Category: Birding in South Africa
Friday Feathers & Facts: Western Cattle Egret
The Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a highly adaptable heron best known for its close association with large mammals, often seen walking beside cattle or wildlife to catch insects disturbed by their movement. Unlike many waterbirds, it frequently forages in dry grasslands, farmland, and savannas rather than wetlands. During the breeding season, adults develop warm orange-buff plumage on the head, chest, and back, a striking contrast to their usual white appearance. Its remarkable adaptability has allowed the species to expand its range across multiple continents, making it one of the most successful herons in the world.
Marion Island birding excursion
A few highlights from our birding trip to Marion Island in the Southern Indian Ocean. What an exhilarating birding experience
Exploring the birds of Eastern South Africa
Our current Eastern South Africa birding tour moved along to the Eshowe, Mtunzini and St Lucia areas. Highlights included African Emerald Cuckoo, Black Coucal, Common Quail, Palmnut Vulture, African Pygmy Goose, Green Barbet, Spotted Ground Thrush, Trumpeter Hornbill, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Livingstone’s Turaco, Grey Plover and White-fronted Plover.
Superb birding in the Underberg and Sani Pass area
We are currently exploring the fantastic birding in the eastern parts of South Africa. The first few days awarded us with beautiful birds and breathtaking landscapes. One of the biggest highlights so far was the Bush Blackcap, endemic to South Africa and Eswatini!
Another highlight was the Cranes; we spotted the Blue, Wattled en Grey Crowned Crane on the same day.
The landscapes were breathtaking with fantastic birding opportunities!
