AlMega camp birds

04 November 2023 - AlMega Caravan Park, Dinokeng - Day 2

AlMega is a small and well maintained caravan site with spacious stands and a walk around the perimeter is not strenuous at all. I had an early morning walk while the family had a lie in and enjoyed many of the bushveld species in the grounds.

I tried for Yellow-bellied Eremomela and was tricked by a White-browed Scrub Robin imitating it's call - but still a good bird to see, as it was displaying while it was calling.

White-browed Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys)

So many Millipedes on the sand roads

Millipede

Willow Warbler's were calling in many areas along the fringes, but it does take some perseverance getting half decent views

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)

Red-chested Cuckoo's were really vocal, but another really tricky species to get any good views at all - well, at least for me

Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)

I was detracted by a Gabar Goshawk against the grey sky chasing down a potential breakfast, but without success

Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar)

I expected to find Groundscraper Thrush and eventually I did

Groundscraper Thrush (Turdus litsitsirupa)

Long-billed Crombec were quite common

Long-billed Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens)

I heard Crimson-breasted Shrike calling and tracked one down in a tree between two campsites. I was thrilled when it suddenly popped out and continued calling - Red on/in Green - magic!

Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus)

Red in Green

In the adjacent tree, a Marico Flycatcher seemed disturbed by the Shrike's presence

Marico Flycatcher (Melaenornis mariquensis)

Around 10am, my son and I did the guided Electric Scooter tour around the reserve which was a great experience and a lot of fun - certainly recommended

Back at our site, it was already getting warm and other species started appearing - Burchell's Starling

Burchell's Starling (Lamprotornis australis)

Aside from Red-chested, there were also a a few Levaillant's Cuckoo's around camp - another tough species to get clear views of, in general

Levaillant's Cuckoo (Clamator levaillantii)

Near the main gate, I had great views of a single Southern Pied Babbler - the bushveld snowball!

Southern Pied Babbler (Turdoides bicolor)

This is a Zebra White, one of the few butterflies I photographed today

Zebra White (Pinacopteryx e. eriphia)

Late afternoon, we bought firewood (you cant bring your own in) and started preparing for our early evening braai in this tranquil setting