We all know that the birdlife in Kruger‘s rest camps is prolific. During this trip I spent more time in the camps during the day than usual. It was very hot (even on the overcast days) and there were a few days when I’d be relaxing at my chalet / tent from about mid day until it cooled down sufficiently for an afternoon drive.
There were loads of Woodland Kingfishers in the Satara camp. Or at least it sounded as if there were many because they were extremely vocal. But it also looked as if they were hyped on energy drinks or something because they were up and down the whole time.
I stayed in F circle and it became obvious that a Red-billed Hornbill had a nest in one of the trees somewhere.
On the first day I heard the Diederik Cuckoo calling and I eventually found him a few days later.
I love the African Mourning Doves. There were many at Satara. Some most have been roosting in the trees near the communal kitchen where I made my early morning coffee because I heard their pretty call every morning. On the rainy afternoon there were a few near my chalet and they entertained me while I enjoyed the rainy weather.
F Circle was also home to some smaller birds – there were quite a few Southern Black Tits as well as this little Spotted Flycatcher.
While I waited for the sunset drive to start, I walked around the reception area for a bit. The rain had brought out the flying ants and there were lots of little birds chasing after them – Black-backed Puffbacks, a Green-backed Camaroptera and a few Arrow-marked Bablers. There was also a Marico Sunbird enjoying this unexpected buffet.
One of the birds that frustrated me every day was the Orange-breasted Bushshrike. I heard them all over the place but never managed to see one. Luckily this one was also enjoying the flying ants and I could get a photo.
The birdlife in Tamboti did not disappoint either – I added Yellow-breasted Apalis, Sombre Greenbull, Southern Boubou, Red-billed Firefinch, Collared Sunbird and White-Throated Robin-chat to my trip list to name a few.
I only spent 2 nights in Skukuza so my time in camp would be limited. Skukuza is normally a hive of bird activity but it was fairly quite this time. There were many Dark-capped bulbuls around. I could hear Klaas’ Cuckoos in the distance and saw a few Blue Waxbills and Sombre Greenbulls as well. The plan was to go for a walk around camp on my last morning before leaving. It rained during the night, and although it cleared up just enough for a short walk, it did affect the bird activity and I did not see much.
I was driving towards the gate when I heard a bird calling just before the circle at the garage. I slammed on breaks and listened again. I could not believe that my ears were not deceiving me, so I jumped out and followed the sound. As close as the bird was I just could not spot him. And then it happened – he flew from a tree to a dense bush next to the fence where he jumped about for a few seconds before disappearing deeper into the bush.
It was a Gorgeous Bushshrike! I think I may have squealed out loud when I saw this absolutely beautiful male bird. Iven though I only saw him for a few seconds, I could see his beautiful colours quite clearly.
I couldn’t get a photo of the adult male, but I did manage this one photo of its youngster.
I waited and hoped that I would see him again, but I heard him calling from the other side of the fence and realised they were moving away.
Even though I did not photograph the male, I was ecstatic. It was the best possible start to my last morning in the Park.