tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74991676846883125492024-03-13T04:11:39.482+02:00Katanga BirdingAndrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499167684688312549.post-16878827268779533282009-09-26T18:00:00.003+02:002009-09-28T18:24:54.683+02:00Summer has arrivedOver the last three weekends, Simon Fellingham, Mike Cowley and I have headed over the Lualaba River and into the vast woodlands to the east of Kolwezi. This time of year the woodlands are very active with almost all of the species either attracting mates, preparing to nest or waiting in anticipation for the coming rains. The extra feeding, calling, chasing, building and hunting means that the birding activity in September is nothing short of spectacular.<br /><br />Almost completely absent as little as three weeks ago, Cuckoos now seem to dominate the woodland. At least one representative of African, Red-chested or Black Cuckoo can be heard at almost any point. Klaas's and Emerald are less obvious, while Thick-billed requires a little bit more luck and a good vantage point. The ‘Coctet’ is completed with the locally uncommon Didric and the somewhat shy and the less than common, Common.<br /><br />Other particularly vocal species at this time of year include the impressive Grey-hooded Kingfisher and African Golden Oriole. The comical call of the Racket-tailed Roller could easily be confused with something far larger and less avian. Rollers display around a nesting tree with a ‘shot in mid air and drop dead’ fly–by. Less spectacular and less confident in the air, but equally vocal are the hornbills, Pale-billed and Crowned.<br /><br />The brachystegia woodland is of course characterised by a very distinctive suite of species. Although mixed flocks are less evident now than in other months of the year, many of these species such as White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Miombo Tit, Bar-winged Weaver, Miombo Wren Warbler, Red-capped Crombec, Black-necked Eromomela and Cabanis's Bunting still seem to move in loose assemblages. Canopy species include Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Black-eared and Reichards Seedeaters, Amethyst and Violet-backed Sunbird.<br /><br />Pairs of Arnot’s Chat, Miombo Scrub Robin and Kurrichane Thrush avoid the crowds but are easily found on the woodland floor, which at this time of year is largely devoid of grass and freshly burnt. Rufous-bellied Tits, also seem to be shyer and disappear quickly into a concealed tree cavity. Higher above, a Bohm's Flycatcher enters and leaves a disused Red-headed Weavers nest. The seldom Spotted Creepers are more mobile and appear to be restricted to smaller and better defined territories, but remain difficult to pin down.<br /><br />The flamboyant African Paradise Flycatcher is never far away from some action while the less dramatic Fan-tailed Flycatchers call incessantly as they glean their way through the thicker clumps of vegetation and around termite mounds. Ashy and Southern Black Flycatchers, although less obvious than some can be quite active. The sticky call of an African Dusky Flycatcher often gives away the presence of a shy spectator. No Spotted or Collared Flycatchers are around yet.<br /><br />Apart from the seemingly omnipresent Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, frugivores seem to be poorly represented. Concentrations of fruiting figs do however attract Crested and Black-collared Barbet and the splendid Schalow’s Turaco and Violet-backed Starling. If you are lucky you may chance across a group of Anchieta’s Barbet. A day in the woodland can produce up to five species of Woodpecker including Cardinal, Bearded, Golden-tailed, Bennet’s and Little Spotted.<br /><br />A number of grassy hills renowned for their high copper content and associated vegetation types produce a slightly different suite of species to the woodland. Sooty Chat replace Arnot's and are normally the first to be seen. They are followed by a variety of hirundines including Pearl-breasted, Grey-rumped Angola, Red-breasted and Lesser Striped Swallows. The former species seem to make use of artisanal miner’s shafts. A waterway whose trees have long been converted into charcoal provides a grassy niche which is host to Red-cheeked Cordonbleau, Black-Sawwing Swallow, Orange-winged Pytilia and Holub’s Golden Weaver.<br /><br />The area still supports a reasonably healthy population of Bateleur who together with a few pairs of African Hawk Eagle scour the woodland from above. Below African Goshawk and Lizard Buzzard wait while the ubiquitous Yellow-billed Kites are never far from a meal. Trilling, Rattling, Red-faced and Short-winged Cisticolas have, for obvious reasons, have been relegated to the second division. However despite their browns and beiges, their song adds to the general ambience and confirms that summer has arrived.Andrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499167684688312549.post-40087508195200121382009-09-23T20:46:00.005+02:002009-09-28T18:26:35.988+02:00Wattled Crane in Kolwezi19/09/09: Three Wattled Cranes heard and seen flying over Kolwezi around mid day. The birds were moving in a southerly direction<br /><br />23/09/09: Ten Wattled Cranes were observed feeding in the Musonoi River in Kolwezi. The Musonoi River, which was dammed many years ago, has filled with tailings material deposited from upstream mining operations. Birds were feeding in a moist grassy area which covers a few hectares.<br /><br />25 and 26/09/09: Unfortunately no birds could be located.<br /><br />It is speculated that these birds were moving southwards towards Zambia from the large swamps to the north.Andrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499167684688312549.post-9157474159797489252009-07-05T19:51:00.015+02:002009-08-15T20:15:39.875+02:00Kolwezi Riverine ForestBelow is an annotated list of species recorded along a stretch of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">riverine</span> forest to the north of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kolwezi</span> in July 2009:<br /><div><div><div><div></div><div>Little Grebe / <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dabchick</span> - pair resident in small dam at lower end of forest</div><br /><div>Long-crested Eagle - a fairly common raptor in the area</div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lizzard</span> Buzzard - common bird along the forest</div><br /><div>African Goshawk - uncommon bird along the forest. Is possibly more numerous where therer are more trees .</div><br /><p>Red-necked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Spurfowl</span> - common in scrub and farmland. The only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Spurfowl</span> in the area.</p><p>Common Moorhen - a single bird skulking near the waters edge</p><p>Emerald-spotted Wood Dove - common in scrub, forest and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">farmbush</span></p><p>Red-eyed Dove - common in woodland and forest</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Klaas's</span> Cuckoo - calling has started in late June. Mainly along river course associated with larger trees</p><p>Speckled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mousebird</span> - common species.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7OuDSVDYCtEiSaDLmZ6KJ2JBEMUD9FvKKVu-NCJew1fe7FbceG36WtFoAfP7gNd4YEfiMqo6QchJ_93NoXikvhAiRWoRyBVzk0A9bKDJ-ajLngGXmYp0L2eCCk226Jii53wc5GePQwA/s1600-h/Speckled+Mousebird3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359750813899673746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7OuDSVDYCtEiSaDLmZ6KJ2JBEMUD9FvKKVu-NCJew1fe7FbceG36WtFoAfP7gNd4YEfiMqo6QchJ_93NoXikvhAiRWoRyBVzk0A9bKDJ-ajLngGXmYp0L2eCCk226Jii53wc5GePQwA/s200/Speckled+Mousebird3.jpg" border="0" /></a> Differs from the southern form by having red legs and a whitish cheek<br /></p><p>Little Bee-eater - common species</p><p>African <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hoopoe</span> - seems to have increased in numbers in recent weeks. Possibly as a result of the number of fires which has cleared much of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">groundcover</span></p><p>Yellow-rumped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Tinkerbird</span> - common in the riparian forest</p><p>Brown-backed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Honeybird</span> - uncommon. Recorded once along river</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Flappet</span> Lark - common species. Its presence is often given away by characteristic flight</p><p>Angola Swallow - common species. Almost always associated with water.</p><p>African Pied Wagtail - common species often near open water</p><p>Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cucko</span>-Shrike - fairly common species in riparian forest</p><p>Little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Greenbul</span> - restricted to riparian forest where quite common</p><p>Yellow-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Leaflove</span> - common adjacent to riparian woodland. Difficult to see, although characteristic call can be heard </p><p>Common <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Bulbul</span> - very common species <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">across</span> a range of habitats</p><p>Black-collared <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Bulbul</span> - common species on the edge of riparian forest</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yDYcXFUbc8h8PtQrPCuu_MeHPRlI5Bv6mNa2GGSCZyurZqbSUAEHDyrsmHibu_TABvg3X1OZb41z9npnGNXAHSWIMORUC_X9arZk5dqtFWQ6_YMauGVQ0-kY7ujrdhoI9L4uN4xaycQ/s1600-h/Black-collared+Bulbul2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359679024871967890" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yDYcXFUbc8h8PtQrPCuu_MeHPRlI5Bv6mNa2GGSCZyurZqbSUAEHDyrsmHibu_TABvg3X1OZb41z9npnGNXAHSWIMORUC_X9arZk5dqtFWQ6_YMauGVQ0-kY7ujrdhoI9L4uN4xaycQ/s200/Black-collared+Bulbul2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Black-collared <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Bulbul</span></p><blockquote></blockquote><p>West African Thrush (<em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Turdos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">pelios</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">sormsi</span></em>) - very common, especially at fruiting trees. A lot more orange on this bird than the west <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">African</span> varieties.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPy30MoJQFT7T2qz03Hu8AGULPLAWWmaZf_eRXsu4QjRUguUmwPYeRgjkuhgmOG7ohU6u1FVW6Ot8wJBagVxZFNrosmZOuKkXrQyRCbAs-l5cElpVm-5eL1kn9lISFRKIG2mQ8CMK_qY/s1600-h/West+African+Thrush.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359672086383897394" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPy30MoJQFT7T2qz03Hu8AGULPLAWWmaZf_eRXsu4QjRUguUmwPYeRgjkuhgmOG7ohU6u1FVW6Ot8wJBagVxZFNrosmZOuKkXrQyRCbAs-l5cElpVm-5eL1kn9lISFRKIG2mQ8CMK_qY/s200/West+African+Thrush.jpg" border="0" /></a> West African Thrush<br /><br /><p>African Yellow Warbler - common bird moving through scrubby woodland and thicket edge</p><p>Long-billed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Crombec</span> - common in scrub adjacent to forest</p><p>Red-faced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Cisticola</span> - common in scrubby grass adjacent to forest</p><p>Short-winged <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Cisticola</span> - common in scrubby grass adjacent to forest</p><p>Tawny-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">flaned</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Prinia</span> - common in any tangles and grassy vegetation</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8weIZKF4_ClQpO-b8HzlphMniBKq8r_idOEPudrrwiOOX4QQdsw0lk9hzQY6FHIvCcsft-6pUjpq2nS0JTU4r7s7DZ_KSVrYcnd9G5O-qT5AtS1dPbku0oZ1nzWvi-TI5q25GvVhNxc4/s1600-h/White-chinned+Prinia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359681766887646754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8weIZKF4_ClQpO-b8HzlphMniBKq8r_idOEPudrrwiOOX4QQdsw0lk9hzQY6FHIvCcsft-6pUjpq2nS0JTU4r7s7DZ_KSVrYcnd9G5O-qT5AtS1dPbku0oZ1nzWvi-TI5q25GvVhNxc4/s200/White-chinned+Prinia.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p>White-chinned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Prinia</span> (photograph right) - groups of three to four move up and down the forest calling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">almost</span> continually</p><p>African Dusky Flycatcher - uncommon species sometimes absent</p><p>Black-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">throated</span> Wattle Eye - common species more often heard than seen. Keep to cover of forest</p><p>Amethyst <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Sunbird</span> - very common species</p><p>Variable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Sunbird</span> - very common species, particularly now when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">syzygium</span> tree species are flowering </p><p>Copper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Sunbird</span> - fairly common species. Seems to enjoy the invasive <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">tithonia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">diversifolia</span></em>.</p><p><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Bannerman's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Sunbird</span> - a unusual bird suspected to be a juvenile of this species was seen once. </em></p><p>Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike - common species in and adjacent to forest. Its call can be heard most mornings</p><p>Black-crowned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Tchagra</span> - very common species adjacent to forest</p><p>Black-backed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Puffback</span> - common species in forest and in thick bush adjacent to forest</p><p>Tropical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Bouboou</span> - common species in forest and in thick bush adjacent</p><p>African Golden Oriole - uncommon <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">species</span>. Mostly associated with large fruiting trees</p><p>Pied Crow - common species dominating modified habitat</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Spectacled</span> Weaver - uncommon species, only seems to be associated with riparian forest in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Kolwezi</span></p><p>Yellow Bishop - very common species in scrub adjacent to forest. This species is more obvious during the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">rainy</span> season.</p><p>Yellow-mantled Widow - common species, also more evident during the rainy season.</p><p>Fawn-breasted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Waxbill</span> - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">uncommon</span> species moving in small groups amongst <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">herbaceous</span> vegetation</p><p>Common <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Waxbill</span> - common species in rank grass and moist vegetation</p><p>Broad-tailed Paradise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Whydah</span> - uncommon. Still in full breeding dress in late July.</p><p>Black-faced Canary - uncommon species <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">which</span> seems to move around a bit. Sometimes can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">be</span> common.</p><p>Brimstone Canary - common species. Also seems to enjoy the invasive <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">tithonia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">diversifolia</span></em>.</p><p>Cinnamon-breasted Bunting - possibly the most common bird in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Kolwezi</span> for the winter months. Still very common. Seems to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">disappear</span> during the rainy season.<br /><br /></p></div></div></div>Andrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499167684688312549.post-89566883611218862992009-06-22T20:54:00.011+02:002009-06-28T08:49:15.584+02:00Birds of KolweziKolwezi is situated in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The area would have historically supported vast tracts of rich Miombo woodland. However, Kolwezi happens to host one the worlds greatest Copper deposits and has therefore hosted a large human population for some time. Most of the original habitat surrounding the town of Kolwezi has borne the brunt of mining, seasons of subsistence agriculture and uncontrolled burning resulting in a modified grassland and scrub dominated by generalist species. There are of course small relict patches of woodland, forest and wetland which still offer some excitement to birders.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7XeePBmM2Pvawfdhu0Xv1emtkX1q3UU8Ipr8Y3pWtbG6jepaAko9qZHD7_fFcR6sHC6gfHcdWfm1yGXB_0UGqZ3yFvOnepK2I6fDxqSrlLCV2HlFr6TuIetQFVI1bkrRBF_NQkGwhug/s1600-h/Black-collared+Bulbul.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351359447274353954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7XeePBmM2Pvawfdhu0Xv1emtkX1q3UU8Ipr8Y3pWtbG6jepaAko9qZHD7_fFcR6sHC6gfHcdWfm1yGXB_0UGqZ3yFvOnepK2I6fDxqSrlLCV2HlFr6TuIetQFVI1bkrRBF_NQkGwhug/s200/Black-collared+Bulbul.jpg" border="0" /></a>Most of the remaining vegetation hugs the numerous termite mounds, charactristic of the region. These biological islands support a healthy number of species including <strong>White-browed Robin Chat</strong>, <strong>Speckled Mousebird</strong>, <strong>Schalow's Turaco</strong>, <strong>Orange-winged Pytilia</strong>, <strong>White-winged Black</strong> <strong>Tit</strong> and the striking <strong>Black-collared Bulbul</strong>. Scrubby grassland inbetween the termite mounds is home to <strong>Red-necked Francolin</strong>, <strong>Short-winged Cisticola</strong>, <strong>Red-cheeked Cordonbleau</strong>, <strong>Flappet Lark, Black-faced Canary</strong> and the ubiquitous <strong>Black-crowned Tchagra</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SOUp6jL_fNTyv7JSesSYMTaSqSkGuF1EXQEHTP4S_EpLTJNmrNL_UIn2jJOiwsmSYBwz5JtabQd7AvdBLAsE-3f7WtF2ysF3Yb2XJCJt0NmbfJ63c3qUiY3PPuGMLUFyCw0l4TvxP1Q/s1600-h/Black-collared+Bulbul.jpg"></a>Dambos (flooded grasslands) are wet throughout the year and often intensively farmed. However even some of the most intensely farmed dambos host <strong>Red-chested Flufftail</strong>, <strong>Fullenborne's Longclaw</strong>, <strong>Broad-tailed Warbler</strong>, <strong>Black Coucal</strong>, <strong>Black-chinned Quail Finch</strong> and <strong>Marsh Widow</strong>. <strong>African Marsh Harriers </strong>are common. The edges of larger dambos and rivers offer suitable habitat for <strong>Yellow-throated Leaflove, Coppery Sunbird </strong>and <strong>African Yellow Warbler</strong>. <strong>Lesser Swamp</strong> and <strong>Little Rush Warblers</strong> and <strong>Chirping Cisticola</strong> call from dense reedbeds adjacent to modified aquatic habitat. Quiet open water with suitable vegetation support both <strong>Lesser</strong> and <strong>African Jacana</strong>, <strong>Allen's Gallinule</strong> and <strong>Purple Swamphen </strong>while <strong>Angola Swallows </strong>swoop down through open culverts. The mighty Lualaba River (start of the Congo) passes immediately to the north of Kolwezi. Although a bit overfished it still holds small numbers of hippo and crocodile. All of the regular open water suspects such as <strong>Grey-headed Gull </strong>and <strong>Osprey</strong>, and a diverse array of Herons and Egrets are present.<br /><br />Remnant patches of Mushito (swamp forest) harbour <strong>African Thrush</strong>, <strong>Common Wattle Eye</strong>, <strong>White-chinned Prinia</strong>, <strong>Little Greenbul</strong>, <strong>Olive Woodpecker</strong> and <strong>Superb Starling</strong>. Relict patches of miombo woodland are home to typical mixed flock species such as <strong>Rufous-bellied Tit</strong>, <strong>Violet-backed Sunbird</strong>, <strong>Green-capped Eromomela</strong>, <strong>Red-capped Crombec </strong>and <strong>Yellow-bellied Hyliota.</strong><br /><br />Despite the degraded nature of the area, large raptors are suprisingly well represented in <strong>Marial Eagle</strong>, <strong>Bateluer</strong>, <strong>Long-crested Eagle</strong>, <strong>Western-banded</strong>, <strong>Brown</strong> and <strong>Black-breasted Snake Eagle</strong> and <strong>Gymnogene</strong>. The presence of these large raptors gives an indication of what lies beyond the susbistence agriculture and stunted miombo.Andrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499167684688312549.post-29304397396955524582009-06-14T17:56:00.011+02:002009-09-23T21:36:37.896+02:00Kolwezi Migrants - Arrivals and DeparturesThe following is a list of dates (first and last) that some migratory species were recorded in Kolwezi in 2009. This list will be updated as more dates become available:<br /><br />Black Kite<br />Last Date: 15-03-09 - Numerous birds flying over site<br />First Date: 05-07-09 - Single bird flying over Kolwezi in the evening<br /><br />African Crake<br />Last Date: 09-05-09 - Single bird walking across grassy track<br /><br />Black Coucal<br />Last Date: 04-04-09 - Bird calling from Dambo<br /><br />Common Swift<br />First Date: 20-09-09- Large flocks seen over the Lualaba River. Coincides with the first rain of the season<br /><br /><br />European Bee Eater<br />Last Date: 05-04-09 - Small group calling and flying over site<br />First Date: 30-08-09 - Small group calling and flying over site<br /><br />Red-throated Cliff Swallow<br />First Date: 15-05-09 - Small group feeding above dam on site<br /><br />Barn Swallow<br />Last Date: 04-04-09 - Birds on wire above Kakifuluwe River<br />First Date: 22-09-09 - Birds arrive in force at Kakifuluwe River<br /><br />Sand Martin<br />First Date: 21-09-09 - Three birds appear with Barn Swallows on the Kakifuluwe River<br /><br />Hosue Martin<br />First Date: 21-09-09 - A single bird appears with Barn Swallows on the Kakifuluwe River<br /><br />Willow Warbler<br />Last Date: 22-03-09 - Bird feeding on site<br /><br />Great Reed Warbler<br />Last Date: 30-03-09 - Bird calling on site<br /><br />Spotted Flycatcher<br />Last Date: 04-05-09 - Bird feeding on site<br /><br />Capped Wheatear<br />First Date: 14-05-09 - Eight Capped Wheatear appear on site<br /><br />Red-backed Shrike<br />Last Date: 05-04-09 – Apart from three birds which spent one day in camp in early April, Red-backed Shrike was not recorded in Kolwezi.<br /><br />Lesser-Grey Shrike<br />Last Date: 05-04-09 - Apart from two birds which spent the day in camp in early April, I have not recorded Lesser Grey Shrike in Kolwezi.<br /><br />Cinnamon-breasted Bunting<br />First Date: 30-03-2009 - Calling erupts across siteAndrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7499167684688312549.post-78667799172108042442009-06-14T12:51:00.008+02:002009-06-14T18:15:44.509+02:00Woodlands North West of Kolwezi<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rebecca</span> and I headed out north west of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kolwezi</span> for a bit of birding, relaxing and exploration. We followed the main road westwards out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kolwezi</span> and then north past the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kanzenze</span> turnoff. Soon after the 50 km peg, we pulled off into some interesting woodland, parked the car and had a look around. The original flora of this area would have been a rich mosaic of Evergreen Forest and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Miombo</span> Woodland. The forest canopy (of perhaps only a few years ago) would have stretched over a much larger area. However, today it is being logged at an alarming rate and has been reduced to a few relict patches. The logging is mostly of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">subsistence</span> nature and has left numerous roads which facilitate access for birders too. The difficult part is to find the patches as wherever there is a road, there is no longer a forest. More worrying are the rampant fires started by local farmers which further degrade the forest. Despite the logging and disturbance, the area still supports some interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">birdlife</span>. Typical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Zambeizan</span> species dominate the site, but interestingly, there are still elements of the Guinea Congo forests as well.<br /><br />It was just after 7 a.m. when we arrived and as we turned off the engine, we realised that a large group of <strong>Crested <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Guineafowl</span></strong> were feeding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">noisily</span> in the scrub right next to the car. After they had moved away (and we still had not managed a great sighting), we ventured out of the car and further along the path on foot. We arrived at a small fragmented patch of forest and were met by a small flock of <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cabanis's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Greenbul</span></strong> and a pair of <strong>Chestnut Wattle-eye</strong>. In some of the denser thicket, a <strong>Red-tailed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Bristlebill</span></strong> and <strong>African <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Broadbill</span> </strong>called. Numerous Large False <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mopane</span> (<em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Guibourtia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">coleasperma</span></em>) were in full seed attracting birds and decorating the pathway. The canopy produced a very shy flash of red in the form of a <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shallow's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Turaco</span> </strong>and a small group of <strong>Buff-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Apalis</span></strong>. Other species in a mixed flock <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">included</span> <strong>Dark-backed Weaver</strong>, <strong>Black Cuckoo-shrike, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Brubru</span>, Black-backed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Puffback</span>, African Golden Oriole, Olive <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Sunbird</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Honeyguide</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Greenbul</span></strong> and the ubiquitous <strong>Little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Greenbul</span></strong>. High above a <strong>Western Banded Snake Eagle</strong> started to call. An <strong>African Goshawk </strong>caused quite a bit of stress while a distant <strong>Western Bronze-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">naped</span> Pigeon </strong>called.<br /><br />Leaving the forest patch we walked back into the woodland. This time of year, the woodland can be very quiet unless you chance upon a mixed flock working their way through the canopy. It was not long <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">before</span> we heard the distinctive call and then flyby of a <strong>Thick-billed Cuckoo, </strong>that<strong> </strong>was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">followed</span> by a feeding group of <strong>Blue-Grey Flycatcher </strong>and a pair of <strong>Margaret's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Batis</span></strong>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighbKIcK5bxEnBMh1Z3DIb1gj5RkWYZp4LSMuK1aQWWXIilYE8_dVJTphnOZZlMdSIuEISVxpOHTUeS1TLrOs3p6K6NGyGX1xM2Jd5a02rG5cI2sG2bOHZcpPDHn-iNmbCTgJqRVVMuVQ/s1600-h/Thick-billed+Cuckoo.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrc-GZ6j3hSUmFc8WggsSxQk90qvrAD6wI11AfJKNpKdqwIQTR-WpPFR8M8cm3i_XkDkqQMfq2o0IUCoT0T_Kz5ush34v1_JkR2h0i_Zi9sMtTYg47tQ21t4cow-EBVL2XGNTORMPmog/s1600-h/Thick-billed+Cuckoo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347175699960749074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrc-GZ6j3hSUmFc8WggsSxQk90qvrAD6wI11AfJKNpKdqwIQTR-WpPFR8M8cm3i_XkDkqQMfq2o0IUCoT0T_Kz5ush34v1_JkR2h0i_Zi9sMtTYg47tQ21t4cow-EBVL2XGNTORMPmog/s200/Thick-billed+Cuckoo.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the next few hours we encountered a few mixed flocks which were typically dominated by species such as <strong>Green-capped</strong> and <strong>Black-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">throated</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Eremomela</span></strong>, <strong>Yellow White-Eye</strong>, <strong>Chin-spot <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Batis</span></strong>, <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Rufous</span>-bellied Tit</strong>, <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Cabanis's</span> Bunting,</strong> <strong>Yellow-bellied <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Hyliota</span></strong>, <strong>Red-capped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Crombec</span></strong>, <strong>White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike</strong> and <strong>Pale-billed </strong>and <strong>Crowned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Hornbills</span></strong>. Other species of interest included <strong>Spotted Creeper</strong>, <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Bohm's</span></strong> and <strong>Dusky Flycatchers</strong>, <strong>Pale Wren Warbler</strong>, <strong>Violet-backed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Sunbird</span></strong>, <strong>Green-backed Woodpecker, Purple-banded <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Sunbird</span> </strong>and <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Scimitarbill</span>. </strong>By now the 'moisture flies' were finding us quite attractive in their thousands and we had little choice but to head back to the sanctuary of the car.<br /><br />It was now hot and bird movement was slow. We decided to head back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Kolwezi</span>. Stopping at an attractive bit of grassland we managed to find a small group of <strong>Tinkling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Cisticola</span>, </strong>a <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Flappet</span> Lark </strong>a few flocks of <strong>Broad-tailed Paradise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Whydah</span> </strong>(in attractive 'dress code')<strong> </strong>and an <strong>African Marsh Harrier</strong>. The route home produced a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">magnificent</span> <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Bateleur</span></strong> and a flash of a <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Shikra</span></strong>.<strong> </strong><br /><br /><br />All in all an excellent day in the woodlands north west of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Kolwezi</span>.Andrew Hesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13940958827605371696noreply@blogger.com0