A leisurely day at Leadwood

08 August 2022 - Leadwood; Day 4

Simon and I were out for an early morning drive whilst the rest of the family had a lie in and it wasn't long before we found a pair of Dark Chanting Goshawk

Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates)

A little later in the morning, we found another two on a better perch and in good light

Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates)

In the same area, a number of White-backed Vultures, still patiently waiting for the Lion to make a kill

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)

Overhead a couple of Palm Swift were feeding on the wing

African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)

A drive along the fence line gave another opportunity for a Stierling's Warbler and this time we had better views than the one from yesterday

Stierling's Wren-Warbler (Calamonastes stierlingi)

On the way to a watering point we had a brief sighting of 3 Eland, generally shy and skittish on the Estate

Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx)

At the waterhole, a Golden-breasted Bunting stopped briefly

Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)

And a little further on a party of White-crested Helmetshrikes

White-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus)

Just before the house, an obliging Black-crowned Tchagra foraging on the side of the road

Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegalus)

After a chilled day on the deck, we again had a late afternoon drive with a full Landy. A Lilac-breasted Roller is a really good record for Leadwood - this one out in full view on the top of a tree

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)

After enjoyable sundowners at a terrific view site overlooking the Berg, it was then a drive back to the house with spotlights. This time I had much better success with the Fiery-necked Nightjar as I was able to get flat on the ground in front of the Landy with Lions roaring somewhere in the background - iconic Africa!

Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)

It was our last night, so a really enjoyable dinner around the table reminiscing about the great few days