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Interesting and unusual sightings | |||||
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English common names used are those that have been proposed by the list committee for the African region and which are scheduled to appear in Roberts VII.
Latest sightings
to 30 Nov 2003 - Compiled and commented on by André Marx
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National Rarities/ Nasionale Rariteite Greater Frigatebird. Groot Fregatvoël (61); on 20 Oct 03 a bird identified as a male of this species was seen flying over Wierdaweg in Centurion before it circled around the radio masts of the Waterkloof Airforce base (Pieter Wilgenbus); another bird, possibly the same specimen, was sighted at Rust de Winter Dam on 26 Oct 03 (RCa) and was seen by dozens of birders before it disappeared on 31 Oct 03 (BLNG). The Greater Frigatebird is a vagrant to the east coast of southern Africa and has been recorded at inland localities after severe weather events such as the intense low pressure system that brought rain and cold, inclement weather over the eastern half of the country in the days prior to these sightings. Slaty Egret. Rooikeelreier (70); good views were enjoyed of a bird walking around in the open at a secluded corner at Rust de Winter Dam on 28 Oct 03 (BLNG). Baird's Sandpiper. Bairdse Strandloper (278); one bird was observed from close quarters and photographed during the club outing to Ezemvelo NR on 21 Sep 03 (BLNG); another observation came on 28 Sep 03 when a bird was found at Marievale Bird Sanctuary (Howard Rayner ). Black-tailed Godwit. Swartstertgriet (287); an individual of this species was seen in the company of other waders at Marievale Bird Sanctuary on 28 Sep 03 (Cristian Cottino). Regional Rarities/ Streeksrariteite Marabou Stork. Maraboe (89); five birds were at Borakalalo NR on 25 Oct 03 (BLNG). This species may be regular at a few localities in the region and probably should not be considered a regional rarity. Common Whimbrel. Kleinwulp (290); a single bird was seen at Mkhombo Dam on 9 Nov 03 (Andre van Wyk, Etienne Matrais & Faansie Peacock). Namaqua Sandgrouse. Kelkiewyn (344); during October 2003, a group of birds was observed on four occasions at Abe Bailey NR, in southwestern Gauteng (Craig Whittington-Jones, Lynn Randell). This species is not known from Gauteng and it is highly likely that its presence can be attributed to the drought as there have been other reports further west of an influx of these birds from parts of Northwest Province and the Free State. Black Saw-wing. Swartsaagvlerkswael (536); a single bird was observed at Rust de Winter Dam on 27 Oct 03 (Stephan Terblanche, Frans & Adele v Vuuren). White-fronted Plover. Vaalstrandkiewiet (246); one bird was observed at Roodekoppies Dam on 5 Jul 03 (Martha Pretorius) - This species is seldom recorded at localities in our region, only appearing during dry periods. Red-faced Cisticola. Rooiwangtinktinkie (674); on 8 Jun 03, during a Conservation Challenge outing, two birds were observed alongside a small stream in the Mabusa NR, 97km northeast of Pretoria (PCC). This is currently the only known locality for this species within 100km of Pretoria, and is further west than the distribution shown in the SA Bird Atlas. It is likely that it has always been present and was never found during the Atlas data gathering process. Ashy (Bluegrey) Flycatcher. Blougrysvlieëvanger (691); one bird was seen at Borakalalo NR on 5 Jul 03 (Mostert Kriek) - An unusual sighting and much further west than known for this species. Orange River White-eye. Gariepglasogie; during a visit during June 03 to Kuilfontein, in southeastern Gauteng, this species was seen on the same day when Cape White-eyes were also present (Eric Ehlers). The range of this recently split species is not yet well known, with field guides showing it only in the western part of the country, although indications are that it even reaches the southern/southeastern edge of Gauteng. For the time being it will be treated as a regional rarity, but it may well be resident in some parts of our region. Garden Bird Records/ Tuinvoëls Little Sparrowhawk. Kleinsperwer (157); one bird was seen in a garden in Faerie Glen just after it had caught a small bird on 18 Sep 03 (Stephan terblanche). Gabar Goshawk. Kleinsingvalk (161); on 19 Sep 03 one bird was seen circling over Equestria, Pretoria (Roger Fieldwick). Levaillant's (Striped) Cuckoo. Gestreepte Nuwejaarsvoël (381); one bird was observed on 24-26 Oct 03 in Brummeria, on one occasion being pursued by a Southern Masked-Weaver (Willem Boshoff); two birds caused a commotion when present in a garden in Waterkloof Heights on the morning of 6 Nov 03 (Rynetta Coetzee). The increase of sightings of this species in and around Pretoria over the least two summers may be linked to the upsurge of records of Arrow-marked Babbler from Pretoria, as the Levaillant's Cuckoo is known to parasitise the babbler. Freckled Nightjar. Donkernaguil (408); during Nov 03 the call of this species was heard coming from an area of rocky outcrops above a townhouse complex in La Montagne, Pretoria (Peter Lor). African Grey Hornbill. Grysneushoringvoël (457); one bird was observed robbing the nest of a Common Myna of a nestling, which it proceeded to consume, the incident taking place on 29 Oct 03 in Lynwood Glen, Pretoria (Margarita Krusche). Kurrichane Thrush. Rooibeklyster (576); observed in a garden in Equestria during September 03 (Roger Fieldwick); also seen in Lynnwood on 2 Nov 03 (Kurt Zsilavecz). Mocking Cliff-Chat. Dassievoël (593); a bird was seen in a garden in Waterkloof Heights on 9 Oct 03 (Rynetta Coetzee). Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler. Bosveldtjeriktik (621); one bird was observed in a garden in Waverley on 17 Oct 03, a part of Pretoria where this species is seldom observed (IdW). African (Marsh) Reed-Warbler. Kleinrietsanger (631); one bird was seen in a garden in Moreleta Park on 29 Sep 03, remaining for several days (Faansie Peacock). It is unusual to find this species in a garden away from its preferred wetland habitat and people should carefully distinguish between this bird and the very similar (European) Marsh Warbler, which is more likely to be found in gardens with dense foliage, although Faansie points out that in summer the African Reed-Warbler can occur in gardens when on passage. Grey-headed
Bush-Shrike. Spookvoël (751); one bird was seen on 7 Oct 03 in a
garden in Vorna Valley, Midrand, an area from where this species
is not known (JB). Migrant Records/
Trekvoëls Abdim's Stork. Kleinswartooievaar (85); five birds at Kgomo-Kgomo, north of Pretoria, 26 Oct 03 (Roger Fieldwick & Pat Tattersall). Red-chested Cuckoo. Piet-my-vrou (377); 1 Oct 03, Wierda Park (Peter Wilgenbus) and 7 Oct 03 at the same locality (Stefan Swanepoel ); 27 Oct, Lynnwood Manor (PK); 5 Nov 03, Brummeria (Willem Boshoff). Black Cuckoo. Swartkoekoek (378); 23 Oct 03, Lynnwood Manor (Pat Kelly). Diderick Cuckoo. Diederikkie (386); 14 Oct 03, Kyalami (MP); 21 Oct, Wierda Park (Peter Wilgenbus); 25 Oct, Lynnwood Manor (Pat Kelly). Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. Blouwangbyvreter (440); eight birds, Kgomo-Kgomo, 26 Oct 03 (Roger Fieldwick & Pat Tattersall). Red-breasted Swallow. Rooiborsswael (524); 31 Aug 03, north of Bronkhorstspruit (PCC); 19 Sep 03, Equestria (Roger Fieldwick). Greater Striped Swallow. Grootstreepswael (526); 13 Sep 03, Kyalami (MP); 20 Sep 03, Pierre van Ryneveld (Neels Jackson); 22 Sep 03, Waterkloof Heights, breeding pair returning (Rynetta Coetzee); 21 Oct 03, Wierda Park (Peter Wilgenbus). Lesser Striped Swallow. Kleinstreepswael (527); 31 Aug 03, north of Bronkhorstspruit (PCC); 21 Oct 03, Wierda Park (Peter Wilgenbus). South African Cliff-Swallow. Familieswael (528); 31 Aug 03, north of Bronkhorstspruit (PCC); 13 Sep 03, Kyalami (MP). Willow Warbler. Hofsanger (643); 29 Sep 03, Arcadia (RGy). African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene). Kaalwangvalk (169); one bird was seen in a Wierda Park garden consuming a nestling while being mobbed by 15 Green (Redbilled) Woodhoopoes, on 21 Jul 03 (Etienne Marais); one bird was seen flying over Visagie Street in downtown Pretoria on 4 Aug 03 (Déwald Swanepoel); another report for early Aug 03 came from Silverton where one bird was seen perched on the edge of an office building (David Swanepoel). (Rameron) African Olive-Pigeon. Geelbekbosduif (350); additional reports of this species' occurrence in Pretoria and Johannesburg have been received: regularly observed feeding on privet berries in a garden in Parkview, Johannesburg during June/July 03 (Joel Avni); and a first sighting in a garden in Brooklyn, Pretoria, on 22 Jul 03 (Ingrid van Heerden); regularly observed in a garden in Wierda Park, Centurion, during July/August 03 (Peter Wilgenbus). African Green-Pigeon. Papegaaiduif (361); on 10 Jun 03, 26 specimens of this species were observed basking in the late afternoon sun at the corner of Elephant and Cygnus Road in Monument Park, Pretoria (Johan Cloete). Southern White-faced Scops-Owl. Witwanguil (397); more reports of this species have been received from suburban gardens: a pair of birds was observed to be roosting by day over a period of a few weeks in June/July 03 in a Vanwykshout (Bolusanthus speciosus) tree in a garden in Montana, Pretoria; one bird was observed in Waterkloof Ridge on 19 Jul 03 (George Cox). White-fronted Bee-eater. Rooikeelbyvreter (443); three birds were reported for the first time from a garden in Waverley, Pretoria, on 15 Jun 03 (Ernst Retief). African Grey Hornbill. Grysneushoringvoël (457); there appears to have been an upsurge of records for this species this winter, which although known from Pretoria, has been reported from new areas: one bird reported from Wierda Park on 7 Jun 03 (Stefan swanepoel); also reported from La Montagne on a few occasions over the last few months (Antoinette de Beer ). Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. Geelblestinker (470); one bird was seen in a garden in Waterkloof Heights on 25 Aug 03 (Rynetta Coetzee). Arrow-marked Babbler. Pylvlekkatlagter (560); a group of five birds were observed in a garden in Brooklyn on 25 Jul 03 (Pauline Leinberger, Brenda Clarke). Crimson-breasted Shrike. Rooiborslaksman (739); one bird was seen in Equestria, Pretoria, on 17 Aug 03 (Don Reid). Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike. Oranjeborsboslaksman (748); one bird was observed in a garden in Faerie Glen on 13 Jul 03 (Stephan Terblanche). Cut-throat Finch. Bandkeelvink (855); a pair of birds were seen in Faerie Glen on 31 Aug 03 (Stephan Terblanche). Bronze Mannikin. Gewone Fret (857); a group of seven birds regularly visited a birdbath during July 03 in Waterkloof Heights (Rynetta Coetzee); during the same month a group of eight birds that are frequently observed in Brummeria had increased to 20-25 birds (Willem Boshoff); a flock of 12 birds were observed in Kyalami Estates, Midrand, on 20 Jul 03 (Martha Pretorius) Migrant Records/ Trekvoëls White Stork.
Witooievaar (83);
two overwintering birds were observed in a burnt field in the
Allandale Road area of Midrand on 10 Jun 03 (Martha Pretorius) Other Interesting Observations/ Ander Interessante Waarnemings Osprey. Visvalk (92); one bird was at Rust de Winter Dam on 21 Sep 03 when it was observed catching and devouring a fish (Faansie Peacock), and between 27 Oct - 2 Nov 03 further sightings took place at this locality by club birders (BLNG); another bird was observed in the Roodeplaat Dam area on 26 Oct 03 (Gerhard Scheepers); one bird was at Mkhombo Dam on 9 Nov 03 (Etienne Marais). Black Kite. Swartwou (126); on 11 Oct 03 a bird was observed through a scope at Northern Farm (Diepsloot NR) when the differences between this species and Yellow-billed Kite could be noted (Cristian Cotino, Eric Ehlers). African Cuckoo Hawk. Koekoekvalk (128); one bird was seen in the vicinity of the Pienaar's River, near Buffelsdrift, on 5 Oct 03 during the club outing to the area (BLNG). Verreaux's (Black) Eagle. Witkruisarend (131); two and possibly three birds of this species were present over Wonderboom, Pretoria, on 11 Nov 03, indicating that the Pretoria birds are still resident and may have bred successfully again this year (Anneke Becker). Long-crested Eagle. Langkuifarend (139); the long-staying Long-crested Eagle was again seen at Northern Farm (Diepsloot NR) on 7 Sep 03 (PBC); on 12 Oct 03 one bird was also seen sitting on a willow tree adjacent to the R21 airport freeway near the turn off to the R23 to Benoni (Tertius Gous). Orange River Francolin. Kalaharipatrys (193); a group of birds were seen at Northern Farm (Diepsloot NR) on 11 Oct 03, a new record for the area (Pauline Leinberger, Elmien Adendorf). Grey Crowned Crane. Mahem (209); one bird was seen at Ezemvelo NR on 23 Nov 03 (BLNG). This is one of the few localities in Gauteng where this species is occasionally observed. Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard. Veldpou (231); on 14 Sep 03 two birds were seen in the Verena area, Mpumalanga, during the Pretoria Conservation Challenge outing there (PCC), with another five birds seen in the same vicinity on 23 Sep 03 (Rob Geddes); a bird was seen flying over the Ezemvelo NR in the early morning of 21 Sep 03 (André Marx), and on 22 and 23 Nov 03 single birds were seen here during the club outing to the area (BLNG). Barrow's (Whitebellied) Korhaan. Witpenskorhaan (233); there are several more reports of this species' occurrence in the region: several birds reported from the Verena area, northeast of Pretoria, on 7 Sep and 14 Sep 03 (PCC), on 10 Oct 03 (Frans van Vuuren, Rob Geddes) and on 18 Oct 03 (Etienne Marais); two birds at Ezemvelo NR on 21 Sep 03 and one bird here on 22 Nov 03 (BLNG); at Kudu Conservancy, Dinokeng, on 28 Sep 03 (André Marx); also at Suikerbosrand NR during the bird survey undertaken there on 4 Oct 03 (BiG); present in the Rhenosterkop area, north of Bronkhorstspruit, on 9 Nov 03 (Etienne Marais). Caspian Tern. Reussesterretjie (322); two birds were observed at Northern Farm (Diepsloot NR) on 16 Nov 03 (PCC), an area from where this species has not been recorded before. African Grass-Owl. Grasuil (393); one bird was seen flying over a vlei north of Bronkhorstspruit in the early morning of 31 Aug 03 (PCC); during the regional outing to Suikerbosrand NR on 4 Oct 03 a bird was seen flying over a marshy area in the early morning (BiG); on 21 Oct 03 one bird was seen at Northern Farm (Diepsloot NR) at dusk, confirming the presence of this species at this locality (André Marx); on 23 Nov 03 a bird was seen flying over grassland after a heavy thunderstorm at Bronkhorstspruit Dam NR (André Marx, Pauline Leinberger, Ida Nel). Half-collared Kingfisher. Blouvisvanger (430); a dead bird was found outside a showroom window of a car dealership in Andries Street, Pretoria, on 31 Oct 03, with the closest population of this species being at the Fountains area, a few kilometres away (Kurt Zsilavecz ). Melodious Lark. Spotlewerik (492); on 4 Oct 03, during an outing to Suikerbosrand this species was found at a couple of localities (BiG). Eurasian Golden Oriole. Europese Wielewaal (543); good views were had of a bird in Buffelsdrift, 20km northeast of Pretoria, on 25 Oct 03 (Gerhard Scheepers). Bushveld Pipit. Bosveldkoester (723); three birds were observed at Wolfhuiskraal in acacia thornveld on 8 Aug 03 (JI); on 20 Sep 03 one bird was seen not far away near Kgomo-Kgomo on the Zaagkuildrift road (Dewald Swanepoel, Johnny Wilson, Raymond Shep). Both these records represent new localities for this species and it is speculated that their movement into somewhat untypical habitat is related to the drought. Cuckoo Finch. Koekoekvink (820); on 13 Nov 03 six males of this species were seen at Kgomo-Kgomo, approximately 70km north of Pretoria (Etienne Marais). Black-necked Grebe. Swartnekdobbertjie (7); this species was noted during the club visit to Borakalalo NR, a locality from where it is not known, on 16/17 Aug 03 (PCC). African Cuckoo Hawk. Koekoekvalk (128); one bird was seen in Spioenkop road, Kameeldrif, northeast of Pretoria, on 20 Jun 03 (Gerhard Scheepers). Long-crested Eagle. Langkuifarend (139); on 22 June one bird was seen at Ezemvelo NR, a new record for the reserve (BLNG ). Martial Eagle. Breëkoparend (140); on 22 Jun 03 a sub-adult bird was observed at Ezemvelo NR (BLNG ). Orange River Francolin. Kalaharipatrys (193); at least three coveys of this species were reported from the veld south of The Reeds, Centurion, during June 03 (Garreth Hazel); one bird was seen near Groenfontein Farm, in the Bronkhorstspruit Dam area, on 27 Jul 03 (Pauline Leinberger, David Swanepoel, Andre & Elma vd Walt). African Finfoot. Watertrapper (226); a female of this species was again observed at the bridge over the Wilge River in Ezemvelo NR on 22 Jun 03 (BLNG ); one bird was seen at Borakalalo NR on 16/17 Aug 03 (PCC). Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard (231); on 11 Aug 03 one bird was seen flying in the Renosterkop area, north of Bronkhorstspruit (Stephan Terblanche). Barrow's (Whitebellied) Korhaan. Witpenskorhaan (233); one bird was heard at Rietvlei NR on 15 Jun 03 (Stephan Terblanche) and on 8 Aug 03 a male and female bird was observed at this locality (Anne Shaw); three birds seen in grassland on the southern side of Mabusa NR on 29 Jun 03 (Rob Geddes, Ernst Retief), five birds were here on 4 July 03 (André Marx, Rob Geddes), with further observations in the same area on several occasions in July and August 03 (PCC); also heard at Ezemvelo NR on 5 Jul 03 (Etienne Marais). The bird monitoring efforts of the PCC have revealed the grasslands in northeastern Gauteng to be a stronghold for this species. Temminck's Courser. Trekdrawwertjie (300); one bird was observed in an open field at Wolfhuiskraal on 17 Aug 03 (Paul Tyler). Meyer's Parrot. Bosveldpapegaai (364); one bird was seen feeding on the seeds of a Buffalo-thorn tree (Ziziphus mucronata) in Buffelsdrift on 28 Aug 03 (Gerhard Scheepers). This species is seldom recorded in the Pretoria vicinity and the possibilty exists that this was an escaped cagebird as it appeared to be fairly tame. Verreaux's (Giant) Eagle-Owl. Reuse-ooruil (402); one bird was seen during the club visit to Borakalalo NR on 16/17 Aug 03 (PCC). Swallow-tailed
Bee-eater. Swaelstertbyvreter (445); one bird reported from Abe Bailey
NR in the West Rand for the first time during June 03 (Craig
Whittington-Jones); three birds were observed in the Midrand
area on 3 Jul 03 (Martha Pretorius) Ground Woodpecker. Grondspeg (480); on 21 Jul 03 two birds were seen at Suikerbosrand NR, 1km east of the Holfontein picnic site (Roger Fieldwick & Pat Tattersall). This species was recorded at this reserve 20-30 years ago but there have been very few recent records. It has not been seen on any club outing during many visits. Stark's Lark. Woestynlewerik (511); on 27 Jul 03 about 20 birds were present 16km north of Schweizer-Reneke in Northwest Province in dry, drought affected flats with sparse grass covering (Etienne Marais). This is a highly nomadic species, but this is nevertheless an exceptional record. There has been another report for the same month from the Tuli Circle on the Botswana/ Zimbabwe border! Grey-backed Sparrowlark (Finchlark). Grysruglewerik (516); a flock of birds was seen at Borakalalo NR on 16/17 Aug 03 (PCC). This species has irrupted into areas east of its normal range over the last few months, with large flocks even being encountered in the Kruger Nat'l Park. Short-toed Rock-Thrush. Korttoonkliplyster (583); reported from Ezemvelo NR on 27 Jul 03 (BLNG ); one bird was also at Borakalalo NR on 16/17 Aug 03 (PCC). Pink-throated Twinspot. Rooskeelkolpensie (838); a specimen of this species has been handed to the Transvaal Museum after it reportedly flew into the window of a homestead in the Wylie's Poort district in the Soutpansberg, on 2 Aug 03. There is an isolated population in this region as shown in the SA Bird Atlas (atlas squares 2229DD and 2230CD) and this record shows that the population is still extant. Lark-like Bunting. Vaalstreepkoppie (887); this is another arid country species that has been regularly recorded in our region over the last few months: three birds were on the Zaagkuildrift road, north of Pretoria, on 6 Jul 03 (Etienne Marais); a group were observed at the Mabusa NR on 8 Jul 03 (Rob Geddes, Louis Heyns); and a bird was seen at Mkhombo NR on 13 Jul 03 (Rob Geddes). |
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