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Dear birding friends,
as birdwatching is a relatively new and one of the fastest growing and a most popular pursuit, it attracts people of all ages around the world.
There can hardly be a better place than southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, South Africa) to nurture an interest in birds as it supports almost 1000 bird species, which is about 10 per cent of the world's entire bird.
Taking birding to new heights Hobby-Ornithologist Stefan Rust represents some of the ontour bird sightings to showcase the fun of birding, promote citizen science, highlight conservation, indicate where to view what birds and raise awareness of southern Africa's (sometimes international) birds and their habitats.
Oryx (Namibia) Ontour Birdlife Report:
30.10.'12 Onjala Lodge Rockrunner (10) This near-endemic species can easily be viewed in the surrounding.
31.10.'12 Onjala Lodge White-backed Vulture (18) In S.Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland classified as vulnerable.
31.10.'12 Onjala Lodge Lappet-faced Vulture (11) In S.Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland classified as vulnerable. Only
±40-50 breeding pairs in Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia.
31.10.'12 Onjala Lodge Verreaux's Eagle-Owl (2) One adult and one Juvenile. For Namibia egg laying dates are not
mentioned. Incubation and development of young lasts ±100 days.
Obviously adult must have started laying approximately mid June.
Laying dates are recorded for Botswana in Sept.-Oct., for Zimbabwe
May-Sept. Because it breeds only every 2-3 years and low density
this species is regarded as vulnerable. I had the chance to analyze its
prey in detail (not mentioned for Namibia before and some prey items
have not been recorded before): Mammal, Ostrich eggs (possibly
newly hatched ostrich chicks with eggshells sticking to moistures
down-feathers), skunk, large moth, Helmeted Guineafowl, Savannah
Monitor and fresh shoots of Acacia tree. More detailed report
available.
31.10.'12 Onjala Lodge Freckled Nightjar (1) On eastern border of Namibian distribution. Mica-schist rocky riverbeds
are ideal habitat.
31.10,'12 Onjala Lodge Orange River Francolin (4) Although considered as not threatened, reports indicate that
populations decrease severely because of regular grass burning and
poor grazing management (overgrazing and cultivation)(especially in
"well-managed" nature reserves).
01.11.'12 Onjala Lodge Cape Glossy Starling (1) Gleaning ectoparasites from back of Common Warthog (Phacochoerus
africanus). More detailed report available.
01.11.'12 Onjala Lodge Burchell's Starling (2) Associated with Common Warthog feeding on ground nearby.
01.11.'12 Otjiwarongo (40 Km south) White-backed Vulture (8) In S.Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland classified as vulnerable.
01.11.'12 Otjiwarongo (10 Km south) Verreauxs' Eagle (2adult,1juv.) Only in Namibia considered as near-threatened due to small
population.
01.11.'12 Outjo district Steppe Buzzard (1) Palearctic-breeding migrant arrived.
01.11.'12 Gelukspoort Chestnut Weaver (large flocks) Regarded as most abundant Weaver in Namibia. Large flocks to
be seen, comparable to those of Red-billed Quelea.
01.11.'12 Gelukspoort Gaestefarm Bare-cheeked Babbler (11) No research on the incubation is done of this uncommon
to locally common bird.
02.11.'12 Gelukspoort Gaestefarm White-browed Scrub-Robin (1) There are 3 geographical variations recognized for
southern Africa. For north-western Namibia the less
heavy streaked race Cercotrichas leucophrys
ovamboensis is reported. Here on Gelukspoort
(situated in north-western Namibia) I found a member
of the not for Namibia registered heavily streaked race
Cercotrichas leucophrys leucophrys. Contact me for a
more detailed report.
02.11.'12 Gelukspoort Gaestefarm Augur Buzzard (1) These long-living birds can reach an age of up to at least 9 years.
02.11.'12 Gelukspoort Gaestefarm Black-backed Puffback (1) As typical for this species only the female built the nest.
03.11.'12 Etosha N.P. Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk (1) Observed how it hunted and then fed on a
Monitor Lizard.
03.11.'12 Etosha N.P., Okondeka Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk (2) They started nesting.
03.11.'12 Etosha N.P., ±3Km north of Okondeka White-backed Vulture (2) Nesting on Umbrella tree.
03.11.'12 Etosha N.P., halfway Okaukuejo/Okondeka White-backed Vulture (24) Feeding on carcass.
03.11.'12 Etosha N.P., halfway Okaukuejo/Okondeka Lappet-faced Vulture (24) Feeding on carcass.
03.11.'12 Etosha N.P. Secretarybird (1) Is the Namibian population decreasing?
04.11.'12 Etosha N.P. Cape Crow (±20) Many are nesting.
04.11.'12 Etosha N.P., Gemsbokvlakte waterhole Black Kite (1) It rained last night and most probably this is the reason for its
occurrence. They are known for following local rain.
04.11.'12 Etosha N.P.,halfway Okaukuejo/Ombika White-backed Vulture (27) Feeding on carcass.
04.11.'12 Etosha N.P.,halfway Okaukuejo/Ombika Lappet-faced Vulture (6) Feeding on carcass.
04.11.'12 Etosha N.P., Okaukuejo Shaft-tailed Whydah (1) Male already in full breeding plumage, this is early
according to Roberts V11.
04.11.'12 Etosha Safari Lodge Martial Eagle (1) Regarded as endangered in Namibia.
05.11.'12 Khorixas, 10 Km east Martial Eagle (1) Regarded as endangered in Namibia.
05.11.'12 Fransfontein Mountains Augur Buzzard (1) These long-living birds can reach an age of up to at least 9 years.
05.11.'12 Twyfelfontein Verreauxs' Eagle (2adult,1juv.) Only in Namibia considered as near-threatened due to
small population.
05.11.'12 Camp Kipwe Rueppell's Parrot (8) Near endemic to Namibia. Because of sparse vegetation this is a
perfect place to spot these species.
05.11.'12 Camp Kipwe Pearl-spotted Owlet (1) Because of thin tree canopy, the habit of showing "false" face
can easily be observed.
05.11.'12 Camp Kipwe Damara Hornbill (1) Still its population size is unknown and needs observation.
06.11.'12 Uis Rueppell's Korhaan (2) This is a near-endemic species to western Namibia.
06.11.'12 Omandumba Gaestefarm Carp's Tit (1) Near-endemic to Namibia. These birds are attracted to the farmyard of
Omandumba.
06.11.'12 Omandumba Gaestefarm Rosy-faced Lovebird (10) Visit this family-managed place and observe the interesting
habit of this bird of the female carrying its nesting material in
its rump feathers.
06.11.'12 Hohenstein Lodge Rueppell's Parrot (4) Near endemic to Namibia.
07.11.'12 Swakopmund Cape Wagtail (3) Two seen with crippled toes and one without toes at all on one foot.
07.11.'12 Swakopmund River Greater Flamingo (±250) Regarded as vulnerable in Namibia. Found 5 carcasses, cause
unknown. Contact me for detailed German report.
07.11.'12 Swakopmund River Lesser Flamingo (70) Regarded as vulnerable in Namibia and globally as near-threatened.
Population decreases across Africa and threats to the only 3 breeding
sites are causes for this conservation status.
07.11.'12 Swakopmund River Maccoa Duck (2) Uncommon in Namibia, a census in 1992 revealed a number of only 899.
07.11.'12 Swakopmund River Black-necked Grebe (6) Thought of not being resident anywhere in southern Africa.
08.11.'12 Walvisbay Lagoon Greater Flamingo (100's) Three dead, cause unknown. Contact me for detailed German
report.
08.11.'12 Walvisbay Lagoon Lesser Flamingo (1dead) As far as I'm concerned this is the first dead one of this species to
be reported.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Park Common Ostrich (2adult,6chicken) Half grown chicks.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Park Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk (±15) Many Juvenile birds.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Park, near Ghaub R. Tractrac Chat (1) Near-endemic to southern Africa.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Lodge Sociable Weaver (Colony) Chicken in nest close to Lodge setup. They are thought to breed
only in response to rain. But because no rains have fallen, that
could have triggered breeding, I suggest that they have enough
food supply through getting fed by lodge and there is a fixed
waterhole nearby. This colony is thus not necessarily dependent on
natural rain and food.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Lodge Mountain Wheatear (2) Juveniles, meaning they succeeded one clutch already.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Lodge Cape Eagle-Owl (2) Extensive range in Namibia.
08.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Lodge White-throated Canary (15) Due of having 42% of Namibian surface under conservation, this
near-endemic species to southern Africa is well presented in
Namibia.
09.11.'12 Sossusvlei Ashy Tit (1) On western edge of distribution.
09.11.'12 Sossusvlei Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (3) On western edge of distribution.
09.11.'12 Sossusvlei Bokmakiri (1) On western edge of distribution.
09.11.'12 Sossusvlei Ludwig's Korhaan (1) Sparse species in this region.
09.11.'12 Soft Adventure Camp Martial Eagle (1) Regarded as endangered in Namibia.
09.11.'12 Soft Adventure Camp Spotted Flycatcher (1) Arrival of summer visitor. On western edge of distribution.
09.11.'12 Namib Naukluft Lodge Pale-winged Starling (1) Makes use of a wall lamp to roost to have warmth by the light, a
snack by preying on attracted insects and protection of enemies during
nighttime. Small article on this in German available.
10.11.'12 Helmeringhausen (nearby) Secretarybird (2)
10.11.'12 Garub Waterhole Greater Kestrel (10) Nesting in nests of Cape Crow on Telephone poles, sometimes in proximity
of Pied Crow (probably using them as defense).
10.11.'12 Garub Waterhole Burchell's Courser (2) Although abundance have decreased over the past 50-150 years in
southern Africa, there is no proof of decreases in dry and protected areas
of Namibia.
10.11.'12 Garub Waterhole Tractrac Chat (2) Near-endemic to southern Africa.
10.11.'12 Eagles Nest Ludwig's Korhaan (1) Sparse species in this region. Considered as an important role player in
the ecosystem of the Sperrgebiet N.P.
10.11.'12 Eagles Nest Long-billed Crombec (2) On edge of western distribution.
10.11.'12 Eagles Nest Common Ostrich (4 chicks) Chicks ± 3.5 months old.
10.11.'12 Eagles Nest Tractrac Chat (3) Perfect place to spot this Near-endemic species to southern Africa.
11.11.'12 Eagles Nest Fiery-necked Nightjar (1) This species has not been registered for this area.
11.11.'12 Sperrgebiet N.P. Cape Crow (11) One nestling was fully feathered, concluding they started breeding begin of
October. There are no reports of breeding times for Namibia in Roberts Birds of
Southern Africa.
11.11.'12 Sperrgebiet N.P. Ludwig's Korhaan (4) Sparse species in this region. Considered as an important role player in
the ecosystem of the Sperrgebiet N.P.
11.11.'12 Sperrgebiet N.P. Karoo Korhaan (3) This species is mainly confined to the Karoo desert and is endemic to
southern Africa.
11.11.'12 Luederitz Greater Flamingo (±300) Regarded as vulnerable in Namibia.
11.11.'12 Luederitz African Black Oystercatcher (6) Globally regarded as near-threatened. Stable population around
Luederitz.
11.11.'12 Luederitz Cape Cormorant (25) The population of this near-threatened species decreased from 554 000 birds
in 1981 to 144 000 birds in 1996 in southern Africa.
11.11.'12 Luederitz Cape Gannet (17) They got the label of "specially protected" bird in Namibia.
11.11.'12 Luederitz Bank Cormorant (2) Also listed as "specially protected" bird in Namibia.
11.11.'12 Luederitz Cape Teal (6)
11.11.'12 Eagles Nest Black Kite (1) Although regarded as not often to be found in arid areas such as here close to Aus I
found it here. Officially this species has not been seen here before.
12.11.'12 Eagles Nest Karoo Korhaan (1) This species is mainly confined to the Karoo desert and is endemic to
southern Africa.
12.11.'12 Eagles Nest Ludwig's Korhaan (3) Sparse species in this region. Considered as an important role player in
the ecosystem of the Sperrgebiet N.P.
12.11.'12 Aus (20 Km east) Black-chested Snake-Eagle (1Juv.)
12.11.'12 Aus (160 Km east) Secretarybird (1)
12.11.'12 Canyon Lodge African Red-eyed Bulbul (25) It is remarkable how many individuals got a clearly longer and
more curved bill than one is used from this species. See my
German article about this.
12.11.'12 Canyon Lodge White-throated Canary (19) Due of having 42% of Namibian surface under conservation, this
near-endemic species to southern Africa is well presented in Namibia.
Observed one feeding on berries of "stinkblaarboom".
12.11.'12 Canyon Lodge Cape Eagle-Owl (2) Extensive range in Namibia. The prominent roost in a dense-leafed tree in a dry
watercourse is marked by signs of thick white droppings, large pellets and prey
remains on the ground beneath the tree. An analysis revealed mainly small
lizards, many beetles and grasshoppers and a few rodent prey.
12.11.'12 Canyon Lodge Freckled Nightjar (1) Out of its shown distribution.
13.11.'12 Keetmanshoop Lake Great White Pelican (52)
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse Acacia Pied Barbet (1) Feeds "flower" beetle to chicks.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse Common Waxbill (35) Uncommon large flock for this area.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse Pin-tailed Whydah (6) Male completed moult into breeding plumage.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse African Hoopoe (1) I assume that the drastically growing bush encroachment encourages the spread
of nest-competing birds such as the Acacia Pied Barbet which then can
outcompete the African Hoopoe.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse African Pipit (18) This bird has definitely benefitted from the large-scale agriculture by the
Gondwana Group for supply for their self-sufficiency concept. This Pipit has
clearly expanded its range towards Stampriet within the last few years.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse Karoo Thrush (2) This bird has also definitely benefitted from the large-scale agriculture by the
Gondwana Group for supply for their self-sufficiency concept. The female had
clearly visible orange eye rings, similar to that of the Kurrichane Thrush.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse Sedge Warbler (4) Not registered for this area. This bird has definitely benefitted from the large-
scale agriculture by the Gondwana Group for supply for their self-sufficiency
concept.
13.11.'12 Kalahari Farmhouse African Reed-Warbler (12) Not registered for this area. This bird has definitely benefitted from the l
large-scale agriculture by the Gondwana Group for supply for their self-
sufficiency concept.
Enjoy birding,
Stefan Rust
Please note: Most scientific information has been taken from Roberts Birds of Southern Africa, V11th edition!
(For more information contact Stefan Rust on +264 (0)81 129 8415 or birdscontour@iway.na)
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