Kyalami Estates - November Round-up

30 November 2023 - Kyalami Estates

I didnt do much birding in the Estate this month, as much time was taken up with the preparation for our bucket list Zim trip. Summer is upon us with the arrival of most intra-African migrants and one Palearctic migrant.

Good local birds recorded included Grey-headed Bushshrike, Arrow-marked Babbler and Freckled Nightjar.

Most photography was done in the two parks in the Estate with the main. The Cape Glossy Starling using the playground apparatus as a perch to enjoy this tiny snack

Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens)

The male Red Bishops are now in full summer regalia and there is a lot of territorial activity in the reedbed on the edge of the dam 

Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)

I got creative with this low key image 

Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)

The returning White-throated Swallows are back at their old nest site and I recorded them enjoying an intimate moment

White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis)

Down at St Ledger, the near endemic Cape Weavers were also in full swing with nest building the priority. Both the male and female getting in on the action

Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)

Female Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)

Southern Masked Weavers breed at the dams at the main park and the St Ledger park

Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)

The Thick-billed Weaver numbers have reduced and I believe this is related to the reed cutting done by the maintenance team. In my opinion the reeds are cut too late in winter and have not re-grown early enough for these Weavers to start their nest building

Female Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons)

With patience, the resident Malachite Kingfisher can be found around the fringes of the dam

Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristata)

The palearctic Willow Warblers are back and by listening out for their soft, but distinctive call and with a lot of patience, you can be rewarded with fleeting views and a few good pics as they appear briefly in small openings. It is quiet amazing that this small bird migrates from Europe and across the African continent to summer in South Africa

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)