African Birdlife - July/August 2023

In this issue

SAN SEBASTIAN PENINSULA • NORTHERN KRUGER • SKY HUNTERS • KYALAMI

perilous pipits

Buffy Pipit is one of a quartet of widespread and common South African pipit species whose identification local birders need to master if they want to progress through the twitching ranks

2 mins

REVIEW: Vortex Viper HD 8x42

Binoculars are indispensable to birdwatching and a good pair even more so if you want to make out fine detail

2 mins

Southern SIGHTINGS

Autumn and early winter, although not known as a great time for rarities, managed to produce a list of mouth-watering birds and had many twitchers rushing around trying to catch up with as many of the good birds as possible

3 mins

'I got CHILLS, they're multiplying'

Summer is typically the breeding season for birds, but why do some of our raptors choose to lay their eggs in winter?

2 mins

in praise of PARADISE

Mozambique's San Sebastian Peninsula hosts a diverse array of wild creatures and rich ecosystems, a conservation success story worth celebrating

5 mins

fussy eater or deadly dinner?

I observed an interesting scene at KwaMaritane camp in Pilanesberg, North-West Province. A Grey-headed Bush-shrike had caught a large caterpillar and wedged it between a small branch and the trunk of a tree

2 mins

A day at the museum with DAWIE DE SWARDT

Anyone who is in the habit of reading ornithological literature is likely to link the name Dawie de Swardt with species such as Gurney’s Sugarbird, African Rock Pipit and Karoo and Drakensberg prinias, all of which he’s studied in depth and written about

3 mins

Revelations in northern Kruger

Taking paths less travelled and biding your time reveals hidden wonder in this birding mecca.

7 mins

let's atlas Lesotho's birds

Lesotho, that small, landlocked country nestled within the majestic mountain ranges of southern Africa, is home to a fascinating array of bird species

4 mins

three new birding routes for Mpumalanga

The Steenkampsberg in the highlands of Mpumalanga is dominated by extensive wetland systems, rocky outcrops, escarpment forest and near-pristine grassland

2 mins

Joining the team...

BirdLife South Africa is pleased to welcome new members to its staff

2 mins

Ntsikeni: of cattle and cranes

Ntsikeni Vlei Nature Reserve takes its name from its most prominent peak, which pierces the sky above the rolling grasslands

3 mins

birding in a gated estate

There is nothing more satisfying than waking to the pre-dawn chorus as the sun rises and the world slowly wakes up

4 mins

protect a parrot protect a forest

Cape Parrot, isiKhwenene, Woudpapegaai… Call it what you will as South Africa’s only endemic parrot, this bird is one of a kind

2 mins

SHIRLEY the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Hi there, I’m Shirley Ncube from Hwange National Park, Republic of Zimbabwe, Africa

2 mins

REVIEW: Guide to Seabirds of Southern Africa (New edition)

Charles Darwin once said, ‘I believe it has been shown that the pelagic birds, or those which are found in the open sea, are more peculiar in their habits than any other family of birds in the world.’

2 mins

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African Birdlife Magazine Description:

African Birdlife is a world-class bi-monthly magazine about birds and birdwatching in Africa. It includes informative articles and stunning photographs of Africa's birds. Features include: The latest news on bird conservation and behaviour; equipment reviews; photographic tips; competitions to win great prizes. It serves as an important mouthpiece for BirdLife South Africa to create awareness about bird research and conservation.