Participants

Hans-Åke & Karin Gustavsson	Thomas Lindblad
Exercisgatan 30 B	Magnus Stenbocksgatan 7
SE-212 13 Malmö, Sweden	SE-223 24 Lund, Sweden
E-mail: hans-ake.gustavsson@telia.com	E-mail: thomas.lindblad@astrazeneca.com

General

This trip report contains the bird observations made during a three-week holiday trip to South Africa, including a short visit to Lesotho. The main purpose of the trip was to see as many interesting birds and mammals as possible, but also to enjoy the scenery, culture, wine and food of the country.

In order to visit as many of the different habitats and climate zones as possible, we decided to go for an extensive roundtrip of the country. The route mainly follows the one used by Elleström et al in 2001, starting in Johannesburg via the Krüger National Park in the north to the high altitude grasslands of Transvaal. From there down along the coast of Kwazulu-Natal to Oribi Gorge, continuing to Underberg and the Drakensberg mountains and Lesotho. Then further west, via Ladysmith and Kimberley, through the desert areas of Northern Cape down along the Atlantic coast, ending up in Cape Town. A total of 470 species were observed during the trip.

Travel

We flew with KLM from Copenhagen via Amsterdam to Johannesburg, with the return leg starting in Cape Town. The tickets cost 9.640 SEK (appr. 1.050 €) including taxes and airport fees. When we booked our tickets in April 2002 the choice was already quite limited, at least of the cheaper seats. This is worth keeping in mind when travelling in connection to the Christmas holidays.

Car rental, roads and traffic

We booked a Toyota Condor (a quite high minivan type of car) from AVIS well in advance. The price for 22 days, including unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection, one way fee, local tax and airport fees was 11.318 SAR (appr. 1.230 €).

Upon our arrival late in the evening in Johannesburg, AVIS was not able to provide us the agreed car and we therefore accepted to use a Toyota Sedan to our hotel nearby, and to return to pick up the Condor the next morning. When we showed up the following morning, the situation however had not changed, and after some discussions the whole matter ended with that we were offered a brand new Mercedes E 240 out of the luxury range of AVIS, as this was the only car big enough to take our entire luggage! At first we were a bit worried about the suitability of a big Mercedes as a safari car, as well as for travelling with it on bad dirt roads in the desert. We soon, however, realized the advantages of the car as being very comfortable and relaxing during long drives, as well as the benefits of equipment such as a three-zone climate system, automatic transmission, cruise control, CD-player, cool box between the seats (!) etc. Also, when driving in the deserts of Northern Cape the suspension of the car made it possible to keep good speed also on “wash-board”-roads.

Petrol was very cheap in comparison to European levels and cost around 3,85 SAR per liter. Petrol stations and garages are numerous except in the more remote areas. Be sure to fill up your gas tank and to check the spare tire before crossing the deserts of Northern Cape!

The roads are in general very good with light or moderate traffic only (with exception of the busy N1 and N2-highways). Please note that speed controls are quite common, even inside the Krüger Park, where the speed limit is 50 km/h on tarred roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Therefore, don’t underestimate the time for driving inside the Park. It is easy to get in a hurry to reach a camp before closing time.

Our total driven distance was 7.045 kilometers.

Accommodation

We booked 17 out of 22 nights in advance from Sweden. The remaining nights were booked en-route. We had no big problems finding accommodation for these nights except in St. Lucia, which is a popular coastal resort and therefore is very busy during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices are normally well below European levels for a comparable standard.

We stayed in the following places:

23-24 Dec               Hotel Holiday Inn, Johannesburg Int. Airport. Phone +27 (0) 11 392 1062

800 SAR for a double room, incl. breakfast

24-26 Dec               Krüger National Park, Punda Maria Camp, Cottage 700 SAR/night

26-27 Dec               Krüger National Park, Olifants Camp, 2-bed Bungalows 450 SAR/night

27-28 Dec               Krüger National Park, Skukuza Camp, Cottage 700 SAR/night

28-30 Dec               Beautiful Just B&B, Wakkerstroom (run by the birder John McAllister and his wife)  

Phone +27 (0) 17 730 0269, E-mail: mcallister@vlr.dorea.co.za 150 SAR/person/night.

30-31 Dec               Namib Safari Lodge, St. Lucia, Chalet for three persons 500 SAR/night Very good.

31 Dec-1 Jan          Oribi Gorge Hotel, Phone/fax: +27 (0) 39 687 0253. 380 SAR for a double room, 250 SAR for a single room. Big differences in the standard between the rooms though!

1-3 Jan       In a cottage in the garden of Rob & Ella Guy in Underberg, Phone/fax: +27 (0) 33 701 1020,  E-mail: rguysani@hotmail.com 17 USD/person/day incl. dinner and breakfast. Very nice!

3-4 Jan       Mawelawela Game & Fishing Lodge, Elandslaagte, Ladysmith, Phone/fax: +27 (0) 36 421 1860, E-mail: mitchellinnes@mweb.co.za 240 SAR/person/night incl. dinner. Very friendly and nice. Strongly recommended!

4-5 Jan     Langberg Guest Farm, Kimberley, Phone/fax: +27 (0) 53 832 1001, E-mail: getaway@langberg.co.za. 240 SAR/night for a double room. Good food and very nice!

5-6 Jan       Poffader Hotel, Poffader, Phone/fax: +27 (0) 54 933 0063. 245 SAR for a double room, 165 SAR for a single room. Good.

6-7 Jan     Die Dorphuis, Calvinia Phone/fax: +27 (0) 27 341 1606, E-mail: hantamhuis@calvinia.co.za

350 SAR for a fantastic suite in a restored Victorian home, built in 1860. Strongly recommended!

7-8 Jan     White Sand B&B, Lamberts Bay. Phone +27 (0) 27 432 1554. ? SAR. Very basic.

8-14 Jan     In a flat in the garden of birder John Enticott & Caz Thomas in Kirstenhof, Cape Town. Phone/fax: +27 (0) 21 715 7676. E-mail: cthomas@iafrica.com 100 SAR/person/night. Very friendly!

The accommodation in the Krüger National Park was booked through SA Tours and Safaris (TOURSAA), which functioned very efficient. Phone: +27 21 975 4472, E-mail: travel@ecoafrica.com, website: www.ecoafrica.com

Please note that the entrance fees to the Krüger National Park seem to have been raised significantly during 2003 and that the prices for accommodation inside the Park might have done so as well.

Food and Drinks

Food is normally of good standard, generally improving from north to south. In the camps in the Krüger National Park the food generally was less exciting, often consisting of buffets (this might have been because of the Christmas holidays, however). In Western Cape on the other hand we had several excellent dinners to very reasonable prices, in comparison to Swedish levels. Some highlights deserve some extra attention:

Alfredo’s, St. Lucia Good and well-priced seafood

Die Kreefhuis, Lamberts Bay Phone: +27(0) 27432 2235 Very good rock lobster to very good price

Die Volkskombuis, Old Strand Road, Stellenbosch, Phone: +27 (0) 21 887 2121 Excellent food! Strongly recommended!

Constantia Uitsig, Constantia +27 (0) 21 794 4480 Considered to be among the top restaurants in South Africa, prices still affordable. Reservations are necessary well in advance.

Julian’s Gallery & Restaurant, 22 All Saints Road, Bredasdorp. Phone/fax: +27 (0) 28 425 1201. Very good food, friendly staff and excellent value for money! Also a nice craft- and gift shop. A visit is strongly recommended.

Wine

South Africa is an old wine region with the first vines planted already 1655. During the 20th century the wines of South Africa increased in quality until 1970. During the 70-ties and 80-ties South African wine makers were hibernating due to the apartheid and nothing was exported. Since then the South African wines have gained worldwide recognition.

Most of the wine producing regions are located in the southwest and Stellenbosch just some 30 km east of Cape Town is the most well-known and recognised region. Other regions of interest are Paarl and Franschhoek just north of Stellenbosch and also Robertson to the east.

White wine is predominant and Steen (Chenin blanc) is the most common white grape variety. They also produce very good Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Among the red grapes Cabernet Sauvignon is the most common one. Shiraz and Merlot is also of good quality as well as normally very good Bordeaux blends, which can be found especially in Stellenbosch. Pinotage is a grape variety that you only can find in South Africa. It is a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault and it is well worth trying.

South Africa also produces sparkling wine and a fortified wine of port type. A very famous sweet wine is Vin de Constance, produced by Klein Constantia just outside Cape Town. It is most famous for being Napoleons favorite wine when he was doing time on St Helena.

Most wineries are open to the public but for some advance booking can be necessary. Also, advance booking can get you better and more personal service. For some of the larger wineries, like Simonsig, a small fee must be paid. Many wineries also have a restaurant at the estate and they are generally of good quality.

An excellent guide and a very good companion is John Platters South African Wines, a pocket sized book that describes virtually all wineries in South Africa. It can be found anywhere in South Africa and also in well sorted book stores elsewhere.

Safety

During our trip, we experienced no trouble whatsoever. However, as crime in South Africa seems to be strongly related to the big cities, we tried to avoid them as much as possible and were careful when we traveled also through medium sized cities as well as through unfamiliar parts of Cape Town. Be sure not to leave any valuables visible when you park your car and to use guarded parking lots at night. A good way to avoid trouble is to be aware of that problems do exist and to try to stay away from potential problem areas or situations.

Biding guides

During our trip we used local bird guides on three occasions, in Wakkerstroom, Underberg and in Ladysmith. It is of course possible to see many of the birds on your own, without a guide, but our experience was that their knowledge about the local avifauna as well as their access also to otherwise private land was invaluable. It also was great fun to exchange experiences about birds and birding in general. Be sure to take contact well in advance of your planned trip. These guys are often quite busy!

John McAllister: Phone: +27 (0) 17 730 0269, E-mail: mcallister@vlr.dorea.co.za,

John took us for a half day birding to see the specialties of the high altitude grasslands around Wakkerstroom. His fee at the time being was 120 SAR/hour/group for shorter trips. Our trip lasted between 05.00-12.15 for which we were charged 700 SAR, which also included packed breakfast and transport in Johns VW bus. 

Rob Guy: Phone/fax: +27 (0) 33 701 1020, E-mail: rguysani@hotmail.com Website: www.robguysani.co.za

Robs fee at the time being was 172 USD for a whole day (06.45-18.00) in the Sani Pass/Lesotho including 4WD transport (a must!) and packed lunch. A half-day trip to Xumeni forest and Hella Hella (05.30-11.30) cost 91 USD.

Kim Gordon: Phone: +27 (0) 36 631 1854, Cell: +27 (0) 82 478 1925. Upon our arrival in Ladysmith Kim took us to see some of the local specialties, Barrow’s Korhaan and Melodious Lark. His fee was 100 SAR/hour, with a minimum fee of 250 SAR.

Literature, trip reports and websites

Plenty of literature is available but we mainly relied on the following four publications:

Useful websites

A lot of trip reports are available on the Internet. We found the following ones particularly useful:

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Ola Elleström and Kristian Svensson, who kindly provided a lot of valuable information before our trip.

Itinerary

Dec 23:   Left Malmö at 04.30 and took off from Copenhagen Airport at 06.40. Arrived in Johannesburg at 21.45 and finally reached our hotel close to the airport at midnight.

Dec 24:   A long drive from Johannesburg to Punda Maria Camp in the Krüger National Park, where we arrived at 16.00. +39o C during the afternoon – quite a shock when coming from the Scandinavian winter! Birded around the camp before a heavy rainstorm made all out door activities impossible.

Dec 25:   Left Punda Maria at 05.00 (sunrise at 05.15) and headed north for Pafuri. Frequent stops along the road for interesting birds, among others: Jacobin Cuckoo, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-crested Korhaan, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Meves’s Starling and Böhm’s Spinetail.

Ate breakfast at the Pafuri picnic-site, interrupted by frequent new, interesting birds like Saddle-billed Stork and Trumpeter Hornbill. A walk around the picnic-site, accompanied by Frank, a sharp-eyed ranger from the National Park produced African Pygmy-kingfisher, White-browed Robin-chat, Tropical Boubou, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike and Green-winged Pytilia. Continued east along the Luvuvhu River to Crook’s Corner, which gave us some raptors like White-backed Vulture, African Goshawk and two Lesser Spotted Eagles. On the way back to Punda Maria we stopped at the small dam at Klopperfontein where a Lesser Moorhen was seen well.

Finished the day with a Night drive (sunset at 18.30) organized at the Punda Maria Camp. Not that many interesting mammals, only two Black-backed Jackals, a single Sharpe’s Grysbok and some Elephants. Among birds, three species of Nightjars, a superb Spotted Eagle Owl and a Bronze-winged Courser were seen. The highlight was otherwise a large Mocambique Spitting Cobra, seen at close range on the road.

Dec 26:   Started 05.00 with a drive around Mahonie Loop which produced African Black Duck, another Lesser Moorhen, our first Purple-crested Turaco and a variety of passerines. Left Punda Maria after breakfast heading south for Olifants. Plenty of birds along the road, among others the only Southern Ground Hornbills of the trip. North of Mopani Camp, we encountered two parties of Lions (10+2) close to the road. Reached Olifants Camp at 17.30 and checked in into our bungalows with a fantastic view over the Olifants river. Made an attempt to find Bat Hawk at dusk inside the camp, but without success.

Dec 27:   Started 04.55 with a morning drive on the S44 and S93 gravel roads northeast of the camp. New birds were Sabota Lark and White-browed Scrub-robin. At a look-out site along the Letaba River, where it was allowed to leave the car at own risk, we saw several Hippopotamus and a Spotted Hyaena. On our way back to the camp suddenly a Leopard crossed the road just in front of our car. We stopped immediately and were able to watch it during a few minutes when it slowly walked away into the bush again. A marvelous sighting!

After a very good buffet breakfast we continued south. Ostriches were fairly common and just before lunch we found a superb adult Martial Eagle perched in a tree just along the road. The lunch stop at Satara produced the only Bennett’s Woodpecker and African Mourning Dove of the trip.

During the afternoon, getting closer to Skukuza, mammals increased in numbers and we saw among others two White Rhinoceros, Spotted Hyaenas, Warthog and a second Leopard, which was sitting in a tree, eating a Zebra, only approximately 50 meters away from the road. Managed to reach the Skukuza Camp just before the closing of the gates at 18.30. Nice dinner at the restaurant located in the former railway station of Skukuza, where we had Kudu steaks of 500 grammes each!

Dec 28:   Birded inside the Skukuza Camp before breakfast. Lots of birds, which allowed us to reach only 300 meters away from our cottage, among others Grey-headed Bushshrike, Grey Tit-flycatcher and White-bellied Sunbird. After breakfast we drove past some sites south of Skukuza where Cheetahs had been recorded recently, but without any luck. Left the Krüger Park via the Malelane Gate at lunch and headed for Wakkerstroom. After passing Ermelo the habitat changed and in the grasslands a completely new set-up of birds started to appear: Long-tailed Widow-birds, Red and Yellow-crowned Bishops were numerous, as well as Banded Martins, African Pipits and Cape Longclaws.

Arrived in Wakkerstroom just before dusk during a heavy thunderstorm and checked in at the Beautiful Just B & B, run by birder John McAllister and his wife. Very nice dinner at the Restaurant Weavers nest.

Dec 29    Early start together with John McAllister who had agreed to show us some of the grassland specialties. A very nice morning during which we saw large numbers of Amur Falcons, Blue Crane, Blue Korhaan, Red-throated Wryneck, Buff-streaked Chat, Yellow-breasted Pipit, as well as two of our target species, the endemic and rare Rudd’s and Botha’s Larks.

During the afternoon we continued birding on our own west and south of Wakkerstroom. Birds seen included Southern Bald Ibis, Horus Swift, Ground Woodpecker as well as a Marsh Owl hunting over the wetlands at dusk. The night was spent in Wakkerstroom.

Dec 30:   As we had not been able to book any accommodation for the night to come, and as we felt very satisfied with the outcome of yesterdays birding, we decided to leave Wakkerstroom early for St. Lucia. Arrived there at lunch time and started door-knocking for accommodation. To our relief, we succeeded already on the fifth attempt, when we found a nice self-catering apartment in the town center.

The afternoon was spent in the forest along the “Gwala-Gwala-trail” at the edge of the town. Birds found included White-eared Barbet, Livingstones Turaco, Green Malkoha, Eastern Nicator, Brown Scrub-robin, Rudd’s Apalis, Forest Weaver and Grey Waxbill. At the Sugarloaf Jetty, close to the river mouth, a flock of Lesser Crested Terns were found roosting together with some other terns just before sunset.

Dec 31:   Birding around the camp site at Sugarloaf Jetty and the “Gwala-Gwala-trail” during the morning. Additional birds of interest included Lemon Dove, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Woodward’s Batis and Pale-throated Wattle-eye. After some sight-seeing and shopping, we left St. Lucia for the quite long drive towards Oribi Gorge. A small lily pond along the road, approximately one third between St. Lucia and Mtubatuba, contained seven African Pygmy Goose as well as some African Jacanas. Despite intensive scanning we could not find any Lesser Jacanas, which often share this type of habitat.

Passed Durban in heavy traffic and finally arrived at the Oribi Gorge Hotel at 15.15, where we checked in and then went for the gorge cliffs close to the hotel. Not many birds seen, maybe because of the dull, overcast weather, but some African Black Swifts could be studied nicely from above.

Jan 1:      Birding in the Oribi Gorge until early afternoon. An exciting area, although forest birding can be quite frustrating because of the difficulties to properly identify the different calls as well as to see the source of the sound. Birds found included Knysna Turaco, Knysna Woodpecker, Black Cuckoo, Narina’s Trogon, Mountain Wagtail and Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler. Had to leave the area before we felt really finished, in order to reach Underberg before dark. Made a short stop at Franklin Marsh, which added African Rail to our list, and were finally welcomed by Rob Guy and his wife Ella in their big house in Underberg.

In the evening Rob Guy informed us about that the Sani Pass had been blocked for a couple of days because of a landslide caused by heavy rains, and that we might not be able to get up there at all the following day. This was of course bad news but we decided to make a try anyway.

Jan 2:      Started at 06.45 and headed for the Sani Pass. In the lower parts, we found Bush Blackcap, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler and Cape Grassbird. At the South African Border control, Rob managed to persuade the officers to let us pass and go along the road up the Pass as far as possible. We later found out that we were the only vehicle that was allowed to enter the Sani Pass this day, and this only thanks to the persuasion skills of Rob. In the upper parts of the Pass we saw Cape Vultures, Drakensberg Prinia, Drakensberg Rockjumper and a nestbuilding Southern Grey Tit, which according to Rob Guy could constitute the first breeding record of this species in the Kwazulu Natal-province!

After a foot-walk past the area where the road was blocked, we reached the border station of Lesotho. There we were given a lift by a friend of Rob, a few kilometers into the grassland plateau, from where we slowly walked back. Birds seen included Large-billed Lark, Mountain Pipit and several Drakensberg Siskins. After a beer in the highest laying pub in Africa (2874 meters above sea level) we started the descend. Birds added during the way down were Lammengeier, Grey-winged Francolin, Gurney’s Sugarbird and Barratt’s Warbler.

During the afternoon we looked in vain for Half-collared Kingfisher in some wetlands around Underberg before we went to a site where Wattled Cranes still had been present recently. After some scanning we found two adults together with a juvenile bird far away in the distance.

Back in the cottage in the garden of the Guy’s we could establish the fact that the only bird that we actually missed in the Sani Pass was Rock Pipit, for which the site in Lesotho was out of reach without a car. A very satisfying result, considering the not to promising odds given in advance! Night in Underberg.

Jan 3:      Another early start, at 04:45, together with Rob Guy to the Xumeni forest. Overcast and slight rain decreased the bird activity but we still found several interesting species: Cape Parrot, Orange Ground Thrush, Olive Bush-shrike and Forest Canary. Continued to the magical area of Hella Hella where we saw one of our target species of the whole trip, Blue Swallow. Three birds were seen, including one splendid male observed at close range! Other new birds were Red-winged Francolin, Wailing and Croaking Cisticolas.

After “brunch “ in Underberg we left for Ladysmith where we arrived at 16.30 and were met by local birder Kim Gordon. Kim took us to our accommodation at the Mawelawela Game and Fishing Lodge, northeast of the city via some grassland sites. We promptly found our two target species, Barrow’s Korhaan and Melodious Lark, as well as Montagu’s Harriers, Rufous-naped Larks and a small flock of African Quail Finches. Had a nice homemade dinner together with our hosts in the evening.

Jan 4:      Mainly a transport day. Started at 08.30 from Ladysmith, and after a short stop for the only Secretary Birds of our trip, we continued straight to Kimberley where we arrived at 15.00. Visited the old mining area, now a museum, in the afternoon as well as “the Big Hole”, where Bradfield’s Swifts were found circling together with other swifts. Along the entrance road to the Langberg Guest Farm, situated 20 kms south of Kimberley, we found a superb Kori Bustard walking slowly in perfect evening light not far from the road. A magnificent bird! Night in Langberg.

Jan 5:      A morning walk in the area around Langberg produced several new species, among others Short-toed Rock Thrush, Kalahari Scrub-robin, Acacia Pied Barbet, Fairy Flycatcher, Red-headed Finch and Black-faced Waxbill. Left Langberg after breakfast at 09.00 and headed for Augrabies Falls. Along the road the first Southern Pale Chanting Goshawks started to appear as well as several nesting colonies of Sociable Weaver and stops were also made for the first Pygmy Falcons.

When we arrived at Augrabies Falls National Park at 13.45 the thermometer showed +43^o Celsius! In the shady areas around the visitor’s center we found Black-chested Prinia, Ashy Tit, several Dusky Sunbirds and further away finally a few skulking Namaqua Warblers.

Continued to Poffader during the afternoon with observations of Ludwig’s Bustard and Karoo Korhaan along the road. Stayed at the nicely air-conditioned Poffader Hotel.

Jan 6:      Early start at 05.30 to the Koa Dunes south of Poffader. Birded the area until 08.30 but failed to find any Red Larks. Bird seen included several Namaqua Sandgrouse, Spotted Eagle Owl, Rufous-eared Warbler and Scaly-feathered Finch. Returned to Poffader for breakfast and then started to cross the desert towards Brandvlei. We took the gravel road that goes southeast from Blomhoek, via Halfweg to Brandvlei. This road was in pretty good shape and caused us no problems, not even a flat tire. However, the drive was long and quite tiresome and we were happy to regain contact with the civilization in Brandvlei after six hours in the empty desert. Bird found en-route included Greater Kestrel, Burchell’s Courser, Sclater’s Lark (at drinking troughs just southeast of Halfweg), Karoo Eremomela and Chat Flycatcher. Arrived in Calvinia at 18.40 and checked in into a fantastic suite in the wonderful “Die Dorphuis”, a restored Victorian home, originally built in 1860.

Jan 7:      Morning birding at Akkerendam, which gave us Verreaux’s Eagle, Layard’s Tit-babbler and Karoo Lark. Continued to Clanwilliam, where we visited the Rooibos Ltd and bought some of their red “tea” as well as some other of their products. Continued towards the Atlantic coast via a short stop at Kransvlei Poort where we found Protea Seed-eater without problems. Arrived at Lamberts Bay at 16.00 and made a visit to the large colony of Cape Gannets close to the harbor. Other species seen here included some Jackass Penguins and a few White-chinned Petrels at sea. Celebrated with a delicious Rock lobster dinner in the evening.

Jan 8:      A morning sea watch at Lamberts Bay didn’t bring us any surprises. Instead we drove south along the coast after breakfast. At Elandsbaai we found two Fulvous Ducks among the other ducks present, but we did not have the time to check this interesting area thoroughly. At Veldriff we saw ten Chestnut-banded Plovers at the Cerebos salt works and at Rocher Pan, we had a good variety of waterbirds, among others the only Cape Teals of our trip. After lunch we visited the West Coast National Park where a Southern Black Korhaan completed our list of Bustards and Korhaans!

Among the waders at the Geelbek mudflat bird hide, we found a Broad-billed Sandpiper, which is a rather uncommon visitor to the area. Before we left the Park via the south gate, we finally managed to find two Black Harriers, another of our target species. After this, we of course saw two more birds along the road to Cape Town... Finally, we found our way to Jim Enticott and Caz Thomas in Kirstenhof, in the southern part of Cape Town, where we stayed for the rest of our trip.

Jan 9:      Sight-seeing day at the Cape Peninsula. A short stop at Kommetjie produced African Black Oystercatcher as well as Bank Cormorant. Visited Cape Point and made a few attempts for seabirds from various sites on the peninsula. Although strong southeasterly wind the result was surprisingly poor. A few White-chinned Petrels and Sooty Shearwaters together with some Arctic Skuas and one Pomarine Skua was all that we found. Afternoon shopping in Simonstown.

Jan 10:    Non birding day. All day visit to Stellenbosch where we visited the vineyards of Simonsig, Kanonkop and Kaapsicht. Back to Kirstenhof late in the evening.

Jan 11:    Morning birding at Sir Lowry’s Pass where we found a small party of Cape Rockjumper, a singing Victorin’s Warbler and our first Orange-breasted Sunbird. Continued down to Cape Agulhas for some sightseeing and a visit to the small colony of Damara Terns at De Mond. From there we decided to go to De Hoop, which we reached only half an hour before the closing of the reserve gates. We managed to persuade the guard to let us in anyway and got a few minutes birding around the visitor’s center. There we were lucky to find Southern Tchagra and Pearl-breasted Swallows almost immediately, and we managed to get out again before closing time. On the way back to Cape Town, good numbers of Blue Cranes, Denham’s Bustards, and Capped Wheatears were seen along the road as well as a splendid adult Black Harrier. Had an excellent dinner in Bredasdorp and returned to Cape Town at midnight.

Jan 12:    Today we were scheduled for a pelagic trip on board of a fishing vessel, which had been arranged for us by Jim Enticott. Unfortunately very poor fishing on the previous day caused the fishermen to cancel the trip with short notice, and to postpone it a couple of days. We therefore had to re-schedule and went to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden instead. Plenty of Orange-breasted Sunbirds as well as a few Cape Sugarbirds around the Proteas became our reward. Afternoon was spent shopping in Cape Town.

Jan 13:    Made a morning sea watch at Kommetjie, which produced little of interest. On the way back, we found a singing Knysna Warbler in the Constantia Greenbelts. Although we were close to the bird, we did not manage to see it. The rest of the day was spent on another non-birding visit to Stellenbosch. Visited the vineyards of Avontuur, Overgaauw and Saxenburg. Back in Kirstenhof, a Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk was seen flying over in the evening.

Jan 14:    Another morning sea watch at Kommetjie, which gave a Cory’s Shearwater, along with some White-chinned Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters and Arctic Skuas. Left reluctantly for the airport at 13.15 and flew off on time at 16.20 via Johannesburg and Amsterdam.

Jan 15:    Landed in Copenhagen at 09.10 and arrived at home in Malmö at 10.30.

List of species

English names and order of species follows, with a few exceptions, the checklist in “Birds Of Southern Africa”, Third Edition, by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey and Warwick Tarboton (2002).

1.  Common Ostrich Struthio camelus: 16 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 10 Kimberley-Poffader 5.1, Numerous West Coast National Park 8.1, 10 Cape Peninsula 9.1, numerous Cape Agulhas 11.1.

2.  African (Jackass) Penguin Spheniscus demersus: 60 Lamberts Bay 7.1, 20 Boulders Beach 8.1, 1 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

3.  Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Veldriff 8.1.

4.  Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 10 Akkerendam 7.1, 10 Veldriff 8.1.

5.  Little Grebe (Dabchick)  Tachybaptus ruficollis: Observed during eight days 28.12-8.1. Highest numbers: 100 Wakkerstroom 29.12 and 75 Underberg 1.1.

6.  White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis: 2 Lamberts Bay 7.1, 5 Kommetjie 14.1.

7.  Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea: 1 Cape Agulhas 11.1, 1 Kommetjie 14.1.

8.  Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus: 2 Cape Peninsula 9.1, 5 Kommetjie 14.1.

9.  Great (Eastern) White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus: 35 Elandsbaai-Veldriff 8.1.

10.  Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens: Only one observation: 2 St. Lucia 31.12.

11.  Cape Gannet Morus capensis: Common along the coast between Lamberts Bay and Cape Agulhas. At Lamberts Bay, close views of the large breeding colony consisting of nearly 14.000 pairs can be obtained through the hide at “Bird Island”.

12.  White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus: 3 Wakkerstroom 28.12, 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12,      2 Underberg 2.1, rather common in Western Cape 7-14.1.

13.  Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis: Common along the coast of Western Cape. Observed daily      7-14.1.

14.  Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus: 2 Lamberts Bay 7.1, 4 Kommetjie 9.1, 2 Kommetjie 13.1. Not that difficult to pick out as mentioned in some reports. Size, dull overall coloration and dark bill without any yellow facial skin makes identification straight forward when seen fairly well.

15.  Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus: Seen in moderate numbers during eleven days: 3 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 8 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12, 3 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, 5 Underberg area 2.1, 1 Kimberley-Poffader 5.1,    5 Veldriff 8.1, 5 Stellenbosch 10.1, 6 Stellenbosch 13.1.

16.  Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus: 25 Lamberts Bay 7.1, 10 Kommetjie 13.1.

17.  African Darter Anhinga rufa: 1 Gudzani, Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Calvinia-Lamberts Bay 7.1. 12 Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1, singles recorded almost daily in the Cape Town area 9-.14.1.

18.  Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: Totally 23 birds observed during ten days 24.12-13.1, mainly in the north.

19.  Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala: Totally 31 birds observed during 12 days 28.12-13.1.

20.  Goliath Heron Ardea goliath: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 1 Olifants 26.12, 1 Letaba River, northeast of Olifants 27.12,   1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Skukuza Camp 28.12, 2 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12.

21.  Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: 1 in a small roadside swamp a few km west of St. Lucia 31.12.

22.  Great (White) Egret Egretta alba: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 2 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 1 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12, 1 Underberg 2.1.

23.  Little Egret Egretta garzetta: 3 St. Lucia 31.12, 4 Veldriff 8.1, 1 Cape Peninsula 9.1, 1 Stellenbosch 10.1,    2 Cape Town area 13.1.

24.  Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia: 4 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12,   1 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, 1 Kommetjie 13.1.

25.  Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Common, recorded during 20 days 24.12-14.1. Only absent in the desert areas.

26.  (Common) Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides: 1 Letaba River, east of Letaba Camp 26.12, 1 along the N2, south of Mtubatuba 31.12.

27.  Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 3 Letaba River, northeast of Olifants 27.12,          1 Skukuza Camp 28.12.

28.  Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: 10 Wakkerstroom 28.12, 10 Wakkerstroom 29.12,     5 Underberg 2.1.

29.  Hamerkop Scopus umbretta: 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 3 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 2 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 29.12, 1 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, 3 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1.

30.  White Stork Ciconia ciconia: 1 south of Trichardt Memorial 27.12, 10 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12,     20 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 50 Underberg 2.1, 20 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1.

31.  Black Stork Ciconia nigra: 4 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 Lesotho 2.1.

32.  Wooly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus: 16 north of Klopperfontein 25.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12.

33.  African Open-bill (Openbilled Stork) Anastomus lamelligerus: 35 Luvuvhu river between Pafuri-Crooks Corner 25.12, 2 Mopani Camp 26.12, 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 12 north of Gudzani 27.12.

34.  Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 2 Shingwedzi 26.12, 4 Letaba-Olifants 26.12, 1 Olifants 26.12.

35.  Marabou Stork Leptoptilus crumeniferus: 3 Shingwedzi 26.12, 3 Mopani Camp 26.12, 50 Olifants 26-27.12, 35 northeast of Skukuza 27.12, 10 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

36.  Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis: 1 Luvuvhu river between Pafuri-Crooks Corner 25.12, 39 adults+           1 subadult Olifants 26.12, 50 Olifants 27.12.

37.  African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus: Rather common. Observed during 12 days 24.12-13.1.

38.  Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus: 10 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 38 Lesotho 2.1.

39.  Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: 5 Kwa-Zanele 28.1, 15 Wakkerstroom 29.1, 15 Elandsbaai-Veldriff 8.1,     5 Kommetjie 13.1.

40.  Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash: Observed in moderate numbers during 15 days 25.12-13.1. Only absent in the desert areas of Northern Cape.

41.  African Spoonbill Platalea alba: 2 Luvuvhu river between Pafuri-Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 Veldriff 8.1,      1 adult Kommetjie 13.1.

42.  Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber: 5 Kwa-Zanele 28.1, 300 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1, 150 Veldriff 8.1.

43.  Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor: 1 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

44.  White-faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata: 18 Pafuri 25.12, 1 Letaba River 26.12, 3 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 2 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12, 2 Underberg 2.1.

45.  Fulvous Duck Dendrocygna bicolor: 2 Elandsbaai 8.1.

46.  White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 west of St. Lucia 30-31.12,         52 Underberg 2.1.

47.  Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus: Common. Observed during 14 days 24.12-13.1.

48.  South African Shelduck Tadorna cana: 1 Amersfoort-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 21 Akkerendam 7.1,             30 Elandsbaai 8.1, 10 Veldriff 8.1, 5 West Coast National Park 8.1.

49.  Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata: Observed daily in various wetlands in Kwazulu-Natal 28.12-3.1. Highest counts: 100 Kwa-Zanele 28.1, 100 Wakkerstroom 29.12 and 100 Underberg 2.1. Only other observation was 25 Lamberts Bay-West Coast National Park 8.1.

50.  African Black Duck Anas sparsa: 1 Matukwala Dam, Mahonie Loop 26.12, 2 Slang River, Wakkerstroom 29.12.

51.  Cape Teal Anas capensis: 3 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

52.  Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota: 2 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Franklin Marsh 1.1.

53.  Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha: 4 Underberg 2.1, 10 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

54.  Cape Shoveler Anas smithii: 20 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Franklin Marsh 1.1,              5 Underberg 2.1, 25 Lamberts Bay-West Coast National Park 8.1.

55.  Southern Pochard Netta erythropthalma: 40 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 10 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 10 Underberg 2.1.

56.  African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus: 1 in a small wetland west of St. Lucia 30.12, 7 at the same place 31.12.

57.  Comb (Knob-billed) Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos: 1 south of Pafuri 25.12, 2 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

58.  Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis: 8 Kwa-Zanele 28.1, 30 Wakkerstroom 29.1, 1 just west of St. Lucia 31.12, 10 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, 1 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 1 Elandsbaai 8.1, 1 Stellenbosch 10.1, 1 Cape Agulhas-Bredasdorp 11.1.

59.  Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa: 2 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Akkerendam 7.1.

60.  Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius: 2 close to the Mawelawela Game & Fishing Lodge, northeast of Ladysmith 4.1.

61.  Lammengeier (Bearded Vulture) Gypaetus barbatus: 3 Sani Pass 2.1.

62.  Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus: 2 east of  Punda Maria 25.12, 1 east of  Letaba Camp 26.12.

63.  Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres: 2 Sani Pass 2.1.

64.  (African) White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus: Only seen in the Krüger National Park: 20 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 10 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

65.  Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus: 2 Pafuri-Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 ad Pongola 30.12, 2 west of Griguatown 5.1.

66.  White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis: 1 Crooks Corner 25.12, 3 Punda Maria-Shingwedzi 26.12.

67.  Yellow-billed (Black) Kite Milvus (migrans) aegyptius: Common, totally 101 birds observed during 19 days 24.12-14.1. Only absent in the driest desert areas in Northern Cape.

68.  Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus: Rather common: totally 92 birds observed during 17 days 24.12-14.1. Highest count: 25 flying in to night roost, Wakkerstroom 29.12.

69.  Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle Aquila verreauxii: 1 ad Akkerendam 7.1.

70.  Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax: 3 Crooks Corner 25.12, 2 east of Punda Maria 25.12, 2 Punda Maria-Shingwedzi 26.12, 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

71.  Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis: 1 east of Punda Maria 25.12.

72.  Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina: 2 Crooks Corner 25.12, 4 south of Trichardt Memorial 27.12.

73.  Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi: 1 Klopperfontein 25.12, 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 2 Trichardt Memorial 27.12, 3 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

74.  Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus: 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 pale morph Griguatown 5.1, 1 pale morph Akkerendam 7.1, 1 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1, 1 Veldriff 8.1, 1 pale morph Stellenbosch 13.1.

75.  Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis: 2 St. Lucia-Durban 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1.

76.  Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus: 1 ad east of Satara 27.12.

77.  Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus: 1 south of Skukuza 28.12.

78.  Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatu: Rather common in the Krüger National Park: 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 3 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 12 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 7 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

79.  African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 1 ad Punda Maria-Mopani 26.12, 1 adult and 2 imm Olifants 26.12, 1 imm Letaba River, northeast of Olifants 27.12, 5 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 1 St. Lucia 30.12, 2 St. Lucia 31.12, 1 ad Elandsbaai 8.1.

80.  Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus: Totally 82 birds observed during 14 days 24.12-13.1. Highest number: c. 25 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

81.  Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 3 Sani Pass and Underberg 2.1, 1 Hella Hella 3.1, 1 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

82.  Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus: 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.1.2.

83.  Rufous-breasted (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris: 1 Kirstenhof, Cape Town 13.1.

84.  African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro: 1 adult Crooks Corner 25.12.

85.  Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar: 1 north of Punda Maria 25.12.

86.  Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus: 7 Kimberley-Poffader 5.1, 15 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 4 Calvinia-Lamberts Bay 7.1.

87.  Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus: 1 male and 2 females Wakkerstroom 29.12. A surprisingly high number of this scarce West Palearctic winter visitor.

88.  African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus: 2 adults and 1 juvenile Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Underberg 2.1, 1 West Coast National Park 8.1.

89.  Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus: 1 male Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 males northeast of Ladysmith 3.1.

90.  Black Harrier Circus maurus: 2 adults West Coast National Park 8.1, 2 adults Yzerfontein-Cape Town 8.1, 1 adult Cape Agulhas 11.1.

91.  African Harrier Hawk (Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus: 2 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

92.  Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus: 2 imm. West Coast National Park 8.1.

93.  Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus: 1 Ermelo 28.12, 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 imm. Bredasdorp-Wydselee 11.1.

94.  Amur (Eastern Red-footed) Falcon Falco amurensis: One of the most conspicuous species in the northeastern parts where totally almost 1800 birds were recorded during 11 days 24.12-4.1: 20 Punda Maria 24.12, >100 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, c. 300 en route to Wakkerstroom 28.12, c. 1000 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 5 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 5 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, 30 Underberg 2.1, c. 200 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1 and 10 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1.

95.  Rock Kestrel Falco tinnunculus rupicolis: Rather common: totally 20 birds seen during seven days 28.12-11.1.

96.  Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides: 2 Blomhoek-Halfweg 6.1.

97.  Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni: 30 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 2 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls 5.1.

98.  Dickinson’s Kestrel Falco dickinsoni: 1 south of Pafuri 25.12.

99.  Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus: 2 Griguatown-Groblershoop 5.1, 1 female Kakamas-Poffader 5.1, 3 Poffader-Brandvlei 6.1.

100.  Crested Francolin Peliperdix sephaena: Only observed in the Krüger National Park: 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 4 (1 adult+3 pull.) Satara-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

101.  Grey-winged Francolin Scleroptila africanus: 2 Sani Pass 2.1.

102.  Red-winged Francolin Scleroptila levaillantii: 2 Hella Hella 3.1.

103.  Swainson’s Spurfowl (Francolin) Francolinus swainsonii: 20 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12,      2 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 1 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1.

104.  Cape Francolin Pternistes capensis: Rather common in Western Cape. Totally 60+ birds recorded 7-14.1.

105.  Natal Francolin Pternistes natalensis: Only observed in the Krüger National Park: 1 Punda Maria 24.12,    5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

106.  Common Quail Coturnix coturnix: 4 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, a few Wakkerstroom 29.12, 5 Underberg 2.1, 3 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1.

107.  Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris: Common except in the dryer desert areas. Observed during 13 days 25.12-13.1.

108.  Wattled Crane Grus carunculatus: 2 adults and 1 imm. Underberg 2.1.

109.  Blue Crane Anthropoides paradisea: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 4 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1, 2 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1, 2 Stellenbosch 10.1, 19 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

110.  Grey (Southern) Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum: 2 Wakkerstroom 28.12, 7 Wakkerstroom 29.12,   2 northwest of Wakkerstroom 30.12, 5 Franklin Marsh 1.1, 1 Underberg 2.1.

111.  African Rail Rallus caerulescens: 3 heard Franklin Marsh 1.1.

112.  Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris: 1 Luvuvhu river, Pafuri 25.12, 1 Mahonie loop, Punda Maria 26.12,  1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 Satara-Skukuza 27.12, 1 St. Lucia 30.12, 1 south of  Mtubatuba 31.12,       1 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

113.  African Purple Swamphen (Purple Gallinule) Porphyrio madagascariensis: 15 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 4 in a small swamp west of St. Lucia 31.12, 3 Franklin Marsh 1.1, 1 imm Elandsbaai 8.1.

114.  Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Rather common. Totally 60+ observed during seven days 25.12-8.1.

115.  Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata: 1 Klopperfontein 25.12, 1 Matukwala Dam, Mahonie Loop 26.12.

116.  Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata: Common and present in most wetlands in Kwazulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Western Cape. Observed during ten days 28.12-13.1.

117.  Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori: 1 Langberg 4.1.

118.  Denham’s (Stanley’s) Bustard Neotis denhami: 3 Underberg 2.1, 16 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

119.  Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii: 1 female Kakamas-Poffader 5.1.

120.  Barrow’s (Southern White-bellied) Korhaan Eupodotis barrowii: 4 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1

121.  Blue Korhaan Eupodotis caerulescens: Totally 12 in the Wakkerstroom area 29.12.

122.  Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii: 4 Kakamas-Poffader 5.1, 5 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

123.  Red-crested Korhaan Eupodotis ruficrista: 1 female south of Pafuri 25.12.

124.  Black-bellied Bustard (Korhaan) Eupodotis melanogaster: 1 male south of Pafuri 25.12.

125.  Southern Black Korhaan Eupodotis afra: 1 male West Coast National Park 8.1.

126.  Northern Black Korhaan Eupodotis afraoides: 1 male east of Kimberley 4.1.

127.  African Jacana Actophilornis africanus: 3 Klopperfontein 25.12, 1 Letaba River, east of Letaba Camp 26.12, 4 west of St. Lucia 30.12, 8 west of St. Lucia 31.12.

128.  African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini: 6 Kommetjie 9.1, 1 Boulders Beach 9.1,     11 Kommetjie 13.1, >3 Kommetjie 14.1.

129.  Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula: 3 St. Lucia 30.12, 3 Veldriff 8.1, 10 West Coast National Park 8.1.

130.  White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus: 3 West Coast National Park 8.1, 2 Kommetjie 8.1, 4 Kommetjie 13.1.

131.  Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus: 10 Veldriff Saltpans 8.1, 1 West Coast National Park 8.1.

132.  Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius: 4 Letaba River, north of Letaba 26.12, 5 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

133.  Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 2 Klopperfontein 25.12,             1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 3 Underberg 2.1, 2 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

134.  Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola: 10 Veldriff 8.1, 20 West Coast National Park 8.1.

135.  Crowned Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus coronatus: 2 Mopani Camp 26.12, 2 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Langebaan 8.1, c. 50 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

136.  Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus armatus: Rather common. Totally 112 birds observed during 11 days 25.12-13.1.

137.  White-crowned Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus albiceps: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 2 Letaba River, northeast of Olifants 27.12.

138.  Wattled Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus senegallus: 8 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

139.  Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres: c. 50 West Coast National Park 8.1.

140.  Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: 2 Luvuvhu River, Pafuri 25.12, 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,       2 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 St. Lucia 30.12, a few St. Lucia 31.12, 1 Akkerendam 7.1.

141.  Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 7 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 3 Underberg 2.1, 1 Veldriff 8.1.

142.  Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: 2 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 1 Underberg 2.1, 3 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

143.  Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: Totally 28 birds seen during seven days 25.12-8.1.

144.  Red Knot Calidris canutus: 10 West Coast National Park 8.1.

145.  Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea: 1 St. Lucia 31.12, c. 300 West Coast National Park 8.1.

146.  Little Stint Calidris minuta: 5 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 3 St. Lucia 30.12, 50 West Coast National Park 8.1.

147.  Sanderling Calidris alba: 3 St. Lucia 30.12, c. 30 West Coast National Park 8.1.

148.  Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus: 1 West Coast National Park 8.1.

149.  Ruff Philomachus pugnax: 10 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 15 Underberg 2.1, c. 50 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

150.  African (Ethiopian) Snipe Gallinago nigripennis: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

151.  Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica: 1 West Coast National Park 8.1.

152.  Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata: 10 West Coast National Park 8.1.

153.  Common Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: 1 St. Lucia 30-31.12, 1 Kommetjie 13.1.

154.  Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta: 5 Elandsbaai 8.1, 30 West Coast National Park 8.1.

155.  Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: 3 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, totally 350 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

156.  Spotted Thick-knee (Dikkop) Burhinus capensis: 1 heard calling at night in Kirstenhof, Cape Town       12-13.1.

157.  Water Thick-knee (Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus: 2 Luvuvhu River, Pafuri 25.12, 1 Letaba River northeast of Olifants 27.12, 1 St. Lucia 30.12.

158.  Burchell’s Courser Cursorius rufus: 3 Blomhoek-Halfweg 6.1.

159.  Bronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus: 1 seen on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

160.  Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus: 5 Glenncairn 9.1, 5 Cape Agulhas 11.1, 2 Kommetjie 14.1.

161.  Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus: 1 imm. Glenncairn 9.1.

162.  Cape (Kelp) Gull Larus vetula: Common along the coast of Western Cape. Recorded daily 7-14.1.

163.  Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus: 1 close to Johannesburg International Airport 24.12, 2 St. Lucia 31.12.

164.  Hartlaub’s Gull Larus hartlaubii: Common along the coast of Western Cape. Recorded daily 7-14.1.

165.  Caspian Tern Sterna caspia: 9 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12, 2 Elandsbaai 8.1, 1 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

166.  Swift (Greater Crested) Tern Sterna bergii: Common along the coast of Western Cape. Recorded 7-14.1.

167.  Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis: 15 St. Lucia 30.12.

168.  Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis: Rather common along the coast of Western Cape. Recorded 7-14.1.

169.  Common Tern Sterna hirundo: C. 100 Lamberts Bay 7.1, 10 Kommetjie 13.1, a few Kommetjie 14.1.

170.  Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum: >4 De Mond 11.1.

171.  Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus: 3 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 10 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Franklin Marsh 1.1.

172.  White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus: 1 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 20 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

173.  Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua: 50 Koa Dunes 6.1, 10 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 8 south of Lamberts Bay 8.1.

174.  Feral Pigeon Columba livia: Recorded during 13 days 24.12-13.1.

175.  Speckled (Rock) Pigeon Columba guinea: 20 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1,            20 Underberg 2.1, 5 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 20 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, fairly common in Western Cape.

176.  African Olive-pigeon (Rameron Pigeon) Columba arquatrix: C. 30 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

177.  Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata: Common. Recorded during 13 days 24.12-13.1. Absent only in the desert areas of Northern Cape.

178.  African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens: 1 Satara Camp 27.12.

179.  Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola: Common. Recorded during 16 days 24.12-13.1.

180.  Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis: Common throuhgout. Recorded during 14 days 26.12-13.1.

181.  Namaqua Dove Oena capensis: 1 male Letaba-Olifants 26.12, 1 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, Common in the desert Kimberley-Poffader-Calvinia-Clanwilliam 5-7.1, 5 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1, 3 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

182.  Emerald-spotted (Green-spotted) Wood-dove Turtur calchospilos: 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12.

183.  Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove Aplopelia larvata: 1 Gwala-Gwala trail, St. Lucia 31.12.

184.  African Green Pigeon Treron calva: Only observed in the Krüger National Park: 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 20 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

185.  Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus: 2 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

186.  Grey-headed Parrot Poicephalus suahelicus: 4 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 1 Shingwedzi 26.12.

187.  KnysnaTuraco (Lourie) Tauraco corythaix: 6 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

188.  Livingstone’s Turaco (Lourie) Tauraco livingstonii: 3 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12.

189.  Purple-crested Turaco (Lourie) Musophaga porphyreolophus: 1 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 3 Skukuza 28.12.

190.  Grey Go-away Bird (Lourie) Corythaixoides concolor: Only observed in the Krüger National Park:    Punda Maria 24.12, 8 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 10 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12,         5 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

191.  Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius: 2 Punda Maria 24.12, 1 juvenile Pafuri 25.12, 1 St. Lucia 30.12,   2 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Underberg 2.1, 3 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

192.  Black cuckoo Cuculus clamosus: 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

193.  Levaillant’s (Striped) Cuckoo Oxylophus levaillantii: 1 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 1 Shingwedzi-Mopani 26.12.

194.  Jacobin Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus: 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 2 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12.

195.  African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus: 1 singing Xumeni Forest 3.1.

196.  Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 1 St. Lucia 30.12.

197.  Diederick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius: Totally 35 birds observed during 11 days 24.12-5.1. More often heard than seen.

198.  Green Malkoha(Coucal) Ceuthmochares aereus: 1 Gwala Gwala-trail, St. Lucia 30.12.

199.  Burchell’s Coucal Centropus burchelli: 2 Klopperfontein 25.12, 1 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 4 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 3 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 1 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12.

200.  Marsh Owl Asio capensis: 1 hunting at dusk Wakkerstroom 29.12.

201.  Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus: 1 on a night drive from Punda Amria 25.12, 1 freshly dead along the road east of Groblershoop 5.1, 1 Blomhoek 6.1.

202.  Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis: 3 seen on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

203.  Square-tailed (Mozambique) Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii: 1 seen on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

204.  Pennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius: 1 female seen on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

205.  Common (European) Swift Apus apus: A few Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 2 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 2 close to Hella Hella 3.1, a few Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, 1 Calvinia-Lamberts Bay 7.1.

206.  African Black Swift Apus barbatus: 10 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 5 Sani Pass 2.1.

207.  Bradfield’s Swift Apus bradfieldi: 20 “The Big Hole”, Kimberley 4.1.

208.  White-rumped Swift Apus caffer: Rather common. Recorded during 14 days 24.12-13.1.

209.  Horus Swift Apus horus: 1-2 Slang River, Wakkerstroom 29.12.

210.  Little Swift Apus affinis: Common. Recorded during 11 days 24.12-8.1.

211.  Alpine Swift Apus melba: 1 Crooks Corner 25.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Sani Pass 2.1, 30 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 20 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, 20 Akkerendam 7.1, 10 Calvinia-Clanwilliam-Lamberts Bay 7.1, 1 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1, 10 Cape Town 12.1. 2 Kirstenhof, Cape Town 14.1.

212.  African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus: 15 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 3 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,           3 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza-Wakkerstrrom 28.12, 2 Mawelawela Game & Fishing Lodge, Elandslaagte, Ladysmith 3.1.

213.  Böhm’s Spinetail Neafrapus boehmi: 7 Pafuri 25.12.

214.  Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus: 3 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 1 Olifants Camp 27.12, 2 Skukuza Camp 28.12, 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Cape Town 12.1.

215.  White-backed Mousebird Colius colius: 3 Kimberley 4.1, 5 Langberg 5.1, 15 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, a few Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 10 Akkerendam 7.1, 5 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1, 1 Cape Peninsula 9.1, 4 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

216.  Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus: 3 Punda Maria 24.12, 2 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

217.  Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina: 2 heard Oribi Gorge 1.1.

218.  Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: c. 20 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, >10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, <10 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 St. Lucia 30.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12, 1 Lamberts Bay 7.1, 3 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1, 1 Kommetjie 13.1.

219.  Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima: 1 Luvuvhu River 25.12, 1 south of Punda Maria 26.12, 2 Letaba River, northeast of Olifants 27.12.

220.  Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata: 1 Shingwedzi 26.12, 1 Letaba River 26.12.

221.  African Pygmy-kingfisher Ispidina picta: 1 Pafuri 25.12.

222.  Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis: Only observed in the Krüger National Park: >15 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, a few Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

223.  Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris: Only observed in the Krüger National Park: 1 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 1 Letaba River 26.12, 4 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

224.  European Bee-eater Merops apiaster: 5 southeast of Punda Maria 24.12, 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12,             2 northeast of Olifants 27.12, 8 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12,            2 Wakkerstroom- St. Lucia 30.12, 5 Langberg-Groblershoop 5.1, c. 30 Akkerendam 7.1, 10 Clanwilliam 7.1, 20 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

225.  Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus: 5 St. Lucia 31.12.

226.  Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides: 2 southeast of Punda Maria 24.12, 3 Klopperfontein 25.12, 20 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 2 Olifants-Satara 27.12.

227.  White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides: 15 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 3 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 Olifants-Satara 27.12.

228.  Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus: 7 Pafuri-Crooks Corner 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12.

229.  Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus: 5 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

230.  European Roller Coracias garrulus: 7 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 14 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

231.  Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata: 1 Punda Maria 24.12, 5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 4 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 6 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

232.  Purple Roller Coracias naevia: >5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 10 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

233.  Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus: 5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

234.  African Hoopoe Upupa africana: 1 Letaba river, southeast of Letaba 26.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 1 Underberg 2.1, 3 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, 2 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 2 Kimberley-Poffader 5.1, 1 Calvinia-Clanwilliam-Lamberts Bay 7.1, 1 De Hoop 11.1.

235.  Green (Red-billed) Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

236.  Trumpeter Hornbill Bucanistes bucinator: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

237.  African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus: 5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, >10 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,       5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12. 1 female at Cape Point 9.1 was surely an escape.

238.  Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchos: 1 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 2 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

239.  Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas: 5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

240.  Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus: 6 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

241.  Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri: 3 south of Punda Maria 26.12 was the only observation.

242.  Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus: 3 Skukuza 28.12, 3 St. Lucia 31.12, 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

243.  Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas: 1 Langberg 5.1, 2 Akkerendam 7.1.

244.  White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis: 9 St. Lucia 30.12, 7 St. Lucia 31.12.

245.  Yellow-rumped Tinker-bird Pogoniulus bilineatus: 3 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12, 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

246.  Crested Barbet Trachyponus vaillantii: 1 Punda Maria-Mopani 26.12, 1 Olifants 27.12, 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Kwa-Zanele 28.12, 1 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

247.  Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator: 1 Underberg 2.1.

248.  Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus: 1 singing Gwala-Gwala trail, St. Lucia 1.1.

249.  Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus: 2 Slang River, Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Sani Pass 2.1,            4 Akkerendam 7.1, 1 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

250.  Bennett’s Woodpecker Campethera bennettii: 1 female Satara 27.12.

251.  Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata: 2 males at the km 7-sign in Oribi Gorge 1.1.

252.  Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens: 1 Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12, 2 Underberg 2.1,      1 Mawelawela Game & Fishing Lodge, northeast of Ladysmith 3.1.

253.  Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus: 1 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 1 female Crooks Corner 25.12.

254.  Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus: 4 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 4 Underberg 3.1.

255.  Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis: 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12, 3 Sani Pass 2.1.

256.  Melodious Lark Mirafra cheniana: C. 10 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1.

257.  Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana: 5 southwest of Ladysmith 3.1, 2 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1.

258.  Sabota Lark Mirafra sabota: C. 10 northeast of Olifants 27.12.

259.  Rudd’s Lark Heteromirafra ruddi: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

260.  Eastern Long-billed Lark Certhilauda semitorquata: 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

261.  Karoo Lark Certhilauda albescens: 1 Akkerendam 7.1.

262.  Spike-heeled lark Chersomanes albofasciata: 1 Kakamas-Poffader 5.1, 5 Koa Dunes 6.1, 11 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 5 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

263.  Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 10 Underberg 2.1, 3 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1, c. 15 Poffader-Halfweg-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, c. 30 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop-Bredasdorp 11.1.

264.  Botha’s Lark Spizocorys fringillaris: 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

265.  Sclater’s Lark Spizocorys sclateri: 7 just southeast of Halfweg 6.1.

266.  Large-billed (Southern Thick-billed) Lark Galerida magnirostris: 5 Lesotho 2.1, 1 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 2 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1, 5 De Hoop-Bredasdorp 11.1.

267.  Grey-backed Sparrow-lark (Finchlark) Eremopterix verticalis: 2 Kakamas-Poffader 5.1, c. 200 Koa Dunes 6.1, common (100?) Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1.

268.  Barn (European) Swallow Hirundo rustica: Common throughout. Observed during 20 days 24.12-14.1.

269.  White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis: C. 50 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Underberg 2.1, 1 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

270.  Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea: 1 male and 2 females Hella Hella 3.1. One of the star birds of the trip!

271.  Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii: 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,          >5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, a few Wakkerstroom 29.12.

272.  Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata: At least 2 De Hoop 11.1.

273.  Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis: 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

274.  Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata: Not recorded in the Krüger Park, along the coast of Kwazulu-Natal or in the extreme desert areas of Northern Cape, otherwise quite common.

275.  Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica: Common in the Krüger National Park as well as along the coast of Kwazulu-Natal. Observed during six days 24.12-1.1.

276.  South African Cliff Swallow Hirundo spilodera: 10 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 8 Underberg 2.1, c. 30 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, 20 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1.

277.  Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula: 5 Sani Pass 2.1, 25 Kimberley 5.1, 10 Akkerendam 7.1, 10 Cape Peninsula 9.1, 5 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

278.  Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 1 Underberg 2.1, 5 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, 2 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, 5 Rocher Pan, Veldriff 8.1.

279.  Banded Martin Riparia cincta: Rather common in the grasslands surrounding Wakkerstroom 28-29.12,     2 Underberg 2.1, 25 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, 10 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1.

280.  Black Saw-wing (Swallow) Psalidoprocne holomelaena: 2 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Underberg 2.1, 2 Hella Hella 3.1.

281.  Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis: Rather common in the Krüger National Park 24-28.12, 2 St. Lucia 31.12, 10 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 5 Underberg 2.1, 5 Xumeni Forest-Hella Hella 3.1, 5 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

282.  Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii: 2 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 4 St. Lucia 30.12, 2 St. Lucia 31.12,       4 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

283.  Black-headed (Eastern) Oriole Oriolus larvatus: 1 Punda Maria 24.12, 1 Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 Punda Maria 25.12, 3 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 Satara 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 1 Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12, 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

284.  Cape (Black) Crow Corvus capensis: 5 Malelane Gate (KNP)-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, c. 50 Underberg 2.1. Thereafter totally 35 birds observed during six days 3-11.1.

285.  Pied Crow Corvus albus: 1 Louis Trichardt 24.12, 1 Pemgola 30.12, 4 Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, rather common and observed during 10 days 3-14.1.

286.  House Crow Corvus splendens: 3 Cape Town International Airport 14.1.

287.  White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis: 1 Port Shepstone 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 5 Sani Pass 2.1.

288.  (Southern) Grey Tit Parus afer: 1 nestbuilding in a rock along the road in the Sani Pass 2.1. According to Rob Guy this could constitute the first breeding record of the Kwazulu-Natal province!

289.  Ashy Tit Parus cinarascens: 1 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

290.  Southern Black Tit Parus niger: 7 Olifants-Satara 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

291.  Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii: 5 Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Mopani 26.12, 4 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

292.  Bush Blackcap Lioptilus nigricapillus: 3 Sani Pass 2.1.

293.  Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis: Common in Western Cape. Observed daily 7-14.1.

294.  African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans: 5 Langberg 5.1, 10 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1,     5 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1.

295.  Dark-capped (Black-eyed) Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor: Common and observed daily 24.12-3.1.

296.  Terrestrial Brownbul (Bulbul) Phyllastrephus terrestris: 7 Pafuri 25.12, 3 St. Lucia 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

297.  Sombre Brownbul (Bulbul) Andropadus importunus: 2 Skukuza 28.12, 5 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12, c. 10 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 5 Xumeni Forest 3.1, 1 De Hoop 11.1, 5 Kirstenbosch Botanical garden 12.1,   2 Kommetjie 13.1, 1 Kommetjie 14.1.

298.  (African) Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Bulbul) Chlorocichla flaviventris: 3 Pafuri 25.12, 7 St. Lucia 30.12,    5 St. Lucia 31.12.

299.  Eastern (Yellow-spotted) Nicator Nicator gularis: 1 Gwala-Gwala trail, St. Lucia 30-31.12.

300.  Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus: 1 at a rest site along the N1 north of Pretoria 24.12, 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 1 Waterval Boven 28.12.

301.  Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus: 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Underberg 2.1, 2 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1,               1 Stellenbosch 10.1, 1 Kirstenhof, Cape Town 12-13.1.

302.  Orange Ground Thrush Zoothera gurneyi: 2 singing Xumeni Forest 3.1.

303.  Groundscraper Thrush Psoposichla litsitsirupa: 1 at a rest site along the N1 north of Pretoria 24.12.

304.  Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris: 2 Sani Pass 2.1, 1 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

305.  Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator: 2 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 6 Sani Pass 2.1.

306.  Short-toed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes: 2 females Langberg 5.1.

307.  Mountain Wheatear (Chat) Oenanthe monticola: 3 Slang River, Wakkerstroom 29.12, 15 Poffader-Blomhoek 6.1, 2 Akkerendam 7.1.

308.  Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata: C. 15 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

309.  Buff-streaked Chat Oenanthe bifasciata: 8 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Sani Pass 2.1.

310.  Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris: 1 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 1 Sani Pass 2.1, 3 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1,      5 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, 2 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

311.  Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata: C. 25 Sani Pass-Lesotho 2.1.

312.  Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii: 2 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

313.  (Southern) Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora: Rather common in the grasslands around Wakkerstroom 28-29.12. Only other observation was 4 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

314.  Stonechat Saxicola torquata: Rather common in the grasslands around Wakkerstroom 28-29.12. Otherwise 22 birds observed during seven days 31.12-11.1.

315.  Chorister Robin-chat Cossypha dichroa: 1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

316.  White-browed Robin-chat (Heuglin’s Robin) Cossypha heuglini: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 3 Skukuza 28.12.

317.  Red-capped Robin-chat (Natal Robin) Cossypha natalensis: 3 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12.

318.  Cape Robin-chat Cossypha caffra: Totally 37 birds observed during 13 days 29.12-13.1.

319.  (African) White-throated Robin-chat Cossypha humeralis: 1 Olifants 27.12, 1 Skukuza 28.12.

320.  White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata: 2 singing Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 singing Xumeni Forest 3.1.

321.  Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus: 3 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

322.  Drakensberg (Orange-breasted) Rockjumper Chaetops aurantius: 3 Sani Pass 2.1.

323.  White-browed Scrub-robin Cercotrichas leucophrys: 3 northeast of Olifants 27.12.

324.  Karoo Srub-robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus: 1 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, 1 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 5 Akkerendam 7.1, 5 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff 8.1, 3 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

325.  Kalahari Scrub-robin Cercotrichas paena: 1 Langberg 4.1, 3 Langberg 5.1.

326.  Brown Scrub-robin Cercotrichas signata: 5 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12.

327.  Eastern Bearded Scrub-robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata: 2 Crooks Corner 25.12.

328.  Garden Warbler Sylvia borin: 1 Skukuza 28.12.

329.  Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum: 2 Langberg 5.1, 1 Poffader-Brandvlei 6.1.

330.  Layard’s Tit-babbler Parisoma layardi: 2 Akkerendam 7.1.

331.  African (Marsh) Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

332.  (Cape Reed) Lesser Swamp-warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

333.  Dark-capped (African) Yellow Warbler Chlorpeta natalensis: 2 Sani Pass 2.1.

334.  (African Sedge) Little Rush-warbler Bradypterus baboecala: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Franklin Marsh 1.1, 1 Underberg 2.1.

335.  Barratt’s Warbler Bradypterus barratti: 1 Sani Pass 2.1, 3 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

336.  Knysna Warbler Bradypterus sylvaticus: 1 singing Constantia Greenbelts 13.1.

337.  Victorin’s Warbler Bradypterus victorini: 1 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

338.  Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus: 12 birds observed in the Krüger National Park 24-28.12,               1 St. Lucia 31.12.

339.  Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla: 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

340.  Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica: 4 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

341.  Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 1 Skukuza 28.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12,      1 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

342.  Rudd’s Apalis Apalis ruddi: 5 St. Lucia 30.12, 10 St. Lucia 31.12.

343.  Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens: 1 Olifants 27.12, 1 Olifants-Satara 27.12, 1 Skukuza 28.12.

344.  Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis: 2 Halfweg-Brandvlei 6.1.

345.  Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer: 2 Sani Pass 2.1, 1 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

346.  Green-backed Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler) Camaroptera brachyura: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 2 Skukuza 28.12, c. 10 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

347.  Zitting (Fan-tailed) Cisticola Cisticola juncidis: 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 5 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, a few Underberg 2.1, a few Hella Hella 3.1, 2 northeast of Ladysmith 4.1,     a few Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

348.  Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix: 1 northeast of Ladysmith 4.1.

349.  Wing-snapping (Ayre’s) Cisticola Cisticola ayresii: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 5 Hella Hella 3.1, 3 northeast of Ladysmith 4.1.

350.  Pale-crowned Cisticola Cisticola cinnamomeus: 2 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

351.  Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais: 3 Hella Hella 3.1.

352.  Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chinianus: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,             5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 3 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

353.  Rufous-winged (Black-backed) Cisticola Cisticola galactotes: 1 Pafuri 25.12.

354.  Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Underberg 2.1, 4 Xumeni Forest-Hella Hella 3.1.

355.  Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis: 1 Hella Hella 3.1.

356.  Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapillus: 5 Langberg 5.1, 5 Akkerendam 7.1, 2 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1,          2 Silvermine Pass 14.1.

357.  Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava: 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,          5 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 5 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

358.  Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans: 2 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

359.  Karoo (Spotted) Prinia Prinia maculosa: 6 Akkerendam 7.1, 1 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1, 1 Kransvlei Poort 7.1, 1 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff 8.1, 5 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1, 3 Constantia 12.1, 1 Constantia 13.1, 5 Silvermine Pass 14.1.

360.  Drakensberg Prinia Prinia hypoxantha: 2 Sani Pass 2.1.

361.  Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata: 2 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

362.  Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis: 3 Koa Dunes 6.1, 4 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1,              2 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

363.  Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata: Totally 18 birds observed in the Krüger National Park 24-28.12,     2 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

364.  African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta: 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 3 Xumeni Forest 3.1, 3 Kirstenhof Botanical garden 12.1.

365.  Grey Tit-flycatcher (Fan-tailed Flycatcher) Myioparus plumbeus: 1 Skukuza 28.12.

366.  Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina: 3 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

367.  Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus: C. 15 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1.

368.  Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens: 1 Kimberley 4.1, 3 Langberg 5.1, 1 Langberg-Grikwastad 5.1, 1 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

369.  Cape Batis Batis capensis: 2 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

370.  Chinspot Batis Batis molitor: 3 Pafuri 25.12, 2 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 2 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 Skukuza 28.12.

371.  Woodward’s Batis Batis fratrum: 3 St. Lucia 31.12.

372.  Pale-throated Wattle-eye (Wattle-eyed Flycatcher) Platysteira peltata: 2 St. Lucia 31.12.

373.  Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita: 1 Langberg 5.1, 1 Akkerendam 7.1.

374.  African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis: 4 Olifants 27.12, 4 Skukuza 28.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 1.1,    1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

375.  African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp: 3 Luvuvhu River 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, C. 10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 St. Lucia 31.12.

376.  Mountain (Long-tailed) Wagtail Motacilla clara: 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

377.  Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis: Rather common. Recorded during 16 days 28.12-13.1.

378.  African (Grassveld) Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus: Common around Wakkerstroom 28-29.12, 1 Underberg 2.1, c. 10 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1, 2 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1, numerous Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

379.  Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis: 1 Sani Pass 2.1, 2 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.

380.  Mountain Pipit Anthus hoeschi: 5 Lesotho 2.1.

381.  Yellow-breasted Pipit Anthus chloris: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

382.  Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw Macronyx capensis: Common around Wakkerstroom 28-29.12,           2 Underberg 2.1, 5 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1.

383.  Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor: 1 Klopperfontein 25.12, 3 Olifants-Satara 27.12, 2 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

384.  Common Fiscal (Fiscal Shrike) Lanius collaris: Not recorded in the Krüger National Park, otherwise quite common. Observed during 16 days 24.12-13.1.

385.  Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio: One of the most prominent species in the Krüger National Park:        75 birds counted 24-28.12, 2 Langberg-Poffader 5.1.

386.  Magpie (African Long-tailed) Shrike Corvinella melanoleuca: Totally 30 birds observed in the Krüger National Park 25-28.12.

387.  Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus: 1 Skukuza 28.12, 3 St. Lucia 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12,   1 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Underberg 2.1, 3 Xumeni Forest 3.1, 1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 12.1.

388.  Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus: 2 Pafuri 25.12, 1 Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

389.  Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 3 Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 northeast of Olifants 27.12, 4 Skukuza 28.12, 2 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12, 3 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 1 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

390.  Brubru Nilaus afer: 1 Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 Olifants 27.12.

391.  Southern Tchagra Tchagra tchagra: 1 De Hoop 11.1.

392.  Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra Tchagra australis: 1 south of Pafuri 25.12, 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 northeast of Olifants 27.12, 1 Olifants-Satara 27.12.

393.  Bokmakierie Telephorus zeylonus: 3 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Underberg 2.1, 1 Hella Hella 3.1,     1 Akkerendam 7.1, 1 Cape Agulhas 11.1.

394.  Orange-breasted Bush-shrike Telephorus sulfureopectus: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12,          1 St. Lucia 31.12.

395.  Olive Bush-shrike Telephorus olivaceus: 2 singing Xumeni Forest 3.1.

396.  Grey-headed Bush-shrike Malaconotus blanchoti: 2 Skukuza 28.12.

397.  Retz’s (Red-billed) Helmet-shrike Prionops retzii: 3 Crooks corner 25.12.

398.  Common (European) Starling Sturnus vulgaris: 11 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Underberg 2.1, common in Western Cape 7-13.1.

399.  Common (Indian) Mynah Acridotheres tristis: 1 north of Pretoria 24.12, Common in Kwazulu-Natal 28.12-1.1, 1 Ladysmith-Kimberley 4.1.

400.  (African) Pied Starling Spreo bicolor: Common around Wakkerstroom 28-29.12, 5 Underberg 2.1, common in Western Cape 6-13.1.

401.  Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea: C. 70 Satara-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Langberg 5.1, 10 Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1.

402.  Violet-backed (Plum-coloured) Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster: Rather common in the Krüger National Park 24-28.12, 2 St. Lucia 31.12, 10 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

403.  Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis: Rather common in the central and southern parts of the Krüger National Park: c. 30 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 10 Skukuza 28.12.

404.  Meves’s (Long-tailed) Starling Lamprotornis mevesii: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 11 Crooks Corner 25.12.

405.  Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens: Only observed in Kwazulu-Natal 28-31.12, where rather common.

406.  Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus: 3 north of Punda Maria 25.12.

407.  Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio: Rather common: observed during 13 days 26.12-14.1.

408.  Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus naboroup: 5 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, 5 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 5 Akkerendam 7.1, 5 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

409.  Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus: 2 Punda Maria 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,      5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

410.  Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer: 8 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 12.1, 1 Kommetjie 14.1.

411.  Gurney’s Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi: 3 Sani Pass 2.1.

412.  Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa: 1 Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, c. 10 Underberg 2.1, 1 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

413.  Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea: 1 Cape Point 9.1, 1 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1, c. 10 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 12.1.

414.  Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis: 1 male Satara 27.12, 3 Skukuza 28.12.

415.  Southern (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybea: 5 Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge Hotel 1.1, 3 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 12.1, 1 Constantia 13.1.

416.  White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala: 1 male Skukuza 28.12.

417.  Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fusca: C. 10 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

418.  Eastern Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea: 4 St. Lucia 30.12.

419.  Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis: 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 1 Skukuza 28.12.

420.  Amethyst (African Black) Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina: 1 Underberg 2.1, 2 Underberg 3.1.

421.  Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris: 5 Pafuri 25.12, 5 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 St. Lucia 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

422.  Cape White-eye Zosterops pallidus: 5 Skukuza 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Oribi Gorge 31.12, 5 Oribi Gorge 1.1, 2 Underberg 2.1, 5 Xumeni Forest 3.1, c. 40 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, Rather common in Western Cape 8-14.1.

423.  Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger: 3 Mopani 26.12, 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

424.  Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius: 20 Langberg 5.1, many breeding colonies along the road Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, numerous Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1.

425.  House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Common. Recorded during 20 days 24.12-14.1.

426.  Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus: 20 Amersfoort-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 10 Sani Pass-Underberg 2.1, 2 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, c. 50 Langberg-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, >50 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

427.  Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus: Fairly common in the Krüger National Park: 18 birds observed 24-28.12, 5 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12, 5 Underberg 2.1, 2 Underberg 3.1, 10 Langberg-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1.

428.  Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons: 10 Koa Dunes 6.1.

429.  Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons: 3 St. Lucia 31.12, 2 Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

430.  Forest Weaver Ploceus bicolor: 2 St. Lucia 30.12, 6 St. Lucia 31.12, 1 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

431.  Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12,               1 Skukuza 28.12.

432.  Village (Spotted-backed) Weaver Ploceus cucullatus: Common Johannesburg-Krüger National Park 24.12, abt 50 breeding Oribi Gorge Hotel 31.12-1.1, 30 Mawelawela Game & Fishing Lodge, northeast of Ladysmith 3-4.1.

433.  Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis: 20 St. Lucia 30.12, 5 Underberg 2.1, numerous West Coast National Park 8.1, observed Stellenbosch 10.1, rather common Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

434.  Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus: 20 breeding Skukuza 28.12, c. 50 Wakkerstroom 29.12,        10 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, breeding colony at Langberg 5.1.

435.  Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius: 5 breeding Pafuri 25.12, numerous Satara 27.12.

436.  Yellow Weaver Ploceus subaureus: 10 St. Lucia 31.12.

437.  Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea: Rather common in the Krüger National Park 25-28.12, a few Wakkerstroom 29.12, a few Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, c. 10 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, 10 Calvinia-Clanwilliam 7.1.

438.  Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix: Common around Wakkerstroom 28-30.12, c. 15 Underberg 2.1, Common around Ladysmith 3-4.1, 10 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1.

439.  Yellow-crowned (Golden) Bishop Euplectes afer: Common around Wakkerstroom 28-29.12, 20 around Ladysmith 3.1, 10 northeast of Ladysmith 4.1.

440.  Yellow Bishop (Yellow-rumped Widow) Euplectes capensis: 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 2 Hella Hella 3.1.

441.  Fan-tailed (Red-shouldered) Widow-bird (Widow) Euplectes axillaris: 5 northeast of Louis Trichardt 24.12, 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 5 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 1 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12,     5 Underberg 2.1, c. 10 Hella Hella 3.1.

442.  Red-collared Widow-bird (Widow) Euplectes ardens: 5 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 2 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 1 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12, 3 Underberg 2.1, c. 10 Hella Hella 3.1.

443.  Long-tailed Widow-bird (Widow) Euplectes progne: Common in the grasslands around Wakkerstroom 28-30.12, a few Oribi Gorge-Underberg 1.1, Rather common Underberg 2-3.1, common around Ladysmith 3-4.1.

444.  Green-winged Pytilia (Melba Finch) Pytilia melba: 1 Pafuri 25.12, 2 Gudzani Dam 27.12.

445.  African (Blue-billed) Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata: 3 Xumeni Forest 3.1, 2 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

446.  Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis: 3 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 3 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 2 Olifants 26.12, 10 Satara 27.12, 5 Skukuza 28.12, 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

447.  Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild: 3 Olifants 27.12, 2 Satara-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza 28.12,    5 Underberg 2.1, c. 20 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1, 5 Langberg 5.1, 10 Akkerendam 7.1, 3 Kirstenhof 14.1.

448.  Black-faced (Black-cheeked) Waxbill Estrilda erythronotus: 6 Langberg 5.1.

449.  Grey Waxbill Estrilda perreini: 1 Gwala Gwala-trail, St. Lucia 30.12.

450.  African Quail Finch Ortygospiza atricollis: 6 northeast of Ladysmith 3.1.

451.  Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala: 10 Langberg 5.1, 5 Koa Dunes 6.1.

452.  Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullatus: 1 north of Pretoria 14.12, 3 St. Lucia 31.12.

453.  Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura: 1 northeast of Olifants 26.12, 5 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, common around Wakkerstroom 29.12, a few Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 1 Underberg 2.1, c. 10 around Ladysmith 3.1, 1 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1, 2 Stellenbosch 13.1.

454.  Long-tailed (Eastern) Paradise-Whydah Vidua paradisaea: 1 Olifants-Satara 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12.

455.  Village Indigobird (Steel-blue Widowfinch) Vidua chalybeata: 1 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

456.  Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs: 1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 12.1, 1 Constantia Greenbelts 12.1.

457.  Yellow-fronted (Yellow-eyed) Canary Serinus mozambicus: 1 Punda Maria 24.12, 1 Pafuri 25.12,             5 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 2 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza 28.12, 2 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12.

458.  Cape Canary Serinus canicollis: C. 10 Amersfoort-Wakkerstroom 28.12, c. 30 Wakkerstroom 29.12,       15 Underberg 2.1, 5 Underberg-Ladysmith 3.1.

459.  Forest Canary Serinus scotops: 3 Xumeni Forest 3.1.

460.  Cape Siskin Pseudochloroptila totta: 1 Cape Point 9.1.

461.  Drakensberg Siskin Pseudochloroptila symonsi: c. 30 Sani Pass 2.1.

462.  Black-headed Canary Alario alario: 3 Koa Dunes 6.1.

463.  Yellow Canary Serinus flaviventris: 10 Langberg 5.1, 5 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park-Poffader 5.1, c. 15 Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1, 10 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1, 5 Cape Town 12.1.

464.  White-throated Canary Serinus albogularis: 5 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, 5 Akkerendam 7.1.

465.  Protea Seed-eater (Canary) Serinus leucopterus: 4 Kransvlei Poort 7.1.

466.  Streaky-headed Seed-eater (Canary)  Serinus gularis: 2 Sani Pass 2.1.

467.  Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris: 2 Punda Maria 24.12, 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12,           1 Mahonie Loop 26.12.

468.  Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis: At least 5 Sani Pass 2.1, 2 Kimberley-Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, several Akkerendam 7.1, 3 Cape Peninsula 9.1.

469.  Cinnamon-breasted (Rock) Bunting Emberiza tahapisi: 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 3 Klopperfontein 25.12, 1 Punda Maria-Mopani 26.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, a few Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12,          1 Wakkerstroom 29.12.

470.  Larklike Bunting Emberiza impetuani: 2 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1, 10 Koa Dunes 6.1, rather common along the road Poffader-Brandvlei-Calvinia 6.1.

Mammals

Peters’s/Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit-bat Epomophorus crypturus/wahlbergi: 10 Skukuza 28.12.

Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus: Common in the Krüger National Park: totally c. 210 individuals seen 24-28.12, 5 Underberg 3.1, 5 Cape peninsula 9.1, 50 Sir Lowry's Pass 11.1.

Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops: 5 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 5 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 10 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 5 Skukuza-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 15 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 15 St. Lucia 31.12, 10 Oribi Gorge 1.1.

Cape hare Lepus capensis: 1 Amersfoort-Wakkerstroom 28.12, 2 Calvinia-Lamberts Bay 7.1.

Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis: 2 on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris: 1 Augrabies Falls National Park 5.1.

Tree Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi: Rather common in the Krüger National Park: 14 individuals seen 25-28.12, 1 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 3 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12.

Sloggett’s Ice Rat Otomys sloggetti: 5 Sani Pass 2.1.

Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas: 2 on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12, 1 north of Orpen Dam 27.12.

Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo: 15 Skukuza 28.12.

Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata: 20 Wakkerstroom 29.12, 5 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 15 Cape Agulhas-De Hoop 11.1.

Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta: 1 at the Letaba River, northeast of Olifants 27.12, 2 just north of Skukuza 27.12.

Lion Panthera leo: 8 females and 2 young Grysbok, north of Mopani 26.12, 1 male and 1 female Bowker’s Kop, north of Mopani 26.12.

Leopard Panthera pardus: 1 crossing the road just in front of the car northeast of Olifants 27.12. The observation of the trip!, 1 eating a Zebra in a roadside tree northeast of Siloweni Dam 27.12.

African Elephant Loxodonta africana: Totally 34 individuals in the Krüger National Park 24-28.12.

Rock Dassie Procavia capensis: 2 Slang River, Wakkerstroom 29.12.

Burchell’s Zebra Equus burchelli: Totally 97 individuals in the Krüger National Park 25-28.12.

Cape Mountain Zebra Equus zebra: 10 De Hoop 11.1.

White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum: 2 south of Kumani Dam 27.12, 1 Biyamiti Dam 28.12.

Warthog Phacochoerus africanus: 1 just north of Skukuza 27.12.

Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius: 30 around Olifants 26-27.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12.

Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis: Totally 49 individuals in the Krüger National Park 25-28.12.

Buffalo Syncerus caffer: C. 150 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, at least 30 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros: 15 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 3 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12.

Southern Nyala Tragelaphus angasi: 10 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12.

Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus: 1 on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus: 15 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12, 5 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

Grey Rhebok Palea capreolus: 2 Sani Pass 2.1.

Blue Wildebeest Connochaetus taurinus: C. 150 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12.

Impala Aepyceros melampus: Common in the Krüger National Park 24-28.12,

Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis: 20 Koa Dunes 6.2, 50 Akkerendam 7.1.

Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus: 2 northeast of Olifants 27.12.

Steenbok Raphicerus campestris: 2 Punda Maria-Pafuri 25.12, 1 on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12,

1 Mahonie Loop 26.12, 2 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 2 Wakkerstroom-St. Lucia 30.12, 1 St. Lucia-Oribi Gorge 31.12.

Sharpe’s Grysbok Raphicerus sharpei: 1 on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus: Numerous Lamberts Bay 7.1, numerous along the coast Lamberts Bay-Veldriff-West Coast National Park 8.1, a few Cape Agulhas 11.1, 3 Cape Town 12.1.

Herptiles

Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus: 10 Pafuri-Crooks Corner 25.12, 1 St. Lucia 31.12.

Water (Nile) Monitor Varanus niloticus: 1 Matukwala Dam, Mahonie Loop 26.12.

Chameleon Chamaeleo sp.: 1 Punda Maria-Olifants 26.12.

Mocambique Spitting Cobra Naja mossambica: 1 on a night drive from Punda Maria 25.12.

Black Mamba Dendroaspis polylepis: 1 dead on the road south of Punda Maria 26.12.

Snake spp.: 1 Olifants-Skukuza 27.12, 1 Skukuza-Malelane Gate 28.12, 1 West Coast National Park 8.1.

Tortoise spp.: 1 Langberg 5.1, 5 Akkerendam-Clanwilliam-Lamberts Bay 7.1, 2 Sir Lowry’s Pass 11.1.