TRIP REPORT Namibia Sep 17 Oct 9, 2017 By Thomas Plath

Transcription

1 TRIP REPORT Namibia Sep 17 Oct 9, 2017 By Thomas Plath Participants: Thomas Plath (Guide/Driver), Dylan White (Guide/Driver), Sandy Booth, Elly Brok, Donna Mihm, Grace Shaw Sep 16: from Johannesburg flew to Windhoek Int l Airport, overnight Arrebusch Travel Lodge Sep 17: picked up Hilux 4x4 s, drove to Windhoek International airport, picked up participants and chip for cell phones; drove to Windhoek, overnight at Villa Violet Sep 18: following breakfast, dropped participants off downtown, 1030 AM 230 PM birded Daan Viljoen Game Park; overnight at Villa Violet Sep 19: left 830AM, got supplies and fuel at Otjiwarongo, drove to Waterberg Guest Camp arrived 2 PM, birded till 530, evening fire, then dinner at Waterberg Guest Camp Sep 20: following breakfast 730 AM birded Waterberg Plateau NP till 4PM, overnight Waterberg Guest Camp Sep 21: left Waterberg Guest Camp around 830 AM, drove to Rundu, birded grounds of Tambuti Lodge Sep 22: birded Rundu sewage ponds 745 AM till 11 AM, went to Shoprite for groceries, 430 PM drove to radio tower track 20 km west of Rundu for Mopane birding, met children on road and had sing-a-long, served cassava with dinner which no one ate, overnight Tambuti Lodge Sep 23: birded river close to Tambuti Lodge AM, drove to Divundu got gas at Divindu gas station en route to Ngepi Camp, got accommodation sorted out, then did evening river cruise with Mahango River Lodge 5 to 630 PM 1

2 sing-a-long with children on track 20 km west of Rundu Photo: Dylan White Sep 24: left 530 AM took prepared breakfast, birded Mahango GR 6 AM 4 PM, overnight Ngepi Camp Sep 25: following breakfast drove to other side of river and birded Buffalo Core 9 AM till 3 PM, went back to Ngepi Lodge and took guided walk with Christopher PM, overnight Ngepi Camp Sep 26: 6 9 AM birded grounds of Ngepi Camp, picked up groceries at Rundu, drove to Fiume Lodge arriving 4 PM, birded grounds, overnight Fiume Lodge Sep 27: 9 AM drove to Grootfontein shopped, then off to Namutoni Camp, Etosha NP arrived 2 PM; visited Twee Palms, and Aroe waterholes, Fisher s Pan, then over Klein Namutoni waterhole and Dik-dik Drive, overnight Namutoni Bush Chalets, Etosha NP Sep 28: 0630 visited Chudop, Kalkheuvel, then Springbokfontein waterholes, had rest stop (door blew off washroom!) then Goas waterhole en route to Halali Rest Camp, arrived 1230 PM had lunch at Elly and Grace s Chalet patio, then swim; to Goas waterhole at 3PM, back for gate closing at 6:50 PM, dinner at 730PM then Moringa waterhole 9 11 PM (Halali Rest Camp), overnight Halali Bush Chalets, Dylan and Tom camped Sep 29: visited Goas and Nuamses waterholes and Etosha Pan lookout, then Rietfontein, Salvador and Sueda waterholes, had lunch at Elly and Grace s Chalet patio, then swim; to Goas waterhole at 3PM, back for gate closing at 6:50 PM, dinner at 730PM then Moringa waterhole PM (Halali Rest Camp), DW saw fighting rhinos, overnight Halali Bush Chalets, Dylan and Tom camped (34 C) Sep 30: after breakfast visited Rietfontein, Salvadora and Sueda waterholes en route to Okaukueja Rest Camp; after lunch drove north to Okonmdeka waterhole then visited Gemsbokvlakte, Olifantsbad and Aus waterholes, finishing at Nebrownii waterhole at 6 PM, dinner at 730 PM then the camps waterhole till 11 PM, overnight Premier Waterhole Chalet, Okaukueja Rest Camp (34-36 C) Oct 1: 6 AM pre-breakfast run to Nebrownii waterhole, back to camp for breakfast at 8 AM, packed checked out 10 AM; Gemsbokvlakte, Olifantsbad, and Aus waterholes, then north through the plains to Okondeka waterhole overnight Etosha Safari Camp 10 km outside park gate, Dylan and Tom camped 2

3 Chacma Baboon, Waterberg Plateau NP Photo: Dylan White Oct 2: early morning birded grounds of Etosha Safari Camp, shopping, gas and groceries at Outjo, then drove to Uis, overnight Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 3: morning visit to Brandberg Mountain (famous Bushman paintings), unfortunately Sandy too sick to go; afternoon Cactus Garden Tea Shop/Uis, overnight Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 4: drove to Walvis Bay arriving 130 PM; late afternoon drove Walvis Bay promenade; dinner at the Raft at 630 PM, overnight Spindrift Guest House, Walvis Bay Oct 5: 8 AM to 130 PM Dolphin tour with Levo Tours; late afternoon birded Walvis Bay promenade and salt works; walked to Flamingo Hotel on the promenade for dinner 630 PM, overnight Spindrift Guest House, Walvis Bay Oct 6: left 830 AM birding at Rooibank Dunes south of Walvis Bay and sewage ponds briefly and, drove to Hohenstein Lodge, birded grounds Oct 7: pre-breakfast walk at 530 AM, breakfast at 7 AM then drove to Spitzkoppe, had picnic lunch at rock pool, return at 430 PM evening walk overnight Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8: birded lodge area in morning left at 10 AM, drove to Windhoek; overnight Arebusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek Oct 9: taxi to Windhoek airport at 530 AM, packed breakfast; morning flight to Cape Town arrive noon 3

4 Highlights: 317 species. Hottentot Teal, 10,000 s of Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, White-backed Night-Heron, Secretary-bird, White-headed and Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial and Black Eagle, Bat Hawk, Gabar Goshawk, Little Sparrowhawk, Kori, Ruepell s and White-quilled Bustard, Wattled Crane, Long-toed Lapwing, White-fronted and Chestnut-banded Plover, Burchell s Courser, Namaqua and Double-banded Sandgrouse, Damara Tern, Coppery-tailed, Senegal and White-browed Coucal, Rufous-cheeked and Square-tailed Nightjar, Marsh Owl, Barred Owlet, Verreaux s Eagle-Owl, Green and Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Bradfield s, Monteiro s and Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Red-necked Falcon at nest, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Meyer s and Ruepell s Parrot, White-tailed Shrike, White Helmet Shrike, Gabon and Tropical Boubou, Dune, Karoo and Benguela Lark, Chestnut-backed and Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark, Mosque Swallow, Rufous-vented Warbler, Orange River White-eye, Black-faced and Hartlaub s Babbler, Short-toed Rockthrush, Karoo and Tractrac Chat, Burchell s and Meeves s Starling, Violet-backed and Pale-winged Starling, Social Weaver, Holub s Golden Weaver, Black-faced and Violet-eared Waxbill, Jameson s Firefinch Mammals: 43 species, Straw-colored Fruit Bat, Acacia and Dassie Rat, African Elephant, Black Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Southern Giraffe, African Buffalo, Gemsbok, Roan, Sable, Red Hartebeest, Tsessebe, Red Lechwe, Damara Dik-dik, Honey Badger, Spotted Hyena, Cheetah, Lion, Cape Fox, Slender, Banded and Yellow Mongoose, Cape Fur Seal Annotated Bird and Mammal Trip List This trip list follows the taxonomic order and nomenclature Clements 6 th Edition (updated 2014). The status of the threatened bird species is taken from Birdlife International (Threatened Species). NP National Park GR Game Reserve GP Game Park * - Heard only birds Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus): One observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, a single observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, seven seen at Mahango GR Sep 24 th. The wild non-introduced population of ostrich were common in Etosha NP: two seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 30 seen Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 25 seen Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 50+ seen at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 40 seen Oct 1 st, two at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th three the 7 th, and two Oct 8 th. 4

5 Common Ostrich chick, Etosha NP Ducks Anatidae White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata): Over 400 estimated on the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th and 500+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotus): Two seen on the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, and 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca): Five observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two observed on the evening Kavango River boat trip, from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, eight seen on the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 10 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, one seen Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 10 seen Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th, six seen at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, eight seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd. South African Shelduck (Tadorna cana): Six seen at Okondeka waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one female seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, and two observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis): Ten seen on the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 150+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Hottentot Teal (Spatula hottentota): Fifteen were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and 75 seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd. 5

6 Cape Shoveler (Anas smithii): Two seen Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th and 28 th, and two observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Cape Teal (Anas capensis): Eight seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and six on the 29 th, three seen at Okondeka waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one seen at Olifantsbad waterhole at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, 10 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th, 10 observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Red-billed (Teal) Duck (Anas erythrorhynchos): Scope views of two were had at Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 15 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, four seen at Olifantsbad waterhole at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Guineafowl: Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris): Common and widespread: 15 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 15 seen en route to Rundu Sep 21 st, 30 seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, 100 s seen daily at Etosha NP at the various waterholes Sep 27 th to Oct 1 st, over 500 estimated on Sep 30 th, 30 observed at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and 10 Oct 8 th. Francolin and Pheasants: Phasianidae *Hartlaub s (Spurfowl) Francolin (Pternistis harttlaubi): One heard late evening at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. Red-billed (Spurfowl) Francolin (Pternistis adspersus): Two observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, five seen at Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th and five the 21 st, one seen at Mahango GR Sep 24 th, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, two seen at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, five seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, over 30 seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th and 10 seen the 28 th, two were seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 20 seen at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, about 20 seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th to Oct 8 th. Swainson s (Spurfowl) Francolin (Pternistis swainsonii): Four seen at Mahango GR Sep 24 th, and four were seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Crested Francolin (Dendroperdix sephaena): Good looks of one foraging in the open at Mahango GR Sep 24 th. Orange River Francolin (Scleroptila gutturalis): Three seen in flight as a drive by en route to Etosha NP Sep 27 th. Grebes: Podicipedidae Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis): One observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one seen on the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, one was at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen at Klein Namutoni waterhole Etosha NP Sep 27 th, five seen daily at Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, 10 seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd. Flamingos: Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus): Thousands along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 10,000+ along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. 6

7 Greater Flamingo immature, Walvis Bay promenade Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor): One immature was seen in a flock of greater flamingos along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 5 th, 500+ observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Penguins: Spheniscidae African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus): Six seen swimming near the gannet flock at the ship wreck north of Swakopmund Oct 4 th. Shearwaters: Procellariidae Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea): Four seen on the dolphin tour Oct 5 th. Storks: Ciconiidae African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus): One was observed soaring over the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, eight observed on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, and 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer): Two seen soaring overhead at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, and one seen soaring at the entrance road to Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis): Two were on the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th. 7

8 Boobies, Gannets: Sulidae Cape Gannet (Morus capensis): An estimated 300 gannets were feeding and roosting offshore at the ship wreck north of Swakopmund Oct 4 th, 100+ seen on the dolphin tour Oct 5 th, Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae Long-tailed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus): One observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 200+ along the Kavango River at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 50+ were along the river at Rundu Sep 22 nd, 10+ observed on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, four seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 10 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, five seen at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo): Fifty seen at the ship wreck north of Swakopmund Oct 4 th. Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis): Over 400 seen on the dolphin tour Oct 5 th, 50 observed along the coast en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus): Five seen on the dolphin tour Oct 5 th. Anhingas: Anhingidae African Darter (Anhinga rufa): One seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, one seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Pelicans: Pelecanidae Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus): One in over flight during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, 50 along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 20 seen on the dolphin tour Oct 5 th, 60 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th, and two observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. 8

9 Great White Pelican, Walvis Bay Hamerkop: Scopidae Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta): Three observed in flight on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, and two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th. Herons: Ardeidae Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea): One was at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, one observed at the fountain at Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 3 rd, two along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala): One observed in over flight at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one observed in flight on the evening Kavango River boat trip, from the Mahango Safari Lodge Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, one seen grabbing then eating a Namaqua Dove at Okaukuejo waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and four were present Oct 1 st. Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath): One observed in over flight at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, four seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. 9

10 Great Egret (Ardea alba): One observed en route to Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one seen on the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 15 were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 20+ seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, 12 seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 30 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Intermediate Heron (Mesophoyx intermedia): Two were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta): One seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 20 along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 30 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Black (Egret) Heron (Egretta ardesiaca): One was seen flying down river from Ngepi Camp Sep 24 th and 25 th. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis): About 20 seen with cattle at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, four seen at Springbokfontein waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, two were seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, eight at Okaukuejo waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 16 on Oct 1 st, two were at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd. Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides): Three seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, seven seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, and two seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Rufous-bellied Heron (Ardeola rufiventris): Scope views of one was had at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one seen at a small wetland during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Striated Heron (Butorides striata): One observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one seen on the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen during the guided walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax): Three seen flying by at Tambuti Lodge Sep 22 nd, and two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, White-backed Night-Heron (Gorsachius leuconotus): Good looks of a pair seen in bushes along the river during the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd. Ibis and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus): Ten seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus): One seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, one seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. African Spoonbill (Platalea alba): Twenty seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, 12 seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 15 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. 10

11 Secretarybird: Sagittariidae Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius): Three seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th including one watched stomping prey, two including an immature were seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, two observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one seen at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Secretary Bird, Nebrownii waterhole, Etosha NP Osprey: Pandionidae Osprey (Pandion haliaetus): One seen overhead at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Hawks and Eagles: Accipitridae Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus): Two observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, two seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, one seen en route to Twee Palms waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, one observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, (Gymnogene) African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus): One seen drinking from the waterhole at Mahango GR Sep 24 th, one seen in flight during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. 11

12 African Harrier-Hawk, Mahango GR White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis): Scope views of a distant bird perched in a tree were had at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus): One seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one was with a group of White-backed Vultures at Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, one seen at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, a surprise was one seen overhead at Spitzkoppe Oct 7 th. White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus): One seen soaring at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 50 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 30 seen at Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 25 seen en route to Chudop watehole at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus): A soaring adult female was observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, a pair seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, five seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, six were at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, and one a single at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Black-breasted Snake-Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis): One seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, and another soaring low over the road en route to Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Brown Snake-Eagle (Circaetus cinereus): One seen perched on a telephone pole offering good scope views, en route to Ngepi Lodge, Divundu Sep 23 rd. 12

13 Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus): Great looks of a pair roosting in a large eucalyptus tree near Villa Violet Sep 18 th. Bat Hawk, Windhoek Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus): One immature seen during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, and one observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Wahlberg s Eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi): One seen overhead en route to the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th and another seen in flight en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax): Two observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, fairly common and conspicuous perching on the tops of trees in Etosha NP: three seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, seven the 28 th, five observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, and one seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd. Verreaux s (Black) Eagle (Aquila verreauxi): Two were seen at a distant cliff nest at Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, a pair seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, and a pair observed in flight at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd. African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster): One observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th and a pair seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th. 13

14 Dark Chanting-Goshawk (Melierax metabates): A perched immature seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Pale Chanting-Goshawk (Melierax canorus): Fairly common and widespread conspicuously perched on top a telephone pole or tree top: one was observed en route to the airport Sep 17 th, three observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, three observed on Sep 28th and 29 th, and two the 30 th, two observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and a single Oct 1 st, three seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, one seen en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar): One observed hunting near Villa Violet Sep 18 th. African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus): Two seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and one seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th. African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro): One seen perched on a distant tree at the Mahango GR waterhole Sep 24 th. Shikra (Accipiter badius): One observed drinking at Chudop waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Shikra, Chudop waterhole Etosha NP Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus): Excellent close looks of one attempting to take a lizard from the side of our chalets at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st. Black (Yellow-billed) Kite (Milvus migrans): Two seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th. 14

15 African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer): One observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, four seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, four seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Augur Bustard (Buteo augur): One observed in over flight at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th. Bustards: Otididae Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori): Eight were seen on the plains at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 20+ were seen daily at Etosha NP Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st. Ludwig s Bustard (Neotis ludwigii): One seen en route to Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Ruepell s Bustard (Eupodotis rueppelii): A group of five and a pair observed in the plains below Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, two including one in flight observed en route to Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Red-crested Bustard (Eupodotis ruficrista): Two observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one seen en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, three seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th and 28 th, and two at Etosha NP Sep 29 th and Oct 1 st. Red-crested Bustard, Caprivi Strip 15

16 White-quilled (N. Black) Bustard (Eupodotis afraoides): Two males were seen at close range at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, a single on Sep 29 th, eight observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th with several seen close to the road on the plains to Ondenka waterhole, and five Oct 1 st. White-quilled Bustard male, Etosha NP Rails: Rallidae African Rail (Rallus caerulescens): Good scope views of one at the edge of the reeds were had at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra): One seen on the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, four seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, three were seen walking about on campsites during the early morning walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, and two on Sep 26 th, and a single seen at Goas waterhole Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Baillon s Crake (Zapornia pusilla): Good scope views of two at the edge of the reeds were had at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis): Six were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus): Two observed at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one seen on the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen at Goas waterhole Etosha NP Sep 29 th and four observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. 16

17 Lesser Moorhen (Gallinula angulata): Scope views of two with Eurasian Moorhens were had at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata): One seen at Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, two seen at Goas waterhole Etosha NP Sep 28 th and Sep 29 th, and eight observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Cranes: Gruidae Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus): Two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, and seven seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Thick-knees: Burhinidae Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus): Nine seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge GR Sep 23 rd. Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis): Two singles were observed standing beside bushes (for shade) at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Stilts and Avocets: Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus): Over 20 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip, from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, five along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 300+ along the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 5 th, and 10 observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta): Over 200 were present along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 3,000+ along the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 5 th, and two observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. 17

18 Pied Avocet, Walvis Bay salt works Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae African Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini): Four were roosting together along the Walvis Bay promenade and one was at the salt works Oct 5 th. Plovers: Charadriidae Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola): Two were seen along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th and six along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris): Four seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, and 20+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. 18

19 Long-toed Lapwing, Mahango GR Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus): Common and widespread at wetland edges: Two seen on the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, over 20 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 10+ seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, 20+ seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 50+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, two seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, 25 seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 50 to 100+ seen daily at Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, 20 seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, 10 observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus): A lapwing of upland areas: Two observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, three observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, two seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, four seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, three seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 12 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, eight seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 10 observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st. 19

20 Crowned Lapwing, Mahango GR Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus): One seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, and two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Kittlitz s Plover (Charadrius pecuarius): Four were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, a single seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and two at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula): One seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, one along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th, and three Oct 5 th. Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris): Three were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and three were seen at Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, six at Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th two on Sep 29 th and three observed at Etosha NP waterholes Sep 30 th. White-fronted Plover (Charadrius marginatus): Ten along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th, 40 seen there Oct 5 th, and two observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. 20

21 White-fronted Plover, Walvis Bay salt works Chestnut-banded Plover (Charadrius pallidus): Over 1,000 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th and Oct 5 th, with the majority seen roosting on dry pans of the salt works. 21

22 Chestnut-banded Plover, Walvis Bay salt works Painted Snipe: Rostratulidae Greater Painted Snipe: (Rostratula benghalensis) One flushed and seen low in flight at the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, and another seen as a fly by at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Jacanas: Jacanidae African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus): Fifteen were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, five seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 30+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, three seen at Goas waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th, one observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Sandpipers: Scolopacidae Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus): One observed in the salt marsh along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th and 5 th. Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata): Two seen in the salt marsh along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 5 th. Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica): Over 200 roosting along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. 22

23 Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria intrerpres): Two singles seen at the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 5 th. Ruff (Philomachus pugnax): Over 150 were foraging in the wet grass at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, three were at Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, and 10 were seen at the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 5 th. Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea): One seen from Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, 200+ seen the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th and 2,500+ estimated at the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 5 th. Sanderling (Calidris alba): Thirty at the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 4 th, and 200 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Little Stint (Calidris minuta): One seen at Goas waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th, one seen at Rietfontein waterhole Etosha NP Sep 29 th, one distant bird seen at a dam en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, 20 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th, 250 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th, one observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos): One seen from Ngepi Lodge Sep 24 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, and a single observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia): Three seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, one seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, three seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 20 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th, and six along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatillis): One observed at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and seen 15 along at the Walvis Bay salt works Oct 5 th. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola): Over 20 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, two seen at Goas waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th one the 29 th, and a single observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Coursers and Pratincoles: Glareolidae Burchell s Courser (Cursorius rufus): Three seen en route to Okondeka waterhole, Etosha NP Oct 1 st. 23

24 Burchell s Courser, Etosha NP Photo: Dylan White Double-banded Courser (Smutsornis (Rhinoptilus) africanus): Five seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 30 th and Oct 1 st. Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola): Two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, four seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, four seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni): Two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th Gulls: Laridae Hartlaub s Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii): Over 500 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th, 1,000 s along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th, and 50 observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. Kelp Gull (Larus dominicus): Over 50 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 4 th, 50+ along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th, and five observed at the Walvis Bay sewage works Oct 6 th. 24

25 Damara Tern (Sternula balaenarum): Two seen along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, three along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia): One seen in a tern flock along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, and six were along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Black Tern (Chlidonias niger): About 30 seen on the Walvis Bay Levo dolphin tour Oct 5 th. Common Tern (Sterna hirundo): About 50 along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 350+ along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis): Over 200 along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th, 250+ along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. Great Crested (Swift) Tern (Thalasseus bergii): Four along the Walvis Bay promenade Oct 4 th and 75 along the Walvis Bay promenade and salt works Oct 5 th. African Skimmer (Rhynchops flavirostris): Two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, and one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Sandgrouse: Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pterocles namaqua): A single observed along the road edge en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, four seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, 12 were at Klein Namutoni waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 20 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 80+ seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, six observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 100+ seen at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, 30 seen in over flight at Waterberg Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, five seen en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. Double-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles bicinctus): About 30 observed at dusk at Okaukuejo waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 12 the following morning, great looks of one on the ground at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae Rock Pigeon (Columba livia): A flock of 30 noted at Swakopmund Oct 6 th. Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea): Two observed at Villa Violet Sep 18 th, 50+ observed en route and at Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th and 40 Sep 20 th, 50 seen in the Walvis Bay area Oct 5 th and five on the 6 th, two at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 8 th, and a single Oct 7 th. Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata): Common and widespread in the Caprivi Strip: six seen at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, over 20 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 20+ seen daily in the Caprivi Strip Sep 22 nd Sep 26 th and five seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. 25

26 Red-eyed Dove, Ngepi Lodge Ring-necked (Cape) Dove (Streptopelia capicola): Abundant and widespread: Ten at Villa Violet Sep 17 th and 18th, 10+ observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10+ observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 20+ seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, over 50 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, Over 20+ seen daily in the Caprivi Strip Sep 22 nd 26 th, 100 s seen daily Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th Oct 1 st, 10 to 20 seen daily from Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd to the end of the trip Oct 8 th, 50 observed at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th. Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis): Common and widespread dove: two at Villa Violet Sep 17 th, 15+ observed at Villa Violet and Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, many seen en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 20 seen at Tambuti Lodge and area, Rundu Sep 21 st, over 50 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, Over 20+ seen daily in the Caprivi Strip Sep 22 nd 26 th, 10+ seen daily Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th Oct 1 st, 10 to 20 seen daily from Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd to the end of the trip Oct 8 th. Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove (Turtur chalcospilos): Two seen en route to Ngepi Lodge Sep 23 rd, six seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 30+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR and Ngepi Camp Sep 25 th, and eight seen along the entrance to Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis): Over 30 observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, many observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, many seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Oct Sep 20 th, 50+ seen en route to Tambuti Lodge and area, Rundu Sep 21 st, over 30 were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one seen at 26

27 the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, three were seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 10+ seen daily Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th Oct 1 st, 30 seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, two at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, 10 observed at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and 8 th. Namaqua Dove female, Etosha NP Turacos: Musophagidae Gray Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides concolor): Common, widespread, vocal and conspicuous. Two observed at Villa Violet Sep 17 th and 18 th, and a couple at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10+ observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, over 20 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 20+ seen en route to Tambuti Lodge and area, Rundu Sep 21 st, six were seen at the Tambuti Lodge Sep 22 nd, 30+ seen en route to Ngepi Lodge Sep 23 rd, 15 seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 10 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 10 were seen en route to Etosha NP Sep 27 th, five seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th, five at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, five en route to the coast Oct 4 th, five observed at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and 8 th. 27

28 Gray-Go-Away Bird, Hohenstein Lodge Cuckoos: Cuculidae Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis): One heard at the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st and 23 rd, two were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Coppery-tailed Coucal (Centropus cupreicaudus): One seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, five seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, three seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, two heard at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus): One seen during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus): One observed at the campground at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Barn Owls: Tytonidae Barn Owl (Tyto alba): One seen at the floodlit Moringa waterhole at Halali Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and another heard, two seen at Moringa waterhole, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, one observed at dusk at Okaukuejo waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and one heard Oct 1 st. Owls: Strigidae 28

29 *African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis): One heard at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 23 rd to 26 th, two heard at Halali Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Verreaux s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus): One was flushed and flew across the gorge at the dam at Dan Viljoen G P Sep 18 th. Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum): One was seen near the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one heard at Halali Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th, heard at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and Oct 7 th, and good looks of a perched bird on the morning walk Oct 8 th. African Barred Owlet (Glaucidium capense): Great looks during daylight of one perched on a branch 20 metres away on the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 23 rd and one heard at night at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. African Barred Owlet, Ngepi Lodge Photo: Dylan White Marsh Owl (Asio capensis): Good looks of one in flight and roosting on the ground nightfall Moringa waterhole, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Nightjars: Caprimulgidae 29

30 Rufous-cheeked Nightjar (Caprimulgus rufigena): Three heard and two seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, one heard at the floodlit Moringa waterhole in Halali Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and two observed foraging at this waterhole Sep 29 th, five observed late evening at Okaukuejo waterhole, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, and one heard at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. *Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis): Singles heard at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 23 rd and Sep 25 th, and four were heard on Sep 24 th. Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossil): Great looks of one seen near it s nest, during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, one heard at Moringa waterhole at Halali Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th. Square-tailed Nightjar, Ngepi Lodge Swifts: Apodidae Alpine Swift (Apus melba): Ten observed in flight over Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th and 50+ seen in over flight at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th. White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer): Two observed at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two at Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, and 10 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Bradfield s Swift (Apus bradfieldi): Two observed with other swifts at Villa Violet Sep 17 th. Little Swift (Apus affinis): Over 100 at Villa Violet and Windhoek Sep 17 th, 100+ observed from Windhoek en route to, and at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 100+ observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th,

31 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep20 th, 50+ seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 30 seen en route to Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 50 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 10 the 29 th, 50 seen at Okaukuejo Rest Camp Etosha NP Oct 1 st, 100 s seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd. African Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus parvus): Over 20 at Villa Violet and Windhoek Sep 17 th, 50+ observed at Windhoek and Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, five observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 20 seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, over 30 were seen in the Rundu area Sep 22 nd, six seen at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd and four the 24 th, four seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, six were seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 10 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 50 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 10 the following day, 10 at Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 3 rd, five seen in the Walvis Bay area Oct 5 th, five observed at Walvis Bay Oct 6 th. Mousebirds: Coliidae White-backed Mousebird (Colius colius): About 15 at Villa Violet and Windhoek Sep 17 th and many seen the 18 th, 15+ en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 15 at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, five at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, five seen at Spitzkoppe Oct 7 th, 10 seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus): Six were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 10 seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, five seen ion the way to the Flamingo Restaurant, Walvis Bay, Oct 5 th. Hoopoes: Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops): Four seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one was seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, one observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, two seen at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Woodhoopoes: Phoeniculidae Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus): Three seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Violet Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus damarensis): Five were seen foraging and going into a nest hole at Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, and four observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. 31

32 Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Etosha NP Photo: Dylan White Common Scimitar-bill (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas): One was seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 18 th, two seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, and one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th. Hornbills: Bucerotidae Bradfield s Hornbill (Lophoceros bradfieldi): One seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, three seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, and two seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. African Gray Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus): Four seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two were seen at the river at the outskirts Rundu Sep 22 nd, one seen at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, five seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, one seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, three were at Etosha NP Sep 27 th and five on Sep 29 th, one seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas): About 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Oct 20 th, two seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, two seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, two seen en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, two were seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, six seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 30 seen at Etosha NP 32

33 Sep 29 th, 20 observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 10 seen at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, six seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 8 th, and two observed on Oct 7 th. Monteiro s Hornbill (Tockus monteiri): A good look of one was had at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, another was observed en route to Etosha NP Sep 27 th, three at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, four en route to Spitzkoppe and four at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and 8 th. Monteiro s Hornbill, en route to Spitzkoppe Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris): One seen en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, another at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. 33

34 Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Etosha NP Damara Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus damarensis): One observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th. and another at Kingfishers: Alcedinidae Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus): Two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis): One seen at the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, three seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, two seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Bee-eaters: Meropidae White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides): Six seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, three seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, two seen during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Sep 25 th, and two seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. 34

35 White-fronted Bee-eater, Kavango river Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus): Eight were seen near the river at the outskirts of Rundu Sep 22 nd, five seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, three seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, five seen during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, and two seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus): Eight seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, a single observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, one seen en route to Ngepi Lodge, Divundu Sep 23 rd, six seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two were seen en route to Etosha NP Sep 27 th, one seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, one observed near the Cactus Garden at Uis Oct 3 rd, one seen en route to Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster): A group of four seen along the roadside at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides): Over 300 seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, 30+ seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 10 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, a few seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, and five seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. 35

36 Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Kavango River Rollers: Coraciidae Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus): A fairly common conspicuous roadside bird frequently seen perched on the tops of trees while driving: Four observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, two seen en route to Rundu and at the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, four were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, eight seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, five seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, five seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Rufous-crowned (Purple) Roller (Coracias naevius): A fairly common conspicuous roadside bird frequently seen perched on the tops of trees while driving: One seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, a single observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one was at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and four the 29 th, four seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, two seen en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, two seen en route to Windhoek from Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Barbets: Lybiidae Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii): Two seen along the roadside at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. (Acacia) Pied Barbet (Tricholaema leucomelas): Four at Villa Violet and Windhoek Sep 17 th, two were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, a single observed at Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, two at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one seen in the morning along the entrance road to Ngepi Lodge, Sep 25 th, one at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 36

37 two observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, two at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, one seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus): Two seen during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th and one seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Honeyguides: Indicatoridae Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor): A brief look of one in flight at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th. Woodpeckers: Picidae Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni): One seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, one seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, and two seen at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicus fuscescens): One seen during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, one observed late evening going to a roost hole at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th. Falcons: Falconidae Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolis): One was at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, one seen at Rooibank Oct 6 th, and one observed at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides): A pair was at the nest in an acacia at Salvadora waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th, one observed hunting along the roadside en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, and three observed along the roadside en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Greater Kestrel, Etosha NP 37

38 Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicqueras): An adult perched in an Acacia near a nest containing one young was beside Charitsaub waterhole Etosha NP Sep 29 th and 30 th. Red-necked Falcon, Etosha NP Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus): One seen in over flight along the river near Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, one observed at the Okaukuejo entrance gate at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, one seen in over flight near Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd. Lovebirds: Psittaculidae Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis): Two seen at Villa Violet Sep 17 th, a flock of about 20 was at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, two seen while walking to the Flamingo Restaurant, Walvis Bay Oct 5 th, 10 at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and eight Oct 7 th, and 10 seen on the mornings walk at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. 38

39 Rosy-faced Lovebird, Hohenstein Lodge Parrots: Psittacidae Meyer s Parrot (Poicephalus meyeri): Two seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, six seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, 10+ seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, heard on the 26 th, and one seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Rueppell s Parrot (Poicephalus rueppellii): A single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, two seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, and two seen during the bushman painting walk at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd. Batises: Platysteiridae White-tailed Shrike (Lanioturdus torquatus): A pair of this near-endemic was observed at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, Pririt Batis (Batis pririt): Two were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, a few heard at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, two observed at the Okaukuejo Rest Camp picnic area Etosha NP Oct 1 st, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, and one at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Helmetshrikes: Vangidae 39

40 White Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus): Six were seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 20+ seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, and 10 were seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Puffbacks, Tchagras, Boubous and Bushshrikes: Malaconotidae Brubru (Nilaus afer): One singing bird observed on a treetop at Waterberg Plateau NP Oct 20 th, one observed at the Okaukuejo Rest Camp picnic area, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, and a single observed on the grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd. Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla): Two seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, six seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, a single seen at Halali Rest Camp at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, one heard at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, and another at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th. Black-backed Puffback, Ngepi Lodge Brown-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra australis): A single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th and 21 st, two seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, two seen during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, one seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, a single seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 30 th, one seen en route to Hohenstein from Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, one seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Tropical Boubou (Laniarius major): A Boubou with obvious pinkish/buff lower belly and undertail coverts, was observed at close range on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge Sep 22 nd, 40

41 Gabon (Swamp) Boubou (Laniarius bicolor): One heard at Tambuti Lodge grounds, Rundu Sept 21 st and three seen Sep 22 nd, four seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, heard at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, and two seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Crimson-breasted Gonolek (Laniarius atrococcineus): Two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, eight seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one seen on the floodplain near Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, three seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, two seen during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, two seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, two were seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, two observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, two observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. *Bokmakierie (Telephorus zeylonus): One heard at Rooibank dunes Oct 6 th. Sulphur (Orange)-breasted Bushshrike (Telephorus sulfureopectus): Two seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and one seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike, Ngepi Lodge Shrikes: Laniidae 41

42 Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris): One observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, two at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, two seen en route to the coast from Brandberg Mt Oct 4 th, two seen en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, eight seen en route to Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, one seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and Oct 8 th, three seen en route to Windhoek from Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Magpie Shrike (Corvinella melanoleuca): One seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th and one seen at the entrance road to Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. (Southern) White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens): A single seen at Halali Rest Camp at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and five the 29 th, four observed at the Okaukuejo Rest Camp picnic area, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, Orioles: Oriolidae African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus): Good looks of one on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, a total surprise was one heard and seen in thickets at Rooibank dunes Oct 6 th. This bird was a obviously a vagrant. Drongos: Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicruris adsimilis): Common and widespread roadside bird: eight were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, over 20 observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 10+ seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 20+ seen en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 10 seen at Tambuti Lodge and area, Rundu Sep 22 nd, two seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, 20+ seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, a few were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, several were seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, several seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th and 26 th, 20+ seen daily at Etosha NP Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, 10 observed en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, a few at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th to 8 th. Crows: Corvidae Cape Crow (Corvus capensis): Several seen daily at Etosha NP Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st with a high of 20 seen on Oct 1 st, one seen en route to the coast from Brandberg Mt Oct 4 th, two seen en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, five seen en route to Windhoek from Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. 42

43 Cape Crow, Etosha NP Pied Crow (Corvus albus): One seen en route to the airport at Windhoek Sep 17 th, one was seen en route to Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, a single en route to Rundu Sep 21 st, two seen outside Rundu Sep 22 nd, two seen en route to Ngepi Lodge Sep 23 rd, two seen en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, several seen daily at Etosha NP Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, with one seen Sep 29 th, two seen en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, five seen en route to Windhoek from Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Larks: Alaudidae Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata): Six were seen along roadsides at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 30 observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and over 40 Oct 1 st, mainly en route to Okondeka waterhole, one at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata): One observed at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Benguela Lark (Certhilauda benguelensis): Five seen in the plains along the C35 en route to Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd. Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucotis): Over 30 seen daily at Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, with a high of 80 on Sep 28 th, 40 observed en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 50+ the following day. 43

44 Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix verticalis): Fifteen observed en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, and a few hundred seen Oct 1 st. Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark, Etosha NP Sabota Lark (Calendulauda sabota): Two were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 20+ seen daily at Etosha NP Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, 30+ observed at the Okaukuejo Rest Camp picnic area, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, a couple seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th to 7 th. 44

45 Sabota Lark, Etosha NP Dune Lark (Calendulauda erythrochlamys): Two seen at Rooibank dunes Oct 6 th. Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana): One was observed in the plains near Fischer s Pan, Etosha NP Sep 27 th. Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea): Three were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, five were seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 20 were seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th, 60 observed en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Swallows: Hirundinidae Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula): Ten at Windhoek Sep 17 th, 10+ were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 20+ observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, over 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 10 en route to Rundu Sep 21 st, 10 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 20 on Oct 1 st, 10 observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd, 10 at Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 3 rd and five Oct 4 th, five at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, five at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, and 10 seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica): One observed foraging over the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge Sep 22 nd. Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii): One was perched on a wire at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, a pair nesting on the boat accompanied us during the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, and a pair seen along the river at Ngepi Lodge Sep 24 th to 26 th. 45

46 Greater Striped-Swallow (Cecropis cucullata): Two were seen foraging near the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, four observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 10 foraging at the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge GR Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd. Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Swallow (Cecropis semirufa): One seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, six were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, two were seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 27 th, two seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and singles the 29 th, 30 th, and Oct 1 st. Mosque Swallow (Cecropis senegalensis): Eight foraging over the floodplain below Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st and two were seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th. Tits: Paridae Rufous-bellied Tit (Melaniparus rufiventris): Great looks of one were had along the radio tower road 20 km west of Rundu Sep 22 nd. Southern Black-Tit (Melaniparus niger): Two were seen on the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, and two seen along he entrance road at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. Ashy Tit (Melaniparus cinerascens): One observed at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Ashy Tit, Spitzkoppe NP 46

47 Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorcichla flaviventris): Two seen at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd, two seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, three were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and six the 25 th, eight seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus terrestris): Six seen at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd, one seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, four seen at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th and six on the 26 th. Common (Dark-capped) Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus): A few were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, 15 seen at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th and 10 on the 26 th. Common Bulbul, Ngepi Lodge Black-fronted (Red-eyed) Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans): Common garden bird: Over 50 at Villa Violet and Windhoek Sep 17 th, over 30 were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 15+ observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 30+ seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one was seen at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd, four seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, five seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 29 th, 60 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, and 30 Oct 1 st, 20 observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd, 30 at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, 15 at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, many on the 8 th, ten at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, and 15+ seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Grassbirds and Crombecs: Macrosphenidae 47

48 Cape (Long-billed) Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens): Two seen from the restaurant patio at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one heard at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, one seen Sep 26 th, and six seen at Ngepi Lodge on Sep 26 th. Rockrunner (Achaetops pycnopygius): One heard singing early morning from the hill side above Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one calling bird was perched on a boulder at a rocky outcrop below Hohenstein Lodge late evening Oct 6 th, a search the following evening in the same area produced on calling bird and another seen well. Reed Warblers: Acrocephalidae *African Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus): A few were heard at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. *Lesser Swamp-Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris): A few were heard at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Greater Swamp-Warbler (Acrocephalus rufescens): Close looks of one was had on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd. Rush Warblers: Locustellidae Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala): One seen and a few were heard at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and one heard along the river during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge, Sep 25 th. Cisticolas: Cisticolidae Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida): One seen during the afternoon guided walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Green (Gray) -backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura): Six seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, two observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two at Ngepi Lodge Sep 23 rd and one the 24 th, five seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, six seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and five the 27 th, and one observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd. Barred Wren-Warbler (Calamonastes fasciolatus): An immature was observed at close range at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd and one was seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. 48

49 Barred Wren-Warbler immature, Etosha Safari Camp Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana): Two at Windhoek Sep 17 th, a single observed singing at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one along the radio tower road 20 km west of Rundu Sep 22 nd, five seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, five seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 27 th. Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis): One seen at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd. Desert Cisticola (Cisticola aridulus): Three seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 27 th, four seen at grasslands at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, and over 10 daily Sep 29 th to Oct 1 st, 20 observed en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava): Two seen near the river (by the abattoir) 10 km east of Rundu Sep 22 nd, three seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, one seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. 49

50 Tawny-flanked Prinia, Kavango River Black-chested Prinia (Prinia flavicans): One observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, five observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, six observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd, one at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, two at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and Oct 7 th and three Oct 8 th. Yellow-bellied Eremomela (Eremomela icteropygialis): One seen foraging in a tree at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th and one seen at Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Burnt-necked Eremomela (Eremomela usticollis): Two close birds seen foraging in a small tree at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th and four observed at the Okaukuejo Rest Camp picnic area, Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Warblers: Sylviidae Layard s Warbler (Sylvia layardi): Great looks of one at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Rufous-vented Warbler (Sylvia subcaerulea): Five seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th and six Sep 18 th, a single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one observed at Okaukuejo rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and five Oct 7 th, two at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th and eight at Hohenstein Lodge on Oct 8 th. 50

51 Rufous-vented Warbler, Etosha NP White-eyes: Zosteropidae African Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis): Five were seen foraging on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd and two seen Sep 23 rd. Orange River White-eye (Zosterops pallidus): Two seen on the grounds of Spendrift Guesthouse, Walvis Bay Oct 4 th and one on Oct 6 th. Babblers: Leiothrichidae Hartlaub s Babbler (Turdoides hartlaubii): Common babbler of the floodplain, foraging in small groups: Five observed on the floodplain near Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, eight seen at the Rundu sewage ponds, and six at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd, 15+ seen on the floodplain and grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Sep 23 rd, 25+ were at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, 40+ seen at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, 20 seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. 51

52 Hartlaub s Babbler, Ngepi Lodge Black-faced Babbler (Turdoides melanops): One seen during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii): Eight observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 15+ on Sep 22 nd, 10 on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, four were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and Sep 26 th. Old World Flycatchers: Muscicapidae Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata): One was observed perched in a shrub at the Spendrift Guesthouse Walvis Bay, Oct 6 th. Mariqua Flycatcher (Bradornis mariquensis): Common and widespread especially in acacia scrub. Three seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th and two the 18 th, five observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, nine seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, two observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, six seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, two seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, eight seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and 27 th, 40+ seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, two at Etosha NP Sep 29 th, and 10 the 30 th, 20 observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, five at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th, five at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, two seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. 52

53 Mariqua Flycatcher Photo: Dylan White Chat Flycatcher (Agricola infuscatus): Two seen along the roadsides at Etosha NP Sep 29 th and 30 th, one observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, one seen en route to Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th. Ashy Flycatcher (Fraseria caerulescens): Two seen during the morning walk through the camp area at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th. Kalahari Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas paena): Close looks of one were had at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 2 nd, a single was at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, and two observed at Hohenstein Oct 8 th. Red-backed (White-browed) Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys): Two seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, two seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, one observed at Etosha Safari Camp Oct 1 st and two on Oct 2 nd, and a single at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini): One seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd, two seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, two were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and four Sep 25 th, six seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. At 5 AM (pre-dawn) this bird seems like an incredibly loud singer. 53

54 White-browed Robin-Chat, Ngepi Lodge Short-toed Rockthrush (Monticola brevipes): Two were seen hopping on rock walls at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one observed at Etosha Safari Camp grounds Oct 1 st and Oct 2 nd, and two seen at a rock outcropping at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. 54

55 Short-toed Thrush, Daan Viljoen GP Photo: Dylan White Southern Anteater-Chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora): Two observed en route to Rundu Sep 21 st, one seen en route to Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, five seen at the plains around Fischer s Pan, Etosha NP Sep 27 th, seven observed en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and five Oct 1 st. Karoo Chat (Cercomela schlegelii): Good looks of one along the roadside near Uis Oct 3 rd, and three seen en route to the coast from Brandberg Mt Oct 4 th. Tractrac Chat (Cercomela tractrac): One seen en route to the coast from Brandberg Mt Oct 4 th, and great looks of one foraging 60 metres from the roadside en route to Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th. 55

56 Tractrac Chat, en route to Hohenstein Lodge Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris): Four were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, three observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, five observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two observed on the grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, two at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, two at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, and a single on Oct 8 th, two at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Mountain Wheatear (Oenanthe monticola): Two were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, five at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, one seen en route to the coast from Brandberg Mt Oct 4 th, and 15 at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Thrushes: Turdidae Groundscraper Thrush (Psophocichla litsitsirupa): Four were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th and 21 st, eight seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, two observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep21 st, two seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd, two seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, four observed on the grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, one seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th, Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyana): One was seen foarging on the lawn at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th to 26 th. Starlings: Sturnidae 56

57 Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea): Over 200 immatures were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 30 seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and 20 the 27 th, and one immature observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th. Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster): Fifteen including a few males were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 25 th. Pale-winged Starling (Onychognathus nadouroup): Two seen in over flight at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, 10 were seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 20+ seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 150+ at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, 30 at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, and 100+ seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Flocks were seen going back and forth from their roosting sites in the adjacent mountain cliff faces. Burchell s Starling (Lamprotornis australis): Five seen en route to the airport at Windhoek Sep 17 th, four observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, eight seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Oct 20 th, five observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two seen along the radio tower road 20 km west of Rundu Oct 22 nd, 10 seen en route to Divundu Sep 23 rd, 20 seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 20+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 10 seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, two seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Meeves s Starling (Lamprotornis mevesii): Five seen en route to Divundu Sep 23 rd, 10 were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, 10+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 10 seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, 10 seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. 57

58 Meeve s Starling, Ngepi Lodge Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus): One seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, five were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and two on Sep 25 th. Greater Blue-eared Starling, Ngepi Lodge Cape Starling (Lamprotornis nitens): Common and widespread. Two seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, six seen at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, six observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 20+ seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, two observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 20 at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 10 at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 10 seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, five seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, 50+ seen at Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 100+ the 29 th, 100+ observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, 50 observed on the grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, 30 at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd. 58

59 Cape Glossy Starling, Etosha NP Oxpeckers: Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus): Two seen on cattle as a drive-by en route to Divundu Sep 23 rd, Sunbirds: Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris): A male was on a flowering tree on the grounds of Ngepi Lodge Sep 24 th and 26 th. Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina): One seen Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd. Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis): Three were going to flowering trees behind the restaurant at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 19 th, and two observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st. Mariqua Sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis): Three seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, and a single Sep 18 th, a single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, over 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, a male seen at the bird bath at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and 8 th. White- (bellied) breasted Sunbird (Cinnyris talatala): Two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, two seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two 59

60 were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and 26 th, three seen during the morning walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th, three seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and 27 th. Dusky Sunbird (Cinnyris fuscus): One observed at Fiume Lodge Sep 27 th, 10 at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, two at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, one seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis): Two seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, one seen Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one at Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 3 rd, two seen along the coast Oct 4 th, 30 seen in the Walvis Bay area Oct 5 th, two on the grounds of Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 8 th. African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp): One was seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, and two seen at Ngepi Lodge attending a nest at the river swimming area Sep 25 th and 26 th. African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus): Three were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, one was seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, two seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, three seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 20+ seen daily at Etosha NP Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, 30 observed en route to Okondeka waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 30 th snd 40 Oct 1 st, Buntings: Emberizidae Lark-like Bunting (Emberiza impetuani): Over 10 were seen going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, two observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, five seen at the bird bath at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, and 10 at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi): Over 20 were observed going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10 seen at Moringa waterhole early morning Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 20 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, 40 observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd. 60

61 Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Etosha NP Photo: Dylan White Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis): Five were seen at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd and two at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris): Ten seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, and 10+ were had along the radio tower road 20 km west of Rundu Oct 22 nd, 20+ seen at Moringa waterhole early morning at Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 30+ observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, and 10 on Oct 1 st, 20 observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd. Canaries: Fringillidae Yellow-fronted Canary (Crithagra mozambica): Four were perched in trees along the radio tower road 20 km west of Rundu Oct 22 nd. Black-throated Canary (Crithagra atrogularis): Five seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, five were seen going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, four observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 30+ seen at Moringa waterhole early morning Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 50 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 20 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, five at Hohenstein Lodge bird bath Oct 6 th and 8 th. 61

62 Yellow Canary (Crithagra flaviventris): One seen near Aroe waterhole at Etosha NP Sep 27 th. White-throated Canary (Crithagra albogularis): Over 20 seen during the walk to the bushman paintings at Brandberg Mountain NP Oct 3 rd and 10 observed at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. Sparrows: Passeridae House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Introduced: Ten seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th and 18 th, 10 seen en route to Windhoek from Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Great Rufous Sparrow (Passer motitensis): A single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th and 21 st, five seen at Goas waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 30+ seen at Moringa waterhole early morning Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 10 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, and five on Oct 1 st, two at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and four seen at the bird bath at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and 8 th. Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus): Two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, two at Brandberg Rest Camp Oct 3 rd, two seen in Walvis Bay Oct 4 th, five seen in the Walvis Bay area Oct 5 th, 10 seen at Rooibank dunes Oct 6 th. Southern Gray-headed Sparrow (Passer diffuses): A single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th and two the 21 st, one seen at the Mahango GR waterhole Sep 24 th, 15 seen at Goas waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 30+ seen at Moringa waterhole early morning Halali Rest Camp Sep 29 th, 20 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and five Oct 1 st, one observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, and two seen at Hohenstein Lodge bird bath Oct 8 th. Yellow-throated Pretonia (Petronia superciliaris): Two seen at the Mahango GR waterhole Sep 24 th, one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th. Weavers: Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver (Bubalornis niger): Two seen attending a nest at the Divundu gas station and shopping centre Sep 23 rd, one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, and a single seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. Scaly (-feathered Finch) Weaver (Sporopipes squamifrons): Six seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, four seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 10 the 29 th, 20 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 10 on Oct 1 st, 15 at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, and five seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali): Common and widespread. Their untidy globe-shaped nest is a common site in acacia shrub land: Four seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, 50+ were seen at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10 seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Oct 20 th, 10+ observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, 10 seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, 15 seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 27 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 10 the 29 th, 50 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 20 observed Etosha NP Oct 1 st, five observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, 10 at the Cactus Garden at Uis Oct 3 rd, 10 at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and 7 th, five at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th, 10 seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. 62

63 Social Weaver nest, Etosha NP Social Weaver (Philetairus socius): Hundreds observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st with their huge nests located at the staff quarters at the entrance, and en route to the north section of the park. 63

64 Social Weaver, Etosha NP Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes melanotis): A male was observed building a nest hanging over the entrance road to Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th and 26 th. 64

65 Red-headed Weaver, entrance road to Ngepi Lodge Holub s Golden-Weaver (Ploceus xanthops): Ten seen foraging on the ground at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd and two observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, two seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Southern Brown-throated Weaver (Pioceus xanthopterus): Five seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 22 nd and Sep 23 rd, and 10 seen during the afternoon walk at Ngepi Lodge and area Sep 25 th. Lesser Masked Weaver (Pioceus intermedius): A flock of about 40 were seen at close range at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th. Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus): The common widespread weaver: Over 50 seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, 30+ were seen at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 25 seen at Halali Rest Camp Etosha NP Sep 28 th and 40 the 29 th, 30 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 40 Oct 1 st, 50 observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, 20 at the Cactus Garden at Uis Oct 3 rd, 10 seen in Walvis Bay Oct 4 th, five seen in the Walvis Bay area Oct 5 th, five at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, five seen at the bird bath at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th, 10 seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea): Observed in large flocks: hundreds seen attending the waterhole Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and Sep 27 th, 100 s seen at Etosha NP waterholes Sep 28 th to Oct 1 st, 1,000 s seen at Moringa waterhole early morning at Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, 1,000 s observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, and 100 s observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, 65

66 Waxbills: Estrildidae Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild): Four were at the Rundu sewage ponds Sep 22 nd, and two seen at during the bushman paintings walk at Brandberg Mt Oct 3 rd. Black-faced Waxbill (Estrilda erythronotus): A couple were seen going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th. Southern Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus angolensis): About 20 seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, a few were seen going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, three seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 10 observed on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge and area Sep 21 st, six seen at Ngepi Camp Sep 23 rd, 15 were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, five seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, five seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, two seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th, Violet-eared Waxbill (Granatina granatina): Five were seen going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, one seen near the river (by the abattoir) 10 km east of Rundu Sep 22 nd, one seen at Ngepi Camp Sep 23 rd, one was seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th, 10 seen along the entrance road to Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, five seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and 10 the 27 th, one observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, one seen at the bird bath at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th and two Octy 8 th. Violet-eared Waxbill, Hohenstein Lodge Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba): Five seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, eight were seen going for water at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, a single observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 66

67 four seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one seen along the entrance road to Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, one at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, one seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th and two the 27 th, three observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, Jameson s Firefinch (Lagnosticta rhodopareia): A skittish flock of ten were seen on a track near the river (by the abattoir) 10 km east of Rundu Sep 22 nd. Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala): Four seen at Villa Violet, Windhoek Sep 17 th, over 10 were seen at the dam at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 40 seen Sep 28 th and 29 th at Etosha NP waterholes, 20 observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Oct 1 st, six at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and five Oct 8 th. Whydahs: Viduidae Shaft-tailed Whydah (Vidua regia): Over 100 were seen at Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 30+ observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, three seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, and five observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Oct 1 st. picnic lunch at Rock Pool, Spitzkoppe NP 67

68 Mammals Straw-colored Fruit Bat (Eidolon helvum): Five observed flying into and out of a large fig tree over-looking the outside eating area at Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, 20 seen roosting at Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th and eight seen roosting at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. Straw-colored Fruit Bat, Ngepi Lodge Rodents - Rodentia African Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris): One observed en route to Okondeka waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th and 10 Oct 1 st, ten seen at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. 68

69 African Ground Squirrel, Etosha NP Tree Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi): One seen on the grounds of Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 23 rd, two were seen at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th and 25 th, four seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, four seen at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, six seen at Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 28 th and eight the 29 th, five observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th. 69

70 Tree Squirrel, Ngepi camp Dassie Rat (Petromus typicus): Two seen at Brandberg Mt Oct 3 rd, one at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th and three seen at the bird bath Oct 7 th, three basking on rocks at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th. 70

71 Dassie Rat, Hohenstein Lodge (Tree Mouse) Acacia Rat (Thallomys paedulus): One seen well in the rafters of the dining area at the Ngepi Lodge grounds Sep 24 th. Very long tail, large size, pelage color all noted. Rabbits, Hares - Lagomorpha Scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis): One seen at Moringa waterhole, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th during the nightly waterhole watch. Hyraxes - Hyracoidea Rock (Dassie) Hyrax (Procavia capensis): Six seen on cliff edges at Brandberg Mt Oct 3 rd, and 15 at Spitzkoppe NP Oct 7 th including some close to our picnic site at Rock Pool. Elephants - Proboscidea African Elephant (Loxodonta africana): Thirty seen going to rivers edge for a drink on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, 10 seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 15 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 100 s observed at Okaukuejo Rest Camp waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 35 observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, one lone desert elephant bull years old observed during the bushman paintings walk at Brandberg Mt Oct 3 rd. Odd-Toed Ungulates - Perissodactyla 71

72 Plains (Burchell s) Zebra (Equus burchelli): Over 40 seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 20 seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 700+ seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 100 s observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st. Plains Zebra with Springbok, Etosha NP Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis): Two seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th during the days drive and three seen at the Moringa waterhole at Halali Rest Camp at night, cow and calf seen in the bush en route to Goas waterhole and five seen at Moringa waterhole Sep 29 th, seven observed at close quarters during the night waterhole watch at Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 30 th. 72

73 Black Rhinoceros, Etosha NP Artiodactyla: Whippomorpha Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus): Nine were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two observed at the Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, 10+ seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 20 observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, a few were seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, 20+ seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 30 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, one seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, and two observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius): Small herds equalling 50 were seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge Sep 23 rd, an estimated 150+ seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, and heard at night at Ngepi Lodge Sep 26 th. 73

74 Artiodactyla: Ruminants Southern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis): Fifteen seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th and 28 th, over 30 on the 29 th, 20 observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st. African (Cape) Buffalo (Syncerus caffer): One seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 300+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Eland (Taurotragus oryx): Four were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10 seen at Fiume Lodge Sep 26 th, 25 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. 74

75 Eland herd, Etosha NP Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros): Four were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 50+ seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 80 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 20 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 10 on Sep 29 th, and eight observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 75 observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, two en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus): Three seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, 10 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, Roan (Hippotragus equinus): Three seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th. Sable (Hippotragus niger): One male seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 15 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. 75

76 Sable, Buffalo Core, Bwabata GR (Oryx) Gemsbok (Oryx gazella): One was seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, four seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 10 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, four on the 29 th, and 15 observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 100+ observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. 76

77 Gemsbok, Etosha NP Red Lechwe (Kobus leche): About 80 seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th. Southern Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula): Over 200 seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 200+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus): One seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, 20 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus): Five seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 30 seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 250 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 100 s observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, seven at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 6 th, Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus): About 60 seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, two on the 29 th and 10 on the 30 th. Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus): Four seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, Black-faced Impala (Aepyceros melampus): Over 200 seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, estimated 400+ seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th, 40 seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 200+ seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 100+ on the 29 th and 40 observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 50 observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, 77

78 Springbok (Antidorcas marsuplialis): Eight were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10 seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, 1,000+ seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, 500+ the 29 th, and 100 s observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th and Oct 1 st, 12 at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th. Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris): A single observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, one seen at Waterberg Guest Farm Oct 20 th, two singles observed en route to Tambuti Lodge, Rundu Sep 21 st, two seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, a young animal was observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st. Steenbok, Etosha NP Damara Dik-dik (Madoqua damarensis): Three seen at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, six seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, two seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th. 78

79 Damara Dik-Dik, Etosha NP Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia): One observed on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd. Carnivores - Carnivora Cape Fox (Vulpes chama): One seen at the night watch at Moringa waterhole, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas): Two seen at Etosha NP Sep 27 th, four seen at Etosha NP Sep 28 th, five seen at Moringa waterhole, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, five observed at Etosha NP Sep 30 th, 15 observed at Etosha NP Oct 1 st, one seen en route to the coast from Brandberg Mt Oct 4 th. 79

80 Black-backed Jackal, Etosha NP Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis): One seen trotting through Moringa waterhole during the night watch, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th. Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo): A band of 26 was watched at close range in the chalet area of Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th. Slender Mongoose (Herpestes sanguinea): Two seen crossing the trail at Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, one observed (SB, DM) on grounds of Etosha Safari Camp Oct 2 nd, three seen at Hohenstein Lodge Oct 7 th. 80

81 Slender Mongoose, Etosha NP Photo: Dylan White Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata): Two were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, two observed en route to Okondeka waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 30 th, Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta): Heard from across the river from Ngepi Lodge Sep 25 th, two seen at Moringa waterhole, Halali Rest Camp, Etosha NP Sep 29 th, good looks of one loping across the road in front of us en route to Nebrownii waterhole Etosha NP Oct 1 st, Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus): Great looks of two males under trees en route to Twee Palms waterhole, Etosha NP Sep 27 th. 81

82 Cheetah, Etosha NP Lion (Panthera leo): Five females seen resting at Kalkheuwel waterhole Sep 28 th, two females were resting at Nuamses waterhole, a mature male was seen walking away from Nebrownii waterhole mid-morning, and two males were resting at Nebrownii waterhole at 6 PM Sep 30 th, six seen en route to Gemsbovlakte waterhole and a pride of 11 lions seen at Okondeka waterhole Oct 1 st. 82

83 Lion male at Nebrownii waterhole, Etosha NP Cape Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus): Over 2,000 seen during the dolphin tour from Walvis Bay Oct 5 th, Primates - Primates Chacma Baboon (Papio hamadryas ursinus): Six were seen en route to Windhoek Sep 17 th, eight were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th, 10 observed en route to Waterberg Guest Farm Sep 19 th, a troop of 20 was watched at close range in the chalet area of Waterberg Plateau NP Sep 20 th, 20+ seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, 20 observed en route to Uis Oct 2 nd, 20 seen en route to Windhoek from Hohenstein Lodge Oct 8 th. 83

84 Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops): Five seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, 20+ seen at the Mahango GR Sep 24 th, 40 seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. 84

85 Vervet Monkey, Mahango NP Reptiles and Amphibians Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus): Five seen on the evening Kavango River boat trip from the Mahango Safari Lodge situated upstream from Mahango GR Sep 23 rd, five seen at the Mahango GR floodplain Sep 24 th, two seen at the Buffalo Core area of the Bwabata GR Sep 25 th. Namib Rock Agama (Agama planiceps): Four were seen at the Dan Viljoen Game Park Sep 18 th. 85

86 Namibian Rock Agama, Van Diljoen GP Photo: Dylan White Marsh Terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa): Two seen at Klein Namutoni Etosha NP Sep 27 th. 86