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
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| Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) |
Southern Fiscals are either in the main Park or down at St Ledger
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| 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
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| 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
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| Black Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) |
Its almost like they were laughing at or mocking his amateur moves
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| Green Wood-hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) |
Even as we move into Autumn, there are still some invertebrates around; Broad Scarlet
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| Broad Scarlet (Crocothemis erythraea) |
and a Red-veined Dropwing for comparison
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| Red-veined Dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa) |
The Epaulet Skimmer is becoming more familiar
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| 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
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| Masai Sprite (Pseudagrion massaicum) |
Painted Lady's dont seem to be as numerous as previous years
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| Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) |
General diversity will start diminishing as we head into winter
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