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This Red-capped Lark shows off the feature which gives it its name. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
Our 2016 tour to South Africa experienced some of the most unusual weather to date, ranging from icy windshields at Pofadder (in the desert!), and howling winds in the Cape, to thick fog in the forest at Magoebaskloof, and temperatures around 100 F at Kruger. Despite the unusual conditions, we did exceptionally well, seeing more than 480 species of birds (including both species of both endemic families) and 58 species of mammals -- including Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, more than 140 African Elephants, and no fewer than 23 endangered White Rhinos.
As always, we began in Johannesburg and took the flight to Upington in the northwest; we then continued by road to Pofadder and Springbok in the heart of the arid desert country. Highlights here included Verreaux's Eagle, Karoo and White-quilled bustards, Namaqua Sandgrouse, White-backed Mousebird, Pygmy Falcon, Pririt Batis, Red, Karoo, Spike-heeled and Karoo Long-billed larks, Fairy Flycatcher, Black-fronted Bulbul, Rufous-eared Warbler, Yellow-rumped Eremomela, Karoo Thrush, Pale-winged Starling, Yellow Canary, and Social Weaver. Mammals varied from the small Bat-eared Fox and Yellow Mongoose to the far larger Springbok, Mountain Zebra, and Gemsbok.
Heading south and to the coast, we then spent time at Lambert's Bay, Veldrif and West Coast National Park, before arriving at our hotel near Cape Town. Just some of our most memorable sightings along this route were our first Common Ostrich, Cape Francolin, Greater and Lesser flamingoes, 8000+ Cape Gannets at a breeding colony, Cape and Crowned cormorants, three striking Black Harriers, lovely Blue Cranes, Bokmakierie, Cape Lark, and Cape Weaver.
We were based for three nights at a very nice hotel in Simon's Town, only a short distance south of Cape Town. From here, we took a fabulous pelagic trip off Cape Point, seeing five species of albatross, including both forms of Yellow-nosed, White-capped and Wandering, plus Northern Giant-Petrel, the gorgeous Cape Petrel, Great Shearwater, Black-bellied Storm-Petrel, and Brown Skua. Birds from land included a colony of about 300 Jackass Penguins (right next to us), Cape Batis, scope views of Cape Rockjumper, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rock-Thrush, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin, and Swee Waxbill.
We then flew northeast to Durban and spent three days visiting the Sani Pass and Lesotho, Bulwer Forest, and Oribi Gorge. As with the terrain, the bird life was extremely variable, with Southern Bald Ibis, Lammergeier, Cape Griffon, the strange Ground Woodpecker, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Cape Grassbird, Gurney's Sugarbird, Mountain Pipit, and Drakensberg Siskin in the high country, and Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Knysna Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Chorister Robin-Chat, and Orange Ground-Thrush in the forested ravines and hillsides.
Continuing on, we returned to the coastal lowlands, first at St. Lucia and then at the Mkuze Game Reserve. Here we saw many new big mammals, including Cheetah, Burchell's Zebra, Hippopotamus, Common Giraffe, Nyala, Greater Kudu, African Buffalo, Blue Wildebeest, and Impala. Birds included a good selection of migrant shorebirds at the St. Lucia estuary, and Livingstone's Turaco, Yellowbill, Woodward's Batis, Eastern Nicator, Rudd's Apalis, and Brown Scrub-Robin in the nearby forests. In the Mkuzi sandvlei forest, we all enjoyed White Helmetshrike, Southern Black-Tit, White-throated Robin-Chat, Neergaard's Sunbird, and the very beautiful Pink-throated Twinspot.
We then drove inland to yet another totally different habitat -- the open high-altitude grasslands around Wakkerstroom. Here, accompanied by a local guide, we found some of Africa's most localized endemic larks; Rudd's and Botha's. We also found other species for which this region is famous, including a good selection of ducks, herons, ibis, egrets and rails in the wetlands, plus Secretary-bird, Denham's and Blue bustards, and Yellow-breasted Pipit in the open farmlands, and Sentinel Rock-Thrush and Buff-streaked Chat in the more rocky areas. The local reserve gave us several new mammals, including our best views of Slender-tailed Meerkat, Common Eland, Black Wildebeest, and Oribi.
Heading north, it was a long drive to Kruger, where two years of drought had turned much of the park into an almost desert-like habitat. However, during three nights (based in two different rest camps) we were not disappointed, as we searched out Black-backed Jackal, Spotted Hyaena, a Leopard lounging in a tree, at least a dozen Lions (including four huge, magnificent males), 140+ African Elephants, 23 White Rhinos (a remarkable number), Common Giraffe, Hippo, Warthog, and many herds of Burchell's Zebra, Greater Kudu, African Buffalo, Waterbuck, Blue Wildebeest, and Impala. More than 130 species of birds were recorded, with just a few highlights being Natal, Swainson's and Crested francolins, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, four species of vultures together at a kill, a close adult Martial Eagle, Temminck's Courser, Double-banded Sandgrouse (drinking at dusk at the lodge waterhole), Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Green Woodhoopoe, Southern Ground-Hornbill, many Lilac-breasted Rollers, Magpie Shrike, and Red-billed Oxpecker.
We then headed back to Johannesburg, with a stop along the way in the mist forest at Magoebaskloof -- where African Wood-Owl, 16 endangered Brown-necked (Cape) Parrots, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, a catch-up Orange Ground-Thrush for some, and both Greater and Southern Double-collared sunbirds were some of our best species -- before we spent a final night near Polokwane. And here, in the local reserve, a mix of acacia bush country and open grassland, we added many new species, including Black-breasted Snake-Eagle, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Short-clawed Lark (an extremely localized endemic), Ashy Tit, Southern Penduline-Tit, Tinkling Cisticola, Rufous-vented Warbler, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, and the gorgeous Violet-eared Waxbill. New mammals included Scrub Hare, Sable Antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Topi, and Hartebeest. All in all, it was a wonderful finale to the amazing diversity of habitats, birds, and mammals which South Africa has to offer. Thanks to all of you for exploring them with Joe and me.
-- Terry
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
These Namaqua Sandgrouse were part of a group of at least 80 coming to sheep drinking troughs south of Pofadder. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
Struthionidae (Ostrich)
COMMON OSTRICH (Struthio camelus) – About a dozen at West Coast NP, 14 at Kruger, and 10 at Polokwane - which included a pair with at least 7 tiny babies.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Two at Cape Town Sewage Works, 12 at Kruger, and 5 at The Ranch.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – Very common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
SOUTH AFRICAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna cana) – About 30 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – Small numbers (mainly in farm fields) around Underberg, Oribi Gorge, Mkuzi and Wakkerstroom.
AFRICAN BLACK DUCK (Anas sparsa) – We saw a pair on a lake near Magoebaskloof.
YELLOW-BILLED DUCK (Anas undulata) – By far the most were 200+ at Wakkerstroom, but we also saw small numbers on a variety of widespread wetlands.
CAPE SHOVELER (Anas smithii) – Two hundred and fifty at Cape Town Sewage Works, and about 80 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Two at Cape Town Sewage Works, and 2 at Franklin Marsh.
HOTTENTOT TEAL (Anas hottentota) – Ten at Franklin Marsh.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis) – Thirty at Cape Town Sewage Works, and 20 in the Wakkerstroom area.
SOUTHERN POCHARD (Netta erythrophthalma) – Ten at Cape Town Sewage Works, and 20+ at Wakkerstroom.
MACCOA DUCK (Oxyura maccoa) – About 20 in the Wakkerstroom area.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – Common and widespread; with a total of about 400.
CRESTED GUINEAFOWL (Guttera pucherani) – Great looks at about 10 very approachable birds at St. Lucia, and 30 at Mkuze.
Burchell's Zebras were particularly common in Kruger, where we saw more than 180. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
COMMON QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix) – We flushed 1 in the grass covered dunes south of Lambert's Bay.
CAPE FRANCOLIN (Pternistis capensis) – Twenty in the Lambert's Bay to West Coast NP area, and 6 near Cape Town. [E]
NATAL FRANCOLIN (Pternistis natalensis) – We saw a total of 17 in and around the Kruger area.
SWAINSON'S FRANCOLIN (Pternistis swainsonii) – We saw a total of about 15 in the Wakkerstroom, Kruger, and Polokwane areas.
RED-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis afer) – Nice looks at 3 along the road on the way to Sani Pass.
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus sephaena) – Small numbers at Mkuze, Wakkerstroom, Kruger, and Polokwane; in all we saw about 26.
COQUI FRANCOLIN (Peliperdix coqui) – Heard by all and seen briefly by a couple of our group at Polokwane.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Small numbers at Cape Town Sewage Works, Wakkerstroom, and Polokwane.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – Four at Flckland Pan.
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis) – One at Cape Town Sewage Works.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – About 1500 at Veldrif, 1000 at Cape Town Sewage Works, and 75 at Fickland Pan.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor) – About 800 at Veldrif.
Spheniscidae (Penguins)
JACKASS PENGUIN (Spheniscus demersus) – First seen on the sea at Simon's Town, and then great super close looks at the colony at Stony Point. [E]
Diomedeidae (Albatrosses)
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (ATLANTIC) (Thalassarche chlororhynchos chlororhynchos) – Three on the pelagic trip off Cape Point.
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (INDIAN) (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) – Two on the pelagic off Cape Point.
WHITE-CAPPED ALBATROSS (Thalassarche cauta) – Previously known as Shy Albatross; we saw at least 300 on our pelagic trip.
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS (Thalassarche melanophris) – At least 50 on the pelagic trip.
WANDERING ALBATROSS (Diomedea exulans) – Three on the pelagic trip included a definite immature and adult Wandering, and also a mottled pale-gingerish coloured bird which was thought to be a Tristan Albatross?
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
NORTHERN GIANT-PETREL (Macronectes halli) – Three on the pelagic trip off Cape Point.
CAPE PETREL (Daption capense) – We saw about 75 of these gorgeous petrels on our pelagic trip.
WHITE-CHINNED PETREL (Procellaria aequinoctialis) – About 450 on the pelagic trip.
GREAT SHEARWATER (Ardenna gravis) – Sixty on the pelagic trip.
SOOTY SHEARWATER (Ardenna grisea) – About 25 on the pelagic trip.
Hydrobatidae (Storm-Petrels)
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL (Oceanites oceanicus) – About 30 on the pelagic trip.
BLACK-BELLIED STORM-PETREL (Fregetta tropica) – Six on the pelagic trip.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – Three at Mkuze, and then singles at Wakkerstroom and Kruger.
BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra) – Two in flight at Sani Pass.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – Singles near Durban, St. Lucia, and Mkuze.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – Five at Kruger.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – About 125 at Kruger, and 2 at Polokwane.
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – Four at St. Lucia, 2 at Wakkerstroom, and 1 at Tzaneen.
A handful of the 8000 Cape Gannets we saw at the breeding colony on Lambert Bay. Photo by participant David Becher.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
CAPE GANNET (Morus capensis) – About 8000 at the Lambert's Bay colony, and 1000 on our pelagic trip off Cape Point.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Fairly common and widespread on a variety of wetlands and the coast; in all we saw about 200.
CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis) – About 2500 at Lambert's Bay area, and 750+ in the Cape area. [E]
BANK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax neglectus) – Ten on the rocks near Simon's Town, and about 6 (in a howling wind) at Stony Point. [E]
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax africanus) – Widespread on a variety of widespread fresh water wetlands; in total we saw about 30.
CROWNED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax coronatus) – Thirty at Lambert's Bay, and 3 at Stony Point. [E]
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – Small numbers were seen at a variety of scattered wetlands.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – About 80 at Cape Town Sewage Works.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens) – One at St. Lucia.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – Singles at Franklin Marsh, St. Lucia, Wakkerstroom, and Kruger.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 25.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – More numerous than the similar looking previous species, and more frequently found away from water; in total we saw about 60.
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath) – Three singles along the rivers at Kruger.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – Singles at Cape Town and Wakkerstroom.
We spotted a total of seven Southern Ground-Hornbills striding across the savanna in Kruger. Photo by participant David Becher.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Singles at St. Lucia and Wakkerstroom.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – Three in the Wakkerstroom area.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Small numbers were seen at a variety of widespread wetlands.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Very common and widespread.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides) – Four at Wakkerstroom.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Two at Wakkerstroom, 2 at Kruger, and 1 near Tzaneen.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Two at Cape Town Sewage Works, 10 at Wakkerstroom, and 7 at Kruger.
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – Very common and widespread.
SOUTHERN BALD IBIS (Geronticus calvus) – We saw about a dozen distantly near Underberg, and then had good looks at about 10 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash) – Common and widespread.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – Two at Veldrif, 2 at Wakkerstroom, and 3 at Kruger.
Sagittariidae (Secretary-bird)
SECRETARY-BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius) – One in the grasslands near Wakkerstroom.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Small numbers in open farm country; in total we saw about 10.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus) – Singles at Underberg and Tzaneen.
PALM-NUT VULTURE (Gypohierax angolensis) – We saw a sub-adult bird in flight at St. Lucia.
LAMMERGEIER (Gypaetus barbatus) – Two in flight over the Lesotho high altitude grasslands.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – Some of the group saw 2 in flight in Kruger, and then the next day we all had great looks at 2 perched birds.
Just another day in the South African savanna. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotos) – Two, and then 3, feeding on carcasses with other vultures at Kruger.
HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus) – Five at Kruger.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – By far the most common large vulture, with a total of about 130 at Mkuze and Kruger.
CAPE GRIFFON (Gyps coprotheres) – Ten at Sani Pass, and 1 at Polokwane. [E]
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – Mostly seen as single birds; with a total of about 10 at Kruger.
BLACK-BREASTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis) – One at Polokwane.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – One at Kruger.
CROWNED HAWK-EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – Two in flight at Oribi Gorge.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus) – Great looks at an adult in the Satara area of Kruger.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis) – One near Bulwer, and then 5 others in the Underberg and Oribi Gorge areas.
WAHLBERG'S EAGLE (Hieraaetus wahlbergi) – Fifteen (at various widespread sites), included a strange blackish-brown bird with a cream crown.
BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus) – One was seen about 45 kms. south of Springbok.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – One at Mkuze, and 4 at Kruger.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE (Aquila verreauxii) – Nice looks at a flying bird 45 kms. south of Springbok.
PALE CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax canorus) – Six in the Pofadder area, and 1 near Lambert's Bay. [E]
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar) – One at Kruger.
AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus ranivorus) – One near Lambert's Bay, and then a second bird near Underberg.
BLACK HARRIER (Circus maurus) – We saw these striking endemic harriers near Lambert's Bay, and at West Coast NP. [E]
LITTLE SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter minullus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Pongola.
OVAMPO SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter ovampensis) – We saw a black morph in flight near Oribi Gorge.
BLACK KITE (YELLOW-BILLED) (Milvus migrans parasitus) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 60.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – One at Oribi Gorge, 2 at Wakkerstroom, and 6 at Kruger.
COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo) – One at Kruger.
Laughing Doves were common across our tour route. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
JACKAL BUZZARD (Buteo rufofuscus) – Small numbers near Springbok, Lambert's Bay, Underberg, Oribi Gorge, and Wakkerstroom. [E]
Otididae (Bustards)
DENHAM'S BUSTARD (Neotis denhami) – We saw a displaying pair in the high altitude grasslands near Wakkerstroom.
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (BARROW'S) (Eupodotis senegalensis barrowii) – Two near Diekiesdorp. [E]
BLUE BUSTARD (Eupodotis caerulescens) – Two near Wakkerstroom. [E]
KAROO BUSTARD (Eupodotis vigorsii) – Six in the Pofadder area. [E]
RED-CRESTED BUSTARD (Eupodotis ruficrista) – Five at Kruger.
WHITE-QUILLED BUSTARD (Eupodotis afraoides) – One west of Pofadder, and 2 at Polokwane. [E]
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – Nice looks at one near Diekiesdorp.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
AFRICAN RAIL (Rallus caerulescens) – Some of the group saw 1 in the Wakkerstroom wetland.
BLACK CRAKE (Amaurornis flavirostra) – At least 15 at Wakkerstroom, and 1 at Kruger.
AFRICAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio madagascariensis) – About 20 at Wakkerstroom.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 45.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata) – Common on a variety of widespread wetlands; in all we saw about 500.
Sarothruridae (Flufftails)
BUFF-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura elegans) – Heard in the forest at Magoebaskloof.
RED-CHESTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura rufa) – Heard in the marshes at Wakkerstroom.
Gruidae (Cranes)
GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum) – Sixty-five at Himeville were the largest number together, but we also saw scattered groups at Franklin and at Wakkerstroom.
BLUE CRANE (Anthropoides paradiseus) – Four near Veldrif, and then about 30 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
Is there anything more endearing than a waddling penguin? Here a Jackass Penguin makes its way across the road at Stony Point. Photo by participant David Becher.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus) – Four at St. Lucia, and about a dozen at Kruger.
SPOTTED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus capensis) – One at the airstrip near Tzaneen.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Common at a variety of scattered wetlands; in all we saw about 180.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta) – Ten at Veldrif, and about 90 at Cape Town Sewage Works.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AFRICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus moquini) – Two at Lambert's Bay, and 11 in the Cape Town area. [E]
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – Four at West Coast NP.
BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus) – Fairly common and widespread around wetlands.
WHITE-HEADED LAPWING (Vanellus albiceps) – Two at Kruger.
SENEGAL LAPWING (Vanellus lugubris) – Eight at Mkuze.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – About a dozen in the Pongola to Wakkerstroom area, and 10 at Polokwane.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus) – Six at Wakkerstroom.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – Six at Veldrif.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – Four at Veldrif, 50+ at St. Lucia, and 20 at Wakkerstroom.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 15.
WHITE-FRONTED PLOVER (Charadrius marginatus) – Two at Lambert's Bay, and 4 at St. Lucia.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – Six at Wakkerstroom, and 4 at Kruger.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – One at St. Lucia.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Forty at Veldrif were the highest number, but we also saw another 25 at a variety of scattered wetlands.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – Ten at Veldrif, and 4 at Kruger.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – Fairly common at Wakkerstroom and Kruger, and a few others elsewhere.
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus) – Ten at Veldrif, and 4 at St. Lucia.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica) – Three at St. Lucia.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – Two at West Coast NP.
RUFF (Calidris pugnax) – One at West Coast NP, 10 at Franklin Marsh, and 6 at Kruger.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – About 150 at Veldrif and West Coast NP, and then 60 at St. Lucia, and 10 at Kruger.
SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – One at West Coast NP, and about 10 at St. Lucia.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – Common at a variety of pools and the coast; in all we saw about 440.
AFRICAN SNIPE (Gallinago nigripennis) – Four at the Wakkerstroom wetland.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
TEMMINCK'S COURSER (Cursorius temminckii) – Two at Kruger.
Stercorariidae (Skuas and Jaegers)
BROWN SKUA (FALKLAND) (Stercorarius antarcticus antarcticus) – Two singles on our pelagic trip off Cape Point.
PARASITIC JAEGER (Stercorarius parasiticus) – Some of the group saw 1 off Cape Point.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – Four at Johannesburg, 2 at Simon's town, and 20+ at St. Lucia.
HARTLAUB'S GULL (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) – At least 400 between Lambert's Bay and the Cape. [E]
We found a Cheetah with a bad foot at Mkuzi. Photo by participant David Becher.
KELP GULL (VETULA) (Larus dominicanus vetula) – Very common from Lambert's Bay to the Cape Town area. [E]
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – Three at Veldrif, and 3 at St. Lucia.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus) – Six at the Cape Town Sewage Works.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – One at St. Lucia.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – About 200 at Lambert's Bay, and 50 around the Cape.
ARCTIC TERN (Sterna paradisaea) – Three on our pelagic off Cape Point.
ANTARCTIC TERN (Sterna vittata) – One at Lambert's Bay.
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii) – Forty at Lambert's Bay, and 50 around the Cape.
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – Eight at Lambert's Bay.
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
NAMAQUA SANDGROUSE (Pterocles namaqua) – At least 80 were coming to the sheep drinking troughs south of Pofadder.
DOUBLE-BANDED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles bicinctus) – About 100 came to drink at our lodge waterhole in Kruger.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Small numbers in a variety of towns and villages.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Very common and widespread.
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix) – One of our group saw 5 in the mist at Magoebaskloof.
LEMON DOVE (Columba larvata) – Heard at Oribi Gorge.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – We saw about a dozen at Kruger.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – Fairly widespread; with a total of about 50.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Common and widespread.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Common and widespread.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – Six at Mkuze, and then about 20 at Kruger.
A Levaillant's Cisticola takes off in a whirr of wings. Photo by participant David Becher.
TAMBOURINE DOVE (Turtur tympanistria) – Nice looks at St. Lucia.
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis) – Eight at Kruger.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – Small numbers of these attractive pigeons were seen at St. Lucia, Kruger, and Polokwane.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
LIVINGSTONE'S TURACO (Tauraco livingstonii) – It took a while this year, but eventually we all saw at least 1 (of 2) at St. Lucia.
KNYSNA TURACO (Tauraco corythaix) – Five at Bulwer Forest, and 4 at Magoebaskloof. [E]
PURPLE-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco porphyreolophus) – One at Kruger, 2 at Moholoholo, and 5 at Tzaneen.
GRAY GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides concolor) – Common from Kruger until the end of the tour; we saw a total of about 80.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
PIED CUCKOO (Clamator jacobinus) – Some of the group had very nice close views of 1 at Kruger.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius) – Heard in many areas, and seen at Bulwer, Mkuze, and Polokwane.
BLACK CUCKOO (Cuculus clamosus) – Heard at Oribi Gorge.
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas) – Heard at Pongola, and then seen nicely at Kruger.
DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius) – Small numbers at Pongola, Tzaneen, and Polokwane.
YELLOWBILL (Ceuthmochares aereus) – One showed well (for this skulker) in the St. Lucia area.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (BURCHELL'S) (Centropus superciliosus burchellii) – Two at Mkuze, and 1 at Polokwane.
Strigidae (Owls)
AFRICAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus senegalensis) – Good day-time looks of 1 at Kruger.
SPOTTED EAGLE-OWL (Bubo africanus) – One at Paleisheulkloof.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus) – Good looks at 1 on our night walk at Kruger.
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum) – One at Polokwane.
AFRICAN WOOD-OWL (Strix woodfordii) – One seen well (and a second bird heard) at Magoesbaskloof.
Quiver Trees at the Goegap Reserve. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
Apodidae (Swifts)
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba) – Six at Paleisheulkloof, and 10 at Howick.
AFRICAN SWIFT (Apus barbatus) – Fifteen near the Howick Waterfall.
BRADFIELD'S SWIFT (Apus bradfieldi) – Six at Pofadder.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – Very common and widespread.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – Common and widespread in small numbers.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – Small numbers were seen at several widespread areas with palm trees.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus) – Common away from the arid north-west.
WHITE-BACKED MOUSEBIRD (Colius colius) – We saw about 230 of these dry country mousebirds in the north-west. [E]
RED-FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus) – About 12 in the Pongola area, and then 30 at Polokwane.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
NARINA TROGON (Apaloderma narina) – Great looks at Oribi Gorge, and at St. Lucia.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana) – Widespread in small numbers in the second half of the tour.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – Three at Oribi Gorge, 3 at Kruger, and 5 at Polokwane.
COMMON SCIMITAR-BILL (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) – Two at Mkuze.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – We saw a total of 7 (3 different groups) at Kruger.
The splendid colors of the Lilac-breasted Roller were a highlight at Kruger. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
CROWNED HORNBILL (Lophoceros alboterminatus) – Two at Oribi Gorge, 1 at St. Lucia, and 1 at Mkuze.
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus) – Ten at Kruger.
SOUTHERN YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas) – Three at Mkuze, 30+ at Kruger, and 2 at Polokwane. [E]
SOUTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus rufirostris) – About 15 at Kruger.
TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator) – Eight between Oribi Gorge and St. Lucia.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
BROWN-HOODED KINGFISHER (Halcyon albiventris) – Small numbers from Oribi Gorge to Polokwane.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – One at Mkuze.
GIANT KINGFISHER (Megaceryle maxima) – One at The Ranch.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – Three at Veldrif, 6 at Wakkerstroom, 12+ at Kruger, and 1 at Polokwane.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides) – Eight at Kruger.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – One at Mkuze.
SWALLOW-TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops hirundineus) – Three at Upington.
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster) – Widespread and becoming more common later in the tour; in all we saw about 150.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – About 30 at Kruger.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius) – Three at Kruger.
BROAD-BILLED ROLLER (Eurystomus glaucurus) – Two near Tzaneen.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii) – Singles at Oribi Gorge, and at Bayala.
WHITE-EARED BARBET (Stactolaema leucotis) – About a dozen at St. Lucia.
The gang at the Magoebaskloof Hotel. Photo by participant Sheran Clark.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus) – Six in the forest at St. Lucia.
RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus pusillus) – Three at Mkuze.
YELLOW-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus chrysoconus) – Singles at Moholololo, and at Polokwane.
PIED BARBET (Tricholaema leucomelas) – Two singles near Pofadder.
BLACK-COLLARED BARBET (Lybius torquatus) – Small numbers were seen in several areas of woodland from Oribi Gorge to Kruger.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
WAHLBERG'S HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus regulus) – One at the bottom of Sani Pass.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor) – One at Oribi Gorge.
SCALY-THROATED HONEYGUIDE (Indicator variegatus) – A single bird was seen by some of the group at St. Lucia.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RUFOUS-NECKED WRYNECK (Jynx ruficollis) – Singles on the way to Sani Pass, and at Wakkerstroom.
GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER (Campethera abingoni) – One at Keimoes, 3 at Mkuze, and 1 at The Ranch.
KNYSNA WOODPECKER (Campethera notata) – We saw a pair in the forest at Oribi Gorge. [E]
GROUND WOODPECKER (Geocolaptes olivaceus) – We saw 3 of these strange woodpeckers along the Sani Pass. [E]
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Dendropicos fuscescens) – Small numbers in a variety of scattered open woodlands; in all we saw about 12.
BEARDED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos namaquus) – Two at Satara Rest Camp in Kruger.
OLIVE WOODPECKER (Dendropicos griseocephalus) – Two at Bulwer Forest.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
PYGMY FALCON (Polihierax semitorquatus) – Nice looks at 1 west of Pofadder.
ROCK KESTREL (Falco rupicolus) – Recently split from Eurasian Kestrel, we saw about 10 in the Pofadder to Springbok area, and and singles at Rooiels and Sani Pass.
GREATER KESTREL (Falco rupicoloides) – One near Pofadder.
An African Oystercatcher does a bit of smartening up. Photo by participant David Becher.
LANNER FALCON (Falco biarmicus) – Two near Underberg.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – Nice looks at 1 at Howick Falls, and then a second bird at Oribi Gorge.
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BROWN-NECKED PARROT (Poicephalus robustus) – Also known as Cape Parrot; we saw these endangered birds at Bulwer Forest (6), and Magoebaskloof (16).
BROWN-HEADED PARROT (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus) – Nice looks at 6 at Kruger.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
CAPE BATIS (Batis capensis) – We saw these attractive batises at Betty's Bay, Bulwer Forest, and at Oribi Gorge. [E]
WOODWARD'S BATIS (Batis fratrum) – Nice looks at this very localized species in the St. Lucia forest.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – Small numbers were fairly common from Mkuze through until the end of the tour.
PRIRIT BATIS (Batis pririt) – We saw a pair to the south of Pofadder. [E]
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus) – Five at Mkuze, 6 at Kruger, and 9 near Tzaneen Airport.
RETZ'S HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops retzii) – We saw a flock of 5 at Kruger.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – We saw a total of about 8 between Kruger and Polokwane.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla) – Small numbers in open woodland from Oribi Gorge to Mkuze, and then at Kruger and Magoebaskloof; in all we saw about 24.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus) – One at Kruger.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis) – One at Mkuze, 3 at Kruger, and 7 at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN BOUBOU (Laniarius ferrugineus) – Seen at Bulwer Forest, Satara and Polokwane, and several others heard. [E]
CRIMSON-BREASTED GONOLEK (Laniarius atrococcineus) – We saw about 10 of these striking bushshrikes in the acacia bush country at Polokwane. [E]
The Greater Double-collared Sunbird is one of South Africa's endemics. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
BOKMAKIERIE (Telophorus zeylonus) – Three near Lambert's Bay, and 1 at Sani Pass. [E]
SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus sulfureopectus) – Heard several times at Kruger.
OLIVE BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus olivaceus) – Heard several times around Magoebaskloof.
FOUR-COLORED BUSHSHRIKE (FOUR-COLORED) (Telophorus viridis quadricolor) – Heard by all (and seen by a few in flight) at St. Lucia.
GRAY-HEADED BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus blanchoti) – Nice looks at this big colorful bushshrike at Kruger and Tzaneen.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava) – We saw a single male near Tzaneen Airport.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
SOUTHERN FISCAL (Lanius collaris) – Common and widespread.
SOUTHERN FISCAL (SOUTHERN) (Lanius collaris subcoronatus) – This form - with a distinct white supercilium - is sometimes split as Latakoo Fiscal; we saw an adult and 3 juveniles at Upington Airport. [E]
MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca) – About 60 at Kruger, and 20 at Polokwane.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus) – Widespread in a variety of open woodland; in all we saw about 10.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus ludwigii) – Three at Oribi Gorge, and 4 at St. Lucia.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Common and widespread.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN CRESTED-FLYCATCHER (Trochocercus cyanomelas) – Often shy and difficult to see well, but most of us saw a single male at Magoebaskloof.
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – Singles at Betty's Bay, Oribi Gorge, and Polokwane.
A pair of Pearl-breasted Swallows gathered mud for their nest at West Coast NP. Photo by participant David Becher.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Common and widespread.
WHITE-NECKED RAVEN (Corvus albicollis) – First seen near Betty's Bay, and then at Sani Pass and Oribi Gorge; in total we saw about 20.
Chaetopidae (Rockjumpers)
CAPE ROCKJUMPER (Chaetops frenatus) – Nice scope views of this localized endemic at Rooiels. [E]
DRAKENSBERG ROCKJUMPER (Chaetops aurantius) – Difficult at first, but then we all got great looks at 3 males and a female high in the Drakensberg. [E]
Nicatoridae (Nicators)
EASTERN NICATOR (Nicator gularis) – Can be extremely shy and difficult, but we had scope views of a singing bird high in a tree at St. Lucia.
Alaudidae (Larks)
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) – A singles at Wakkerstroom, and about 6 at Polokwane.
CAPE CLAPPER LARK (Mirafra apiata) – Five in the Lambert's Bay area. [E]
EASTERN CLAPPER LARK (Mirafra fasciolata) – One near Wakkerstroom. [E]
RUDD'S LARK (Heteromirafra ruddi) – We saw this extremely local and endangered lark in the high altitude grasslands near Wakkerstroom. [E]
SABOTA LARK (Calendulauda sabota) – About 40 between Kruger and Polokwane.
FAWN-COLORED LARK (Calendulauda africanoides) – One near the Koa Dunes. [E]
RED LARK (Calendulauda burra) – Another extremely localized lark that we saw well; this was on the red sand at Koa Dunes. [E]
KAROO LARK (Calendulauda albescens) – One was displaying at Goegap. [E]
SPIKE-HEELED LARK (Chersomanes albofasciata) – About 30 near Pofadder, and 10 at Wakkerstroom. [E]
CAPE LARK (Certhilauda curvirostris) – Formerly known as Cape Long-billed Lark; we had scope views of a singling bird near Lambert's Bay. [E]
EASTERN LONG-BILLED LARK (Certhilauda semitorquata) – Two near Wakkerstroom. [E]
KAROO LONG-BILLED LARK (Certhilauda subcoronata) – Four in the Pofadder to Springbok area. [E]
SHORT-CLAWED LARK (Certhilauda chuana) – Great looks at 2 of these rare localized larks at Polokwane. [E]
Sacred Ibis were very common and widespread. Photo by participant David Becher.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea) – Small numbers at Lambert's Bay, in Lesotho, and around Wakkerstroom.
PINK-BILLED LARK (Spizocorys conirostris) – Some of the group saw at least 1 (of 6) near Wakkerstroom. [E]
BOTHA'S LARK (Spizocorys fringillaris) – Yet another rare endemic lark; we had great looks at 2 of these near Wakkerstroom. [E]
LARGE-BILLED LARK (Galerida magnirostris) – Two near Pofadder, and 2 in Lesotho. [E]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (Riparia paludicola) – Small numbers near Lambert's Bay, in Lesotho, and at Tzaneen.
BANDED MARTIN (Riparia cincta) – Two near Lambert's Bay, and 5 near Diekiesdorp.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Small numbers from Johannesburg to Pofadder and Lambert's Bay, and then also around Betty's Bay, and at Sani Pass.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Small numbers at Franklin Marsh, Kruger, Tzaneen, and Polokwane.
WHITE-THROATED SWALLOW (Hirundo albigularis) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 60.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – Singles and pairs at Mkuze, Kruger, Tzaneen, and Polokwane.
PEARL-BREASTED SWALLOW (Hirundo dimidiata) – Great looks at a breeding pair at West Coast NP.
MONTANE BLUE SWALLOW (Hirundo atrocaerulea) – Normally just known as Blue Swallow; most of the group saw 1 or 2 at Weza.
GREATER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis cucullata) – We saw a total of about 90 in the Cape area, at the bottom of Sani Pass, around Wakkerstroom and at Kruger.
LESSER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – About 50 between Oribi Gorge and Mkuze, and then 60+ between Kruger and Polokwane.
RUFOUS-CHESTED SWALLOW (Cecropis semirufa) – Six at Kruger.
SOUTH AFRICAN SWALLOW (Petrochelidon spilodera) – About a dozen in the Wakkerstroom area.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – One at Betty's Bay, and 8 at the bottom of Sani Pass.
GRAY-RUMPED SWALLOW (Pseudhirundo griseopyga) – Two at the Tzaneen Airstrip.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
FAIRY FLYCATCHER (Stenostira scita) – Two to the south of Springbok, and 1 at Sani Pass. [E]
A Spotted Hyaena gives us the once-over in Kruger. Photo by participant David Becher.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
SOUTHERN BLACK-TIT (Melaniparus niger) – Six at Mkuze, and 1 at Kruger.
ASHY TIT (Melaniparus cinerascens) – One at The Ranch, and 2 at Polokwane. [E]
GRAY TIT (Melaniparus afer) – Also known as Southern Gray Tit; we saw 1 south of Pofadder. [E]
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)
AFRICAN PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus caroli) – Three near Tzaneen Airstrip.
SOUTHERN PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus minutus) – Also known as Cape Penduline-Tit; we all had good looks at a pair at Polokwane. [E]
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
SOMBRE GREENBUL (Andropadus importunus) – Fairly widespread in open woodland.
YELLOW-BELLIED GREENBUL (Chlorocichla flaviventris) – About 16 in the St. Lucia to Mkuze area, and 2 at Kruger.
TERRESTRIAL BROWNBUL (Phyllastrephus terrestris) – Four at Oribi Gorge and St. Lucia, and 1 at Kruger.
YELLOW-STREAKED GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) – Two at Magoebaskloof.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Common away from the arid west.
BLACK-FRONTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans) – Replaces the previous species in the arid west; in all we saw about 20. [E]
CAPE BULBUL (Pycnonotus capensis) – We saw about 18 between Goegap and Betty's Bay. [E]
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
CAPE CROMBEC (Sylvietta rufescens) – Most common from Kruger to Polokwane (12), and also at Mkuze.
CAPE GRASSBIRD (Sphenoeacus afer) – Great looks at 1 at the bottom of Sani Pass. [E]
Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)
YELLOW-THROATED WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus ruficapilla) – Four in the forests at Bulwer and Oribi Gorge.
WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Singles at St. Lucia, Wakkerstroom, and Polokwane.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna natalensis) – Three at Sani Pass, 1 at Oribi Gorge, 1 at Wakkerstroom, and 1 at Tzaneen.
We had great views of the endemic Cape Grassbird in Sani Pass. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
AFRICAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – Two singles in the Wakkerstroom wetland.
LESSER SWAMP-WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) – Three at Wakkerstroom.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
BARRATT'S WARBLER (Bradypterus barratti) – Some of us saw this super skulker at Sani Pass, and we all heard them several times at Magoebaskloof.
LITTLE RUSH-WARBLER (Bradypterus baboecala) – One in the Wakkerstroom wetland.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
BAR-THROATED APALIS (Apalis thoracica) – Good looks at Betty's Bay, Bulwer, Magoesbaskloof, and Polokwane.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida) – Pairs at St. Lucia, and at Mkuze.
RUDD'S APALIS (Apalis ruddi) – We saw 4 of these very localized endemics at St. Lucia. [E]
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera brachyura) – Small numbers at St. Lucia and Mkuze.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – Heard at Polokwane.
RUFOUS-EARED WARBLER (Malcorus pectoralis) – We saw a total of 6 of these attractive little warblers in the arid country around Pofadder. [E]
RED-FACED CISTICOLA (Cisticola erythrops) – Two near Tzaneen.
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana) – Small numbers in acacia country at St. Lucia, Pongola, and Polokwane.
TINKLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola rufilatus) – One at Polokwane.
RED-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola subruficapilla) – One near Springbok, and 3 in the Cape area. [E]
WAILING CISTICOLA (Cisticola lais) – Heard by all (and seen by a few) at Sani Pass.
WINDING CISTICOLA (RUFOUS-WINGED) (Cisticola galactotes galactotes) – This form is sometimes split as Rufous-winged Cisticola; we saw 1 at Oribi Gorge, and 4 at St. Lucia.
LEVAILLANT'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens) – Seven in the Lambert's Bay area, and 2 near Sani Pass.
CROAKING CISTICOLA (Cisticola natalensis) – Heard near Tzaneen.
PIPING CISTICOLA (Cisticola fulvicapilla) – One at Polokwane.
ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis) – One between Pongola and Wakkerstroom.
DESERT CISTICOLA (Cisticola aridulus) – One at Polokwane.
WING-SNAPPING CISTICOLA (Cisticola ayresii) – One was seen displaying in the Diekiesdorp area, and a few others heard in high grasslands elsewhere.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava) – Small numbers at Oribi Gorge, Mkuze, and Kruger.
BLACK-CHESTED PRINIA (Prinia flavicans) – Three in the Pofadder area.
KAROO PRINIA (Prinia maculosa) – Two at Goegap, 6 in the Betty's Bay area, and 3 at Sani Pass. [E]
DRAKENSBERG PRINIA (Prinia hypoxantha) – Two near Bulwer. [E]
YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA (Eremomela icteropygialis) – One near Pofadder.
GREENCAP EREMOMELA (Eremomela scotops) – Nice looks at 2 near Tzaneen Airstrip.
YELLOW-RUMPED EREMOMELA (Eremomela gregalis) – Also known as Karoo Eremomela; we had good looks at 1 near Springbok. [E]
BURNT-NECK EREMOMELA (Eremomela usticollis) – One at Kruger, and about 7 at Polokwane.
Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers)
LAYARD'S WARBLER (Sylvia layardi) – One south of Springbok. [E]
RUFOUS-VENTED WARBLER (Sylvia subcaerulea) – About half a dozen at Polokwane.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
CAPE WHITE-EYE (CAPE) (Zosterops capensis capensis) – Fairly common and widespread; with a total of about 80. [E]
ORANGE RIVER WHITE-EYE (Zosterops pallidus pallidus) – Ten in the Keimoes to Pofadder area. [E]
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – Several small flocks from Kruger to Polokwane.
The strange Ground Woodpecker was among our highlights at Sani Pass. Photo by participant David Becher.
Promeropidae (Sugarbirds)
GURNEY'S SUGARBIRD (Promerops gurneyi) – Nice looks at 2 on the Sani Pass. [E]
CAPE SUGARBIRD (Promerops cafer) – One at Paleisheulkloof, and about 15 in the Betty's Bay area. [E]
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
CHAT FLYCATCHER (Bradornis infuscatus) – Four near Pofadder. [E]
MARIQUA FLYCATCHER (Bradornis mariquensis) – Three at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis pammelaina) – Small numbers around Mkuze, Kruger, and Tzaneen.
FISCAL FLYCATCHER (Sigelus silens) – Singles at Keimoes, Betty's Bay, Paleisheulkloof, and Polokwane. [E]
DUSKY-BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta) – Small numbers in forest areas like Betty's Bay, Bulwer, and Magoesbaskloof.
ASHY FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa caerulescens) – Singles at Oribi Gorge and Mkuze.
GRAY TIT-FLYCATCHER (Myioparus plumbeus) – We had a single singing bird at Kruger.
KAROO SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas coryphaeus) – About 35 between Pofadder and West Coast NP. [E]
BROWN SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas signata) – One at St. Lucia. [E]
BEARDED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata) – Great looks at 2 at Mkuze.
KALAHARI SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas paena) – One at Polokwane. [E]
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Small numbers at Mkuze, Kruger, and Polokwane.
CAPE ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha caffra) – Fairly common and widespread; with a total of about 50.
WHITE-THROATED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha humeralis) – We saw this striking robin-chat at Mkuze. [E]
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – Two at Kruger, and 1 at Moholoholo.
RED-CAPPED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha natalensis) – About 6 at St. Lucia.
CHORISTER ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha dichroa) – One seen nicely at Oribi Gorge, and heard at Magoebaskloof. [E]
WHITE-STARRED ROBIN (Pogonocichla stellata) – Two singles at Oribi Gorge.
SENTINEL ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola explorator) – Two males in Lesotho, and then a male and a female near Wakkerstroom. [E]
CAPE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola rupestris) – We saw a pair at Rooiels, and then a single male at Sani Pass. [E]
Searching for the endemic Yellow-rumped Eremomela at the Goegap Reserve - and yes we all had great looks! Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus) – Fairly widespread in open country; in all we saw about 50.
BUFF-STREAKED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola bifasciatus) – We saw single males at Sani Pass, and near Wakkerstroom. [E]
SOUTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla formicivora) – Seen in a variety of open country and altitudes including at Pofadder, Wakkerstroom and Polokwane.
MOCKING CLIFF-CHAT (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) – We saw a male at Olifants Rest Camp in Kruger.
SICKLEWING CHAT (Cercomela sinuata) – About 6 at the top of Sani Pass. [E]
KAROO CHAT (Cercomela schlegelii) – Three singles in the Pofadder area. [E]
FAMILIAR CHAT (Cercomela familiaris) – Singles at Pofadder, Betty's Bay, and the Sani Pass.
MOUNTAIN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe monticola) – Some of the group saw 1 at Johannesburg, and then we all saw at least 2 in the Pofadder area. [E]
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – About 8 at Goegap, 6 near Lambert's Bay, and 1 at Wakkerstroom.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ORANGE GROUND-THRUSH (Geokichla gurneyi) – Singles in the forest at Bulwer, and Magoebaskloof.
GROUNDSCRAPER THRUSH (Psophocichla litsitsirupa) – Two at Pongola, and about 8 in the Polokwane area.
KURRICHANE THRUSH (Turdus libonyana) – Four at Pongola, 4 at Kruger, and 8 around Tzaneen.
OLIVE THRUSH (Turdus olivaceus) – Two at Betty's Bay, and 1 at Sani Pass.
KAROO THRUSH (Turdus smithi) – Two at Keimoes, 1 at Pofadder, and about a dozen at Polokwane. [E]
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – Fairly common from Lambert's Bay to the Cape, and then at Oribi Gorge and Wakkerstroom. [I]
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – Twenty at Kruger, and about 10 at Polokwane.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Fairly common and widespread. [I]
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – Two males at Mkuze.
PALE-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus nabouroup) – Two near Koa Dunes, and 2 at Goegap. [E]
RED-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio) – Fairly common and widespread; in all we saw about 160.
Senegal Lapwing on a nest in the Mkuze Game Reserve. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
BLACK-BELLIED STARLING (Notopholia corrusca) – About 30 in the Oribi Gorge and St. Lucia areas, and then 10 at Kruger.
BURCHELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis australis) – Forty at Kruger.
AFRICAN PIED STARLING (Lamprotornis bicolor) – Ten near Lambert's Bay, 30 in the Franklin area, and 100+ around Wakkerstroom. [E]
GREATER BLUE-EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – About 80 at Kruger.
CAPE STARLING (Lamprotornis nitens) – One near Keimoes, and then widespread in small numbers from Oribi Gorge to St. Lucia, Kruger, and Tzaneen. [E]
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – Fairly common at Mkuze and Kruger; in total we saw about 100.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris) – Small numbers at forest edge, particularly at Bulwer, Oribi Gorge, Mkuze, and Moholoholo.
ORANGE-BREASTED SUNBIRD (Anthobaphes violacea) – About a dozen in the Betty's Bay area. [E]
EASTERN OLIVE SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra olivacea) – Singles at Oribi Gorge, St. Lucia, and Magoebaskloof.
MOUSE-COLORED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra veroxii) – Two at Oribi Gorge.
AMETHYST SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra amethystina) – Singles at Underberg, St. Lucia, and Polokwane.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis) – Fairly common from St. Lucia to Wakkerstroom, and at Tzaneen.
MALACHITE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia famosa) – Four at Goegap, 1 at Paleisheulkloof, and 1 at Underberg.
SOUTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris chalybeus) – Eight at Betty's Bay, 6 at Bulwer, and 3 at Magoebaskloof. [E]
NEERGAARD'S SUNBIRD (Cinnyris neergaardi) – Most of the group saw a male at Mkuze. [E]
GREATER DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris afer) – Two males at Sani Pass, and 2 more at Magoebaskloof. [E]
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis) – Small numbers from Kruger to Polokwane.
PURPLE-BANDED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris bifasciatus) – About 20 in the St. Lucia area.
WHITE-BREASTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris talatala) – Common from Mkuze through to Kruger and on to Polokwane; in total we saw about 30.
DUSKY SUNBIRD (Cinnyris fuscus) – About 20 in the Pofadder to Springbok area. [E]
The Drakensburg Escarpment is home to Lammergeier, and the endemic Ground Woodpecker, Bush Blackcap, and Drakensburg Rockjumper. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis) – Common and widespread.
MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Motacilla clara) – Singles at Howick Falls, and at Moholoholo.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – First seen at Howick Falls, and then fairly common at St. Lucia, and from Kruger to Tzaneen.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – Very common in the Wakkerstroom area.
MOUNTAIN PIPIT (Anthus hoeschi) – Three in Lesotho. [E]
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys) – One at Weza, and 1 at Wakkerstroom.
YELLOW-BREASTED PIPIT (Hemimacronyx chloris) – Very difficult this year, but eventually most of us saw 1 near Wakkerstroom. [E]
ORANGE-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx capensis) – About 14 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus) – Two at St. Lucia, and 1 at Kruger.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
LARK-LIKE BUNTING (Emberiza impetuani) – Four near Pofadder, and then about a dozen south of Springbok. [E]
CAPE BUNTING (Emberiza capensis) – Six at Sani Pass were the most for any single area, but we also saw several other singles prior to that. [E]
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris) – We saw single males at Mkuze, and at Kruger.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
CAPE SISKIN (Pseudochloroptila totta) – We saw a male at Betty's Bay. [E]
DRAKENSBERG SISKIN (Pseudochloroptila symonsi) – About 15 in Lesotho. [E]
CAPE CANARY (Serinus canicollis) – We saw a total of about 60 in a variety of farmland, gardens, and at forest edge. [E]
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Serinus mozambicus) – Several flocks around Oribi Gorge, Mkuze, Kruger, and Polokwane.
FOREST CANARY (Serinus scotops) – Three at the edge of Bulwer Forest. [E]
BLACK-THROATED CANARY (Serinus atrogularis) – Three at Polokwane.
BRIMSTONE CANARY (Serinus sulphuratus) – Two at Betty's Bay, and 2 at St. Lucia.
A Pied Cuckoo in Kruger allowed very nice, close looks. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
YELLOW CANARY (Serinus flaviventris) – One near Pofadder, and then 2 at St. Lucia. [E]
WHITE-THROATED CANARY (Serinus albogularis) – Two at Pofadder, and 1 at West Coast NP. [E]
STREAKY-HEADED SEEDEATER (Serinus gularis) – Singles at the bottom of Sani Pass, and at Polokwane.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Widespread throughout the tour.
GREAT RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer motitensis) – Some of the group saw 1 at Polokwane.
CAPE SPARROW (Passer melanurus) – Common and widespread; in all we saw about 220. [E]
SOUTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer diffusus) – Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 70.
YELLOW-THROATED PETRONIA (Petronia superciliaris) – Two at Mkuze.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger) – About a dozen at Kruger.
SCALY WEAVER (Sporopipes squamifrons) – Five at Polokwane.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Twenty around Upington, and 30+ at Polokwane.
SOCIAL WEAVER (Philetairus socius) – About 200 in the Pofadder area - together with their enormous 'hay-stack' nests.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – We saw a female and then a male near Tzaneen Airstrip.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis) – About a dozen from Oribi Gorge to Mkuze, and then 10 in the Tzaneen area.
CAPE WEAVER (Ploceus capensis) – Small numbers from Springbok to Lambert's Bay, and then about 80 between Underberg and St. Lucia, and finally 10+ near Wakkerstroom. [E]
AFRICAN GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus subaureus) – About 60 in the St. Lucia area.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops) – Four at Tzaneen.
SOUTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER (Ploceus xanthopterus) – Nice looks at two males in the reeds at St. Lucia. [E]
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius) – One at Pongola.
We saw plenty of Yellow Bishops, including some in fine breeding plumage. Photo by participant David Becher.
SOUTHERN MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus velatus) – Fairly common and widespread; in all we saw about 270.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – Fairly common and widespread from Oribi Gorge until the end of the tour.
FOREST WEAVER (Ploceus bicolor) – Two at Oribi Gorge, and 5 at St. Lucia.
RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea) – Ten at Upington, 20 near Wakkerstroom, and 15 at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes orix) – Small numbers (including some in nice breeding plumage) were at a variety of scattered wetlands.
YELLOW BISHOP (Euplectes capensis) – As with the previous species they were widespread, and also occurred in breeding plumage at Goegap, Paleisheulkloof, Betty's Bay, and Tzaneen.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus) – Ten at Pongola, and 2 near Tzaneen.
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes ardens) – About 6 at Oribi Gorge, and 10 around Wakkerstroom.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – Twenty at Franklin Marsh, and 12 at Wakkerstroom.
LONG-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes progne) – Ten in the Franklin area, and then at least 100 around Wakkerstroom - many were in fine breeding plumage.
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons) – Two at St. Lucia, and 4 at Tzaneen.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
SWEE WAXBILL (Coccopygia melanotis) – Two at Betty's Bay, 4 at Bulwer, and 2 at Magoebaskloof. [E]
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 40.
BLACK-FACED WAXBILL (Estrilda erythronotos) – Three at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus angolensis) – About 30 at Tzaneen and Polokwane.
VIOLET-EARED WAXBILL (Granatina granatina) – We saw 4 of these beautiful waxbills at Polokwane.
PINK-THROATED TWINSPOT (Hypargos margaritatus) – Great scope views of a gorgeous male at Mkuze. [E]
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba) – Another gorgeous waxbill; we saw a male of this species also at Mkuze.
AFRICAN FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta rubricata) – Three near Tzaneen.
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata) – Most common around Tzaneen, and a few others elsewhere.
We saw no fewer than 23 endangered White Rhinos -- an extraordinary number! Photo by participant David Becher.
BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN (RED-BACKED) (Spermestes bicolor nigriceps) – One at Oribi Gorge.
MAGPIE MANNIKIN (Spermestes fringilloides) – Generally very uncommon and localized, so we were lucky to see at least 5 near Tzaneen.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – Small numbers at Oribi Gorge, Wakkerstroom, Tzaneen, and Polokwane.
SHAFT-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua regia) – Some of the group saw a female at Polokwane.
VARIABLE INDIGOBIRD (Vidua funerea) – Two in non-breeding plumage at Tzaneen.
MAMMALS
WAHLBERG'S EPAULETTED FRUIT BAT (Epomophorus wahlbergi) – About 30 under the lodge roof at Kruger.
BROWN GREATER GALAGO (Otolemur crassicaudatus) – A few pax saw 1 at Satara Rest Camp, Kruger.
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis) – Locally known 'Samango Monkey' we saw about 10 of this form at Magoebaskloof.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – Common and widespread from Oribi Gorge until the end of the tour; in all we saw about 140.
CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus) – Widespread in a variety of scattered locations; in all we saw about 120.
SCRUB HARE (Lepus saxatalis) – Three at The Ranch.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – One at Goegap.
CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus inaurius) – Three in the Keimoes to Pofadder area.
RED BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus palliatus) – One at St. Lucia.
TREE SQUIRREL (Paraxerus cepapi) – Very common at Kruger.
SLOGGETT'S ICE RAT (Otomys sloggetti) – Three at about 10,000ft. asl. in Lesotho.
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL (Canis mesomelas) – Five at Kruger.
BAT-EARED FOX (Otocyon megalotis) – Three, and then 1, near Pofadder.
RATEL (HONEY BADGER) (Mellivora capensis) – A few of the group saw 1 at Satara Rest Camp, Kruger.
EGYPTIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes ichneumon) – One crossed the road in front of one of our vehicles at Oribi Gorge.
The Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are wonderful for both endemic flowering plants and birds. Photo by participant Sally Marrone.
CAPE GRAY MONGOOSE (Herpestes pulverulentus) – One at Betty's Bay.
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus) – One at Kruger.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo) – About 10 at St. Lucia, and 30 at Kruger.
DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale parvula) – At least 9 at Kruger.
YELLOW MONGOOSE (Cynictis penicillata) – Four in the Pofadder area, and 6 at Wakkerstroom.
SLENDER-TAILED MEERKAT (Suricata suricatta) – Two distant ones at Goegap, and then much better views of 6 near Wakkerstroom.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – We saw a total of 9 at Kruger.
BLACK-FOOTED CAT (Felis nigripes) – Also known as African Wild Cat; some of us saw 1 near Pofadder.
LEOPARD (Panthera pardus) – One was seen resting in a tree at Kruger.
LION (Panthera leo) – Great looks at about 12 at Kruger - included some really large full grown males.
CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus) – One at Mkuzi (with a bad foot), and then a second large male at Kruger.
CAPE (AUSTRALIAN) FUR SEAL (Arctocephalus pusillus) – About 600 at Lambert's Bay, and 50 in the Cape region.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Great looks at about 140 at Kruger - included many family groups of al ages - wonderful!
ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis) – Small numbers at Pofadder, Goegap, Stony Point, and Sani Pass.
MOUNTAIN ZEBRA (Equus zebra) – Nine at Goegap.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – About 50 in the Mkuze area, and 180+ at Kruger.
WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum) – Unbelievable this tour, with 19 seen in a single morning in the southern part of Kruger; in all we saw a total of 23 there.
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – Common at Kruger and Polokwane; in all we saw about 120.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – Four at St. Lucia, 60 at Mkuze, and about 90 at Kruger. Sadly due to the ongoing drought some of the Kruger animals were in a bad way.
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) – Fourteen at Mkuze, about 130 at Kruger, and 18 at Polokwane.
NYALA (Tragelaphus angasi) – Forty in the Mkuze area, 20 at Kruger, and 6 at Polokwane.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – Three at St. Lucia, and 3 at Kruger.
A handsome male Narina Trogon showed off at Oribi Gorge. Photo by participant David Becher.
GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) – Great looks at many (including some great bulls) at Kruger and Polokwane.
COMMON ELAND (Taurotragus oryx) – Four near Wakkerstroom, and about 50 at Polokwane.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – About 20 at Bayala, and 100+ at Kruger.
RED DUIKER (Cephalophus natalensis) – Ten in the forest at St. Lucia.
BUSH (GRAY) DUIKER (Sylvicapra grimmia) – Singles at Sani Pass, Mkuze, Kruger, and near Tzaneen.
COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) – About 20 at Mkuze, 80 at Kruger, and 25 at Polokwane.
MOUNTAIN REEDBUCK (Redunca fulvorufula) – Five at Polokwane.
RHEBOK (Pelea capreolus) – One at Sani Pass, and 6 near Wakkerstroom.
SABLE ANTELOPE (Hippotragus niger) – We saw 10 of the beautiful antelopes at Polokwane.
GEMSBOK (Oryx gazella) – About 30 at Goegap.
BONTEBOK (Damaliscus dorcas) – We saw about 40 of the form commonly known as 'Blesbok' in the Wakkerstroom area.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – About 20 at Polokwane.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus) – Also known as Red Hartebeest, we saw about 20 at Polokwane.
BLACK WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes gnou) – About 40 in the Wakkerstroom area.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus) – Eight at Mkuze, about 200 at Kruger, and 100 at Polokwane.
KLIPSPRINGER (Oreotragus oreotragus) – Four at Kruger.
ORIBI (Ourebia ourebi) – Two near Wakkerstroom.
STEENBOK (Raphicerus campestris) – Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 26.
SUNI (Neotragus moschatus) – Two at Mkuze.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – Common at Mkuze, Kruger, and Polokwane; in all we saw about 1600.
SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas marsupialis) – About 25 in the Pofadder and Springbok area.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included:
Karoo Crag Lizard; 2 near Pofadder, and 1 near Betty's Bay.
Drakensberg Crag Lizard; 1 at Sani Pass.
Southern Rock Agama; 1 at Goegap, and about 6 at Wakkerstroom.
Snake Lizard; 1 at Sani Pass.
Green-headed Agama; 1 at Kruger.
Rock Monitor; 1 at Kruger.
Angulate Tortoise; 1 near Lambert's Bay.
Leopard Tortoise; 2 at Kruger.
Nile Crocodile; about 20 at St. Lucia.
Totals for the tour: 483 bird taxa and 58 mammal taxa