SARBN Thursday 17 July 2025

[Garret Skead]

Dear SARBN subscribers

As expected for the time of year, there aren't many rarities in the mix, but here's a summary of the reports I've received from various platforms in the last few days.

In the Western Cape, two GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTINGS were seen near Friemersheim on Wednesday, at -33.953, 22.126, and the GOLIATH HERON was also still at the Liesbeek river confluence.

In the Eastern Cape, the long-staying GROUNDSCRAPER THRUSH was reported today from Kenton Primary School today.

In Kwazulu-Natal, three BURCHELL'S COURSERS were seen at Galway farm near Newcastle on Tuesday, and a CAPPED WHEATEAR was also present at the same site. It's worth noting that the coursers are mostly present on the burnt ground in the Free State side of the farm, and that this site requires access permission to be arranged in advance. In Zululand, a RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON was seen at Amazibu hide, eastern shores iSimangaliso on Wednesday.

In Mpumalanga, one AFRICAN SKIMMER was reported at Malelane bridge on Wednesday, and the SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO was still at the same site near Satara this afternoon.

And finally, in Namibia, a rather unseasonal EUROPEAN BEE-EATER was reported from Onguma reserve at the Onkolo hide on Monday.

Kind regards

Garret