Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Crimson-breasted Shrike |
 African Scops Owl |
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Introduction
As my partner was particularly interested in seeing as many mammal species as possible, we decided to visit Namibia during the dry period when game would be concentrated around the waterholes. We were not disappointed and ultimately ended up seeing 36 species. These same waterholes also attracted huge numbers of birds, notably finches, Sparrow-larks, doves & sandgrouse. On the downside species that move in after the rains such as storks, cuckoos, rollers, larks, hirundines, shrikes, weavers & whydahs were virtually all missing. Not a single species of cisticola was recorded. However visiting in mid to late September did appear to have advantages other than the concentrations at the waterholes. The numbers of waterbirds at Walvis Bay for example was extraordinary. I noted 1,500 Chestnut-banded Plovers & 1,800 Lesser Flamingos. In reality it was probably 4 times these numbers or more. At this time of year there are 120,000 waterbirds in the bay. My count was less than 10,000 !!!
The country is large, so at the planning stage we decided to concentrate on central Namibia travelling from Windhoek to Etosha onto Walvis Bay and back to Windhoek. All of our ground arrangements were made by Birding Africa www.birdingafrica.com who know the country well.
Flights
We booked our direct London to Windhoek flight with Air Namibia www.airnamibia.com.na via Travelbag www.travelbag.co.uk. At the time of our visit they flew out on Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays returning on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.
Car hire
We booked the group B car through Holiday Autos www.holidayautos.co.uk in the UK & were expecting a Ford Focus or VW Golf from Hertz when we arrived. To our surprise we were upgraded, at no extra cost, to a rather sturdy group M Nissan 4x2 which proved excellent on the gravel roads of central Namibia & Etosha. A total of 3030km/1984miles were driven during the trip.
Petrol stations are only available in the widely spaced rural towns so we tended to keep the vehicle filled up whenever we had the opportunity. Within Etosha each of the three main camps has a filling station as did Waterberg.
Currency
It was not possible to obtain the Namibia dollar (N$) outside of the country but was readily available at Hosea Kutako International Airport upon arrival. However the N$ is linked to the South African Rand resulting in both currencies being readily accepted throughout the country. Although credit cards are widely accepted do not rely on them & keep plenty of cash available.
Accommodation
Our route first took us to Waterberg before visiting the Etosha area for 6 days. We then went onto Brandberg before travelling to Walvis Bay for 2 nights and finally Erongo for our last two nights. All of the places we stayed were very good. The government rest camps at Waterberg, Halali and particularly Okaukuejo were all of a very good standard. The private lodges at Aoba, Hobatere & Erongo & the Langholm Hotel were all excellent.
Bernabe de la Bat, Waterberg Plateau Camp (1 night) www.met.gov.na/resorts/waterberg
Etosha Aoba Lodge (1 night) www.etosha-aoba-lodge.com
Halali Rest Camp, Etosha (1 night) www.met.gov.na/resorts/halali
Okaukuejo Rest Camp, Etosha (1 night) www.met.gov.na/resorts/okaukuejo
Hobatere Lodge, Otjovasando (1 night) www.resafrica.net/hobatere-lodge
Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm, Kamanjab (2 nights) www.swiftcentre.com/otjitotongwe
Brandberg White Lady Lodge, Uis (1 night) www.brandbergwllodge.com
Langholm Hotel, Walvis Bay (2 nights) www.langholmhotel.com
Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Omaruru (2 nights) www.erongowilderness.com
Sites/ field guides/maps
The guides used were the excellent Sasol guide to the Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton, ISBN 1-86872-721-1. Animals were covered by the Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals, ISBN 0-7136-6981-0 & odonata by Dragonflies & Damselflies of Namibia by Frank Suhling & Andreas Martens, ISBN 978-99916-0-764-1. All of the sites visited were covered by the South African Birdfinder guide by Callan Cohen, Claire Spottiswoode & Jonathan Rossouw, ISBN 1-868-72-725-4.
We took the Projects & Promotions 2002 Namibia road map with us but purchased the up to date 2007 version whilst in the country. We also purchased the very useful Namibia Wildlife Resorts map of Etosha which shows all of the tracks and waterholes within the national park.
Malaria
The information we had from the MASTA public website www.masta-travel-health.com
was that Malaria is present between November & June in the northern 3rd of the country (all year in Caprivi). We did however decide to take precautions and I took Malarone whilst Louise decided on Doxycycline. We encountered very few mosquito’s.
Daily log
17th September. We arrived at Windhoek on time at 09.00, collected the vehicle and were heading north by 10.30 on the long drive up the B1 via Okahandja to Waterberg where we arrived mid afternoon. Birded around the bungalow until dark.
Highlights; Windhoek to Waterberg, Black-shouldered Kite, Martial Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller (2), Burchell’s Starling (2) & Marico Sunbird.
Waterberg, Peregrine, Red-billed Spurfowl (10), Rüppell’s Parrot (2), Rosy-faced Lovebird, Grey Go-away Bird (10), Pearl-spotted Owlet, Bradfield’s Swift (2), Alpine Swift (50), Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler, Rockrunner, Brubru & Pale-winged Starling (20).
18th September. Spent the morning birding around Waterberg including a hike up onto the plateau before continuing north to Etosha via Otjiwarongo, Otavi & Tsumeb. Spent the late afternoon birding around Aoba Lodge.
Highlights; Waterberg, Red-billed Spurfowl (20), Pearl-spotted Owlet, Purple Roller, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Carp’s Black Tit, Marico Flycatcher (4), Pirit Batis (10), Crimson-breasted Shrike (2), Black-backed Puffback, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Marico Sunbird (2), White-bellied Sunbird (2) & Golden-breasted Bunting.
Waterberg to Aoba Lodge, Bateleur & Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (2).
Aoba Lodge, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (3), Southern Pied Babbler (4), Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler & Green-winged Pytilia (2).
19th September. After breakfast at Aoba Lodge we entered Etosha National Park via the Von Lindquist gate at Namutoni. We then spent the whole of the day visiting most of the waterholes on the way to Halali rest camp where we arrived late in the afternoon. Spent the last hour overlooking Moringa waterhole returning to our bungalow after dark.
Highlights; Aoba Lodge, Red-billed Hornbill (2), Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (2) & White-crested Helmetshrike (4).
Namutoni to Halali, Secretarybird, Lappet-faced Vulture, Tawny Eagle, African Hawk- Eagle (2), Martial Eagle (3), Bateleur (3), Kori Bustard (2), Red-crested Korhaan, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (4), Sabota Lark (2), Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark (100), Groundscraper Thrush (5), Red-billed Buffalo Weaver (20), Scaly-feathered Weaver (3), Violet-eared Waxbill (15), Black-faced Waxbill (20) & Red-headed Finch (35).
Halali Rest Camp, White-backed Vulture (6), Lappet-faced Vulture, Double-banded Sandgrouse (250), Groundscraper Thrush, Short-toed Rockthrush (3), Southern White-crowned Shrike (3) & Blue Waxbill (2).
20th September. After a dawn visit to the Moringa waterhole, we took the rest of the day to drive from Halali to Okaukuejo, again visiting most of the waterholes. Spent the late afternoon up until midnight overlooking the excellent waterhole at the back of the rest camp.
Highlights; Halali, Gabar Goshawk (2), Ring-necked Dove (1500), Groundscraper Thrush (3), Red-billed Buffalo Weaver (2), Blue Waxbill, Violet-eared Waxbill (10), Black-throated Canary (40), Golden-breasted Bunting (6), & Lark-like Bunting (1500).
Halali to Okaukuejo, Martial Eagle (2), Bateleur, Lanner, Red-necked Falcon, Kori Bustard (4), Northern Black Korhaan (10), Double-banded Courser (5), Namaqua Dove (30), Spike-heeled Lark (4), Red-capped Lark (10), Cape Crow (24), Capped Wheatear, White-crested Helmetshrike (6), Great Sparrow (4), Blue Waxbill, Violet-eared Waxbill (10) & Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting.
Okaukuejo, Kori Bustard (5), Spotted Thick-knee, Double-banded Sandgrouse (425), African Scops Owl, Rufous-cheeked Nightjar (2) & Sociable Weaver (25).
21st September. The first few hours of the day were spent around the Okaukuejo waterhole & rest camp before we left Etosha NP via Andersson’s Gate on the drive to Hobatere via Outjo & Kamanjab where we arrived in time for a late lunch. The afternoon was spent on a game drive followed by a night time game drive later.
Highlights; Okaukuejo, Kori Bustard, Namaqua Sandgrouse (40), Pearl-spotted Owlet, African Hoopoe (3), Cardinal Woodpecker, Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark (100), Groundscraper Thrush (3), White-browed Scrub-robin, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler (3), Black-chested Prinia (5), Wattled Starling, Burchell’s Starling (3), Dusky Sunbird (6), Sociable Weaver (50), Red-headed Finch (15) & Lark-like Bunting (800).
Okaukuejo to Hobatere, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk (4), Pearl-breasted Swallow (3), White-tailed Shrike (10) & Southern White-tailed Shrike (8).
Hobatere, Rüppell’s Parrot (8), African Scops Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, Common Scimitarbill, Damara Hornbill (3), Bare-cheeked Babbler (8), Groundscraper Thrush (3), Southern Anteating Chat (2), Meves’s Starling (20), Dusky Sunbird (6) & Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (25).
22nd September. From dawn until mid morning was spent birding around the lodge and waterhole at Hobatere before we drove the relatively short distance to Otjitotongwe Cheetah Farm via Kamanjab.
Highlights; Hobatere, Tawny Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Gabar Goshawk, Red-billed Spurfowl (20), Namaqua Sandgrouse (29), Speckled Pigeon (250), Rüppell’s Parrot (6), Rosy-faced Lovebird (14), Monteiro’s Hornbill, Lesser Honeyguide, Bare-cheeked Babbler (9), Red-eyed Bulbul (70), Grey-backed Carmaroptera (2), Crimson-breasted Shrike (3), White-tailed Shrike (3), Meves’s Starling (30), Great Sparrow (15), Red-headed Finch (15) & Black-throated Canary (10).
Otjitotongwe, Rüppell’s Parrot (4), African Hoopoe (3), Damara Hornbill (2), Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (3), Monteiro’s Hornbill (4), Acacia Pied Barbet (4), Carp’s Black Tit, Barred Wren-Warbler (2), Crimson-breasted Shrike (4) & White-tailed Shrike (4).
23rd September. All day was spent around Otjitotongwe including drives along a number of the farm tracks.
Highlights; Otjitotongwe, Orange River Francolin (11), Red-billed Spurfowl (8), Northern Black Korhaan, Rüppell’s Parrot (6), Common Scimitarbill, Damara Hornbill (5), Monteiro’s Hornbill (6), Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker (2), Sabota Lark (5), Carp’s Black Tit (3), Bare-cheeked Babbler (12), Short-toed Rockthrush (4), Kalahari Scrub-robin, Long-billed Crombec, Marico Flycatcher (10), Pirit Batis (5), Crimson-breasted Shrike (3), Brown-crowned Tchagra, White-tailed Shrike (9), Sthn White-crowned Shrike (4), Great Sparrow (10), Scaly-feathered Weaver (10), Black-faced Waxbill (8) & Red-headed Finch (30).
24th September. After breakfast at Otjitotongwe we drove to Brandberg via Kamanjab & Khorixas mainly on gravel roads arriving as usual in the early afternoon. Spent the late afternoon until dusk on the gravel/sand plains and at the base of The Brandberg.
Highlights; Otjitotongwe, Barred Wren-Warbler & Brubru.
Otjitotongwe to Brandberg, Gabar Goshawk, Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk (4), Monteiro’s Hornbill, Pearl-breasted Swallow (3) & White-tailed Shrike (10).
Brandberg, Verreaux’s Eagle (3), Greater Kestrel, Ludwig’s Bustard (4), Rüppell’s Korhaan (2), Namaqua Dove (2), Mountain Wheatear (10), Chat Flycatcher (4) & White-tailed Shrike.
25th September. After breakfast at Brandberg we drove to Walvis Bay via Uis, Henties Bay & Swakopmund. The afternoon until dusk was spent viewing the lagoon at Walvis Bay from the many different access points where the sheer numbers of wading birds was incredible.
Highlights; Brandberg, Martial Eagle, Red-billed Spurfowl (2), Ludwig’s Bustard (2), Rüppell’s Korhaan (4), Benguela Long-billed Lark (2), Stark’s Lark (3), Mountain Wheatear (6), Tractrac Chat (2), Chat Flycatcher (4), Bokmakierie, Pale-winged Starling (86) & Cape Sparrow (160).
Uis to Henties Bay, Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppell’s Korhaan (2), Cape Crow (4) & Southern Masked Weaver.
Walvis Bay, Greater Flamingo (500), Lesser Flamingo (1800), White-fronted Plover (500), Chestnut-banded Plover (1500), Marsh Sandpiper (7), Curlew Sandpiper (1000), Little Stint (50), Red-necked Phalarope (6), Avocet (150), Hartlaub’s Gull (40), Caspian Tern (25), Damara Tern (10) & Black Tern (2).
26th September. Following an early breakfast we drove southeast of Walvis Bay to Rooibank on the edge of Namib Naukluft National Park where we successfully found the endemic Dune Lark. After a short visit to the sewage works, the late afternoon was again spent at the lagoon but only on the east & southern sections seeing most of the same species but in lower numbers due to the tide.
Rooibank, Namaqua Dove (3), Dune Lark (5), Tractrac Chat, Dusky Sunbird (3) & Common Waxbill (18).
Walvis Bay Sewage works, Cape Teal (8), African Purple Swamphen (3), Red-knobbed Coot (2) & Three-banded Plover (3).
Walvis Bay Lagoon, Black-necked Grebe (40), Cape Cormorant (2000), Marsh Sandpiper, Damara Tern (15), Orange River White-eye (4) & Southern Masked Weaver (3).
27th September. Following a brief stop at the guano platform just north of Walvis Bay we drove to Erongo Wilderness Lodge via Swakopmund & Usakos, opting for the more scenic route on gravel roads rather than the direct route via Karibib & Omaruru. After checking in mid afternoon, the rest of the day was spent birding around the lodge and viewing the small drinking points. After dark Freckled Nightjar could be heard calling & seen in the lights illuminating the larger waterholes.
Walvis Bay Guano platform, Black-necked Grebe, Great White Pelican (90), Cape Cormorant (1000), Swift Tern (4) & Damara Tern (2).
Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Namaqua Sandgrouse (2), Rosy-faced Lovebird (10), Freckled Nightjar, Monteiro’s Hornbill (3), Mountain Wheatear (2), Long-billed Crombec, Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike (3), Great Sparrow (4) & Green-winged Pytilia (2).
28th September. Following a successful dawn search for Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, the rest of the day was spent around the lodge including a lamping foray for Freckled Nightjar.
Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl (4), Rosy-faced Lovebird (15), Grey Go-away Bird (4), Freckled Nightjar (2), Carp’s Black Tit (3), Cape Penduline Tit, Short-toed Rockthrush (2), Familiar Chat (5), Grey-backed Carmaroptera (2), White-tailed Shrike (3), Southern White-crowned Shrike, Pale-winged Starling (25), Marico Sunbird, Great Sparrow (6), Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (3), Violet-eared Waxbill (3), Yellow Canary (4), Black-throated Canary (10) & Cape Bunting (8).
29th September. Following another even earlier successful dawn search for Hartlaub’s Spurfowl we started the return trip to Windhoek via Karibib & Okahandja with stops at Klippenberg Country Club, Daan Viljoen Park & Gammans Water Treatment Works.
Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl (7), Ashy Tit, Rockrunner, Black-chested Prinia (2), White-tailed Shrike, Great Sparrow (7) & Cape Bunting (10).
Erongo to Karibib, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Northern Black Korhaan & Kalahari Scrub-robin.
Klippenberg CC, Karibib, Rosy-faced Lovebird (6), Sabota Lark (2), Cape Penduline Tit (5), Short-toed Rockthrush, Mountain Wheatear (2), Marico Flycatcher (4), Crimson-breasted Shrike (2), Marico Sunbird (2) & Dusky Sunbird (8).
Daan Viljoen Park, Windhoek, Reed Cormorant, African Darter (2), Black-crowned Night Heron, Egyptian Goose (25), Red-billed Teal (30), Southern Pochard (2), Red-knobbed Coot (6) & African Jacana.
Gammans Water Treatment Works (Windhoek Sewage Plant), Reed Cormorant (3), African Darter (3), Black-headed Heron (2), Squacco Heron (3), African Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, South African Shelduck (35), Red-billed Teal (35), Black-chested Snake Eagle, Red-knobbed Coot (7), African Jacana (2), Three-banded Plover (6), White-backed Mousebird (3), White-throated Swallow, Greater Striped Swallow, Burnt-neck Eremomela, Wattled Starling (500) & Lesser Masked Weaver.
Windhoek to Airport, Black-shouldered Kite & White-tailed Shrike.
Birds of the World, Recommended English Names by Frank Gill & Minturn Wright has been followed for this systematic list but not the systematic order proposed.
Common Ostrich Struthio camelus
Seen on 9 dates with maximum of 10 on 20th between Halali & Okaukuejo in Etosha NP.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
A loose flock of 40 birds off the Walvis Bay Yacht Club on 26th with one next day off the Guano Platform north of the town.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
5 at Daan Viljoen Park and 3 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
In Walvis Bay Lagoon, 10 on 25th & 19 on 26th. At least 90 in the vicinity of the Guano Platform north of Walvis Bay next day.
White-breasted Cormorant Carbo lucidus
In Walvis Bay Lagoon, 5 on 25th & 2 on 26th. At least 25 on the Guano Platform on 27th & 5 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Reed Cormorant Phalacororax africanus
1 at Daan Viljoen Park and 3 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Cape Cormorant Leucocarbo capensis
Huge numbers at Walvis Bay. 500+ on 25th, over 2000 on 26th & at least 1000 on the Guano Platform on 27th.
(African) Darter Anhinga (melanogaster) rufa
2 at Daan Viljoen Park and 3 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
4 at Walvis Bay on 25th and 26th & 3 on 29th at Windhoek Sewage Works.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Two at Windhoek Sewage works on 29th.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
1 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th & 6 at Walvis Bay Sewage Works on 26th.
Cattle Egret Bulbulcus ibis
1 at Walvis Bay Sewage Works on 26th.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
3 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
1 at Daan Viljoen Park on 29th.
(African) Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
1 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba
1 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
At Walvis Bay Lagoon, 500+ on 25th & 400 on 26th with 50 in the vicinity of the Guano Platform on 27th.
Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
At Walvis Bay Lagoon, 1800+ on 25th & 1000+ on 26th.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacis
Two on one of the Etosha waterholes between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th. 1 at Walvis Bay Sewage Works on 26th & 25 at Daan Viljoen Park on 29th.
South African Shelduck Tadorna cana
At least 35 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Cape Teal Anas capensis
4 at one of the Etosha waterholes between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 4 at Walvis Bay on 25th & 8 there next day.
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha
30 at Daan Viljoen Park and 35 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Southern Pochard Netta eryrhrophthalma
2 at Daan Viljoen Park on 29th.
Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius
One on 19th between Namutoni & Halali in Etosha.
White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
At least 6 roosting in trees from Moringa waterhole, Halali on 19th with the same birds still present next morning. A further single bird near Halali camp on 20th.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos (Aegypius) tracheliotus
One alongside the road at Von Lindquist Gate, Namutoni on 19th with another roosting in trees at Moringa waterhole, Halali on 19th with the same bird still present next morning.
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
The only two sightings were north of Windhoek on 17th & on the way to the airport on 29th.
Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii
3 at Brandberg Mountain on 24th.
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
1 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th and 1 at Hobatere on 22nd.
African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster
2 at one of the Etosha waterholes between Namutoni & Halali on 19th.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus
One over the car on 17th as we drove to The Waterberg, 3 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, two next day between Halali & Okaukuejo and one at Brandberg on 25th.
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus
One between Windhoek & Waterberg on 17th and one at Hobatere on 22nd.
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
One between Windhoek & Waterberg on 17th and one between Okaukuejo & Hobatere on 21st, then one between Erongo & Karibib and one at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
Only seen at Etosha. 1 on 18th near Aoba Lodge, 3 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th and 1 on 20th between Halali & Okaukuejo.
Shikra Accipiter badius
2 on 18th at Waterberg & 1 on 20th between Halali & Okaukuejo.
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar
Two in the early morning chasing the drinking passerines at Moringa waterhole, Halali on 20th, one at Hobatere on 22nd & one on 24th between Otjitotongwe & Brandberg.
(Southern) Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus
At least 17 recorded on 5 dates, maximum 4 birds, but this is most certainly under-stated.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
One at Waterberg on 17th.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
1 at a waterhole between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th chasing Red-billed Quelea’s.
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
One in Etosha on 20th between Halali & Okaukuejo was in aerial pursuit of a passerine.
Common (Rock) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus ripicolis
At least 4 seen during the trip in Etosha, Hobatere, Brandberg & Erongo.
Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides
One at Brandberg on 24th & 25th.
Orange River Francolin Scleroptilia levaillantoides
11 birds showed down to less than 6 feet at Otjitotongwe on the evening of 23rd.
Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus
A relatively tame species that showed well. Seen on 7 dates with maximum of 20 at Waterberg on 18th & 20 at Hobatere on 22nd. Absent from the coast & Erongo.
Hartlaub’s Spurfowl Pternistis hartlaubi
At Erongo, 4 showed very well at dawn on 28th but were not calling. By getting up earlier on 29th, the same 4 were found again along with a further 3 very vocal birds.
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Seen on 9 dates but absent from the coast. Maximum 124 at Okaukuejo waterhole on 21st.
African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis
3 at Walvis Bay Sewage Works on 26th.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
A single at Okaukuejo on 20th, at least 20 at Walvis Bay sewage Works on 26th & 20 at Daan Viljoen Park on 29th.
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
2 at Walvis Bay sewage Works on 26th, 6 at Daan Viljoen Park & 7 at Windhoek Sewage works on 29th.
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori
Only seen in Etosha. Following two on 19th between Namutoni & Halali, 4 showed next day between Halali & Okaukuejo. At Okaukuejo waterhole, 5 came to drink on the evening of 20th with just one the following morning.
Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii
At Brandberg 4 showed well on 24th with two next day. A single was alongside the road between Uis & Henties Bay on 25th.
Rüppell’s Korhaan Eupodotis rueppellii
2 showed well near the Brandberg Visitor Centre on 24th. Next day four additional birds were seen between the White Lady Lodge & the C35 and two were alongside the road between Uis & Henties Bay.
Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista
A single between Namutoni & Halali in Etosha on 19th.
Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides
At least 10 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th, 1 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 1 flew over the road between Erongo & Karibib on 29th.
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
1 at Daan Viljoen Park & 2 at Windhoek Sewage works on 29th.
White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
As you drive south from Walvis Bay town towards the salt works you have to be careful not to hit this & the next species standing in the road. At least 500 seen on 25th & 250 the next day but these numbers are an under-estimation.
Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus
At Walvis Bay lagoon, at least 1500 on 25th & 400 next day at a different state of tide.
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
3 at Walvis Bay Sewage Works on 26th, 2 at Daan Viljoen Park & 6 at Windhoek Sewage works on 29th.
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
A single at Walvis Bay on 26th.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
At Walvis Bay lagoon, at least 10 on both 25th & 26th.
Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
In Etosha, 2 on 19th, 8 on 20th & 11 on 21st with a further 2 at Hobatere on 21st.
Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus
Seen on six dates, only near standing water, maximum 40 on 29th at Windhoek Sewage Works.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Only seen in the Walvis Bay area with maximum of 25 on 25th.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
One at Hobatere on 21st & 22nd.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Two on a roadside pool near Okahandja on 17th & one at a waterhole in Etosha on 19th.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
7 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th and one next day.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
10 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th and 5 next day.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
At Walvis Bay lagoon, at least 1000 on 25th & 250 next day at a different state of tide.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
50 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th and 25 counted next day.
Sanderling Calidris alba
100 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th including one bird bearing a leg flag. 20 on 26th & 10 on 27th.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
A single in Etosha on 19th, 10 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th and just one next day.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Two at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
1 at Henties Bay and 2 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th & 3 at the Guano Platform on 27th.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
6 in a loose group at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
At least 150 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th & 100 next day.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
One on a roadside pool near Okahandja on 17th, at Walvis Bay Lagoon 10 on 25th and 5 on 26th then 2 on 29th at Windhoek Sewage Works.
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis
One at Okaukuejo on 20th.
Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus
A group of 4 followed by a single between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th.
Kelp (Cape) Gull Larus dominicanus vetula
In the Walvis Bay area, maximum 45 on 25th.
Hartlaub’s Gull Larus hartlaubii
In the Walvis Bay area, 40 on 25th, 15 on 26th & 20 on 27th.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
25 at Walvis Bay Lagoon on 25th with just a single next day.
Swift Tern Sterna bergii
4 seen on 27th at the Walvis Bay Guano platform.
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
One on 25th & 4 on 26th at Walvis Bay.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Huge numbers in Walvis Bay lagoon were estimated at 1000+ on 25th & 2000+ on 26th.
Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum
Ten at Walvis Bay on 25th & 15 next day. At least two at the Guano platform on 27th.
Black Tern Chlidonias niger
2 at Walvis Bay lagoon on 25th.
Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua
4 at Okaukuejo waterhole on 20th & 40 came into drink during the morning next day. 29 flew over the lodge at Hobatere on 22nd & two showed well on the road near Erongo Lodge on 27th.
Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus
At least 250 came into drink just before dark at Moringa waterhole, Halali on 19th. The next evening 425 came into drink at Okaukuejo waterhole. At both waterholes they stayed until well after dark.
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea
Seen on 7 dates with maximum of 250 at Hobatere waterhole on 22nd.
Ring-necked Dove Streptopilia capicola
Huge numbers at the Etosha waterholes with at least 2000 in the first hour at Halali on 20th & 500 at Okaukuejo on 21st.
Laughing Dove Streptopilia senegalensis
A widespread species except near the coast.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
1 on 18th between Waterberg & Aoba Lodge, 30+ on 20th between Halali & Okaukuejo, two at Brandberg on 24th & 3 at Rooibank on 26th.
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos
3 at Aoba Lodge on 18th.
Rüppell’s Parrot Poicephalus rueppellii
Two at Waterberg on 17th, 8 at Hobatere on 21st with 6 there next day. 4 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd with 6 next day.
Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
One at Waterberg on 17th & 14 at Hobatere on 22nd. At Erongo Lodge, 10 on 27th, 15 on 28th & 8 on 29th. 6 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Grey Go-Away-Bird Corythaixoides concolor
10 on 17th & 6 next day at Waterberg. 2 at Hobatere & 2 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd. At Erongo Lodge, 3 on 27th, 4 on 28th & 4 on 29th.
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis
One showed well in torchlight at Okaukuejo on 20th and one showed exceptionally well at Hobatere on 21st.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum
Singles at Waterberg on 17th & 18th, at Okaukuejo on 20th & 21st, at Hobatere on 21st & 22nd.
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena
On 20th at Okaukuejo waterhole, at least 2 were on view at distance for most of the night, occasionally hawking over the pool. At Hobatere on 21st, one was flushed from the track on the night drive.
Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma
A Nightjar sp seen poorly Waterberg on 17th was probably this species. One heard at Brandberg on 24th, then one on 27th & two on 28th at Erongo showed well in the lights & perched on boulders.
Bradfield’s Swift Apus bradfieldi
Just two noted at Waterberg on 17th.
Little Swift Apus affinis
10 at Windhoek Airport on 17th, 2 at Halali & 2 at Okaukuejo on 20th and one at Walvis Bay on 26th.
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
At least 50 at Waterberg on 17th & one at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus
3 between Windhoek & Waterberg on 17th, 3 at Okaukuejo on 20th & 5 there next day. On 29th, 3 between Erongo & Karibib, 3 at Klippenberg Country Club & 3 at Windhoek Sewage Works.
White-backed Mousebird Colius colius
3 at Windhoek sewage Works & 2 between there & the airport on 29th.
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
4 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 2 at Hobatere on 21st, 2 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd, 3 at Erongo on 27th & one there on 29th and one at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracius caudatus
Two between Windhoek & Waterberg on 17th were the only ones of the trip.
Purple (Rufous-crowned) Roller Coracius naevia
A single bird at Waterberg on 18th.
African Hoopoe Upupa africana
One between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th, 3 at Okaukuejo & 4 at Hobatere on 21st, 1 at Hobatere & 3 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd and one at Otjitotongwe next day.
Common Scimitarbill Phoeniculus cyanomelas
Singles at Hobatere on 21st & at Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
Seen on 7 dates with a maximum of 2 birds at Waterberg, Hobatere & Erongo.
Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus
Two at Aoba Lodge, Etosha on 19th.
Damara Hornbill Tockus damarensis
At Hobatere, 3 on 21st & 2 on 22nd. At Otjitotongwe, 2 on 22nd, 5 on 23rd & 1 on 24th.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas
2 between Waterberg & Aoba Lodge on 18th, 2 at Aoba Lodge & 2 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th and 3 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd.
Monteiro’s Hornbill Tockus monteiri
1 at Hobatere on 22nd. At Otjitotongwe, 4 on 22nd & 6 on 23rd with one between Otjitotongwe and Brandberg on 23rd. At Erongo, 3 on 27th, 2 on 28th & 4 on 29th.
Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas
One between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th, at Otjitotongwe, 4 on 22nd & one on the 23rd and 24th with one at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor
One at Hobatere Lodge on 22nd.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni
Singles at Waterberg on 18th & at Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
One at Waterberg on 18th, 1 at Okaukuejo on 21st & a pair at Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
Sabota Lark Mirafra sabota
2 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 5 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 2 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Benguela Long-billed Lark Certhilauda benguelensis
Two showed well alongside the road between Brandberg & Uis on 25th.
Dune Lark Certhilauda erythrochlamys
5 birds showed well eventually in the Kuiseb riverbed at Rooibank on 26th.
Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata
4 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th.
Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea
2 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 10 between Halali & Okaukuejo & 6 at Okaukuejo waterhole on 20th.
Stark’s Lark Eremalauda starki
3 near White Lady Lodge, Brandberg on 25th.
Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis
In Etosha, 100+ between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 40 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th & 100 at Okaukuejo waterhole on 21st. At Brandberg, 15 on 25th.
White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis
One at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata
3 between Okaukuejo & Hobatere on 21st & 3 near Otjitotongwe on 24th.
Greater-striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata
One at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula
10 at Okaukuejo Tower on 20th, 10 at Brandberg on 24th & 4 on 27th and 2 on 28th at Erongo.
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
Exceptionally common except in the Brandberg area. Absent from the coast.
Cape Crow Corvus capensis
In Etosha, 2 on 19th between Namutoni & Halali, 24 between Halali & Okaukuejo and 2 at Okaukuejo waterhole on 20th. 4 on the 26th on the drive between Uis & Henties Bay.
Pied Crow Corvus albus
2 on 19th between Namutoni & Halali, 4 at Okaukuejo waterhole on the 21st & 2 on the 26th just outside Walvis Bay.
Ashy Tit Parus cinerascens
One at Erongo Lodge on 29th.
Carp’s Black Tit Parus carpi
One at Waterberg on 18th, 1 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd with 3 there next day and 3 at Erongo Lodge on 28th.
Cape Penduline Tit Anthoscopus minutus
1 at Erongo Lodge on 28th & 5 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor
4 close to Aoba Lodge on 18th.
Bare-cheeked Babbler Turdoides gymnogenys
At Hobatere, 8 on 21st & 9 on 22nd. At Otjitotongwe, 12 on 23rd.
African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans
Very common throughout with a maximum of 70 at Hobatere on 22nd.
Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitirupa
5 at a waterhole between Namutoni & Halali & a further bird at Moringa waterhole, Halali on 19th, 3 at Moringa & 1 at Okaukuejo waterholes on 20th with 3 at Okaukuejo next day. 3 on the game drive at Hobatere on 21st.
Short-toed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes
In Etosha, 1 between Namutoni & Halali & 3 at Moringa waterhole on 19th, 1 at Moringa, 1 between Halali & Okaukuejo and 1 at Okaukuejo on 20th. One at Hobatere on 21st & 4 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd. At Erongo Lodge, 1 on 27th, 2 on 28th & 1 on 29th. One at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola
At Brandberg, 10 on 24th & 6 on 25th. At Erongo, 2 on 27th & 1 on 28th with 2 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata
One on 20th between Halali & Okaukuejo.
Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris
2 at Moringa waterhole on 20th, 2 at Hobatere & 1 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd with 2 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd. At Erongo, 5 on 28th & 2 on 29th with one at Klippenberg Country Club.
Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac
One at Brandberg on 24th & 2 next day & one at Rooibank on 26th.
(Southern) Anteating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora
Two on the game drive at Hobatere on 21st.
White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
One at Okaukuejo on 21st.
Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena
One at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 24th & one between Erongo & Karibib on 29th.
Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum
One at Waterberg on 17th & one at Aoba Lodge on 19th. 3 at Okaukuejo on 21st.
Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens
One at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 24th. One at Erongo on 27th & 28th.
Burnt-neck Eremomela Eremomela usticollis
One at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Grey-backed Carmaroptera Carmaroptera brevicaudata
2 at Hobatere & 1 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd. 2 at Erongo on 28th & one next day.
Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonaster fasciolatus
At Otjitotongwe, 2 on 22nd & one on 24th, all skulking on the ground.
Rockrunner Achaetops pycnopygius
Singles at Waterberg on 17th and at Erongo on 27th & 29th.
Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans
5 at Okaukuejo on 21st, 2 at Hobatere on 22nd & 1 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd. At Erongo, 1 on 27th, 2 on 28th & 1 on 29th with 2 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis
4 at Waterberg & 2 between Waterberg and Aoba Lodge on 18th. In Etosha, 2 on 19th, 1 on 20th & 2 on 21st. 10 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd, one between Erongo & Karibib & 4 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus
4 at Brandberg on 24th & 25th.
Pirit Batis Batis pirit
Recorded at Waterberg, maximum 10 on 18th, Okaukuejo, Otjitotongwe, maximum 5 on 23rd, Erongo Lodge & Klippenberg Country Club.
Cape Wagtail Monticola capensis
Other than a single at Brandberg on 24th the only others seen were at the coast. 2 at Henties Bay on 25th & 10 at Walvis Bay on 25th & 26th.
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
Singles at Otjitotongwe on 22nd & Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Common Fiscal Lanius collaris
One between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th, one at Otjitotongwe on 23rd, 2 at Brandberg on 24th, one near Walvis Bay and one Rooibank on 26th & 1 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus
2 at Waterberg & one between Waterberg & Aoba on 18th, one at Okaukuejo on 21st, 3 at Hobatere. At Otjitotongwe, 4 on 22nd & 3 on 23rd. 2 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla
One at Waterberg on 18th.
Brubru Nilaus afer
Singles at Waterberg on 17th & Otjitotongwe on 24th
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis
Singles at Waterberg on 18th & Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus
One at Brandberg on 25th
White-tailed Shrike Lanioturdus torquatus
10 between Okaukuejo & Hobatere on 21st, 3 at Hobatere & 4 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd, 9 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd, 10 between Otjitotongwe & Brandberg and a single at Brandberg on 24th. At Erongo, 3 on 27th and 28th & 1 on 29th and a single between Windhoek & the airport.
White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus
4 at Aoba Lodge on 19th & 6 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th.
Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens
One between Namutoni & Halali & 3 at Moringa waterhole, Halali on 19th, 3 at Moringa on 20th & 8 between Okaukuejo & Hobatere on 21st. At Hobatere, 2 on 21st & 2 on 22nd. 4 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & singles at Erongo on 27th & 28th.
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
A single bird at Okaukuejo Rest camp on 21st and at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th, a single flock of at least 500 birds.
Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis
Two at Windhoek Airport on 17th, 3 at Okaukuejo Rest camp on 21st and 2 at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Meves’s Starling Lamprotornis mevesii
20 at Hobatere on 21st & 30 there next day.
Cape (Glossy) Starling Lamprotornis nitens
Fairly widespread, especially in Etosha with 250 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th but just 2 noted at Erongo Lodge on 28th.
Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup
At Waterberg, 20 on 17th & 18th, at Brandberg, 8 on 24th & at least 86 on 25th and at Erongo, 15 on 27th, 25 on 28th & 16 on 29th.
Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis
One between Windhoek & Waterberg on 17th, 2 at Waterberg on 18th, 1 at Erongo on 28th & 29th and 2 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala
Two showed well at Waterberg on 18th.
Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fusca
6 at Okaukuejo & 6 at Hobatere on 21st, 2 at Hobatere & 1 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd, 3 at Rooibank on 26th, 3 at Erongo on 28th & 8 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus
Two adults & 2 fledged young in the garden of the Langholm Hotel, Walvis Bay on 26th & 27th.
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger
20 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th and 2 at Moringa waterhole on 20th. At Otjitotongwe, 1 on 22nd & 2 on 23rd.
White-browed Sparrow Weaver Plocepasser mahali
Widespread. Recorded on 10 dates, max. 50 on 22nd at Otjitotongwe. Not seen at the coast.
Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius
At Okaukuejo Rest Camp, 25 at one active nest on 20th & 50 at three active nests next day.
5 at an active nest at Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen at Walvis Bay & Windhoek.
Great Sparrow Passer motitensis
4 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th & one at Okaukuejo on 21st. 15 at Hobatere & a single at Otjitotongwe on 22nd & 10 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd. At Erongo Lodge, 4 on 27th, 6 on 28th & 7 on 29th.
Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus
15 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th were the only ones seen in Etosha. 9 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 20 at Brandberg on 24th. Next day at least 160 were at the small pond at the White Lady Lodge. 6 at Rooibank on 26th were the only ones seen near the coast with 10 at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus
6 at Aoba Lodge on 19th were the only ones seen near Etosha. 25 at Hobatere on 21st, 3 at Erongo on 28th & two there next day.
Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons
3 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 4 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th & one between Okaukuejo & Hobatere on 21st. 10 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 2 at Erongo on 27th.
Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus
One at Henties Bay on 25th, 3 at Walvis Bay on 26th & one at Erongo on 29th. Only full adult males attending nests were identified, all non-breeding birds were not.
Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius
One at Windhoek Sewage Works on 29th.
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea
1000+ at waterholes between Namutoni & Halali on 19th & 700 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th. 4 at Hobatere on 22nd and 80 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba
2 at Aoba Lodge on 18th, in Etosha NP one on 19th & two on 20th, 2 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd with singles on 22nd & 24th & two Erongo Lodge on 27th, 28th & 29th.
Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis
2 at Moringa waterhole, Halali on 19th & one there next morning with an additional bird between Halali & Okaukuejo.
Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus
Two at Waterberg & one at Aoba Lodge on 18th, 15 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 10 at Moringa waterhole & 10 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th. Singles at Hobatere on 22nd & Otjitotongwe on 23rd with 3 at Erongo on 28th.
Common Waxbill Estrilida astrild
10 in the garden of the Langholm Hotel & 18 at Rooibank, Walvis Bay on 26th.
Black-faced Waxbill Estrilida erythronotos
10 at Waterberg on 18th, 20 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 3 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th, 2 at Okaukuejo on 21st, 2 at Hobatere 22nd, 8 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & one at Erongo on 28th.
Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala
35 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, 2 between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th, 15 at Okaukuejo on 21st, 15 at Hobatere & 4 at Otjitotongwe on 22nd and 30 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd .
Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris
Singles at Otjitotongwe on 23rd & 24th. At Erongo, 3 on 27th & 4 on 28th with one at Klippenberg Country Club on 29th.
Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis
40 at Moringa waterhole on 20th & 10 on 22nd at Hobatere. At Erongo, 2 on 27th, 10 on 28th & 10 on 29th.
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris
One at Waterberg on 18th, one between Namutoni & Halali on 19th & 6 at Moringa waterhole on 20th.
Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis
At Erongo Lodge, 5 on 27th, 8 on 28th & 10 on 29th.
Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi
A single between Halali & Okaukuejo on 20th.
Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani
40 between Namutoni & Halali on 19th, a minimum of 1500 at Moringa waterhole on 20th, & 800 at Okaukuejo waterhole on 21st. 20 at Hobatere on 21st & 50 on 22nd. 50 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd and a single at Erongo on 28th.
Mammals
South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris
5 in Etosha NP on 19th & 5 at Otjitotongwe on 23rd.
Damara Ground Squirrel Geosciurus princeps
One at Waterberg on 18th.
Striped Tree Squirrel Funisciurus congius
One at Hobatere on 22nd.
Tree Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi
6 at Aoba Lodge on 19th.
South African Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis
At the night feeding station at Erongo two on 27th & one on 28th.
Dassie Rat Petromus typicus
At Erongo Lodge, 4 on 27th, 3 on 28th & 2 on 29th.
Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis
Two at Hobatere on 21st & one at Brandberg on 24th.
Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis
At Erongo Lodge, 65 on 27th, 90 on 28th & 70 on 29th.
African Elephant Loxodonta africana
In Etosha NP, at least 100 on 19th & 75 next day.
Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis
In Etosha NP there were two on 19th. Next day, six arrived at Okaukuejo waterhole during an eight hour period up until midnight.
White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum
Single in Etosha on 19th.
Burchell’s Zebra Equus burchelli
In Etosha NP, at least 50 on 19th & 45 next day.
Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Equus zebra
At Hobatere Lodge, at least 300 on 21st & 100 next day.
Warthog Phacochoerus africanus
Around a dozen seen in Etosha, 4 at Hobatere & 5 at Daan Viljoen Park on 29th.
Giraffe Giraffe camelopardalis
At least 15 in Etosha and a single alongside the road near Otjitotongwe on 24th.
Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus
Small groups seen in Etosha, probably totalling 50.
Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus
Around 40 seen in Etosha.
Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis
Very common at all Etosha & Hobatere waterholes.
Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus
2 on the night drive at Hobatere on 21st with two near the Lodge next day. One at Erongo Lodge on 28th.
Damara Dik-dik Madoqua kirkii
10 at Waterberg on 17th & one at Erongo on 29th.
Steenbok Raphicerus campestris
At least 6 at Aoba Lodge on 18th, around 10 in Etosha and a similar number at Hobatere.
Eland Taurotragus oryx
20 at the first waterhole visited in Etosha on 19th
Black-faced Impala Aepyceros petersi
Common at all Etosha & Hobatere waterholes.
Gemsbok Oryx gazelle
Common at all Etosha & Hobatere waterholes.
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Common at all Etosha & Hobatere waterholes. 10 at Erongo on 28th.
Honey Badger Mellivora capensis
One showed briefly but well after dark at Halali Rest camp on 19th
Small Spotted Genet Genetta genetta
At the night feeding station at Erongo two on 27th & one on 28th.
Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta
One in the half-light at Halali waterhole on 19th.
Lion Panthera leo
8 near Aoba Lodge on 18th & just one female in Etosha on 19th. At Hobatere 7 on 21st & 6 next day.
African Wild Cat Felis sylvestris
One on the Hobatere night drive on 21st.
Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas
In Etosha, two on 19th, 2 on 20th & 8 on 21st. Two at the Walvis Bay saltpans on 25th.
Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotu
Two on the Hobatere night drive on 21st.
Black Mongoose Gallerella nigrata
At the feeding station at Erongo two on 27th & one on 28th.
Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguinea
One at the feeding station at Erongo on 28th.
Lesser Bushbaby Galago moholi
One at Halali on 19th came to drink from a dripping pipe at our bungalow.
Chacma Baboon Papio cynocephalus ursinus
Small numbers seen alongside back roads, maximum 10 on 29th but also 8 at Hobatere on 21st & 7 at Erongo on 28th.
Mike Powell, 87 Coed Glas Road, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5EL. Mike.powell2@coorsbrewers,com