SA Rare Bird News Report - 20th December 2012
Robert Wienand
For some strange reason this report did not go through last night, but shows as having been sent in my Sent items. So here is trying again.
This is the Southern African Rare Bird News Report issued at 21h10 on Thursday, 20th December 2012. Information has been gleaned from various websites, email groups as well as observers who have passed on their sightings. This report cannot be taken as being totally comprehensive as it is based only on information made available at the time of writing. All bird sightings reported here are reported in good faith based on information as provided by the observers. Any inaccuracies are totally unintentional and the writer cannot be held liable for these. For those who may have only joined the group recently and are interested in finding out what has been seen in the past, previous reports can be viewed at http://groups.google.co.za/group/sa-rarebirdnews
Starting in Mpumalanga the AFRICAN SKIMMER that was first reported from Mkhombo Dam on Monday, was not seen on Tuesday, but did make a brief appearance to a few lucky birders on Wednesday, before once again disappearing. There have been no further reports of this bird being seen, but it may be worth keeping an eye out for this species over the next few days, as it might just be in another area of the dam. There has also been an unconfirmed report of a BAR-TAILED GODWIT and a WHITE-FRONTED PLOVER from the dam on Tuesday, while a PECTORAL SANDPIPER and several YELLOW WAGTAILS were once again seen today. Also on Monday and while not being a rarity the WHITE-BACKED NIGHT HERON at Mabusa was once again seen and remains a species many people have failed to connect with.
Pectoral Sandpiper at Mkhombo Dam
© Dylan Vasapolli
In Limpopo a report came through on Wednesday from Mapungubwe National Park, where a GREY CROWNED CRANE and 3 CASPIAN PLOVERS were seen at and near the Maloutswa Bird Hide.
Caspian Plover at Mapungubwe
© Patrick Rollinson
A regional rarity from the Free State was that of a LONG-CRESTED EAGLE that has been present in Parys recently, and once again seen today.
In Kwazulu Natal the only update received has been that of the BLACK HERON at Umgeni River Mouth. The bird was still present on Wednesday morning.
Finally, in Namibia a report has just come through of a BLACK-TAILED GODWIT at Fisher’s Pan in Etosha National Park.
Please remember that while Trevor is away, André Marx and myself will be handling all rarity reports. Please feel free to contact us.
André Marx:
083 411 7674
Robert Wienand
083 299 2484
Thank you to all observers who have contributed their records. Please continue to send through any reports of odd birds as well as continued updates on the presence of rarities already previously reported, no matter how mundane you think they may be. Even if you think someone else has probably sent in a report, rather send the report yourself as well. The only way to improve this service and to make it as useful as possible to everyone is if it can be as comprehensive as possible.
Kind regards
Robert & André