During the month of February it was mostly the usual suspects that hung around. I did add lock-down bird #77 to my list when a White-breasted Cormorant flew over. The sunbirds were also back and I saw both White-bellied and Amethyst Sunbirds for the first time in a while.
One afternoon the Grey Go-away birds alarmed called again and when I went to look for the reason, I saw a Black Sparrowhawk a little distance away. It looked as if he was hunting some Rock Doves. It was fascinating to watch.
The little Red-headed Finches visited again.
On my birthday I visited Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens for the first time this year. It was a rather rainy day (and week) but it was lovely to be there. You can see some of the photos here.
When you hear the call of a Black-collared Barbett it is always two birds calling. I was delighted to actually see the birds do their duet call when two sat in the tree next o my balcony. It was one of those really special birding moments.
I had a very unusual garden visitor. A beautiful yellow Budgie showed up . It hung around the bird feeder for a couple of hours and then flew off, never to be seen again.
I went on a couple of bug hunts and found a few spiders.
I also visited Rietvlei. The highlight of the morning was a pair of European Honey Buzzards.
I also saw a few butterflies and was able to add a Dotted Pierrot to my list.
With autumn approaching it is becoming that time of year when the sunrises become incredibly special. Seeing these breathtaking sunrises is still one of the best things about running in the morning.
During a quick atlassing outing towards the Cradle of human Kind I stumbled across this African Cuckoo Hawk. I had only seen these twice before, and was not expecting to find one in Gauteng!