Kyalami Estates May Round-up

31 May 2025 - Kyalami Estates

The birding activity starts dropping off quickly after the migrants depart and it reflects in the numbers recorded during the month - only 48 and 4 less than the highest recorded in 2021.

Nevertheless the change of seasons is still enjoyable with the few species I managed to record. I have noted that the numbers of assorted Rosy-faced Lovebirds are increasing in the Estate - not sure if this is a good thing at all

Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

Southern Fiscals are either in the main Park or down at St Ledger

Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris) 

A Large Rock Martin was an unexpected visitor in the Estate, but are very common/resident in and around the buildings at Kyalami Corner

Large Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula)

Highlight of the month was this immature Black Sparrowhawk trying unsuccessfully to catch a Green Woodhoopoe out of the raucous flock

Black Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)

Its almost like they were laughing at or mocking his amateur moves

Green Wood-hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)

Even as we move into Autumn, there are still some invertebrates around; Broad Scarlet

Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea)

and a Red-veined Dropwing for comparison

Red-veined Dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa)

The Epaulet Skimmer is becoming more familiar

Epaulet Skimmer (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

I was delighted to find good numbers of Masai Sprites on one section of the St Ledger Dam. Their distinctive red eyes and thorax really do stand out

Masai Sprite (Pseudagrion massaicum)

Painted Lady's dont seem to be as numerous as previous years

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)

General diversity will start diminishing as we head into winter

Highveld high-altitude grassland

17 May 2025 - Suikerbosrand

This was my first and long overdue visit to this highveld reserve this year and I was hoping to catch some of the early winter visitors that can be recorded here.

As always, a stop at the Mugg & Bean on route to enjoy on Eendracht Road while the sun was rising. I just enjoyed the dawn chorus before heading to the gate where there was already a queue of cars with hikers and bikers waiting to get in.

Suikerbosrand has certainly picked up in popularity over the past year. Once through, I headed to Reception and enjoyed exploring the habitat on the various walking paths. Red-throated Wryneck's were calling close to the car park

Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis)

Around some of the picnic areas, Mocking Cliff Chats looking for scraps

Mocking Cliff Chat (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris)

Red-eyed Bulbul's are not as obliging as their cousins in urban Gauteng

African Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans)

I also had Fiscal Flycatcher of which there are numerous around Reception

Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens)

I lucked out with one of the winter specials - Fairy Flycatcher which are really tricky to photograph as they hardly ever stay still!

Fairy Flycatcher (Stenostira scita)

There were a few Bar-throated Apalis around too

Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica)

As usual, I spent more time than planned in and around the reception and as I was short of time, didnt have enough time to do the full circular route. So, I spent a little time on the dual track road, finding another winter special - Sentinel Rock Thrush against the sun

Sentinel Rock Thrush (Monticola explorator)

Followed by a Cape Bunting

Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis)

There were a few of the resident reptiles warming up in the sun - I suspect this pair are Ground Agama's

Ground Agama (Agama Aculeata)

These are the more common Highveld Crag Lizards

Highveld Crag Lizard (Pseudocordylus melanotus)

While on this rock we also have Southern Rock Agama joining the Crag Lizards

Southern Rock Agama (Agama atra) with the Crag Lizards

On the way home, I realised that this was the most reptiles I had seen on any previous visit - so that in itself was quite special