Led by Barry Swaddle
Sunday 28 June 2015
Eleven birders gathered at the entrance to AECI in Amanzimtoti. The plan was to bird in Vumbuka. However Barry suggested we visit Umbogavango first as his reconnaissance the previous week had revealed that Vumbuka was quiet by comparison.
Barry took us into the grassland area behind the ablutions and then around the site visiting the bird hides and through its many various habitats.
Altogether 77 bird species were recorded including a number of raptors – African Crowned Eagle, African Fish-Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Lanner Falcon and Black Sparrowhawk. To view the list click here.
Here are photos of some of the birds seen.
The most interesting sighting was not that of a bird. Sally searched for why birds were going crazy in a distant tree when she spotted a rather large Green Mamba in the tree next to all the action.
After several hours at Umbogavango we headed for tea at the newly refurbished Lapa in Vumbuka. The Lapa has been extended and can seat many more people under shelter. There are also braai facilities available.
Several of us took a stroll around a section of Vumbuka after tea. Birds were calling but were few and far between – probably as it was already midday. However a number of butterflies were photographed and are included here to challenge your skills at IDing them.
Paul and Sally Bartho
Butterfly 1 – Blue Pansy
Butterfly 2 – Female African Migrant
Butterfly 3 – Brown Playboy
Butterfly 4 – Green-veined Charaxes
Butterfly 5 – Vine-leaf Vagrant
I saw the elusive Spotted Ground-thrush at Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary after the outing.