Birding from the Patio

30 April 2021 - Leadwood Big Game Estate; Day 2

We all slept well, but it was Simon and I that were up before sunrise for a pre-breakfast game drive. Early morning was still pretty cool, as we explored many roads and the boundary fence. We had a distant sighting of a Leopard in the road, but it melted into the bush when we tried to get closer.

However, not long after this sighting and on one of the quieter roads we came across this stunning and regal adult Verreaux's Eagle-Owl sitting low down in a tree. Being so close, I almost had too much lens for this beauty.

We had saturated views and the quietly drove off, leaving it undisturbed

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus)

We didn't come across much else interesting, so back for a late breakfast followed by some patio bird photography. Here we just observed what was passing through the riverine forest. Here a female African Paradise Flycatcher

African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)

and in the same tree, Golden-tailed Woodpecker

Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni)

There were a few Pale Flycatchers

Pale Flycatcher (Melaenornis pallidus)

along with Black Flycatcher

Southern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina)

Southern Black Tit

Southern Black Tit (Melaniparus niger)

The gorgeous Golden-breasted Bunting made an appearance

Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)

as did a charismatic Long-billed Crombec (since it doesn't have a tail, it had to at least get a catchy name that discourages you looking at this feature - or lack of it)

Long-billed Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens)

There were also a few Green-winged Pytilia, but mostly females

Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba)

The Yellow-throated Sparrow was quite skulky

Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow (Gymnoris superciliaris)

and later enjoyed birds coming to the bird bath, before the afternoon weather turned and clouded over. We had quite a smorgasbord at the bird bath while the sun was shining; Blue Waxbill