Whiskered Terns move in at Modimola Dam after the first rains of the season

After the first rains of the season on Saturday night, the locally common nomads the Whiskered Terns; who normally move about according to rainfall, started moving into Modimola Dam.They were in great numbers than usual because I counted close to sixteen at the time.The Coots, Ruffs and Lapwings were not keen on letting go their territory

Whiskered Tern dipping to surface of water for food

Whiskered Tern landing

Whiskered Tern flying low

Cape Longclaw: The bird with bright orange bib

My patience was rewarded this week when I managed to take a shot of the Cape Longclaw out of the grass. The bird is vey much illusive. It hides in the tall grass and occasionally peeps out to see any intruder. Instead of flushing it out of the grass I waited patienly for it to come out. The bird is endermic to Southern Africa.

Cape Longclaw out of the tall grass

Cape Longclaw with the bright orange bib

Common Greenshank at Disaneng Dam

Following the Molopo River from the Modimola Dam down to the Disaneng Dam in search of more migrants was full of surprises. Just before the begining of the Disaneng Dam I came across a colony of cattle egrets and among them was this Common Greenshank; a first in the area of its group. At a glance I could not see it as it was totaly blended with the suroundings. What a camouflage.They breed in Northern Europe and migate to Africa.They are widespread in Southern Africa.

Common Greenshank

Common Greenshank

Common Greenshank taking a nap



Another migrant turns up at Modimola Dam: Marsh Sandpiper

While scanning the tidal mudflats of the Modimola Dam which is gradually being invaded by algae; I saw this solitary wader. Looking closer it turned out to be the Marsh Sandpiper. I have been in the area a day before but it was not there. It breeds in South Eastern Europe, Central/South Russia and Mongolia. It migrates to Africa. It is widespread in Southern Africa.

Marsh Sandpiper in solitary

Marsh Sandpiper pecking for food

Three-banded Plover: a very colourful waterside bird

While visiting the Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre this morning; in search of more migrants, my attention was drawn to the Three-banded Plover pecking and probing in mud with rapid jabs. A common resident in Southern Africa and very colourful.

Three-banded Plover branding its two black bands separated by a white one

 Three-banded Plover with a beautiful red eyering running in short spurts

Three-banded Plover can be easily overlooked when standing still

Latest arrival migrant at Modimola Dam: Ruff

Ruffs  arrived earlier this time at Modimola Dam than in previous years . Last year they only pitched up in October. Like the Wood Sandpiper they breed in Northern Europe and Northern Asia; migrating to Southern Africa for Summer. They are widespread in South  Africa.

Ruff just arrived

Walking around with diagnostic orange tinged legs

Walking and probing for food