Lock-down Level 3 continued into August 2020, but on 17 August 2020 we moved to Level 2. This changed still made no difference to my life, and I continued to work from home.

Level 3

The first week of the month turned out to be a bumper week! I added four more species to my lock-down list -I heard a Greater Honeyguide calling for #68. I heard the Prinias chatting outside the garage, and decided to go and have a look. I happened to look up, just in time to see this Ovambo Sparrowhawk fly past!Ovambo Sparrowhawk Ovambo Sparrowhawk

#69 for my garden lockdown list, and #80 for my overall garden list!

Lockdown bird #70 followed shortly – a Streaky-headed Seedeater.. on Women’s Day I saw a flock of birds approaching from the south – 33 Glossy Ibises. Glossy Ibis Glossy Ibis

A small flock flew over again on the last day of Level 3.Glossy Ibis

I saw one during the first weeks of lock-down while out on a supply run, but this was the first time I could add them to my garden lock-down list.

I also saw the Black-throated Canaries a couple of times. I haven’t seen them since week 2 of lock-down.

But the biggest highlight of August was the fact that Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden finally opened on 3 August 2020. i immediately applied for leave for 5 August 2020 when I heard the news. You can read all about my visits on the WSBG page here.

Other notable sightings for the month included the African Green Pigeons, Brown-backed Honeybird and Southern Boubou.

The Southern Masked Weavers were very busy with their nest building. Southern Masked Weaver

I also had two little visitors.Jumping spiderJumping spider

August had another incredible full moon.Full moon

Level 2

The Black-backed Puffback made a brief appearance. The Tawny-flanked Prinias were also no longer the frequent visitors they used to be.

Black backed puffback  Tawny flanked prinia

The Karoo Thrush loved his late afternoon baths.Karoo Thrush Karoo Thrush Karoo Thrush Karoo Thrush

This little Speckled Mousebird had no tail. I wondered if it was a a result of a lucky escape from being hunted.Speckled Mousebird

On the five month anniversary since Level 5 started I was greeted with this gorgeous sunrise.Sunrise

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