Outing report- 15th April 2012 Litchi Syndicate

(Photo Doug Butcher)

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Doug Butcher, Cameron Den, Mike Fagan, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Margaret Jones, Hazel Parry, Andrew Pickles, Andy Ruffle, Irma Smook, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen, Willie & Wilna van Zyl, Ron & Elaine Whitham, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (20 attendees).

Wow! what a brilliant turnout for this mornings visit to Barry's old stomping ground. A fitting tribute as we approach the first anniversary of Barry's passing. For those of you who never had the privilige of meeting him, you can read his obituary here.

African Black Duck
(Photo Andrew Pickles)

The large dam was particularly productive with a good variety of species, including African Black Duck and Black Crake. Stunning views of a Malachite Kingfisher were had through Stan's scope. Little Rush-warbler's, sculking in the reeds, were easily identified thanks to Andrew P's ringing sessions. What we are sure was a Little Bittern made a dash low level across the water, only to disappear behind some reeds.

Our setting for breakfast
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Getting to our after breakfast walk was challenging to say the least. We will be looking at an alternative for our next visit. Birding here was slow, but we did manage fleeting glimpses of Blue-mantled Crested-flycatcher. An Olive Woodpecker was also nice to see.

(Photo Doug Butcher)

(Photo Doug Butcher)

This persistent Hamerkop refused to abandon
it's waterhole as we departed
(Photo Andrew Pickles)

Thanks go to all the photo contributors, which makes a much more interesting post.

Birds recorded: Hadeda Ibis, Natal Spurfowl, Red-eyed Dove, Dark-capped Bulbul, Black-headed Oriole, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Black-bellied Starling, Reed Cormorant, Little Rush-Warbler, Spectacled Weaver, African Dusky Flycatcher, Green Wood-hoopoe, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Common Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, African Black Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Little Grebe, African Darter, Barn Swallow, Southern Boubou, African Jacana, Fork-tailed Drongo, Pied Kingfisher, Egyptian Goose, African Harrier-Hawk, Yellow-billed Duck, Knysna Turaco, Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Olive Sunbird, Black-collared Barbet, Black Crake, Little Bittern, Red-capped Robin-chat, Black Saw-wing, Jackal Buzzard, Collared Sunbird, Yellow-fronted Canary, Southern Black Flycatcher, Amethyst Sunbird, Blue-mantled  Crested-flycatcher, Red-backed Mannikin, White-rumped Swift, Common Waxbill, Cape Starling, Southern Black Tit, Olive Woodpecker, Cape White-eye, Lesser Honeyguide, Dark-backed Weaver, Hamerkop.  (53 species)