Introduction

This report covers the 12-day trip I made to southern Ghana in the company of my brother Frans, Antonio Mendoza and Jos Aarts.

The main target was of course the almost mythical Yellow-headed Picathartes. Ghana is probably the easiest country to observe this rare species.

Besides that, we focussed mainly on a selection of Upper Guinea forest endemics and other regional specialties. We did not try to boost our list but spent most of our time at specific sites in mainly forested areas.

We managed to observe 272 species and our list includes species like Dwarf Bittern, Hartlaub’s Duck, Finfoot, all possible hornbill species, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, Yellow-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Black-throated Coucal, all possible spinetails, White-bellied Kingfisher, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Black Bee-eater, Rosy Bee-eater, Cassin’s Honeyguide, Little Green Woodpecker, Melancholy Woodpecker, Fire-bellied Woodpecker, Preuss’s Cliff Swallow, White-throated Blue Swallow, Western Bearded Greenbul, Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Grey-headed Bristlebill, Western Forest Robin, White-tailed Alethe, Finsch’s Flycatcher Thrush, White-crowned Cliff Chat, Sharpe’s Apalis, Kemp’s Longbill (heard only), Little Grey Flycatcher, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Ussher’s Flycatcher, Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher, Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, Tit-Hylia, Red-billed Helmet-Shrike, Blue-Cuckoo-Shrike, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo, Copper-tailed Glossy Starling, Maxwell’s Black Weaver and Red-vented Malimbe.

David van de Schoor made a similar trip in 2009 and he recommended Kalu Afasi of Malimbe Tours in his trip report. Unfortunately, when I contacted him he mailed me that he had already been booked by a group of 3 Belgian birders. But he arranged that instead his friend David Tampori Daramani accompanied us on our trip. David is considered the grand old man of Ghanaian birding. He is already 63 years of age but still fit and has a thorough knowledge of bird calls.

So Kalu arranged a minibus, booked our accommodation and David as our guide. We paid for David’s food and accommodation, fuel and also for our own accommodation and food on the spot. We also had to pay the entrance fees for the national parks which is not cheap. (30 Cedi a person a day). In the end we paid around 1000 € a person for this 10 day arrangement, including everything. Bear in mind that you have to be assertive during the trip and that you agree with your guide what the program will be for the next day and what is needed for food and drinks. We found out the hard way. David was very reserved in giving info about sites and the program and did not take any initiative to organise packed breakfast/lunch for the next day.

VISA

You definitely need a visa for Ghana. A visa costs 50 €. You have to fill in 4 separate pages with 4 photographs!! You also have to mention at least 2 contact addresses in Ghana. We got ours through the embassy in The Hague.

GETTING THERE – FLIGHT

We flew  KLM from Amsterdam to Accra. This takes between 5½ and 6 hours.
We paid  800 Euros for a return ticket.

MONEY

The currency in Ghana is the Cedi. During our stay the exchange rate was: 1 Euro = 2 Cedi
We paid in cash dollars for the car and for David’s services in the country.
We changed €500 each at the airport and this was enough to cover all the other expenses of the trip.

GETTING AROUND – CAR – ACCOMMODATION – FOOD & DRINKS

During the whole period we had a minibus at our disposal. The bus was alright but the disadvantage was that the car did not have AC, which is more or less essential when travelling around a country where temperatures soar to over 35 degrees Celsius at midday. The seats were also not really suited for people with long legs.

Apart from that, the car performed well but was unable to reach the HQ area at Ankasa where a 4x4 is essential. Fortunately it was only a 2 km walk through excellent forest to reach the HQ from the point where our car could not continue further along the track.

The roads were generally in good condition but unexpected potholed stretches also occur.

Accommodation varied from basic to excellent.
The food was generally okay and beer and soft drinks were widely available.
We made sure that we had a sufficient stock of mineral water at all times available in the car.

LANGUAGE

As English is widely spoken this was never a problem.

HEALTH & SAFETY

During our stay some of us suffered from diarrhoea, probably food related.
As malaria is prevalent in Ghana it is essential to take profilaxis against malaria in Ghana.
Without a Yellow Fever certificate it is impossible to enter the country and/or to obtain a visa for Ghana.
We did not have any real problems with biting insects/mosquitos during our stay.
A good sun protection screen and hat/cap is essential when birding in open country.
We found the people in Ghana very cheerful and friendly and we never felt uncomfortable.

WEATHER

The weather was humid and hot to very hot in the beginning of March. During the daytime it did not rain but twice it rained during the night and we had one heavy downpour one late afternoon.

BIRDING

Birding was not very easy. We hardly encountered any flocks and after 10.00 am activity ceased dramatically. Some species were responsive to playback and other were not responsive at all.
All in all it was a fairly successful trip. Species hoped for but not seen were Congo Serpent Eagle, Blue-headed Wood Dove, Bioko (West African) Batis, Buff-throated Sunbird (really unexpected dip) and Black-capped Apalis.
Other (more difficult) species we did not see were African Piculet, Tessmann’s Flycatcher, White-browed Flycatcher, Forest Penduline Tit and Rufous-winged Illadopsis

EQUIPMENT

We brought 2 telescopes with us which we frequently used.
I also brought an I-pod with me with a selection of the Chappuis Cd’s on it. This was very useful for drawing in some skulkers and essential as David did not have an i-Pod at his disposal.

REFERENCES

Books

Birds of Ghana – Nik Borrow/Ron Demey. 2011. An excellent new field guide from Helm

Trip reports & Articles

Rainforest of Ghana 6 – 14 march 2009 - David van de Schoor.
Birding Ghana 14 November – 4 december 2009 – Pierre van de Wielen.
A nice report of a 3-week trip to Ghana, including some northern sites like Mole N.P.
Birdwatching in Southern Ghana 7th – 19th February 2010 - Erling Krabbe & Alex Rosendal. Extensive and well-written report of a highly successful trip

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank David for guiding us around the country and of course my fellow birders with whom I did not only see some fantastic birds but also had some great laughs.

USEFUL ADRESSES

Kalu Afasi – Malimbe Tours. PO Box NT108 New Town, Accra, Ghana
+233 208416873 kamalu2000gh@yahoo.com

Another possibility is Ashanti Tours. www.ashantiafricantours.com/
Ashanti is probably more expensive but also a more professional organisation, according to the info I received from fellow birders.

Henk Hendriks Hhendriks@onsmail.nl

SHORT ITINERARY

March 4 : Geldrop – Amsterdam – Accra
March 5 : Accra – Shai Hills – Atewa Range
March 6 : Atewa Range – Bobiri
March 7 : Bobiri – Picathartes site – Kumasi
March 8 : Kumasi – Aboabo Road – Hans Botel Cottage – Abrafo
March 9 : Kakum N.P.
March 10: Kakum N.P.
March 11: Antikwaa – Praa River – Axim Beach
March 12: Ankasa
March 13: Ankasa
March 14: Axim Beach – Brenu Road – Wineba Plains – Accra,      Evenning flight Accra – Amsterdam
March 15: Arrival Amsterdam. Train to Geldrop.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Friday March 4

At 9.00 am we assembled at the railway station of Eindhoven. At 11.00 am we checked in at Schiphol Airport and at 14.00 pm we left Amsterdam for our 6 hours’ flight to Accra. We arrived at 19.30 pm local time which was ahead of schedule.

We all changed €500 to cover all our expenses for the trip.

Unfortunately, we did not meet Kalu at the airport. After some phone calls it turned out that he was first stuck in a traffic jam and then we received a message from him that the car had broken down. Not a fine start of the trip!

Finally at 21.30 after a two hours’ wait he arrived in a 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser, which was of course much too small for all of us. After another hour we arrived at our hotel at the outskirts of Accra. It turned out that all rooms had only very small double beds so in the end we took 4 rooms (25 cedi for each room)

We agreed that we would leave at 6.00 am in the morning in order to get at the entrance of Shai Hills at 7.00 am to start birding. I suggested to start earlier, at dawn, which is 6.00 am because I knew it would soon be very hot and we wanted to take advantage of the early morning activity. But Kalu told us that the reserve only opens at 7.00 am. This was not true as it turned out the next day that 2 different birding groups entered the reserve at 6.00 am!

Saturday March 5

At 6.00 am we assembled outside our hotel but no minibus. Our driver of the Toyota provided us with bread and coffee and finally at 7.00 am Kalu, David and the minibus arrived. As a result of this delay we got to Shai Hills after 8.00 am, which is of course too late.

We birded until 11.30 am in the park and best species were, after an initial struggle, nice views of a pair of White-crowned Cliff Chat, White-winged Black Tit, Oriole Warbler and Heuglin’s Masked Weaver.

At 12.00 we had lunch and then we continued our trip to the Atewa range. This took much longer than expected and we birded along a tarmac road, going up to the top of the ridge from 16.15 – 17.30 pm. Saw our first Red-necked Buzzard and at least 2 Yellowbills. It took another 40 minutes to get to our hotel where we had our dinner.

We asked David about next day’s program and he told us that we would start at 6.00 am at the beginning of a trail which goes up the ridge for about 4 km. After our descent we could have a late breakfast nearby. And here we made a mistake.

Sunday March 6

At 6.00 am we started at the beginning of the trail in a scrubby area, which was very birdy. Nice views of a perched Red-necked Buzzard and African Cuckoo-Hawk. For me Red-vented Malimbe and Maxwells’s Black Weaver were new birds. Red-tailed Greenbul and Simple Leaflove also performed well. Probably we spent too much time here as by the time we ascended towards the ridge it was already getting very hot. I was the only one with some biscuits and soon we were also running out of water. At 11.00 am David told us that it was at least another hour to the top of the ridge. Without food and water we decided to turn around and so we never got to the ridge proper. With better info we would have taken more water and plenty of food with us and we also would have tried to get to the ridge faster.

Rather disappointed, we descended, but fortunately we had excellent views of a single Blue-headed Bee-eater, which saved the morning. Other interesting species seen were our only Melancholy Woodpecker of the trip, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, a female Johanna’s Sunbird and our first Naked-faced Barbets.

After a quick breakfast/lunch we drove to Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary and spent a very nice afternoon along the entrance track to the reserve. (15.30 – 17.30 pm)

We heard Afep Pigeon, saw an unexpected Great Spotted Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Blue-throated Roller, Green Crombec, a small flock of Red-billed Helmet-Shrikes, a few endemic Copper-tailed Starlings and highlight was the excellent observation of a Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill. We drove to nearby Kumasi to our hotel.

Monday March 7

We birded a full morning (6.00 – 11.00 am) at Bobiri. The area was very birdy. In the early morning we had our first views of Grey Parrot and Red-fronted Parrot. Also excellent scope-views of a gorgeous Blue Cuckoo-Shrike. Cuckoos were very well represented whith displaying Thick-billed Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo and best of all Olive-Long-tailed Cuckoo. Highlight of the morning was undoubtedly the observation of a single Black Dwarf Hornbill, which performed brilliantly at eye-level.

On our way back we saw a female Fire-bellied Woodpecker and Jos and I saw a huge Black-throated Coucal, which flew of the track. Other interesting species seen include Slender-billed Greenbul, twice a Grey Longbill, our first Ussher’s Flycatchers, a pair of Black & White Flycatcher, Chestnut Wattle-eye, a female Sabine’s Puffback, Black-winged Oriole and a single Maxwells’s Black Weaver.

After having lunch we drove straight to the village where our walk to the Picathartes site would start. Accompanied by 2 local guides we slowly walked towards the cave area. During our walk we heard a small flock of Latham’s Forest Francolins. After about 1 hour we arrived at the site. (just after 16.00 pm) We positioned ourselves at the rock face and were instructed not to talk and not to move. At 17.15 the first bird arrived in the area. For the next 20 minutes we saw at least 4 different birds and they gave amazing views just below and next to us. Very satisfied we returned to the car and we were just in time as dark clouds in the sky predicted heavy rain.

After a 1½ hours’ drive we arrived at our shabby hotel. According to David it is the only “decent” hotel in town. As the fan of my room was not working and no other room was available, I insisted on another room in another place. It turned out that only 500 meters further along the road another hotel had a better (AC-equipped) room for a cheaper price. This room was originally booked for David and the driver but we swapped places.

Tuesday March 8

We left at 5.00 am and one hour later we arrived at the so-called Aboabo Road, which is actually situated within Kakum N.P. We birded along the road from 6.00 – 10.30 am. It was very nice birding and I would have loved to spend another morning along this road. Some of us had brief, but good views of a Western Forest Robin.

Some of the more interesting species seen on this morning include Grey Kestrel, Red-fronted Parrot, Cassin’s Spinetail, a single Brown-cheeked Hornbill, a colony of Naked Faced Barbets (but no Bristle-nosed Barbets), Yellow-billed Barbet (HO), a female Little Green Woodpecker which was nicely observed in the scope, a male Fire-bellied Woodpecker, the canopy loving Slender-billed Greenbul, at least 3 Golden Greenbuls, Swamp Palm Bulbul, good views of a Finch’s Flycatcher Thrush, Green Crombec, great views of a pair of Violet-backed Hyliota’s, Green Hylia, Little Grey Flycatcher, Ussher’s Flycatcher, several Chestnut Wattle-eye’s, a gorgeous male Green Sunbird, Crested Malimbe, Yellow-mantled Weaver and best of all several Preuss’s Weavers.

After this successful morning we drove further to Hans Botel Cottage where we had lunch. The place was very noisy with a lot of school children. Other people told us that it was very noisy and busy on the canopy walk in Kakum this day.

A short stroll around the lake gave us the expected Giant Kingfisher, Black Crake and a few Orange Weavers in the colony of Village Weavers and Vieillot’s Black Weavers.

In the late afternoon (16.00 – 18.00 pm) we birded the Abrafo area, just outside Kakum N.P. Birding was very slow but we had our first views of Yellow-billed Turaco and excellent views of a White-tailed Alethe. In the evening we met the group of Belgian birders with Jan Arras, who did a tour with Kalu. Though Kalu was staying at the same hotel as we did for 2 nights, we never met him!

Wednesday March 9

David had arranged that we could enter Kakum NP and the canopy walk before the official opening hours of the park. So we spent from 6.30 – 10.30 am at the canopy walk. This was quite an experience. We were lucky as only a few tourists visited the canopy walk and that only after 9.00 am. No school classes today!

From the walkway we observed Long-tailed Hawk, Palm-nut Vulture, Red-necked Buzzard, Yellowbill, Sabine’s Spinetail, Cassins’s Spinetail, a single Bates’s Swift together with a Common Swift, twice a Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, at least 5 Rosy Bee-eaters, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Thick-billed Honeyguide, Little Green Woodpecker, a single Square-tailed Saw-wing and a single Fanti Saw-wing, Ansorge’s Greenbul, Finsch’s Flycatcher Thrush, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, the Upper Guinea forest endemic Sharpe’s Apalis which was easily observed, Little Grey Flycatcher, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, a fine male Johanna’s Sunbird, Black-winged Oriole and Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch.

We had lunch at the restaurant of the park and at the hottest time of the day we visited a nearby track through some scrubby habitat. During one hour we saw at least 2 Black Bee-eaters, Palm Swamp Bulbul, Pygmy Kingfisher, Copper Sunbird and a flock of Black & White Mannikins.

In the afternoon we birded the trails from 14.30 – 16.30 pm. This was not very rewarding. Olive Green Camaroptera gave nice views and a Western Forest Robin gave brief views for some. Not a sniff of Rufous-sided Broadbill.

From 16.30 – 18.00 pm we birded from the canopy walk again, mainly on platform 3. Of course, we were hoping for the big Hornbills to arrive but we had to be satisfied with Brown-cheeked Hornbill. Interesting birds seen from the platform were Hairy-breasted Barbet, White-headed Wood-hoopoe and a pair of Sabine’s Puffback. Initially we had planned to stay around the canopy walk until dusk to try for Brown Nightjar and Fraser’s Eagle Owl but David told us that, according to new park regulations, it was prohibited to stay inside the park after 18.00 pm. Of course this was disappointing news but we had no choice then to return to our hotel.

Thursday March 10

Again on the canopy walk from 6.30 – 10.00 am. I spent some time below the canopy walk looking for a displaying Rufous-sided Broadbill. Though I came very close the bird never showed itself. On the canopy walk we met Callan Cohen of African Birding. Together with him we spent a very rewarding time on the Canopy walk and Callan even saw some lifers during this period. Quickly and enthusiastic he pointed out birds and calls and to me it was obvious why he is such a good bird guide.

Again we saw a nice selection of species and best species include Grey Parrot, Rosy Bee-eater, Brown-cheeked Hornbill, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Fire-bellied Woodpecker, Fanti Saw-wing, Icterine Greenbul, White-throated Greenbul, scope views of the tiny Lemon-bellied Crombec, Grey Longbill, Green Hylia, Sharpe’s Apalis, Ussher’s Flycatcher, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, at least 2 Tit-hylias, Little Green Sunbird, a single Tiny Sunbird, Red-billed Helmet-Shrike, two fly-by  2 Chestnut-winged Starlings and a single Preuss’s Weaver.  At one time 2 large Black Hornbills were spotted above the ridge, flying towards us. They perched briefly and we could identify them as Yellow-casqued Hornbills, the rarer one of the 2 large black hornbills.

We returned to Hans Botel to have a very late breakfast and returned to Kakum to walk a different trail. This small trail was absolutely devoid of birds and the best species was a Grey-headed Bristlebill which briefly showed on the main trail out of the park.

The last hour of the day was spent at a water treatment plant which is supposedly also a stake-out for Finfoot. In the evening we heard from the Belgians that they had a singing White-browed Forest Flycatcher nearby this site.

Friday March 11

We left at 5.00 am in the morning to arrive at Antikwaa village at dawn. Though the habitat is rather degraded, the area was alive with birds. We stayed in the area from 6.00 – 10.30 am. and birded mainly for about 2 km along a wide track which finally peters out in the bush.

We observed a couple of Black Sparrowhawks. Piping Hornbill was quite commonly encountered during the first hour of our walk. Both Grey Parrot and Red-fronted Parrot were seen and besides Cassin’s Spinetail we observed at least 2 Black Spinetails. A single Little Bee-eater turned out to be the only one of the trip. Rosy Bee-eater was also not uncommon and gave nice flight views. We identified at least 1 Bristle-nosed Barbet, a species which had eluded us strangely enough up to now.

In the scrub besides the track we observed a single Honeyguide Greenbul and a few Swamp Palm Greenbuls. Several times we heard Kemp’s Longbill and though we came close we never saw one. But while waiting for the Longbill to show, unexpectedly a Red-cheeked Wattle-eye popped up and gave astonishing views. We also observed several Dusky Blue Flycatchers and a pair of Shrike-Flycatchers but not the West African Batis, the Belgians had seen the day before. Several Tit-Hylias were also observed and Blue-billed Malimbes were common.

After this birding session we continued along the road to a bridge over the Praa river. If was soaring hot by the time we arrived but we quickly found our target species, a couple of absolutely gorgeous White-throated Blue Swallows and a few Rock Pratincoles. We returned to Hans Botel to have a late breakfast and a short stop produced a flock of Preuss’s Cliff Swallows, which gave good and close views. We packed our stuff and left for the drive to Axim Beach (near Ankasa).

First we made a short stop to try to locate the White-browed Forest Flycatcher but to no avail. Late afternoon we arrived at Axim Beach hotel, which is beautifully situated on the coast.

Saturday March 12

It took more than one hour to get to the entrance of Ankasa NP. We arrived at 6.30 in the forest. David told me that it was another18 km to the HQ area (Nkwanta Camp) on a very bad road. Fortunately that did not turn out to be the case, otherwise we would have had to leave earlier in the morning to arrive at Ankasa in prime birding time. It is actually about 8 km.

We continued along the track until we reached a spot where our minibus was unable to get through. At that time we did not know how far it was to the Nkwanta Camp. Fortunately it was only another 2 km through excellent habitat to get to Nkwanta camp. Some large black birds crossing the track in front of us were most likely Crested Guineafowl. We all had excellent views of a very responsive Western Forest Robin and finally also satisfying views of several Yellow-billed Turacos. Just before the camp we ran into a nice flock which we studied for at least 30 minutes. Species observed in this flock were the Upper Guinea forest endemic Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Honeyguide Greenbul, Spotted Greenbul, Icterine Greenbul, Red-tailed Greenbul, Shining Drongo, Brown-eared Woodpecker and Cassin’s Honeyguide.

Other species seen were 3-4 very responsive Fraser’s Flycatchers and a single Finsch’s Flycatcher-Trush.  At the camp itself we saw several Bristle-nosed Barbet among the more common Naked-faced Barbet in some fruiting trees.

As we were eager to find the specialties at the ponds a few kilometres beyond the HQ area we continued along the main road. But all three ponds did not yield the birds we were looking for. We returned to the camp for a short siesta/lunch break. In the afternoon we checked the ponds again and at the second pond we finally found one of our target species, a pair of the very shy Hartlaub’s Duck. At the third pond we observed another pair.

Then on our way back we had our magical 30 minutes of birding. Just before the first pond I suddenly heard a Rufous-sided Broadbill call. After some playback we all had great views of a displaying bird. When we arrived at the pond itself we briefly saw a Finfoot and suddenly we spotted a small Kingfisher and sure enough a White-bellied Kingfisher gave astonishing views in the scope. When scanning for the Finfoot, Antonio and I discovered a Dwarf Bittern at the same moment, which could be studied in the scope for as long as we wanted. Very satisfied with the results of our first day at Ankasa we returned to the car. In the evening we had a nice dinner with plenty of beer.

Sunday March 13

Frans was not feeling very well this morning and decided to stay at the hotel. We drove  to the same spot as yesterday and started to bird from there. The focus this day was mainly on forest birds but as Jos had missed the finfoot we would also visit the ponds again. We slowly walked along the main trail and had great views of a flock of Great Blue Turacos. One time we heard the calls of a large Hornbill species. I played the call of Black-casqued Hornbill and sure enough a pair of this most wanted species flew in and showed in full view in the scope. Mission accomplished: all possible Hornbill species seen.

We checked the ponds again and this time Jos succeeded in briefly observing a Finfoot. We also saw  Hartlaub’s Duck, Dwarf Bittern and White-bellied Kingfishe again. A perched adult Cassin’s Hawk Eagle also gave  nice views in the scope and so did a couple of Black Bee-eaters. On our way back we finally bumped into a nice flock and in this flock I heard the calls of Western-bearded Greenbulls. After some playback the bird came in but only Antonio was lucky enough to have brief but good views. Also finally a perched Shining Drongo was seen.

At 12.00 we arrived back at the car.bnI would surely have liked to have spent another full morning along this track in Ankasa. We drove back to Axim Beach and spent the afternoon at our cottage. In the early evening we had good views of Long-tailed Nightjar.

Monday March 14

Our last day in Ghana. We would travel back to Accra and on our way back we would make some stops. In retrospect I would have opted to travel back to Hans Botel in the afternoon of March 13th  and  spend another full morning at a forest site (Aboabo Road or Kakum) on the 14th and then drive straight back to the airport.

We birded some scrub and dry savannah along the Brenu road from 9.00 – 10.30 am. We saw some common birds but we should have been there earlier as bird activity was already diminishing. Some species seen include African Hobby, Shikra, Yellow-crowned Gonolek, Tropical Boubou, Red-winged Warbler, Short-winged Cisticola and Yellow-mantled Widowbird. We also made a short stop at a lily pond. After a lunch along the road we briefly visited the Wineba Plains which did not add much to our list but we did see our only Piapiac and a small flock of Bar-breasted Firefinch.

Our last stop was at Muny lagoon. This was actually a nice coastal site and we would have loved to have spent a couple of hours more at this site but we only had 30 minutes. Antonio discovered a Terek Sandpiper which is a vagrant in Ghana. As David did not want to take any chances to get stuck, in the sometimes terrible traffic jams in the Accra area, he insisted on moving on. We drove to the office of the Ghana Wildlife Society in Accra where we had a shower and changed clothes for our flight back home.

We then drove to the airport and after an uneventful flight (departure at 22.00 pm), we arrived at Schiphol airport in the early morning of March 15

Tuesday March 15

We arrived at 5.00 am at Schiphol airport, Amsterdam. At 7.00 am we took the train and before 9.00 am we were at home. After a quick shower I went to work at 11.00 am.

Henk Hendriks
Geldrop March 2011
hhendriks@onsmail.nl

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF OBSERVATIONS GHANA March 2011

* Species with an asterix are Upper Guinea Forest Endemics.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
During a roadside stop on our way back to Accra on 14-03 we counted 8 on a lake.

Long-tailed Cormorant Phakacrocorax africanus
At least 3 birds present at Hans Botel.
On 14-03 common on lake on our way back to Accra.

Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus minutes
On 12 and 13-03 great views of an adult bird at the first pond, Ankasa
One of the highlights of the trip

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
On 10-03 1 at Hans Botel.
On 14-03 10+ at a lake on our way back to Accra.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Observed

Striated(Green-backed) Heron Bitorides striata
At least 2 present at Hans Botel Cottage.
Single present at the ponds in Ankasa.
On 14-03 5 at a lake on our way back to Accra

Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis
On 13-03 1 ex. at Axim Beach.
On 14-03 4 exx at a lake on our way back to Accra

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Single birds at Hans Botel Cottage.
On 14-03 2 exx at a lake on our way back to Accra.

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
On 14-03 2 exx identiefeid at a lake on our way back to Accra.

Great Egret Egretta alba
Single birds at hans Bottel Cottage.
On 14-03 4 exx at a lake on our way back to Accra.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
On 14-03 a single bird flew over at the Brennau Road.

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata
On 10-03 60+ at a site (Water Works) near Hans Botel Cottage

Hartlaub’s Duck Pteronetta hartlaubii
On 12-03 3 exx and on 13-03 2 exx. at the ponds, Ankasa
Great views of this scarce and shy duck.
This species is considered “Near Threatened” by Birdlife’s Threatened Birds of the World.

African Cuckoo Hawk Aviceda cuculoides
On 6-03 good views of a perched bird in the scope, lower Atewa.

European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
Single birds seen at Atewa and on 2 dates at Kaukm NP.

Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius
Common

Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
On 9-03 a total of 5 exx seen from the Canopy walk, Kakum NP.

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus
Observed

African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus
A total of 12 exx observed on 8 dates. observed Atewa, Bobiri, Kakum and Ankasa.

Red-chested Goshawk Accipiter toussenelii
On 8-03 heard along Aboabo Rd,

Shikra Accipiter badius
Sightings at Kakum, near Hans Botel Cottage on 11-03
On 14-03 single birds seen Brennu Rd and on transit to Accra.

Red-thighed Sparrowhawk Accipiter erythropus
On 07-03 1 ex. at Bobiri.

Black Sparrowhawk (Goshawk) Accipiter melanoleucos
On 11-03 2 + 1 ex. along the Aboabo Rd.

Long-tailed Hawk Urotriorchis macrourus
On 07-03 heard at Bobiri.
On 09-03 1 ex. from the third platform, Kakum NP.
On the same day 1 bird observed inside the forest when walking a trail in Kakum NP.
On 10-03 heard at Kakum NP.

Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis
Single birds on 06 and 07-03 at Atewa.
A total of 3 exx on 2 dates at Kakum NP
On 11-03 a single bird at Antikwaa.
On 12-03 a single bird at Ankasa.

Cassin’s Hawk Eagle Spizaetus africanus
On 12-03 3 exx at Ankasa.
On 13-03 1 perched bird in the scope, Ankasa.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
On 05-03 1 ex between Accra and Shai Hills.

Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus
On 08-03 a single bird along the Aboabo Rd.
On 09-03 2 exx at Kakum NP.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
On 08-03 1 ex soaring above Hans Botel Cottage.

African Hobby Falco cuvierii
On 06-03 1 ex lower reaches of Atewa.
On 14-03 1 ex. Brennu Rd.

Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus
On 05-03 heard Shai Hills.

Forest Francolin Francolinus lathami
On 07-03 heard during the walk to the Picathartes site.

Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcaratus
On 05-03 heard at Shai Hills

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
On 08-03 1 ex. hans Botel Cottage.
On 12 and 13-03 heard Ankasa.
On 14-03 1 ex seen at Lilypond.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
On 14-03 4 exx Lilypond.

African Finfoot Podica senegalensis
On 12 and 13-03 1 imm./female at first pond, Ankasa.

African Jacana Actophilornis Africana
Observed at Hans Botel Cottage, on transit and Ankasa.
A total of 30 exx on 6 dates.

Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis
On 11-03 3 exx. on rocks near the bridge over the river Praa.
This is the rufous-collared race liberiae

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
On 14-03 4 exx Muny lagoon.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
On 13-03 a single bird along the beach at Axim Beach Hotel.
On 14-03 5 exx at Muny lagoon.

Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus
On 14-03 1 ex at a lagoon on our way back to Accra.

Sanderling Calidris alba
On 14-03 30+ at Muny lagoon.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
On 14-03 4 exx at Muny lagoon.

Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
On 14-03 4 exx Many lagoon.

Greenshank Tringa nebularia
On 14-03 4 exx Muny lagoon.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
On 14-03 3 exx Muny lagoon.

Terek Sandpiper Tringa cinereus
Antonio discovered this bird on 14-03 at Muny lagoon. Vagrant in Ghana!

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
On 14-03 6 exx Muny lagoon and 2 exx at another site towards Accra.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
A total of 9 exx on 5 dates in suitable habitat.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
On 14-03 2 exx at Muny lagoon.

Royal Tern Sterna maxima
Single birds flying along the coast near Axim.
On 14-03 40+ at Muny lagoon.

African Green Pigeon Treron calvus
A total of 80 on 2 dates from the Canopy Walk, Kakum. Mostly at a nearby fruiting tree.
Also small numbers at Atewa, Bobiri, Aboabo Rd and on 12-03 2 exx at Ankasa.

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
A total of 11 exx on 6 dates recorded.
On 06-03 5 exx at Atewa.
Single birds at Bobiri, Aboabo Rd, Antikwaa, Kakum and Ankasa.

Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer
On 06-03 2 exx at Atewa.
On 09-03 a single bird at Kakum.
On 11-03 a single bird at Antwikwaa.

Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta
On 06 and 07-03 heard at Bobiri.

Rock Dove Columba livia
Observed

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Single birds at Shai Hills, Atewa and Bobiri.

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Common at Shai Hills.
On 14-03 regularly observed on our way back to Accra.

Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus
On 07-03 7 exx at Bobiri.
On 10-03 2 exx Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 11-03 2 exx.Antwikwaa.

Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi
On 07-03 8 exx Bobiri.
On 08-03 5 exx.Aboabo Rd.
On 11-03 6 exx Antwikwaa.

Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus
On 05-03 2 exx Shai Hills.

Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata
On 12-03 heard at Ankasa.
On 13-03 a flock of roughly 15 birds seen at Ankasa. Some great views were had.

Green Turaco Turaco persa
On 14-03 heard at Brennu Rd.

Yellow-billed Turaco Turaco macrorhynchus
Daily heard at Kakum and Ankasa.
On 08-03 2 exx briefly seen in the Abrafo area.
On 12-03 8 exx and on 13-03 7 exx seen at Ankasa.
Finally we had very good views.

Western Grey Plantain-eater Crinifer piscator
A total of 8 exx on 4 dates.
On 05-03 4 exx Shai Hills.
Single birds on transit and Axim Beach Hotel.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
On 06-03 1 ex Atewa.

Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti
On 07-03 excellent views of a very vocal pair at Bobiri.

Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius
On 07-03 at least 2 birds seen and more heard at Bobiri.

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus
On 06-03 good views of 2 birds at Bobiri. Also heard the next day.

Olive-Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx olivinus
Regularly heard at Bobiri. At least 3 birds seen also. Mostly in flight but also briefly perched. A very difficult species to obtain good views of.

Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
On 06-03 heard at Atewa and Bobiri.

Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
On 06-03 a female at Bobiri.
On 08-03 a male at Aboabo Rd.
On 09-03 a male at Kakum NP.

Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
On 07-03 6 exx seen at Bobiri.

Yellowbill Ceuthmochares aereus
On 05-03 3 exx at Atewa.
On 07-03 3 exx at Bobiri.
A total of 3 exx on 2 dates from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 13-03 1 ex at Ankasa.

Black-throated Coucal Centropus leucogaster
On 07-03 Jos and I were lucky enough to see one, flushed from the trail in Bobiri.
On 08-03 heard along the Aboabo Rd.

Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus
On 06-03 heard at Atewa.

Senegal Cuckoo Centropus senegalensis
Heard on 4 dates. Mostly in open, scrubby habitat.
On 08-03 1 ex. seen at Abrafo.
On 14-03 1 ex. Brennu Rd.

Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus
On 12-03 1 ex. flushed in the car headlights when returning to Axim Beach Hotel.
On 13-03 a male taped in, which gave good views.

Sabine’s Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini
On 09 and 10-03 3-4 exx. Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 11-03 4 exx.Antwikwaa.

Black Spinetail Telacanthura melanopygia
On 11-03 2 exx Antwikwaa.

Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri
On 05-03 3 exx. on transit.
On 08-03 2 exx Aboabo Rd.

Cassin’s Spinetail Neafrapus cassini
On 08-03 2 exx. Aboabo Rd.
On 09-03 2 exx. Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 11-03 2 exx Antwikwaa.

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus
On 07-03 2 exx near Bobiri.
On 11-03 4 exx Antwikwaa.

Common Swift Apus apus
Observed on 8 dates.

Bates’s Swift Apus batesi
On 09-03 1 ex from the Canopy Walk.
The bird flew with a Common Swift and could nicely be compared.

Little Swift Apus affinis
Mostly seen near human habitation.

Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia
On 09-03 twice seen from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica
Heard and 1 seen at Atewa on 06-03.
On 07-03 heard at Atewa.
On 11-03 2 exx at Antwikwaa.
On 12 and 13-03 2 exx at Ankasa.

Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis
A total of 19 exx on 6 dates.

Pygmy Kingfisher Alcedo pictus
On 06-03 1 ex at Bobiri.
On 09-03 2 exx. at scrub near Abrafo.
On 11-03 1 ex Antwikwaa.

White-bellied Kingfisher Alcedo leucogaster
On 12 and 13-03 a single bird gave great views at the first pond, Ankasa.
This was my last kingfisher species of mainland Africa.

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
Up to 2 exx present at Hans Botel cottage.
On 14-03 1 ex at Lily Pond.

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
1 bird was present at hans Botel Cottage.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Up to 2 exx present at Hans Botel Cottage.
On 14-03 4 exx at a lagoon on our way back to Accra.

Blue-headed Bee-eater Merops muelleri
On 06-03 a single bird gave great views when descending from the Atewa Ridge.
One of the highlights of the trip.

Black Bee-eater Merops gullaris
On 09-03 1 pair observed in scrubby habitat near Abrafo.
On 13-03 1 pair at Ankasa.

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
On 11-03 a single bird Antwikwaa.

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
On 05-03 a single bird at Shai Hills.

White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis
Common. Recorded on 8 dates. Up to 40 were seen at Atewa.

Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus
A total of 8 exx on 2 dates were seen from the Canopy Walk, Kakum.
On 11-03 25+ were recorded Antwikwaa.

Rufous-crowned Roller Caracias naevius
On 05-03 a single bird at Shai Hills.

Blue-bellied Roller Coracias cyanogaster
On 05-03 3 exx at Shai Hills.
On 07-03 1 ex. along the road near the Picathartes site.

Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis
On 06 and 07-03 2 exx Bobiri.
On 08-03 3 exx Aboabo Rd.
Daily up to 4 exx at Ankasa.

White-headed Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei
On 09-03 2 exx from the Canopy Walk, Kakum.

White-crested Hornbill Tropicanus albocristatus
On 05-03 1 ex. perched low at Atewa.
On 10-03 1 ex. from the Canopy Walk, Kakum.

Black Dwarf Hornbill Tockus hartlaubi
On 07-03 astonishing views of 1 bird at Bobiri.

Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Tockus camurus
In the late afternoon of 06-03 I taped a very responsive bird in at Bobiri.

African Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus
Common.

African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
Common Shai Hills.
On 14-03 2 exx observed along Brenu Rd.

Piping Hornbill Bycanistes fistulator
On 11-03 10+ Antwikwaa.
On 12-03 4 exx. Ankasa.

Brown-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes cylindricus
On 08-03 1 ex. along the Aboabo Rd.
A total of 7 exx on 2 dates from the Canopy Walk, Kakum.

Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata
On 13-03 great views of a pair at Ankasa.

Yellow-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna elata
On 10-03 2 exx. observed from the Canopy Walk, Kakum.
This species is considered “Near Threatened” by Threatened Birds of the World.

Bristle-nosed Barbet Gymnobucco peli
We initially struggled to find this species.
A total of 5 exx on 3 dates identified at Ankasa.

Naked-faced Barbet Gymnobucco calvus
On 06-03 10+ at Atewa.
On 08-03 10+ along the Aboabo Rd.
Small numbers from the Canopy Walk, Kakum.
A total of 11 exx on 3 dates at Ankasa.

Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus
On 07-03 1 ex.Bobiri.
On 09 and 10-03 1 ex. Kakum NP.
On 11-02 2 exx. Antwikwaa.
A total of 3 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus
On 06-03 2 exx Atewa.
A total of 3 exx on 2 dates at Kakum NP.
On 12-03 1 ex Ankasa.

Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus
On 10-03 heard at Kakum NP.

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus
On 06-03 3 exx Atewa.
On 09-03 a single bird at Kakum NP.
On 11-03 2 exx at Antwikwaa.

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus
On 05-03 2 exx at Shai Hills.

Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui
Single birds on 10-03 from the Canopy Walk and on 13-03 at Ankasa.

Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta
Single birds on 09-03 from the Canopy Walk, on 11-03 at Antwikwaa and
on 13-03 at Ankasa.
Note: this form is sometimes split from the eastern form. Would then be an Upper Guinea Forest Endemic.

Vieillot’s Barbet Lybius vieilloti
On 05-03 1 ex Shai Hills and on 06-03 1 ex at Atewa.

Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus
On 05-03 3 exx at Shai Hills.

Yellow-billed Barbet Trachylaemus purpuratus
On 08-03 heard along the Aboabo Rd.

Cassin’s Honeybird Prodotiscus insignis
On 12-03 great views of a bird in a mixed flock at Ankasa.

Thick-billed Honeyguide Indicator indicator
On 09-03 2 exx from the Canopy walk, Kakum NP.

Willcock’s Honeyguide Indicator willcocksi
On 10-03 1 ex from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

* Little Green Woodpecker Campethera maculosa
On 08-03 a female along the Aboabo Rd.
On 09-03 1 male from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa
On 06-03 1 ex. Atewa.

Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli
A total of 3 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

* Melancholy Woodpecker dendropicos lugubris
On 06-03 1 ex. Atewa.

* Fire-bellied Woodpecker Dendropicos pyrrhogaster
On 07-03 1 female at Bobiri.
On 08-03 a male along the Aboabo rd.
On 10-03 1 male from the canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Rufous-sided Broadbill Smothornis rufolateralis
On 10-03 at least 2 birds heard just below the Canopy Walk.
Despite getting close I never managed to entice the bird into view.
On 12-03 excellent views of a displaying male near pond 1, Ankasa.
Also heard on 13-03 at Ankasa.

Square-tailed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne nitens
On 09-03 1 ex from the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.
A total of 12 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

* Fanti Saw-wing Psalidoprocne obscura
On 09-03 1 ex and on 10-03 2 exx from the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.

Lesser-striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica
Observed in small numbers on 3 dates.

Preuss’s Cliff Swallow Hirundo preussi
On 11-03 40+ at a known site near Antwikwaa

Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula
On 05-03 5 exx at Shai Hills.

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Small numbers seen on 3 dates.

White-throated Blue Swallow Hirundo nigrita
On 11-08 2 birds under the bridge over the Praa river. Fantastic looking hirundo swallow.

Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo eathiopica
Recorded on at least 3 dates. Probably overlooked.

Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida
On 08-03 4 exx from our hotel platform, where we had a late breakfast.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
A single bird was seen at a marshy area on our way back to Accra on 14-03.

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
Recorded on 4 dates, mainly around human habitations, gas stations etc.

Blue Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina azurea
A gorgeous male on 07-03 at Bobiri was our only observation.

Little Greenbul Andropadus virens
Observed on 9 dates.

Ansorge’s Greenbul Andropadus ansorgei
Up to 3 exx observed during our 2 visits to the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.

Plain (Cameroon Sombre) Greenbul Andropadus curvirostris
This species was heard at Bobiri and Ankasa

Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris
This conspicuous canopy species was observed at Atewa, Bobiri, Aboabo rd + Kakum NP.

Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris
On 09-03 heard at Kakum NP.
On 13-03 heard at Ankasa.

Golden Greenbul Calyptocichla serina
On 08-03 at least 3 exx seen in the canopy along the Aboabo Rd.

Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator
On 06-03 1 ex. Atewa.
On 11-03 1 ex. Antwikwaa.
A total of 11 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus
On 12-03 5 exx at Ankasa.

Simple Leaflove Chlorocichla simplex
On 06-03 2 exx Atewa.

Swamp Palm Bulbul Thescelocichla leucoptera
On 08-03 3 exx along the Aboabo rd.
On 09-03 2 exx in scrubby habitat near Abrafo.
On 11-03 2 exx Antwikwaa.
A total of 6 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus
On 10-03 4 exx at kakum NP.
A total of 16 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

White-throated Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigularis
On 10-03 1 ex. Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

* Grey-headed Bristlebill Bleda canicapillus
On 09-03 heard at Kakum NP.
On 10-03 1 ex observed at Kakum NP.
On 12-03 heard at Ankasa.

* Western Bearded Greenbul Criniger barbatus
On 10-03 heard at Kakum NP and poorly seen.
On 13-03 heard and Antonio had brief but good views of this difficult understory greenbul.

Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger calurus
On 06-03 3 exx Atewa.
A total of 6 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

* Yellow-bearded Greenbul Criniger olivaceus
On 12-03 good views of 2 exx in a mixed flock at Ankasa.
On 13-03 again 1 ex seen at Ankasa.
This species is considered “Vulnerable” by Threatened Birds of the World.

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
Observed on 7 dates.

Western Nicator Nicator chloris
On 06-03 heard at Atewa.
On 08-03 heard along the Aboabo Rd.
Also heard at Kakum, Antwikwaa and during both visits to Ankasa.
A great songster but no views.

Western Forest Robin Stiphornis erythrothorax
On 08-03 great views of 1 ex along the Aboabo rd.
On 09-03 heard at Kakum NP.
On 12-03 absolutely astonishing views of a very responsive bird at Ankasa.
Also heard on 13-03 at Ankasa.

Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla
On 05-03 1 ex at Shai Hills.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
On 14-03 1 ex. at Brenu Rd.

* White-tailed Alethe Alethe diademata
On 08-03 1 ex. gave several brief but good views at a forest patch near Abrafo, outside Kakum.
On 09-03 heard at Kakum NP.
On 13-03 heard and again briefly seen at Ankasa.

* Finsch’s Flycatcher-Thrush Stizorhina finschi
On 08-03 heard and seen along the Aboabo rd.
On 09-03 1 ex seen Canopy walk, Kakum NP.
On 10-03 heard at Kakum NP.
A total of 3 exx seen on 2 dates at Ankasa.

White-crowned Cliff Chat Myrmecocichla coronata
On 05-03 great views of a pair at the bat cave, Shai Hills.

African Thrush Turdus pelios
On 05-03 1 ex at Shai Hills.
On 06-03 3 exx at Atewa.

African Moustached Warbler Melocichla mentalis
On 06-03 during a quick road stop at a marshy area along the road we had fine views of a taped out bird.

Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops
On 06-03 several heard at Atewa.

Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans
On 05-03 heard and at least 3 exx seen at Shai Hills.

Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis
On 05-03 heard and at least 4 exx seen at Shai Hills.

Short-winged Cisticola Cisticola brachypterus
On 14-03 1 bird taped out along the Brenu Rd.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
On 05-03 heard near Shai Hills.

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
On 05-03 2 exx at Shai Hills.
On 11-03 1 ex at Antwikwaa.

Red-winged Warbler Heliolais erythroptera
On 14-03 1 pair seen very well along the Brenu rd. very responsive.
* Sharpe’s Apalis Apalis sharpie
This species was easily seen from the Canopy walk in Kakum NP.
A total of 6 exx on 2 dates .
On 12-03 2 exx at Ankasa.

Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata
On 05-03 5 exx at Shai Hills.
On 11-03 3 exx at Antwikwaa.

Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris
On 07-03 6/7 exx at Bobiri.
On 10-03 1 ex Kakum NP.
On 11-03 1 ex Antwikwaa.

Olive-green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota
Single birds seen on 2 dates from the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.

Kemp’s Longbill Macrosphenus kempi
On 08-03 heard along the Aboabo Rd.
On 11-03 heard twice at Antwikwaa but no views unfortunately

Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor
On 07-03 seen twice at Bobiri.
On 10-03 1 ex from the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.

Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla
On 05-03 1 ex at Shai Hills.

Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps
On 09-03 3 exx from the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.

Green Crombec Sylvietta virens
On 06-03 1 ex Atewa.
On 08-03 2 exx along the Aboabo rd.
On 10-03 1 ex. Canopy walk, Kakum NP.

Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti
On 10-03 great views of 1 ex. from the Canopy Walkway, Kakum NP.

Oriole Warbler Hypergerus atriceps
On 05-03 heard and briefly seen near the bat cave, Shai Hills.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Single birds recorded at Atewa, Kakum and Ankasa.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
On 14-03 2 exx at a marshy area, Wineba Plains.

Violet-backed Hyliota Hyliota violacea
On 08-03 great views of a pair along the Aboabo Rd.

Green Hylia Hylia prasina
Single birds seen at Bobiri, Picathartes site, Aboabo rd, Canopy Walk and Ankasa.

Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata
On 12-03 3-4 exx at Ankasa.

Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides
On 05-03 2 exx at Shai Hills.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
On 05-03 1 ex at Shai Hills.

Little Grey Flycatcher Muscicapa epulata
Single birds seen along the Aboabo Rd and on 09-03 from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Dusky-blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata
On 11-03 3 exx at Antikwaa.

* Ussher’s Flycatcher Muscicapa ussheri
On 07-03 2 exx. at Bobiri.
On 08-03 2 exx along the Aboabo Rd.
On 09 and 10-03 3 exx from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 12-03 2 exx at Ankasa.

Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii
On 10-03 2 exx from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus nitens
On 07-03 heard at Bobiri.

Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer
Single birds seen at Atewa, Bobiri, Aboabo, Kakum NP and Ankasa.

Shrike Flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus
On 11-03 1 pair at Antwikwaa.

Black & White Flycatcher Bias musicus
On 07-03 1 pair at Bobiri.

Chestnut Wattle-eye Dyaphorophyia castanea
On 07-03 1 ex. at Bobiri.
On 08-03 2 exx. Aboabo rd and 3 exx. at Abrafo.
On 09-03 2 exx Canopy walk, Kakum NP.
A total of 10 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa. On 13-03 a flock of 8.

* Red-cheeked Wattle-eye Dyaphorophyia blissetti
On 11-03 fantastic views of 1 ex at Antwikwaa. One of the highlights of the trip.

Common (Brown-throated) Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea
Heard at Shai Hills.

* Yellow-headed (White-necked) Picathartes Picathartes gymnocephalus
On 07-03 at least 4 exx seen at a known site.

THE highlight of our trip.

Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens
On 08-03 heard along the Aboabo Rd.
On 11-03 heard at Antwikwaa

Blackcap Illadopsis Illadopsis cleaveri
On 13-03 heard at Ankasa.

Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii
On 05-03 heard and 1 ex seen at Shai Hills.

White-winged Black Tit  Parus leucomelas
On 05-03 2 exx Shai Hills.

Tit-Hylia Pholidornis rushiae
On 10-03 2 exx from the Canopy walk, Kakum NP.
On 11-03 3 exx at Antwikwaa.

Green Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris
On 08-03 nice views of a male along the Aboabo rd.

Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi
Single birds seen at Bobiri, Kakum, Antwikwaa and Ankasa.

Fraser’s Sunbird Deleornis fraseri
On 07-03 1 ex at the Picathartes site.
A total of 4 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema
On 09-03 1 male from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 13-03 1 male at Ankasa.

Western Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra obscura
On 10-03 a single bird at Kakum NP.
A total of 10 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa.

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris
Observed on 6 dates.

Olive-bellied Sunbird Cynnyris chloropygius
A total of 4 exx on 2 dates at Atewa.
A total of 5 exx on 2 dates at Bobiri.
On 11-03 1 ex at Antwikwaa.
On 12-03 2 exx at Ankasa.

Tiny Sunbird Cinnyris minullus
On 10-03 1 ex from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Johanna’s Sunbird Cinnyris johannae
On 06-03 1 female at Atewa.
On 09-03 a male from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 13-03 a female at Ankasa.

Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigaster
On 05-03 1 ex at our hotel garden in Accra.
On 06-03 3 exx. Atewa.
On 14-03 1 ex. Brenu Rd.

Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus
On 09-03 1 male in scrubby habitat near Abrafo.
On 14-03 1 male at Brenu Rd.

African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis
On 09-03 2 exx near Abrafo.

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris
Observed on 7 dates, mostly on transit.

Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvine
On 05-03 10+ at Shai Hills.
Single birds on 3 dates on transit.

Sulphur-breasted Bush-Shrike Malaconotus sulfureopectus
On 14-03 1 ex heard at Brenu Rd.

Marsh Tchagra Antichromus minutes
On 06-03 1 pair and another single bird observed at Atewa.
On 14-03 1 ex at Brenu Rd.

Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus
On 05-03 1 ex Shai Hills.

Sabine’s Puffback Dryoscopus sabini
On 07-03 1 male at Bobiri.
On 09-03 1 pair from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis
On 05-03 4 exx Shai Hills.

Tropical Boubou Laniarus major
On 14-03 1 ex at Brenu rd.

Yellow-crowned Gonolek Laniarus barbarus
On 14-03 twice a single bird at Brenu rd.

* Red-billed Helmet-Shrike Prionops caniceps
On 06-03 a flock of 7 exx at Bobiri.
On 07-03 heard at Bobiri.
On 10-03 3 exx from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 2 dates heard at Ankasa.

Black-winged Oriole Oriolus nigripennis
Observed at Bobiri, Kakum and Antwikwaa.
A total of 13 exx on 4 dates.

Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus brachyrhynchus
On 07-03 4 exx at Bobiri.
On 10-03 2 exx from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
Single birds on 2 dates at Ankasa.

Shining Drongo Dicrurus atripennis
On 12-03 twice seen in flight Ankasa.
On 13-03 nice views of a perched bird in a mixed flock.

Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
On 05-03 2 exx at Shai Hills.

Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus coracinus
Observed on 5 dates. At Atewa, Bobiri, Aboabo rd and Kakum NP.

Pied Crow Corvus albus
Daily observed

Piapiac Ptilostomus afer
On 14-03 1 ex at Wineba plains.

Chestnut-winged Starling Onychognathus hartlaubii
On 10-03 2 exx from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

* Copper-tailed Starling Lamprotornis cupreocauda
On 06-03 3 exx at Bobiri. Upper Guinea Forest Endemic

Purple Starling Lamprotornis purpureus
On 05-03 10+ at Shai Hills.

Splendid Starling Lamprotornis splendidus
On 06-03 a few at Atewa.
On 08-03 4 exx along the Aboabo Rd.
On 12-03 a few at the edge of Ankasa.

Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus
Common near habitation.

Red-vented Malimbe Malimbus scutatus
On 06-03 1 ex at Atewa.

Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus
On 06-03 3 exx and on 07-03 1 ex at Bobiri.
On 09-03 1 ex Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.
On 13-03 1 ex at Ankasa.

Blue-billed Malimbe Malimbus nitens
On 10-03 1 ex at Kakum NP.
On 11-03 4 exx Antwikwaa
A total of 5 exx on 2 dates at Ankasa. ( at the edge of the ponds)

Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis
On 06-03 3 exx Atewa.
On 08-03 4 exx Aboabo Rd.
A total of 16 exx on 2 dates from the Canopy Walk, Kakum NP.

Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis
On 06-03 1 ex Atewa.
On 11-03 2 exx Antwikwaa.

Orange Weaver Ploceus aurantius
At least 2 birds were present in the weaver colony at hans Botel Cottage.

Heuglin’s Masked Weaver Ploceus heuglini
On 05-03 1 pair at Shai Hills.

Vieillot’s Black Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus
On 06-03 5 exx at Atewa.
Up to 20 exx in the colony at Hans Botel Cottage.
On 14-03 1 ex Wineba Plains.

Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
Common

Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolour
On 06-03 3 exx Atewa.
On 07-03 4 exx Bobiri.
On 08-03 6 exx Aboabo Rd.
Daily up to 8 exx from the Canopy walk, Kakum NP.

Maxwell’s Black Weaver Ploceus albinucha
On 06-03 1 ex. Atewa.
On 07-03 1 ex. Bobiri.

Preuss’s Weaver Ploceus preussi
On 08-03 5 exx along the Aboabo Rd.
On 10-03 1 ex. from the Canopy walk, Kakum NP.

Compact Weaver Pachyphantes superciliosus
On 06-03 10+ at Atewa

Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus
On 12-03 1 ex. at Ankasa.

Yellow-mantles Widowbird Euplectes macroura
On 14-03 2 exx along the Brenu rd.

Grey-crowned Negrofinch Nigrita canicapillus
On 06-03 3 exx at Atewa.
On 08-03 1 ex. along the Aboabo Rd.
On 10-03 heard at Kakum NP.

Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita bicolour
A total of 15 exx recorded on 7 dates.
Atewa, Bobiri, Kakum, Antwikwaa and Ankasa.

Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda
On 06-03 10+ at Atewa.
On 11-03 10+ Antwikwaa.

Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta
On 06-03 1 male at Atewa.
On 14-03 10+ Wineba Plains.

Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullatus
Recorded on 5 dates.

Black & White Manikkin Spermestes bicolour
On 06-03 40+ at Atewa.
On 09-03 20+ near Abrafo

Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
On 06-03 1 ex at Atewa.
Up to 4 exx present around our hotel at Axim Beach.

272 species recorded