Kyalami Estates November Round-up

30 November 2024 - Kyalami Estates

This November was a record month compared to the past 4-years, with 61 species recorded. Unfortunately, only a handful of those were captured on camera.

An African Harrier-Hawk in my neighbours garden created an early morning uproar from some resident species that may have been considered for a morning snack.

African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus)

We had a few Alethe (Flying Ant) eruptions in this month and it was mayhem and a free for all, even those species not considered to be real insect eaters. Grey Go-Away Bird feeding leisurely on the road - minimal energy expended

Grey Go-away-bird (Crinifer concolor)

The same with the Crested Barbet

Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)

The Green Wood-hoopoe's put on a far more elaborate show, catching them in flight and returning to their perch to enjoy the small but protein enriched meal

Green Wood-hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)

I managed to catch a diminutive Bronze Mannikin in flight

Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullata)

Down at St Ledger, even the Barbels took advantage of the Alethe feast for those that had fallen into the water

Barbel

Overhead, White-rumped Swift's also cashed in on the free food

White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer)

I had a Grey Heron fly-by

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

During the month, I was fortunate to get Common Reed Warbler in the reeds

Common Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

as well as the far more elusive and seldom seen (at least in our Estate) Little Rush Warbler

Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala)

The resident 'bald' Cape Weaver was still stripping Willow Tree branches for his array of nests for the coming breeding season - he has been a busy fella

Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)

However, my highlight for this month was finding the juvenile Ovambo Spa's whose parents may have bred in our Estate or at least in the adjoining property

Juvenile Ovambo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis)

 

Cant figure out it's prey?

On the invertebrate side, a pair of Blue Emperor's were a new addition to my Dragonfly list for the Estate. I was really happy with the few DIF's images that were pin-sharp

Male Blue Emperor (Anax imperator)

Female Blue Emperor (Anax imperator)

There were a few other Dragonflies that I really need to make an effort to try and ID - the first one may also be a new addition to the Estate list

Dragonfly sp.

Dragonfly sp.

Female Dragonfly sp.

It was a good month in birding and invertebrates, roll on summer