This is the time of the year where birding success starts to increase. Many of the migrants have already returned with Wahlberg’s eagles already nesting. The migrating birds will continue to arrive and woodland kingfishers will make their appearance next month and entertain us with their characteristic call that is indicative of summer. The last migrants, like the lesser spotted eagle, will only make their appearance in January. As with the last two years the Burchell’s Coucal again predicted the coming of the first rains. Although often considered a myth, the coucal is known as the ‘rain bird’ because it tends to call just before it starts raining. In my experience, it’s not very accurate throughout the raining and breeding season. However, for 3 years in a row now it started raining (with the first rains) the day after I heard the coucal call for the first time in the season. That to me seems pretty accurate. Breeding plumages also adorn the males, particularly the weavers. It was great seeing the bright head of the redheaded weaver as it meticulously stripped leaves off the branches leading towards its nest. Pintailed whydahs and whitewinged widows are also changing their plumage. With a recent group of birders we manage to spot 137 different birds in the few days we were in the park. That’s not bad at all considering that many of the migrants still have to return. I’m looking forward to the birding during these summer months.
Happy Birding!
Simon Vegter
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