AVIAN LEISURE NEWS BOARD:

SAUNTERING UP SANI PASS-One of the birding highlights in South Africa

Flight has always fascinated man through the ages. Indeed marveling at the aerodynamic capabilities of Cape Vultures soaring in effortless flight on the thermals above their roosting cliffs of the Sani Valley holds an enduring and awe-inspiring fascination for most visitors to the Drakensberg.

Add to this the grandeur of the towering basalt ramparts set against an azure sky on a clear day and you have the perfect setting for another memorable four-wheel drive excursion up Sani Pass and beyond to the Highlands of Lesotho.

Yet, the experience is not all about birding, even though sightings are many and varied, that collectively make a private birding day tour on the Sani Pass one of the birding highlights in South Africa, a ‘must-do’ …

Click here to read the full trip report by Patrick Cardwell

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AUTUMN BIRDING TRIP FROM CAPE TOWN

Timothy and Lynda Hyde from Australia booked a six day private birding safari following a conference in Cape Town. Objective was to visit a cross section of different habitat types in the Western Cape with mammals and birds foremost in mind. Scenic attractions and cultural experiences to be built in as added attractions. As such the route the tailored tour followed was similar to our regular one week ‘Cape Intro’ birding tour.

The route in the wake of the departure of our summer migrants started at Cape Point itself on what must surely rank as the windiest day for the year to date with gale force winds buffeting the south western tip of the continent. This to the extent we could hardly stand up to take stock of our surroundings. Even the resident African Ostrich and Bontebok antelope community were having difficulty holding their own between gusts.

Conditions such as this are nothing new to the ‘Cape of Storms’ and called for ‘pocket birding’ aimed at winkling out sought after sightings in sheltered spots of well protected worth within the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Click here to read the full trip report by Patrick Cardwell

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ANNE ALBATROSS PELAGIC BIRDING TRIP FROM CAPE TOWN

The run up to the pelagic was characterized by gale force conditions through to Friday evening when the south easterly finally abated leaving behind a flat and fog shrouded sea in its wake. A southerly wind of around 20kms failed to materialize as forecast and we set off for the trawling grounds from Simon’s Town on board ‘Destiny’ skippered by Alan Blacklaw at 07.30 with six on board.

Apart from a Bryde’s Whale appearing unexpectedly for a brief moment only the usual list of coastal birds were in evidence inside of False Bay along with the ever present pod of Cape Fur Seals off Partridge Point. From a photographic point of view our brief stop to radio in our destination intentions to the radio officer on duty at Cape Point proved disappointing as the south peninsula was still shrouded in fog. This was no doubt largely due to the water temperature having dropped to 11 degrees as a result of the upwelling induced by the prevailing south easterly weather pattern.

Our bearing was set at 250 degrees south west of the point with the canyon area as our destination objective - this with a working trawler foremost in mind. On heading out to Bellow’s Rock a single Dusky Dolphin joined us for a brief moment of half-hearted surfing in the wake. Given the lack of sun and limited visibility due to the fog it was very much a case of ‘silhouette shooting’ as pelagic seabirds appeared at intermittent intervals out of the gloom for a subliminal glimpse before disappearing almost immediately.

Click here to read the full trip report by Patrick Cardwell

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AFRICAN OPENBILL IRRUPTION – OPEN TO DEBATE

The African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus) irruption appears to be an ongoing affair with sightings progressing steadily westwards from KZN through Eastern Cape and now along the Atlantic seaboard north of Cape Town as I type.

What caused this unprecedented influx by this high gregarious, medium sized stork of aquatic habitat preference to vacate its known sites within tropical Africa for a deep south migratory flight is still something of a mystery at this stage.

Normally associated with wetlands, swamps, rice paddies, lake edges, large perennial rivers this unmistakable stork, with its highly specialized bill adapted for the skillful extraction of fresh water snails and mussels from their protective shells, is confined in the main to trans-equatorial movement in tropical regions.

Within this sphere of movement migratory behavior appears to be dictated by the availability and abundance of preferred food types and is closely linked to rainfall and breeding site selection.

Numbers within favoured feeding and breeding areas range from abundant to very abundant and the population as a whole appears to be stable and not under threat within its recorded range.

So why did a break away collective embark on a journey southwards to the Western Cape?

Could it possibly have had something to do with an aberration in the weather pattern associated with the intra-tropical convergence zone moving further south than normal and apparently settling in over Gauteng…

Or could it in some way be associated with an equally unexpected irruption of Namaqua Doves and Lark-like Buntings that arrived in number along the west coast in November in response to adverse conditions in the central interior.

Although the regular pattern of African Openbill migratory movement is not clearly understood it is known that the majority of birds breed slightly south of the equator in tropical areas close to their main food supply of fresh water mussels and snails.

So why the influx? Is it simply a case of a breakaway group of young radicals taking a gap year or a wayward flock of stragglers suffering from reverse migration and heading south and not north as is usual at this time of year.

Perhaps it was simply a ‘kettle’, an American birding term for hundreds if not thousands of birds, spiraling on thermals to gain altitude before gliding as a collective in a set direction that collapsed in a state of geographic confusion due to jet stream interference.

Maybe it was simply ‘pure wanderlust’ as so succinctly stated by Iain Sinclair on radio many years ago when asked what explanation was behind a mega ‘tick’ in the form of a Herring Gull finding its way all the way to Durban from Europe to the delight of the local ‘twitching’ community.

As of the time of writing reports of recent sightings are still coming through with the latest from Intaka Island on the northern outskirts of Cape Town.

Who knows whether the latest arrivals are the remnants of the original flock or an independent contingent of seriously lost birds soon to return from whence they came leaving the question as to what caused the unexpected irruption open for general and scientific debate…

PJC/Avian Leisure/06/02/10

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DESERT DUELLERS OF NAMIBIA - Patrick Cardwell February 2010

The sands of the Namib Desert are made up of a scenic mix of crescent shaped barchan dunes rising to 100m in height above the sandy coastline and rocky outcrops that flank the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela current which flows northwards from Antarctica along the southwestern coast of Africa.

Prevailing on shore winds carry moisture laden air in the form of coastal fog inland under the influence of a high pressure cell which prevents the inter-tropical convergence zone from reaching the Atlantic from the east. This combination gives the Namib Desert its extremely arid climate with less than ten rain days a year!

Within this sprawling sea of constantly shifting sand a fascinating variety of plants and animals have evolved to co-exist within what at first appears to be a totally inhospitable environment.

First impressions are misleading and on closer investigation the many signs in the sand point towards a vibrant community of ants, beetles, lizards, geckos, snakes, rodents, mammals and, of course, birds.

Of the latter the species mix is limited to a few hardy species that have successfully adapted to a life in the dune fields. Black-breasted Snake Eagles, Pale Chanting Goshawks, Dusky Sunbirds, Cape Sparrows, Common Waxbills, TracTrac Chats and Dune Larks constitute the suite of potential sightings on offer.

Setting off in search of Dune Larks in the low vegetated hummock dunes within the fossilized mouth of the Kuiseb River delta is a very special and different birding experience to the normal bird walk.

As one trudges along in heavy sand so one becomes attuned to the different tracks around one as lizards scamper off in all directions and tenebrionid beetles power their way up a slip face to escape the potential threat of predation.

Vegetation is sparse with isolated clumps of dollar bush and wild tamarisk here and there while the hummock dunes support a highly specialized melon like plant much favoured by humans and animals alike within this desiccated environment.

This habitat is home to the much sought after Dune Lark – one of Namibia’s prized sightings and top endemic birds.

 Its presence in close proximity is usually disclosed by an increase in bird tracks about one. This is usually followed by a rodent like movement catching the eye within the spikey grass tufts or around the edges of the leafless, thorny branches that protect the life sustaining melons within the centre.

On first contact one is struck by how well matched the plumage is to the surrounding dune colour and how rodent like the bird is with its quick erratic movements as it chases about after ants and insects between quite spells of focused feeding around the base of a grass tuft.

Perseverance and a quiet approach are likely to reward with close up views of a foraging pair or even a bird in flight as it hovers skylark like in full song over its territory within this seemingly desolate yet rewarding environment of many exquisite interests for the visiting naturalist to enjoy.

For more information on birding tours and wildlife safaris with Avian Leisure for birders,
wildlife enthusiastsand photographers, Contact Avian Leisure

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GHOST STRIDERS OF THE SKELETON COAST

The Namib Desert plains north of the popular fishing hamlet of Henties Bay impart a sense of lunar dimension and timelessness caught up in infinity as one gazes across a landscape said to be the oldest desert in the world.

Fog banks roll in across the quartz studded gravel plains that seemingly stretch forever in what appears to be a lifeless and scenically sterile environment that has withstood the rigors of geological change in its present form since the emergence of time itself.

Unlike the ever active and restless sand dune system to the south of Walvis Bay the gravel plains of the north are shrouded by a grey gypsum veil supporting a wide variety of highly specialized plant and animal forms. These have adapted successfully to a life within this desolate and wind swept coastal habitat.

Aptly named the Skeleton Coast this timeless environment with its collection of many ship wrecks over the centuries and mausoleum of whale and fur seal bones stretching along its inhospitable and rugged coastline holds a fascination for visiting geologists and naturalists caught up in the scenic tapestry of pastel shades that stretch away to purple and pink horizons in the shimmering heat haze.

All around there is little for the ear beyond the crashing surf as it rolls across the offshore shoals or the sound of heavy duty tyres crunching along the salt impregnated road heading north to Cape Cross. This point of historical significance is where Diego Cao, a knight of the Portuguese court, landed in 1485 during his pioneering voyage to find a route around Africa to the Far East. It also happens to be a Cape Fur Seal rookery of expanding proportions which will be covered in a separate account.

Yet it is not all desolation, for inland from the coast within the pale grey and rose quartz gravel plains of the fog belt another of Namibia’s very special endemic bird species is to be found in the form of Gray’s Lark.

Usually encountered in highly communicative flocks, this pale grey lark of nomadic disposition, ghosts along energetically across the gypsum crust of the desert plain in a frenetic search for seeds and insects. Here it presents as an almost invisible presence against the pale backdrop of its preferred habitat and as such makes for a challenging sighting as the lunar-like landscape scrolls endlessly by…. Challenge aside Gray’s Lark constitutes the very essence of survival in this harsh and desolate landscape of scattered rocks and lichen fields making it unquestionably a highly specialized species well worth searching for with a sense of dedication. This challenge as part of any visit to the Namib Desert and the evocative Skeleton Coast, with its legendary tales of ship wrecks and lost treasure dating back through the ages, constitute a further good reason to visit this ancient land fossilized by time.

For more information on birding tours and wildlife safaris with Avian Leisure for birders,
wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, Contact Avian Leisure

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THE EXQUISITE CAPE GANNETS OF BIRD ISLAND IN LAMBERT'S BAY

No birding tour or photographic tour up the West Coast of the Atlantic (South Africa) would be complete without a couple of hours at dawn or dusk to view and photograph the Cape Gannets flighting in and out of the roost on Bird Island.

As a setting the island is scenically well placed with evenly spaced Atlantic swells rolling in to crash in spectacular fashion against the outer most bastions of Cape Fur Seal encrusted boulders shielding the central interior as they have effectively done through the ages. This sanctuary in the heart of Lambert's Bay is both roost and breeding ground to thousands of seabirds seeking shelter and security from the worst of the northerly gales and winter storms sweeping up from the Antarctic.

Click here to read full article on the Cape Gannets

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BIRD GUIDE TRAINING COURSE – DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

As part of Avian Leisure’s aim to support local bird guides in South Africa, Patrick gave a 2 day training workshop to a group of trainee field guides in September:

The 28 September 2009 proved to be a highly enlightening day for a group of trainee field guides participating in a Field Guides of South Africa sponsored training programme leading to the attainment of a formal nature guiding qualification as a career opportunity.

Within the mix of many field related subjects the bird guiding course was viewed as the highlight event due to the growing public interest in birding as a recreational activity. Bird guiding is viewed increasingly as a highly desirable skill in the tourism guide workplace in South Africa.

The objective was to give the students a practical insight into what is involved in bird guiding as opposed to field guiding, and how to become a credible bird guide: The workshop content included planning requirements before and on the day, descriptive terminology for birding and birders (for example leisure birders compared with twitchers!), a discussion of how to rank sightings within SA’s mix of over 900 species, do’s and don’ts in the field, birding ethics in detail and 10 key tips to improve one’s birding skills as the grand finale.

The workshop was followed by a practical ‘walk & talk’ and demo of the various items of equipment in general use, and ended on a Q&A session over dinner that evening.

All in all a very satisfying training experience that embraced a cross section of SA society drawn from all walks of life and communities as far afield as the Garden Route in the east and along the Atlantic coastline in the West.

We wish them all success with their exams and a long and rewarding career as the field guides of tomorrow!

Patrick Cardwell
Avian Leisure

Contact Avian Leisure for more information on Avian Leisure’s Responsible Tourism pledge.

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BOOKS ABOUT BIRDS - OCTOBER 2009

This month we want to highlight some new books we have come across… an excellent photographic field guide by Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan, an innovative Quick Reference Field Guide by Warwick and Philip Tarboton, and on the lighter side, a delightful novel, about birding set in East Africa.

The Complete Photographic Guide: Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair & Peter Ryan
ISBN CODE 978 1 77007 388 3

The Complete Photographic Guide: Birds of Southern Africa is a large-format photographic field guide to southern African birds. It comprises the biggest and most comprehensive collection of photographs of the region's birds. It describes and illustrates all 958 bird species found in southern Africa, and an additional 17 species recorded from the Southern Ocean and associated islands, including Antarctica . There are over 2 500 images showing age and sex plumage variations!

This comprehensive guide follows traditional species sequence. It brings a new dimension to bird identification in southern Africa and will prove indispensable in the field.



Common Kruger Park Birds – A Quick Reference Field Guide , by Philip and Warwick Tarboton

This is a clever fold-out bird guide covering over 220 bird species most likely to be seen in the Kruger Park . We like it because of its unique folding design and the fact that it is light and small enough to fit into a side pocket, and covers just enough about each bird to be able to make an ID.

Most of the photos of Warwick 's (more of which can be seen on his website www.warwicktarboton.co.za ). An inexpensive, handy aid for visitors to the Kruger Park and surrounding reserves. Retail price R70.

It can be ordered directly through Avian Leisure



A Guide to the Birds of East Africa (A novel) by Nicholas Drayson, ISBN code 978-0-670-91758-7

For birding folk looking for a light hearted break from bird reference material and field guides the above is a must read.

A copy was given to me by a birding friend and proved to be a delightful read with all the characters and idiosyncrasies well portrayed, revolving around birding in Kenya . Comes highly recommended...

Available at most bookshops in paperback.

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WINTER BIRDING THE ‘IVORY TRAIL' AT PAFURI IN KRUGER PARK

Patrick Cardwell: July 2009

Limpopo River Fish Eagle Bateleur African Hawk Eagle White Helmet-Shrike Retz's Helmet-Shrike Lilac-breasted Roller Red-headed Weaver non-breeding

 Luvuvhu River , Pafuri

Each and every dedicated birder has his or her birding ‘patch' of special significance for whatever personal or emotional reason. Perhaps it was an original introduction to ‘birding' that triggered it or an experience of particular significance that indelibly reinforced a warm and lasting association.

Either way such a ‘patch' is a special place we look forward to returning to time and again for sheer birding pleasure and the sense of eager anticipation warmly associated with renewing past birding acquaintances. One such place that has held me emotionally captive is Pafuri in the remote north eastern corner of the Kruger National Park.


Here over 40 years ago I experienced my first ‘Peter's Finfoot' sighting as the African Finfoot was known locally at the time. It was an almost ethereal experience as the finfoot drifted down stream on the hardly perceptible current in search of dragonflies in the overhanging vegetation. For a moment time stood still as I soaked up the scene of this very special and much sought after sighting culminating in a visual display of day-glow orange feet, as the bird clambered clumsily up and over a partly submerged log, before disappearing around the bend. Still today I can visualize the tranquil scene with perfect clarity that etched Pafuri into my brain as one of my favorite birding sites.

Today, as the 21st century kicks into gear little has changed at Pafuri since my first visit thanks to conservation policies in place. Still the ‘lazy,grey green Limpopo river all set about with fever trees', as so eloquently described by Rudyard Kipling, meanders through the sandbanks with relentless determination on its way to the Indian Ocean; and still the African Fish Eagle heralds the dawn at the crocodile studded convergence with the Luvuvhu river.

It is a timeless place graced by towering Nyala, Jackalberry, Natal Mahogany, Leadwood and sprawling Sycamore Fig trees that collectively make up the riverine corridor of magnificent trees that are home to a wide diversity of mammals and birds. No where else I know is the grunt of hippo as they porpoise about and the wailing of Trumpeter Hornbills more appropriate as an audio backdrop to a mornings' birding in this unique setting with its point of convergence of the two rivers at a derelict bush camp once known as Crook's Corner.

Here during the good old ivory poaching days and many a dubious transaction associated with illicit gold and diamond trading that elephant poachers and prospectors hiding from the law would converge in the knowledge that political immunity was but one step away across the ‘international' border be the official authority South African, Rhodesian or Mozambican. Tales abound of an era long past best encapsulated by T.V.Bulpin in his classic review of goings on at the time along the ‘Ivory Trail'.

Today the bounders, cads, poachers and social misfits have departed the scene leaving pure serenity in their wake with only the sights and sounds of nature remaining as a timeless legacy of an Africa that has undergone so much change elsewhere on the continent.

This very special corner can be reached as a day trip out of either Punda Maria camp some 70kms to the south or Pafuri River Camp situated just west of the Park boundary. For those with an overnight inclination and holiday budget the wilderness safari camp situated on the north bank of the Luvuvhu river in the Makuleki conservancy is the way to go with a three night stay in mind.

Either way the surrounding area of mopani woodland and rocky ridges studded with ancient baobab trees that flank the heavily wooded riverine corridor collectively supports a wide variety of magnificent mammals including elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard along with an assortment of antelope including impala, greater kudu, waterbuck and the magnificent and highly localized and plentiful nyala.

Yet it is the birdlife that brings me back time and again in search of repeat sightings of resident species such as African Finfoot, White-crowned Plover, Trumpeter Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Hooded, White-headed and Lappet-faced Vulture, African Fish and Verreaux's Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Dickinson's Kestrel, Grey-headed and Brown-headed Parrot, Giant Kingfisher, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Ashy Flycatcher, Tropical Boubou, Purple-crested Turaco, African Green Pigeon, Crested Guineafowl, Bohm's and Mottled Spinetail, Mosque Swallow, Green-capped Eremomela, Yellow White-eye and for those staying overnight Bat Hawk at dusk and Bronze-winged and Three-banded Courser on a night drive through Wilderness Safaris plus the lucky chance of a Pel's Fishing Owl on its favorite hunting perch near the Luvuvhu bridge.

A list of mid-winter sightings totalling 167 resident species along the road from Punda Maria to Pafuri itself is available for those who are interested. A mid-summer list would be significantly higher with a good spread of intra-Africa and Palearctic migrant's present in the surrounding woodland. Need I say more to justify my passion for Pafuri!

For more info on the area and where to stay contact Patrick at Avian Leisure.

PJC/Avian Leisure/ 12/07/09.

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BIRDING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN CENTRAL MOZAMBIQUE - By Patrick Cardwell

For me finally leaving the bustling international border post with its plethora of pedantic paperwork and other time consuming control requirements marks the definitive start to an exciting birding holiday exploring the relatively uninhibited hinterland of central Mozambique along roads less traveled ...

Strategically situated close to the meandering Crocodile river, which scythes its way lethargically through the boulder strewn and euphorbia dotted Lebombo mountains at the southern end of the Kruger National Park, this outpost of a Colonial era long ago has seen travelers come and go in their quest for a new life as mining opportunity opened up the promise of good fortune in the 19th Century.

Mahindra in Water Feature! Olive-headed Weaver African Broadbill Chestnut-fronted Helmet Shrike Racket-tailed Roller Saddle-billed Stork ancient baobab trees Mount Gorongosa Scenery Scenery

While this sense of economic opportunity can no longer be said to strictly apply to the modern day traveler, there is nevertheless for me an air of eager anticipation that envelops my senses as I gaze in awe and wonder across a largely uninhabited landscape dotted about with baobab trees and a myriad of lily covered pans, surrounded by yellow fever trees, so characteristic of the coastal plain of Mozambique.

As such this unique African setting holds the potential for me of a host of new bird and mammal sightings of a localized and, in some instances, extremely isolated nature in the central interior. Most are likely to be found along roads less traveled in the remote lowland forests of this vast and relatively uninhabited land that extends for over 2500kms from South Africa to the Tanzanian border.

It is GPS country where ‘Tracks for Africa’ count for more than conventional road maps in a world devoid of signage once what little in the way of the tarred arterial EN1 is left far behind as one journeys north east. Here in the heartland one discovers the wonders of 4X4 capability as the varying state of the network of logging tracks and capillary like roads within the mix of rural towns and villages test the spectrum of vehicle and driver capability. Sandy tracks, gouged out drainage lines, rustic bridges and saturated wetlands are all part of the recurring medley of off road experiences that scroll past as each day of adventure unfolds.

Yet it is the diversity of habitats themselves and the vast vistas that open up and stretch out across the pan studded flood plain with not a soul in sight that hold me in awe under pollution free African skies.

All around bird song emanates from the depths of pristine stands of miombo woodland as bird parties forage in active harmony through the connecting canopy of autumn shades and dappled sunlit glades flanked by wisps of ‘old mans beard’ trailing enchantingly from the larger trees within this fascinating biome of deciduous broad-leaf woodland. This unique habitat is also home to the much sought after and geographically restricted Olive-headed Weaver that has been high on my ‘target’ list of desirable sightings. In this regard I was not to come away disappointed with several sumptuous views enjoyed in near perfect viewing conditions!

Yet it is the lowland forests and stands of Lebombo ironwood that for me hold the greatest birding appeal in terms of quality sightings. For here in the dark recesses of tangled roots, sunlight and shadow that search in earnest for memorable views of East Coast Akalat, African Pitta, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, African Broadbill, Red-throated Twinspot and White-breasted Alethe commences in earnest.

These highly localized species form the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the under storey while higher up the overhead canopy supports such birding delights as the charismatic Black and White Flycatcher, Chestnut-fronted Helmet Shrike, Black-headed Apalis, Stierling’s Wren-Warbler, Pale Batis, Red-faced Crombec, Plain-backed and Western Violet-backed Sunbird, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Southern Hyliota, Speckle-throated and Green-backed Woodpecker, Green Malkoha, Broad-tailed Whydah and the stunning Racket-tailed Roller to mention but a few of the more regular resident species ...

Add to this the not unheard of possibility of a clear sighting of Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Dark Chanting Goshawk, African Cuckoo Hawk, Thick-billed Cuckoo, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Dickinson’s Kestrel or chance of an Ayres Hawk Eagle or even Mascarine Martin and Eastern Saw-wing circling overhead and you have a clearer picture of what is potentially available to the avid birder such as myself.

Yet it is not all about the climax forests and sprawling miombo woodland that make up the tapestry of scenic delights. Ephemeral and permanent lily covered pans of varying size and composition surrounded by tall palms and leadwood trees support African Pygmy-Goose, African and Lesser Jacana, Rufous-bellied Heron , White-backed Duck and the possibility in the winter months of ‘ticking’ off Malagasy Pond Heron hold perennial appeal for me as a wetland enthusiast.

Areas of flooded grassland are good too for Saddle-billed Stork, African Openbill, Great and Yellow-billed Egret along with Squacco Heron and a ‘lucky’ Eurasian Bittern sighting - a cryptically plumaged bird more often heard ‘booming’ but seldom seen unless on the wing as it switches location within a sprawling marsh.

Lush grassland in the surrounding floodplain of the larger rivers is good for Short-tailed Pipit in winter along with other desirable specials such Black-bellied Bustard, Black-rumped Button Quail, Locust and Quail Finch and in summer so much more as migrants in the form of Blue Quail, Pallid and Montague’s Harrier flow into the system.

Equally impressive are the isolated stands of ancient baobab trees, some of which are in excess of 2000 years of age, that support the enigmatic Bohm’s Spinetail, Lizard Buzzard and Grey-headed Parrot amongst a host of other species roosting and nesting within the crown of root like branches. This inverted appearance certainly supports the Bushman view that God in a fit of rage tore up the original belligerent baobab and plunged it head first into the ground so that forever afterwards its roots would reach up to the skies in an act of total submission!

Yet for me it is Mount Gorongosa rising out of the coastal plain to over 1800m that exudes an allure that has attracted birders with a strong sense of enthusiastic determination and exploratory commitment to its forested flanks. All like me are in search of one striking bird in particular that has been isolated by geological time from populations to the north in Malawi and Tanzania. Here we are talking about the Green-headed Oriole – an absolute ‘cracker’ of a bird found only on this mountain and no where else in Southern Africa.

Add to the thrill of the sighting such delights as Anchieta’s Tchagra and the striking Variable Sunbird on the long trek across the lower slopes of sprawling grassland and glimpses of Swynnerton’s Robin foraging in the leaf litter in deep shade, along with the White-tailed Crested Flycatcher flitting through the canopy in a state of continual agitation and you have some idea of what to expect and why I keep returning to this enchanted land ...

Mozambique is not only about birding but indeed a country rich in scenic contrast and delightful in habitat composition as one mentally blends the coastal tranquility of a inbound dhow under lateen sail in soft evening light with the full grandeur of a spectacular African sunset over the Gorongosa floodplain with the mountain itself set sentinel like in silhouette in the distance.

All in all Mozambique adds up to a truly unforgettable holistic experience of many parts to be retained and never forgotten...

Such are the delights of Mozambique and the guide best placed to lead the way has got to be Etienne Marais of Indicator Birding who has conducted regular 4X4 trips in both summer and winter to sites of particular birding interest throughout Central Mozambique.

Should you require more information on Mozambique contact Patrick at Avian Leisure or email Etienne Marais direct at etienne@birding.co.za. for updated trip reports and scheduled tours for late 2009 and 2010.

PJC/Avian Leisure 10/07/09.

VICTORIN'S 'SECRET' - By Patrick Cardwell

One of the most sought after and most difficult to locate of all the ‘fynbos' endemics is Victorin's Warbler (Cryptillas victorini). This is largely due to habitat preference associated with thick tangles of bracken and rank grass in mixed ‘fynbos' along south facing mountain slopes of the Western Cape.

Although vocal for most of the year this highly secretive skulker of note very rarely presents its cryptic plumage combination of tawny underparts and cinnamon back for a full inspection due to its rodent like behavior and frustrating habit of remaining completely concealed from view even within arms reach!

At best the persevering birder comes away with a matrix of piecemeal views as the bird hops and creeps about energetically within its chosen tangle of undergrowth as it goes about a full inspection of those desperately trying to secure a ‘tick able' view. This in itself can take a considerable amount of time and invariably leads to mounting anxiety and dwindling patience as the bird tinkles away in monotonous response to ‘spishing' and stock recordings of the call.

Like trout fishing, and the choice of fly on the day, these techniques engender mixed reactions and are not always reliable if conditions are less than perfect. Yet, like most highly secretive birds, there comes a time when patience and all the elements come together and ‘voila!' you have the ‘5 star' sighting you are after for an extended period of personal enjoyment.

And so it happened one wet and extremely windy day when Peter & Jeppe Bundgaard of Denmark set off enthusiastically for Rooi Els with Cape Rockjumper sightings in mind as our target bird for the day.

On arrival weather conditions were adverse to say the least with the wind speed picking up steadily and cold driving rain from the north west . Undeterred we decided to set off stoically along the mountain track anyway, finding shelter from the intermittent squalls of rain behind boulders and alongside vacant holiday homes as when the need arose.

Even so we were soon sopping wet and on the point of return when suddenly the wind dropped and the sun came out. Almost at once the seemingly barren mountain slope above us came to life with sunbirds, sugarbirds, robin chats, bulbuls, grassbirds, prinias, cisticolas and bishop birds appearing out of nowhere along with Cape Rockjumpers to sing, preen and feed during this brief period of respite within the weather cycle.

It was then in the distance that I picked up on a Victorin's Warbler calling repetitively and enticingly from within a stand of well developed ‘fynbos' on a nearby patch of isolated marshy ground. Its persistent call led us to within a few metres of the then still obscured bird that appeared to be calling from low down in a mixture of rank vegetation.

So loud was the call that I was able to capture a string of repetitive phrases with a simple hand held digital dictaphone used for taking field notes. On playing back the hardly audible recording the response was immediate as the ‘sound source' revealed itself in full by clambering through the shrubbery to an exposed perch in open sunlight.

So close and so preoccupied was the bird in response that binoculars were unnecessary outside of a desire for fine feather detail. Even the pale and quite distinctive orange eye was clearly visible as the highly confiding bird sang away for minutes on end providing wonderful photo opportunities in the process.

Indeed the interlude was the best I have ever had in over twenty years of observing this highly secretive and enigmatic ‘fynbos' warbler, and the stunning shot taken by Jeppe Bundgaard is proof positive of a great engagement triggered by a positive change in the weather on what at first seemed like a near hopeless day for birding in the Western Cape!