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BIRDSCONTOUR REPORT (10.03.'13 – 19.03.’13)
BIRDSCONTOUR REPORT (10.03.'13 – 19.03.’13)
Text from Stefan Rust
2013
(In terms of the Geneva Convention the copyright of these
texts belong to Stefan Rust)
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 together with BirdsConTour represents some of
the ontour bird sightings and several other interesting birding aspects 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.
BirdsConTour Report (Namibia) Personal Highlights:
AFRCAN WATTLED LAPWING
BLACK STORK
BURNT-NECKED EREMOMELA
CAPE VULTURE
GREY-HEADED KINGFISHER
HARTLAUB’S FRANCOLIN
LANNER FALCON
Have a quick look if you, your site or neighborhood is
included in this scientific informational work (alphabetically arranged):
A-Little-Sossus Lodge
Amkela Lodge (Sonja & Kai Martens)
Etendero Guestfarm
Etosha N.P.
Etosha Safari Camp
Ghaub Guestfarm
Gondwana
Hosea Kutako Airport
Immenhof Gästefarm (Von Seydlitz)
Kroll Regine (Etendero)
Kuiseb River
Martens Sonja & Kai (Amkela Lodge)
Otjiwarongo
Rehoboth
Sea Breeze Guesthouse
Sesriem
Solitaire
Tietz Horst (Etendero)
Von Seydlitz (Gästefarm Immenhof)
Distance traveled: 3 050 km
10.03.'13 Hosea Kutako Airport Groundscraper
Thrush (3 adult, 2 juvenile) Regarded as
the most social thrush of southern Africa, I observed 3 adult birds altogether
feeding 2 juvenile birds. It appeared to be a family group. Having this species
in your garden is of big value for pest control. Within 5 minutes one monitored
bird caught 23 insects on the lawn in front of the departure hall. Throughout
foraging this individual stayed on the ground in the shadow of two bushes (±
1.5 m. high) and one tree (± 3 m. tall).
11.03.'13 Rehoboth, 50 km southwest on C24
Wahlberg's Eagle (1) Their
less occurrence than last season same time is most probably linked to poor
rainfall in regions of the route traveled with this expedition.
11.03.'13 Sesriem, 9 km east Ludwig's
Bustard (3) Classified as vulnerable in
South Africa. This near-endemic species is partial migrant in Namibia. In
winter it moves west deeper into the Namib Desert and in summer east to the
escarpment.
11.03.'13 A-Little-Sossus Lodge Bokmakiri (1) The moment I see a Bokmakiri at this lodge, I
get reminded of an incidence whereby I observed a bird of this species using a
stone as an anvil to crack a dry and hard piece of bread into edible pieces.
This behavior is rare, but has been noted by me here at the A-Little-Sossus
Lodge in Namibia and on the grounds of the Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. This
anvil use has attracted considerable attention because of the apparent
intelligence displayed by the certain bird. More information about this
observation is in the article “Käferschmiede” under
www.birdscontour.blogspot.com.
12.03.'13. Solitaire, 50km north Jackal
Buzzard (1)This handsome colored species
is endemic to southern Africa. The Jackal Buzzard has the habit of favoring
recently burnt areas and that is exactly where this individual was seen.
12.03.'13 Solitaire Ludwig's Bustard (4)
Again these four birds were seen close to the escarpment, underlining the
occurrence at the escarpment in summer time as mentioned before.
12.03.'13 Kuiseb River Lappet-faced Vulture (26) It is overwhelming to see so many of these
large birds (98-105 cm, ± 6.5 kg, ± 2.8 m wingspan) altogether at one zebra
carcass. There was one bird with a yellow wing tag. Unfortunately it took off
before I could read the number. One of the reasons of tagging is to find out
more about the movement of this species. Up till now little is known.
12.03.'13 Kuiseb River White-backed
Vulture (8) About 40 000 birds of the
estimated 270 000 world population live in southern Africa. Despite from being
absent in true deserts, these 8 were present at the zebra carcass in the middle
of the Namib Desert.
12.03.'13 Kuiseb River Cape Vulture (1) Its conservation status does not look good at
all – globally classified as vulnerable, in Swaziland regionally extinct and in
Namibia critically endangered. Within 20 years about 510 breeding pairs were
swiped off the globe, from ± 3 460 breeding pairs in 1980 down to ± 2 950 in
2000. Traditional medicine practices, human disturbance and poisoning are the
main threats.
13.03.'13 Sea Breeze Guesthouse, Swakopmund
Orange River White-eye (3) Sea
Breeze Guesthouse offers good chances to view this endemic bird in its garden.
Although common to very common in southern Africa, little is known about the
foraging, food, breeding and moult aspects.
13.03.'13 Etendero Guestfarm White-tailed
Shrike (1) In a narrow country strip, ±
900 km long from north (near Bengo in Angola) to south (Namib Naukluft in
Namibia) one finds this Namibian near-endemic bird. The population in Namibia
numbers about 1.5 million birds and a good place to use as a base to search for
this near-endemic is the Etendero Guestfarm near Omaruru.
13.03.'13 Etendero Guestfarm Rüppell's
Parrot (6) Another birding highlight on
Etendero is the Namibian near-endemic Rüppell’s Parrot. It favors the large
Acacia stands in the ephemeral river nearby the guestfarms infrastructure. This
near-endemic is far more patchy distributed in Namibia with an estimated
population of 13 000 – 46 000.
13.03.'13 Etendero Guestfarm Burnt-necked
Eremomela (1) Etendero is a good place for
endemic and near-endemic bird sightings. For the first time during my visits to
Etendero I found this southern African near-endemic. One finds three subspecies
in southern Africa. In our region it is the Eremomela usticollis baumgarti.
Only about one fifth of the southern African population is found in Namibia.
13.03.'13 Etendero Guestfarm Damara Hornbill (5) With its large Acacia trees in hilly areas
growing in stony ground, Etendero serves an optimal Habitat for the Damara
Hornbill. The population size of this species is unknown and in southern Africa
it is only found in Namibia. The density along the ephemeral river running
through the farm is about 1 pair per 0.8 km2.
13.03.'13 Etendero Guestfarm Fork-tailed
Drongo (1) A short tour like this one,
offers sufficient time for the Fork-tailed Drongo to display all its tricks
when it comes to saving energy while feeding. At etendero for example the
Fork-tailed Drongo was observed associating with a flock of foraging Helmeted
Guineafowl to catch flushed insects. See further tricks on the 17.3. at Ghaub
Guestfarm Fork-tailed Drongo, 17.3. Ghaub Guestfarm Bare-cheeked Babbler and
17.3. Ghaub Guestfarm Rattling Cisticola.
14.03.'13 Etendero Guestfarm Verreauxs' Eagle (1). According to the managers of Etendero
Guestfarm, Horst Tietz and Regine Kroll, there is since recently a couple
Verreauxs’ Eagle resident on their farm. Every new couple settling somewhere is
good news, as this species is classified as near-threatened in Namibia because
of its small population of 500 to 1 000 pairs. That is why I am eager to hear
of a sighting of the recently tagged juvenile Verreauxs’ Eagle on Farm
Sonnleiten (yellow wing tag nr. N083), with the hope that it will reveal a bit
more about the migration routes and behavior of this species. Together with the
observed Verreauxs’ Eagle on Etendero a proud list of 67 species in three hours
birding was established.
14.03.'13 Immenhof Gästefarm Red-backed Shrike (1) Numbers decreased significantly in Europe,
especially in northwestern parts. This population decrease reflects in numbers
in Namibia. Increasing bush encroachment seems to create new preferred habitat.
It is known that they spear prey on thorns and twigs to attract females into
their territory and to store food.
14.03.'13 Immenhof Gästefarm Great Spotted Cuckoo (1 Juvenile) In Namibia they depart for their
migration about one month later than elsewhere in southern Africa, around May.
It is fascinating that the juveniles leave after that the adults have left and
find their migration route to Europe without ever have flown the route before
and no adult bird showing them the way.
14.03.'13 Etosha N.P. Lanner Falcon (1) The alarming rate of increasing bush
encroachment in Namibia is surely not in favor of this species as it lives in
open grassland and open woodland. In South Africa the Lanner Falcon is regarded
as near-threatened.
15.03.'13 Etosha N.P. Lappet-faced
Vulture (2) These two birds were seen
about 2 km southwest of Okaukuejo in the distance on a bigger Acacia tree,
copulating on top of the tree. According to Roberts the main laying time is
June till September. Perhaps this early breeding behavior is linked with for
the vultures good food availability, because of the Kudu rabies and the
drought.
15.03.'13 Okondeka, Etosha N.P. Jacobin
Cuckoo (2) In this vicinity the
Fork-tailed Drongo, Yellow-breasted Bunting and African Red-eyed Bulbul can
possibly be there host. In protected areas such as the Etosha N.P. this species
is well represented.
15.03.'13 Okaukuejo, Etosha N.P. African
Wattled Lapwing (4) For the first time I
observed this species at the Okaukuejo waterhole. Seldom they visit pans with
such exposed area around such as Okaukuejo. This resident and local migrant
becomes nomadic after breeding and they most probably move from the flooded
Zambezi river habitat into northern Namibia.
15.03.'13 Okaukuejo, Etosha N.P. Common
Sandpiper (3) The departure time for this
non-breeding migrant to European Russia from our area is for adults late March
and April, whereas some juveniles remain into early May. But even very few
juveniles were observed overwintering.
15.03.'13 Etosha Safari Camp Bare-cheeked
Babbler (5) Nowhere else in southern
Africa but in Namibia, one can find the Bare-cheeked Babbler. And here the
Etosha Safari Camp offers good chances to see them. Here they favor the
woodland thickets on the rocky hillsides around the chalets.
15.03.'13 Etosha Safari Camp Willow
Warbler (1) As the only European bird
species, the Willow Warbler annually undergoes two complete moults.
This non-breeding migrant becomes most vocal in its
non-breeding grounds between February and April, before it departs.
16.03.'13 Etosha N.P. Secretary Bird (2) On a stretch of 3 050 km traveled, only 2 birds
were seen. Seemingly highly nomadic in our dry western regions, they soon will
settle down for breeding. Although nesting year-round, 62% of Namibian birds
start laying eggs in April and May. They occupy an average area of 50-60 km2
around their nest. The second bird seen was on the 18th, 50 km north
of Otjiwarongo.
16.03.'13 Halali, Etosha N.P. African
Cuckoo (Juvenile) Its only known host is
the Fork-tailed Drongo. In southern Africa 1.3% of 531 inspected nests were
parasitized by the African Cuckoo.
16.03.'13 Fischers Pan, Etosha N.P. Lesser
Flamingo (3 000) Globally the Lesser
Flamingo is near-threatened because of dwindling numbers across Africa and
threats to all three known regular breeding sites in Africa, Lake Natron
(Tanzania), Etosha Pan (Namibia) and Sua Pan (Botswana). At Lake Natron the
Tanzanien government is pushing plans to establish a large-scale soda ash
plant, building a network of pipelines over the lake for extraction. Therefore
roads and railways need to be set up as well. Another threat factor will be the
governmental plans to construct a new road through the famous Serengeti Park.
It will pass close by Lake Natron, adding pressure onto the sensitive Lesser
Flamingo.
Poaching and egg robbery of the Lesser Flamingo seems to
be a threat at Botswanas Sua Pan.
Threats to the Etosha Pan includes use of pesticides,
rising human population in northern catchments and lowered underground water in
the eastern catchments resulting into reduced water inflow to the Etosha Pan.
The estimated 5 million African population in 1975
decreased to ± 4 million by 1995, a loss of 1fifth in 20 years time. That
results in a loss of 50 000 birds per year.
16.03.'13 Fischers Pan, Etosha N.P. Cape
Teal (36) Proved age achieved can be ten
years and ten months. The Fishers Pan with its open brackish wetland is a very
suitable habitat for this species.
16.03.'13 Klein Namutoni, Etosha N.P. White-backed
Vulture (14) The Klein Namutoni waterhole
seems to have developed to a traditional drinking and bathing site of this
species. Here they can regularly during midday be observed drinking, bathing
and then drying their feathers with spread wings, simultaneously sunbathing.
16.03.'13 Klein Namutoni, Etosha N.P. Marabou
Stork (7) In dry areas flocks wander
widely in search of food. It has highly specialized cooling mechanisms. They
excrete urine onto their legs on hot days for evaporative cooling, giving them
the appearance of having naturally white legs. The inflatable gular pouch is
also used to regulate the body temperature.
16.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm, Otavi Eurasian
Golden Oriole (2) This bird is the coat of
arms bird of the family of a German speaking caricaturist, Vicco von Bülow. His
artist name is Loriot, the French name for Oriole.
16.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm, Otavi Wattled
Starling (19) Next to the lodge
infrastructure is a pasture where cattle are kept. A flock Wattled Starlings
associated with the cattle by accompanying them moving on the ground catching
the disturbed insects. A present Fork-tailed Drongo competing with the prey was
mobbed and chased by the Starlings. They are also known to be the only African
Starlings to probe into the grass mat to catch prey. Seeing this association,
it becomes clear how important it is for farmers not to use poison that would
kill or drive away these important pest controllers.
16.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm, Otavi Barn
Swallow (20) The outermost pair of
tailfeathers (rectrices) elongate into long thin feathers (streamers) and are
often absent in the non-breeding season (austral summer months). Nonetheless I
observed one bird with streamers.
17.03.'13 Grootfontein, 45 km north White-backed
Vulture (8) In this area these big birds are particularly
vulnerable to bush encroachment, having difficulties in landing and taking off.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm European
Roller (4) High numbers are linked to wet years. But this year is an
extreme dry year in Namibia. The reason of haven’t seen as many European
Rollers on the rest of the tour as seen here in the Otavi triangle, is most
probably because of this part of the country being one of the greenest and thus
this species accumulates in this area. But even this area had about only one
fourth of its average rain up till now.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm Hartlaub's
Spurfowl (3) Although being strongly
territorial, they react sensitive to overgrazing and will leave such areas
temporarily. It is possible that they get pushed away by higher populated
Red-billed Spurfowl.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm Grey-headed
Kingfisher (2) Present at southeastern
limit of its range, this bird is in this area not associated with water.
Because fish is not available, it feeds mainly on grasshoppers.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm Senegal
Coucal (1) No other Coucal species is
found in central northern Namibia. Regarded as generally uncommon for this
area, Ghaub Guestfarm offers good chances to see the Senegal Coucal. Mostly it
is recognized by its bubbling call.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm Fork-tailed
Drongo (2) A short tour like this one,
offers sufficient time for the Fork-tailed Drongo to display all its tricks
when it comes to saving energy while feeding. Whereas on Etendero Guestfarm I
observed this clever bird associating with a flock of Guineafowl, they were
here on Ghaub Guestfarm associating with grazing cattle, to catch flushed prey.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm Bare-cheeked
Babbler (5) The kleptoparasitic Drongo
stole food from the Babblers by scattering them and them leaving their food
behind through giving an alarm call.
17.03.'13 Ghaub Guestfarm Rattling
Cisticola (1) For the first time I
experienced that the Rattling Cisticola gets kleptoparasitised by the
Fork-tailed Drongo. While the Cisticola caught a grasshopper on the ground
between dense dry grass, the Drongo sat in patience not even a meter away on a
single 75 cm high dry weed branch, keeping an eye on the proceedings. As soon
as the Cisticola had torn off the wings of the grasshopper, the Drongo fiercely
attacked it from top, robbed the prey and swallowed it in one piece. This method
of feeding by stealing food (kleptoparasitism) clearly is energy saving for
this bird. What it comes down to, the Fork-tailed Drongo makes use of other
birds working for him.
18.03.'13 Otjiwarongo, 50 km north Secretary
Bird (1) On a stretch of 3 050 km
traveled, only 2 birds were seen. Seemingly highly nomadic in our dry western
regions, they soon will settle down for breeding. Although nesting year-round,
62% of Namibian birds start laying eggs in April and May. They occupy an
average area of 50-60 km2 around their nest.
18.03.'13 Otjiwarongo, 30 km north Lappet-faced
Vulture (3) In this area these big birds
are particularly vulnerable to bush encroachment, having difficulties in
landing and taking off.
18.03.'13 Amkela Lodge, Kapps Farm, Windhoek Icterine
Warbler (5) Interestingly the Icterine
Warbler migrates to Europe on a more westerly route than on its way to us. Due
to no research, its diet in southern Africa is still unknown. In Europe they
are known to imitate not only animal sounds but also handy sounds.
18.03.'13 Amkela Lodge, Kapps Farm, Windhoek
Black Stork (1 Juvenile)
Unfortunately the Black Stork is classified as endangered in Namibia and
therefore it is always positive to see this bird.
On the Amkela Lodge, only 30 minutes drive east out of
Windhoek, I came up with a total number of 54 bird species within 2.5 hours of
birding on only 20 hectares of land.
Enjoy Birding,
Stefan Rust
Please note: Most scientific information has been taken
from Roberts Birds of Southern Africa, V11th edition!
(For further reading see www.birdscontour.blog.com)
(For more information contact Stefan Rust on +264
(0)81 129 8415 or birdscontour@iway.na)
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