Birding from the comfort of camp

Birding has become a huge passion as well as an enjoyable hobby of mine over recent years, and I could not think of a greater place to be afforded the privilege of working than here in the Lowveld, not only for its incredible density of wildlife, the immaculate landscapes, all the extremely jovial locals and the immense diversity of botany, but also the astonishing array of birdlife it has to offer.

Whether it be during the wet or even the dry season, the Lowveld never ceases to amaze and continues to deliver countless viewing opportunities of local rarities, as well as many birdwatchers’ nightmares – the infamous LBJ’s (Little Brown Jobs) – which cause numerous headaches for birders! Nevertheless, we continue to participate in and enjoy this wonderful hobby we call ‘birding’.

I have found that one does not necessarily have to be on a game-viewing vehicle or travel tremendous distances (with the exception of extreme rarities showing up unannounced) in order to view the various species that are found up here in the Greater Kruger area, but instead, that even birding from the comfort of the lodge can be equally as rewarding when one wants to view and photograph the resident species that inhabit and share the camp and its surrounds with us.

Due to the dense population of iconic tree species such as Tamboti, Bushwillow, Boerbean and Knobthorn around camp, we are treated to some magnificent bird species which regularly make use of these idyllic trees for varying purposes – whether as vantage points, nesting locations, food, or even just for basic shelter.

Not only is it important to be able to view these birds but being able to familiarize yourself with their calls is extremely helpful when it comes to finding as well as correctly identifying them. Luckily for us, we have a quite a number of local resident species around camp that we are fortunate enough to encounter on a daily basis – Yellow-Billed Hornbill, Kurrichane Thrush, Bearded Scrub Robin, Crested Barbet, as well as a family of Ashy Flycatchers and Green Wood-Hoopoes, to name a few. There are also one or two species, namely the Arrow-Marked Babblers’ and Black-Headed Oriole, which continue to call hours on end throughout the day, without any regard for those who are trying to get an extra few hours’ sleep during the day! But we still love them. Occasionally we get treated to some special, uncommon species that make their way into camp. These include African Barred Owlet, the gregarious Retz’s Helmetshrike as well as the Black Cuckooshrike.

Walking around camp with my camera in hand is without a doubt one of my most enjoyable pastimes and I simply cannot wait for summer to hit the Lowveld again so that we can start welcoming back the magnificent migratory species too.

Report and images by ranger Kaden

female Chinspot Batis
female Chinspot Batis
Bearded Scrub Robin
Bearded Scrub Robin
juvenile Ashy Flycatcher
juvenile Ashy Flycatcher
Kurrichane Thrush
Kurrichane Thrush