PC's fifth attempt

[Peter Connan]

40) Helmeted Guineafowl

 

Gewone Tarentaal

Numida meleagris

 

 

 

To any visitor to Africa, these probably need no introdution. Their strange shape when on the ground is actually just the way they hold their wings.

 

1 & 2 January, Pilanesbrg

[Peter Connan]

41) Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

 

Klipstreepkoppie

Emberiza tahapisi

 

 

1 January, Pilanesberg

[Peter Connan]

42) Golden-breasted Bunting

 

Rooirugstreepkoppie

Emberiza flaviventris

 

 

2 January, Pilanesberg

[Peter Connan]

43) Sabota Lark

 

Sabotalewerik

Mirafra sabota

 

 

1 January, Pilanesberg

[Peter Connan]

44) Rufous-naped Lark

 

Rooineklewerik

Mirafra africana

 

 

1 January, Pilanesberg

 

All these birds from the Guineafowl onward were spotted in or near the denser areas along the dry river beds at the inflow of Mankwe dam.

 

Most birds are to some extent dependent on water, and tend to congregate near water sources, or at the very least the lusher vegetation in the rivirine areas.

[Peter Connan]

45) Red-backed Shrike

 

Rooiruglaksman

Lanius collurio

 

 

1 January, Pilanesberg

[Peter Connan]

46) Magpie Shrike

 

Langstertlaksman

Corvinella melanoleuca

 

1 January, Pilanesberg

 

14 February, Timbavati

 

17 February, Timbavati

[Peter Connan]

47) Common Myna

 

Indiese Spreeu

Acridotheres tristis

 

This is an introduced species and a real pest. Their range is increasing rapidly as they are very adaptable and intelligent (I suspect a lot of animals say that about us humans).

 

 

2 January, Pilanesberg

 

 

 

11 January, Kempton Park

Edited February 22, 2018 by Peter Connan

[Peter Connan]

48) Marico Flycatcher

 

Maricovlieevanger

Bradornis mariquensis

 

 

1 January, Pilanesberg

[TonyQ]

7 hours ago, Peter Connan said:

47) Common Myna

This is an introduced species and a real pest. Their range is increasing rapidly as they are very adaptable and intelligent (I suspect a lot of animals say that about us humans).

 

 

I am not sure they would see us as intelligent.......

 

Lovely photos!

[Peter Connan]

Thanks @TonyQ, you probably have a point there.

[PeterHG]

Beautiful shots again, @Peter Connan! I love those close-up photos of the Glossy Ibis, both portrait and feathers!

[Peter Connan]

Thank you very much @PeterHG

[Peter Connan]

48) Chinspot Batis

 

Witliesbontrokkie

Batis molitor

 

 

 

Always keep your eye open around camp or in picnic spots!

 

These were taken at a picnic spot in Pilanesberg on the 1st of January

 

 

 

And these were taken just outside camp at Joubertshoop, Timbavati, on th 15th of February

[Peter Connan]

49) Diederick Cuckoo

 

Diederikkie

Chrysococcyx caprius

 

This is a bird which is often heard (during summer, as they are migrants) but seldom seen. They are brood parasites of a relatively vile nature, destroying at least one of the host's eggs and replacing it with their own. The hosts are much smaller birds as well, with probably the most common target being the Masked Weaver.

 

 

 

1 January, near Mankwe Dam, Pilanesberg

[Peter Connan]

50) White-fronted Bee-eater

 

Rooikeelbyevreter

Merops bullockoides

 

 

Almost exactly the same spot as the previous bird, but a day later...

[Peter Connan]

51) European Bee-eater

 

Europese Byevreter

Merops apiaster

 

The avian equivalent of the Eurofighter Typhoon perhaps? Fast, agile, unbelievably accurate and beautiful to boot!

 

Pilanesberg, 1 January

 

Last year I showed pictures of them taking a bath. Seems it happens more often than I thought...

 

 

 

This time it was also raining lightly.

 

Rathlogo dam, Pilanesberg, 30 January 2017

 

 

[elefromoz]

Those little Batis always look so bright-eyed. Beautiful Bee-eaters and Cuckoo. Im wondering if Timbavati has seen any rain, it was very dry when we were there a couple of years back?

[Tdgraves]

You got your cuckoo - well done!

[xelas]

Batises and their eyes ... and the European Bee-eater, it is time to start your flight back home!

[Peter Connan]

Thank you @elefromoz, @Tdgraves and @xelas

 

@elefromoz, it is still very dry, and there is very little grass now, precisely when there should be a lot. The Klaserie is even worse.

 

However, we received about 7 mm of rain last Friday, and I believe many areas have received much more since then.

 

I believe @pomkiwi is there now, perhaps he can enlighten us? Of course, they will need regular rain over the next month or two if the grass is to recover...

 

@xelas, not so fast please!

 

Edited February 23, 2018 by Peter Connan

[pomkiwi]

@Peter Connan @elefromoz There was a heavy fall of rain on Tuesday night, sufficient to cancel the morning drive on Wednesday. There has been some light rain most nights since and the grass is growing well. There will be an image or two when I do a report after I get home .

Everyone tells me that it has been a relatively dry summer again and that they would like at least 3 more heavy falls. 

[Peter Connan]

Thanks @pomkiwi, that gladdens my heart.

[Peter Connan]

52) Giant Kingfisher

 

Reusevisvanger

Megaceryle maxima

 

 

 

 

1 January, Mankwe hide, Pilanesberg

[Peter Connan]

53) Pied Kingfisher

 

Bontvisvanger

Ceryle rudis

 

Apparently the largest bird that can hover for extended period without wind.

 

 

 

 

1 & 2 January, Mankwe hide, Pilanesberg