Pilanesberg update

Finally, a chance to sit in front of my computer and update things.

Summer has truly arrived, as can be witnessed in the incredibly high temperatures, phenomenal thunderstorms, and multitudes of migrants settling down for the next few months.

Violet-backed Starlings are being seen daily, while the cuckoo's are making sure they are being heard. Black, Red-chested, Klaas', Levaillant's and Jacobins Cuckoo's are all joining in the chorus in amongst the beautiful call of the African Fish-Eagles that nest in Sun City. Interestingly enough, I have seen two juvenile Fish-Eagles flying together, having in previous years only noticed one individual being raised. Within our staff village, there is a pair of Black-collared Barbets busily feeding chicks, competing alongside a pair of Black Flycatchers. Cape Wagtails successfully raised two chicks already, and have now started on their second clutch for the season. Scores of White-rumped and Little Swifts have started building nests under the Sun City Skytrain rails, joined by a few Horus Swifts. Cattle Egrets are making themselves heard, with hundreds roosting and nesting in the trees within Kwena Gardens crocodile sanctuary.

The Yellow-throated Sandgrouse are still showing well at the Sun City site, even with the abundance of water around. A few birders have visited the site recently with great success. While out in the farmlands south-east of Sun City on Sunday, I had a flock of roughly 20 Sandgrouse fly past. On looking at Google Earth maps, I can see a small dam that could well be another drinking site, and will head out there soon for confirmation.

I also received a report from Andrew Jackson of Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust yesterday, that he had seen roughly 30 YT Sandgrouse on the Moloto Drive within Pilanesberg NP. As far as I can tell, this is a first for the Park.

With the great rain we have been experiencing recently, the Pilanesberg is looking very nice, and green. Along with this comes great animal sightings and some great birding!!

Happy birding and atlassing!!