Northern Cape larks and endemics
Day 1 Johannesburg – Prieska
A day’s driving from Johannesburg to Prieska sees us arriving in the Karoo in the afternoon. Sociable Weaver nests begin to line the telegraph poles, with luck Pygmy Falcons will be found in some of these nests. We arrive in Prieska, on the banks of the Orange River, where we will look for Orange River White-eyes, various water birds, as well as the start of the Karoo species.
Day 2 Prieska – Pofadder
Today we drive some remote back roads through the quartz strewn landscape that is home to one of the toughest Southern African larks to connect with, i.e. Sclater’s Lark. In addition we will be looking for several other species, which irrupt in the area in reaction to rains and food source. Namaqua Sandgrouse, Karoo Korhaan, Ludwig’s Bustard and Rufous-eared Warbler are some of the other species that are regular in the area.
Day 3 Pofadder – Springbok
We’ll head north towards the Orange River and be on the lookout for various specials such as Karoo Long-billed Lark, Black-eared and Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Rufous-eared Warbler, Burchell’s Courser, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and Rosy-faced Lovebird. At the river we’ll search the riverside thickets for Namaqua Warbler. Dusky Sunbird is common on the koppies in the area – various special reptiles are also seen here, such as Western Rock Skink and Plain Sand Lizard. In the afternoon we visit Koa dunes with the main target being Red Lark, before heading towards Springbok.
Day 4 Springbok – Port Nolloth – Springbok
Our target for the day is the range restricted Barlow’s Lark which favours the arid coastline between Port Nolloth and Luderitz in Namibia. We’ll also have a chance to see Cape Long-billed Lark, Grey Tit and Tractrac Chat. At Port Nolloth we will check on the birds of the area including Cape and Crowned Cormorant, African Oystercatcher and various waders. We’ll also be scanning the bay for the uncommon Heaviside’s Dolphin – this is one of the best bays to have a chance of seeing these attractive mammals.
Day 5 Springbok – Augrabies Falls
We’ll target anything else we have not yet seen today, such as the tricky Karoo Eremomela, found in an area where we often see Karoo Girdled Lizard. We arrive at Augrabies Falls in the afternoon where we will have spectacular views of the falls and gorges below them – Augrabies Flat Lizard has a limited range here – the gaudy males are often on display in the afternoon. Pale-winged Starlings are common, various swift species roost around the falls and can be seen in the evenings. They in turn attract raptors such as Peregrine and Lanner Falcon.
Day 6 Augrabies Falls – Johannesburg
Orange River White-eye, Chat Flycatcher and Sociable Weavers will be the order of the day as we leave the arid Kalahari bushveld and head back towards the Highveld.
We’ll travel in the comfortable airconditioned Toyota Quantum, with a maximum of 6 guests so that everyone has a window seat. The cost starts at R13,350 per person sharing – dependent on number of participants.
Next departure is on 2nd July 2021 – email info@bustardsbirding.co.za if you are interested.
