Local patch

25 January 2023 - Bieulieu Bird Sanctuary

After dropping our dogs at play school, I detoured past Bieulieu Bird Sanctuary for a quick early morning walk before work.

The familiar calls of European Bee-eater's greeted me as I walked through the gate. They appear to roost in the very tall Bluegum's overnight and were already stretching their wings and catching breakfast, this early in the morning

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

A few Thick-billed Weavers were basking in the top of the Willow Tree

Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons)

Overhead, there were a few White-rumped Swift's

White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer)

and a surprise pair of Lesser-striped Swallow - not so common in these parts

Lesser-striped Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica)

Above the dam, a nonchalant White-breasted Cormorant

White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus)

I noticed a Black-winged Kite fly in and roost in the tall Bluegum close to where I was standing

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

Walking around the Sanctuary I found Pin-tailed Whydah

Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)

and this tatty Crested Barbet that has clearly been sitting in a small hollow nest cavity in one of the trees

Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)

A few birds scattered as three Yellow-billed Kites cruised by overhead - again, not a common species in this Pentad

Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius)

I enjoyed a bit more time with the Black-shouldered Kite actively, but unsuccessfully, hunting before it was time to head to the home office

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

A great way to start the day and with a clear head!