I saw 188 bird species during this trip. I also added 3 new birds to my Kruger list (and they were all lifers as well). I’ve already mentioned many of the amazing feathered residents of Kruger in other stories, but I thought I’d share a few more special bird sightings.
I was driving back to Satara when my eye caught movement on the side of the road. I saw a pair of brown dots that then obligingly flew up into a dead tree to allow me to identify them as male and female Cut-throat Finches.
The Blue Waxbills are some of the most beautiful little birds. Unfortunately I have not seen as many as usual on my recent trips.
Late one afternoon I found a pair of Double-banded Sandgrouse at the turn off to Tamboti.
I came across this beautiful Jacobin Cuckoo on the way to Lower Sabie.
I was surprised at how few Bee-eaters I saw. I saw maybe a handful of European bee-eaters and a few Little Bee-eaters. This little one was one of a pair that had a nest near the Olifants River at Balule. The pair was constantly hunting to feed what must have been fairly demanding little ones in the nest.
Lilac-breasted rollers are probably the most photographed birds in Kruger. I saw a few but mostly far away. This one was having breakfast on the Biyamiti loop.
There were Wattled Starlings all over the Park. I came across a large flock on the S89. They made a very beautiful picture sitting on the dry tree trunk.
This beautiful male was south of Satara and had a very impressive wattle.
I always struggle to get photos of Southern Black Tits. This little one that I found on my way out of the Park was a little more willing to pose for a photo.
Green-winged Pytillias are some of the more colourful birds in Kruger. This little guy posed nicely on the S147 early one morning.
I also saw many African Green Pigeons. They are some of my favourites and are really pretty.
You often hear Rufous-naped larks long before you see them. If you then stop and scan the tops of the near-by bushes, you are very likely to spot one singing its little heart out.
The Sabota lark is the most common lark species in Kruger.
I quite like this photo of the little Red-billed Firefinch male.
The Burchell‘s Coucal is one of those birds that just looks like he is always ready to cause trouble. But they are very beautiful and I just love their call.
And we will end the bird episodes with a beautiful little White-browed Scrub-robin. I found him about half-way between Satara and Tshokwane Picnic spot. Although he was not close to the road, he made for a lovely photo framed by some trees in front.