Birding Weekly 20140526

I find myself back in the land of bird feeders and bird-baths. Rather the contrast in a world where the thought of such is not even there. Despite being so sick last week I spent a bit of time birding around the site on my last day in Serarou. Nothing special stood out, the usual African Jacana's (Actophilornis africanus) were there alongside the White-faced Ducks (Dendrocygna viduata). The resident Dark Chanting-goshawk (Melierax metabates) flew around, while the Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea)  and Western Grey Plantain-eater's (Crinifer piscator) flew on their normal route crossing over marshland between forest. I even did a little ride around on my bike with little to no new birds. However I just enjoyed being at a place I had gotten to know pretty well and see birds I had familiarized myself with. Going to miss the Bearded Barbet's (Lybius dubius) and Abyssinian Rollers (Coracias abyssinicus) along with many other birds found within the area.

It wasn't long before I was back in the city of Cotonou, watching the Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus), Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris) and Speckled Pigeons (Columba guinea) take on there daily shuttles. A trip out to Ouida was hopeful, but produce nothing special.

Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus) at a bird-bath
in Johannesburg

Back in South Africa and it was pleasant to see garden bird up close. got me wanting to get my camera out and take a photo, just because of the opportunity. Driving around and observing, its been great to catch glimpses of Grey Go-away-birds (Corythaixoides concolor), Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra) and Grey-headed Gulls (Larus cirrocephalus). All non-existent in West Africa.

Thus after a great birding environment and relatively under-marketed in West Africa I find myself back in SA for a while, and yet, that too will have its joys in birding to tell.

Other species: Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalensis)

Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus)

Laughing Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea)