PC's fifth attempt

[Zim Girl]

Well done on reaching 200 and with such a beautiful bird.

[TonyQ]

A beautiful bird to reach the magic 200. Congratulations- it has been a real pleasure following your thread.

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @PeterHG, @Tdgraves, @xelas, @Kitsafari, @Galana, @Zim Girl and @TonyQ

Edited August 23, 2018 by Peter Connan

[Dave Williams]

Well done indeed Peter, a superb score without getting on a plane! 

[Peter Connan]

Thanks @Dave Williams

 

201) African Firefinch

 

Kaapse Vuurvinkie

Lagonosticta rubricata

 

 

Unfortunately I never saw a male.

The Aloe Farm, 7 July

[Peter Connan]

202) Bronze Mannikin

 

Gewone Fret

Lonchura cucullata

 

 

 

 

& July, The Aloe Farm

[Kitsafari]

lovely additions Peter. incredible details on the solo mannikin.

[xelas]

1 hour ago, Kitsafari said:

lovely additions Peter. incredible details on the solo mannikin.

 

Yes, that is a result of a fine glass in experienced hands! To have the bird at close distance also helps . Great photo(s), Peter! Looking forward to see them many more this year.

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @Kitsafari and @xelas.

 

All the credit must go to the birds, they were incredibly accommodating!

 

I'm afraid my "stockpile" has virtually run out, and with no firm travel plans for the rest of the year...

[Peter Connan]

That concludes the visit to The Aloe Farm.

 

On the 21st of July, @optig and I went to Rietvlei.

 

203) Levaillant's Cisticola

 

Vleitinktinkie

Cisticola tinniens

 

 

[Galana]

Good to see the LBJs getting some exposure and somebody brave enough to commit to a Cisticola.

[Peter Connan]

Thanks @Galana. Bit of a flash in the pan I'm afraid...

This is pretty much the only cisticola I feel reasonably comfortable with, and that only because of where it was seen, and how common they are...

[michael-ibk]

Beautiful photos Peter, congratulations on #200! Like every year it's been a joy following your Big Year.

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @michael-ibk

 

204) Cape Longclaw

 

Oranjekeelkalkoentjie

Macronyx capensis

 

 

21 July, Rietvlei

[Galana]

17 hours ago, Peter Connan said:

nd that only because of where it was seen, and how common they are...

But if only others would remember those guidelines (that are only guidelines)  they would get comfortable too.

I used to turn my back on them too but now see them as a challenge. Endless fun on a  quiet day.

[xelas]

Cape Longclaw is such a lovely bird. Getting close to one, well, is another story . Beautiful photo, @Peter Connan ... but which one of yours is not ?!

[Peter Connan]

Thanks @Galana and @xelas

[Peter Connan]

205) Red-winged Francolin

 

Rooivlerkpatrys

Scleroptila levaillantii

 

This was quite exiting, as I had never seen one of these before. But getting a shot was very tricky. They were close, but in thick grass, and still covered in frost!

 

 

21 July, Rietvlei

[Kitsafari]

Wow to the francolin! i can count the number of feathers on its head (but I'm not going to try ). 

Edited August 30, 2018 by Kitsafari

[Galana]

I share your excitement. Nice capture.

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @Kitsafari and @Galana.

[Peter Connan]

206) Fiscal Flycatcher

 

Fiskaalflieevanger

Sigelus silens

 

 

 

22 July, Rand Model Aero Club, Alberton

[PeterHG]

You keep on providing us with wonderful shots, @Peter Connan !

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @PeterHG

[Galana]

That is a lovely little bird and nicely captured.