Mid-November 2022 to mid-January 2023
HEADLINE NEWS
Leading the pack as the best new record was southern Africa's second White Wagtail. It was found at the Sappi wetlands in Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, where it spent four days before disappearing. The only previous record of this species in southern Africa was one seen, also for only four days, at Rooisand Nature Reserve near Kleinmond in the Western Cape in January 2018.
Another excellent find was the subregion's 13th Red-necked Buzzard, seen in Mahango Game Reserve in Namibia. This species has an interesting history in southern Africa and was only confirmed when a juvenile bird was photographed in July 2014 in the Buffalo Reserve in Namibia. Once people became aware of it, a few other records surfaced from the archives, with the first record for the subregion dating back to August 2001 in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Another two records then came to the fore pre-dating the Buffalo Reserve bird singletons seen in March 2009 at Ngepi Camp in Namibia and in August 2012 in Mahango Game Reserve. We've subsequently discovered a few more records: individuals were seen in July 2014 in Chobe National Park; in January 2015 at Kasane Forest Reserve; the massively popular bird in December 2016 at Stilbaai in the Western Cape that remained until February 2017; in February 2018 at Rundu Sewage Works; in March 2018 from Mbwabwata National Park; near the Krantzkop Toll Plaza in March 2020; and most recently near Santawani, south of Moremi South Gate, in January 2021.
This story is from the March 2023 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2023 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
agrochemicals and birds
By the year 2050, it is estimated that 171 million more hectares of agricultural land will be needed to feed a global population of 10 billion people.
arrivals and departures
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is committed to ensuring that breeding seabirds can return to a predator-free Marion Island.
FULL skies
High summer brings high entertainment to Botswana's Mababe Community Concession and Kazuma Pan.
specials IN THE MIST
With a distinct habitat and climate, Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands are a must-visit destination for any birder wanting to see a bevy of special birds.
MIDRAND marvel
Gauteng birders don't need to travel far to get their feathery fix. Midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, Glen Austin Pan has become a favourite patch for this returnee expat.
IN TOO DEEP...again
The annual sardine run along South Africa's east coast is a thrill and a challenge for underwater photographers, especially if you throw birds and inclement weather into the mix.
a journey through the mysteries of moult
As a bird researcher in South Africa’s botanically diverse fynbos biome, I have come to regard bird ringing as part of my journey to understanding moult.
Southern SIGHTINGS
The midsummer period lived up to its reputation as the busiest time for rarities in southern Africa and produced a host of really good records, including several that got twitchers racing all over the subregion to try and add these mega ticks to their lists. As always, none of the records included here have been adjudicated by any of the subregion's Rarities Committees.
storm petrels in Kalk Bay
According to Roberts 7, both Wilson’s and European storm petrels occasionally seek the shelter of breakwaters during periods of strong onshore winds, but this is seldom observed off South Africa.
power-napping penguins
Periodic reduction in neural activity (sleep) is found in all animals with brains and seems to be essential to restore effective brain function. There is plenty of evidence of the adverse effects of not getting enough sleep, and recent research in humans has identified getting sufficient sleep as one of the four core pillars of living a long and healthy life.
