Kyalami Estates - April Round-up

30 April 2021 - Kyalami Estates

There is now a touch of autumn in the air and birding activity starts to quieten down a little. April wasn't too bad a month, with 52 species recorded and a few notable highlights like African Darter, Little Sparrowhawk and Arrow-marked Babbler recorded by another birder in the Estate.

As mentioned, the African Darter was a highlight and made a number of appearances at the main park dam in the Estate

African Darter (Anhinga rufa)

On one of the mornings, two Sacred Ibis circled low over the dam, but then decided against landing and carried on their merry way

Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)

A pair of African Wattled Lapwing are still holding territory at the main park

African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus)

One morning, I flushed a roosting Spotted Thick-knee which are seldom seen during the day - but come night time, its a different story as their calls entertain us while reading in bed

Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis)

Whilst at the main dam, some of the Southern Red Bishops have already lost their summer plumage

Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)

Thick-billed Weavers still abound

Thick-billed Weaver (Euplectes albifrons)

and the Tawny-flanked Prinia's are also easily seen

Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava)

Karoo Thrush are abundant throughout the Estate

Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithii)

As are African Olive Pigeon

African Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix)

Twin-dotted Border's are the predominant butterfly going into autumn

Twin-dotted Border (Mylothris r. haemus)

And there are still a number of Damselflies present before the colder weather sets in; Acacia Sprite

Female Acacia Sprite (Pseudagrion acaciae)

Male Acacia Sprite (Pseudagrion acaciae)

Common Threadtail

Female Common Threadtail (Elattoneura glauca)

Male Common Threadtail (Elattoneura glauca)

and the first time I have recorded Swamp Bluet which I had previously seen at Lonehill Park

Swamp Bluet (Africallagma glaucum)

Carpenter Bee's are still to be seen in some of the parks flower beds - this a yellow and black one which I assume is a different colour form of the black and white one I have seen in my garden?

Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa caffra)