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/ 

More on Pink-backed Pelicans at Modimola Dam

Pink-backed Pelican comfortable on a concrete support pillar

Banded Grey-headed Gull at Modimola Dam

While birding at Modimola Dam this afternoon I came across this Grey-headed Gull in its breeding plumage with a metal ring.I am not aware of any ringing activity within Mafikeng and my guess is that it must be from somewhere within the country or from across neighbouring Botswana. I wish I could know what distance Grey-headed Gulls could travel. Anybody with an answer? There is quit plenty of the at the dam and this is my first sighting of one with a ring.

A breeding Grey-headed Gull with a metal ring

As the sun was setting it was still perched at the same spot

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary once more

The Southern Masked Weaver at Baberspan Bird Sanctuary.Time running out for the last brood of the season. This photo was taken  during the Ringing and Atlassing Conference which was held there recently

Le Vaillant's Cisticola with a ring at Barberspan Bird Sanctuary. The photo was taken just after dawn.

Pink-backed Pelicans at Modimola Dam

Sunday morning birding walk is always a joy to me. This flock of Pink-backed Pelicans were just perched in my path and preening each other. As I approached they started flying off in a spectacular way.

Pink-backed Pelicans flying off

A good number of  Pink-backed Pelicans congregated



Grey Heron at Modimola Dam

While birding at Modimola Dam this morning I came across this Grey Heron lazing away on a rock. With the recent good rains the shoreline is under water and waders are almost absent. Red-knobbed coots dominate the waters.

Grey Heron

Grey Heron preening herself