Egyptian Goose in the sweltering heat

I was fascinated by this Egyptian Goose perched on a rock outcrop honking profusely. The temperature was remarkebly 39°C. A record high for this part of the world.

Egyptian Goose

Egyptian Goose

Black-shouldered Kites during season of veld fires

It is August and veld fires are a common occurrence. Amidst the smoke and strong winds, it is common to see Black-shouldered Kites patienly perched on power lines awaiting rats and mice as they flee the raging fires.

Black-shouldered Kite  

Black-shouldered Kite going for a perch

Nice perch on a power line

Migrating Kestrels depart from Mahikeng Roost tree

Yesterday, was that time of the year again when the migrating Kestrels that annually fly down to Southern Africa from their breeding grounds in Asia and Europe had to depart on their long journey back again. They normaly spent four months at this roost tree at the corner of Hatchard  and Tillard Street in the Mahikeng CBD before flying back.
The birds were counted in January this year during the national Kestrel count day; and  ± 3000 birds were recorded inclusive of those in the adjoining trees. That was an increase in number from last year.
This year they departed almost at the same time as last year but only a day earlier.In 2009 they arrived and departed earlier (look at the table below).It will be interesting to watch their arrival and departure in the coming season.

The roost tree is now deserted after the departure. The evenings are all quiet now. 

 

 The morning of the departure. Getting ready for the long journey back to Asia and Europe.Mostly are Lesser Kestrels and Amur Falcons

Arrivals and departures in the last three years
 Year period         Arrival               Departure
   2008-9            28/10/2008            23/03/2009
   2009-10          09/11/2009            03/04/2010
   2010-11          13/11/2010            02/04/2011

You can also  follow the link below for more information on their migratory route: 

http://www.africanraptors.org/amur-falcon-migration-route-finally-plotted/ 

Abdim Stocks pass Mafikeng

Today at midday, 30th January 2011, the first group of about fifty Abdim Stocks pitched up 25km West of  Mafikeng on their usual annual migratory path. This is contrary to the usual late November or early December arrival and passing the town. Their annual path is through the villages of Masutlhe and Modimola from across neighbouring Botswana. They are two months late this season. The question is;

• Are they on their way to the North or South?

If they are on their way to the North it means they are now migrating back. The question is;

• Why did they avoid their usual annual path on their way South?

If they are only on their way South now, it means they are late or it is just another late group.
This are the questions I would like to answer in the next few days or weeks. I will keep you posted.



Click the image to enlarge it

Just landed and looking around

Just landed

Moving around in groups. A juvenile and an adult

Amur Falcons roost in Mafikeng

Male and Female Amur Falcons that roost at the Mafikeng CBD on a telephone line



Lesser Kestrels roost in Mafikeng

Lesser Kestrel on a telephone line. They are found in great numbers during the day. 

Kestrel Count Day

Today (22nd February 2011) is the official Kestrel Count Day in South Africa and volunteers are all out counting Kestrels from  their roost trees. The following pictures were taken today just before and as they left for the day from their roost tree. This roost tree is in Hatchard Street in Mafikeng CBD. I arrived at the tree with members of the Mafikeng Bird Club at 05h00 to witness the lift off. The roost has Lesser Kestrels in the majority,the Red Footed Falcons following the latter in numbers and the Amur Falcons in the minority.The first group arrived at the roost tree on the 13th November 2010 and they were Lesser Kestrels and later on bigger groups started arriving from their wintering grounds in Europe and Asia.  Click on the following link for more information

http://www.africanraptors.org/amur-falcon-migration-route-finally-plotted/.

Click to enlarge the image

The large group lift-off at 05h30

The first group lift-off at 05h16

At 05h10 before lift-off -just some twittering in the tree

Water ponds all over for birding

After the recent heavy rains, water has collected in ponds all over and birds are gathering in great numbers. You do not have to travel far for a shot of some of these beautiful feathered friends.  Below are some of the photos I took in some of the ponds in and around Mafikeng.( alongside some roads)

Please click on the image to enlarge it.

 

Little Egret - looking around

               

Grey Heron a bit confused

Blackwinged Stilt - water in abundance