Birding

Over 340 Species

Tembe Elephant Park's bird diversity is nothing short of spectacular. It is a paradise for bird-watchers with more than 340 species - many are localised residents, others are endemic to South Africa and several that are tropical species at the southern limit of their range. The secret is the diversity of habitats.

There are lots of lifers to be found here, and many Palearctic and intra-African migrants. Our field guides are extremely knowledgeable about the local birds and their habits, and a trip out with them should prove very productive. There are checklists available in the lodge.

Birding in Tembe is difficult yet rewarding. The vegetation is generally dense and although the species list is similar to that of Ndumo, there are not large numbers of common birds. However, those that do occur are generally sought after by birders. The use of a call-up tape is essential for the more secretive species.

1. At the Lodge, situated in fairly dense sand forest, species such as Narina Trogon, African Broadbill, Woodwards' Batis, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Square-tailed Drongo, and Retz's Helmet-Shrike all occur. The bird bath has Green Twinspot and Pink-throated Twinspot, and Crested Guineafowl visit daily. African Wood-Owl and Fiery-necked Nightjar call at night. The very rare Chestnut-fronted Helmet-Shrike was recorded recently.

2. A self-guided walking trail of 2.5 or 3.5 km is situated near the Park entrance gate, and will produce similar species to those found at the Lodge. African Broadbill and Woodwards' Batis are also easier to follow up.

3. Drives through the sand forest should produce Crested Guineafowl, Southern Banded Snake-Eagle, Narina Trogon, African Broadbill, Eastern Nicator, Brown Scrub-Robin, Rudd's Apalis, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Retz's Helmet-Shrike, Neergaard's Sunbird, Purple-banded Sunbird, and Pink-throated Twinspot. This habitat is widely distributed and the densest areas occur on Gowanini loop, which takes you through some very attractive habitat. The Plain-backed Sunbird is also found here, in the area of tall forest which forms a canopy over the road.

4. The Muzi Swamp fills a drainage line just inside the eastern border of the reserve. Umjangazi road follows the eastern edge of the swamp, and species to look out for include Collared Pratincole and Senegal Lapwing on the short grass plains, and Lemon-breasted Canary in the Llala Palm savanna. Look overhead for Bat Hawks, African Marsh-Harrier and, where the road crosses the swamp, check for secretive rails, crakes, flufftails, Eurasian Bittern, and Black Coucal. A small pan approximately halfway along supports general waterbirds. Look here for Greater Painted-snipe, and check the waders for Green Sandpiper.

5. Seasonal pans, including Mfungeni Pan, attract species such as African Jacana, African Wattled Lapwing, Saddle-billed Stork and Woolly-necked Stork, and sometimes African Pygmy-Goose and Lesser Jacana.

6. The two hides are built primarily for viewing larger game, although they do provide an opportunity to look over the bush canopy. At Mahlasela Pan, Neergaard’s and Purple-banded Sunbird are particularly common when the Schotia brachypetala (weeping boer-bean) is in flower. Bat Hawk is sometimes seen from the hide in the evenings.

7. In the more open savanna areas, be vigilant for Flappet Lark, Croaking Cisticola, Black-bellied Bustard, and Corncrake in late summer.

8. Afternoon drives from the Lodge can be extended into early evening. Try the Muze wetland for Marsh Owl, African Grass-Owl and Swamp Nightjar, and keep alert for African Barred Owlet, Square-tailed Nightjar and Fiery-necked Nightjar in the woodland areas.

Source: http://wiki.sabirding.co.za/Tembe.ashx

Select Bird Specials and Rarities:

African Pygmy-Goose Rufous-bellied Heron
Southern Banded Snake-Eagle Bat Hawk
Palmnut Vulture Pel's Fishing-Owl
Crested Guineafowl Narina Trogon
African Broadbill Eastern Nicator
Broad-billed Roller Swamp Nightjar
White-starred Robin Chestnut-fronted Helmet-Shrike
Retz's Helmet-Shrike Rosy-throated Longclaw
Rudd's Apalis Woodward's Batis
Plain-backed Sunbird Neergaard's Sunbird
Pink-throated Twinspot