Kyalami Estates - July Round-up

31 July 2023 - Kyalami Estates

We are now in mid-winter, but I still had a decent count of 46 species for the Estate, but it was still down compared to the two previous years.

Despite being mid-winter, there was already signs of breeding preparation with Blacksmith Lapwings seen mating

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)

Southern Masked Weavers in almost full breeding plumage, nests completed and competing for females. The theory for early breeding is to get in one or two clutches before the Cuckoo's arrive

Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)

In and around the main Park, Karoo Thrushes are plentiful

Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithii)

Reed Cormorants also occasionally drop in

Juvenile Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus)

Down at St Ledger Dam, I recorded Little Grebe, which was my first record for the Estate

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The resident Malachite Kingfisher is not always easy to pick-up, especially since the reeds have been cut back

Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristata)

Tawny-flanked Prinia's are present around the fringes of the dam

Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava)

But the highlight was Little Sparrowhawk in the Bluegum's

Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus)

and then later three birds providing some aerial acrobatics as they interacted with each other. I suspect it was a juvenile, together with the adults

Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus)