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Tuesday 1 May 2018

Post number 7 on the birds I saw in Southern Africa.

Arrow-marked babbler (I think), (Turdoides jardineii). Botswana.

African Pied Wagtail, (Motacilla aguimp). South Coast.

Red-winged starling, (Onychognathus morio).  South Coast.

The southern red bishop or red bishop (Euplectes orix).
This was a bird on my bucket list to take lots of photos of; sadly this was the only one I saw, and at a distance 😞 KwaZulu-Natal.

Lesser Doublecollared Sunbird, (Nectarinia chalybea).
She was sitting on eggs in a friends garden which is the only reason a got a true identification.  All hatched apparently after we left with no problems..
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

African harrier-hawk, or gymnogene (Polyboroides typus). KwaZulu-Natal.
They are usually solitary and they are specialised in robbing nests of other birds of eggs and chicks!  It will also eat lizards and oil palm nuts.

Mocking cliff chat, mocking chat or cliff chat, (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris).  KwaZulu-Natal.

As above.

Long-crested eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis).  KwaZulu-Natal

The Long-crested Eagle feeds mainly on small rodents. It drops from an exposed perch on its prey, and catches it. It does not hunt on the wing. It is often perched on trees on the road sides, fences or telegraph poles. It hunts generally in the early morning or at dusk, and it rests during the day under the shadow of a tall tree.

The females are generally slightly larger than the male but often have a shorter crest.


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20 comments:

  1. What agreat collection of fabulous photos, Diane.

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    1. Thanks Marie, now I want to go back and take a second series :-) Cheers Diane

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  2. Beautiful photos Diane. I have seen the Crested Eagle and Gymnogene on my sister's farm and sunbirds, red bishop and wagtails visit my garden on and off during the year but I don't think I have ever seen a babbler or cliff chat.

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    1. You are lucky to get to see so many of these birds. I have alway loved the bishop birds in particular the red one so I was disappoints to only see one on this trip. Take care, Diane

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  3. Wonderful captures. I enjoyed seeing the Long-crested eagle and the Bishop sure is beautiful. Enjoyed your post!

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    1. Many thanks Betty, the Bishop bird is one of my favourites, especially the red one. They come in yellow as well. The eagle was a privilege to see. Take care, Diane

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  4. Wow! Am so enjoying the African birds you photographed.

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    1. Delighted to hear you are enjoying these posts, a few more yet to come. Have a good day Diane

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  5. I love all of these so much! Each one so unique and interesting!

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    1. I love the African birds and I do miss them now we have moved to Europe. Take care Diane

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  6. What an amazing shot of the The Long-crested Eagle!!

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    1. Thanks Pam, avery handsome bird :-) Have a good day, Diane

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  7. The Long crested Eagle is rather special Diane. I'll catch up with you soon as I'm in Menorca and just my smartphone.

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    1. The Eagle was amazing Phil and yes very sppecial. Hope you get lots of bird photos in Menorca. Happy week Diane

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  8. Great set of pictures - the wagtail looks like a slim version of our Magpie Lark.

    cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. Hi Stewart, the African pied wagtail is similar to the European one but the markings are different. Ours have white on the eye area with black around while this one has balck with white around! Hope you have a good week. Diane

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  9. Great images, Diane, and some spectacular birds too. I think my favourites here would be the African Pied Wagtail and the Long-crested Eagle.

    With my very best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. I will go along with your favourites here Richard and especially the Eagle. We have the White Wagtail here though I seldom see them in the garden.

      Happy weekend, best wishes, Diane

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  10. I would never have known that South Africa was such an amazing birding destination.... I scrolled down through a few of your posts, since today is my first time visiting --- I'm in awe of all I've learned and of your beautiful bird portraits. Thank you for sharing them.

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    1. Thanks Sallie, a trip to Africa birding is well woorth while. It is a pleasure to share and I hope we will return soon so I can get some different photos. Have a good week. Diane

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