20 July 2022

An overdue visit to a local reserve

15 June 2022 - Beaulieu Bird Sanctuary

It had been quite some time since I last visited this local bird sanctuary that is not too far from where I live. It used to host a large and active Heronry, but that has long been abandoned - not sure why? 

So, I enjoyed an early morning walk around the reserve after dropping our dogs at play school.

While waiting for the gate to open, I walked around the parking area finding Cape Glossy Starling

Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens)



A pair of Cape Wagtails feeding in a small stream

Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis)






A Crested Barbet calling from the top of a tree

Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)



And a Southern Grey-headed Sparrow with a pleasing winter background

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffusus)


I quite liked this back lit Strelitzia

Strelitzia


Once inside, I came across a Southern Fiscal

Female Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris)


Followed by a calling Red-throated Wryneck against a striking blue winter sky

Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis)







that later moved to the parking area to feed

Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis)



However, the highlight was an Ovambo Sparrowhawk trying and missing to catch an African Hoopoe

Ovambo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis) chasing African Hoopoe (Upupa africana)




After which it flew back to the big Eucalyptus Plantation where it had previously roosted waiting for breakfast to present itself. I believe they are resident in this reserve and this was certainly one of the better sightings I have had of this species

Ovambo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis)









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