Lesser Striped Swallow Photo

This photograph of a Lesser Striped Swallow was taken in the Pilanesberg National Park. According to the Wikipedia entry for this bird, the Lesser Swallow is 15-10 cm long, has dark blue upperparts with a red rump and a rufous-chestnut crown, nape and sides of the head. The underparts are white with dark streaking, and the upper wings and underwing flight feathers are blackish-brown … Continued

Double Collared Sunbird Photo

This magnificent photograph of the Double Collared Sunbird was sent to us by Diane Morrison (who also submitted the spectacular photo of the Knysna Loerie). South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in the world and its not difficult to see why when we see photos like this. Continued

Ground Hornbill Photo

A great photograph of a Southern Ground Hornbill taken at the Kruger National Park was sent to us by Lindsay Wedel. The Southern Ground Hornbill or “Lehututu” as it is locally called, may not be around for much longer. These huge black birds with their distinctive beaks and bright red wattles are part of the hornbill family that occurs naturally only in Africa and Asia. However, hornbill numbers are declining due to loss of habitat … Continued

Knysna Loerie

One of our favourite photographs is this one, submitted by Diane Morrison, of the Knysna Loerie. Knysna louries clamber around in trees, hopping from branch to branch in search of fruit and seeds, which they swallow whole. They exist usually in pairs or small family groups, and noisily defend their territory with a hoarse ‘kow-kow’ noise … Continued

Oxpecker Research Facility unveiled at Mokopane

Red-billed Oxpecker

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa’s Mokopane Centre unveiled its custom-designed oxpecker facility on Friday 18th July 2008. This facility is for the research of Red-billed Oxpeckers with the aim of breeding and relocating these endangered birds to areas throughout South Africa.

In the 1900’s oxpecker numbers were drastically reduced as a result of the use of dips to treat livestock against tick infestations. As a result, many oxpeckers, whose main source of food is ticks, were killed by the poison. Since that time, awareness has been created of more oxpecker-friendly cattle dips. This has helped to restore the symbiotic relationship that previously existed between the oxpeckers and the cattle that it rids of ticks. In the wild, oxpeckers rid many large antelope of ticks. Continued

A Visit to “Birds of Eden” in Plettenberg Bay

Birds of Eden

Birds of Eden is a unique and enormous 2 hectare dome which spans over a gorge of lush indigenous forest. It is, in fact, the World’s largest free flight bird sanctuary dome. The nets are placed rather high in the air to allow the birds to fly around freely. They are protected from any unwanted predators.

The decision to develop Birds of Eden stemmed from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and miniature monkeys. This gorgeous dome is home to over 100 species of vibrant birds including a few endangered species. More than 2000 birds habitate this dome.

When we entered the dome, it is as if you have literally entered paradise. It is absolutely exquisite! We were welcomed by 2 African Grey Parrots. These gorgeous birds seemed to be keenly interested in us! These birds have become so accustomed to humans that they like to amuse themselves with them. It felt rather wonderful having birds fly on your shoulder and arms. Yet, while there were some that were friendly and leisurely sitting on our arms, there was another African Grey Parrot trying to bite our feet and following us wherever we went! Continued

Stately “Lehututu” may not be around for much longer

Article by: By Fred Katerere, BUA News

Bela Bela – The stately Southern Ground Hornbill or “Lehututu” as it is locally called, may not be around for much longer. These huge black birds with their distinctive beaks and bright red wattles are part of the hornbill family that occurs naturally only in Africa and Asia. However, hornbill numbers are declining due to loss of habitat.

Southern Ground Hornbill

Many species will not survive without human intervention,” says chief executive officer of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board, Benny Boshielo. “For any successful conservation effort, the active involvement of provincial authorities, conservation agencies and communities is needed,” said Boshielo.

The world’s 60 species of hornbills are rapidly declining in numbers worldwide. There are less than 1 500 Southern Ground Hornbills left in South Africa. Their numbers have dropped by more than 10 percent in the past three decades. The province has made the Lehututu its avian flagship in the same way it has made the mighty baobab its provincial symbol and flagship of the savannah biome.

Mabula Game Reserve is also the base for the The Ground Hornbill Research and Conservation Project started in 1999.

Article from BUA News

Related Links:
South Africa Birds
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Seabird Viewing off Simon’s Town and Cape Point

Birding Tours

Simon’s Town has long been internationally acclaimed for its unique African Penguin colony and its ‘fynbos’ bird specials such as the charismatic Cape Sugarbird and the striking Orange-breasted Sunbird. Now it enjoys worldwide recognition as a base for international birdwatchers in search of seabirds or ‘pelagic’ species as they are known in birding circles.

Throughout the year ‘birders’ set off to sea from the old quay on a variety of offshore craft of which Harry Dilley’s converted motor torpedo boat ‘Zest’ is the best known. Continued

A Birders Delight – Avian Leisure

Avian Leisure

Avian Leisure – Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula, South Africa: For nature lovers and other discerning tourists who want luxurious yet affordable self-catering accommodation in natural surroundings, Avian Leisure has a magnificent situation at the top of Froggy Farm, Simon’s Town, overlooking False Bay. Set amidst pristine Cape Fynbos means you can see whales, penguins and a host of other birds right from your bedroom.

South Africa Birdlife and Wildlife Tours – We would be delighted to assist you in planning your trip to the Western Cape and South Africa, whether it be guided or self-drive. In particular we specialise in compiling complete birding and wildlife tour itineraries tailored to your specific requirements, through our network of personally selected safari operators.

View: Additional Information and Photographs

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For additional information see:
South Africa Birdlife
South Africa Tours

South Africa for Birders

Jackal Buzzard

South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in the world. An incomparable combination of variety of birds, first class South African hotels and accommodation facilities, an excellent network of internal airline routes and a multitude of car hire companies (including the large internationals) and a supportive avi-tourism industry makes South Africa one of the most desirable birding destinations in the world.

Birders from around the world come to experience both the great variety of typically African birds, migrants, and endemic birds. These birders enjoy excellent birding, whether they are with an organised commercial birding tour or are touring independently. Of the +/- 850 bird species recorded in South Africa, about 725 are resident or annual visitors, and 50 of these are endemic or near-endemic to South Africa, and can only be seen in South Africa. Apart from the resident birds, South Africa hosts a number of intra-African migrants such as cuckoos and kingfishers, as well as birds from the Arctic, Europe, Central Asia, China and Antarctica during the year.

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For more information see:

• South Africa Birdlife
• South Africa Birder-friendly Lodgings