Birdlife Northern Gauteng Sandgrouse Search

Yesterday morning saw a group BLNG birders braving the cold weather hoping to find the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (YTSG).

After we relocated one vehicle who missed the turn-off (sorry, my mistake), we made our way quickly to the Sandgrouse site south of Sun City. We arrived just after 08:00, and immediately started looking for the birds I expected to have arrived already. The window of opportunity I was expecting, after recent visits, was 07:45 to 09:00. After 15 minutes of searching and waiting, the unmistakable call of the YTSG heralded the approach of a pair. A nice "fly-by" view was had by all, before the birds landed out of sight. I decided not to rush off in search of these, and rather wait for others. The next pair decided to land within metres of our vehicles, but out of view for us. Again, I chose to wait, and within minutes a small group landed in view about 60 metres away from us.

Over the next half an hour, we had a number of small groups coming and going, and were finally rewarded when a group of 5 landed roughly 20 metres from us. Great views were had by all as the birds settled, and slowly moved off towards the stream. One male very obligingly stopped to dust-bathe and allowed some of the birders to approach to within 10 metres for some great views and photo's.

A "successful chase" was called by everyone, and most of the group headed off to Pilanesberg for some more birding. The remaining few got out some coffee and rusks to celebrate, and whilst standing around, a single male YTSG landed on the gravel, allowing a brief view before taking off again. This was just after 10:00. Another single male alighted in the same area at around 10:20, and allowed a brief photo opportunity before moving off.

I estimate a total of around 30 - 35 YTSG for the morning. Total species noted was close to 40 species, quite a low number due to our intense focus on the sandgrouse.

Some nice species noted were Kalahari and White-browed Scrub Robin, Violet-eared Waxbill, Magpie Shrike, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Brownthroated Martin, Pearl-breasted and White-throated Swallow, White-winged Widow (starting to show breeding plumage) and Marico Sunbird. An interesting sighting of one melanistic Gabar Goshawk was seen by Niall Perrins who was trying to sneak up on the YTSG for photo's.

Thanks to the members who drove all the way out here to join us.