Birding Big

In trying to compete with the Big 5 mammal species, the Kruger Park also made a Big 6 birding list. These birds are listed due to their rarity and vulnerability on the endangered list. Unlike the Big 5, the Big 6 is hardly obtainable, because it contains birds like Pel’s Fishing Owl. There are only a handful of breeding pairs found in the park (mainly in the north) and most people can go a lifetime to the park without seeing one. It’s understandable then that it’s on the endangered list. I have come up with my own list of Big Birds – 10 in total. These are some of the biggest or most impressive birds of its kind (of which many are rare and found on the endangered list). They are great to see and a challenge to find. Although chances are slim that you’ll find all of them on one safari, it can be done. I’ve proven that a few times in the past and on one of my recent safaris managed it again.

 

So here is my list:

 

1. Ostrich

2. Lappetfaced Vulture

3. Martial Eagle

4. Secretary Bird

5. Giant Eagle Owl

6. Ground Hornbill

7. Kori Bustard

8. Saddlebilled Stork

9. Goliath Heron

10. Giant Kingfisher

 

So, here is my challenge to you, and especially to the birders out there. If you want to be birding big, try to find these birds on your next safari.

 

Happy Birding!

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

 

This time of the year...

This time of the year is generally considered to be the toughest time in terms of game viewing. This is due to high day-time temperatures and dense bush. However, that should not put anybody off from coming to the Kruger Park. The middle of the day can be spent in a lovely pool or air-conditioned bungalow. The dense bush often causes the animals that one does see to be close to the road, and therefore gives one great visual, like this leopard I’ve photographed on a recent tour. The other benefit of this time of the year is that the bush is lush and green and provides great scenery amidst the game viewing. Also, the birding is at its best with migrants being all present, males being very vocal and in their colourful breeding plumage, and a lot of nesting activity taking place. And then, this is the time that many youngsters are to be seen, something that one misses other times of the year. Impalas, warthogs, vervet monkeys and wildebeests (gnus) are all seasonal breeders, and by now their offspring are a cute 2-3 months old. Other animals that can give birth throughout the year often peak in summer because of food availability, and so those youngsters are also there to be seen. Although generally considered the toughest time of the year, to me it’s one of the more entertaining times.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

 

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Sabie River Flooding

With all the rain over the last few weeks, the river levels rose quite dramatically in the Kruger. So much so that the Sabie River is the fullest I’ve seen it in the last 4 years. The photos bear testimony of the amazing sight in front of Skukuza camp. Fortunately, with all the rain, it hasn’t affected the open vehicle safaris and animals sightings have still been very good with regular lion sightings.

 

Simon Vegter

Wild Wings Safaris

www.wild-wings.co.za

 

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