Jump to content

Michael´s Fourth Year


michael-ibk

Recommended Posts

michael-ibk

76/B39.) White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) / Weißrückengeier

77/B40.) Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) / Kappengeier

 

We did not see a single Vulture in Chobe or Savuti which I found quite unusual and a bit worrying, given the sharp decline these birds are suffering everywhere in the world right now. Khwai was a bit of a relief because 100s were gathering there around a deceased Elephant - a huge meatpie for the carrion eaters indeed. But also in the Kalahari they were very scarce. No White-Headeds seen at all (which is not too unusual since I´ve only ever seen them in good numbers in Zambia´s Kafue), and only two or three Lappet-Faceds which where soaring so high that I did not bother to take a photo.

 

112758395_Botswana_1921_Khwai_White-BackedVulture_(Weirckengeier).JPG.2bc263f7e8b3379377dc7ad86fd00e16.JPG

 

1392863511_Botswana_1929_Khwai_HoodedVulture_(Kappengeier).JPG.22d1727379f1e3b6f08732e6f2740059.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

78/B41.) African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) / Schreiseeadler

 

The call of Africa to me. Sometimes described as a "yodelling yelp" which of course appeals to an Austrian. Because as is well known we do that all the time. As is the norm the most seen Eagle this trip. Or not. Because it is not a ‘true’ eagle but belongs to the Haliaeetus genus of sea eagles, alongside seven other species worldwide that include the American bald eagle and the Eurasian white-tailed eagle. This bird’s conspicuous nature and charismatic presence ensure it figures prominently in the folklore and heraldry of several nations. Therefore it is presented on the coat of arms of Namibia, Zambia and South Sudan. I´m sure all your lives are is much richer knowing this. B)

 

78125179_Botswana_2308_Khwai_AfricanFishEagle_(Schreiseeadler).JPG.99799738efe9b17bc08e24069e981f63.JPG

 

1510482858_Botswana_2825_Moremi_AfricanFishEagle_(Schreiseeadler).JPG.ec2c4ad11f6bb54e3984f0ea9dd68cae.JPG

 

79/B42.) Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) / Gaukler

 

Regularly seen in both wet and dry areas, photo here from Savuti. Their flight is largely dependent on air-lift so they are essentially grounded on rainy days. Perhaps more than any other eagle, the Bateleur is not very good at hiding its moods. Like a mood ring that changes colors depending on how the wearer of the ring feels, the skin on this raptor’s face and legs changes colors, too. When a Bateleur is calm and relaxed, its skin is generally a pale red, sometimes more orange color. However, when it gets excited, its legs and feet can quickly turn bright red.

 

Botswana_1645_Savuti_Bateleur_(Gaukler).JPG.aba43d4f8322f49c681d411517527af0.JPG

 

 

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

80/43.) Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) / Kampfadler

 

One seen in Savuti about a km away, and it was really only the BY why I bothered to take a photo. Fortunately a striking adult gave us a much better view in Khwai. The size of their territory depends on the food that is available. A range will be 150 square kilometres on average, but it may be more than 1000 square kilometres.

 

349920336_Botswana_2207_Khwai_MartialEagle_(Kampfadler).JPG.07a391317a1406704b7564b32782225c.JPG

 

427672315_Botswana_2214_Khwai_MartialEagle_(Kampfadler).JPG.859edb576f9232399d635ef615c67d37.JPG

 

We also saw a juvenile on the way from the CKGR to Maun, and very close as well. But it happened unexpectedly and all too quickly, and my lens was fixed in the "full zoom" position. Not always ideal:

 

1104187718_Botswana_4159_Kalahari_MartialEagle_(Kampfadler).JPG.82db12fe39c45af38e78c569b8289eec.JPG

 

A Martial only realises its adult plumage in its seventh year.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Just as much fun as Cisticolas and Larks - Brown Eagles! Really tricky ID stuff, the book suggests to watch for tail barring, whether or not the tarsi are feathered, eye colour, gape length and presence of a crest

 

81/B44.) Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) / Raubadler

 

The default Brown Eagle seen. Probably at least, because it only really is possible to differentiate the whole bunch when seen quite closely. Heavy bill, yellowish eyes, gape not extending beyond the eye, all but unbarred tail are the keymarks. Photo from Savuti.

 

980924584_Botswana_640_TawnyEagle_(Raubadler).JPG.4a887d962d76cdbe2259c84c4774b1f7.JPG

 

82/B45.) Wahlberg´s Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi) / Silberadler

 

Significantly smaller than a Tawny, with a lighter bill. Only one individual seen (or recognized as such) in Khwai. Unfortunately the crest it not really visible on the photo but it was positively IDed on the spot.

 

IMG_6321.JPG.82e58d56cb25c56dea4aed85a4e6dc68.JPG

 

83/B46.) Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) / Steppenadler

 

The gape line (longer than that of a Tawny) is the only good way to ID them (at least to me) so we probably overlooked a few perching "Tawnies". But soaring juveniles are quite distinctive  since they have a braod , white line on the underwings. Seen on the way from Khwai to Moremi. Brilliant shot, I know. :P

 

613866556_Botswana_2489_Moremi_SteppeEagle_(Steppenadler).JPG.fea653f235d42777bad31a32fcbeea4a.JPG

 

84/B47.) Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) / Schreiadler

 

Used to be an "Aquila" but reclassified recently as Clanga. There was a whole group of them in a forest patch where we also saw the Steppe above, most probably they were already on the move (or at least congregating) back to their Palearctic home. Locals (Tawny, Wahlberg´s) never gather like that. The narrow white rump on the flying bird enables ID, and note the very thin, tightly feathered tarsi on the perched one.

 

1238924190_Botswana_2490_Moremi_LesserSpottedEagle_(Schreiadler).JPG.2a4951de02b327b272fbd4d89e68eeea.JPG

 

1990930301_Botswana_2494_Moremi_LesserSpottedEagle_(Schreiadler).JPG.3215a7970ed76f6cd9bb95765f647579.JPG

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

85/B48.) African Hawk Eagle (Aquila spilogaster) / Afrikanischer Habichtsadler

 

A pair found in a forest patch in Savuti. A 2008 study found that the first-born chick in a nest will crush, acquire more food than, and inevitably kill the second, smaller chick. This is a common occurrence in many bird species which allows for a chick to thrive and in the unlikely event that the first chick dies, there will be the second chick to propagate the species. According to a 1959 study, the instinct for two chicks to fight subsides after a few weeks thus if the second chick manages to survive for that long, the chances that it will fledge will be increased. The same paper suggests that intrabrood cannibalism likely follows a siblicide event. All very cheerful, ain´t it?

 

1826590408_Botswana_880_Savuti_AfricanHawk-Eagle_(AfrikanischerHabichtsadler).JPG.a5f30580c18587744ed39d87f91f0714.JPG

 

A relative we missed was the Long-Crested Eagle. Often a safari regular but Botswana does not seem to be their thing.

 

86/B49.) Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus) / Einfarb-Schlangenadler

 

Seen a couple of times but never allowing too close approaches this time. No Black-Chested (which surprised me, they are not too hard to seen in arid areas like the Kgalagadi). We did glimpse a Western Banded but that one swooshed through too quickly. Photos from Moremi and CKGR (IIRC).

 

1928559265_Botswana_546_BrownSnakeEagle_(Einfarb-Schlangenadler).JPG.12ab0cc983edcecf8bc4412a66171a43.JPG

 

2122136759_Botswana_3333_Moremi_BrownSnake-Eagle_(Einfarb-Schlangenadler).JPG.ff682f15d4b813a3dd5c325d1a81fd89.JPG

 

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some great Eagle captures there and some very interesting anecdotes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fantastic series of Eagles, Michael! I hope you have not lost your charm for these magnificient birds :), we will need it !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Peter Connan

Fantastic photos and knowledge shared, thank you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

87/B50.) Yellow-Billed Kite (Milvus parasitus) / Schmarotzermilan

 

The most commonly seen bird of prey. One of the most successful raptors, only absent from very arid areas. Fearless, reported to snatch food from unsuspecting fishermen and picnickers. I remember we were warned about Kite attacks at the Ngorongoro picnic site.

 

919786874_Botswana_2350_Khwai_Yellow-BilledKite_(Schmarotzermilan).JPG.b660ab0232dd75189e550f2febb4156c.JPG

 

And now an ID task for all of you Ladies and Gentlemen - really not sure if the next bird is a juvenile Black or Yellow-Billed Kite. Opinions?

 

1579765913_Botswana_536_BlackKite_(Schwarzmilan).JPG.3d71e9146a7458298ae463a7001b1fd9.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

88/B51.) Steppe Buzzard (Buteo vulpinus) / Falkenbussard

 

Seen a couple of times, this bird is from the CKGR. Treated by some (Sinclair´s Birds of Southern Africa for example) as a good species, by some as just a subspecies of our European Common Buzzard. Differences in size, form, colouring and behaviour (especially in regards to migratory behaviour) are good arguments for it being its own bird. And then there´s the fact that given a justifiable choice I´ll always rather be a splitter in order to boost my numbers. :P

 

645778916_Botswana_4145_Kalahari_SteppeBuzzard_(Falkenbussard).JPG.9005c3a98711f5b070b34666b9632695.JPG

 

1325163770_Botswana_4152_Kalahari_SteppeBuzzard_(Falkenbussard).JPG.d026a8a87e218f37a6d955bf1e477827.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

89/B52.) African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus) / Froschweihe

 

Only one distant sighting on the Chobe river, so a heavy crop here. Somewhat surprising not to see a single one in the Delta which should be perfect for them. The only resident classic Harrier in Botswana, all others are Palearctic migrants.

 

751679001_Botswana_90_Kasane_AfricanMarshHarrier_(Froschweihe).JPG.28bbd7263d8efa54628b74d22193672f.JPG

 

90/B53.) Montagu´s Harrier (Circus pygargus) / Wiesenweihe

 

Sinclair states it should be rare but we saw this bird quite often on the open plains of Savuti. This is a male, not too hard to tell apart from a Pallid, the females are way more difficult.

 

173803532_Botswana_1520_Savuti_MontagusHarrier_(Wiesenweihe).JPG.c270565a87c6af0cd930ddcce25dbb1f.JPG

 

And another ID task for this ebc-juvenile: Monty or Pallid? I would be happy to call it a Pallid but am afraid the rather broad white rump and the number of tail bars suggests the opposite?

 

1360479581_Botswana_1195_Savuti_PallidHarrier_(Steppenweihe).JPG.76d21cd6cde2f1e6f050fd4c99d00e58.JPG

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

91/B54.) Black-Winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) / Gleitaar

 

Seen once in Moremi and a couple of times in the Kalahari (photo from there). This used to be the "Black-Shouldered" Kite but that name is now exclusively used for the very similar Australian variant of this bird. These Kites are at home in Southern Europe as well (Iberia to be exact), and once in a while one will pop up farther North. We had one last year in Austria.

 

49160076_Botswana_3589_Kalahari_Black-WingedKite_(Gleitaar).JPG.dd1f966c60982dea46e1642e358fe4d8.JPG

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

92/B55.) Pale Chanting Goshawk (Meliera canorus) / Großer Singhabicht

 

Abundant in the Kalahari, one of those species you don´t really stop for until you realize you should actually take a photo. Always worth carefully watching the ground when one of these birds is flying low, they like to follow Honey Badgers.

 

658482453_Botswana_3997_Kalahari_PaleChantingGoshawk_(GroerSinghabicht).JPG.a84a8cba75c65b508f76a5fb547e130b.JPG

 

The following specimen had me puzzled for quite a while, but it can only really be a juvenile PCG, don´t think I´ve ever seen - or recognized - one before.

 

55549407_Botswana_3966_Kalahari_PaleChantingGoshawk_(GroerSinghabicht).JPG.056dc260f39a86db21d94ce8cc795cbe.JPG

 

93/B56.) Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar) / Gabarhabicht

 

The little cousin. Looking quite similar but even without direct comparison its much smaller size is obvious. Seen a couple of times in Moremi, it´s not restricted to the very arid zones like the Pale Chanting. A more stealthy hunter, commonly steals chicks from nests of Weavers and other birds.

 

207154464_Botswana_1329_Savuti_GabarGoshawk_(Gabarhabicht).JPG.5639c77f831b6205f9c992969aac0be7.JPG

 

1975915818_Botswana_3275_Moremi_GabarGoshawk_(Gabarhabicht).JPG.03031f15911ce69d93478cf94835ef0e.JPG

 

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

94/B57.) Ovambo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis) / Ovambosperber

 

Apparently an "uncommon resident" but seen a couple of times in Savuti and Moremi. Sinclair depicts them with yellow cere and legs but does note they can be more orange or red which seems to be the case for the birds in Botswana. Could be confused with the (slightly smaller) Gabar but the central white shaft streaks (visible in the picture) are diagnostic.

 

1047351230_Botswana_3464_Moremi_OvamboSparrowhawk_(Ovambosperber).JPG.dc1bd6ad19d3abb2ca44df8ad302d93b.JPG

 

95/B58.) Shikra (Accipiter badius) / Shikrasperber

 

One sighting in Moremi. Not too clear in this very classy ebc-picture but this bird definitely had no white rump which is a key feature of a juvenile Gabar (which I had also considered). A very widespread bird which is also found much over Southern Asia. Sometimes the African form is called the "Little-Banded Goshawk" however and treated as a separate species.

 

Botswana_2454_Moremi_Shikra_(Shikrasperber).JPG.433e7632b3d484ffca16eb6484ff5147.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Peter Connan

Lovely selection of raptors Michael!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Thanks! I  have a few more but unfortunately not the most cooperative ones...

 

96/B59.) African Harrier-Hawk aka Gymnogene (Polyboroides typus) / Höhlenweihe

 

One adult in Chobe, one juvenile (depicted here) in Khwai. This bird has the unique ability to bend its legs backwards and sideways at the tarsal joints which enables them to insert their feet into holes to pull out prey.

 

1330554121_Botswana_2188_Khwai_Gymnogene_(Hhlenweihe).JPG.60593083c9bb95c3fc35283126da7391.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

Falcon sightings were not as prolific as I´d expected, very few (and mostly only distant) birds. No Hobbies or Dickinson´s.

 

97/B60.) Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) / Lannerfalke

 

Two sightings in the Kalahari. Unlike most birds of prey they will not dive down on their prey, but instead fly horizontally when chasing prey.

 

970518795_Botswana_3964_Kalahari_LannerFalcon_(Lannerfalke).JPG.bf1f38049c4a3e84220784a32165b196.JPG

 

98/B61.) Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) / Rötelfalke

 

A Palearctic migrant we saw a couple of times on the open plains of Savuti. Extinct in Austria so it was quite a birding sensation when one popped up last week in the East of our country.

 

575234154_Botswana_1352_Savuti_LesserKestrel_(Rtelfalke).JPG.95ad6bec113cfcb53218fe682f61fb20.JPG

 

99/B62.) Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) / Amurfalke

 

Also seen several times on the Savuti plains. Another summer visitor but not from Europe - Amur Falcons migrate from breeding grounds in eastern Asia to wintering grounds in southern Africa. Along the way, they fly 2,400 miles across the Indian Ocean.

 

1766067934_Botswana_1396_Savuti_AmurFalcon_(Amurfalke).JPG.a23820344dc4dc6742ee55ed962f4999.JPG

 

100/B63.) Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides) / Steppenfalke

 

49426068_Botswana_4084_Kalahari_GreaterKestrel_(Steppenfalke).JPG.4e43f2f8fb64229751c7958192d2228f.JPG

 

Seen twice in the Kalahari which is their major stronghold. Mostly feeds on invertebrates but also takes small reptiles and birds.

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

101/B64.) Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) / Strauß

 

Seen regularly (but not very often) everywhere, mostly in Savuti and the Kalahari.

 

1763182496_Botswana_1013_Savuti_CommonOstrich_(AfrikanischerStrau).JPG.9a562f29f5bb9e9e9f2bb3234d0d7577.JPG

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

102/B65.) Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) / Helmperlhuhn

 

Oddly we didn´t see any in Chobe and during our first two days in Savuti, we even discussed the lack of Guineafowl. But beginning with the third day they popped up everywhere again as is the norm with this extremely common gamebird. The one depicted is from Savuti. Some danger, maybe a Leopard, maybe a Snake, prompted them to seek safe ground higher up.

 

1035562972_Botswana_1977_Khwai_HelmetedGuineafowl_(Helmperlhuhn).JPG.a68fd30179da2ca8b44b9471066cbfd1.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

103/B66.) Crested Francolin (Dendroperdix sephaena) / Schopffrankolin

 

A couple of sightings in Savuti. One was seen kind of hanging out with a Mongoose. It surprised me that it kept its cool around the little carnivore - I´ve seen Mongoose go after Hares more than double their size.

 

168927768_Botswana_1243_Savuti_CrestedFrancolin_(Schopffrankolin).JPG.d30805fe27b1b781556e5693a54af9e8.JPG

 

104/B67.) Red-Billed Spurfowl (Pternistis capensis) / Rotschnabelfrankolin

 

Abundant in the drier areas of the North and still common in the Kalahari even. I´m not sure the difference between Spurfowl and Francolins is all that clear-cut, sciencebabble states that Spurfowl deserve their "phylogenetic placement outside the monophyletic assemblage of true francolins". Whatever that means. In East Africa Spurfowls are the ones that show bare thoat skin but Southern Africa birds do not really follow that approach as seen with this species. One other difference I read about is that only Spurfowl seem to ever roost on trees.

 

Botswana_589.JPG.f802a2b383c82ac8aec6de19c6aa782e.JPG

 

105/B68.) Swainson´s Spurfowl (Pternistis swainsonii) / Swainsonfrankolin

 

Just as common as its Red-Billed cousin. Both birds seem to prefer pretty much the same habitat but I don´t think we ever saw the two species mingle.

 

415377374_Botswana_587_SwainsonsSpurfowl_(Swainsonfrankolin).JPG.6f0612b2c83bc18d0177ac185ff15caa.JPG

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

106/B69.) Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) / Wachtel

 

Seen a couple of times in the Kalahari, especially on overgrown roads where the car flushed them. But they are back into the grass awfully quickly, and getting them from a moving car proved to be much more than a match for my photographic skills so time for a really masterful ebc here:

 

376649566_Botswana_3821_Kalahari_CommonQuail_(Wachtel).JPG.d7a3afda0f4782b066b200a0d37bd173.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The birds are EBC indeed, but the grass in the background is tack sharp B)!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

michael-ibk

107/B70.) Lesser Moorhen (Gallinula angulata) / Zwergteichhuhn

 

A lifer for me, at least I don´t remember ever having seen one. We got good views of this bird on a small channel of the Chobe river but also saw them a couple of times in Savuti and even in Maun. Unobtrusive and quite shy

 

1393465603_Botswana_427_Kasane_LesserMoorhen_(Zwergteichhuhn)_LesserMoorhen_(Zwergteichhuhn).JPG.7e710a2eac759938411eaf1b786a3208.JPG

Edited by michael-ibk
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Safaritalk uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using Safaritalk you agree to our use of cookies. If you wish to refuse the setting of cookies you can change settings on your browser to clear and block cookies. However, by doing so, Safaritalk may not work properly and you may not be able to access all areas. If you are happy to accept cookies and haven't adjusted browser settings to refuse cookies, Safaritalk will issue cookies when you log on to our site. Please also take a moment to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy: Terms of Use l Privacy Policy