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List of All Birds Seen in Namibia and South Africa,

The following systematic list details all records of the 527 species seen during the ten weeks of my trip. Names used are generally those that can be found in the Sasol field guide, though where another name is in widespread use it is also given. For ease of reading, the records are broken down into those from Namibia and those from South Africa. Furthermore, in some cases, for species very common or widespread, a summary of total records is given, rather than listing every last bird.

Ostrich
Namibia. Most numerous at Etosha, where up to 50 were seen daily, particularly north of Okaukuejo and on the Andoni Plains. Elsewhere, fairly common at Sossusvlei and in the Namib Desert between Solitaire and Walvis Bay (a minimum of 30 birds), plus at least 12 at Spitskoppe and scattered birds in the desert areas between Keetmanshoop and Luderitz.
South Africa. Records not thought to relate to feral birds included three north of Vanrhynsdorp, about six at Cape Point, a minimum of 40 in the West Coast N.P. and abundant birds in De Hoop N.P. Elsewhere, for example in the Overburg, feral birds were frequently encountered.

 Jackass Penguin
Namibia. At Luderitz, the colony on Halifax Island, easily viewed from Halifax Point, numbered a minimum of 700 birds.
South Africa. Easily seen at the breeding colonies - approximate numbers being 100 at Lambert's Bay and over 2000 at Boulders Beach, Simon's Town. In addition, 18 birds were seen out to sea on the pelagic trip.

Little Grebe
Namibia. Common where water exists, especially in Caprivi. Best numbers were at Rundu sewage farm (40+) and Katima Mamila sewage farm (c.30), as well as 20 at Daan Viljoen N.P. and 14 at the mouth of the Swakop River. Smaller numbers were also at Avis Dam, in the Ngepi area and at various Etosha waterholes.
South Africa. Only records were three at Lambert's Bay and several breeding pairs at Paarl.

Great Crested Grebe
Namibia. Only recorded on the mid-December visit to the coast, when six were seen at Swakopmund saltpans and five in Walvis Bay.
South Africa. The scattering on birds included four at Lambert's Bay, two at Eland's Bay and singles at Kommetjie and Paarl.

Black-necked Grebe
Namibia. Incredible numbers on the coast - several hundred were in Walvis Bay on 23rd October and approximately 2800 were counted at Swakopmund saltpans on 12th December (this latter date, however, seeing only two at Walvis Bay). In addition, eight were in Radford Bay, Luderitz.
South Africa. Other than 150 at Lambert's Bay, the only birds were eight at each Veldriff and De Hoop.

Wandering Albatross
South Africa. Some three to four hours out to sea, close to the continental shelf, a single Wandering Albatross was the star of the pelagic trip off Cape Town. In the wake of a fishing trawler and approaching to within metres, it dwarfed all other birds and gave excellent views as it made several close-range appearances.

Shy Albatross
South Africa. The most abundant of the albatrosses on the pelagic trip, with a total of about 100 seen (most behind the fishing boat).

Black-browed Albatross
South Africa. In offshore waters and around the fishing boat, this was the second-most common of the albatrosses on the pelagic trip. In total, about 20-30 birds, mostly adults, were seen.

Indian Ocean Yellow-nosed Albatross
South Africa. With 'Yellow-nosed Albatross' now divided into two species (Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean), it is necessary to see an adult to positively separate the two. Fortunately, in addition to two immatures on the journey out, the pelagic trip was rewarded with fine views of an adult at the fishing boat.

Southern Giant Petrel
South Africa. A total of about 20 were seen on the pelagic trip (about five behind the trawler and the rest at sea on route to or from the continental shelf).

Northern Giant Petrel
South Africa. On the pelagic trip, a single bird was seen and photographed shortly after leaving the trawler. However, with giant petrel identification hinging on the diagnostic bill pattern, it was the case many birds remained too distant for this to be discerned. Thus, in addition to those positively identified on the pelagic trip, several more were also seen, but left to indeterminable status. 

Pintado Petrel
South Africa. One of my target species, about 15 were seen on the sea trip, the majority scavenging behind the fishing boat.

Great-winged Petrel
South Africa. Occurring in larger numbers than expected, about 25 were seen on the pelagic trip. This species rarely follows fishing boats and thus all the birds were singles or pairs encountered on the journey out towards the continental shelf.

White-chinned Petrel
Namibia. From Cape Cross to Luderitz, small numbers were seen at all coastal sites (though the best numbers were at Walvis Bay). Mostly, birds were close inshore and involved in steady southward passage.
South Africa. Only seen on the pelagic trip. White-chinned Petrels were the most common species offshore, occurring in their hundreds both on the journey and around the fishing trawler.

Great Shearwater
South Africa. About ten were seen on the pelagic trip, though none followed the trawler.

Flesh-footed Shearwater
South Africa. Poorly seen, a single bird made a brief appearance at the fishing trawler on the pelagic trip. It then disappeared into the mass of other seabirds and was not relocated.

Sooty Shearwater
South Africa. Common on the pelagic trip. A minimum of 45 were seen, including a flock not far off the Cape of Good Hope.

Manx Shearwater
South Africa. Not a common bird in Cape waters, five seen on the pelagic trip were the only record.

Wilson's Storm Petrel
South Africa. In much lower numbers than expected, only about 15 were seen on the pelagic trip, most of these around the fishing trawler.

White Pelican
Namibia. A common bird of the Namibian coast. Flocks of up to 50 were frequently seen at both Walvis Bay and Swakopmund saltpans, as well as flying between the two. A breeding colony exists on the guano platform north of Walvis Bay.
South Africa. Only recorded on the west coast, where about 70 were at Eland's Bay and 15 at Veldriff.

CapeGannet
Namibia. Commonly seen from any of the coastal sites from Cape Cross to Luderitz.
South Africa. The 23,000 pairs of Cape Gannets packed onto Bird Island at Lambert's Bay was an amazing spectacle, one of the highlights of my trip to the West Coast. A specially constructed hide puts you right into the heart of the colony without any disturbance. In addition, the species is abundant around the Cape of Good Hope and was frequently encountered on the pelagic trip, especially in inshore waters.

White-breasted Cormorant
Namibia. The most widespread of the cormorants. In addition to the many birds at the coast, including about 45 pairs at Walvis Bay oyster farm and several hundred breeding on the guano platforms at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund saltpans, the species was also encountered inland. In the Windhoek area, up to 35 were regular at the sewage farm, three at Avis Dam and eight at Daan Viljoen, whilst in the south, four were seen on the Orange River.
South Africa. As well as the many breeding pairs on the cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope and about 30 pairs at Lambert's Bay, the mixed colony of birds at Paarl also included a few pairs of White-breasted Cormorants. In addition, about 30 non-breeders were also seen at Veldriff, several at Eland's Bay and 15 at Clanwilliam.

Bank Cormorant
Namibia. Recorded at Luderitz, where a minimum of six were at Diaz Point.
South Africa. On the Cape Peninsula, at least 15 were seen at Kommetjie and a single off Simon's Town.

CapeCormorant
Namibia. Abundant at the coast. Several thousand pairs were noted breeding on the guano platforms at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund saltpans and numerous pairs also on Halifax Island, Luderitz.
South Africa. About 2500 pairs bred on Bird Island, Lambert's Bay and countless more on the cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope. Additional to these, flocks of up to 150 were seen at other coastal sites, such as Veldriff.

Reed Cormorant
Namibia. Common on the rivers and wetlands of the Caprivi, with the best counts being 20 at Rundu sewage farm, at least 40 on the Zambezi at Katima Mamila and a similar number on the Okavango at Ngepi. Away from Caprivi, records were limited to eight at Daan Viljoen and up to 12 at Windhoek sewage farm.
South Africa. Many pairs were found breeding at Paarl and smaller numbers were seen at Clanwilliam (20+), Jakkalsvlei (4) and Eland's Bay (about 30).

Crowned Cormorant
Namibia. Three birds were on the beach near the Walvis Bay guano platform in October, while the trip to Luderitz produced two at Diaz Point and three at Halifax Point.
South Africa. Around the Cape Peninsula, five were at Kommetjie and a single at Boulders Beach, Simon's Town. On the West Coast, the colony at Lambert's Bay held 30-40 pairs and these were easily seen, the birds even nesting on boats in the harbour.

Darter (Anhinga)
Namibia. Widespread, with singles or pairs at Windhoek sewage farm, Daan Viljoen, the Orange River, Ruacana Falls and Popa Falls, and three at both Rundu and Ngepi.
South Africa. In addition to pairs at Ceres and Clanwilliam, 15 were seen at Eland's Bay and several breeding pairs at Paarl.      

Goliath Heron
Namibia. The only birds seen were two on the Cunene River at Ruacana Falls.

Purple Heron
Namibia. Only recorded on the Okavango River, where a single was at Popa Falls and up to three daily at Ngepi.
South Africa. A minimum of eight were seen in the reeds of Eland's Bay.               

Grey Heron
Namibia. The Windhoek area was particularly good for this species, with up to 20 at the sewage farm, six at Avis Dam and three at Daan Viljoen. Elsewhere, five were seen at Walvis Bay on both visits, three at Swakopmund and singles at the sewage farms at Rundu and Katima Mamila.
South Africa. At the coastal wetlands, two were recorded at Veldriff, five at Eland's Bay and 15 at De Hoop.

Black-headed Heron
Namibia. As well as singles at Rietfontein and Namutoni waterholes in Etosha, two were at the Orange River and up to six per visit at the Windhoek sewage farm.
South Africa. At Paarl, the large heronry contained at least two pairs of Black-headed Heron. Other than these, the only records were singles at Eland's Bay, Cape Point and De Hoop.

Yellow-billed Egret
Namibia. Only recorded at Katima Mamila, where a pair of birds were seen at the sewage farm.
South Africa. A couple of pairs nested at Paarl and two were found at Eland's Bay.            

Great White Egret
Namibia. Recorded only in the Caprivi, singles at Rundu sewage farm, in Caprivi Game Park and at Ngepi.     

Little Egret
Namibia. Other than 18 at Walvis Bay and four at Ruacana Falls, records were of widespread singles or pairs - including at Avis Dam, Swakopmund, Luderitz, the Orange River, Katima Mamila and Ngepi.
South Africa. On the west coast, about ten were at both Eland's Bay and Veldriff, while a couple of pairs were nesting at Paarl.

Cattle Egret
Namibia. With the exception of about ten resident at Windhoek sewage farm and eight at Ruacana Falls, all records were in Caprivi. Numbers were approximately 160 at Rundu, 20 at Bagani, 60 at Katima Mamila, 50 at Popa Falls and up to 150 in the Ngepi area. 
South Africa. Cattle Egrets were numerous in the farmland areas north of Cape Town, including the Clanwilliam area. In addition, numerous pairs bred at Paarl and several were seen at Eland's Bay.

Squacco Heron
Namibia. Showing preference for the sewage farms, up to eight were seen per visit at Windhoek, four at Rundu and six at Katima Mamila. Three were also seen alongside the River Kwando at Kongola.

Black Egret
Namibia. Adjacent to the Okavango River, in the wet vleis north of Ngepi, two birds were seen on 4th December and a single on the 5th.

Rufous-bellied Heron
Namibia. Another wetland species only seen in Caprivi. Three were at Rundu sewage farm, two at Katima Mamila sewage farm and two on the seasonal pools at Ngepi.

Black-crowned Night Heron
Namibia. A healthy colony of at least 35 birds was at Windhoek sewage farm, otherwise all records were from the far north, with 15 at Ruacana Falls, four at Rundu and up to 12 at Ngepi.
South Africa. Singles were seen at Eland's Bay and De Hoop and at least two pairs were breeding in the large mixed colony at Paarl.

Green-backed Heron
Namibia. Restricted to the far north of Namibia - at least ten were seen at Ruacana Falls, singles at Rundu sewage farm and Bagani, at least 14 in the Katima Mamila area and singles along the River Okavango at Popa and Ngepi.

Dwarf Bittern
Namibia. Most easily seen at Windhoek sewage farm, where one or two were flushed from a reeded stream on most visits. In addition, a single was found at Rundu sewage farm.

Little Bittern
Namibia. A single bird was seen flying over the reeds at Rundu sewage farm.
South Africa. One at Eland's Bay was the only record.

Hamerkop
Namibia. In the Windhoek area, up to three were seen at the sewage farm and a single at Avis Dam on one occasion. In the north, two were at Ruacana Falls, at least 14 in the Katima Mamila area (seven at the sewage farm, the rest along the Zambezi) and up to four at Ngepi.
South Africa. The only record in South Africa was of a pair on the border at the Orange River.         

Black Stork
Namibia. A single was at Ruacana Falls.
South Africa. The vlei at De Hoop held one bird.

Abdim's Stork
Namibia. The sole record was of a single by the Okavango River at Bagani.

Marabou Stork
Namibia. Rather surprisingly, this scavenger was not seen at Etosha. Instead, the only records were in the Caprivi Strip and in central Namibia (17 circling above Katima Mamila town and a single near Karibib).

Saddle-billed Stork
Namibia. Viewed from the military convoy as we passed through the Caprivi Game Park, the one record was of a pair gracing a roadside pool.

Open-billed Stork
Namibia. Common in the eastern half of Caprivi - after four at Katima Mamila sewage farm and a single in nearby woodland, a flock of 70 were then seen circling near the Zambian border. Over the next days, up to 65 were seen daily in the Ngepi area, mostly flocks circling, but also small numbers in the vleis.

Woolly-necked Stork
Namibia. Popa Falls was the locality of the single record of the trip.

African Spoonbill
Namibia. The only record in Namibia was a single at Avis Dam in December
South Africa. In addition to several breeding pairs at Paarl, three birds were at Ceres and four at both Lambert's Bay and Veldriff.

Hadeda Ibis
Namibia. One record, a single by the Kwando River at Kongola.
South Africa. Moderately common in the southern Cape, with a pair were seen in the Constantia greenbelts of Cape Town, up to 15 each day in the farmland loops of the Overberg and about ten at Grootvadersbosch.

Glossy Ibis
South Africa. On the West Coast, six were seen at Lambert's Bay and four at Eland's Bay.

Sacred Ibis
Namibia. Scarce in Namibia, the only sightings being up to four on each visit to Windhoek sewage farm.
South Africa. Sacred Ibises were common throughout the farmland of the Overburg and also at Paarl, where several hundred pairs were nesting. Additionally, 15 were at Lambert's Bay and    about 30 at Veldriff.

Greater Flamingo
Namibia. One of the most important sites for the species in southern Africa, Walvis Bay supported many thousand birds, both in the bay itself and on the adjacent salt works. Further up the coast, Swakopmund salt works also held about 450 Greater Flamingoes, while Luderitz barely scrapped 30.
South Africa. The coastal wetlands of Veldriff, Lambert's Bay and De Hoop held the greatest number of birds (with over 300, 45 and 35 respectively at each), while inland Paarl had a single bird.

Lesser Flamingo
Namibia. As with its larger cousin, Walvis Bay is internationally important for this bird - several thousand birds were seen on the lagoon and salt works. Swakopmund salt works also supported approx. 1500 Lesser Flamingoes.
South Africa. Only noted at Veldriff, where about 35 birds were present.

Pygmy Goose
Namibia. The only sighting of the trip was a male on a seasonal pool at Ngepi.

Spur-winged Goose
Namibia. Only seen along the Okavango River - seven at Rundu, five at Popa Falls and up to 11 at Ngepi.
South Africa. Common in farmland areas north of Cape Town and widespread elsewhere, including up to ten at Clanwilliam, Veldriff, Bontebok N.P., Ceres and Paarl.

Egyptian Goose
Namibia. In Namibia, the Windhoek area was the stronghold, with flocks of up to 320 at Avis Dam, 55 at the sewage farm and about 20 at Daan Viljoen. Elsewhere, the only records were pairs on two Etosha waterholes and eight at the Orange River.
South Africa. Very common throughout the southern Cape, with hundreds recorded in the farmlands north of Cape Town and across the Overburg, as well as at Clanwilliam, Lambert's Bay, De Hoop and Ceres.

South African Shelduck
Namibia. In the Windhoek area, this species was abundant in October, and thereafter declined to become scarce by December. At Avis Dam, the 140 present on 12th October fell to about 30 by the month's end and to just two in December. At the sewage farm, October numbers were about 40, halving in December. Elsewhere, the only record was four at Swakopmund in December.
South Africa. Several hundred birds seen at both Lambert's Bay and Ceres. No records elsewhere.

Knob-billed Duck
Namibia. Only found along the rivers of the Caprivi Strip - four at Popa Falls and up to seven daily in both the Katima Mamila and Ngepi areas.

White-faced Duck
Namibia. Another species restricted to the Caprivi. A total of 35 were seen at Rundu sewage farm, 18 on the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila and a single alongside the Okavango at Ngepi.
South Africa. Not common in the Cape Province, the four seen at Paarl were at the best locality for them.

Southern Pochard
Namibia. Up to 15 were at Windhoek sewage farm each visit. Two were also noted at Rundu sewage farm.
South Africa. Totals of about 60 were seen at De Hoop and 15 at Paarl.

Maccoa Duck
Namibia. Only recorded at Windhoek sewage farm, where one or two were seen each visit.
South Africa. The vlei at Lambert's Bay held about 15 birds, while there were also five at Paarl.

Yellow-billed Duck
Namibia. The single record in Namibia was a solitary bird at Ngepi.
South Africa. Not abundant, with just a pair at Veldriff and counts of about 20 at both De Hoop and Paarl.

CapeShoveler
Namibia. Only one seen, a single at Windhoek sewage farm in October.
South Africa. As well as numerous birds at Lambert's Bay, about 15 were at De Hoop and 25 at Paarl.

CapeTeal
Namibia. The first two months in Namibia saw just two records, a pair at Okondeka and a single at Goas (both waterholes in Etosha), so the appearance of a flock of approx. 1200 at Swakopmund salt works in December was a surprise indeed. Additionally, eight were on the nearby Swakop River at the same time.
South Africa. Common on the vlei at Lambert's Bay, otherwise four at Veldriff and five at De Hoop.

Red-billed Teal
Namibia. The most widespread of the ducks in Namibia, though with the exception of over 100 at Windhoek sewage farm and 25 at Avis Dam, counts were generally less than ten. Localities included several Etosha waterholes, Katima Mamila, Ngepi, the Swakop River, the Orange River and Daan Viljoen.
South Africa. Recorded only at Lambert's Bay (common) and Paarl (a pair).

Hottentot Teal
Namibia. Common at the various sewage farms - up to 20 per visit at Windhoek, 50 at Rundu and about 60 at Katima Mamila.

Secretarybird
Namibia. One of the highlights at Etosha, a pair was found striding the extensive grasslands of Fischer's Pan (near Namutoni).
South Africa. From the bus window, a single bird was seen flying near Garies in northern Cape Province.

Lappet-faced Vulture
Namibia. At Etosha, three birds were located at a kill near Springbokfontain, whilst away from the National Park, singles were seen at Bagani, Ngepi and Karibib.

White-backed Vulture
Namibia. The commonest of the vultures. At Etosha, four were noted near Anderson Gate and singles at Goas and Springbokfontain. Elsewhere, 18 were seen about 10 km south of Etosha, three south of Katima Mamila, two at Ngepi and 12 at Karibib.

CapeVulture
South Africa. A visit to the Potburg colony in De Hoop N.P. was rewarded with views of  about 12 returning to the nesting cliffs.

White-headed Vulture
Namibia. The only record of the trip was a single descending to a kill at Springbokfontain in Etosha.

Hooded Vulture
Namibia. Waiting for scraps from a butcher's stall, two birds were seen 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Yellow-billed Kite
Namibia. Although only recorded in the extreme north of Namibia, Yellow-billed Kites were very common there, especially in the Caprivi Strip. While less than ten were seen in the Ondangwa to Ruacana Falls area, literally hundreds were found in Caprivi. The best totals included a minimum of 60 daily at Rundu, a similar number at Bagani, about 150 at Katima Mamila and up to 220 per day at Ngepi.
South Africa. To the north of Cape Town, several birds were seen near Citrusdal, three in Kransvlei Poort, one at Eland's Bay and three in the West Coast N.P., whilst east of Cape Town, a single was at Sir Lowry's Pass and two near De Hoop.

Black Kite
Namibia. Though many were undoubtedly missed amongst the numerous Yellow-billed Kites in the Caprivi, the only definite record of this European migrant was of two near Divundu.

Black-shouldered Kite
Namibia. Common and widespread. At Etosha, particularly at the Namutoni end, up to ten were seen daily. Elsewhere, singles or pairs were seen across much of the country, including at Windhoek International Airport, Windhoek sewage farm, Avis Dam, Sossusvlei, the Orange River and Katima Mamila.
South Africa. A single bird was seen near Eland's Bay and four in the West Coast N.P.     

Honey Buzzard
Namibia. A scarce visitor to Namibia, the record of a single at Rundu was noteworthy.

African Fish Eagle
Namibia. Tied to its riverine habitat, all records were from the far north of Namibia - two adults and an immature at Ruacana Falls, an adult on the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila, another at the Kwando River at Kongola and, finally, two adults on the Okavango River at Ngepi.
South Africa. A single bird, an adult at Eland's Bay.

Bateleur
Namibia. Seen both at Etosha and in the Caprivi. At Etosha, the only sightings consisted of singles at Okerfontain and on Eland Drive, whilst the Caprivi birds included one 45 km east of Rundu, one at Katima Mamila, five together 20 km south of the town, a single at the Kwando River and, finally, up to six daily in the Ngepi area.

Black-breasted Snake Eagle
Namibia. A total of nine birds were seen - three in the Ngepi area, two near Okaukuejo at Etosha and singles at Solitaire, near Rundu, at Bagani and in Daan Viljoen N.P.

Steppe Eagle
Namibia. This Eurasian migrant was only seen in late November at Katima Mamila (two birds) and in mid-December at Avis Dam (one bird).

Tawny Eagle
Namibia. The scattering of records comprised of two on route to Sossusvlei, one at Kalkheuwel in Etosha and two near Otjiwarongo.

Lesser Spotted Eagle
Namibia. As is typical for this European migrant, the only records were in the eastern Caprivi. One bird was seen at Bagani and two at Katima Mamila.

Wahlberg's Eagle
Namibia. Possibly overlooked to a certain extent, the only birds noted were a single near Okaukuejo in Etosha and four about 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Martial Eagle
Namibia. Widely dispersed, the few records consisted of a pair in the Karasburg Mountains, two immatures at Daan Viljoen and singles at Etosha and Ruacana Falls.

Black Eagle
Namibia. Only recorded at the Orange River, a pair circling above the border with South Africa.
South Africa. Fairly common - as well as a pair on Table Mountain, singles were seen at Sir Lowry's Pass, near Hermanus, at Eierkop and Bain's Kloof.

African Hawk Eagle
Namibia. A pair and nest was found near Halali Camp in Etosha. Additionally, one was seen 20 km south of Katima Mamila and two at Daan Viljoen.

Booted Eagle
Namibia. Two records: a single near Windhoek and another at Ngepi.
South Africa. Three were seen together at Bain's Kloof.

Jackal Buzzard
South Africa. A poor showing for this species, the only birds seen were two at Springbok and a single at Brandvlei. Beware of Jackal Buzzards in the Springbok area - it is seemingly common, as was the case in both birds that I saw, that they show white throats and breasts, thus appearing similar to Augur Buzzards.

Augur Buzzard
Namibia. The only two sightings were singles near Ondangwa and at Daan Viljoen.

Forest Buzzard
South Africa. A very localised species in the Cape, the one record was of a single at Grootvadersbosch, a reliable locality for Forest Buzzards

Steppe Buzzard
Namibia. Common in the northern parts of Namibia. Singles or pairs were recorded in Etosha, Otjiwarongo, Ondangwa, Grootfontain, Bagani, Katima Mamila and Popa Falls, while up to four daily were at Rundu and six daily at Ngepi. In addition, away from the north, a single was seen at Windhoek sewage farm.
South Africa. Most common in the farmland areas of the Overburg, where at least seven were seen. In other areas, singles were noted in the West Coast N.P., at Sir Lowry's Pass, De Hoop and Bain's Kloof.

Lizard Buzzard
Namibia. A pair of these attractive birds were seen in mopane woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Pale Chanting Goshawk
Namibia. Very common at Etosha, where up to 20 were seen daily at the Okaukuejo end of the park, declining eastward to about ten daily around Namutoni. Away from Etosha, other than about eight in the Sossusvlei area, records were generally of singles or pairs and these included birds at Keetmanshoop, Aus, Karasburg and Karibib.
South Africa. A bird of arid country, two were seen at Eierkop and singles at Springbok and Brandvlei.

Dark Chanting Goshawk
Namibia. Another species largely restricted to the Caprivi Strip, the two records being a single at Rundu and a pair about 45 km east of Rundu.

Ovambo Sparrowhawk
Namibia. Three records: a pair in Namutoni Camp at Etosha, one 45 km east of Rundu and another 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Gabar Goshawk
Namibia. As well as normal colour-phase individuals at Otjiwarongo and Katima Mamila, a melanistic bird was seen at Windhoek sewage farm.

Little Banded Goshawk
Namibia. A pair were seen in the Ngepi area on one occasion.

Little Sparrowhawk
Namibia. Only one record, a single at Chudop waterhole in Etosha.

African Goshawk
Namibia. One bird was seen at Katima Mamila.
South Africa. A single in the Constantia greenbelts of Cape Town was the only sighting.

Red-breasted Sparrowhawk
South Africa. In the botanical gardens, a male was seen at Kirstenbosch.              

African Marsh Harrier
Namibia. A single at Katima Mamila sewage farm was my only record in Namibia.
South Africa. Quartering over the saltmarsh, one bird was seen at Veldriff.

Black Harrier
South Africa. After a distant sighting near Springbok, two Black Harriers gave fabulous views as they quartered over fynbos at Bontebok National Park.      

Montagu's Harrier
Namibia. Both in the Caprivi Strip, an immature was seen just north of Katima Mamila and a male at the Kwando River.

Gymnogene
Namibia. A roadside stop 45 km east of Rundu was very productive, the highlight being a single Gymnogene flying over the woodland.

Osprey
Namibia. An unexpected addition to the list of raptors, a single was seen at Avis Dam in December.

Lanner Falcon
Namibia. Single birds were recorded on four occasions - an immature at Solitaire, adults twice near Okaukuejo in Etosha and an adult in the Caprivi Game Park.

Peregrine Falcon
Namibia. In addition to birds at Rietfontain in Etosha, Ruacana Falls and Katima Mamila, an adult of the migratory Siberian race was seen at Swakopmund sewage farm.
South Africa. On the Cape Peninsula, pairs were seen at the Cape of Good Hope on both visits and on the cliffs above Simon's Town.  

Red-necked Falcon
Namibia. A typical record, my only sighting was an adult at Springbokfontain in Etosha.

European Hobby
Namibia. All records were in the Caprivi Strip, with a single at Rundu, another at Katima Mamila, a pair about 20 km south of Katima Mamila and singles on two days at Ngepi

African Hobby
Namibia. The sole record was of two about 45 km east of Rundu.

Pygmy Falcon
Namibia. A good scattering of records across the country for this tiny falcon - in the south, a female near Keetmanshoop; in the west, a male near Sossusvlei; at Etosha, a female at Okaukuejo; and in the north, a male near Otjiwarongo.

Bat Hawk
Namibia. This raptor is not only rare, but also largely crepuscular or nocturnal, thus is often missed. My first record was from the campsite at Katima Mamila, a single bird hunting in the twilight over the River Zambezi. This was then followed by excellent views of an early morning bird near the Okavango at Ngepi.

Western Red-footed Falcon
Namibia. An influx saw a single arrive at Ngepi on 4th December, followed by 28 together the next day, roosting on sandbanks in the river. By the afternoon, however, most had moved on and only a single remained til the third day.

Dickinson's Kestrel
Namibia. Very much a northern speciality, the two records were at Rundu and near the Kwando River.

Rock Kestrel
Namibia. Widespread in hilly terrain, with singles throughout the Naukluft Mountains, at the Orange River, Spitskoppe, Aus, Daan Viljoen and regularly at Avis Dam.
South Africa. The most commonly seen raptor- singles or pairs at Springbok, Kransvlei Poort, Eland's Bay, Cape of Good Hope, Lion's Head, Sir Lowry's Pass, De Hoop, Bontebok N.P. and Eierkop.

Greater Kestrel
Namibia. Fairly common at Etosha, where four to five were seen daily in the central and eastern parts, while and up to ten per day could be found around Okaukuejo. Elsewhere, about four were in the Sossusvlei area and a pair near Keetmanshoop.
South Africa. Only a single bird noted, on the hill at Eierkop.

Red-billed Francolin
Namibia. Common at Avis Dam (up to eight per visit), Halali and Namutoni Camps at Etosha (up to 30) and Ngepi (about six). Also heard at Daan Viljoen.

Swainson's Francolin
Namibia. Recorded twice: four on the hillock at Halali Camp in Etosha and two at Rundu.

Red-necked Francolin
Namibia. Abundant at Rundu, at least 25 seen.

Cape Francolin
South Africa. This francolin was commonly recorded in the southern half of Cape Province, with a single at Katbakkies, a pair at Kransvlei Poort and flocks of up to 20 widely in the south, including at Lambert's Bay, the West Coast N.P., Kirstenbosch and De Hoop.

Orange River Francolin
Namibia. Supposedly possible at Avis Dam, but my only record was a single on the edge of agricultural scrub not far from Popa Falls.

Grey-wing Francolin
South Africa. The highlight of my visit to the West Coast N.P., a pair were seen by the roadside on the approach to Seeburg lookout.

Harlequin Quail
Namibia. Two birds were flushed in the riverside meadows at Ngepi.

Common Quail
South Africa. The only record was a single calling in the farmland loops of the Overburg.

Helmeted Guineafowl
Namibia. Although common at Avis Dam and Daan Viljoen (up to nine and 35 respectively), it is at Etosha that the species is truly abundant. Occurring throughout the park, the largest single flocks were of about 250 at Olifantsbad, 80 at Rietfontain and at least 120 Kalkheuwel.
South Africa. Flocks of about 25 were seen both at Cape Point and in the Overburg farmland.

Baillon's Crake
Namibia. The single record was a bird flushed at Katima Mamila sewage farm.

Black Crake
Namibia. After two at Namutoni Camp in Etosha, the rest were in Caprivi: two daily at Rundu, three at Katima Mamila sewage farm and up to four per day at Ngepi.

Purple Gallinule
Namibia. The best place for this bird was Windhoek sewage farm, where up to ten were seen on each visit. The only other record was a single at the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. A single bird was noted at Paarl.

Common Moorhen
Namibia. Fairly commonly seen at all the sewage farms - up to 35 at Windhoek, 20 at Rundu and 15 at Katima Mamila. In addition, a single was seen at Namutoni in Etosha, 12 at Daan Viljoen and ten at the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. About ten were at Paarl, two at Lambert's Bat and a single at Eland's Bay.

Lesser Moorhen
Namibia. An adult was at Rundu sewage farm, one of the best localities for the species in Namibia.

Red-knobbed Coot
Namibia. Most abundant at Windhoek sewage farm, where over 150 were present. Elsewhere, about 25 were at Daan Viljoen, 15 at the Swakop River and a couple at Avis Dam and Katima Mamila sewage farm.
South Africa. The greatest concentrations were at De Hoop and Ceres, both sites supporting several hundred birds. Smaller counts included about 40 at Lambert's Bay and Paarl, 30 at Clanwilliam and less than ten at Eland's Bay.

Blue Crane
Namibia. Though essentially endemic to South Africa, a small isolated population survives at Etosha. The best place to see the birds is on the Andoni Plains - 11 were around the waterhole at the northern edge of the plain on my visit, with an additional five birds at the waterhole at Namutoni Camp.
South Africa. With the population expanding, Blue Cranes are becoming ever easier to see, particularly in the Overburg agricultural areas. On the gravel roads from Bredasdorp to De Hoop, thereafter north to Malgas and onward towards Swellendam, a total of 138 Blue Cranes were counted, including one flock of 46.

On the west coast, they were decidedly more scarce, the only birds being seven south of Citrusdal and two near Eland's Bay.

Kori Bustard
Namibia. Only recorded at Etosha, but fortunately very common there - throughout the park, up to 15 were seen daily.              

Stanley's Bustard
South Africa. A speciality of the Overburg. With the males displaying, their white throats puffed out, these were surprisingly easy to find - a total of four were seen in farmland areas, a single in the fynbos of De Hoop and another in Bontebok N.P.

Ludwig's Bustard
Namibia. At least nine were seen both days at Sossusvlei and an additional bird was seen from the road not far from the South African border at Nadok.
South Africa. As well as one in Namibia, one bird was also seen on the South African side of the border at Nadok. A further record involved a single just north of Springbok.      

Rüppell's Korhaan
Namibia. The Sossusvlei area was best for this species - not only were a minimum of seven seen between the camp and dunes, but also six on the road towards Solitaire. Further south, there was a female near Aus.

Karoo Korhaan
Namibia. Only occurring in the south of Namibia, the sole record was of calling birds at Grunau.
South Africa. After excellent views of three at Eierkop, a further bird was seen at Brandvlei.              

Red-crested Korhaan
Namibia. Only recorded at Etosha. In the western areas, around Okaukuejo, the bird was scarce, with just scattered singles and a pair at Homob. Around Halali and Namutoni, however, about ten were seen daily.

Northern Black Korhaan
Namibia. Abundant at Etosha. In the Okaukuejo area, about 25 were seen each day, whereas only about six were recorded per day near Halali and ten a day around Namutoni.

Southern Black Korhaan
South Africa. Four records, all males - one near Lambert's Bay, another in the West Coast N.P., a third in farmland north of Malgas (in the Overburg) and the last in Bontebok N.P.

African Jacana
Namibia. All records were in the Caprivi: at least 25 at Rundu sewage farm, four at Katima Mamila sewage farm, two by the Kwando River at Kongola and up to eight daily at Ngepi.

Painted Snipe
Namibia. The sewage farms at Windhoek, Rundu and Katima Mamila each held single birds, while a further two at Katima Mamila were found alongside the Zambezi.

African Black Oystercatcher
Namibia. Common on the coast. In the Walvis Bay area, four were seen at the guano platform north of town, while an impressive 75 were counted at the oyster farm in the bay itself. At Luderitz, a minimum of 35 were noted at Diaz Point, with a further eight in the 2nd Lagoon.
South Africa. As well as six at Simon's Town and eight at Kommetjie, both on the Cape Peninsula, four were seen at Lambert's Bay and two at De Hoop. 

Ringed Plover
Namibia. A minimum of 50 were estimated at Walvis Bay in both October and December, an additional 20 also seen at the mouth of the Swakop River. At Luderitz, five were at Diaz Point, about 20 in the 2nd Lagoon and one in Radford Bay.
South Africa. Just a handful recorded - a single at Kommetjie and five at both Lambert's Bay and Veldriff.

Three-banded Plover
Namibia. Up to 25 were seen at Avis Dam in October, but otherwise all records were of singles or groups up to six - these included at Avis Dam in December, Daan Viljoen, Luderitz, the Swakop River and the sewage farms at Windhoek, Rundu and Katima Mamila.
South Africa. The only records in South Africa were six at Paarl and a single at De Hoop.

Kittlitz's Plover
Namibia. On the coast, several birds (up to ten) were seen on the saltpans of Walvis Bay and at Diaz Point, Luderitz. The only inland records were about six per visit to Avis Dam.
South Africa. Rather common, with about six at Lambert's Bay (including two nests on Bird Island), at least 30 at Veldriff, five at De Hoop, ten at Paarl and two at Katbakkies.

Chestnut-banded Plover
Namibia. The saltpans at Walvis Bay are a favoured location - more than 140 seen on both visits, mostly adults. The saltpans at Swakopmund also held six birds.

White-fronted Plover
Namibia. Widespread on the coast. Although ten, including a nest, were seen at Cape Cross and over 40 at both the Swakopmund saltpans and Luderitz (most in 2nd Lagoon), it was at Walvis Bay that White-fronted Plovers were especially common, the saltpans supporting several hundred birds. Inland, the only record was a pair on the Okavango River at Ngepi.
South Africa. Both on the West Coast, the only birds were two at Lambert's Bay and eight at Veldriff.

Grey Plover
Namibia. Many hundreds of Grey Plover were seen at Walvis Bay in both October and December, with smaller totals of 30 at Luderitz and 13 at Swakopmund also being noted.
South Africa. Only birds were 15 at Veldriff.

Crowned Plover
Namibia. At Etosha, the abundance of birds declined eastwards from over 20 daily in the Okaukuejo area to about five a day around Namutoni. Elsewhere, also recorded at Rundu, where the golf course held six birds.
South Africa. Six birds were on the vlei at De Hoop.

Wattled Plover
Namibia. Restricted to the northern rivers, the sightings were of up to ten daily at Ngepi and four at both Bagani and Katima Mamila.
South Africa. Not resident in the Cape Province, the only record in South Africa was of four birds at Johannesburg airport, seen from the plane whilst landing!

White-crowned Plover
Namibia. A Caprivi speciality, the sole record was a pair on the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Long-toed Plover
Namibia. Another bird of the Caprivi rivers, pairs were seen on the Zambezi at Katima Mamila and the Okavango near Ngepi.

Blacksmith Plover
Namibia. Abundant at most sources of fresh water. In addition to being very common at Etosha, up to 50 were seen at both Avis Dam and Windhoek sewage farm, as well as up to 55 daily at Ngepi and smaller numbers (generally less than ten) at Rundu, Kongola, Daan Viljoen and the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. Seen only at Veldriff and Paarl, with about ten at both localities.

Knot
Namibia. Coastal records only - several hundred at Walvis Bay in October and December, plus about 20 at Swakopmund saltworks and Cape Cross.

Curlew Sandpiper
Namibia. With many thousand seen on both visits, Curlew Sandpipers were the most numerous wader at Walvis Bay. Elsewhere, numbers totalled about 140 at Luderitz and about 60 in the Swakopmund area. 
South Africa. The vlei at De Hoop held several hundred birds, while about 250 were also seen at Veldriff and 80 at Lambert's Bay.

Sanderling
Namibia. From just 20 recorded in Walvis Bay in October, numbers increased to reach several thousand in December. About 35 also seen at Cape Cross in the latter month.
South Africa. Only two records: a single at Kommetjie and two at Veldriff.

Little Stint
Namibia. As well as the several thousand Little Stints at Walvis Bay in October and December, about 60 were also seen in the Swakopmund area, up to 12 per visit to Avis Dam and a single at Namutoni in Etosha.
South Africa. Common at De Hoop, about 50 at Lambert's Bay and 40 at Veldriff.

Ruff
Namibia. One of the most widespread of the northern migrants - the best numbers were up to 80 at Windhoek sewage farm, about 60 at Katima Mamila sewage farm and up to 35 daily at Ngepi, as well as about 40 at both Swakopmund saltpans and Walvis Bay (in December only). Additionally, up to ten birds were also seen at Avis Dam on several visits, at Namutoni and Goas (both in Etosha) and at Rundu.
South Africa. Uncommon, the only sightings were four at Veldriff and one at De Hoop.

Turnstone
Namibia. Numerous at Walvis Bay, with an estimate in the low thousands for December. Additionally, about 120 were at Cape Cross and 13 scattered around Luderitz.
South Africa. Two birds at Veldriff were the only birds seen.

Common Sandpiper
Namibia. Recorded in small numbers at almost every watercourse in the country. In central Namibia, up to ten were regularly seen at Windhoek sewage farm, up to eight at Avis Dam and a single at Daan Viljoen. In the north, as well as a couple of singles in Etosha, three were found at Ruacana Falls, eight at Rundu, five at Katima Mamila and about six at Ngepi. Lastly, on the coast, about five were at Walvis Bay on both visits and a single at Swakopmund saltpans.
South Africa. Singles only at Kommetjie, De Hoop and Paarl.

Wood Sandpiper
Namibia. Common at wetlands in central and northern Namibia (increasing in numbers as the season progressed). In the Windhoek area, a maximum of 20 were seen at Windhoek sewage farm and up to eight per visit to Avis Dam. With the exception of three in Etosha, all the northern birds were in Caprivi, with maximums of 35 at Rundu, 20 at Katima Mamila and eight at Ngepi.

Terek Sandpiper
Namibia. This uncommon wader was seen on both visits to Walvis Bay - two in October and a single in December, all the birds feeding at the town end of the bay and seen from the Promenade.

Common Redshank
Namibia. A vagrant to southern Africa, a single bird was seen at Swakopmund saltpans.

Greenshank
Namibia. Other than totals up to 45 at Walvis Bay on both visits and six at Swakopmund saltpans, most records were of singles or pairs. Localities included Avis Dam on all visits, Windhoek sewage farm, Etosha, Ruacana Falls, Rundu, Katima Mamila and various points around Luderitz.
South Africa. Peak count was 45 at Veldriff, with five also seen at Lambert's Bay and one at De Hoop.

Marsh Sandpiper
Namibia. After singles at Avis Dam, Etosha and Rundu and a pair at Katima Mamila sewage farm, a December influx brought about 25 to Swakopmund saltpans and at least 20 to Walvis Bay.
South Africa. Two at Veldriff were the only birds recorded.

Bar-tailed Godwit
Namibia. Only seen at Walvis Bay, with an estimated 1000 birds present both visits.

Whimbrel
Namibia. At Walvis Bay, at least 20 were seen in October and 15 in December. An additional five birds were also scattered around the Luderitz area.
South Africa. Six birds were at Veldriff and a single at Kommetjie.

Curlew
South Africa. The only bird of the trip was a single from the Riviera bird hide at Veldriff.

Red-necked Phalarope
Namibia. Seen in December, a single was on the saltpans at Swakopmund and three birds on the pans at Walvis Bay.

Avocet
Namibia. While October records consisted of only 15 at Walvis Bay and a single at Avis Dam, a later influx brought four to Windhoek sewage farm in November and at least 550 at Swakopmund and 800 at Walvis Bay in December.
South Africa. Not so common, with just 30 at Lambert's Bay and three in a roadside pool in the Karoo near Katbakkies.             

Black-winged Stilt
Namibia. A similar pattern to Avocet - just ten seen in Walvis Bay in October, while December records totalled 180 at Swakopmund saltpans, 12 at the mouth of the Swakop River and at least 250 at Walvis Bay. Away from the coast, five were seen daily at Rundu and two at Daan Viljoen.
South Africa. More than 140 were counted at Lambert's Bay, as well as four at De Hoop and 35 at Paarl.

Spotted Dikkop
Namibia. Waterholes at Etosha were the prime sites for Spotted Dikkop - a single at Okaukuejo and pairs at Halali and Olifantsbad. Elsewhere, one bird was seen at Ngepi.
South Africa. At the De Hoop vlei, a pair of birds were located.

Water Dikkop
Namibia. The sandbanks of the Cunene River at Ruacana Falls provided easy viewing of at least four birds, roosting under vegetation during the day and very active at dusk.

Burchell's Courser
Namibia. Sparsely distributed and frequently elusive, it was with luck that a flock of 12 very approachable birds were found by the roadside about midway between Sossusvlei and Solitaire.

Double-banded Courser
Namibia. Only seen at Etosha, where there were about ten per day in the Okaukuejo area and then four birds together at Springbokfontain.
South Africa. One record: a single at Brandvlei.

Three-banded Courser
Namibia. About 3 km north of Katima Mamila, in open woodland adjacent to the River Zambezi, a covey of three birds were found and watched at close range.

Red-winged Pratincole (Collared Pratincole)
Namibia. A passage movement on the 4th and 5th December saw a large influx of birds into the wet meadows north of Ngepi. At least 45 birds were present on the evening of the first day, with 16 lingering til next morning, all gone by midday.

Black-winged Pratincole
Namibia. Associated with the arrival of Red-winged Pratincoles, there were also four of this species in the flock at Ngepi on 4th December.

Rock Pratincole
Namibia. Very much a speciality of the northern rivers, especially Okavango and Zambezi. On the first of these rivers, 12 were seen at Bagani, 15 at Popa Falls and a single at Ngepi, whilst on the latter, up to five were recorded daily at Katima Mamila.

Subantarctic Skua
South Africa. A drifter of the open oceans, about 30 Subantarctic Skuas were seen on the pelagic trip off Cape Town, the majority out near the continental shelf.

Pomarine Skua
Namibia. Two birds were seen inside Walvis Bay in December, chasing and harassing terns.
South Africa. On the pelagic trip, a single bird was seen not far off the Cape of Good Hope.

Arctic Skua
Namibia. A steady southward passage of birds was recorded on the sea at Walvis Bay in October, whereas in December only a single bird was seen at this site.
South Africa. In addition to being common on the pelagic trip (seen in both inshore and offshore waters), single birds were also seen off Lambert's Bay and De Hoop.

Long-tailed Skua
South Africa. A single bird, in the vicinity of the fishing trawler, was seen on the pelagic trip.

Kelp Gull
Namibia. Numerous in all coastal localities, many pairs nesting on the saltpans and guano platforms at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
South Africa. As in Namibia, abundant along the entire coast. Approximately 300 pairs were nesting in the seabird colony on Bird Island, Lambert's Bay.    

Sabine's Gull
South Africa. About 20 Sabine's gulls were seen on the pelagic trip, all in waters far offshore.

Hartlaub's Gull
Namibia. With many hundred at all localities, this Bengula endemic is very common along the coast from Swakopmund southwards (though was not seen further north at Cape Cross).
South Africa. Abundant on the west coast, around Cape Town and across the Cape Peninsula. Approximately 160 pairs bred at Lambert's Bay.

Grey-headed Gull
Namibia. Not very common, though possibly some overlooked. Up to 20 were seen on both visits to Walvis Bay and about eight at the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. Only records were about ten at Lambert's Bay and at least 60 at Paarl.

Caspian Tern
Namibia. All records were coastal: about 40 in Walvis Bay on both visits, three at the mouth of the Swakop River, five at Swakopmund saltpans and two in the 2nd Lagoon at Luderitz.
South Africa. Only noted at Veldriff, a total of about 30 birds were present.

Swift Tern
Namibia. Up to 30 were seen in Walvis Bay in both October and December, as well as 15 at Swakopmund saltpans and a single at Luderitz.
South Africa. Common coastal species, the best counts being about 60 at Veldriff, 25 at Kommetjie, at least 20 at Lambert's Bay and 15 at Simon's Town. Many were also seen in inshore waters on the pelagic trip.

Sandwich Tern
Namibia. Records consisted of up to 50 at Walvis Bay on both visits and about 20 apiece at Swakopmund saltpans and the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. Common during the inshore parts of the pelagic trip, but otherwise the only birds seen were ten at Lambert's Bay, ten at Veldriff and three at Kommetjie.

Common Tern
Namibia. Huge numbers were recorded at both Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, where roosts on the beach and saltpans numbered many thousands at the first locality and at least 800 at the latter.
South Africa. Commonly seen in coastal waters, though the best numbers were an absolute minimum of 250 at Lambert's Bay, 60 at Kommetjie and 40 at Veldriff. Countless more were noted on the pelagic trip.

Arctic Tern
South Africa. While Common Terns dominated the inshore waters of the pelagic trip off Cape Town, Arctic Terns were the abundant species in offshore waters, many birds involved in passage to the south-east.

Roseate Tern
South Africa. A rare find in Cape waters, five were seen in the tern roost at Kommetjie on 17th October.

Damara Tern
Namibia. This endemic to south-west Africa was fairly common at Walvis Bay (up to 30 on both visits) and at Swakopmund saltpans (12 birds). A single bird was also seen at Diaz Point, Luderitz.

Black Tern
Namibia. Though just a handful of Black Terns were seen inside Walvis Bay, the sea offshore is a major 'wintering' area and thus hundreds of birds were flocking off the coast. In addition, five were observed at Swakopmund saltpans.

White-winged Tern
South Africa. Less common than expected - the only records were 25 at Veldriff and about 40 at Paarl.

Whiskered Tern
Namibia. Two records, both in the far north - two at Ruacana Falls and about 20 at Rundu sewage farm.        

African Skimmer
Namibia. Restricted to the Caprivi Strip, two singles were seen on the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila and another on the Okavango at Ngepi.

Double-banded Sandgrouse
Namibia. The floodlit waterholes at Etosha are excellent places to watch this species. At Okaukuejo and Halali especially, but lesser so at Namutoni, hundreds of birds descended to drink in the first half hour after dusk. Additionally, occasional birds were also encountered during the day throughout Etosha.

Namaqua Sandgrouse
Namibia. As with Double-banded Sandgrouse, this species was common at the floodlit waterholes at Etosha. However, the bulk of Namaqua Sandgrouses tended to come in a little later and overall numbers were a little lower. Elsewhere, three were at Twyfelfontain, several at the Petrified Forest and one at Keetmanshoop.
South Africa. A single bird was noted at Eierkop and a flock of about 25 at Brandvlei.

Burchell's Sandgrouse
Namibia. Encountered twice, a flock of five at Sossusvlei and 12 scattered birds around Namutoni at Etosha.
South Africa. Flushed from the roadside, six were seen near Garies in the Northern Cape Province.

Rock Pigeon
Namibia. A bird largely of arid terrain, the Namibian records consisted of four at Windhoek sewage farm, ten at Sossusvlei, five at Spitskoppe and four at the Orange River.
South Africa. Widespread. As well as being common on Table Mountain and Lion's Head, about ten were seen at both Springbok and De Hoop, four at the Cape of Good Hope and pairs at Kransvlei Kloof, Katbakkies and Bain's Kloof.

Rameron Pigeon
South Africa. A forest pigeon, a single was noted in Skeleton Gorge above the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and a minimum of 15 at Grootvadersbosch.

Feral Pigeon
Namibia. Common in the urban areas of Windhoek and Luderitz, a few in Swakopmund.
South Africa. Abundant in Cape Town.

Cinnamon Dove
South Africa. Singles were seen in the forest areas of Constantia greenbelts and Grootvadersbosch.

Mourning Dove
Namibia. Possibly overlooked to some degree, this northern dove was only seen at Popa Falls (two birds).

Red-eyed Dove
Namibia. Common throughout the Caprivi Strip, from Rundu to Katima Mamila.
South Africa. As well as being common at Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and De Hoop, several were seen at Kransvlei Poort and Grootvadersbosch.

Cape Turtle Dove
Namibia. Abundant across most of the country, including the capital, the semi-deserts, Etosha and the Caprivi. Largely absent from the coast.
South Africa. Numerous in almost all habitats throughout South Africa, though less so at Grootvadersbosch.

Laughing Dove
Namibia. Extremely common at virtually all sites visited.
South Africa. Widespread and common, there were very few places not hosting this bird in great numbers.

African Green Pigeon
Namibia. After a single bird at Ruacana Falls, a total of six were seen at the camp at Ngepi.

Green-spotted Dove
Namibia. Fairly common in northern parts of Namibia. Eight were seen at Kalkheuwel (Etosha), three at Ruacana Falls, two near Grootfontain, two at Bagani, a total of ten in the Katima Mamila area, four at Popa Falls and two at Ngepi.

Namaqua Dove
Namibia. Abundant in all areas, especially so at Etosha and Spitskoppe.
South Africa. Common in drier areas, including Kransvlei Poort, Lambert's Bay, De Hoop and Brandvlei.

Meyer's Parrot
Namibia. A northern bird, with the best numbers at Etosha waterholes - four at Chudop and 15 at Kalkheuwel. Also, a single was seen at Ruacana Falls, three at Rundu, two 20 km south of Katima Mamila and three on two occasions at Ngepi.

Rüppell's Parrot
Namibia. Walking along the dry riverbed at Twyfelfontain, a total of about ten birds were found.

Rosy-faced Lovebird
Namibia. This near endemic is possible almost anywhere in central Namibia, though my records were three at Spitskoppe and two on the Hoffmeyr Walk in Windhoek.

Livingstone's Lourie
Namibia. Confined to the riverine woodlands of eastern Caprivi, my one sighting was of two birds alongside the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Grey Lourie
Namibia. Common in Windhoek and surrounding areas, plus at Twyfelfontain, Etosha, Ruacana Falls and through the Caprivi Strip. Best counts were about 30 at Namutoni Camp in Etosha and 12 at Ruacana Falls.

Red-chested Cuckoo
Namibia. In the Caprivi, single birds were recorded at Katima Mamila and Ngepi.
South Africa. More often heard than seen, birds included several at Constantia, one at Bontebok N.P. and at least two at Grootvadersbosch.

Black Cuckoo
Namibia. Most common at Rundu, where up to six were seen daily. Additionally, two were at Ngepi.

Striped Cuckoo
Namibia. A scattering of birds across the north included one at Otjiwarongo, a single at Katima Mamila sewage farm, another 20 km south of Katima Mamila and a pair at Ngepi.

Jacobin Cuckoo
Namibia. Other than a pair at Tsumeb, all other records were in Caprivi - up to three daily at Rundu, a single at Bagani and two daily at Katima Mamila.

Great Spotted Cuckoo
Namibia. A single bird was found on the old golf course at Rundu.

Klaas's Cuckoo
Namibia. The only record was a male in a small wooded gully near the highest point of the 8 km walking trail at Daan Viljoen.

Coppery-tailed Coucal
Namibia. A common bird of the Okavango and Caprivi region. About 15 were seen daily at Rundu, two at Katima Mamila sewage farm, a single at Kongola and up to three daily at Ngepi.

White-browed Coucal
Namibia. With six seen, the best place was Ruacana Falls. Otherwise, singles were noted in riverine vegetation at Ngepi and twice at Katima Mamila.

Senegal Coucal
Namibia. Sharing habitat and coexisting with the other two coucals, three were seen at Rundu and singles at Katima Mamila and Ngepi.

Cape Eagle Owl
Namibia. Unfortunately, the only record related to a road casualty found near Aus.

Spotted Eagle Owl
South Africa. Faithful to traditional roosts, local knowledge led me to a pair at the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and a single near Veldriff. In addition, another was found on low cliffs above the vlei at De Hoop.

Barn Owl
Namibia. As well as a calling bird at Katima Mamila, three were also seen: one at the Okaukuejo floodlit waterhole at Etosha, one at Popa Falls and one at Katima Mamila.

Wood Owl
South Africa. The only record was of calling birds at night at Grootvadersbosch.

Marsh Owl
Namibia. The floodlit waterholes at Etosha offer excellent possibilities for this species. Both drinking and hunting in the illumination, two were at Okaukuejo and one at Halali.

White-faced Owl
Namibia. Though not seen, one was heard calling every night in the campsite at Katima Mamila.

Barred Owl
Namibia. A single bird was found roosting in riverside trees at Ruacana Falls.

Pearl-spotted Owlet
Namibia. The most widespread of the owls - singles at Daan Viljoen, Twyfelfontain and Halali (Etosha), and a pair at Ruacana Falls.

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar
Namibia. A wonderful sight, flocks of Rufous-cheeked Nightjars hunt in the floodlights at the waterholes in Etosha. At Okaukuejo especially, at least hundred birds circled and dipped overhead, while the spectacle was also repeated at Halali, though in slightly lower numbers. At Namutoni Camp, however, only about five birds were attracted to the lights. Away from Etosha, single birds were seen at dusk at Keetmanshoop and the Orange River, while a single was also flushed at Avis Dam.

Alpine Swift
Namibia. Only seen in the Windhoek area, with at least 45 birds over the Hoffmeyr Walk in October and up to 12 regularly at Avis Dam.
South Africa. Widespread in small numbers. Generally, sightings were small flocks, numbering four or five birds - these included at Eland's Bay, Lion's Head, Simon's Town, De Hoop, Eierkop, Katbakkies and Bain's Kloof.

Bradfield's Swift
Namibia. Windhoek is the best place in the country to see Bradfield's Swifts, either in swirling flocks above the city itself or at any of the neighbouring sites, including the Hoffmeyr Walk, Daan Viljoen, Avis Dam and Windhoek sewage farm. Elsewhere, the only birds were about 40 near Grunau, a single at the Orange River and a pair at Luderitz.
South Africa. At the southern end of its range, about ten birds were seen on the outskirts of Uppington.

Black Swift
Namibia. A bird of southern Namibia, the only record was three in the mountainous area near Aus.
South Africa. Other than about 50 circling the higher parts of Lion's Head, all other sightings were of singles or pairs, including on Table Mountain, at the Cape of Good Hope, above Simon's Town and at Paarl.

European Swift
Namibia. An influx in late November brought a spate of birds to the Caprivi, including up to 35 a day at Rundu, 20 at Bagani, ten at Katima Mamila and at least 45 over Katima Mamila town.

Little Swift
Namibia. A patchy distribution - extremely numerous in localities such as Windhoek, the Orange River and Ruacana Falls, whilst only a few at Etosha and through the Caprivi. Absent in other areas.
South Africa. Abundant at Lambert's Bay, small numbers at De Hoop, Eierkop, Brandvlei and on the summit of Lion's Head.

Horus Swift
South Africa. Only recorded at De Hoop, where one was seen on the first day and six the next.

White-rumped Swift
Namibia. Only seen three times in Namibia: a single at Windhoek sewage farm, a pair at Walvis Bay and eight around a culvert in the road near Mariental.
South Africa. In addition to being common at Lambert's Bay, joining Little Swifts over the town, and in the Overburg farmland (especially near Bredasdorp), about ten were seen at De Hoop and seven at Eierkop.

Palm Swift
Namibia. The Windhoek area was fairly good for this species, with up to ten at the International Airport, six at the sewage farm and pairs at Avis Dam and on the Hoffmeyr Walk. Further afield, a minimum of 60 were around Namutoni Camp in Etosha (nesting in the many palms), about 15 at Ruacana Falls and one at the sewage farm in Katima Mamila.

Red-faced Mousebird
Namibia. As well as Caprivi records of two at Rundu and five at Divundu, a flock of at least 12 were in the dry riverbed at Twyfelfontain.
South Africa. Two in the West Coast N.P. were the only birds noted.

Spectacled Mousebird
South Africa. Total records consisted of two at the Cape of Good Hope and several at De Hoop.

White-backed Mousebird
Namibia. The common mousebird of the Namibian thornveld and semi-desert. Numerous in and around Windhoek and also at Sossusvlei, Spitskoppe and Aus.
South Africa. Seen throughout the Karoo semi-desert, some of the localities holding pairs or small flocks included Springbok, Kransvlei Poort, Eierkop, Katbakkies and Brandvlei.

Narina Trogon
South Africa. This forest special is at its western extreme at Grootvadersbosch and was, fortunately, not too difficult to locate. Initially located by their songs, two males proved to be the highlights of this woodland reserve. A third bird was also heard singing.

Giant Kingfisher
Namibia. For this dramatic species, the northern rivers held all birds seen: singles at Ruacana Falls, Katima Mamila, Popa Falls and Ngepi (twice).

Pied Kingfisher
Namibia. A single bird was seen on the Orange River, otherwise all were in the far north - total records consisting of ten at Ruacana Falls, up to six at both Rundu and Katima Mamila, two at Kongola, four at Popa Falls and three at Ngepi.
South Africa. All records were on the West Coast: five at Lambert's Bay, two at Eland's Bay and another five at Veldriff.

Half-collared Kingfisher
Namibia. A single bird was found on the banks of the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Malachite Kingfisher
Namibia. Only record was a single at Katima Mamila sewage farm.
South Africa. Two separate individuals were seen at Paarl.

Woodland Kingfisher
Namibia. A total of 14 birds were seen, all in the Caprivi Strip. Four were at Rundu, nine in the Katima Mamila area (including four 20 km south of town) and one at Divundu.

Grey-hooded Kingfisher
Namibia. Similar range and habitat as Woodland Kingfisher, though significantly scarcer. Only three birds seen - one at Rundu and two in the Katima Mamila area (one north of town, one 20 km south).

Striped Kingfisher
Namibia. One at Divundu was the sole bird of the trip.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
Namibia. Another colourful bird only seen in the Caprivi Strip. Best numbers were at Rundu, where a minimum of 35 hawked above the grasslands. Further east, about ten were at Bagani, a total of 18 at Katima Mamila, 12 at Kongola and up to 15 per day at Ngepi.

European Bee-eater
Namibia. The most abundant and most widespread of the bee-eaters. In the Windhoek area, regular birds were seen over the city, as well as up to 12 on the Hoffmeyr Walk, six at Avis Dam and two at Daan Viljoen. Further north, Etosha attracted up to 25 a day, particularly in the eastern half from Halali to Namutoni. Elsewhere in the country, scattered records included 20 at Rundu, four at Ngepi, a couple at Keetmanshoop and singles at Grunau and the Orange River.
South Africa. Other than ten at Brandvlei and five at Springbok, records consisted of pairs generally flying over at altitude, these included birds at Kransvlei Poort, Eland's Bay and Eierkop.

Olive Bee-eater
Namibia. To see this bird requires a trip to the Cunene River. At Ruacana Falls, a breeding colony in the banks of the river numbered at least 20 birds.

Carmine Bee-eater
Namibia. This most special of the bee-eaters is reasonably frequent in the eastern half of Caprivi - 16 were seen at Katima Mamila sewage farm, 20 at Kongola and up to six per day at Ngepi.

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
Namibia. Common across large parts of Namibia, though especially numerous in the Windhoek area - up to 20 were often seen at both Avis Dam and the Hoffmeyr Walk, as well as up to 15 at the sewage farm and five at Daan Viljoen. Other records included a few near the Orange River, two at Spitskoppe, about 15 north of Namutoni in Etosha and two 20 km south of Katima Mamila.
South Africa. Only recorded in the border zone, where several birds were seen in the vicinity of the Orange River, some on the South African side.

Little Bee-eater
Namibia. Restricted to the north, the tally of birds involved 16 at Ruacana Falls, one at Rundu, a pair at Bagani, at least 18 in the Katima Mamila area and up to ten daily at Ngepi.

Lilac-breasted Roller
Namibia. With the exception of a pair near Sossusvlei and a regular pair at Windhoek sewage farm, all records were from the Caprivi Strip - at least ten at Rundu, common in the Caprivi Game Park, about 15 in the Katima Mamila area and four at Ngepi.

Racket-tailed Roller
Namibia. The sole record was of a single in mopane woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Purple Roller
Namibia. Highly dispersed records across central and, especially, northern Namibia. Purple Rollers were most common in the area between the Petrified Forest and Etosha, the journey seeing about 30 birds on roadside wires. In Etosha itself, the eastern half of the park was most fruitful for the Rollers, producing four or five per day between Halali and Namutoni Camps. Other scattered birds included one at Twyfelfontain, another at Grootfontain and pairs at Ngepi, Daan Viljoen and Karibib.

Broad-billed Roller
Namibia. Only seen in the eastern Caprivi Strip, where total records consisted of one in the Caprivi Game Park and five in the Katima Mamila area (two at the sewage farm, one in the town and two 20 km south).

Hoopoe
Namibia. Almost without exception seen in pairs, Hoopoes were found at numerous localities across the entire country. Some of the main sites included the Orange River, Rooibank (near Walvis Bay), Etosha, Ruacana Falls (two pairs), Rundu and Katima Mamila (at least three pairs each) and Ngepi. Closer to the capital, a couple of pairs were also seen at Daan Viljoen.
South Africa. Five records: singles at Lambert's Bay, Veldriff and Brandvlei, pairs at De Hoop and Bontebok N.P.

Red-billed Woodhoopoe
Namibia. Two flocks, consisting of 14 birds and 15 birds, were seen at Rundu, whilst a single large flock numbered about 35 in mopane woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila. In addition, a solitary individual was also seen at Ruacana Falls.

Violet Woodhoopoe
Namibia. Though sometimes considered conspecific with Red-billed Woodhoopoe, still worth trying to track down. Halali Camp in Etosha is generally considered a reliable site, though my only record was a pair at Okaukuejo.

Greater Scimitarbill
Namibia. Another species for which the Windhoek area offers very good possibilities - in addition to nine at Daan Viljoen, four were seen at the sewage works and two regularly at Avis Dam. Away from the capital, the only birds were six on Eland Drive in Etosha and two 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Trumpeter Hornbill
Namibia. Closely tied to the riverine forests of eastern Caprivi, the only sightings were a pair and a single alongside the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Bradfield's Hornbill
Namibia. The single record was one in mopane woodland near Ngepi.

Monteiro's Hornbill
Namibia. Most commonly seen in the thornveld surrounding Windhoek, including up to three on the Hoffmeyr Walk, five at Avis Dam and four at Daan Viljoen. Additionally, five were noted on route to Sossusvlei, a single at Spitskoppe and two at Ruacana Falls.

Grey Hornbill
Namibia. Particularly in northern areas, the most common hornbill. Best numbers were at Ruacana Falls (about 20) and in Caprivi (two at Rundu, about ten in the Katima Mamila area and up to 25 a day at Ngepi). Heading south, Etosha held a pair at Olifantsbad, about ten daily around Halali and four per day at Namutoni.

Further south still, the Windhoek region supported four at Avis Dam and five at Daan Viljoen.

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Namibia. As did Twyfelfontain, the eastern districts of Etosha, from Halali to Namutoni, boasted 20 to 25 birds per day. However, beyond these sites, the only record was of a single at Ngepi.

Red-billed Hornbill
Namibia. An assortment of widely dispersed records: two at Twyfelfontain, four near Halali in Etosha, six at Ruacana Falls and ten in mopane woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Black-collared Barbet
Namibia. A dramatic species, seen only at Ngepi where up to six visited the camp every day.

Crested Barbet
Namibia. The Katima Mamila area was the locality for this species, with one in forest alongside the River Zambezi, another at the sewage farm and two in woodland 20 km south of the town.

Acacia Pied Barbet
Namibia. A wide ranging species - up to three at Avis Dam, three at Sossusvlei, a pair at Namutoni (Etosha) and singles at Daan Viljoen, Spitskoppe, Aus and Ngepi.
South Africa. Only record was a pair at Springbok.

Greater Honeyguide
Namibia. A single was seen in woodland 45 km east of Rundu.

Ground Woodpecker
South Africa. A unique bird, pairs were seen on the rocky outcrops of Kransvlei Poort and Sir Lowry's Pass.

Olive Woodpecker
South Africa. Favouring rich forestland, the only pair were at Grootvadersbosch.

Cardinal Woodpecker
Namibia. The most widespread woodpecker: a pair and nest were found at Windhoek sewage farm and others were seen at Daan Viljoen, the Orange River, Rundu and Katima Mamila (two birds).
South Africa. At Kransvlei Poort, a single was noted in the lower part of the gorge.

Golden-tailed Woodpecker
Namibia. One record only, a single at Ruacana Falls.

Bearded Woodpecker
Namibia. One bird was found in the woodland alongside the River Okavango at Bagani.

Knysna Woodpecker
South Africa. A highly desirable endemic species. After much searching, a male was eventually located close to the campsite above the vlei at De Hoop.

Flappet Lark
Namibia. Only seen in the Okavango Valley, where two were at Divundu and up to five daily at Ngepi.

Clapper Lark
Namibia. Scattered small numbers occurred throughout the Okaukuejo area of Etosha. No confirmed records elsewhere.
South Africa. Possibly a species in its own right, the distinct race of Clapper Lark from the southern Cape was fairly common in the farmland of the Overburg, especially on along the gravel roads north of Malgas (in this area, males were displaying, thus easy to see).

Karoo Lark
South Africa. Several birds seen at Eierkop provided the only record.

Dune Lark
Namibia. This endemic, restricted to the Namib Desert, is easiest to see in the low dunes at Rooibank (near Walvis Bay). A search of about one hour revealed one pair.

Barlow's Lark
Namibia. A newly described species, formally part of the Karoo Lark group, the range of species is restricted to a narrow belt of the Namib, most of which is off-limits in diamond areas. The best area to see the birds is exactly 47 km east of Luderitz - here, in low Euphorbia bushes, a pair were quickly located and a further single bird soon after.

Bengula Long-billed Lark
Namibia. A stop at the Petrified Forest produced the only three birds of the trip.

Agulhas Long-billed Lark
South Africa. In the Overburg, birds were displaying in farmland north of  Malgas and at Bontebok N.P.

Karoo Long-billed Lark
South Africa. Though only recorded at Brandvlei, at least 20 were seen in a day's walking of this area.

Thick-billed Lark
South Africa. Recorded at both Veldriff (at least 18 birds) and throughout the Overburg farmland (common).

Sabota Lark
Namibia. Most abundant at Daan Viljoen, where about 20 were seen on both visits. Otherwise, records consisted of singles at the Petrified Forest and Ngepi and, at Etosha, scattered birds around Okaukuejo, five daily in the Halali area and occasionals in the vicinity of Namutoni.

Fawn-coloured Lark
Namibia. Only seen at Etosha, where common on the Andoni Plains.

Rufous-naped Lark
Namibia. One record: a single at Ngepi.

Red-capped Lark
Namibia. Common in parts of Etosha, notably north of Okaukuejo and between Ondongab and Homob, with several also noted on the Andoni Plains.
South Africa. The most abundant lark in the Overburg, with many seen throughout the farmland areas. Additionally, eight were seen at Brandvlei and two at both Eland's Bay and Veldriff.

Pink-billed Lark
Namibia. With records restricted to Etosha, the only birds seen were a few in the grasslands between Leeubron and Okondeka.

Sclater's Lark
Namibia. A nomadic and often elusive bird, supposedly restricted to south Namibia. However, my sole record in Namibia was a flock of about 35 on gravel plains just north of Spitskoppe.
South Africa. Two birds were seen at Brandvlei, a classic locality for the species.

Stark's Lark
Namibia. Immense flocks, numbering several hundred birds, packed into the sparsely grassed areas at Sossusvlei, with smaller flocks of about 30 at the nearby Solitaire. Elsewhere, the only birds were occasionals in the Okaukuejo area at Etosha.

Gray's Lark
Namibia. Endemic to the gravel plains along the coastal desert strip, three of these most attractive of larks were seen 3 km inland from the Swakopmund sewage farm.

Spike-heeled Lark
Namibia. Six birds were seen close to the Naukluft Mountains on route to Sossusvlei, but otherwise all were in Etosha - scattered birds north of Okaukuejo, four at Springbokfontain and three at Chudop.
South Africa. In the arid Karoo, several were seen at Eierkop and at least 30 at Brandvlei.

Chestnut-backed Finchlark
Namibia. Only noted at Etosha, where abundant on the grasslands north of Okaukuejo.

Grey-backed Finchlark
Namibia. As with Chestnut-backed Finchlark, numerous in the grasslands north of Okaukuejo, but also seen at Sossusvlei (at least 40 birds) and along the road between Aus and Luderitz (about 35 at the Dune Lark site and many scattered flocks in the general area).
South Africa. In the Overburg, two birds were seen in the farmland north of Malgas.

Black-eared Finchlark
South Africa. Surprisingly abundant in the northern parts of Bushmanland: about ten at Brandvlei, but then many roadside flocks in the areas from Brandvlei to Kenhardt and Uppington to the Namibian border (though none seen in Namibia itself).

Red-breasted Swallow
Namibia. Scattered birds across northern areas, commencing with a pair at Nuamses in Etosha, thereafter followed by several near Oshikati, about 20 between Grootfontain and Rundu, four at Rundu itself and about eight on the road towards Zambia from Katima Mamila

Mosque Swallow
Namibia. At Etosha, occasional pairs were seen in the Halali area and six together at Namutoni Camp. Elsewhere, the only pair of this localised swallow to be encountered were at Rundu.

Greater Striped Swallow
Namibia. Common in the Windhoek area, unrecorded elsewhere. At the major sites around Windhoek, up to ten were seen at Daan Viljoen and up to eight at both Avis Dam and the sewage works.
South Africa. Most numerous at De Hoop, where at least 20 birds were present. Elsewhere, small flocks of up to five were noted at many sites, including Clanwilliam, Kransvlei Poort, Eierkop, Bain's Kloof, Paarl and Brandvlei.

Lesser Striped Swallow
Namibia. The only sighting was four birds alongside the Okavango River at Bagani.

South African Cliff Swallow
Namibia. Windhoek International Airport supports a breeding colony. More than 40 birds were present in mid-October, many collecting mud for their nests from the sprinkler-fed gardens - by late December, though, most birds seemed to have dispersed, only a single being seen. One bird was also seen at Walvis Bay.
South Africa. Two records: a single at Clanwilliam and a pair in Uppington.

European Swallow
Namibia. The most common swallow of the trip, becoming more abundant as the season progressed. Small numbers were seen at all sites visited, though the greatest concentrations were in Caprivi in December - including about 215 at Katima Mamila, 65 at Ngepi and 45 at Bagani.
South Africa. Occurring throughout the Cape Province, flocks such as 15 at De Hoop and Eierkop were typical. An influx, however, brought numbers well in excess of 400 to the Brandvlei area.

Wire-tailed Swallow
Namibia. In the Caprivi Strip, four were seen at Kongola and up to four each day at Katima Mamila.

Pearl-breasted Swallow
Namibia. Over the freshwater lagoons, four were seen at Windhoek sewage farm on one occasion.
South Africa. The vlei at De Hoop attracted two birds, whilst the river at Bontebok N.P. four birds.

White-throated Swallow
Namibia. Only recorded at two localities, but plentiful at both - about 20 on each visit to Windhoek sewage farm and a similar number at Ruacana Falls.
South Africa. Mostly above water, the coastal sites of Lambert's Bay, Eland's Bay, Veldriff and De Hoop each attracted up to five birds, whilst at inland sites, four were at Clanwilliam, eight at Paarl and a single north of Brandvlei.

Black Saw-wing Swallow
South Africa. A forest swallow, 12 were at Kirstenbosch and four at Grootvadersbosch.

Banded Martin
Namibia. Banded Martins were only seen in Namibia on three occasions - five birds at Springbokfontain in Etosha and pairs on the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila and Okavango at Ngepi.
South Africa. As well as two pairs at Lambert's Bay, a breeding colony of about ten pairs was found in the banks of the river at Veldriff.

Sand Martin
Namibia. Not common, the only records were six at the sewage farm in Katima Mamila and four at Ngepi.

Brown-throated Martin
Namibia. A patchy distribution for this waterside bird - whilst common on the Orange River and up to 15 at Windhoek sewage farm, only ten were seen on the River Cunene at Ruacana Falls and the sole record from all the rivers in the Caprivi was two at Ngepi.
South Africa. Fairly widespread, with up to ten recorded at all West Coast sites and additionally many seen at De Hoop and Paarl.

Rock Martin
Namibia. Common in rocky areas across the country, such as all the localities around Windhoek, Sossusvlei and Spitskoppe. Smaller numbers also seen at Aus, Etosha and Ruacana Falls.
South Africa. Widespread, with several birds seen at many sites, including Springbok, around Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, De Hoop and Eierkop.

House Martin
Namibia. During a torrential tropical downpour, a flock of approximately 150 descended onto wires on the outskirts of Rundu town.

Black Cuckooshrike
Namibia. The only record was a female in woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

White-breasted Cuckooshrike
Namibia. In the Katima Mamila area, two were seen along the road towards the Zambian border.

Fork-tailed Drongo
Namibia. Most frequent at Etosha and through the Caprivi Strip, in which areas over 20 birds could be seen daily. Elsewhere, though resident across much of the country, numbers were generally much lower - just one or two pairs at sites such as Avis Dam, Daan Viljoen, Spitskoppe, Twyfelfontain and Ruacana Falls.
South Africa. Only occurring in the southern coastal strip, the few records consisted of a pair at De Hoop and singles at Constantia and Grootvadersbosch.

African Golden Oriole
Namibia. Katima Mamila was the sole locality for this species: one alongside the River Zambezi and a pair in woodland 20 km south of the town.

Black-headed Oriole
Namibia. Records from each end of the Caprivi Strip, with one at Rundu and three at Katima Mamila (two at the sewage farm and one alongside the River Zambezi).

White-necked Raven
South Africa. Other than ten birds (including a flock of six) in the Overburg farmlands, all records were in typical mountainous or rocky terrain. On the Cape Peninsula, pairs were seen at both the Cape of Good Hope and on Lion's Head, whilst further inland yet more pairs were noted at Citrusdal, Bain's Kloof, Karoo Poort and Katbakkies.

Pied Crow
Namibia. Though a common bird in both the Sossusvlei and Etosha areas, the only other record was of about 30 in the vicinity of Katima Mamila.
South Africa. Three main areas of occurrence on my travels in South Africa - common around Springbok, about 15 in Kransvlei Poort and several in Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.

Black Crow
Namibia. At Etosha, Black Crows were abundant in the grasslands north of Okaukuejo and also, though in lower numbers, present in some of the open plains in the Halali and Namutoni areas. Elsewhere, desert provided home for two at Sossusvlei, about 20 close to Solitaire and two near Aus.
South Africa. Though at opposing ends of the country, this species was common in both the semi-desert north of Springbok and in the farmland of the Overburg.

Ashy Tit
Namibia. As well as singles at Sossusvlei and Rooibank, five were seen at both Spitskoppe and Daan Viljoen.

Southern Grey Tit
South Africa. A bird of both the fynbos and desert scrub, five were noted at Springbok and pairs at Eland's Bay and Eierkop.

Southern Black Tit
Namibia. All confined to the woodland of the Caprivi Strip, totals records consisted of pairs at Bagani and Divundu, plus three 20 km south of Katima Mamila and another three at Ngepi.

Carp's Tit
Namibia. Four widely scattered records of this Namibian endemic: four at Twyfelfontain and pairs at Halali Camp in Etosha, Ruacana Falls and Daan Viljoen.

Cape Penduline Tit
Namibia. A single record of two on the Hoffmeyr Walk (Windhoek) was the only sighting in Namibia.
South Africa. At Lambert's Bay, parties of three birds were seen both in the coastal fynbos to the north and south of the town.

Arrow-marked Babbler
Namibia. At the two sites of Katima Mamila sewage farm and Ngepi, groups of four birds were seen.

Black-faced Babbler
Namibia. An uncommon bird, confined to the north, the two records were a flock of six in the dry river valley at Twyfelfontain and at least twenty at Ruacana Falls.

Hartlaub's Babbler
Namibia. An abundant Caprivi and Okavango special. Often in excess of 25 were seen daily at both Rundu and Ngepi, while other records included 12 at Popa Falls, five at Bagani, six at Kongola and nine at Katima Mamila sewage farm.

Bare-cheeked Babbler
Namibia. A bird restricted to the far north-east of Namibia, about 20 birds were foraging in Halali Camp at Etosha and an additional two at Ruacana Falls.

Southern Pied Babbler
Namibia. Whereas Bare-cheeked Babblers favoured Halali Camp in Etosha, this bird's domain was centred on Namutoni - about 20 were seen in the camp itself and five at the nearby Chudop waterhole.

Cape Bulbul
South Africa. Endemic to the fynbos zone of the southern Cape, this bulbul was common throughout its range, essentially Clanwilliam southwards, including all the coastal sites visited.

Black-eyed Bulbul
Namibia. Only two birds were seen at Rundu, but however were numerous in the remainder of the Caprivi Strip, notably throughout the Katima Mamila, Popa Falls and Ngepi areas.

Red-eyed Bulbul
Namibia. Abundant across almost the entire country, though scarce along the coast and totally absent in the Caprivi Strip. At Ruacana Falls, however, two birds were seen.
South Africa. Replacing Cape Bulbul in the arid north and interior of Cape Province, this bird was common in the Springbok area.

Terrestrial Bulbul
Namibia. Common in the undergrowth of riverine forests alongside the Zambezi at Katima Mamila (about 15 birds) and the Okavango at Popa Falls (ten birds) and Ngepi (six).

Sombre Bulbul
South Africa. Recorded at four sites in the southern Cape: two at Kirstenbosch, at least 15 at Constantia, a single at Bontebok N.P. and about ten at Grootvadersbosch.

Yellow-bellied Bulbul
Namibia. Another species confined to the riverine forests of the extreme north of Namibia - one was seen at Ruacana Falls, up to six daily at Katima Mamila and a couple at Ngepi.

Southern Olive Thrush
Namibia. The only record in Namibia was a single at the Orange River.
South Africa. With at least ten in the botanical gardens, this bird was most common at Kirstenbosch. Elsewhere, three were at Constantia, two at Bontebok N.P. and about six at Grootvadersbosch.

Kurrichane Thrush
Namibia. Only seen at Rundu, where up to five were noted daily, including a nesting pair in the campsite.

Groundscraper Thrush
Namibia. In the Windhoek area, up to three were seen per visit to Avis Dam, similar numbers also at the sewage farm and Daan Viljoen. Further afield, a single was at Twyfelfontain, a pair in Okaukuejo Camp at Etosha and three at Ruacana Falls.

Sentinel Rock Thrush
South Africa. The sole record was of a singing male atop the radio mask at the summit of Sir Lowry's Pass.

Short-toed Rock Thrush
Namibia. Common at Daan Viljoen, where up to 15 were seen, but otherwise just singles in the Karasburg Mountains and at Ruacana Falls.

Familiar Chat
Namibia. Common throughout most the country, but not in Caprivi. Best numbers were in excess of ten at Sossusvlei and at eight at Ruacana Falls, most other sites typically holding up to four or five birds.
South Africa. Present in most rocky mountainous areas visited, thus small numbers from Springbok down to Clanwilliam and Kransvlei Poort, the Cape Peninsula and Sir Lowry's Pass, as well as De Hoop and sites in the Karoo and Bushmanland.

Sickle-winged Chat
Namibia. Only recorded at a roadside stop close to Aus, where a single bird was noted.
South Africa. One bird seen, an individual at Brandvlei.

Tractrac Chat
Namibia. This desert chat comes in two colour phases. The dark form, found inland, was recorded in groups of four at both Spitskoppe and 47 km east of Luderitz, whilst the pale form, almost pure white, is restricted to the coastal gravel plains. This latter form is the real jewel of the species; four were seen about 3 km east of Swakopmund sewage farm and a single at Cape Cross.
South Africa. Recorded in the Karoo and Bushmanland, at least 15 were in the Brandvlei area and two at the junction to Katbakkies.

Karoo Chat
Namibia. Two birds only, seen at the roadside in the Karasburg Mountains.
South Africa. With at least 20 seen, this was the commonest chat at Eierkop. In addition, a pair were noted at Katbakkies and five at Brandvlei.

Mountain Chat
Namibia. Most birds of the white-capped form, Mountain Chats were common at Avis Dam, Daan Viljoen, the Orange River, through the Naukluft Mountains and at Spitskoppe (in all areas, up to 20 birds). Elsewhere, five were logged around Solitaire and six at Aus.
South Africa. Other than at least twenty at Springbok, the only birds were three at the top of Katbakkies.

Capped Wheatear
Namibia. The Barlow's Lark site, 47 km east of Luderitz, also produced the only Capped Wheatears in Namibia - an adult and three recently fledged young.
South Africa. On the West Coast, a single was noted at Eland's Bay and three at Veldriff, whilst in the Overburg at least ten were encountered in farmland areas and one at De Hoop.

Whinchat
Namibia. Very rare in southern Africa, a single bird in riverside meadow at Bagani was very noteworthy.

Stonechat
Namibia. Seen in meadows in the Caprivi Strip only - three alongside the River Kwando at Kongola and up to six daily at Ngepi.
South Africa. As well as about ten at Lambert's Bay and six in the West Coast N.P., all in the fynbos, six were also seen in the farmland of the Overburg.

Southern Anteating Chat
Namibia. A smattering of records across the country - two in the Naukluft Mountains, ten in the Karasburg Mountains and, at Etosha, four near Wolfsnes and six at Fischer's Pan.
South Africa. Only three birds in total recorded, one at Springbok and two at Brandvlei.

Herero Chat
Namibia. An uncommon and very localised near-endemic to Namibia. At Spitskoppe, probably the best site in the country for the species, a long search finally revealed a pair in low acacias at the base of the rocky slopes. Having been found, however, and contrary to some reports, the birds were very confiding and gave excellent views.

Heuglin's Robin
Namibia. A real skulker in dense riverine bush, the loud distinctive song aided the finding of three alongside the Zambezi at Katima Mamila and on the Okavango River, one at Popa Falls and two at Ngepi.

Cape Robin
Namibia. At the extreme south of the country, one was seen at the Orange River.
South Africa. Widespread and common, most numerous in bushland and gardens along the southern coast, including the Cape Town area, Cape Point, De Hoop and Grootvadersbosch.

Eastern Bearded Robin
Namibia. Another speciality of the Caprivi Strip - at least eight were seen at Rundu (most in the campsite), a minimum of four at Popa Falls and two at Ngepi.

White-browed Robin
Namibia. Scattered across the north, two records originated from Etosha (one near Halali and a second at Tsumcor), then the rest from the Caprivi (four at Bagani, two 20 km south of Katima Mamila, six at Ngepi and four at Divundu).

Kalahari Robin
Namibia. With at least 18 seen on the track up towards the Andoni Plains, Kalahari Robins appeared quite common in the area north of Namutoni at Etosha.

Karoo Robin
South Africa. The most common robin of the fynbos and Karoo scrubland. The highest counts were at least 15 at Springbok, well over 20 at Lambert's Bay and a minimum of ten at Brandvlei. Elsewhere, single figures were also logged at Clanwilliam, Veldriff, De Hoop, Eierkop, Katbakkies and in the Overburg farmland.

Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush
Namibia. The only spot in southern Africa that this bird can be found is the Cunene River, thus the sole record was a single in riverside palm growth at Ruacana Falls. This was not the easiest bird to see, not only taking several hours to initially locate, but also sticking to thickets and so rarely giving prolonged views.

Cape Rockjumper
South Africa. One of the very highly desirable birds of South Africa, a pair and an additional singing male were seen on the rocky slopes above Sir Lowry's Pass.

Chestnut-vented Titbabbler
Namibia. Fairly common in the Windhoek area especially - close to the city, up to six were seen per visit to Avis Dam, two on the Hoffmeyr Walk and up to three at Daan Viljoen. Elsewhere, records were of six at Sossusvlei, six at Spitskoppe and two in Namutoni Camp, Etosha.
South Africa. One in the strandveld at Lambert's Bay was the lone record.

Layard's Titbabbler
Namibia. At least eight were seen at Spitskoppe, moving through scrub at the base of the mountain.
South Africa. Layard's Titbabblers were seen on three occasions in South Africa: three birds at Eland's Bay, plus pairs at Springbok and Katbakkies.

Garden Warbler
Namibia. Part of an influx of European migrants, a single was noted at Katima Mamila.

Common Whitethroat
Namibia. One bird was seen in woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Icterine Warbler
Namibia. The one record was of a single in the dry riverbed at Daan Viljoen.

Great Reed Warbler
Namibia. Only noted at Katima Mamila, but common in the reeds of the town's sewage farm.

African Marsh Warbler
Namibia. The most abundant warbler in many areas of waterside vegetation - good numbers at Windhoek sewage farm, Namutoni waterhole, Rundu, the Orange River and the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. As well as several at Clanwilliam and at least 20 at Paarl, a minimum of three were also present in a small patch of reeds at Katbakkies.

European Sedge Warbler
Namibia. Sewage farms of the Caprivi Strip proved popular for this species, with more than 20 at Rundu and several at Katima Mamila. An additional single was seen at Windhoek sewage farm in December.

African Sedge Warbler
Namibia. Several birds were noted in the reeds alongside the Orange River.
South Africa. At least five were seen at Eland's Bay and one at Constantia, more heard.

Knysna Warbler
South Africa. A exceptionally secretive bird, but nevertheless easy to locate by its loud distinctive song (very similar to European Wood Warbler). A pair were seen in the Constantia greenbelts of Cape Town, one eventually giving good views, and another heard only at Grootvadersbosch.

Victorin's Warbler
South Africa. A single of this localised endemic was seen in the main gully at Sir Lowry's Pass, showing well before disappearing back into its dense vegetation habitat.

Willow Warbler
Namibia. Very few records of this European migrant - just three near Katima Mamila and one in Windhoek sewage farm.

Yellow-throated Warbler
South Africa. One record only of this forest bird - a single at Grootvadersbosch.

Yellow-breasted Apalis
Namibia. In the Caprivi, two birds were seen at Katima Mamila and one in dry woodland near Ngepi.

Bar-throated Apalis
South Africa. Widespread in the fynbos zone: three at Lambert's Bay, one in scrub in the Overburg farmland, eight at De Hoop and several at Bontebok N.P.

Long-billed Crombec
Namibia. Scattered across central and northern Namibia, total records consisted of two at Halali (Etosha) and singles at Ruacana Falls, Ngepi and, in the Windhoek area, at the sewage farm and Hoffmeyr Walk.
South Africa. Two birds were encountered in the strandveld north of Lambert's Bay.

Yellow-bellied Eremomela
Namibia. Fairly common in the arid thornveld of central Namibia - lone birds at Aus, Spitskoppe, Twyfelfontain and the Petrified Forest, as well as two in Etosha (one in each Okaukuejo and Halali camps) and three in the Windhoek area (two on the Hoffmeyr Walk, another at Avis Dam).
South Africa. Brandvlei held the only four birds seen in South Africa.

Karoo Eremomela
South Africa. At the base of the hillock, a pair of Karoo Eremomelas were discovered foraging in the low scrub at Eierkop.

Grey-backed Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler)
Namibia. Most abundant in the far north, where in addition to two at Ruacana Falls, many birds were seen in the Caprivi - best tallies being up to six daily at Rundu and up to 15 a day in the Katima Mamila area, with pairs also seen at Bagani and Ngepi. Away from the extreme north, the only records were three at Etosha (two in Halali Camp and one in Namutoni Camp).

African Barred Warbler
Namibia. All records were in the Windhoek area and, though supposedly resident, only in December - two singles at Daan Viljoen, one at Avis Dam and one on the Hoffmeyr Walk.

Cinnamon-breasted Warbler
South Africa. This rock-dweller was seen at Springbok and Katbakkies, on both occasions involving singles scuttling from boulder to boulder.

Grassbird
South Africa. Though apparently a common bird at several sites visited, I managed just two records - singles at Kransvlei Poort and the Cape of Good Hope.

Rockrunner
Namibia. This stunning endemic is easy in craggy areas in the Windhoek region - one or two were seen on each visit to the Hoffmeyr Walk, plus up to five per trip to Avis Dam and, in the greatest numbers of all, up to nine at Daan Viljoen.

Fan-tailed Cisticola
Namibia. A grassland warbler, common in three areas - Avis Dam, the Orange River and Ngepi. At all three sites, a typical visit could see in excess of 15 birds.

Desert Cisticola
Namibia. Two at Springbokfontain in Etosha were the only confirmed birds.

Cloud Cisticola
South Africa. Appeared to be fairly common in the agricultural fields of the Overburg, with several positively identified and many other flitting up also presumed to be of this species.

Neddicky
South Africa. On the climb up to the summit of Lion's Head, five birds were seen and more heard.

Grey-backed Cisticola
South Africa. After an initial two at Springbok, Grey-backed Cisticolas were very common in the strandveld at Lambert's Bay, with several also seen in the Karoo scrub at Eierkop and at least ten at Brandvlei.

Tinkling Cisticola
Namibia. Two birds were found in dry woodland a couple of kilometres west of Ngepi.

Rattling Cisticola
Namibia. Recorded in two widely separated localities: at Avis Dam, several were present; and at Divundu, at least six birds were found.

Black-backed Cisticola
Namibia. A cisticola of marshland, at least six were seen adjacent to the River Zambezi just north of Katima Mamila and up to eight daily in the vleis at Ngepi.

Chirping Cisticola
Namibia. With its population centred on the Okavango, a single of this reed-dweller was seen at Rundu and two more at Ngepi.

Levaillant's Cisticola
South Africa. Another wetland bird, this species was common at Veldriff, with an additional single bird at Constantia and two in a small reeded pool at Katbakkies.

Red-faced Cisticola
Namibia. The extreme eastern tip of the Caprivi Strip holds the only populations of this species in Namibia. Sharing reedbeds with Black-backed Cisticolas, two birds were seen in riverside meadows just north of Katima Mamila (on the road towards Zambia).

Rufous-eared Warbler
Namibia. In roadside scrub, two birds were found at Keetmanshoop, close to the junction to Luderitz.
South Africa. This most attractive bird was extremely abundant at Eierkop, running mouse-like between the bushes. Also very common at Brandvlei, where over 40 were seen.

Namaqua Prinia (Namaqua Warbler)
South Africa. At a classic site for the species, a quick stop at roadside phragmites reedbeds at Karoo Poort produced views of a single bird, with more heard singing.

Spotted Prinia (Karoo Prinia)
South Africa. Very abundant across almost the entire Cape Province, including Springbok, Clanwilliam, the West Coast, the Cape Peninsula, De Hoop, the Karoo and Bushmanland.

Black-chested Prinia
Namibia. Reasonably common across the thornveld and scrub of central and south Namibia, with daily counts of about ten at Avis Dam, the Orange River, Etosha and the mouth of the Swakop River. Smaller numbers were logged at numerous other localities, including the Hoffmeyr Walk, Naukluft Mountains and Spitskoppe.
South Africa. At the southern end of their range, four birds were noted at Brandvlei.

Tawny-flanked Prinia
Namibia. The northernmost of the prinias in Namibia, the records consisting of about eight in the Katima Mamila area and pairs at Ruacana Falls, Rundu, Ngepi and Divundu.

Fairy Flycatcher
South Africa. In addition to single birds at Clanwilliam and Katbakkies, a pair were found feeding recently fledged young at the base of the hillock at Eierkop.

Dusky Flycatcher
South Africa. A resident of evergreen forest, the only Dusky Flycatchers seen were eight in the Constantia greenbelts, two by the river in Bontebok N.P. and at least 20 at Grootvadersbosch.

Blue-grey Flycatcher
Namibia. Another riverine forest bird restricted to the far north, the only record being a pair feeding fledged young alongside the Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Spotted Flycatcher
Namibia. Both in the Caprivi Strip, single birds were noted at Rundu and Katima Mamila.

Southern Black Flycatcher
Namibia. At the extreme western point of its range, a single was noted in woodland downriver of Ngepi.

Fiscal Flycatcher
South Africa. A wide scatter of records: a pair with young at Kransvlei Poort, one at Lambert's Bay, common throughout the Overburg (including the farmland, De Hoop and Bontebok), plus five at Grootvadersbosch and a single at Bain's Kloof.

Chat Flycatcher
Namibia. On route to Sossusvlei, a pair were seen while passing through the Naukluft Mountains.
South Africa. Brandvlei was the hotspot for this species, holding at least 15 birds.

Marico Flycatcher
Namibia. Most common at Etosha, where frequent in Okaukuejo Camp and, in lesser numbers (about five a day) through the rest of the park. In other localities, single birds were seen at Avis Dam and Rundu and up to four on both visits to Daan Viljoen.

Mouse-coloured Flycatcher
Namibia. One bird logged - an individual in dry woodland west of Ngepi.

Paradise Flycatcher
Namibia. Common at sites along the Caprivi Strip - up to five daily at Rundu (including a nesting pair in the campsite), singles at Bagani and Katima Mamila, at least five per day at Ngepi and three at Popa Falls.
South Africa. With a minimum of 15 seen, the forest reserve at Grootvadersbosch was the best site. Otherwise, four were seen at the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch, six in the Constantia greenbelts and a single at Bontebok N.P.

Blue-mantled Flycatcher
South Africa. At Grootvadersbosch, a single bird was seen in the forest.

Pririt Batis
Namibia. Recorded throughout the Windhoek area, but nowhere else. Total sighting amounted to a female at the sewage farm, a pair on two occasions at Avis Dam, up to four at Daan Viljoen on both visits and a pair on the Hoffmeyr Walk.
South Africa. Seen at two sites in the arid interior - three birds at Katbakkies and a single at Brandvlei.

Cape Batis
South Africa. Endemic to wooded areas of the south, four were found the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch, 12 in the Constantia greenbelts and a minimum of 25 at Grootvadersbosch.

Chinspot Batis
Namibia. The northern counterpart of the other two Batis, the sole record was of a pair feeding fledged young in woodland alongside the River Zambezi north of Katima Mamila.

Cape Wagtail
Namibia. Common in the Windhoek area (Avis Dam, the sewage farm and Daan Viljoen), as well as at Luderitz and the Orange River. Elsewhere, pairs were noted at Swakopmund, Popa Falls and Ngepi.
South Africa. The extent of records was as following: numerous at De Hoop, several at the Cape of Good Hope and four at Lambert's Bay.

African Pied Wagtail
Namibia. A bird of large rivers, habitat confines the species to the far north and far south of the country. In addition to a bird on the Orange River (see South Africa, below), at least three were seen on the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila and, on the Okavango River, one at Bagani, six at Popa Falls and four daily at Ngepi.
South Africa. The only record was a single flitting back and forth across the Orange River, thus occurring in both South Africa and Namibia.

Yellow Wagtail
Namibia. A total of five birds were seen in Caprivi, two at Kongola and three at Ngepi.

Grassveld Pipit
Namibia. Several birds were seen most visits to Avis Dam, plus four at Rietfontain in Etosha and pairs at Rundu and Ngepi.
South Africa. Just a few records - four on patchy grass at Lambert's Bay and pairs in farmland below Kransvlei Poort and in the Overburg.

Long-billed Pipit
Namibia. Long-billed Pipits were seen on both visits to Daan Viljoen - a pair on the first visit and a single on the next. Unrecorded elsewhere.
South Africa. Two birds were seen in farmland in the Overburg (very close to De Hoop).

Plain-backed Pipit
Namibia. A single sighting: one bird near the Kwando River at Kongola.

Orange-throated Longclaw
South Africa. Seen two times in farmland in the southern Cape, first a single beneath Kransvlei Poort and then three in the Overburg.

Pink-throated Longclaw
Namibia. A localised species, confined in Namibia to the Caprivi Strip - the sole record on my trip being four in damp meadows near Ngepi.

Long-tailed Shrike
Namibia. Particularly common in the Rundu area, where up to 20 could be seen per day. Elsewhere in the Caprivi, this dramatic species was also recorded in the Katima Mamila area (six on the road towards the Zambian border, two at the sewage farm and two 20 km south of the town).

Sousa's Shrike
Namibia. A rare vagrant to southern Africa, this was a special find of the trip. Associating with a major influx of the superficially similar Red-backed Shrikes, a single was found in open woodland near Rundu sewage farm on 27th November.

Red-backed Shrike
Namibia. Abundant from late-November onwards, with the best numbers being at least 30 per day at Rundu. Thereafter, singles or pairs were seen throughout the Caprivi, including in the Caprivi Game Park, at Katima Mamila, Kongola, Ngepi and Divundu. By the second week of December, birds were penetrating into the Windhoek area, with up to five at Avis Dam, a single on the Hoffmeyr Walk and another at Daan Viljoen.

Lesser Grey Shrike
Namibia. Following a very similar arrival pattern to Red-backed Shrike, but on a much smaller scale, the first two birds were at Rundu in late November, with another some days later at Divundu. Subsequently, reaching the Windhoek area in the second week of December, up to two were seen at Avis Dam.

Fiscal Shrike
Namibia. In addition to scattered singles in the Okaukuejo area of Etosha and one at Solitaire, this shrike was common in the region around Spitskoppe.
South Africa. A common bird in South Africa, most plentiful in the farmland areas stretching north of Cape Town and across the Overburg, as well as around Clanwilliam and De Hoop. Away from these areas, two were noted at Lambert's Bay and singles at Springbok, Constantia and Paarl.

Crimson-breasted Shrike (Boubou)
Namibia. The national bird of Namibia .and a stunning one at that! Fortunately, not too difficult to see - the best place was eastern end of Etosha, where eight were seen at Namutoni Camp, two at Kalkheuwel and four at Chudop waterhole. Away from Etosha, a single was seen at Rundu and, around Windhoek, two on the Hoffmeyr Walk and one at Avis Dam.

Southern Boubou
South Africa. The most northerly birds were four at Kransvlei Poort, thereafter all those seen were on the Cape Peninsula - two at Simon's Town (by the penguin colony) and singles at Kirstenbosch and Cape Point.

Tropical Boubou
Namibia. With its Namibian range limited to eastern Caprivi, the one record was a single in riverine forest alongside the Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Swamp Boubou
Namibia. Along the northern rivers, several were seen at Ruacana Falls, at least eight at Rundu, a single at Kongola and two at Ngepi.

Black-crowned Tchagra
Namibia. A single record, one just north of Halali Camp in Etosha.

Three-streaked Tchagra
Namibia. Distributed across the country, the few records consisted of one at Halali Camp in Etosha, three at Katima Mamila and singles at Ngepi and Avis Dam.

Southern Tchagra
South Africa. A special of De Hoop, a search of several hours in the campsite area of finally paid dividends when a pair popped out on the path and gave excellent views, shortly followed by another pair nearby.

Bokmakierie
Namibia. Only seen in two widely separated localities - three birds at Spitskoppe and another three in roadside scrub at the Luderitz junction near Keetmanshoop.
South Africa. Particularly abundant at Springbok (at least ten birds seen) and in the strandveld at Lambert's Bay (eight birds). Elsewhere, pairs were noted at De Hoop, Bontebok N.P. and just south of Eierkop.

Brubru Shrike
Namibia. Four records spread widely across the country: two at Twyfelfontain, one at Namutoni Camp in Etosha, two at Divundu and a single at Daan Viljoen.

Puffback Shrike
Namibia. Of the 18 birds seen, all were in the far north and, except pairs at Ruacana Falls and Popa Falls, all were in the Katima Mamila area (five in riverine forest, five in bushland north of town and four 20 km south).

White-tailed Shrike
Namibia. A near endemic and speciality of Namibia. Windhoek is a good spot for this bird, with up to seven seen per visit to the Hoffmeyr Walk, plus three at Daan Viljoen and occasionally birds at Avis Dam. Further north, five were also seen at Spitskoppe and a single flock of about 15 at Ruacana Falls.

Southern White-crowned Shrike
Namibia. Etosha was the stronghold for this bird -the central Halali area being particularly good, notching up about 20 birds per day. By contrast, the Namutoni end of the park managed only about five daily, whilst the Okaukuejo end a mere single near Homob. Away from Etosha, the sole record was eight birds noted at Ruacana Falls.

Red-billed Helmetshrike
Namibia. A single sighting: one in mopane woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

White Helmetshrike
Namibia. Though several small flocks, totalling about 25 birds, were seen near Halali in Etosha, no others were seen in different parts of the park or indeed anywhere in Namibia.

Greater Blue-eyed Starling
Namibia. The two records were of six in the Caprivi Game Park and four at the nearby Kongola.

Glossy Starling
Namibia. The most widespread of the starlings. Birds were fairly common in the Windhoek area (up to eight at Avis Dam, two at the sewage farm and 25 at Daan Viljoen), numerous throughout Etosha and in numbers up to 15 at both Ruacana Falls and Rundu.
South Africa. The only sighting was of two at Springbok.

Plum-coloured Starling
Namibia. In December only, two were near Ngepi and singles at Daan Viljoen and the International Airport.

Burchell's Starling
Namibia. Five were seen on the lawns at Namutoni Camp, six in woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila and a single in river meadows at Kongola.

Long-tailed Starling
Namibia. Widespread in the far north, the records totalling nine at Ruacana Falls, about 20 at Rundu, four in woodland 45 km east of Rundu and two at Ngepi.

Sharp-tailed Starling
Namibia. Uncommon and localised, the one record was a flock of five in roadside woodland half way between Popa Falls and Ngepi.

Pale-winged Starling
Namibia. A widespread and, in places, common bird of arid rocky areas. Most abundant in the Windhoek area (up to 20 could often be seen on the Hoffmeyr Walk, at Avis Dam and Daan Viljoen) and at Spitskoppe (at least 25 birds). Occasional pairs also found at Solitaire, Aus and the Barlow's Lark site 47 km east of Luderitz.
South Africa. Four birds were seen on the crags at Karoo Poort.

Red-winged Starling
South Africa. Extremely common in Cape Town, on Table Mountain and down the entire Cape Peninsula. Smaller numbers, generally less than ten, also at Kransvlei Poort, Eland's Bay, De Hoop and Katbakkies.

European Starling
South Africa. This introduced species was very common in suburban areas and grassland at Clanwilliam, Veldriff and parts of Cape Town (for example, the Constantia greenbelts).

Wattled Starling
Namibia. A major roost at Windhoek sewage farm was a spectacle to see, with huge numbers feeding on the settling beds in the late afternoon and thereafter congregating in the nearby trees. Numbers declined somewhat through the season, falling from an initial minimum of 1800 birds in the second week of October to an estimated 1400 by the end of the month, and thereafter to about 800 in mid-December. Strangely, the only other birds seen in the Windhoek area were 12 at Daan Viljoen and seven at Avis Dam on one occasion. Away from Windhoek, a flock of 20 were also noted near Keetmanshoop.
South Africa. Mixed with Pied Starlings, a flock of at least 150 were feeding in fields near Vanrhynsdorp.

Pied Starling
South Africa. Most abundant in the Overburg farmland and at De Hoop, both areas frequently attracting numerous flocks, sometimes hundreds strong. Elsewhere, minimums of 40 were at Vanrhynsdorp, 20 at Veldriff and ten at Eland's Bay. Five were also noted at both Lambert's Bay and Katbakkies, plus a single at Kransvlei Poort.

Red-billed Oxpecker
Namibia. Five were seen at Ruacana Falls and six every day at Ngepi.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker
Namibia. Associating with Red-billed Oxpeckers, two were observed on one occasion at Ngepi. Later, five were also noted at Divundu.

Cape Sugarbird
South Africa. Though the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch are the undoubtedly the best site to guarantee this special endemic, six birds were also seen just above the city centre at the base of Table Mountain and a further single at Sir Lowry's Pass.

Malachite Sunbird
South Africa. Common and widespread. The best locality was Lambert's Bay, where at least ten were seen both days in the fynbos. Elsewhere, three were at Springbok, four at Eierkop and pairs or singles at Kransvlei Poort, the Cape of Good Hope, Sir Lowry's Pass and De Hoop.

Orange-breasted Sunbird
South Africa. An attractive endemic, easily seen in the Cape Town area. In addition to being abundant in the higher parts of Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and on the summit of Table Mountain, at least ten were seen on the slopes of the mountain above the city centre. On the Cape Peninsula, six were also noted in gardens and flowering shrubs adjacent to the penguin colony at Simon's Town.

Scarlet-chested Sunbird
Namibia. As well as birds in the north (one at Ruacana Falls and two at Ngepi), singles were also seen at Avis Dam on two occasions.

Coppery Sunbird
Namibia. A highly localised species occurring only in the Katima Mamila area. Around this town, a male was seen in the Zambezi Lodge campsite and two females in riverine forest alongside the road towards the Zambian border.

White-bellied Sunbird
Namibia. Fairly common in the north: singles at Ruacana Falls and Rundu, two at Katima Mamila, up to three daily around the campsite at Ngepi and a further five minimum in the dry woodland west of Ngepi.

Dusky Sunbird
Namibia. Widely seen in the arid thornveld and desert scrub of central Namibia - about six per visit to the Hoffmeyr Walk, at least eight at Sossusvlei and common at Spitskoppe. Smaller numbers were also seen in many other localities, including two at Rooibank, four at the mouth of the Swakop River, occasionals in the Okaukuejo area of Etosha and a single at Aus.
South Africa. Only seen at Springbok, where two were present.

Greater Double-collared Sunbird
South Africa. A special more typical further east, Grootvadersbosch is one of the westernmost sites to guarantee this sunbird. Feeding both in the forest and open areas, at least 12 birds were seen.

Lesser Double-collared Sunbird
Namibia. With its range just peeking into Namibia, a morning's walk along the Orange River produced four birds, all in riverside trees and shrubs.
South Africa. A common bird of the south, numerous at localities such as Clanwilliam, Kransvlei Poort, Lambert's Bay and Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. Also, small numbers on Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and at Paarl.

Marico Sunbird
Namibia. Around Windhoek, two birds were seen at Avis Dam and pairs at the sewage farm on two occasions. Further north, a female was at Namutoni Camp in Etosha and a pair at Rundu.

Purple-banded Sunbird
Namibia. Another eastern Caprivi species, four birds were noted alongside the Zambezi in Katima Mamila.

Cape White-eye
South Africa. Very common at Kransvlei Poort, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens and De Hoop, where at least 20 were seen daily at all three localities. Even more abundant at both Constantia and Grootvadersbosch, these latter sites boasting in excess of 40 birds. Elsewhere, five were at Simon's Town and one at Lambert's Bay.

Great Sparrow
Namibia. A common bird at Etosha, present in large numbers at many waterholes. Otherwise, all records were in the Windhoek area, with four at Avis Dam, eight at the sewage farm and six at Daan Viljoen.

House Sparrow
Namibia. Patchy distribution - common in Luderitz and Rundu towns, several also in Swakopmund town and along the Orange River, but scarce in Windhoek, the only birds being about 15 at the sewage farm and two on the Hoffmeyr Walk.
South Africa. Common in Clanwilliam and parts of Cape Town.

Cape Sparrow
Namibia. Abundant in western and southern parts, including Walvis Bay, Spitskoppe Twyfelfontain and Sossusvlei, the latter site supporting at least 200 birds. Smaller flocks, up to 30, were also noted at Rooibank, the mouth of the Swakop River, at Keetmanshoop and along the Orange River
South Africa. Common at De Hoop, Bontebok N.P. and Brandvlei, with six also seen at Eland's Bay and three at Springbok.

Grey-headed Sparrow
Namibia. Except six at Daan Viljoen, all were in the north. At least 20 were recorded at Ruacana Falls, almost 30 in the Katima Mamila area, plus at Etosha, several in Okaukuejo Camp and at waterholes through park.

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Namibia. A nomadic bird, possible anywhere in the northern half of Namibia. Singles were seen at Halali and Namutoni Camps, both in Etosha, and alongside the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila, whilst three were also noted at the Katima Mamila sewage farm.

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
Namibia. Abundant across the entire thornveld belt of middle and northern Namibia, their scruffy colonial nests a common feature of the landscape. Particularly abundant in the Windhoek, Spitskoppe and central Etosha areas, whilst the most north-easterly record was about 20 at Rundu.

Thick-billed Weaver
Namibia. A Caprivi special, the only records were six by the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila and at least 35 at the town's sewage farm.

Sociable Weaver
Namibia. The huge communal nests make this an extremely easy bird to find, the nests often so large that they eventually make the trees collapse. These avian 'cities', each supporting on occasion hundreds of birds, were numerous in the areas from the Naukluft Mountains to Sossusvlei, as well as at Etosha in Okaukuejo Camp and the thornveld north of Okaukuejo and Namutoni. In the south, several nests and associated birds were noted in the Aus area.
South Africa. In Bushmanland, a single colony was noted at Brandvlei, and thereafter many 'small' nests were seen from the road north towards Kenhardt (most built on telegraph poles).

Spotted-backed Weaver
Namibia. Resident of the Caprivi Strip, breeding colonies of at least 40 birds were found at Rundu, 30 alongside the Zambezi at Katima Mamila and a further 20 or so at the town's sewage farm.

Southern Masked Weaver
Namibia. The most common of the yellow weavers, the species was especially abundant in the Windhoek area (breeding on the Hoffmeyr Walk, at the city's sewage farm and at Daan Viljoen, occasionally also seen at Avis Dam). Elsewhere, many birds were also seen at the Orange River, at Sossusvlei and the rivermouth at Swakopmund. In the Caprivi Strip, the only record was at least four alongside the River Zambezi adjacent to the road northwards from Katima Mamila.
South Africa. Common breeder at Bontebok N.P. and Paarl. Elsewhere, smaller numbers were seen at many wetland sites, including Clanwilliam, Lambert's Bay and a pool at Katbakkies.

Lesser Masked Weaver
Namibia. Only recorded in the Windhoek area, though fairly common there. Several pairs were noted breeding at the sewage farm, many were seen on the Hoffmeyr Walk and four were noted at Daan Viljoen.

Spectacled Weaver
Namibia. One record only - a pair by the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila.

Red-headed Weaver
Namibia. A total of seven birds were seen across the Caprivi Strip - a single at Rundu, three in the Katima Mamila area, one at Ngepi and two in dry woodland west of Ngepi.

Chestnut Weaver
Namibia. A localised bird, most common in the far north west. Several small flocks, in all totalling about 60 birds, were seen in the thornveld at Ruacana Falls.

Cape Weaver
South Africa. Other than a large breeding colony in the campsite at Clanwilliam, the only records were four in the Overburg farmland, ten at De Hoop and several at a small pool at Katbakkies.

Golden Weaver
Namibia. A weaver of the northern rivers, this bird was most abundant at Ruacana Falls (at least 40 present), with smaller numbers also at the sewage farms at Rundu  and Katima Mamila (two birds at each) and at the campsite at Ngepi (four per day).

Red Bishop
Namibia. Red Bishops were only observed at three sites in Namibia - at least 20 birds at Windhoek sewage farm, many breeding pairs in the reeds at the Orange River and, in the far north, two at Kongola.
South Africa. With hundreds seen, this bird was most abundant in the farmland of the Overburg, though was also common at De Hoop and Karoo Poort. On the West Coast, a single was seen at Lambert's Bay and four at Eland's Bay.

Red-billed Quelea
Namibia. A very widespread bird, abundant in some areas. The highest count was about 800 at Sossusvlei, though they were also numerous at many of the Etosha waterholes, especially Rietfontain, Goas, Chudop and Kalkheuwel. Elsewhere, at least 150 were at Ruacana Falls and 25 at Kongola, whilst the Windhoek area managed about 60 at the sewage farm and up to 30 per visit to Avis Dam.

Red-shouldered Widow
Namibia. In Namibia, occurs only in the Caprivi Strip. Total records were two at Bagani, four near the River Zambezi at Katima Mamila, another four at the town's sewage farm and up to six daily at Ngepi.

Yellow-rumped Widow
South Africa. Common at both Clanwilliam and Kransvlei Poort, otherwise just singles at Lambert's Bay and the Cape of Good Hope and a pair at Karoo Poort.

Melba Finch
Namibia. Only seen in Windhoek and Caprivi. Windhoek records consisted of two at Daan Viljoen and up to 15 per trip to Avis Dam, while the Caprivi birds were four at Rundu and two 20 km south of Katima Mamila.

Quail Finch
Namibia. Easy to overlook, since usually has to be flushed to be seen. However, 18 were seen at Avis Dam on one occasion, as well as counts of 12 and 22 on consecutive days at Ngepi.

Jameson's Firefinch
Namibia. A single was found in a grassy vlei amongst woodland 20 km south of Katima Mamila, then three birds in thornveld close to Popa Falls.

Red-billed Firefinch
Namibia. With at least 15 at both Ruacana Falls and Rundu, in addition to a single at Popa Falls, this was the commonest of the firefinches.

Brown Firefinch
Namibia. Ngepi was the sole locality for this bird - the riverside vleis yielding up to 16 birds daily.

Swee Waxbill
South Africa. One record: a single in long grass close to the campsite at Grootvadersbosch.

Violet-eared Waxbill
Namibia. This attractive waxbill was only encountered in the Windhoek area - up to ten at Avis Dam on a couple of occasions and four at Daan Viljoen.

Black-cheeked Waxbill
Namibia. With flocks frequently up to 30 birds, Black-cheeked Waxbills were common at Avis Dam. At other localities, at least ten were at Daan Viljoen and, in the north, two at Rundu.

Common Waxbill
Namibia. Only  bountiful in the Katima Mamila area, where 18 were seen along the road towards Zambian border and about 25 at the sewage farm. Elsewhere, the few records were of six at Rundu, five at Avis Dam and two at the mouth of the Swakop River.
South Africa. Common and abundant. The best counts were 12 at De Hoop and a similar number in adjacent Overburg farmland. In addition, eight were seen at Constantia, four at both Lambert's Bay and near Eierkop, a pair at Grootvadersbosch and a single at Kransvlei Poort.

Blue Waxbill
Namibia. Away from the very north, the only records were four at Namutoni in Etosha and four on the Hoffmeyr Walk (the latter birds unusually far south). Along the northern extremes of the country, however, Blue Waxbills were abundant - for example, at least 35 at Ruacana Falls, up to 40 per day at Rundu, at least 55 scattered around the Katima Mamila sites, ten at Kongola and very common at both Popa Falls and Ngepi.

Bronze Mannikin
Namibia. At the extreme west of the its range, Katima Mamila offers the only chance for this species. On my trip, about 20 were in the campsite, one at the sewage farm and a pair along the road towards Zambia.

Cut-throat Finch
Namibia. Further south than expected, a flock of ten were found drinking at Chudop waterhole in Etosha.

Red-headed Finch
Namibia. This was one of the most abundant small birds at the waterholes of Etosha, though only from Rietfontain eastwards, particularly at Chudop and Kalkheuwel. Other than at Etosha, the only birds recorded were about 20 at Sossusvlei.

Scaly-feathered Finch
Namibia. The best count was of over 60 at Sossusvlei, though was also quite common at Etosha, especially at Kalkheuwel waterhole. In the rest of the country, about ten were noted on the Hoffmeyr Walk and pairs at both Avis Dam and Aus.

Pin-tailed Whydah
Namibia. With 20 at the sewage farm and ten at Avis Dam, the Windhoek area held the bulk of the birds seen in Namibia. The only other birds were at the extreme south (five at the Orange River) or the far north-east (two at Katima Mamila).
South Africa. Single birds were noted at four localities: Eland's Bay, Veldriff, in the Overburg farmlands and at Bontebok N.P.

Shaft-tailed Whydah
Namibia. More frequent than Pin-tailed Whydah, up to five were seen per visit to Avis Dam and, in the Caprivi Strip, up to ten daily at Rundu and six at Ngepi.

Paradise Whydah
South Africa. Only seen while transiting at Johannesburg International Airport - in December, many displaying males were seen from the aeroplane as it landed.

Yellow Canary
Namibia. At least 15 were seen in the Spitskoppe area and a further 30 at Keetmanshoop.
South Africa. Fairly common, with counts of about 15 at both Lambert's Bay and De Hoop, plus five in the Overburg farmland, a minimum of ten at Eierkop and four in the dry streambed just south of Eierkop.

Yellow-eyed Canary
Namibia. A single record only - one bird in dry woodland west of Ngepi.

Black-throated Canary
Namibia. The most abundant of Namibia's canaries, with records from all parts of the country. Around Windhoek, 16 were seen at Daan Viljoen, up to 15 on the Hoffmeyr Walk, eight at the sewage farm and six at Avis Dam. At Etosha, in addition to about 20 at Springbokfontain, the bird was common at waterholes in the Namutoni region, particularly Kalkheuwel. Further north, about 15 were seen at both Ruacana Falls and Katima Mamila, whilst in the south, a couple were also noted at Aus.

Forest Canary
South Africa. Restricted to the southern belt of the Cape, total records consisted of two birds in the Constantia greenbelts and a further two at Grootvadersbosch.

Cape Canary
South Africa. With about ten birds seen, the area around the Cape of Good Hope was the prime site, though four were also at Simon's Town, one at Kirstenbosch and a pair at Grootvadersbosch.

White-throated Canary
Namibia. In the more arid parts of the country, about 20 were seen at the Orange River, at least that number at Spitskoppe and a single at Aus.
South Africa. A wide scattering of records - the best counts consisting of at least 15 at Brandvlei, about ten at Springbok and six at Eierkop, with pairs also seen at Kransvlei Poort, Lambert's Bay, in the Overburg farmland and at Bontebok N.P.

Protea Canary
South Africa. At the classic site for the species, a pair were seen in Kransvlei Poort.

Streaky-headed Canary
South Africa. A single bird was noted at Bontebok N.P. and a pair at Grootvadersbosch.

Black-headed Canary
South Africa. Three of these nomadic, often elusive, birds were located at Brandvlei, not far from the town.

CapeSiskin
South Africa. This localised endemic was seen with some frequency in the southern Cape. At the Cape of Good Hope in October, two pairs were seen, one feeding three recently fledged young, while a month later a flock of seven was at the same place. Away from Cape Point, two were also noted on Lion's Head, six at Sir Lowry's Pass and another pair feeding young at Grootvadersbosch.

Chaffinch
South Africa. Introduced into the Cape Town area, one was seen (and several more heard) in the Constantia greenbelts.

Rock Bunting
Namibia. Common at Ruacana Falls, where about ten were seen, but otherwise just four at Halali in Etosha and a pair at Avis Dam on a couple of occasions.

Golden-breasted Bunting
Namibia. This stunning species was found at four localities: a pair at the Halali waterhole in Etosha, one near the Zambezi at Katima Mamila and then further pairs in the woodland west of Ngepi and at Avis Dam.

Larklike Bunting
Namibia. Very few records - a single at the Barlow's Lark site and up to six seen on both visits to Daan Viljoen.
South Africa. A single large flock was encountered at Brandvlei, totalling an estimated 200 birds, with many more scattered around the area. In addition, about 15 were noted at Vanrhynsdorp.

Cape Bunting
Namibia. Only seen at Spitskoppe and Daan Viljoen, eight at the first and two at the latter.
South Africa. A widespread species, the best counts being about 20 at Springbok and 14 at De Hoop. Elsewhere, six were seen at both Lambert's Bay and Eierkop, four at Kransvlei Poort and Katbakkies, plus singles at Sir Lowry's Pass and Brandvlei.

Main report Mammals

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