Lesser Florican - August 2023

Total Pageviews

Saturday 24 January 2015

Makalali Game Reserve - Week 1

A great week volunteering on this game reserve situated about 50 km west of Kruger. Plenty of game drives and also walking in the bush which have led to a couple of memorable experiences. One example was a few days ago we went walking in the bush with armed guides in search of Lions. Without knowing, we got within 5-10 metres of an adult female with two cubs. We however soon found this out when a deep growl sounded only metres away from us indicating that they didn't want us there. A quick retreat was in order and we found a sensible spot to watch these lovely animals. If they were hungry, we could have easily been their dinner.

Four new birds for me this week (been to Kruger before) as well as a wealth of other great species seen which are listed below. Other commoner species aren't listed, but you get an idea of how good it is here. 

Red-chested Cuckoo 
Lilac-breasted Roller
Broad-billed Roller
Green Wood Hoopoe
African Grey Hornbill
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Red-billed Hornbill
DUSKY INDIGOBIRD
Black-collared Barbet
Black-headed Oriole
Southern Ground Hornbill
White-crested Helmet Shrike
JAMESON'S FIREFINCH
Levaillant's Cuckoo
Natal Francolin
Swainson's Spurfowl
GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER 
Magpie Shrike
SENEGAL LAPWING
Water Thick Knee
Violet-backed Starling
Chinspot Batis
Black-backed Puffback
Bateleur 
Wahlberg's Eagle
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Red-headed Weaver
Southern Black Tit

 Giraffe
 Black-backed Jackal
 Levaillant's Cuckoo
 Senegal Lapwing
 Waterbuck

 Red-crested Korhaan
Impala