Costa Rica 2012 - Trip Report Part 1

WORLDWIDE BIRDING TOURS: Costa Rica 2012

February 2nd to 16th 2012

Brief Daily Account

Tour Leader: Peter Jones

Tour Guide: Steven Easley

Author: Peter Jones

A bird species list will appear as an appendix to the main tour trip reports, please see Trip Report Part 3. The tour trip report is posted in three parts, this the first part deals with our excursions in and around Rancho Naturalista and Savegre to our journey to La Selva. It was a fun packed group and we all enjoyed being in a superb country seeing such a wide variety of wildlife.

Pleasant climate, super food and wonderfully friendly people make visiting Costa Rica a real pleasure. However, as a tour leader working for Worldwide Birding Tours, then high on the priority list for making journeys with groups a success is diversity of habitats, stunning scenery and of course a wide variety of wildlife, not to mention the birds. A good variety to birdlife is what keeps fellow travellers involved each day and certainly Costa Rica never fails to deliver. We managed 417 species in our 2 weeks and heard another 24, so another successful visit and yet again a very happy group made the whole trip a memorable one.

On a personal note I managed 6 lifers and being well travelled that is no mean feat, so thanks to my pal Steven Easley for not only helping the life list, but for making my job so easy and relaxed. Steven is most probably the best birding guide in the country, so these journeys mean I can step back, listen and watch and be more like a guest enjoying the holiday, its another reason for me to always look forward to these tours.

Day One 2nd February

All of our party opted to spend the previous night at our hotel in San Jose and this enabled us to get an early start on our journey to the first destination Rancho Naturalista. Poor old Rancho has had a pretty rough press in previous years (not from us) and yet we have always felt it is an important place for us to visit. It offers many possibilities on various bird species hard or difficult to find elsewhere, also the upstair’s balcony is a wonderful place to down an early morning coffee whilst getting very close to hummers as they visit the impressive array of feeders. It is hard to remember any of our fellow travellers over the years not being impressed with Rancho. Now under a consistent and settled new management, I found even the staff had a smile on their faces this year. A few notable birds were seen on our journey and these included Crested Guan, Green Ibis, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Squirrel Cuckoo and at Rancho Mottled Owl, Blue-crowned Motmot and a host of other goodies including 11 species of hummingbird!

Day Two 3rd February

The balcony experience! Pre-breakfast coffee whilst being entertained by the many hummingbird species visiting the feeders on the upstair’s balcony was a reminder to me of why Rancho continues to thrill their guests and keeps many enthralled by the variety of birds also visiting the ground feeders. Some stars of the show were Collared Aracari and Keel-billed Toucan, whilst on our woodland trail I actually managed a lifer in the shape of Tawny-throated Leaftosser. Red-faced Spinetail and other great birds found their way onto an ever growing bird list, but another star turn for the group was discovered during our visit to the valley below Rancho, where we found Sunbittern on the river. Our visit at the base of Silent Mountain gave me another lifer! I’m not sure how it has evaded me on previous visits, but at last I caught-up with Tawny-crested Tanager, several birds were together in a mixed flock that included White-shouldered, White-lined, Summer, Golden-hooded and Black and Yellow Tanagers. Impressive day and to cap our return journey to the lodge we saw Common Pauraque.

Day Three 4th February

We had been fortunate with seeing 19 species of hummingbird at and around the areas of Rancho, with of course Snowcap and Garden Emerald attracting many an oooh and aaah, cameras went into overdrive and just about everybody were thrilled to digitally capture these beauties. Rancho operates a bug lamp and screen, so this morning we went to take a look around the lamping area. We were rewarded with the scarce Grey-crowned Yellowthroat and some great views of Red-throated Ant Tanager, a Golden-crowned Warbler flew around us searching for moths and other insects attracted to the screen. On our way out of the area we managed a few other species such as Yellow-faced Grassquit and a beautiful Olive-backed Euphonia. Our journey to Savegre was to include some stops along the way and one of these Cachi Dam produced some CR rarities including the first record of Canvas-back Duck and the rare Ring-necked Duck, later we stopped at the Lancaster Gardens and the lagoon close-by produced Southern Lapwing, American Coot, Northern Shoveler and other water birds. A superb birding day.

Day Four 5th February

After arriving the previous afternoon we managed some birding, but this morning we set-off to look around the local area for Resplendent Quetzal, the weather here was chilly and before leaving the lodge we saw Yellow-bellied Siskin and other local birds such as the ever present Scintillant Hummingbird, whilst Emerald Toucanet gave great views. Our local walk failed to produce a Quetzal, so we went for our drive to the high mountain area of Cerro de la Muerte and during a stop along the way we managed a female Quetzal and also the Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher. On our approach to the high mountains low cloud and rain hampered our efforts to find some local endemics, but after a hard slog we managed our target bird Volcano Junco and also saw Volcano Hummigbird. Our journey back was also improved by clearer weather and with the rain finally clearing we saw American Dipper and a real favourite of mine the Torrent Tyrannulet. Of course the area is rich in birdlife and we were anxious to find species we were unlikely to find elsewhere in Costa Rica, so it was a case of perseverance pays as we saw Spot-crowned Woodpecker, Mountain Elaenia, Tufted Flycatcher, Yellowish Flycatcher, Yellow-winged, Brown-capped and Philadelphia Vireo. The evening also gave views of Ochraceous Wren and Black-cheeked Warbler amongst a host of other species. Another super day’s birding.

Day Five 6th February

We ventured out before breakfast, braving the cold morning to yet again try for our Quetzal and yet again draw a blank. I have never found Resplendent Quetzal this hard here, apparently fruiting trees in the area had failed and this had caused the local population to disperse. We did locate a nest site where birds had been seen, but despite spending an age watching the site we never saw or heard a bird. Hard labour had its moments though with Collared Redstart following us around and we had great views of the beautiful Flame-throated Warbler. We decided to cut our loses and make our way to our next destination near La Selva, but not before a last throw of the dice by taking lunch at Paraiso Quetzal. Here we had always intended to stop, it is a good place to see Fiery-throated Hummingbird and a few other choice species such as Golden-browed Chlorophonia. An excited local guide greeted our group with the news of a pair of nesting Quetzals, so off the group traipsed being led by our newly acquired local guide, who was in constant contact with a colleague by mobile phone to say he had the birds in view! Well good news we found our targets and slumped to the ground in relief and took our time admiring this strangely beautiful bird.

Day Six 7th February

The previous day’s journey was a good and easy trip to our hotel near to the famous nature reserve at La Selva and as my old bones were a little chilled in Savegre, it was also good to get back to a warm temperature. The day was spent in and around the main reserve of La Selva. Here we were to see just so many species that it is hard to select which were stars of our day, but from a personal point of view, then Short-tailed Nighthawk and both Spot-fronted Swift and Rufous Motmot took some beating just for the close views we had, but Violaceous, Black-throated and Slaty-tailed Trogons were special. White-necked Puffbird together with Rufous-winged, Cinnamon and Chestnut-coloured Woodpeckers were another highlight, especially for me the Cinnamon Woodpecker. Our afternoon also proved a great success with a few target birds being found including Fasciated Antshrike and Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant. Star for the day? Well for a few members of the group it was Spectacled Owl with a youngster! Not enough space here to mention so many other great species, phew what a day!

Day Seven 8th February

A bit of a red letter day for me today, a kind of personal quest to track down a bird I had never managed before on previous visits. I had heard it, seen fleeting glimpses afar and silhouettes in the distance, but never a view that meant I could honestly say ‘yes’ I’ve seen it. What bird? Well the beautiful and very large Great Green Macaw of course! We found a breeding pair and were able to watch the male tenderly feed his mate and then saw them fly from the nest to feed on a nearby fruiting tree, then with surprising elegance return to the nesting tree, Peter was one very happy birder. Having arrived with high hopes to Braullio Carrillo National park, we were greeted by decending cloud and rain. Not that liquid sunshine could stop our band of intrepid birders, but it certainly dampened bird activity, so we made our way to the nearby Old Butterfly Garden. Here we managed a few hummingbird species and the highlights were Snowcap and the beautiful Black-crested Coquette. Bay Wren, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Plain-coloured Tanager, Nigaraguan and Thick-billed Seed Finch made our stop at El Tigre marsh a worthwhile interlude as we made our way back to our hotel, the weather here was sunny and hot!

Part 2 and 3 to follow. See here for tour details

Raptorama - Black-collared Hawk

Black-collared Hawk

Busarellus nigricollis

Accipitriforme Order – Accipitridae Family

Esp: Busardo Colorado

Ital: Poiana dal collare nero

Nd: Moerasbuizerd

Fr : Buse à tête blanche

Length: 46-51 cm

Wingspan: 114- 134 cm

Weight: M : 695 g – F : 795 g

Raptorama: Peter Jones takes a look at some of the raptor species encountered on various birding tours with both Worldwide Birding Tours and Spanish Nature. Why not join Peter on one of these wonderful tours and get a firsthand encounter with this great species of raptor? Further information on this tour  WBT

Distribution

Mexico, through Central America to South America, mainly in the north-eastern parts of the continent. It is absent on the west coast and southern Argentina. Normally sedentary in its range, but can move according to water levels.

Status.

Common in suitable habitat (see habitat below) in most parts of its wide range.

Some declines have occurred, largely due to drainage of wetlands i.e. in Panama. However, this species is not threatened at this moment and conservation status is of least concern.

Description

Black-collared Hawk has broad, rounded wings and short, squared tail. Adult has chestnut-cinnamon plumage overall with black shaft streaks on the back. Wings, the primary flight feathers are black. The tail is black with indistinct rufous bars.

Under parts displays clear black crescent on the upper breast. Head and neck are whitish to buffy-white, with fine brownish streaks on the crown. The hooked bill is black. Eyes are dark brown. Legs and feet are pale flesh to greyish-white. Both sexes are similar, with female larger than male. 

Immature is browner and darker than adults. Upperparts are spotted and barred rufous. Breast is paler, streaked darker. Belly is finely barred fuscous. Head is paler than body. 

Often soars with the wings slightly arched and the hands slightly raised. It is most frequently seen flying low over swampy areas. In level flight it has deep and powerful wing beats. It also glides with bowed wings and raised tips. The tail is usually closed.

Adults utter long guttural croaks, also short, hoarse, raspy “eh-rrrr”, and screaming whistles “hieeee”. This species is usually silent outside the breeding season. Juvenile utters long mewing calls from perch “wheeeeah”, and short cheeping.

There are two subspecies: B.n. nigricollis and B.n. leucocephalus. The later is larger and has a whiter head.

Habitat 

Frequents tropical zones with fresh or brackish water. It can be seen along large rivers, as well in open areas as in dense moist forest, swamps, lakes with floating vegetation and swampy lagoons. It occurs at up to 500 metres of elevation in Colombia.

Prey and feeding behaviour.

Feeds mainly on fish, caught by snatching fish from the water’s surface snagging fish with its talons. It hunts from low perch near water. When the prey is detected, it swoops down and catches the fish with its talons. This hawk has very specialised and unique feet, covered with quills, making it easier to capture and hold slippery fish. Snails and aquatic insects also form a part of its diet with lizards and rodents occasionally taken.

Breeding behaviour.

Breeding season varies according to range. Builds a nest in tall trees or in mangroves. The nest is a bulky platform made with sticks, later lined with green leafs. It is usually situated near water, at about 12-15 metres above the ground. Lays one single greyish-white egg spotted brown and darker grey. The nesting behaviour of this species is poorly known.

Raptorama tour brief. See HERE for full tour details and options.

The Pantanal is one of the largest wetlands in the world, encompassing approximately 210.000 km² spread over Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. During the rainy season from the end of October through March this area floods and plant life explodes. Then in April as the waters recede, the birds return in vast numbers and variety. Due to the wide-open areas between patches of forest, birds can be easily seen.

There are around 600 species of birds, 95 of mammals, and 50 of reptiles within this ecosystem. In the early morning and evening visitors can enjoy the magnificent spectacle of thousands of birds flying. The Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) is commonly seen here and has become the animal symbol of the Pantanal. Macaws abound within this area. This is one of the last places where the largest hook bill, the endangered Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) can be seen daily.

Tour Options: We offer the possibility to extend this trip with a visit to the remaining parts of the Atlantic Forest, visiting the part close to the ever expanding city of Rio de Janeiro.

Ospreys - Linking Communities Worldwide!

Osprey Migration Foundation

Ospreys are one of the most charismatic and cosmopolitan of all bird species. The species’ global distribution and migratory habits lend it to collaborative projects. As Yossi Leshem has demonstrated through his work in the Middle East, migrating birds like Ospreys cross national, cultural and religious boundaries and have great potential to link communities separated by hundreds if not thousands of miles. We believe Ospreys provide us with a truly unique opportunity to engage and link communities across the world.

For further information please contact us HERE





Osprey Migration

Most northern European Ospreys winter in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent advances in satellite tracking have enhanced our understanding of their migration greatly. GPS transmitters give hourly fixes for tracked birds, providing data on location, altitude, speed and orientation. This has allowed researchers to follow the journey of migratory Ospreys in unprecedented detail. 

The work has shown that Ospreys from Western Europe – UK, Germany, France and Sweden – follow a westerly migration route taking them into Spain and across the Mediterranean into Morocco. They then skirt around the Atlas Mountains before crossing the western part of the Sahara. Satellite tracked birds have then wintered at various points along the West Africa coast - from Mauritania south to Guinea. The map below shows a typical migration from England to Senegal. 

Birds nesting further east – in Finland and Estonia for example – use a more easterly route. They fly south through Eastern Europe and into the Middle East. From there they head into North Africa across the eastern part of the Sahara before wintering in countries such as Sudan and Cameroon. Others continue further south, with one Finnish-tracked bird wintering on the southern coast of South Africa – a record-breaking migration of 12,500 kilometres. 

Linking Schools and Communities 

The Osprey Migration Foundation (OMF) has been set-up in order to link schools along Osprey migration flyways. Using satellite-tracked birds as a guide, the OMF has already initiated links between primary schools in England and The Gambia. Children at the schools have exchanged letters and videos diaries. With Ospreys as the common link, this provides them with a unique way to learn about other cultures, religions and languages. It will also greatly enhance their knowledge of bird migration. 

The OMF now plan to expand the project to include schools along other major flyways. In Europe this will include both the western and eastern flyways as follows: 

Western flyway 

Sweden-Scotland-England-France- Spain-Morocco-Senegal-Gambia

Eastern Flyway 

Finland-Eastern Europe-Israel-Egypt- Cameroon

Along each flyway we plan to link each school with two others, thereby creating groups of three. The three schools will be from different cultural backgrounds. A link on the western flyway could include various combinations, for example:

Sweden-England-Gambia

Scotland-Spain-Gambia

France-Morocco-Senegal

The link lends itself to children of all ages. The initial links between English and Gambian schools involve seven/eight year olds and thirteen/fourteen year olds.

Schools close to key Osprey breeding/migration sites will be approached by associate partners of OMF who will then visit the school in order to talk about the project and initiate the links.

The OMF will develop educational packs for each school involved in the link. This will provide teachers with sufficient background information on Osprey migration to introduce the concept to the children. It will also include lesson plans and suggested web links to further each school’s migration studies.

Although education packs will be provided for all schools participating in the project, the OMF will provide additional support for education in developing countries where facilities are limited. The Foundation is already providing educational opportunities for children in several Gambian schools through the provision of optics, books and computer equipment. This work is being co-ordinated in The Gambia by Junkung Jadama a local bird guide who is visiting schools to give talks and lead fieldtrips. This model could be repeated in other areas where education facilities are poor. Schools from more affluent areas may wish to hold fund raising events to assist with this education work.

As more schools join the project we hope to organise an international meeting for all of the children involved. The meeting would be held at a well-known migration watch point in the spring or autumn when large numbers of migrant birds, including Ospreys, will be passing through in spectacular numbers. The meeting would enable the children to experience migration at first hand, and at the same time, provide a unique opportunity to bring children and their teachers from many cultural backgrounds together.

Tim Mackrill & Tim Appleton, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

Dr Yossi Leshem, Tel Aviv University

Peter Jones, Andalucia Bird Society

Tracking an individual Osprey's migration:

No. 09 (with AW) tracked through Spain and crossing to Morocco 09.09.2011

Arriving to feed off the Moroccan Atlantic Coast on 10.09.2011

Our bird heads inland to roost and then makes its way south near Agadir to roost again 11.09.2011

For further information or to get involved contact us HERE

Botswana Trip Report Part 3 - Species Listing

WORLDWIDE BIRDING TOURS: Botswana 2011

October 14th to 26th 2011

Species Listings for Birds and Mammals

Tour Leader: Peter Jones

Tour Guide: Kurt McKenzie

Author: Peter Jones

For day to day accounts of our great safari tour, please read the previous 2 blogs i.e. Part One and Two.

The tour trip report is posted in three parts, the first deals with our excursions in and around Maun and the Kalahari Desert, the second our excursions to Khwai, Savuti, Chobi and Victoria Falls, this the third and final part covers bird and mammal species seen.

Bush Fire in the Kalahari

This blog is a supplementary part to the previous day by day tour descriptions and gives a complete list of both Bird and Mammal species seen by the tour group. If you are not a lover of lists there are some great photographs included...

African Darter

STRUTHIONIFORMES: Struthionidae

Common Ostrich           Struthio camelus

GALLIFORMES: Numididae

Helmeted Guineafowl     Numida meleagris

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

Crested Francolin          Dendroperdix sephaena

Red-billed Spurfowl       Pternistis adspersus

Swainson's Spurfowl     Pternistis swainsonii

Harlequin Quail  Coturnix delegorguei

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

White-faced Whistling Duck       Dendrocygna viduata

Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor

White-backed Duck        Thalassornis leuconotus

Spur-winged Goose       Plectropterus gambensis

Knob-billed Duck           Sarkidiornis melanotos

Egyptian Goose            Alopochen aegyptiaca

African Pygmy Goose   Nettapus auritus

Red-billed Teal  Anas erythrorhyncha

Garganey          Anas querquedula

Hottentot Teal    Anas hottentota

Southern Pochard         Netta erythrophthalma

PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae

Little Grebe       Tachybaptus ruficollis

Black-necked Grebe       Podiceps nigricollis

Open-billed Stork

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae

Yellow-billed Stork         Mycteria ibis

African Openbill            Anastomus lamelligerus

Woolly-necked Stork      Ciconia episcopus

Saddle-billed Stork        Ephippiorhy. senegalensis

Marabou Stork   Leptoptilos crumeniferus

PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae

African Sacred Ibis        Threskiornis aethiopicus

Hadada Ibis      Bostrychia hagedash

Glossy Ibis       Plegadis falcinellus

African Spoonbill           Platalea alba

PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae

Black-crowned Night Heron        Nycticorax nycticorax

Striated Heron   Butorides striata

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

Western Cattle Egret      Bubulcus ibis

Grey Heron       Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron     Ardea purpurea

Great Egret       Ardea alba

Intermediate Egret         Egretta intermedia

Black Heron      Egretta ardesiaca

Slaty Egret        Egretta vinaceigula

Little Egret        Egretta garzetta

PELECANIFORMES: Scopidae

Hamerkop         Scopus umbretta

PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae

Great White Pelican       Pelecanus onocrotalus

SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae

Reed Cormorant            Microcarbo africanus

SULIFORMES: Anhingidae

African Darter    Anhinga rufa

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Sagittariidae

Secretarybird    Sagittarius serpentarius

Bateleur

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae

Black-winged Kite          Elanus caeruleus

Black Kite         Milvus migrans

Yellow-billed Kite           Milvus aegyptius

African Fish Eagle         Haliaeetus vocifer

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus

White-backed Vulture     Gyps africanus

Cape Vulture     Gyps coprotheres

Lappet-faced Vulture     Torgos tracheliotus

Black-chested Snake Eagle        Circaetus pectoralis

Brown Snake Eagle       Circaetus cinereus

Bateleur            Terathopius ecaudatus

African Marsh Harrier     Circus ranivorus

Pallid Harrier     Circus macrourus

Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates

Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus

Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar

Shikra   Accipiter badius

Common Buzzard          Buteo buteo

Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus

Lesser Spotted Eagle    Aquila pomarina

Tawny Eagle      Aquila rapax

Steppe Eagle    Aquila nipalensis

African Hawk-Eagle       Aquila spilogaster

Wahlberg's Eagle          Hieraaetus wahlbergi

Booted Eagle    Hieraaetus pennatus

Ayres's Hawk-Eagle       Hieraaetus ayresii

Martial Eagle     Polemaetus bellicosus

Long-crested Eagle       Lophaetus occipitalis

Tawny Eagle

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae

Greater Kestrel  Falco rupicoloides

Red-necked Falcon        Falco chicquera

Lanner Falcon   Falco biarmicus

OTIDIFORMES: Otididae

Kori Bustard      Ardeotis kori

Red-crested Korhaan     Lophotis ruficrista

Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

African Crake    Crex egregia

Black Crake       Amaurornis flavirostra

African Swamphen        Porphyrio madagascariensis

Common Moorhen         Gallinula chloropus

GRUIFORMES: Gruidae

Wattled Crane   Grus carunculata

CHARADRIIFORMES: Turnicidae

Common Buttonquail     Turnix sylvaticus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae

Water Thick-knee           Burhinus vermiculatus

Spotted Thick-knee        Burhinus capensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt          Himantopus himantopus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

Long-toed Lapwing        Vanellus crassirostris

Blacksmith Lapwing       Vanellus armatus

Crowned Lapwing          Vanellus coronatus

Three-banded Plover     Charadrius tricollaris

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae

Greater Painted Snipe    Rostratula benghalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae

African Jacana  Actophilornis africanus

Spotted Thick-knee

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

Marsh Sandpiper           Tringa stagnatilis

Common Greenshank    Tringa nebularia

Green Sandpiper           Tringa ochropus

Wood Sandpiper           Tringa glareola

Common Sandpiper      Actitis hypoleucos

Little Stint          Calidris minuta

Ruff      Philomachus pugnax

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus

Collared Pratincole        Glareola pratincola

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

Grey-hooded Gull          Chroicoceph. cirrocephalus

Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida

White-winged Tern         Chlidonias leucopterus

Black Tern         Chlidonias niger

PTEROCLIDIFORMES: Pteroclididae

Double-banded Sandgrouse      Pterocles bicinctus

Burchell's Sandgrouse   Pterocles burchelli

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

Common Pigeon           Columba livia

Speckled Pigeon           Columba guinea

European Turtle Dove    Streptopelia turtur

Mourning Collared Dove            Streptopelia decipiens

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

Ring-necked Dove         Streptopelia capicola

Laughing Dove  Spilopelia senegalensis

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove    Turtur chalcospilos

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis

African Green Pigeon    Treron calvus

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae

Rosy-faced Lovebird     Agapornis roseicollis

Meyer's Parrot   Poicephalus meyeri

African Fish Eagle

MUSOPHAGIFORMES: Musophagidae

Grey Go-away-bird        Corythaixoides concolor

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis

Coppery-tailed Coucal   Centropus cupreicaudus

Jacobin Cuckoo            Clamator jacobinus

Common Cuckoo          Cuculus canorus

STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae

Western Barn Owl          Tyto alba

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl     Bubo lacteus

Pearl-spotted Owlet       Glaucidium perlatum

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar            Caprimulgus rufigena

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

African Palm Swift         Cypsiurus parvus

Common Swift  Apus apus

African Black Swift        Apus barbatus

White-rumped Swift       Apus caffer

COLIIFORMES: Coliidae

Speckled Mousebird      Colius striatus

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae

Purple Roller     Coracias naevius

Lilac-breasted Roller      Coracias caudatus

Broad-billed Roller         Eurystomus glaucurus

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater            Merops hirundineus

Little Bee-eater  Merops pusillus

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides

European Bee-eater       Merops apiaster

Southern Carmine Bee-eater       Merops nubicoides

BUCEROTIFORMES: Upupidae

African Hoopoe Upupa africana

BUCEROTIFORMES: Phoeniculidae

Green Wood Hoopoe    Phoeniculus purpureus

Common Scimitarbill     Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

Lilac-breasted Roller

BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae

Bradfield's Hornbill        Tockus bradfieldi

African Grey Hornbill     Tockus nasutus

Southern Red-billed Hornbill       Tockus rufirostris

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill   Tockus leucomelas

BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucorvidae

Southern Ground Hornbill           Bucorvus leadbeateri

PICIFORMES: Lybiidae

Acacia Pied Barbet        Tricholaema leucomelas

Black-collared Barbet     Lybius torquatus

Crested Barbet  Trachyphonus vaillantii

PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae

Greater Honeyguide       Indicator indicator

PICIFORMES: Picidae

Bennett's Woodpecker   Campethera bennettii

Golden-tailed Woodpecker         Campethera abingoni

Cardinal Woodpecker    Dendropicos fuscescens

Bearded Woodpecker    Dendropicos namaquus

PASSERIFORMES: Platysteiridae

Chinspot Batis  Batis molitor

PASSERIFORMES: Prionopidae

White-crested Helmetshrike        Prionops plumatus

PASSERIFORMES: Malaconotidae

Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis

Black-crowned Tchagra  Tchagra senegalus

Black-backed Puffback  Dryoscopus cubla

Ethiopian Boubou         Laniarius aethiopicus

Southern Boubou          Laniarius ferrugineus

Swamp Boubou            Laniarius bicolor

Crimson-breasted Shrike            Laniarius atrococcineus

Brubru  Nilaus afer

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

Magpie Shrike   Urolestes melanoleucus

Southern White-crowned Shrike  Eurocephalus anguitimens

Lesser Grey Shrike        Lanius minor

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

Black-headed Oriole      Oriolus larvatus

Three-banded Plover

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae

Fork-tailed Drongo        Dicrurus adsimilis

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae

African Paradise Flycatcher       Terpsiphone viridis

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

Cape Crow        Corvus capensis

Pied Crow         Corvus albus

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae

Southern Black Tit         Parus niger

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae

Rufous-naped Lark        Mirafra africana

Eastern Clapper Lark     Mirafra fasciolata

Fawn-colored Lark         Calendulauda africanoides

Sabota Lark      Calendulauda sabota

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark   Eremopterix leucotis

Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark         Eremopterix verticalis

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae

African Red-eyed Bulbul            Pycnonotus nigricans

Common Bulbul            Pycnonotus barbatus

Dark-capped Bulbul       Pycnonotus tricolor

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae

Brown-throated Martin    Riparia paludicola

Sand Martin      Riparia riparia

Barn Swallow    Hirundo rustica

Wire-tailed Swallow        Hirundo smithii

Pearl-breasted Swallow  Hirundo dimidiata

Rock Martin       Ptyonoprogne fuligula

Common House Martin  Delichon urbicum

Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata

PASSERIFORMES: Macrosphenidae

Long-billed Crombec     Sylvietta rufescens

PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae

Willow Warbler  Phylloscopus trochilus

PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae

Olive-tree Warbler          Hippolais olivetorum

PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae

Little Rush Warbler        Bradypterus baboecala

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae

Chirping Cisticola          Cisticola pipiens

Levaillant's Cisticola      Cisticola tinniens

Croaking Cisticola         Cisticola natalensis

Neddicky          Cisticola fulvicapilla

Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus

Tawny-flanked Prinia      Prinia subflava

Black-chested Prinia      Prinia flavicans

Barred Wren-Warbler      Calamonastes fasciolatus

Green-capped Eremomela         Eremomela scotops

Greater Blue-eared Starling

PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae

Arrow-marked Babbler   Turdoides jardineii

Hartlaub's Babbler         Turdoides hartlaubii

Southern Pied Babbler   Turdoides bicolor

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae

Chestnut-vented Warbler            Sylvia subcaerulea

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

Common Starling           Sturnus vulgaris

Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea

Greater Blue-eared Starling         Lamprotornis chalybaeus

Meves's Starling            Lamprotornis mevesii

Burchell's Starling          Lamprotornis australis

Red-winged Starling       Onychognathus morio

PASSERIFORMES: Buphagidae

Red-billed Oxpecker      Buphagus erythrorhynchus

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

Groundscraper Thrush   Psophocichla litsitsirupa

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

White-browed Robin-Chat          Cossypha heuglini

Bearded Scrub Robin    Erythropygia quadrivirgata

White-browed Scrub Robin        Erythropygia leucophrys

Kalahari Scrub Robin     Erythropygia paena

Arnot’s Chat      Pentholaea arnotti

Capped Wheatear          Oenanthe pileata

Familiar Chat     Cercomela familiaris

Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora

Southern Black Flycatcher          Melaenornis pammelaina

Marico Flycatcher          Bradornis mariquensis

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae

Collared Sunbird           Hedydipna collaris

Amethyst Sunbird          Chalcomitra amethystina

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis

Marico Sunbird  Cinnyris mariquensis

Purple-banded Sunbird  Cinnyris bifasciatus

White-bellied Sunbird     Cinnyris talatala

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver   Plocepasser mahali

Great Sparrow   Passer motitensis

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow  Passer diffusus

PASSERIFORMES: Ploceidae

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver         Bubalornis niger

Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons

Southern Brown-throated Weaver           Ploceus xanthopterus

Southern Masked Weaver          Ploceus velatus

Village Weaver  Ploceus cucullatus

Red-headed Weaver      Anaplectes rubriceps

Red-headed Quelea       Quelea erythrops

Red-billed Quelea          Quelea quelea

Southern Brown-throated Weaver

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae

Green-winged Pytilia      Pytilia melba

Red-headed Finch         Amadina erythrocephala

Red-billed Firefinch       Lagonosticta senegala

Blue Waxbill      Uraeginthus angolensis

Violet-eared Waxbill       Uraeginthus granatinus

Black-faced Waxbill       Estrilda erythronotos

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae

Western Yellow Wagtail  Motacilla flava

African Pied Wagtail      Motacilla aguimp

African Pipit      Anthus cinnamomeus

Buffy Pipit        Anthus vaalensis

Plain-backed Pipit         Anthus leucophrys

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae

Black-throated Canary    Crithagra atrogularis

Yellow-fronted Canary    Crithagra mozambica

Yellow Canary   Crithagra flaviventris

PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting       Emberiza tahapisi

Golden-breasted Bunting           Emberiza flaviventris


And now for the mammals...

Oryx. Showing that it's not always a bed of roses for the winner in a battle of 2 bulls! The bull shown in the top section of the photograph is now carrying the horn of it's rival in the side of his neck, whilst the losing bull takes a rest with his one remaining horn.

Mammal List

Burchell's Zebra

Antelope Roan

Antelope Sable

Baboon Chacma

Badger Honey

Buffalo

Bushbuck

Duiker Common

Elephant African

Fox Bat-eared

Fox Silver

Genet Small-spotted

Giraffe

Hippopotamus

Hyaena Spotted

Impala

Jackal Black-backed

Jackal Side-striped

Kudu

Leopard

Lion

Mongoose Banded

Mongoose Dwarf

Sable

Mongoose Slender

Mongoose Yellow

Monkey Vervet

Oryx

Peter's Epauletted Bat

Porcupine

Red Lechwe

Sitatunga

Springbok

Squirrel Tree

Steenbok

Tsessebe

Warthog

Waterbuck

Wildebeest Blue

Zebra Burchell's




For full tour description and itinerary see Here

Photographs: Jimmy (Drongo) Turner and Spanish Nature

The Crew and a rather aloof tour leader doing his Livingston impression! A big thank you to Kurt McKenzie for his great company and superb guiding, also Annelies and the crew for making everything work, both your friendships are very much appreciated. 

2012 Tour Date for the next Botswana Safari - 29th October to 11th November details HERE