Kyalami Estates - July Round-up

31 July 2022 - Kyalami Estates

July was a relatively quiet month in the Estate, as many weekends were spent away. There were a few notable highlights with Freckled Nightjar calling early morning and late evening (I still havent discovered where they roost in the day). The burbling call of Burchell's Coucal was heard on a number of occasions and Grey Hornbill was seen once along with the noisy flock of Arrow-marked Babblers.

I have had fleeting glimpses of the Malachite Kingfisher a few times at St Ledger Dam, but this month I was able to finally get onto one and snap a few images

Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristata)

I was however amazed that the Southern Masked Weavers were in full summer plumage with a few nests already built and courtship in full swing. One theory about starting breeding early, is to get out a full clutch before the migratory Cuckoo's return.

Female Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)

Male Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)

The same was true for the Cape Weavers at St Ledger Dam where they prefer the Willow Trees to make their nests. In fact, one male hadn't even waited for the leaves to sprout

Male Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)

When I visited a week later, the nest was almost completed, just some last touches to be added to the lining of the nest

Male Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)

With some lining for the nest

Other birds seen were Reed Cormorant

Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus)

And a couple of young Moorhen, indicating they had also bred in the winter

Juvenile Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)