First with an update: The unidentified sunbird I posted about previously, seems to be an Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina). At least that is the suggestion of some helpful members of the Cape BirdNet mailing list. However, there is disagreement as to whether it is a juvenile male or a female. (And some suggested either a Scarlet-chested or a White-bellied Sunbird). The most comprehensive reply (from Tertius Gows) states that it is a female Amethyst:
“Your sunbird is an adult female Amethyst (Black) Sunbird of the nominate race Chalcomitra amethystina amethystina. The illustration in Sasol is a female of the race C. a. kirkii which does not occur in SA, but only in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe etc. The dark throat-patch is absent in the female of this race.”
I’m surprised that the field guide did not mention such an obvious ID characteristic.
We entered Kruger National Park via the Phabeni gate. We had minimal waiting time & the staff were helpful. My wife was quite taken with the very cool design of the buildings. The first animal spotted upon entry to the park was (of all things) a new reptile species for me: a lovely young Nile (Water) Monitor (Varanus niloticus). It was spotted at the first river crossing just inside the park on the S1.
The S1 also produced the first 3 new birds from Kruger itself:
- Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas)
- Grey Go Away Bird (Corythaixoides concolor)
- Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) which were feeding on a herd of Impala (Aepyceros melampus). Impala are the most numerous species of antelope in the park with an estimated population of c130,000 adults.
We stopped at Nyamundra Waterhole where we saw our first Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and second new reptile species, the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The Waterhole produced two new birds:
- Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
- Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
We continued along the S1 with four more new birds being sighted:
- Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)
- Purple Roller (Eurystomus azureus)
- Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
- Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
The S1 joined the H11 & we branched off & headed for the Lake Panic Bird Hide–a destination I highly recommend. The road in produced Common Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas)
The hide was very well situated & produced a number of new birds:
- Water Thick-knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus vermiculatus)
- Great Egret (Ardea alba)
- Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
- Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus)
- African Jacana (Actophilornis africana)
- Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor) were spotted in the car-park.
The Hide also produced more Nile Crocodile & Hippopotamus:
Another Nile Monitor was spotted & lots of Turtles–probably Serrated Hinged Terrapin (Pelusios sinuatus).
The hide also produced a single Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and our first view of a Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus).
Back on the road we headed for Skukuza where we had lunch at the Day Visitor’s area and added:
- Marabou Stork (flying a long way overhead) (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
- Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus)
- Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus). The beautiful metallic starlings became the bane of my time in Kruger, I had great difficulty identifying the various species.
We also spotted our first Tree Squirrels (Paraxerus cepapi) there.
Heading north from Skukuza along the H1-2 we came across the usual traffic jam that signalled the presence of Lion (Panthera leo). The pride had made a kill close to the road and little was left but bones & some very full lions.
In the tree overhead were Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) waiting their turn.
We left the H1-2 and hit the gravel S36 to Orpen. At Lugmug Dam we saw the usual Nile Crocodile & Hippopatamus as well as an African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer). The dam produced one new bird: Arrowmarked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii) as well as excellent views of Water Thick-knee (Dikkop) by the edge of the road.
The road north to Orpen also produced:
- Natal Francolin (Pternistis natalensis)
- Crested Francolin (Peliperdix sephaena)
- Swainson’s Spurfowl (Pternistes swainsonii)
- Burchell’s Starling (Lamprotornis australis)
We arrived in Tamboti (after checking in at Orpen) just before the gates were due to close.
I love your pictures and I think you are very cool! Keep it up