We started the day with some birding around the garden of the guest house in Kempton Park and found Red- headed Finch and Karoo Thrush. After breakfast made our way to the Kruger National Park. Driving through the Highveld showed us Long-tailed Widowbirds, Black-winged Kites, Grey Heron, African Darter, Black- headed Heron, Common Buzzard, Barn and White- throated Swallows and a Long-Crested Eagle. Once we Red-headed Finch by Gareth Robbins were in the Lowveld we stopped for lunch in White

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River where we saw African Paradise Flycatcher, Kurrichane Thrush and a Southern Black Flycatcher. As we continued to make our way towards Orpen Gate we had a few Purple-crested Turacos fly across the road and as we neared the Kruger National Park we had fantastic looks at a Carmine Bee-eater, Brown Snake Eagle and a Black-headed Oriole. After entering the security check point, we were finally in the Kruger National Park and we started to see animals such as Impala, Giraffe and male Leopard lying under a shady tree. We saw birds Leopard catching a Common Warthog by Gareth Robbins such as the beautiful Lilac-breasted and European Rollers, Southern Yellow-billed and Southern Red- billed Hornbills, Cape and Burchell’s Starlings. We made our way towards Satara Rest Camp where we would be staying for the next two nights and continued to see new birds such as Crested Francolin and Natal Spurfowls, White-crested Helmet-Shrikes and Rattling Cisticolas. It did not take us long to see our first pride of lions which were lying in the dry Timbavati River bed with a recently eaten African Buffalo. Further down the road we were very fortunate to come across a Leopard that was walking on the right side of the road. We followed the Leopard and suddenly we noticed a couple of Common Warthogs on the left hand side of the road and so did the Leopard! We watched the Leopard crouch down and make itself as small as possible and as it crossed the road in front of us is darted out and caught an unsuspecting Warthog! After a bit of a struggle the Leopard finally managed to bring the Warthog down. After a successful first day in the Kruger National Park we arrived at Satara Rest Camp where we met Dirk our guide for the next two days and we also got to see the resident African Scops Owl.

Today we left Satara Rest Camp at 04:30am as made our way towards Olifants Rest Camp. We saw mammals such as Impala, Common Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Waterbuck, Steenbok, Common Duiker, Greater Kuku and Giraffe and White Rhinoceros. We started to see birds such as Burchell’s Coucal, Purple Roller, Secretarybird, Black-crowned Tchagra, Gabar Goshawk, Southern White-crowned Shrike, Sabota Lark, Icterine Warbler, Red-faced Cisticola, Hooded and Lappet-faced Vultures, Burnt- necked Eremomela, Saddle-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, Arrow-marked Babblers, Southern Ground Hornbills, Kori Bustard, Red-billed Oxpeckers, Common Brown-headed Parrot by Gareth Robbins Scimitarbill, Retz’s Helmet-Shrikes, Cardinal and Golden-tailed Woodpeckers. We eventually arrived at the Olifants River Bridge and here were we allowed to exit the vehicle. From this vantage point we

RBT Trip Report – Eastern South Africa and Cape Extension II 2016 4 saw birds such as Goliath Heron, Woolly-necked Stork, Hamerkop, Water Thick-knee, Blacksmith Lapwing, African Fish Eagle, Yellow-billed Kite, Common Greenshank, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Little Swifts, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, and an African Pied Wagtail. We also saw a dead Hippopotamus that was covered with White-backed Vultures and one Cape Vulture. Suddenly a lioness charged out from a bush and chased the vultures away and had a good look at us on top of the bridge. We then drove to another lookout point where we saw African Jacana, African Openbills and a few Nile Crocodiles. We made our way to Olifants Rest Camp managing to get a rare sighting of a Sharpe’s Grysbok darting through the Mopane Trees. Once we arrived at Olifants we saw White-bellied Sunbirds and a Violet-backed Starling before heading for breakfast. After breakfast we walked around the camp managing to see Willow Warbler, Black-backed Puffback, Red-headed Weaver, Spotted Flycatcher, Green Wood Hoopoes by Gareth Robbins Southern Grey-headed Sparrow, Orange-breasted Bushshrike and a Chinspot Batis. After a wonderful visit to Olifants camp we made our way back to Satara managing to get some good views of African Elephants. In the afternoon we took a short drive managing to see Double-banded Sandgrouse and a Bateleur. After dinner we went on a night drive and saw Spotted Hyena, Black-backed Jackal, Bronze-winged Courser, Fiery-necked Nightjar, Spotted Thick-knee and a Marsh Owl. Today we said goodbye to Satara, and just before we left the camp we got a good look at an African Mourning Dove. We continued South in the direction of Satara managing to see White Rhinoceros, African Buffalo, African Elephants and general game such as Plains Zebra, Nyala, Bushbuck and a the comical Chacma Baboon. We saw more new birds throughout the morning such as Common Ostrich, Helmeted Guineafowl, Little Egret, White-headed Vulture, Tawny Eagle, Lesser Striped Swallow, Three-banded Plover, Purple Roller, Brown-headed Parrot, Fork-tailed Drongo, African Paradise Flycatchers, Southern Black Tit, Dark-capped Bulbul, Yellow-fronted Canary, Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, Wire-tailed Swallow, Wattled and Greater Blue-eared Starling, White-browed Scrub Robin, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Red-billed Queleas and a Jameson’s Firefinch. We stooped at Skukuza Rest Camp for breakfast where we saw the resident Peter’s Epauletted Fruit Bats. In the afternoon we drove along the Sabie River and saw a large number of Marabou Storks and Water Thick-knees. A little further along the river we saw White-fronted and Little Bee-eaters and finished off the day with an unforgettable sighting Woodland Kingfisher by Gareth Robbins of a Broad-billed Roller.

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We left Skukuza Rest Camp at headed in the direction of Pretoriuskop Rest Camp. Once again we started to see a new variety of birds such as Red-chested Korhaan, Mocking Cliff Chat, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and African Green Pigeons. We also had a large bird party where we saw Grey- headed Bushshrike, Black-backed Puffback, Brown- crowned and Black-crowned Tchagras, Brubru, Red-backed Shrike, Southern Black Tit and the stunning Golden- breasted Bunting. Further along the road we saw Purple Indigobird, an immature Dark-chanting Goshawk, Monotonous Lark and a Bushveld Pipit. We stopped at Pretoriuskop for a late breakfast and managed to see Black- collared Barbets and a Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird in the camp. One of our mammal highlights of the morning was of a single Cheetah sitting the shade under a large tree. At Broad-billed Roller by Gareth Robbins Numbi Gate we saw a beautiful male Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Lesser Masked Weaver and a Yellow-throated Petronia. We left the Kruger National Park and continued towards Wakkerstroom and before we knew it we were back in the Highveld. We started to see Pied Starlings, African Stonechats, Long-tailed Widowbirds, Ant-eating Chats, Southern Red and Yellow-crowned Bishops. We stopped at a large wetland outside a town called Breyten and saw Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Hottentot Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Glossy Ibis, Common Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Whiskered Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Kittlitz’s Plover, Marsh and Common Sandpipers, Little Stints and Ruff. We then made our way past Ermelo and stopped at a bridge near Schulpspruit where we saw White-rumped Swifts and South African Cliff Swallows. We finally arrived in Wakkerstroom where we had a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurant and got a great look at a Spotted Eagle Owl on the way back to our lodge.

We started the day with meeting Lucky, our local guide for the day and headed in the direction of Dirkiesdorp. There was quite a bite of cloud cover and the weather did not look good so we used an alternative route that ran parallel to the main road which took us through the hillsides. Along this road we managed to see Bar-throated Apalis, Drakensberg Prinia, Red-throated Wryneck, Cape Grassbird, Bush Blackcap, Bokmakierie, Diederik Cuckoo, Cape Bunting, African Firefinch, Red- collared widowbird, Southern Fiscal, Lazy Cisticola. Finally, we arrived near the village of Cheetah by Gareth Robbins Dirkiesdorp where we were fortunate to get some good looks the White-bellied Bustards. We also saw a couple of Banded Martins here too. On our way back we had some good views of Jackal Buzzards, Buff-streaked Chats, Lesser Kestrel, African Stonechats and a Black-winged Kite.

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We then visited the Farmlands on the road to Amersfoort where we saw White Stork, Grey- winged Francolin, Secretarybird, Denham’s Bustard, Lesser Cape Crow, Grey-crowned Cranes, Fan-tailed Widowbirds, Mountain Wheat-ear, Knob-billed Ducks, Spike-heeled and Rufous-naped Lark. Our next visit was to small village called Daggakraal and after a significant amount of searching we finally managed to see the Botha’s Lark and a few Quailfinches. We then turned around and headed back in the direction of Wakkerstroom and en route we were very lucky to see a few Blue Korhaans. We entered a community owned piece of land called Fickland Pan were we successfully managed to find Botha’s Lark by Gareth Robbins the Rudd’s Lark as well as a Wing-snapping Cisticola. We stopped for a late lunch overlooking the Fickland Pan and from this vantage point we could see Red-billed Teals, Maccoa Duck, Little and Great Crested Grebes and plenty of Red-knobbed Coots. We started to make our way back to Wakkerstroom as the light began to fade and made a brief stop at the wetlands where we saw an African Marsh Harrier quartering over the reeds. Some birds that were seen at the guest house were the Cape Robin-chat and Olive Thrush. We were also very fortunate to see Meerkats and Yellow Mongooses as we drove around farmlands outside Wakkerstroom. Today we visited the wetlands adjacent to the town of Wakkerstroom and here we saw Hottentot Teal, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, African Marsh Harrier, African Rail, Black Crake, African Swamphen, Little Rush Warbler, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Common Moorhen, Grey-crowned Cranes, African Wattled Lapwing, and had better views of African Snipes. We travelled up the pass on the other side of town where we found Buff-streaked Chat, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Cape Longclaw, African Pipit, Red-capped Lark and Eastern Long-billed Lark. We then drove back to our lovely lodge for breakfast and had a great sighting of a male Malachite Sunbird in the garden. After breakfast we made our way to Hluhluwe. Just beyond the town of Wakkerstroom was a private game reserve where we had a good look at some Black Wildebeest. We continued with our journey seeing birds along the roadside such as Cape Crow, Common Buzzard, Black-winged Kites, Pied Starling and Long- tailed Widowbirds. We passed the towns of Piet Retief and Pongola and finally reached the town of Hluhluwe where we had lunch.by this time the temperature outside was well over 40 degrees centigrade. We finally arrived at our lovely air-conditioned lodge in the Sand Forest and waited for the outside temperature to drop before we went out for an afternoon walk. When the outside temperature finally cooled, we walked around the property and saw Rudd’s Apalis, Green-backed African Snipe by Gareth Robbins Camaroptera, Tambourine Dove, Dark-backed Weaver,

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Crested Guineafowl, Sombre Greenbul and the beautiful Grey Waxbill.

We left our lodge just before sunrise and made our way to the Mkuze Game Reserve anticipating another very hot day. As we entered the reserve we started to see familiar bushveld birds such as Southern Black Tit, Fork-tailed Drongo, Sabota Lark, Long-billed Crombec, White-browed Scrub Robin, Crested Barbet, Common Scimitarbill, Laughing and Ring-necked Doves, Brown- hooded Kingfisher and Blue Waxbill. We visited the KuMasinga hide where we watched Giraffe, Nyala, Warthogs, Common Wildebeest and Burchell’s Zebra drink water Rudd’s Apalis by Gareth Robbins while a few oxpecker covered White Rhinoceros wallowed in the cool mud. We were also very fortunate to see the beautiful Pink-throated Twinspot. New birds such as African Hoopoe, Black Cuckooshrike, Square-tailed Drongo, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black Saw-wing, Spectacled Weaver, Collared Sunbird, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove were also seen on several roads that we took in the reserve. We visited Nsumo Pan next, which was slowly drying out. However, we still saw Goliath Heron, Reed Cormorant, Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, African Openbill, Great Egret, Little Stints, Curlew Sandpipers, African Jacana, Pink-backed Pelican and a couple of Hippos. Our next visit was at the KuMahlala hide where we had some fantastic birding as the day started to heat up and the birds need some water to drink. Here we saw Woolly-necked and Saddle- billed Storks, Red-billed Fire-finch, White-fronted and Little Bee-eaters, African Pied Wagtail, Yellow-throated Petronia and Common Sandpiper. We then drove back to Mantuma Camp and had lunch before we exited the reserve. We had good sightings of Red Bush Squirrel, Red Duiker, Chacma Baboon and Vervet Monkeys. By mid-day the temperature had reached around 46 degrees centigrade and we could see the clouds building up for a thunderstorm. We visited Muzi Pan which was about 20km further down from the reserve where we saw Whiskered Terns and African Spoonbills. We then visited another pan called Mpempe Pan where we had fantastic looks at Lemon-breasted Canaries and a Western Yellow Wagtail feeding between some cattle. At this point the cloud had darkened and there were a few large flashed of lighting so we decided to head back to our lodge swiftly. Before we knew it, the heavens opened and we enjoyed the brief cooling of the rain, we even recused a Leopard Tortoise that was wanting to cross the road. We finally made it back to our lodge and about 15 minutes later, a large thunderstorm came Pink-throated Twinspot through the area and took out main electricity supply for the by Gareth Robbins area.

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After a very hot day the day before we welcomed the cooler weather and as we made our way to False Bay Park we could see the extent of the damage the storm had left. Large trees had been blown down as well as large amounts of branches and leaves were in the road. We briefly stopped along the side of the road to look at a colony of Eastern Golden Weavers. After squeezing past a tree that was lying across the road we finally entered the False Bay Park. With the few hours we spent in the park we saw Tambourine Dove, African Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Crested Guineafowl, Ashy Flycatcher and a Rufous-winged Cisticola. We also had one brief look at a male Narina Trogon fly overhead. Our highlight of the Female Giraffe by Gareth Robbins morning was searching for a Green Malkoha. We could hear the bird and we knew exactly which bush it was in, however the bird was determined to not be seen. Eventually it moved to the top section of the tree for everybody to see. We left False Bay Park and headed towards St Lucia. As soon as we arrived in the touristic town of St Lucia, we made our way to Ski Boat Club where we had a delightful lunch and had prime viewing into the estuary. From here we saw Caspian, Greater Crested, Little and Sandwich Terns, Grey-headed Gulls, Saddle- billed Storks, Purple and Goliath Heron, Pink-backed Pelicans, African Spoonbills as well as Common Ringed and Grey Plovers. We also managed to see same large Nile Crocodiles lying on the sand banks. We then checked in to our guest house and in the afternoon we had a relaxing walk in the forest and saw Black-bellied Starlings, Ashy Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Greenbul and the fantastic Livingstone’s Turaco. The guest house had some bird feeders on their patio and here we got to get close looks at few Bronze Mannikins. After dinner we took a short drive around the town and were very lucky to see Hippo grazing on the grass right next to the road as we drove past. We also saw Thick-tailed Greater Galago (Bush Baby) and a Bushpig.

We started the day with a walk along the Igwala-gwala trail hoping to find a few more forest specials. It did not take us long to see a few more birds and we had excellent sightings of Woodward’s Batis, African Yellow White-eye, Square- tailed Drongo, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Purple-banded, Olive and Grey Sunbirds, Red-capped Robin-Chat, African Green Pigeon, Thick-billed Weavers, Red-eyed Dove, Black-bellied Starlings, Ashy Flycatcher and the noisy Female Saddle-billed Stork Trumpeter Hornbill. We revisited the estuary where we saw by Gareth Robbins the same group of birds at the river mouth namely the

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Goliath Heron, Great Egret, Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed and Saddle-billed Stork. After Breakfast we visited Cape Vidal. As there was road works we had to keep to the main road, however we still saw Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Burchell’s Coucal, Brown Snake Eagle, Common Waxbills, Crowned Hornbills. We eventually arrived at Cape Vidal Picnic Site and we went to search for the resident Green Twinspots. Unfortunately, we had no luck, so we had lunch with the Blue Monkeys and tried a second time to look for the Twinspots. This time we were lucky and we found them right next to the side of the road. After a successful day we drove back through the reserve, Caspian Tern by Gareth Robbins looking at some Plains Zebra, Waterbuck, African Buffalo, Red Duiker, Nyala, Bushbuck and Kudu and then made a quick stop at the bridge on the edge of town to have a look at a few Southern Brown-throated Weavers in the Phragmites below.

We left St Lucia before first light and made our way back on the N2 and headed south to a town called Mtunzini. Once we arrived we searched the nearby Raffia Palms and were very lucky to see the resident Palm-nut Vultures that frequented these palms. From here we continued inland in the direction of Eshowe. We arrived at the Dhlinza Forest Aerial Board Walk and we made our way through the forest to the lookout tower. The tower gave us a good vantage point overlooking the forest below. From here we were lucky to get a few brief views of the Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeons flying past as well as good looks at the Grey Cuckooshrike, Brown-backed Honeybird, African Olive Pigeon, White-eared Barbet and African Green Pigeons. We then had a quiet walk in the forest and as soon as we came out the forest we saw a mixed flock of Bronze and Red-backed Mannikins. At this point we heard a Purple-crested Turaco and after some patient waiting we all managed to get some fantastic view of this Turaco. We also managed to get some semi decent views of a Black-headed Oriole. We then made our way to Hilton and once we arrived we took a drive to the nearby field where we saw Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-collared Widowbirds, Levaillant’s Cisticolas and a Pale-crowned Cisticola. We left our guest house in Hilton at first light and made our way through Howick towards the Karkloof. Once we were in the Karkloof our main focus was on looking for the Wattled Crane! We searched along a good number of fields seeing many Grey- crowned Cranes. Eventually we found a pair of Male Green Twinspot by Gareth Robbins cranes and had fantastic looks at these birds.

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There were also a few Black-winged Lapwings in the field beyond the cranes. After a successful find we made our way towards Benvie Gardens. We did not have much luck with the Orange Ground Thrush when we arrived so we made our way back into a small forest patches where we saw Forest Canary and an Olive Woodpecker. We then re-visited the garden and this time we took a nice stroll through the gardens managing to pick up great sightings of Amethyst and Greater Double- collared Sunbirds, Knysna Turacos, Red-eyed Doves and a Streaky-headed Seedeater. After much searching we finally heard an Orange Ground Thrush calling and we managed to see bird perched up in a tree. Not too long after the excitement, a Black Cuckoo called and we also got great views of this bird. After a great morning we headed back in the direction of Howick managing to see Southern Bald Ibis, White Stork, African Shelduck, Southern Red Bishops, Fan-tailed Widowbirds and Long-tailed Widowbirds. Our next place to visit was the Impendle Nature Reserve near a small town called Boston and along the way we saw Southern Yellow Bishops, African Stonechats and a Purple-crested Turaco Common Fiscal. Once we arrived at Impendle we met our by Gareth Robbins guide Nicholas. We started to search the reserve for Blue Swallows and successfully had a few close flybys from these birds. Nicholas also showed us saw where the Blue Swallows had recently nested for the season and we also watched another pair fly past us in the distance. We also got to see a Secretary bird walking though the tall grass. After another successful find we drove to Marutswa forest and here we managed to see a Yellow-threated Woodland Warbler on a brief forest walk. After leaving the forest we had an excellent sighting of an African Harrier Hawk in a tree. We finally arrived at our lovely accommodation in Himeville nest ling below the towering Drakensberg Mountains.

Today we were going up the Sani Pass. We met our guides for the day Stuart and Aldo at our guest house and started the day off with some birding at nearby wetland where we saw African Yellow Warbler and Lesser-swamp Warbler. As the tour winded its way up to the start of the pass a number of birds were seen such as White-backed Duck, Brow-throated Martin, African March Harrier, Cape Rock Thrush, Black Sparrowhawk, Broad-tailed Warbler, Yellow Bishop Grey Crowned Crane by Gareth Robbins and the impressive Bokmakierie. On the start of the

RBT Trip Report – Eastern South Africa and Cape Extension II 2016 11 pass birds such as Swee Waxbill, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, Barrat’s Warbler, Ground Woodpecker, Horus Swift, Bush Blackcap and Red-throated Wryneck were seen. As the 4x4’s neared the top of the pass the famous Drakensberg Rockjumper was seen. In the country of Lesotho Layard’s Warbler, Sickle-winged Chat, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Cape Sparrow, Mountain Pipit Fairy Flycatcher, Wailing Cisticola, White-necked Raven, Rock Kestrel, Lanner Falcon and Bearded Vulture were seen. After lunch the tour headed back down the pass and made it back to the lodge before the heavy downpour of rain. This was a great end to the Eastern part of South Africa.

Today we bid farewell the Drakensberg and made our way down towards Pietermaritzburg and then Gurney’s Sugarbird by Gareth Robbins onwards to King Shaka International Airport. After a two hour fight we landed in the Mother City “Cape Town” and drove straight to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. As we drove through the reserve we were immediately exposed to the large variety of Fynbos (Fine Bush), the main families we saw were Proteas, Ericas and Restios. We drove along the main road getting some good views of Orange-breasted Sunbirds and Cape Sugarbirds and then visited the South Western point of Africa and here we were able to scan the ocean and view Cape Gannets and Cape Cormorants flying over the water. Directly across from us were a few large rocks with large amounts of Afro-Australian Fur Seals lying on them and enjoying the sun. We visited another sheltered bay and got some great view of African Oystercatcher, Greater-crested and Sandwich Terns, Cape Wagtail, Kelp and Hartlaub’s Gull. As we continued to drive around the reserve we also saw Bontebok, Chacma Baboon and African Dusky Flycatcher, Cape Bulbul and Common Ostrich. We then drove to our wonderful guest house in Simons Town, which boasted great views across the False Bay.

Today we made our way down to the Simons Town Wharf to meet our guides and skipper for the pelagic namely Cliff, Barry and Harry. As the boat left the harbor we saw a Black Sparrowhawk flying overhead, African Oystercatchers and Cape Cormorants. We then followed the coastline getting views of Cape Gannets, Greater- crested and Sandwich Terns, Kelp Gulls and a few Sooty Shearwaters. As we passed the point we started to see Drakensberg Rockjumper larger numbers of Sooty Shearwaters and White-chinned by Gareth Robbins Petrels.

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We travelled about twenty-five nautical miles out into the ocean and saw good numbers of pelagic birds such as Wilson’s and European Storm Petrels, Northern and Southern Giant Petrels, Cory’s and Great Shearwater, Sabine’s Gull, Parasitic Jaeger and Brown Skua. The birds that took first prize where the albatrosses and we were very fortunate to see four species namely the Shy. Black-browed, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross and the beautiful Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross. We eventually turned around and made our way back to Simons Town, stopping at a few granite rocks covered in Cormorants where we saw Cape, White-breasted and Bank Cormorants. After the pelagic we visited Boulders, and had some fantastic look at the ever popular African Penguins. We walked Orange-breasted Sunbird by Gareth Robbins along the boardwalk overlooking the Penguin colony and from here we viewed Cape White-eyes, Red-winged Starlings, Speckled Mousebirds, Karoo Prinias, Cape Robin-Chat and Southern Double- collared Sunbirds.

At first light we made our way to Rooiels in search of some more Fynbos endemic birds. We saw Cape Rock Thrush, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Bunting, Greater-striped Swallow, Orange-breasted and Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird and Familiar Chat. We then visited the Stony Point Penguin Colony and saw a good number of African Penguins as well as the Cape, Bank, White-breasted and Crowned Cormorants. We saw a few African Oystercatchers and Grey-headed Gulls here too. Our next stop was at Harold Ported Botanical Gardens and after a short walk around the gardens we successfully saw African Dusky Flycatcher, Olive Thrush, Ring- necked and Laughing Doves, Sombre Greenbul, Speckled Mousebird and Common Waxbills. One of our most interesting sighting here was of a Boomslang slithering across the grass in front of us and made its way up the first tree it could find. In the Afternoon we had enough time to visit Strandfontein Sewage Works and here we saw Yellow-billed Duck, Cape and Red-billed Teals, Cape Shovelers and Maccoa Duck, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Blacksmith Lapwing, Little and Black-necked Grebe, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Glossy, Hadada and Sacred Ibis,

African Oystercatcher by Gareth Robbins Black-headed and Grey Heron, African Marsh Harrier and an African Pipit.

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We left Simons Town and made our way to Ceres via the West Coast National Park. Our first Stop was at a town called Table View and here we got some panoramic photos of Table Mountain. We then continued along the R27 towards the West Coast National Park and saw Black-winged and Yellow-billed Kites. Soon after arriving in the park we saw Grey Tit, White-backed and Red-faced Mousebirds, Karoo Prinia, Bar-throated Apalis and Karoo Scrub Robin. We visited two bird hides in the park namely the Geelbek and Abrahamskraal hides. From the Geelbek Hide we saw Greater Flamingo, Caspian Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Common Shy Albatross by Gareth Robbins Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Sanderling, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Rudd and the a few Chestnut-banded Plovers. And just outside the hide we managed to see White-throated, Barn and Pearl-breasted Swallows and an Alpine Sift. From the Abrahamskraal Hide we saw Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Shoveler, Cape Longclaw and Yellow Canaries. We also visited the Seeberg lookout point and as we made our way to the lookout point we saw Grey-winged Francolin and Southern Black Korhaan. Driving between the hides and lookout points we saw Common Ostrich, Karoo Lark, Bontebok and Common Eland. We left the West Coast National Park and made our way to Ceres through the towns of Darling and Malmesbury. There was some road works outside Darling and as we waited for our turn to drive we managed to see a pair of Blue Cranes. We also saw Namaqua Dove, Jackal Buzzard and Capped Wheatear in this area. We finally arrived at our guest house in Ceres and had an enjoyable dinner. Today was our final full day of birding and we had to make the most of it, so we left before sunrise and made out way into the Tankwa Karoo. One of our first stops was at Karoopoort which produced great sightings of Namaqua Warbler, Cape Bunting and White-throated Canary. We continued and saw Chestnut-vented Warbler, Karoo Scrub Robin, Mountain Wheatear, Familiar Chat, White-backed Mousebirds, Namaqua Dove, Acacia Pied Barbet, Yellow Canary, Karoo and Large-billed Larks and the beautiful Rufous-eared Warbler. We continued further along the road and finally we picked up excellent views of Pririt Batis. We then drove along a rocky pass to look for the Cinnamon-breasted Warbler and after some searching the bird called and we all managed to get African Penguins by Gareth Robbins a quick glimpse of the bird. We drove a little bit

RBT Trip Report – Eastern South Africa and Cape Extension II 2016 14 further along the dirt roads managing to pick up sightings of Tractrac Chat and Secretarybird before making our way along the Katbakkies Pass back to Ceres. On our way back we stopped at a large dam where we saw Purple Heron, Little Egret, Reed Cormorant, Southern Pochard and African Darter.

On our final day we took a short drive around some of the farm roads outside the town of Ceres. Here we had good looks at Cape Grassbird and a Bokmakierie. We then had a lovely breakfast and made our way to Cape Town International Airport where we bid farewell to one another. ______

Annotated List of Bird Species recorded:

Total species recorded: 452 ( 449 seen and 3 heard)

E = South African Endemic, RE = Regional Endemic to Southern Africa, RNE = Regional Near- Endemic, BE = Breeding Endemic

NP = National Park, GR = Game Reserve, BG = Botanical Garden, SW = Sewage Works, NR = Nature Reserve, PC = Penguin Colony. ______

Common Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus These huge birds were seen in the Kruger NP and the West Coast NP.

Swans, Geese & Ducks Anatidae White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata We managed to see these pretty ducks along the Zaagkuildrift road. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis This large bird was seen on most days of the tour, especially around farmlands and dams. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos We had some good sightings of the large ducks along the Zaagkuildrift road. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca These common birds were seen on most days of the tour. South African Shelduck (RE) Tadorna cana We saw the handsome ducks en route to the Sani Pass and near Ceres. Cape Teal Anas capensis We saw many of these teals at the Strandfontein Sewage Works. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata This duck was commonly recorded at various wetlands during the tour. Cape Shoveler (RE) Anas smithii We had good sightings at a Wakkerstroom and at several water bodies in the Western Cape.

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Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha We had good sightings along the Zaagkuildrift road, Wakkerstroom, Mkuze GR, Lesotho and the Strandfontein SW. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota We managed to get some good sightings at a large wetland near Breyten, Wakkerstroom and the Mkuze GR. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma Good sightings at a large wetland near Breyten and in Wakkerstroom. Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa We were able to see this duck at Fickland Pan and the Strandfontein Sewage Works.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris This pretty but common bird was seen on many occasions during the tour. . Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani Small numbers were seen well in the Hluhluwe and St Lucia area.

Pheasants & Partridges Phasianidae Grey-winged Francolin Francolinus africanus We had a great close view on a dirt road near Wakkerstroom and in the West Coast NP. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena We saw this lovely little francolin in the Kruger NP. Cape Spurfowl (RE) Pternistis capensis We had saw this bird in the Rooiels/Betty’s Bay area and in Ceres. Natal Spurfowl (RNE) Pternistis natalensis These birds were seen daily in the Kruger NP. Swainson’s Spurfowl (RNE) Pternistis swainsonii We saw these noisy birds along the Zaagkuildrift road, Kruger NP and Wakkerstroom.

Penguins Spheniscidae African Penguin (RE) Spheniscus demersus These popular birds were seen well at Boulders and Stoney Point Penguin colonies.

Austral Storm Petrels Hydrobatidae Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus We had many views of the fantastic little bird on our pelagic.

Albatrosses Diomedeidae Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris Was saw this albatross on the pelagic. Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta These large magnificent birds were seen during our pelagic.

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Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos We managed to get some lovely looks at this beautiful albatross on the pelagic. Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche carteri Some great views were had of this albatross on the pelagic.

Northern Storm Petrels Hydrobatidae European Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus We had a few quick sightings of these small birds on the pelagic.

Petrels & Shearwaters Procellariidae Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus We had a few sightings of this large petrel on the pelagic. Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli We had a few good sightings of this bird on the pelagic. White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis We had many sightings of this bird throughout the pelagic. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris borealis We managed to get some good looks at this bird during the pelagic. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus We had a couple of sighting of these birds during the latter part of the Pelagic. Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis We had some good views of this bird during the pelagic.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis We had several sightings at water bodies throughout the tour. Great Crested Grebe Podiciceps cristatus We managed to get some good sightings in Fickland Pan near Wakkerstroom. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis We had some great views of these small grebes at Strandfontein Sewage Works.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus We saw these graceful birds at a small pan outside Carolina, Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas and at the Strandfontein Sewage Works. Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor We had good looks at these colourful flamingos at a large wetland near Breyten and in the Cape Peninsula. Storks Ciconidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis We had a couple of good sightings throughout the tour especially along the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger National Park and in St Lucia.

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African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus We saw this stork in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus We saw this stork in the Kruger NP, Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas and in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. White Stork Ciconia ciconia We saw these storks in and around Wakkerstroom and in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. Saddle-billed Stork Epippiorhynchus senegalensis We had great looks at this colorful stork in Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer We had good looks at these storks in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus This ibis was commonly encountered at wetlands bird during the tour. Southern Bald Ibis (E) Geronticus calvus We were very lucky to spot these birds in Wakkerstroom and in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash We recorded this popular and noisy bird on every day of the tour. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus We had regular sightings of this ibis near Breyten, Wakkerstroom, Mkuze GR and the Strandfontein SW. African Spoonbill Platalea alba We had some good sightings in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom, Mkuze GR and Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas.

Bitterns & Herons Ardeidae Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides We saw this heron at the Wetlands in Wakkerstroom. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis We had regular sightings of these gregarious birds throughout the tour. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea They were recorded at wetlands on almost every day of tour. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala We had regular sightings of these birds on various farmlands during the tour. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath We saw this large heron in Kruger National Park, Mkuze GR and St Lucia. Great Egret Ardea alba These large egrets were seen well throughout the Eastern SA part of the tour. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia We viewed this egret in the wetlands at Wakkerstroom . Little Egret Egretta garzetta We saw this egret in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and most days in the Western Cape.

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Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta This distinctive species was seen in the Kruger NP, Hluhluwe, Mkuze GR and in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus This huge bird was seen well in Mkuze GR and at Table View. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens We saw these pelicans in the Mkuze GR and the St Lucia Estuary.

Gannets Sulidae Cape Gannet (BE) Morus capensis We saw many birds off Cape Point and on the Pelagic.

Cormorants & Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus We saw this cormorant at most wetlands during the tour. Crowned Cormorant (RE) Phalacrocorax coronatus We had a good sighting of this bird at Stony Point PC. Bank Cormorant (RE) Phalacrocorax neglectus We saw these cormorants on the Pelagic and at Stony Point PC. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus This large cormorant was seen at the dam on the Zaagkuildrift road and on numerous occasions in the Cape Peninsula. Cape Cormorant (BE) Leucocarbo capensis This marine species was abundant off the Western Cape coastline.

Anhingas & Darters Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa This snake like bird was seen on our way to the Kruger NP, Sani Pass and en route to Ceres. Secretarybird Sagittariidae Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius We managed to see this elegant bird in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom, Impendle and in the Tankwa Karoo.

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus This striking raptor was seen on many occasions from the roadside. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus We had a lovely look at this bird in Bulwer.

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Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis We were very lucky to see this vulture in the Raffia Palms at Mtunzini. Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus A few of these magnificent birds were seen in Lesotho. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus We were very fortunate to see this vulture in the Kruger NP. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus This species was common in Kruger NP. Cape Vulture (E) Gyps coprotheres We saw these vultures in the Kruger NP and Lesotho. White-headed Vulture Trigonoseps occipitalis We saw these unique vultures in the Kruger NP. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos We were lucky to see these large vultures in the Kruger NP. Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis We viewed this bird of prey in the Kruger NP. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus We managed to get a good look at this unique bird of prey in the Kruger NP and Cape Vidal. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus This beautiful bird of prey was seen often in the Kruger NP. Marital Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus We saw this fantastic bird of prey in the Kruger NP. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis We managed to see this unique bird of prey en route to the Kruger NP, en route to Hilton, Karkloof and on the Sani Pass road. Wahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi We had regular sightings of this eagle along Zaagkuildrift Road and the Kruger NP. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi We had a lovely sighting in the Tankwa Karoo. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax This bird of prey was commonly seen in the species in Kruger NP. Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii We had a great view of this bird of prey in Rooi Els. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar This small bird of prey was in the Kruger NP. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates We saw an immature bird near Pretoriuskop in the Kruger NP. Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus We had some good views of this elegant bird in the Tankwa Karoo. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro We had a good look at this bird in the Dlinza Forest, Eshowe. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanolecus This secretive bird of prey was seen on the Sani Pass road and at the Simons Town harbor.

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African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus We saw this harrier in Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass road and in the Strandfontein SW. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius This was the most common bird of prey on the tour. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer This handsome eagle was seen well in the Kruger NP and St Lucia. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo This was another bird of prey that was seen regularly throughout the tour. Jackal Buzzard (RE) Buteo rufofuscus We found this great endemic near Wakkerstroom, the Karkloof, Sani Pass and in the Western Cape.

Bustards Otididae Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori We had a very good sighting in the Kruger National Park. Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami We had saw this large bird near Wakkerstroom. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis barrowii We saw this shy bustard at Dirkiesdorp near Wakkerstroom. Blue Korhaan (E) Eupodotis caerulescens We had a great sighting near Wakkerstroom. Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista We saw a couple of these birds in the Kruger National Park. Southern Black Korhaan (E) Afrotis afra We were lucky to see one ear the road at Seeberg lookout in the West Coast NP. Northern Black Korhaan (NE) Afrotis afraoides We had some good sightings at the start of the Zaagkuildrift road.

Flufftails Sarothruridae Red-chested Flufftail Sarothruridae rufa We only managed to hear this secretive bird in Wakkerstroom.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae African Rail Rallus caerulescens We had some great views in Wakkerstroom. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra We saw these pretty birds at scattered wetlands throughout the tour. African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis This colourful bird was seen well in Wakkerstroom and St Lucia. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus These birds were seen at most water bodies during the tour. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata This bird was common at many dams in during the tour.

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Cranes Gruidae Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum We had lovely views in Wakkerstroom and in the Karkloof. Blue Crane (RE) Grus paradisea We had good sightings of South Africa’s national bird in Wakkerstroom and in the farmlands near Darling. Wattled Crane Grus carunculata We were very fortunate to see a pair in the Karkloof.

Thick-knees Burhinidae Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus We saw few of these birds in the Kruger National Park, St Lucia and the Cape Peninsula. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis We managed to see one in the Kruger NP as well as in St Lucia.

Oystercatchers Haematopididae African Oystercatcher (E) Haematopus moquini We had excellent sightings of this impressive bird along Cape coastline.

Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus This tall wader was frequently seen at various water bodies during the tour. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta This elegant wader showed well at Strandfontein SW and the West Coast NP.

Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus We had regular sightings of this lapwing throughout the tour. Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris We saw this lapwing in the Kruger NP. Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus We had a good look at these lapwings in the Karkloof. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus We saw this pretty lapwing in the Kruger NP. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus This lapwing was seen in Wakkerstroom. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola We saw a few birds in the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas and the West Coast NP. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula We saw a few birds in Mkuze GR, St Lucia and the West Coast NP. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius This plover was seen in the Kruger NP.

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Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris This pretty plover was seen well along the Zaagkuildrift road, Kruger National Park and Mkuze GR. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus We saw this lovely little plover in the St Lucia Estuary. Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus We saw a few of these plovers in the West Coast NP.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus This popular bird was seen well at Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Sandpipers & Allies Scolopacidae African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis This strange looking bird was seen flying on the Zaagkuildrift road and in Wakkerstroom. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus We managed to see this bird well in the West Coast NP. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis We got to see this wader at the wetland near Breyten and the Strandfontein SW. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia We had a couple of sightings at the wetlands at Kgomo-Kgomo, Kruger NP and the Strandfontein SW. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola We had many sightings of this wader in the Kruger NP including a large dam along the Zaagkuildrift road and St Lucia. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos We saw a couple in the Kruger NP, the wetland near Breyten and in the Mkuze GR. Sanderling Calidris alba We had some good looks at this bird in the West Coast NP. Little Stint Calidris minuta We saw a few birds at the wetland near Breyten, St Lucia, Strandfontein SW and in the West Coast NP. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea We saw a few birds in the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas as well as in the Strandfontein SW and the West Coast NP. Ruff Philomachus pugnax We saw a few birds at the wetlands near Breyten and the Strandfontein SW.

Coursers & Pratincoles Glareolidae Bronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus We saw this courser on the night drive in the Kruger NP. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni We were very fortunate to see the birds in large number at wetland near Kgomo-Kgomo.

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Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Sabine’s Gull Xema Sabina This pretty gull was seen on the Pelagic. Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus We had regular sightings in Kempton Park, en route to Kruger NP, St Lucia Estuary and Betty’s Bay. Hartlaub’s Gull (RE) Chroicocephalus hartlaubii These gulls were plentiful along the Western Cape coastline. Kelp Gull (NE) Larus dominicanus Large numbers were seen around the Cape Peninsula. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia We had fantastic views of this tern from the Ski Boat Club in St Lucia and in the West Coast NP. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii We saw a few of these terns at St Lucia Estuary and in the Cape Peninsula. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis We in St Lucia Estuary, the Cape of Good Hope and on the Pelagic. Little Tern Sternula albifrons This small tern was seen in the St Lucia Estuary. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida We saw this tern at a couple of inland dams throughout the tour.

Skuas Stercorariidae Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus We had some great close views on the Pelagic. Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus This jaeger was seen on the Pelagic.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua This bird was heard in the Tankwa Karoo. Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus These lovely birds were seen in the Kruger NP.

Pigeons & Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia This bird was commonly seen throughout human settlements during the tour in South Africa. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea This handsome pigeon was seen on a number of occasions throughout the tour. African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix We saw these lovely pigeons in the Dhlinza Forest and the Karkloof. Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba delegorguei We only managed to get brief sightings of these birds in the Dlinza Forest. Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens This dove was seen in the Satara Camp, Kruger NP.

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Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata This large dove was commonly recorded in tall woodland and forest during the tour. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola These vocal doves were seen on most days during the first half of the tour and around Cape Town. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis This smaller dove was encountered on numerous days of tour across the country. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos This pretty dove showed well in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria We had a couple of quick sighting of this shy dove in the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis This small dove was seen en route to the Ceres and in the Tankwa Karoo. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus We saw this species very well in the Kruger NP, St Lucia and Dhlinza Forest.

Turacos Musophagidae Livingstone’s Turaco Tauraco livingstonii We were very fortunate to see these turacos on a couple of occasions in St Lucia. Knysna Turaco (E) Tauraco corythaix We managed to get a few looks at this turaco in Benvie Gardens. Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus This colorful species showed well in the Kruger NP and Dlinza Forest, Eshowe. Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor This very common bird was seen along the Zaagkuildrift Road and in the Kruger NP.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Burchell’s Coucal Centropus superciliosus We had a couple of sightings in the Kruger NP and Cape Vidal. Green Malkoha Ceuthmochares australis We had a wonderful sighting of this bird in the False Bay Park. Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius This cuckoo was seen in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus We had a fantastic look at this cuckoo in Benvie Gardens.

Typical Owls Strigidae African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis We had a great view of this owl in Satara, Kruger NP. Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus This owl was seen on our night drives around the town of Wakkerstroom and on the coast road leading to Rooi Els. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum We managed to see one this bird along the Zaagkuildrift road and in the Kruger NP.

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Marsh Owl Asio capensis This owl was seen on our night drive in the Kruger NP.

Nightjars Caprimulgidae Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis We managed to see one individual on our night drive in the Kruger NP. Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus We saw this bird near Pretoria, Kruger NP and St Lucia. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba We saw this large swift on our way to Ceres. African Black Swift Apus barbatus We had some good views of this swift on the Sani Pass and in the Cape Peninsula. Little Swift Apus affinis We had regular sightings of these small swifts on many days of the tour. Horus Swift Apus horus We had a lovely sighting of a few of these swifts on the Sani Pass. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer This bird was seen in the near Ermelo, Wakkerstroom and on the Sani Pass.

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus This mouse like bird was commonly seen throughout the tour. White-backed Mousebird (RNE) Colius colius We had some great sightings in the Tankwa Karoo and West Coast NP. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus We also had a few good sightings of these birds on the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and the Tankwa Karoo.

Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina We had a quick sighting of a bird flying overhead in the False Bay Park.

Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius We had great sightings of this bird in the Kruger NP. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus This colourful species was seen well in the Kruger NP. European Roller Coracias garrulous We had a good couple of sightings of this pretty bird in the Kruger NP and in the Mkuze GR and Hluhluwe/St Lucia area. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus We had a fantastic sighting near Skukuza, Kruger NP.

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Kingfishers Alcedinidae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris We saw this kingfisher in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Cape Vidal. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis We saw and hear this beautiful kingfisher along the Zaagkuildrift Road and a couple of occasions in the Kruger NP. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus This striking kingfisher was seen in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis We had regular sightings of this kingfisher during the tour.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus This little beauty was seen well in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides We had several sightings in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus We had great views of this bee-eater along the Zaagkuildrift Road, Mkuze GR and St Lucia Estuary. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster We managed to see this pretty bee-eater along the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides We were very fortunate to see this beautiful bird in the Kruger NP. Hoopoes Upupidae African Hoopoe Upupa africana We saw this bird well in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus We had lovely views of these noisy birds in the Kruger NP. Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas We managed to see this bird in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvis leadbeateri We had an excellent view of a small group in the Kruger NP.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris We had regular views of these hornbills along the Zaagkuildrift Road and we saw plenty in the Kruger NP too. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (RNE) Tockus leucomelas These hornbills were seen in the Kruger NP.

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Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus We had some good sightings in the Hluhluwe/St Lucia area. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus These hornbills were seen in the Kruger NP. Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator We had great views of this noisy large hornbill in the Hluhluwe/ Lucia areas.

Barbets Ramphastidae White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis We had come across this barbet a couple of times in St Lucia and the Dlinza Forest. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus We saw this lovely bird in Skukuza Rest Camp and St Lucia. Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus We saw had a lovely sighting this bird in Mkuze GR. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus We saw this tinkerbird in Pretoriuskop, Kruger NP. Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas This barbet was seen along the Zaagkuildrift Road and in the Tankwa Karoo. Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus We saw a couple of these birds in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and in St Lucia. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii We had many good sightings of this bird on the first week of the tour.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus We managed to see this bird along the Zaagkuildrift Road and in St Lucia.

Woodpeckers & Allies Picidae Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis We had good sightings of birds in Wakkerstroom and along the Sani Pass. Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni This vocal woodpecker showed well in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and St Lucia. Ground Woodpecker (E) Geocolaptes olivaceus We have had some great sightings on the Sani Pass and a long distant view of one bird in Rooiels. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens This small woodpecker was seen in the Kruger NP. Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus We had a good sighting in a forest patch near Benvie Gardens.

Falcons & Caracaras Falconidae Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni We saw a couple of these birds in Wakkerstroom.

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Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus We saw this small bird of prey on the Sani Pass, West Coast NP and Tankwa Karoo. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis We saw these migrants at Zaagkuildrift, Schoemanskloof Pass, Ermelo, Wakkerstroom, Zululand and the Karkloof and Sani Pass. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus We managed to see this bird of prey on the Sani Pass.

Parrots Psittacidae Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus crytpoxanthus We had a few sightings of these vocal birds in the Kruger NP.

Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis (RE) Batis capensis This lovely little bird was seen on the Sani Pass road and near Ceres. Woodward’s Batis (RNE) Batis fratrum We managed to see the sough after batis in St Lucia. Chinspot Batis Batis molitor This bushveld inhabitant was seen in in Zaagkuildrift and the Kruger NP. Pririt Batis Batis Pririt This pretty batis was seen in a bank of Sweet Thorns in the Tankwa Karoo.

Helmetshrikes and Allies White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus We saw these gregarious birds in the Kruger NP. Retz’s Helmetshrike Prionops Retzii We were very lucky to see these scarce birds in the Kruger NP.

Bushshrikes & Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti We managed to see this bird in a bird party on our way to Pretoriuskop, Kruger NP. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus This vocal bird was seen in the Kruger NP. Bokmakierie (RNE) Telophorus zeylonus This pretty species was seen in Wakkerstroom, Karkloof and the Sani Pass road. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis We found this species near the Zaagkuildrift road and in the Kruger NP. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus We had greats sighting in the Kruger NP Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla We had regular sightings of this inquisitive bird on tour. Southern Boubou (RE) Laniarius ferrugineus We saw this boubou in Zaagkuildrift.

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Crimson-breasted Shrike (RNE) Laniarius atrococcineus This incredible bird was seen at Zaagkuildrift. Brubru Nilaus afer We had a great view in the Kruger NP and near Wakkerstroom.

Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia We had good views in Dlinza Forest, Eshowe. Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava We were very fortunate to see both male and female birds in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Shrikes Laniidae Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus This large shrike was seen frequently during the first few days of tour. Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens We saw this shrike in the Kruger NP. Red-backed Shrike Lanius colluria We managed to see this pretty shrike on many occasions during the first week of the tour. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor We saw a couple of these birds in Zaagkuildrift and in the Kruger NP. Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris This common bird was recorded on most days of the tour.

Figbirds, Orioles Oriolidae Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus We had one brief sighting in the Kruger NP. Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus We managed to see this bird in the Kruger NP and Dhlinza Forest.

Drongos Dicruridae Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii This forest species was seen well in the forests of the Hluhluwe and St Lucia areas. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis We saw this bird on most days of the eastern part of the tour.

Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis We saw this spectacular bird in the Kruger NP and in the False Bay Park.

Crows & Jays Corvidae Cape Crow Corvus capensis We saw this crow at higher elevation grassland sites such as Wakkerstroom.

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Pied Crow Corvus albus This crow was common and frequently encountered species during the tour. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis This large bird was seen well along the Sani Pass.

Rockjumpers Chaetopidae Drakensberg Rockjumper (E) Chaetops aurantius We had wonderful views on Sani Pass.

Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae Fairy Flycatcher (RE) Stenostira scita We had a great sighting in Lesotho.

Tits Paridae Southern Black Tit Melani parus niger This bird was seen well in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Grey Tit Melaniparus afer We had a good sighting in West Coast NP.

Nicators Nicatoridae Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis We eventually got to see this bird in Hluhluwe.

Larks Alaudidae Spike-heeled Lark (RNE) Chersomanes albofasciata We had good views of these social larks near Wakkerstroom. Eastern Long-billed Lark (E) Certhilauda semitorquata We had great looks at this species near Wakkerstroom. Sabota Lark (RNE) Mirafra sabota This lark was commonly seen in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Karoo Lark (E) Certhilauda albescens We got a few good views in the West Coast NP and the Tankwa Karoo. Rudd's Lark (E) Heteromirafra ruddi We had excellent views of this critically endangered lark at Fickland Pan near Wakkerstroom. Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana This vocal lark was seen near Wakkerstroom. Botha’s Lark (E) Spizocorys fringillaris We managed to get fantastic views of this small lark near Wakkerstroom. Large-billed Lark (E) Galerida magnirostris We had good views of this lark in the Tankwa Karoo. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea This pretty lark was common around Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof.

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Monotonous Lark Mirafra passerine We heard this bird calling and eventually saw it near Pretoriuskop, Kruger NP.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Cape Bulbul (E) Pycnonotus capensis This bulbul was seen on most days in the Western Cape. Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor This bulbul was seen almost every day during the eastern portion of the tour. Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus We had great views once were in the forested areas of Hluhluwe, St Lucia and Harold Porter BG. Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris This noisy Greenbul showed well in Zululand. Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris We only head this bird in St Lucia.

Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera These swallows were seen well in the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas, Karkloof and Sani Pass. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola These small martins were seen well near small dams during the tour. Banded Martin Riparia cincta These martins were seen well in Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica This Swallow was seen on many occasions throughout the tour. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis This Swallow was seen well throughout the tour, especially near wetlands and rivers. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii We saw these good looking birds in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR. Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea We were very fortunate to locate these very rare and endangered birds at Impendle NR. Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata A few were seen in the Cape Peninsula and the West Coast NP. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula This brown martin was seen well in the Sani Pass and in the Tankwa Karoo. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum This pretty martin was seen on the Sani Pass. Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata We saw this swallow in Zaagkuildrift, Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and in the Western Cape. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica We had regular sightings if this swallow during the eastern section of the tour. Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa This swallow was seen well along the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

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South African Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon spilodera These lovely swallows were seen near Schulpspruit, Mpumalanga.

Crombecs & African Warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird (RE) Sphenoeacus afer This vocal bird was seen near Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and Ceres Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens This short tailed bird was seen well on the first week of the tour. Victorin’s Warbler (E) Cryptillas victorini We only managed to hear this skulking bird near Betty’s Bay.

Leaf Warblers & Allies Phylloscopidae Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla This pretty little forest warbler was see very well in the forest patch near Benvie Gardens. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus We saw this bird in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and St Lucia.

Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris We saw this warbler at Himeville. African Yellow Warbler Iduna natalensis We had some good sightings in Wakkerstroom and Himeville. Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum We were very fortunate to see this warbler in a large Camel Thorn on the Zaagkuildrift Road. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina We saw this yellow warbler in Zaagkuildrift and the Kruger NP.

Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala We had some good sightings in Wakkerstroom. Barrat’s Warbler Bradypterus barratti This skulking bird was seen on the Sani Pass. Fan-tailed Grassbird Schoenicola brevirostris This bird was seen on the Sani Pass.

Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops We saw this cisticola in a reed bed near a small pond halfway between Olifants and Satara Rest Camps in the Kruger NP. Lazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans This cisticola was seen in Wakkerstroom.

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Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana This common Cisticola was seen in bushveld and scrubby vegetation in Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and along Zaagkuildrift road. Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais We saw this cisticola in the Karkloof and the Sani Pass. Rufous-winged Cisticola Cisticola galactotes We had a great sighting in False Bay Park. Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens We had a couple of good sightings of this vocal cisticola in Wakkerstroom, Mkuze GR and the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis This tiny cisticola was seen well on the Zaagkuildrift Road. Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus One individual was seen well at Zaagkuildrift Road. Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix We had a good sighting near Wakkerstroom. Pale-crowned Cisticola Cisticola cinnamomeus We saw this cisticola near Hilton. Wing-snapping Cisticola (RE) Cisticola ayresii This bird was seen in the Karkloof. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava This prinia was seen well along Zaagkuildrift Road and the Kruger NP. Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans Some good sightings were had along the Zaagkuildrift Road. Karoo Prinia (RE) Prinia maculosa These lovely little birds were seen on the Sani Pass and were abundant in the Western Cape. Drakensberg Prinia (E) Prinia hypoxantha We had great sightings along the Sani Pass and near Wakkerstroom. Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata We had some great sighting at Karoopoort, Tankwa Karoo. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica This pretty bird was seen well just near Wakkerstroom and in the West Coast NP. Rudd’s Apalis (RE) Apalis ruddi We found this subtropical endemic at our lodge near Hluhluwe and at St Lucia. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida We had great sightings in the Kruger NP and the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas. Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis We had many great views of this neat little bird in the Tankwa Karoo. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura Commonly seen and heard in the Hluhluwe/ Lucia areas. Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolatus We had excellent views of this pretty bird on the Zaagkuildrift Road. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea We saw this warbler in the Skitterykloof, Tankwa Karoo.

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Karoo Eremomela (RE) Eremomela gregalis We managed to see this unique bird in the Tankwa Karoo. Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis These vocal little birds were seen in the Kruger NP.

Babblers & Parrotbills Timaliidae Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii These noisy birds were commonly seen in the Kruger NP and Zaagkuildrift.

Sylviid Babblers Sylviidae Bush Blackcap Lioptilus nigricapillus We had great sighting of this bird in Wakkerstroom and the Sani Pass. Chestnut-vented Warbler (RNE) Sylvia subcaerulea We had some good views of this vocal bird along the Zaagkuildrift Road and in the Tankwa Karoo. Layard’s Warbler (RE) Sylvia layardi This warbler was seen on the Sani Pass.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Cape White-eye (RE) Zosterops capensis These little birds were recorded at scattered locations throughout the tour. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis We saw this great little bird in St Lucia.

Sugarbirds & Allies Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird (E) Promerops cafer This great Fynbos endemic was seen well in the Cape of Good Hope, Rooi Els and on the Gydo Pass. Gurney's Sugarbird (RE) Promerops gurneyi We had some great sightings on the Sani Pass.

Starlings Sturnidae Common Myna Acridotheres tristis This invasive exotic was unfortunately seen on a number of occasions in urban and semi-urban settings during the tour. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris This, also an alien, was seen in Wakkerstroom and the Western Cape. Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea We saw these birds in good numbers in the Kruger NP and the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. Black-bellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus Found in the forests around the Hluhluwe and St Lucia areas. Cape Starling (RNE) Lamprotornis nitens This colourful bird was seen daily during the first week of the tour. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus We had good views of this spectacular species in Kruger NP.

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Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis This large starling was seen well along the Zaagkuildrift Road and Kruger NP. Pied Starling (E) lamprotornis bicolor We had sightings of this endemic around Ermelo, Wakkerstroom and near Ceres. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster We had some lovely views of this impressive starling in the Kruger NP. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio This starling was frequently encountered in Kruger NP, Sani Pass and in the Western Cape.

Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus This oxpecker was seen in association with large game in Kruger NP and Mkuze Game Reserve.

Thrushes Turdidae Orange Ground Thrush Geokichla gurneyi This pretty thrush was seen briefly at Benvie Gardens. Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus We saw this thrush in the Kruger NP. Olive Thrush (RE) Turdus olivaceus This thrush was seen in Wakkerstroom and in the Western Cape. Karoo Thrush (RE) Turdus smithii Our guest house in Kempton Park provided good sightings of this endemic.

Chats & Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Karoo Scrub Robin (E) Cercotrichas coryphaeus We had good sightings in the West Coast NP and Tankwa Karoo. Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata This pretty scrub robin showed well in Hluhluwe. White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys We had many good sightings in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelania We managed to get a few views of this flycatcher in the Kruger NP. Marico Flycatcher (RNE) Bradornis mariquensis This Flycatcher was commonly seen along the Zaagkuildrift Road. Fiscal Flycatcher (RE) Sigelus silens We managed to see this flycatcher near Ceres. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata We had a couple of sightings in our first week of the tour. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens We saw this bird in the Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta This sweet flycatcher was seen at Benvie Gardens, Sani Pass and Harold Porter BG.

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Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra We had regular sightings of this bird especially in the Western Cape and one sighting in Wakkerstroom. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis This lovey robin was seen in St Lucia. Cape Rock Thrush (E) Monticola rupestris This pretty thrush was seen on the Sani Pass and Rooi Els. Sentinel Rock Thrush (E) Monticola explorator This lovely endemic was seen at Wakkerstroom and in Lesotho. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus We saw this bird in open country around Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and just outside Cape Town. Buff-streaked Chat (E) Saxicola bifasciata This bird was seen at well in Wakkerstroom, Karkloof and Sani Pass. Sickle-winged Chat (RE) Cercomela sinuata This chat was seen in Lesotho. Karoo Chat (RNE) Cercomela schlegelii A few individuals were seen in the Tankwa Karoo. Tractrac Chat (RNE) Cercomela tractrac We had a few sightings in the Tankwa Karoo. Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris This pretty bird was seen en route to Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP. Ant-eating Chat (RNE) Myrmecocichla formicivora This chat was recorded around Ermelo, Wakkerstroom and in the Karkloof. Mountain Wheatear (RNE) Oenanthe monticola This bird was seen in Wakkerstroom and in the Tankwa Karoo. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata We saw these birds near Darling in the Western Cape. Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris This chat was seen well on the Sani Pass and various rocky areas in the Western Cape.

Sunbirds & Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris This tiny sunbird was seen well in Zululand. Orange-breasted Sunbird (E) Anthobaphes violacea We had great views in the Western Cape. Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea This vocal sunbird was seen very well at St Lucia. Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii This sunbird was seen the St Lucia area. Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina We saw this bird in Zululand and Sani Pass. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis This spectacular sunbird was seen well in the Kruger NP and St Lucia.

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Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa We saw this stunning bird in Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and in the Western Cape. Southern Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris chalybeus We saw this vocal sunbird in the Karkloof and the Western Cape. Greater Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris afer We saw this stunning sunbird on the Sani Pass. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis We had great sightings along the Zaagkuildrift road. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus This striking sunbird was abundant in and around St Lucia. White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala This busy sunbird was seen well along the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP and Mkuze GR

Old World Sparrows Passeridae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali This species was seen along the Zaagkuildrift Road, near its eastern distribution limit. House Sparrow Passer domesticus This species was seen in association with human habitation, across the country. Great Sparrow Passer motitensis We got some lovely views of this sparrow when we were birding along the Zaagkuildrift road. Cape Sparrow (RNE) Passer melanurus This sparrow was seen regularly throughout the tour Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus This species was seen regularly during the Easter part of the tour. Yellow-throated [Petronia] (Sparrow) Gymnoris superciliaris We saw this bird well in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Weavers & Allies Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger We saw this social weaver in the Kruger NP. Scaly-feathered Weaver (RNE) Sporopipes squamifrons This lovely little bird was seen right at the eastern edge of their range along the Zaagkuildrift Road. Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons This Weaver was seen well in St Lucia. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis This weaver was seen in the Mkuze GR. Cape Weaver (E) Ploceus capensis We found this endemic around Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and in the Western Cape. Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus These bright yellow birds were common in the Hluhluwe and St Lucia areas. Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus We had great sightings in St Lucia.

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Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius We had a good view of a couple of individuals in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus This weaver was common seen on the eastern part of the tour. Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor This forest-dwelling weaver was seen well in Hluhluwe and St Lucia. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps We saw this weaver in Olifants Camp, Kruger NP. Red-billed Quelea Quelea Quelea We had regular sightings along the Zaagkuildrift Road , Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer We saw this beautiful bird near Ermelo and Wakkerstroom. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix We had many sightings of this beautiful bird during the tour. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis This pretty bird was seen in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands and the Sani Pass. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes ardens We saw these birds in Wakkerstroom, Karkloof and the Sani Pass. White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus We had great look at this widowbird on the Zaagkuildrift Road. Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens We had great views of this bird near Ermelo, Wakkerstroom, Hilton and the Karkloof. Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne We had many sightings en route to the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom, Kwazulu-Natal Midlands and the Sani Pass.

Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba This bird was seen on the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR. Red-headed Finch (RNE) Amadina erythrocephala These birds were seen at the feeders at our guest house in Kempton Park. Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula We saw these pretty little birds in the Dhlinza Forest, Eshowe Pink-throated Twinspot (RE) Hypargos margaritatus We had great views of this bird in Mkuze GR and near the False Bay Park. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala We found this bird in the Mkuze GR. African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata We saw this lovely little birds near Wakkerstroom. Jameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia We came across these birds at the Tshokwane Picnic Site in the Kruger NP. Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis This neat species was common along the Zaagkuildrift Road, Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

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Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus We were fortunate to see this beautiful bird on a dirt road near Kgomo-Kgomo village. Swee Waxbill (E) Estrilda melanotis These cute little birds were seen on the Sani Pass. Grey Waxbill Estrilda perreini We had great a sighting at our accommodation in Hluhluwe. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild We had scattered sightings across the country. Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos We saw this fantastic waxbill along the Zaagkuildrift Road. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis We managed to see these little beauties near Wakkerstroom. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata We had many great sightings in Zululand. Red-backed Mannikin Lonchura nigriceps We were fortunate to see these birds in mixed flocks with other mannikins in the Dhlinza Forest.

Indigobirds Viduidae Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata We saw this bird on the Zaagkuildrift Road. Purple Indigobird Vidua purpurascens We saw this indigobird near Pretoriuskop, Kruger NP. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura We had many sightings of this bossy bird throughout the trip. Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia We had phenomenal looks at this bird in Zaagkuildrift. Long-tailed Paradise Whydah Vida paradisaea We managed to see this spectacular species in flight near the Kgomo-Kgomo Village.

Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis This bird was seen regularly at scattered localities throughout the country. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp We had many sightings of this bird during the first week of the tour. Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava We were extremely lucky to see this wagtail at the Mpempe Pan, just before the thunderstorm. Cape Longclaw (RE) Macronyx capensis We had good sightings near Ermelo, Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and en route to Ceres. Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus This stunner was seen in the Kruger NP and Hluhluwe. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus We had regular sightings of this bird during the tour.

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Mountain Pipit Anthus hoeschi We had lovely views in Lesotho. Bushveld Pipit Anthus caffer We managed to view this bird in the Kruger NP.

Finches & Allies Fringillidae Forest Canary (E) Crithagra scotops We only managed to get semi decent views of this canary in a forest patch near Benvie Gardens. Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis We saw these canaries in a vacant garden plot at Kgomo-Kgomo Village on the Zaagkuildrift road and in Wakkerstroom. Lemon-breasted Canary Crithagra citrinipectus We managed to get some good views of these sough after canaries at Mpempe Pan, Hluhluwe. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica We had regular sightings of these canaries during the tour. Drakensberg Siskin (E) Crithagra symonsi These birds were seen on the Sani Pass. Yellow Canary (RNE) Crithagra flaviventris Seen in Lesotho and then in West Coast NP and the Tankwa Karoo. Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata We managed to see this large canary in Harold Porter BG. Streaky-headed Seedeater (RNE) Crithagra gularis We saw this bird in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. White-throated Canary (RNE) Crithagra albogularis We found this near-endemic in thein the West Coast NP and the Tankwa Karoo. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis This canary was seen well at Wakkerstroom, Karkloof, Sani Pass and Betty’s Bay.

Buntings Emberizidae Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi We saw this lovely bunting near the Zaagkuildrift Road and in the Kruger NP. Cape Bunting (RNE) Emberiza capensis Seen along in Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass, Rooi Els and the Tankwa Karoo. Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris This pretty bunting was seen well in the Kruger NP. ______

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Annotated List of Mammal Species recorded

Nomenclature and taxonomy follows The Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa by Chris & Tilde Stuart (2007).

Total species recorded: 50 ______

Jackals Canidae Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas We saw this sly creature in the Kruger National Park. Cats Felidae Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus We were very fortunate to see one cheetah en route to Pretoriuskop, Kruger NP Lion Panthera leo We had some amazing sightings of lions in the Kruger NP, especially they young male lion charging the vultures on a hippo carcass. Leopard Panthera pardus We were extremely luck to watch a young leopard catch a warthog on the day we entered the Kruger NP.

Mongooses Herpestridae Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata We saw this mongoose in the Wakkerstroom area, Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula We managed to get some good looks at this social mongoose in the Kruger NP. Cape Grey Mongoose (RE) Galerella pulverulenta We had brief sighting of this shy mongoose running across the road in the Cape Peninsula. Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo We saw a few of these mongooses in the Kruger NP and St Lucia. Meerkat Suricata suricatta We saw this popular animal in Wakkerstroom.

Hyenas Hyaenidae Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta We had great sightings of this scavenger in the Kruger NP.

Fur Seals Otariidae Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus We saw these animals in good numbers along the Western Cape coastline.

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Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Impala Aepyceros melampus This was a common antelope in Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Cape Vidal. Natal Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis This richly-coloured mammal was seen well in Hluhluwe and St Lucia. Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou We saw these interesting looking animals on a private game reserve just outside Wakkerstroom. Common Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus We encountered this odd animal regularly in Kruger NP and the Zululand reserves. Blesbok (E) Damaliscus pygargus We saw a few on a couple of private Game Reserves during the tour. Bontebok (E) Damaliscus pygargus We saw this endemic animal in the West Coast NP. Common Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus We had some lovely sightings of these beautiful animals in the Kruger NP and Cape Vidal. Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus These Klipspringers (English meaning rock jumpers) were seen in the Kruger NP and the Tanqua Karoo. Grey Rhebok (E) Pelea capreolus We saw a few of these antelopes near Ceres. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris We saw these small antelopes daily in Kruger National Park. Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula We saw a few of these shy animals at Impendle. Sharpe’s Grysbok Raphicerus Sharpei We had an unexpected sighting near Olifants Rest Camp in the Kruger NP. Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia We had a few sightings in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and in the Karkloof. African Buffalo Syncerus caffer We managed to see some large numbers in the Kruger NP and a couple in the Cape Vidal. Nyala Tragelaphus angasii This beautiful antelope was seen in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Cape Vidal. Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx We saw good numbers in the West Coast NP. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus We had a couple of sightings of these confiding individuals during in the Kruger NP and Cape Vidal. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros This regal antelope was seen very well in the Kruger NP and Cape Vidal. Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis A few were seen on a private game reserve outside Wakkerstroom and near Darling. Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis We were very fortunate to see this uncommon animal in the Tankwa Karoo.

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Sable Antelope Hippotragus niger We saw this beautiful antelope on a private game reserve on the Zaagkuildrift Road.

Giraffes Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis We enjoyed multiple sightings of this unique creature in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Hippopotami Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius We had many sightings in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and the St Lucia Estuary.

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus We had great sightings in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Cape Vidal. Bushpig Potomochoerus larvatus We saw this hairy creature on our night drive in St Lucia.

Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae Peter’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Phacochoerus africanus We managed to get lovely close views of these bats in Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger NP.

Hyraxes Procavidae Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis These animals were seen in Rooiels.

Hares & Rabbits Leporidae Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis We had a few sightings on our night drive in the Kruger NP.

Zebras Equidae Common (Burchell's/Plains) Zebra Equus quagga burchelli We had great sightings in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Cape Vidal.

Rhinoceroses Rhinocerotidae White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum These prehistoric animals were seen well in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis We had a good look at these monkeys in Cape Vidal Resort. Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops This was a commonly encountered primate in the South African game parks.

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Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus We saw baboons on numerous occasions in Kruger NP and in the Western Cape.

Galagos Galagidae Thick-tailed Galago Otolemur crassicaudatus We saw this noisy animal on our night drive in St Lucia.

Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxondonta africana We had some lovely good views in the Kruger NP.

Rats & Mice Cricetidae & Muridea Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomy’s pumilio We saw this rodent in the Western Cape. Acacia Rat Thallomys paedulcus We saw these rats in the Tankwa Karoo. Squirrels Sciuridae Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi This little squirrel was fairly common in Kruger NP. Red Bush Squirrel Paraxerus palliates We saw these squirrels in the forests in Hluhluwe and St Lucia. ______

Annotated List of Reptiles

Total species recorded: 11 ______

Crocodiles and Relatives Crocodylidae Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus We saw these large reptiles in the Kruger NP and St Lucia Estaury.

Agamas Agamidae Southern Rock Agama Agama atra We saw these lizards in Rooiels, Western Cape.

Colubrid Snakes Colubridae Olive Grass Snake Psammophis mossambicus We saw this snake in the sandy road leading to our lodge in Hluhuwe. Boomslang Dispholidus typus We had an excellent look at this snake in Harold Porter BG.

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Geckos Gekkonidae House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia We saw this gecko in the Hluhluwe and St Lucia area.

Skinks Scincidae African Striped Skink Trachylepis striata We saw this skink in Hluhluwe. Variable Skink Trachylepis varia We saw this colorful skink in the Kruger NP.

Monitor Lizards Varanidae Savanna Monitor Varanus exanthematicus We had a unexpected sighting of this large reptile in the Impendle NR. Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus We managed to get a great look at this water loving reptile in the Kruger NP.

Afro-American Sideneck Turtles Pelomedusidae Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa subrufa We had numerous sightings of these turtles in small dams and rivers in the Kruger NP.

Tortoises Testudinidae Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis We had some good views of these tortoises in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.

Annotated list of Amphibians

Moss Frogs Rhacophoridae Western Leopard Toad Amietophrynus pantherinus ______

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