Kyalami Estates January Round-up

31 January 2025 - Kyalami Estates

A New year means the start of a new monthly list for my home patch. I recorded 60 species which was still 2 less than the previous high of 62 in 2022.

No notable species, but breeding is in full swing for a number of species. Around the main park, I had the resident African Wattled Lapwing

African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus)

Spotted Thick-knees in the verge gardens complimented by some summer flowers

Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis)

I don't know how many nests the Southern Mask Weaver builds during the breeding season, but it seems he has no off button

Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)

Down at St Ledger, the male Southern Red Bishops were on display and for sure the Bishops don't build as many nests as the Weavers in a single breeding season

Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)

Thick-billed Weaver's share the same reedbed as the Bishops. This male still working hard to attract a female to it's nest

Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons)

Late summer, the Bullrushes start 'exploding' and their fluffy seeds are dispersed by the wind near and far - but add a Christmas feel to the nests lower down

Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons) nest

The resident Cape Weaver is also a frenetic nest builder

Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)

There were a number of invertebrates around - an unidentified Fly

Fly sp.

And a green Hawkmoth in the house - perhaps a Silver-barred Nephele

Silver-barred Nephele (Nephele argentifera)

I also had a few butterflies - Pioneer Caper White

Pioneer Caper White (Belenois aurota)

and a few Blues; Black-bordered Babul Blue

Black-bordered Babul Blue (Azanus moriqua)

along with Babault's Zebra Blue

Babault's Zebra Blue (Leptotes jeanneli)