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| A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
The Western Cape Province and Namibia, 24 Jan - 11 Feb, 2002,
FANTASTIC!!! What a fun trip this was. The birds
were great, the guides were great, and the scenery was phenomenal! Our trip
was organized through Sugarbird-African Birding Tours. This bird tour company
is operated by Christian Boix-Hinzen (cboix@botzoo.uct.ac.za). He is
a doctoral candidate at the Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology,
one of the world's leading ornithological centers. We can't say enough good
things about Christian and the other leaders we had on this trip. They were
all very professional, knew where all the birds were, and made every effort
to find them for us. Their combined knowledge of the birds, plants, and animals
of the area was superb, and it made for a super trip. We loved every minute
of it. Out trip basically made a loop in the northern half of
We finished up seeing over 473 species of birds and more than 30 species of mammals. We also saw many reptiles, lizards, and amphibians. The Cape floral kingdom was simply amazing. Many of the plants are endemic to the Western Cape Province alone. The rock formations and general scenery throughout this trip were mind-blowing: everything from the Namib/Naukluft desert, to a massive granite rock outcropping in Namibia called Spitzkoppe (one of my favorites), to the Etosha Pan, to Shakawe Lodge in Botswana, to the Karoo desert, to the Swartberg Pass near Knysna was incredible and interesting. The lodging we had throughout the trip, while always safe and clean, was unique, interesting, and very enjoyable.
I'll detail our itinerary below, followed by the species
list with some comments. I'll then list the animals we had, followed by a few
personal comments. CT =
ITINERARY
22 Jan - We arrived a couple of days early, just
in case there was a problem with the flights or the plane. We got in about
23 Jan - We had a whole day to relax after the
15-hour flight from
24 Jan - Flight to Windhoek, Namibia. Arrived early afternoon. Christian took us to a local hotspot called Avis Dam. Even though the sign at the airport said Namibia averaged only 0.5mm of rain a year, it rained on us that afternoon! It actually felt pretty good and it sparked the bird activity. After Avis Dam, we went to some local sewage treatment ponds. Night at Hilltop House.
25 Jan - Morning birding at Avis Dam again. Birding activity was very good, but we dipped on Orange-river Francolin. The rest of the day was spent driving and birding our way across the spectacularly scenic Khomas Hochland, eventually dropping down into the Namib Desert plains via the Namib/Naukluft National Park. The scenery was unbelievable and we found 4 species of bustards. We were having such a good time that we got into the town of Walvis Bay late. Night in Walvis Bay.
26 Jan - Early this morning we went to the dunefields south of Walvis Bay and found Namibia's only endemic, the Dune Lark. After this we had a quick breakfast and birded the saltpans and estuaries around Walvis Bay, before driving towards the impressive granite inselberg called Spitzkoppe. These rocks rise up out of the surrounding desert plains and are simply awesome. Here we were able to find the Herero Chat, a very difficult southern Africa endemic. We spent the night at a lodge called Erongo Wilderness Lodge. I thought it was one of the most creative and interesting lodges I've ever seen. I wish we could have spent 2 nights here. Great lodge and great food. I had Kudu steak and it was super.
27 Jan - Morning birding around the lodge turned up Hartlaub's Francolin and the beautiful White-tailed Shrike. We then drove a few km away to a dry riverbed and found some other good birds, including Ruppell's Parrots. We spent the rest of the day driving/birding our way to the Okaukuejo Camp at Etosha National Park. Along the way, we ran across a flock of about 25 Eurasian Hobbies hawking migrating dragonflies and good some great looks. The water hole at the camp produced some Rhinoceros and flocks of Double-banded Sandgrouse at night and a family of Giant Eagle-Owls the next morning. Night at Okaukuejo Camp.
28 Jan - We spent the early morning birding around the camp. After that, we birded Etosha, eventually getting to our next lodge, called Halali Rest Camp. This was the first day that the weather got really hot. Up until today, it had been overcast and actually quite pleasant, with low humidity. In spite of the heat, we found birds all day long. When we got to Halali, there was a Scops owl perched in the tree over the lodge office. We went to the water hole this night and found Rufous-eared Nightjar and a great look at a Leopard drinking the water. Night at Halali Rest Camp.
29 Jan - Birding on the lodge grounds this morning produced Southern Violet Wood-hoopoe and Bare-cheeked Babblers. From Halali, we went to a place called Fischer's Pan. From there, we drove a long way towards the town of Rundu, the gateway to the Caprivi Strip, where there are some sewage ponds that are loaded with birds. We birded as long as we could there and then drove to Popa Falls Rest Camp. Night at Popa Falls Rest Camp.
30 Jan - We birded the campgrounds this morning and the small Popa Falls Park, before leaving for Mahango Game Reserve. Mahango was awesome, and the bird activity was strong all day. Eventually we went across the Botswana border and drove about 40km to Shakawe Lodge, on the banks of the Kavango River. We had loads of birds today. At Shakawe, there is a small pond next to the dining area. Later that night we saw the local Pel's Fishing Owl there. The lodge owner told us that the male of the pair was banded in 1975! Night at Shakawe Lodge.
31 Jan - We spent the morning birding the land around the lodge. Activity slowed down in the middle of the day, so we just rested in the lawn chairs, watching weavers and swallows flying over the river. In late afternoon, the lodge owner took us for a 4-hour boat ride up the river. We were able to find a Rufous-bellied Heron, but dipped on White-backed Night-Heron and African Skimmer. Night at Shakawe Lodge.
1 Feb - The first thing this morning we saw the Pel's Owl again, before leaving for a long day's drive to Waterberg National Park. We had found almost all of the target birds, so we birded some along the road, picking up a few more trip species. We arrived at Waterberg after nightfall. Night at Waterberg National Park.
2 Feb - We left Waterberg before sunrise to get back to Windhoek in time to catch our flight to Cape Town. When we arrived in Cape Town, we bid Christian goodbye and were met by Callan Cohen and Peter Ryan, who took us to Paterson House B&B to unload our luggage. After an hour's rest, Peter came back and we spent the rest of the day birding the Cape peninsula with him. It was really fun and scenic. We found Cape Siskins at the Cape of Good Hope. On the way back, we stopped at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, where you could literally stand within a few feet of the African Penguins.
Night at Paterson House B&B.
3 Feb - We were met this morning by Phil Hockey, who took us birding on the east side of False Bay, where we found Cape Rockjumper, Cape Robin, and other goodies. We also went to another botanical gardens called Porter, where we found some more trip birds, including Swee Waxbills. After lunch we went to the town of Paarl, where there is a large rock outcropping, to look for the Protea Canary. We dipped on the canary here, but added several other species in the process. Night at Paterson House B&B.
4 Feb - We were supposed to go on a pelagic trip today, but the captain called it off at 0600 because of high winds and rough seas. Instead, we were met by Michael Mills, who then took us birding to the West Coast National Park. Despite very high winds, we were able to find all of our target birds for the day. We had a great time with Michael. Night at Paterson House B&B.
5 Feb - Callan Cohen (callan@birding-africa.com) picked us up early in the morning and we went to an area near the Univ. of CT, where we were able to get a glimpse of the endemic Knysna Warbler. We then birded some around the base of Table Mountain before heading north towards the Cederberg Mountains and the town of Clanwilliam. After checking in at our B&B, we went out in the late afternoon and managed to find Protea Canary. Night at Henry Holloway's B&B.
6 Feb - Today we entered the Karoo desert. It's a land of stark scenery, but mesmerizing nevertheless. We were successful in finding all the target birds we were looking for, including great looks at Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, and Ground Woodpeckers. We spent the night at a B&B run by a Swiss man named Werner. His B&B was fantastic, using solar power, and the food was some of the best I've ever had. He served us his famous Lamb, cooked in an old black pot, and it was superb. Werner and his wife are also artists, so there is interesting art all over the place.
7 Feb - We left the Karoo and made our way towards De Hoop Nature Reserve. Along the way, Callan called a man who he knew had Crowned Hawk-Eagles nesting on his property. He got the man's OK, and we eventually saw the almost full-grown juvenile. It was a great experience. On the way out and going towards De Hoop, we saw a Caracal on the side of the road. What a beautiful cat! On the way to De Hoop, we picked up Karoo Korhaan. Night at Buchu Bushcamp.
8 Feb - Before breakfast, we birded the fynbos scrub around the lodge and picked up Southern Tchagra, Stanley's Bustard, and Hottentot Buttonquail (a great look on the ground). We then birded our way back towards the main highway (N2), before settling in for the long drive to Knysna. Night at Madiba's Tide Hotel.
9 Feb - We did some early morning birding near the hotel, had breakfast, and then went to Nature's Valley. Nature's Valley was great fun and great birding. Night at Madiba's Tide Hotel.
10 Feb - Our objective today was to bird our way to the Karoo National Park. The highlight of the day was finding and seeing well Victorin's Warbler on the way up Swartberg pass. The pass itself was stunning. Although it was only about 1500M in elevation, you felt like you were on top of the world and the rock formations were unbelievably beautiful. Night at Karoo National Park Lodge, where they had a stuffed Black Eagle in the lobby. It was incredible!
11 Feb - By now we had seen all our target birds except Karoo Long-billed Lark. We were able to find it and get great looks at it, our 19th species of lark for the trip! We bumped into Christian here again, as he was guiding a group of birders from Taiwan and they were also staying at the lodge. On our way back to CT to catch our flight, we had an unsolvable problem with one of the wheels on our hire car (two bolts of the tire had snapped off!). After we had stopped to see what was making the car vibrate and found out what the problem was, Callan used his cell phone to call Christian, who was only about 20km further up the road at the time. We managed to drive to where he was and squeeze into his two vans, thereby making it back to CT in time for our flight home. Unfortunately, we had to leave Callan with the broken car. He did an outstanding job and we really enjoyed our time with him. He really has an incredible amount of knowledge about the birds, their habitats, the floral community, and history of the Western Cape Province. All of this made for an outstanding trip. Thanks Callan!
BIRD SPECIES LIST
My computer program uses James Clements' Fifth Edition of the Checklist of the Birds of the World. That's what the names of the species here follows, although a lot of the names are different in the field guides. When I refer to "the Cape", I am referring to the Western Cape Province. WCP = West Coast Park. Mahango is the Mahango Game Reserve near the Botswana border (a great place). Shakawe is the Shakawe Lodge on the banks of the Kavango River in NW Botswana. Occasionally I will mark a leader only bird (L) or a heard bird (H). The numbers are the date the bird was seen (29 = Jan. 29). When I say "only found at.", I mean for this trip only, not the species' breeding range. Like most birding trips, once we found a species, we didn't actively pursue it again, so a lack of sightings doesn't necessarily mean it is rare.
Ostrich Struthio camelus. Fairly common during the
whole trip.
Jackass Penguin Spheniscus demersus. Only encountered around CT, Boulder Beach,
and Robben Is.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. Also called Dabchick. 24, 29, 10.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus. 26, 10.
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. 24. Only seen once at Avis Dam.
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus. 26, 3, 5.
Cape Gannet Morus capensis. 23, 2. Seen going out to Robben Island and at Cape
Point lighthouse.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo. 23, 24, 26, 2, 5, 8.
Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis. 23, 2. Seen at Robben Island and on
the Cape peninsula.
Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus. 23, 2. Same as Cape Cor.
Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus. Also called Reed Cor. Common;
seen several times.
Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus. 23, 26, 2. Same as Cape Cor., except
we also saw it on an offshore, man-made breeding platform, north of Walvis Bay.
Darter Anhinga melanogaster. 24, 30, 31, 1, 3.
Gray Heron Ardea cinerea, seen a few times in Namibia, but common in the Cape.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala. About the same as gray Heron.
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath. 30, 31. Only seen in Mahango and around Shakawe.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 31. Only seen once on the Kavango River.
Great Egret Ardea alba. 30, 31. Only encountered in Mahango and Shakawe.
Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca. 30. Only seen once in Mahango.
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia. 31. Only one seen in Botswana.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Seen several times during the trip.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides. 24, 29, 30, 1.
Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris. 31. Only found one bird flying over
along the Kavango River, during our afternoon boat ride.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Common.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus. 30, 31.
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. 24, 29, 31.
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta. 24, 25, 30 (15), 1, 8, 11. Fairly common.
African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus. 30, 31. Mahango and Shakawe.
Black Stork Ciconia nigra. 11. One bird seen soaring over the highway (N1),
on the way back to CT.
Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii. 28, 30, 31, 2. Only seen in Namibia, but found
several times.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus. 30. Found one bird in Mahango.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia. 2, 3, 7, 8. Fairly easy in the Cape.
Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. 30. Christian spotted this
beauty soaring overhead in Mahango.
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus. 28, 29. Around the Etosha area.
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus. Fairly common in the Cape.
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash. Fairly common in the Cape.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus. 5. Only seen once on the way to Clanwilliam.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber. 26, 29, Walvis Bay and Fisher's Pan.
Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor. 26, 29, 31. Same as Greater, plus Shakawe
area.
White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata. 29-1. Fairly common in N. Namibia.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus. One of the commonest birds we saw on
the trip.
South African Shelduck Tadorna cana. 24, 28, 4. Avis Dam, Etosha, and WCP.
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis. 24, 29-1, 4, 10. Seen several times.
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos. 29-1. Fairly common in N. Namibia.
African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auritus. 30, 31. Resident pair on pond at Shakawe.
Gorgeous!
Cape Teal Anas capensis. 26. Walvis Bay.
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata.5, 10. On the way to Clanwilliam and at Long
Lake, near Knysna.
Red-billed Duck Anas erythrorhyncha. Fairly common in Namibia; east of CT.
Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota. 24, 29. Windhoek and Fischer's Pan.
Cape Shoveler Anas smithii. 3, 10. East of CT and Long Lake.
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma. 24, 29. Windhoek and Fischer's Pan.
Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa. 24. Windhoek area.
European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus. 24, 5. Windhoek and at base of Table
Mountain.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus. Fairly common.
Black Kite Milvus migrans. Called Yellow-billed and accepted in Africa as a
good species. Not recognized by Clements yet. Common.
African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer. 30, 31, 10. Mahango, Shakawe, and Knysna
area.
White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus. Fairly common in Namibia.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus. 25, 28, 30.
Black-breasted Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis. 25, 27, 29, 1. Encountered
several times.
Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus. 25. Good looks at one along the highway
to Walvis Bay.
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus. 28, 30. Etosha and Mahango.
African Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus. 31. Kavango River.
Black Harrier Circus maurus. 4, 7, 8. Great looks at WCP. Also at De Hoop.
African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus. 30. Only found one perched in a night
search at Shakawe.
Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates. 30. One bird seen very well on highway
to Rundu.
Pale Chanting-Goshawk Melierax canorus. Common everywhere.
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar. 25, 28, 31, 1. Fairly easy to find. Perches
conspicuously.
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro. 5, 9. Near Clanwilliam and Nature's Valley.
Shikra Accipiter badius. 28, 29. Etosha area only.
Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus. 27, 30. On the way to Etosha and Mahango.
Black Goshawk Accipiter melanoleucus. 1. Poor look at one as it streaked across
the road.
Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo. Common everywhere.
Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus. 3, 7, 9, 10. Several good looks in the Cape.
Augur Buzzard Buteo augur. 25, 26. Seen on the highway to Walvis Bay and to
Erongo the next day.
Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus. 3, 4, 6, 8, 10. Several good looks in the
Cape.
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax. 28, 30, 2. Seen a few times in N. Namibia.
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis. 27, 30. Erongo to Etosha, and at Mahango.
Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi. 30. One bird seen soaring at Mahango.
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii. 25, 11. A pair seen on the way to Walvis
Bay and again at Karoo National Park.
African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster. 25. One bird seen on the way to
Walvis Bay.
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus. 3, 6-8, 11. Seen several times in the eastern
Cape.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus. 25, 30. Two flew right over us in Namib/Naukluft;
another in Mahango.
Crowned Hawk-Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus. 7. A side trip to private property,
where a juvenile had fledged and was still hanging around. Stunning!
Secretary-bird Sagittarius serpentarius. 28. Only seen in the Etosha area.
Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus. 25, 28. A couple seen on the way to
Walvis Bay; Etosha.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni. 8. We found a flock of 11 birds soaring over
wheat fields on the way from De Hoop to Knysna.
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Seen several times in both countries.
Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides. 25, 28, 6, 10L, 11. Beautiful bird. Seen
several times.
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera. 28. Saw one bird very well at Okaukuejo
Camp in the a.m.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo. 27. We came a cross a flock of about 25 on our
way to Etosha. They were hawking migrating dragonflies. A great experience
with lots of good looks.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus. 25, 27, 28, 2, 4. We must have seen a total
of 10 birds.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus. 26, 28, 3, 7. Encountered sporadically.
Gray-winged Francolin Francolinus africanus. 2. Found 3-4 along the side of
a road in the Cape Penin.
Hartlaub's Francolin Francolinus hartlaubi. 27. Found a small group among the
rocks at Erongo Wilderness Lodge grounds, not far from our tent.
Red-billed Francolin Francolinus adspersus. Very common throughout Namibia.
Cape Francolin Francolinus capensis. 2, 4, 8. Cape Peninsula, WCP, and De Hoop.
Red-necked Francolin Francolinus afer. 10. A family group walked right in front
of us near Long Lake.
Swainson's Francolin Francolinus swainsonii. 28, 30, 1. Seen easily at Etosha
and Mahango.
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris. Common.
Hottentot Buttonquail Turnix hottentotta. 8. Great, very quick look at this
ultra skulker near Buchu Bushcamp.
Blue Crane Grus paradisea. 28, 29, 5-8. Etosha, but the center of the breeding
range is around De Hoop. We saw many in that area.
Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculatus. 30, 1. Great looks at a family group
of 3 in Mahango.
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris. 30, 31. Quick looks at Popa Falls and
Mahango.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio. 24, 29, 10. Windhoek, Fischer's Pan, and
Long Lake.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus. 24, 29, 1, 10.
Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata. 29, 1. Seen well both times we were at the
sewage ponds near Rundu.
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata. 24, 29, 1, 5, 10, 11.
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori. 25, 28, 29. Found several times in the desert areas.
Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii. 25. We came across a group of 4 along the
highway to Walvis Bay.
Stanley Bustard Neotis denhami. 8. Only saw one flyover near Buchu Bushcamp.
Karoo Bustard Eupodotis vigorsii. 7. Saw 4 birds in plowed wheat fields on
the way to De Hoop.
Rueppell's Bustard Eupodotis rueppellii. 25, 26. Seen on the way to Walvis
Bay and again the next day to Erongo.
Red-crested Bustard Eupodotis ruficrista. 25, 26, 29. On way to Walvis Bay
and Erongo; also Etosha.
Black Bustard Eupodotis afra. 4, 8. Several seen in WCP right next to our car.
White-quilled Bustard Eupodotis afraoides. 26, 28. Near Erongo and Etosha area.
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus. 29-1. Seen fairly often in N. Namibia.
Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis. 29. One quick look at the sewage
ponds near Rundu.
African Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini. 23, 2. Robben Island and Cape Peninsula.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus. 24, 29, 3, 4, 10, 11.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta. 29. Only found at Fischer's Pan.
Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus. 27, 28, 30, 31. Found several times
in N. Namibia.
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis. 23, 10. Kirstenbosch and Long Lake.
Burchell's Courser Cursorius rufus. 25, 26. Found a group of 8 near the zebra
pan in Namib/Naukluft.
Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii. 28. Only found one day in Etosha.
Double-banded Courser Smutsornis africanus. 25. Only saw some along the road
to Walvis Bay.
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola. 30. Mahango.
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni. 30. Flying in the same group as
the Collareds.
Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis. 30. Also saw these in Mahango.
Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris. 30, 31. Seen in Mahango and near
Shakawe.
Blacksmith Plover Vanellus armatus. Common everywhere.
Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus. Fairly common in both countries.
Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus. 30, 31. Only seen in Mahango and Shakawe.
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola. 26, 4. Walvis Bay estuaries and
WCP Lagoon.
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. 26, 4. Same as BBPlover.
Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius. 24, 4. Avis Dam and WCP lagoon.
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris. Fairly common in Namibia, not in
the Cape.
White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus. 26, 31, 2. Walvis Bay, Shakawe,
and Cape peninsula.
Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus. 26. Walvis Bay estuaries. Great
looks.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica. 26, 4. Walvis Bay and WCP lagoon.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. 26. Walvis Bay.
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata. 4. One bird seen at WCP lagoon.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia. 24, 26, 29, 1. Fairly common.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. 24, 28-30, 1.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. 24, 28-1.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. 26, 4. Walvis Bay and WCP lagoon.
Red Knot Calidris canutus. 4. WCP lagoon.
Sanderling Calidris alba. 26, 4. Walvis Bay and WCP lagoon.
Little Stint Calidris minuta. 24, 26, 4. Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and WCP lagoon.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. 26, 29, 4. Walvis Bay, Fischer's Pan,
and WCP lagoon.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Common throughout Namibia and at WCP lagoon.
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus. Common gull in the area, more so in the Cape.
Gray-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus. 26, 29, 31. Walvis Bay, Fischer's Pan,
and Shakawe.
Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii. Common in the Cape and at Walvis Bay.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia. 26, 9. Walvis Bay and Knysna area.
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. 2. Only found at Cape peninsula.
Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii. 23, 26, 2. Cape peninsula and Walvis Bay.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo. 26. Walvis Bay.
Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum. 26. Several seen in the Walvis Bay estuary area.
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. 26, 29-31. Walvis Bay, Mahango, and
Shakawe.
Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua. 28. Only found in the Etosha area.
Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus. 27, 28. Okaukuejo Camp water
hole at night and the next day in the Etosha area.
Rock Dove Columba livia. Common.
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea. Fairly common in both countries.
Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix. 23, 5, 9. Kirstenbosch, Clanwilliam, and
Madiba's Hotel.
African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens. 29, 31, 1. Only found in N. Namibia
and Shakawe.
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata. Common.
Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola. Called Cape Turtle-Dove. Common.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis. Most common bird of the trip.
Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos. 30, 31, 1. Mahango and Shakawe.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis. Common in both countries.
African Green-Pigeon Treron calva. 30. Only found at Popa Falls Rest camp.
Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis. 25-27. Found several times along
the road to Walvis Bay and the areas around Erongo Lodge.
Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri. 30. We found 4 along the highway to Popa
Falls.
Rueppell's Parrot Poicephalus rueppellii. 27. Only found in the dry riverbed
below Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
Knysna Turaco Tauraco corythaix. 9. Knysna area and Nature's Valley.
Gray Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor. Common in Namibia only.
Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus. 29. Only one bird seen on the way to Popa Falls.
Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii. 31. One bird seen well on Shakawe
lodge grounds.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius. 28-30, 1. Etosha, Mahango, and Shakawe.
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus. 30, 10. Mahango and Long Lake.
African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis. 29, 30, 1. To popa Falls and Mahango.
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas. 8. Juvenile bird being fed by Bar-throated
Apalis near De Hoop.
Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius. 30, 31, 1, 8. Mahango, Shakawe, and De
Hoop.
Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus. 31. Found 8 birds on the banks
of the Kavango River.
Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis. 30, 1. Mahango.
White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus. 30. Couple of birds seen in Popa
Falls park.
Barn Owl Tyto alba. 26. One seen at Erongo Wilderness lodge in the evening.
African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis. 28. Found a perched bird over the office
at Halali.
Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus. 28, 2, 6. Seen well at Halali, Waterberg
(on the road in the morning as we were leaving before dawn), and the Karoo.
Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus. 28. Family group at Kaukuejo Camp water
hole in the a.m.
Pel's Fishing-Owl Scotopelia peli. 30, 1. Both sightings were at Shakawe Lodge.
African Wood-Owl Strix woodfordii. 30. Had a nice pair calling at Popa Falls
rest camp.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum. 27, 28. Erongo riverbed and Halali.
African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense. 31. One bird seen outside Shakawe
Lodge.
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena. 27, 28. Seen at the water holes
at Okaukuejo and Halali camps.
Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma. 2. Had one bird on the road going
out of Waterberg Park early before dawn.
African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus. 28, 29, 1, 2.
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba. 27, 3, 6, 7, 10.
African Swift Apus barbatus. 25. Seen once on the way to Walvis Bay.
Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi. 24, 25, 27, 2. Common around Windhoek. They
were roosting in Hilltop House, our B&B in Windhoek.
Little Swift Apus affinis. 24, 25, 31, 1, 5, 11.
Horus Swift Apus horus. 8. Only found around Buchu Bushcamp near De Hoop.
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer. 24, 25, 8. Windhoek, and De Hoop.
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus. 2, 7-10. Cape penin. and eastern WCP.
White-backed Mousebird Colius colius. 24, 25, 4, 11. Windhoek , WCP, and Karoo
N.P.
Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus. 24, 26L, 30. Avis Dan area, Walvis Bay,
and Popa Falls.
Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina. 9. Only found at Nature's Valley campground.
Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata. 10. Had to take canoe trip up
river at the Long Lake area before we found one bird.
Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata. 29, 31. Rundu sewage ponds and Shakawe
area.
Gray-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala. 29, 30. Rundu ponds and Mahango.
Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis. 29-1. Common in this area. Gorgeous
bird.
Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris. 29-31. Popa Falls, Mahango, and
Shakawe.
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima. 30, 31, 10. Mahango, Shakawe, and Long
Lake.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis. 30, 31. Popa Falls, Mahango, and Shakawe.
White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides. 30-1. Mahango and Shakawe.
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus. 29-1. Rundu, Mahango, and Shakawe.
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus. 24-27. Found several over the
4 days.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus. 29-1. Saw several over these 4 days.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster. 24, 28, 1. Windhoek, Etosha, and Mahango.
Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides. 29, 30, 1. Fairly common around
Rundu, Mahango, and Popa Falls.
European Roller Coracias garrulus. 29. Spotted a couple of birds on telephone
wires on way to Rundu.
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata. Fairly common in Namibia; not found
in the Cape.
Rufous-crowned Roller Coracias naevia. 25, 27-29. On way to Walvis Bay and
Etosha area.
Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus. 30. One bird found in Mahango.
Hoopoe Upupa epops. 25L, 27L, 28, 29, 1.
Green Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus. 30, 31, 9. Mahango, Shakawe, and Knysna.
Violet Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus damarensis. 28, 29. Several found at Halali camp
and Etosha.
Common Scimitar-bill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas. Found nearly everyday in Namibia.
Monteiro's Hornbill Tockus monteiri. 24, 25, 27. Avis Dam and on road to Walvis
Bay. This is one of the species that Christian is studying. Seen several times.
Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus. 25, 27-29. Road to Walvis Bay and
Etosha area.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas. 25, 29, 30, 1. Road to Walvis
Bay, Etosha, and Mahango.
Bradfield's Hornbill Tockus bradfieldi. 1. Found one on the road from Popa
Falls back to Rundu.
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus. 29H, 30H, 1. Heard often
in the N. and finally spotted in Mahango.
Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas. 24LH, 25-28, 29H. Seen several times.
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus. 30L, 31. Seen well at Shakawe.
Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii. 30-1. Mahango and Shakawe.
Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator. 31. Only found one at Shakawe.
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor. 27, 8. Saw one in dry riverbed near Erongo
and De Hoop.
Green-backed Honeyguide Prodotiscus zambesiae. 30, 31. Shakawe only. Brief
look. Also called Slender-billed.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni. 30, 31.
Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata. 9. Only found in Nature's Valley campground.
Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus. 6. 3 birds seen very well on the way
through the Karoo.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens. 25-27. Seen 3 times from Walvis
Bay to Erongo.
Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus. 28. Only found one day at Okaukuejo
Camp.
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus. 9. Only found in Knysna area and
Nature's Valley.
Monotonous Lark Mirafra passerina. 1. One bird found singing on road back towards
Rundu.
Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana. 25, 30, 1. Sporadic, but not too difficult.
Several seen.
Clapper Lark Mirafra apiata. 7, 8. Seen at Werner's place in the higher Karoo
and De Hoop.
Fawn-colored Lark Mirafra africanoides. 27, 28. Found a couple of times along
the roadside to Etosha.
Sabota Lark Mirafra sabota. 25-28. Seen several times in the dry areas of W.
Namibia.
Dusky Lark Pinarocorys nigricans. 29. Only found one day, not far from Halali,
just outside Namutoni.
Cape Lark Certhilauda curvirostris. 4. Locally called Long-billed Lark. We
managed to find one in the dry fields north of CT, despite strong winds.
Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris. 8. Great look on way from
De Hoop to Knysna.
Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata. 11. Seen very well in Karoo
National Park.
Dune Lark Certhilauda erythrochlamys. 26. Finally tracked this beauty down
in the dune fields south of Walvis Bay.
Karoo Lark Certhilauda albescens. 7. Found in the Karoo on way to De Hoop.
Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata. 27, 28, 6. On way to and in Etosha
and in the Karoo.
Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis. 27. Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis. 25, 28, 4. Road to Walvis
Bay, Etosha, and WCP.
Gray's Lark Ammomanes grayi. 25. Only found in the Namib/Naukluft, on way to
Walvis Bay.
Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea. 28, 4, 8, 10. Etosha, WCP, De Hoop, and
Karoo N.P.
Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris. 28. Only found one day in Etosha area.
Stark's Lark Eremalauda starki. 25, 26. Namib/Naukluft area only.
Long-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris. 4, 7. Locally called Thick-billed lark.
WCP and Karoo.
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia. 29, 30, 1.
Banded Martin Riparia cincta. 23, 28.The cape and Etosha.
Gray-rumped Swallow Hirundo griseopyga. 31, 1. Shakawe and Mahango.
Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula. Common on whole trip.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica. Found nearly everywhere.
White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis. 24, 2, 4, 10.
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii. 31. Only found along the Kavango River
at Shakawe.
Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata. 24, 30. Windhoek and Popa Falls.
Greater Striped-Swallow Hirundo cucullata. 25, 27, 2L, 3, 7-11. Common.
Lesser Striped-Swallow Hirundo abyssinica. 1. Only found once on highway, not
far from Popa Falls.
Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis. 29, 30, 1. Rundu sewage ponds and Mahango.
Black Sawwing Psalidoprocne holomelas. 3, 7, 9, 10. CT, De Hoop, and Knysna
area.
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp. 30-1. Shakawe area only.
Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis. Windhoek and common in the Cape.
Orange-throated Longclaw Macronyx capensis. 4. Only one bird seen in WCP.
Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys. 7. Found several on the private property
where the Crowned Hawk-Eagle was. They seemed to prefer burned areas.
Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis. 25, 26, 28. Walvis Bay area and Etosha.
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus. 27-30, 1. Found several times in N. Namibia.
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis. 25. One bird seen well on road to Walvis
Bay.
Gray Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caesia. 9. Nice pair seen only at Nature's Valley
campground
Black Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga flava. 1, 9L. Female found along road back to
Rundu.
Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus. 30, 31, 11. Mahango, Shakawe, and Karoo.
Black-fronted Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans. 24-28. Easy to see.
Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis. Common in the Cape.
Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus. 23, 3H, 9H, 10H. Kirstenbosch. Heard
elsewhere often.
Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris. 30. Popa Falls Rest Camp.
Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris. 30, 31, 9. Popa Falls, Shakawe,
and Knysna.
Cape Rock-Thrush Monticola rupestris. 3. Only found one day on the east side
of False Bay.
Short-toed Rock-Thrush Monticola brevipes. 24-26. Found several times.
Groundscraper Thrush Psophocichla litsipsirupa. 27, 28, 30. Seen several times
in Etosha camps.
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus. 3, 6, 9, 10.
Rufous Rock-jumper Chaetops frenatus. 3. Good looks on the east side of False
Bay.
Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana. 25, 29, 30, 1. road to Walvis Bay, Etosha,
and Mahango.
Red-headed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapillus. 25, 6, 7, 8L, 11. Locally called
Gray-backed.
Chirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens. 31. Some birds found at Shakawe.
Tinkling Cisticola Cisticola tinniens. 1, 4. Mahango and WCP.
Piping Cisticola Cisticola fulvicapillus. 10. Locally called Neddicky. Only
seen on way to Karoo N.P.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis. 25. Only seen on way to Walvis Bay.
Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus. 27, 28. Found along the road to Etosha
and in Etosha.
Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix. 4. Michael managed to track one down in
a grassy field, E. of WCP.
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava. 29-31. Mahango and Shakawe.
Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans. 24-27. Not difficult.
Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa. Fairly easy in the Cape. Locally called Spotted
Prinia.
Namaqua Prinia Prinia substriata. 6. Only found one day in the Karoo.
Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis. 6. Only found in the Karoo. Neat
bird with long, spikey tail
Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica. 3, 8, 9. Encountered several times each
day.
Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura. 9. Nature's Valley campground.
Barred Camaroptera Calamonastes fasciolatus. 25. Only found along road to Walvis
Bay, at dry river.
Kopje Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea. 6, 11. Locally called Cinnamon-breasted
Warbler. It took a hike up a dry, rocky cliffside to find this beauty. Lucked
up on one at Karoo N.P. overlook.
African Bush-Warbler Bradypterus baboecala. 9. Had one bird in front of Madiba's
Hotel.
Knysna Scrub-Warbler Bradypterus sylvaticus. 5. A major skulker. Got a Glimpse
of one in the Constantia greenbelt in Cape Town.
Victorin's Scrub-Warbler Bradypterus victorini. 3H, 10. Heard several in Porter's
Bot. Garden in east False Bay. Got a great look just below Swartberg pass,
on way to Karoo N.P.
Damara Rock-jumper Achaetops pycnopygius. 24, 25H. Spotted one at our B&B
in Windhoek.
Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer. 22, 2. Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. 29, 31, 1. Several at Rundu sewage
ponds, Shakawe.
African Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus. 24, 1. Several found at sewage
ponds in Windhoek and Rundu.
Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. 9. Found one bird in front of Madiba's
Hotel.
Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus. 31, 1. Shakawe and Rundu sewage
pond.
Greater Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens. 31. Shakawe.
Lesser Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris. 24. Windhoek sewage ponds.
Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum. 31. Very poor look at one bird at
Shakawe.
Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina. 25, 27, 29, 30.
Fairy Warbler Stenostira scita. 6, 7. Karoo areas.
Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis. 25-27. Walvis Bay/Erongo
area.
Greencap Eremomela Eremomela scotops. 1. Only found along the road going back
towards Rundu.
Yellow-rumped Eremomela Eremomela gregalis. 7. Also called Karoo Eremomela.
Only found in the Karoo, on the way to De Hoop.
Burnt-neck Eremomela Eremomela usticollis. 25, 27. Road to Walvis Bay and Erongo
area.
Cape Crombec Sylvietta rufescens. 24, 30, 4, 6. Also called Long-billed.
Yellow-throated Wood-Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapillus. 9. Madiba's Hotel area
& Nature's Valley.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus. 30, 1. Popa Falls and Mahango.
Layard's Warbler Parisoma layardi. 26. Only found at Spitzkoppe.
Rufous-vented Warbler Parisoma subcaeruleum. 25-27, 28L. Found several times.
Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus. 30. One bird, one day on way to Mahango.
Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus. 25-28. Found several times.
Mariqua Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis. Fairly common in Namibia. Also called
Marico Fly.
Southern Black-Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina. 30, 1. Roadsides near Mahango.
Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens. 2-5. Seen several times.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata. 27, 29, 30, 6. Seen several times.
African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta. 23, 25, 3, 5, 10. Kirstenbosch and
others.
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata. 9. One juvenile found one time at
Nature's Valley.
Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra. 23, 3, 5-8, 10. Easy.
White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini. 27, 30, 31. Also called Hueglin's.
We found several.
Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa. 9. Only found near Madiba's and Nature's
Valley.
Red-backed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys. 27. Only found at Etosha.
Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paena. 28. Also only found in Etosha.
Karoo Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas coryphaeus. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8L, 11. Fairly common.
Herero Chat Namibornis herero. 26. Only found at Spitzkoppe.
African Stonechat Saxicola axillaris. 30, 1, 7. Mahango and De Hoop.
Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola. 25, 26, 6, 7, 10, 11. Not difficult.
Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata. 27, 8. Found on way to Etosha and De Hoop.
Sicklewing Chat Cercomela sinuata. 4, 7, 11. Only in the Karoo areas.
Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii. 26, 6, 7. Namib/Naukluft and Karoo.
Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac. 25, 26, 6, 7. Same as above.
Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris. 25, 26, 28, 3, 4, 6, 7. Not difficult.
Southern Anteater-Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora. 25, 6, 7, 11. Namib/Naukluft
and Karoo.
Cape Batis Batis capensis. 23, 3, 4, 8-10. Pretty and seen well several times.
Chinspot Batis Batis molitor. 30. Found once at Popa Falls.
Pririt Batis Batis pririt. 24-27, 11H. Namib/Naukluft and Karoo.
White-tailed Shrike Lanioturdus torquatus. 25-27. On road to Walvis Bay, but
several at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Gorgeous bird!
African Crested-Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas. 9. Also called Blue-mantled.
Nature's Valley.
African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis. 30-1, 3, 5. Found several
times.
Black-lored Babbler Turdoides melanops. 29. Found near Fischer's Pan, Etosha
area.
White-rumped Babbler Turdoides leucopygius. 29-31. Rundu ponds, Mahango, and
Shakawe.
Southern Pied-Babbler Turdoides bicolor. 25, 27. On way to Walvis Bay and Erongo
area.
Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii. 30. Only found at Popa Falls.
Bare-cheeked Babbler Turdoides gymnogenys. 28. Only found at Halali camp.
Southern Black-Tit Melaniparus niger. 29, 30, 1. Along road to Popa Falls and
Mahango.
Carp's Tit Melaniparus carpi. 26, 27. Spitzkoppe and Erongo area.
Rufous-bellied Tit Melaniparus rufiventris. 30. Along roadside going to Mahango.
Ashy Tit Melaniparus cinerascens. 26. Spitzkoppe.
Gray Tit Melaniparus afer. 4, 6, 7L, 11H. WCP and Karoo.
Southern Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus minutus. 26, 28, 4. South of Walvis Bay,
Etosha, and WCP.
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris. 31. Shakawe area.
Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea. 22, 23, 2, 3, 8. Common in the
western part of the Cape. Beautiful.
Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina. 1, 8, 9. Mahango, De Hoop, and Kynsna.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis. 29, 30. Etosha to Popa Falls
and Mahango.
Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa. 2-4. Seen several times.
Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus. Common in the Cape.
Greater Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris afer. 3L, 7-9. Found several times.
Mariqua Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis. 24, 25. Seen several times around Windhoek.
White-breasted Sunbird Cinnyris talatala. 30, 1. Mahango area.
Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus. 24-28. Seen sveral times.
Cape White-eye Zosterops pallidus. 23, 26, 2-11. Walvis Bay and common in the
Cape.
Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer. 23, 2, 10. Kirstenbosch (easy), and on way
to Karoo N.P.
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. 1, 5L, 6H. One female found near Popa
Falls. Callan heard one at our B&B in Clanwilliam.
African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus. 29-31. Encountered several times.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio. Fairly common in Namibia.
Lesser Gray Shrike Lanius minor. Same as Red-backed.
Common Fiscal Lanius collaris. Common throughtout trip.
Magpie Shrike Corvinella melanoleuca. 29, 30, 1. Seen several times. Also called
Long-tailed.
White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens. 27, 28, 30. Etosha and Mahango.
Brubru Nilaus afer. 25, 28. On way to Walvis Bay and Etosha.
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla. 27, 30-1, 9. Seen several times.
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis. 25, 30, 1. Road to Walvis Bay, Popa
Falls, and Mahango.
Southern Tchagra Tchagra tchagra. 8. Good, brief look near Buchu Bushcamp,
near De Hoop.
Gabon Boubou Laniarius bicolor. 30, 31. Mahango and Shakawe.
Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus. 23, 2, 5H, 8, 9. Found several times.
Crimson-breasted Gonolek Laniarius atrococcineus. 25-28, 30. Found several
times.
Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus. 2, 4, 6-8. Found several times.
Olive Bushshrike Telophorus olivaceus. 9, 10H. Great look in front of Madiba's
Hotel.
White Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus. 28, 1. Large group at Halali camp. Again
along road to Rundu
Retz's Helmetshrike Prionops retzii. 31. Only found 2-3 birds on Shakawe grounds.
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis. Common on whole trip.
House Crow Corvus splendens. 22, 23, 2. Usually only seen around CT airport.
Cape Crow Corvus capensis. 28, 8, 10, 11. Found several times.
Pied Crow Corvus albus. 25, 26, 3-8, 11. Common.
White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis. Common in the Cape.
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Seen several times in the Cape.
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea. 24, 31. Only found at Avis Dam and along
Kavango River.
Cape Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis nitens. Fairly common in Namibia.
Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus. 29, 30, 1. On way
to Popa Falls and Mahango area.
Meves's Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis mevesii. 30-1. Mahango and Shakawe.
Burchell's Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis australis. 25, 29, 31, 1. On way to
Walvis Bay, Mahango and Shakawe.
Black-bellied Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis corruscus. 10. Only seen at campground
at Long Lake.
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster. 25-27, 30-1. Fairly common
in Namibia.
African Pied Starling Spreo bicolor. 4, 6-8. Seen several times.
Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio. Common in the Cape; not found in Namibia.
Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup. 24-27, 6, 11. Seen several times
in dry areas.
Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus. 29, 30. Etosha area on animals.
Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger. 24, 25, 26-28. Seen several times.
Scaly Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons. 25, 30, 1. On way to Walvis Bay and Mahango.
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali. Common in Namibia.
Social Weaver Philetairus socius. 25, 28. Seen many times along road to Walvis
Bay.
Lesser Masked-Weaver Ploceus intermedius. 24, 11. Windhoek and Karoo.
Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis. 8L, 10. De Hoop and Knysna area.
Holub's Golden-Weaver Ploceus xanthops. 30, 31. Mahango and Shakawe.
Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus. 31. Only found in reeds
on Kavango River.
African Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus. 24-27, 7. Dry Areas and Karoo.
Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus. 31. Shakawe.
Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus. 24. Seen briefly in Windhoek at our B&B.
Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps. 29, 1. On way to Popa Falls and Mahango.
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea. Common in Namibia; not seen in the Cape.
Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer. 1. Only found around the sewage ponds
near Rundu.
Red Bishop Euplectes orix. 24, 25, 29, 31, 1. Fairly common.
Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis. 3, 6, 7L, 8, 10. Seen many times.
Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris. 30, 31. Popa Falls and Shakawe.
Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons. 30. Only found at Shakawe.
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba. 25, 27. Also called Melba Finch. Avis Dam
and Erongo.
Brown Firefinch Lagonosticta nitidula. 30. Only found them at Popa Falls area.
Blue-breasted Cordonbleu Uraeginthus angolensis. 29-1. Seen many times these
days.
Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatina. 25, 27, 29, 30, 1. Seen many times.
A truly stunning bird.
Swee Waxbill Estrilda melanotis. 3, 5L, 9L. Seen at Porter Bot. Garden.
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild. 26, 8, 9. Dunes S. of Walvis Bay and Knysna
area.
Black-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos. 24, 25, 30. Seen around Windhoek
and Mahango.
African Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis. 30. One brief flying away bird on
way to Mahango.
Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala. 25. On the road to Walvis Bay.
Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia. 25, 28, 29, 2. Seen several times. Another
real beauty.
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura. 24, 7. Avis Dam and on way to De Hoop.
Eastern Paradise-Whydah Vidua paradisaea. 25. Only found one morning in Windhoek.
Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani. 25, 26, 28, 11H. Seen several times.
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi. 27. Only found one bird in dry
riverbed near Erongo Wilderness Lodge.
Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis. 24, 4-7. Windhoek and in the Karoo.
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris. 27, 28. Seen a couple of times
around Etosha.
Cape Canary Serinus canicollis. 3. Only found at the rock area above the town
of Paarl.
Forest Canary Serinus scotops. 9, 10. Only found in the Nature's Valley/Knysna
area.
Black-throated Canary Serinus atrogularis. 25. Only found on way to Walvis
Bay.
Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus. 1. Only seen on road going back towards
Rundu.
Yellow Canary Serinus flaviventris. 30, 4, 6, 7. Seen several times.
Brimstone Canary Serinus sulphuratus. 9. Only found at Nature's Valley.
White-throated Canary Serinus albogularis. 26, 4, 6, 7L. Found several times.
Streaky-headed Seedeater Serinus gularis. 3. Only found at Porter Bot. Gardens.
Protea Canary Serinus leucopterus. 5. We missed this one above Paarl on the
3rd, but Callan found a couple near Clanwilliam. Great looks.
Cape Siskin Serinus totta. 2, 6. Found a few at Cape Point and again in the
Karoo.
Black-headed Canary Serinus alario. 6. We bumped into a flock in the Karoo.
Lucky, as these birds move around a lot looking for food.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Any town.
Rufous Sparrow Passer motitensis. 24, 25, 26L, 29. Avis Dam, Walvis Bay area,
and on way to Popa.
Gray-headed Sparrow Passer griseus. 27, 30, 1. Seen several times.
Cape Sparrow Passer diffusus. 26, 4, 6, 7L, 8. Seen several times.
MAMMALS AND OTHER CRITTERS
This list is not in taxonomic order. It's only intended to give the reader some idea of what we saw on the trip.
NAMIBIA / BOTSWANA
Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Leopard
Springbok
Black Rhinoceros
Rock Hyrax
African Elephant
Black-backed Jackal
Burchell's Zebra
Blue Wildebeest
Gemsbok
Steenbok
Red Hartebeest
Giraffe
Yellow Mongoose
Slender Mongoose
Ground Squirrel
Greater Kudu
Spotted Hyena
Black-faced Impala
Damara Dik-dik
Hippopotamus
Red Lechwe
Spotted-necked Otter
Lesser Bushbaby
Springhare
Chacma Baboon
Duiker
Cape Fur Seals
Ground Agama
Sphinx Agama
Namibia Rock Agamas
Namaqua Sand Lizard
Dassie Rat
Nile Crocodile
Horned Adder
Rubber Frog
Elephant Shrew
Painted Reed Frog
Flap-necked Chameleon
Tree Squirrel
Vervet Monkey
Spiney Agama
Ground Agama
Nile Monitor
WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Klipspringer Antelope
Rock Hyrax
Yellow Mongoose
Eland
Chacma Baboon
Mountain Zebra
Cape Cobra
Mole Snake
Leopard Tortoise
Angulate Tortoise
Gray Mongoose
Bontebok
Black Girdled Lizard
Cape River Frog
Caracal
Smith's Red Rock Rabbit
COMMENTS
1 - I though Christian Boix did a great job setting up this itinerary and guiding us in Namibia. He seems to have a limitless amount of knowledge about the birds, the plants, and many other things relating to the natural world. My wife and I really enjoyed his company. I highly recommend him.
2 - If I would change anything about this trip, it would be to add a couple of days in Namibia to enjoy it at a more leisurely pace. Especially, I would spend another night at Erongo Wilderness Lodge. I would also try to spend another day in the Spitzkoppe area. It was simply fantastic and deserved more time than the few hours that we were there. There is a lodge in the area.
3 - We did NOT encounter any problems during the entire trip. We totally felt safe and never lacked anything we needed. The infrastructure in Namibia and South Africa is excellent, including the roads. Both countries seem to have a great mind set when it comes to litter, as both places were very clean and not trashy at all.
4 - We took malaria preventative for Namibia, but didn't use it for South Africa.
by Ron Hoff,
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