The main reason for the trip was obviously the birding activities arranged by the Honorary Rangers. I ended the trip with 190 species seen. Birding in a group with experienced guides certainly helps i.t.o. spotting more species as well as some of the smaller less obvious birds. I also added about 14 species to my Kruger list, and this included a few lifers as well.
Some of the other smaller birds I listed on this trip include three Flycatcher species – Paradise, European and Grey Tit-flycatcher. I also saw both the Bunting species you can find in Kruger as well as some of the smaller black and white birds – Chinspot Batis, Brubru and Black-backed Puffback.
While staying at Satara I also visited my birding spot on the Sweni road. At first it was quiet, but as is often the case, if you stay quiet and just listen, and look, the birds will pop up everywhere. Some of the birds I saw in my little spot include Blue Waxbills, Red and Yellow-billed Hornbills, Willow Warbler, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Green-winged Pytillia, Crested Barbet, Chinspot Batis, Woodland Kingfisher and White-browed Scrub Robin to name a few.
One of the regular Kruger birds caused me lots of frustration – I heard the Arrow-marked Babblers all over the place, but it was a few days before I finally managed to see them! During my visit to Satara in 2018 I saw the African Mourning as a lifer. During this trip I heard it call for the first time. I must admit, I found this to be the nicest calls of all of the doves and pigeons!
While driving on the S100, I was very happy to add a Red-faced Cisticola to my Kruger list.
I was surprised at how few Woodpeckers I saw – I only saw a couple of Cardinal Woodpeckers and one Golden-tailed Woodpecker. At Olifants a pair of Red-winged starlings nested somewhere near my chalet.
Kruger really is a birder’s paradise, and I really enjoyed birding in my favourite place with other people who enjoy it as much as I do!
Next up: G is for …..