A new year, but as far as Covid-19, 2021 was continuing where 2020 left off. Level 3 Lockdown restrictions remained in place, and that meant that all birding destinations in Gauteng changed their operating hours to only open at 09h00.
I visited Marievale on 1 January 2021. I came across the unexpected sighting of a European Roller on the way – not a bird I expected to see in the southern parts of Gauteng!
The water levels at Marievale were extremely high and bird sightings were not as great as I am used to. There was a cute little Kittlitz’s Plover in the road.
There were quite a few White–throated Swallows and Levaillant’s Cisticolas around.
A Black-headed Heron found a lovely perch and spent most of the morning there. There were also a number of Greater Flamingos about.
I also visited Zaagkuildrift in Janyary 2021. I saw many of the expected Bushveld species. Some of the more unusual species I saw were Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Black-winged Pratincoles and a Lesser Moorhen. I also saw a Common Buzzard and a Brown Snake Eagle. At the Bridge a Whiskered Tern did a few low swoops.
The Butterflies at Zaagkuildrift were fantastic. I added a few new species to my list. I saw both sexes of the Banded Gold Tips. This is the handsome male.
There were also some Lemon Travellers.
The third new species I saw was a Zebra White.
I also saw some species that I have previously seen, but they were so pretty – a stunning African Plain Tiger and a Yellow Pansy.
I continued birding from home. It was mostly the regular garden birds. An Ovambo Sparrowhawk and Burchell’s Coucal put in brief appearances. I just love Red-headed Finches and can take as many photos as I am able to.
But the highlight of the month was undoubtedly the Lanner Falcon. The Lauging doves scattered suddenly early one Sunday morning – a sure sign that they spotted trouble. I grabbed my camera and ran outside, just in time to get a couple of bad records shots of this exciting bird. Lockdown bird #75 and Garden Bird #83.
But then I saw an adult and a young Green Wood-hoopoo come to snack on the apple on my balcony. They have been around all through lock-down, but this was the first time I’ve seen them on my balcony. 
