Bird Party in The Gambia! 

2 – 12 December 2020www.ingloriousbustards.com

 Bird Party in The Gambia! 2 – 12 December 2020  This tiny, vibrant country has so much to offer it´s hard to know where to begin!  The Gambia River brings the feel of the moist forest of Africa and for us it also brought an incredible richness of birdlife, mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, culture, hospitality and fabulous food! We explored the length of the country from the coast to the upriver lagoons and found sought-after star birds including Egyptian Plover, African Pygmy Goose, Adamawa Turtle Dove, African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron. The Gambia is famed for its mind-blowing numbers of raptors and we were not disappointed, encountering 29 species, including the breath-taking Bateleur, African Hawk Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Dark Chanting and African Goshawk, Shikra, Lizard and Grasshopper Buzzard, Beaudouin´s, Long-crested, Western Banded and Brown Snake Eagle. An intimate view of a roosting Owl or Nightjar is always a memorable experience, and we were thrilled with our views of Verreaux´s Eagle Owl, Greyish Eagle Owl, African Wood Owl, White-faced and African Scops Owls, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Long-tailed and Standard-winged Nightjars, all peacefully resting close by. 

We loved our close encounters with other animals which included Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile, Guinea Baboons, Red Colobus, Patas and Green Monkeys, Nile Monitor Lizards and an enormous Rock Python that looked like it had just eaten another birder! Outstanding in the memory though will always be the extraordinary colours and calls of the myriad species – Green and Violet Turacos, the outrageous Exclamatory Paradise Whydah, Viellot´s and Bearded Barbet, Beautiful Sunbird, Yellow-crowned Gonalek, White-crowned Robin Chat, enormous Citrus Swallowtail butterflies, the stunning irridesence of the Glossy Starling species, the reds, blues, greens, turquoises and yellows of eight Kingfisher species, seven different species of Bee-eater and four species of Roller. We saw so much in just eleven days, but always at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy each new sighting.  We were thrilled to see great progress in the restoration of the mangrove swamp at Kotu Creek by Gambia Bird Watchers Association – a conservation project we are proud to be funding.  There were great times hanging out with friends, enjoying the outstanding local domada and yassa curries, and taking time to understand and appreciate local culture.  We certainly left with fantastic memories and big grins from Africa´s Smiling Coast! Day 1                     Monday 2 December We had organised a late breakfast for our guests Tony and Drew to allow them some rest after their travel day.  But instead of a lie-in they elected to head out at dawn and make a cracking start to the trip, just wandering in the grounds of the wonderful Picca-Laa Eco-lodge!  Later, as our lovely host Kaddy (with her adorable son Baba always in tow!) brought us a tasty, reviving breakfast of fresh bread, omelette and good strong coffee, we caught up with Senegal Parrot, Beautiful Sunbird, Western Grey Plantain-Eater, Palm Swifts and our first Pied Crows and Hooded Vultures.  Groups of Senegal Thick-knees called noisily from the neighbouring creek, which forms part of Tanji Bird Reserve. 

We spent the rest of the day wandering the groves and watering holes of the community-owned nature reserve at Brufut Forest.  We spent some time at the drinking hole getting acquainted with Vinaceous and Laughing Doves, Black-billed and Speckled Wood Doves.  Many smaller birds came too, such as Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu, Lavender Waxbill and Red-billed Firefinch, Greater Honeyguide, Little, Black-necked and Village Weaver.  Red-billed Hornbill foraged on the ground and later in the treetops.   Expertly led by our community-based guide, we strolled around the forest picking up Variable Sunbirds and Bronze Mannikins and the eery sounds of Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird.  Our guide bade us to be silent, and showed us two roosting Long-tailed Nightjars, just metres away!  They were completely undisturbed by our presence but still managed to look decidedly grumpy!

 As well as Beaudouin´s Snake Eagle, Swallow-tailed and Little Bee-eater, Broad-billed Roller and Northern Crombec, we were thrilled to encounter a Chattering Yellowbill - a good bird for the area.  Amongst the many, many Grass White butterflies we also saw Citrus Swallowtail and Orange Acraea.

In the late afternoon we returned to the drinking hole to try and encounter more birds coming to cool off and drink in the shady spot.  We weren´t disappointed, and enjoyed great views of Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Northern Yellow White-eye, Pygmy Kingfisher, Snowy-crowned Robin Chat, Yellow-crowned Gonalek, Grey-

headed Kingfisher, moulting Northern Red Bishop, and Yellow-fronted Leaflove having a blissful bath. 

Grey-headed Kingfisher © Inglorious Bustards

 As we made our way back to our lodge, we made a stop by a verdant pond next to a ford (which was doubling as a car wash!) on the back roads back to Tanji. As a steady traffic of taxis, cattle and buses crossed the ford we enjoyed views of African Harrier Hawk, two Lanner Falcons, Wattled Lapwings, Malachite Kingfisher, Squacco and Purple Heron, not to mention amazing views of Broad-billed Roller swooping to drink from the pool.  Day 2                     Tuesday 3 December Today we headed south almost to the Senegalese border, to explore the delights of Kartong Bird Observatory. En route we stopped successfully for Black-winged Bishop, getting superb views of Variable Sunbird in the process.  Rufous-crowned Roller and African Grey Hornbill were on roadside show. The fertile freshwater lagoons of the bird observatory attract all sorts of wetland loveliness.  In the bushes Malachite, Pied and Grey-headed Kingfisher could be seen all together, and European Turtle Doves roosted alongside African Mourning Doves.  Overhead, Red-chested, Wire-tailed and Mosque Swallow swooped with Palm Swifts. On the water itself there were many White-faced Whistling Ducks, African Jakana, Squacco and Grey Heron, Black-winged Stilts, Wood Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits.  African Spoonbill and Sacred Ibis flew overhead.  We were pleased with views of a Plain-backed Pipit.  In the scrub was a festival of migrants, with Isabelline, Melodious and Subalpine Warbler and Common Chiffchaff in the same bush, alongside a Senegal Eremomela and Bar-breasted Firefinch.  A small detour for the first Abyssinian Roller of the trip also resulted in a stunning Western Banded Snake Eagle and great views of Yellow-billed Oxpeckers. Dragonflies and butterflies abounded, and we enjoyed the antics of two rather amorous Monitior Lizards! 

Wandering down to the beach we relaxed with some freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice and watched a Whistling Cisticola. Out to sea was a constant stream of Sandwich and Royal Terns. Next, we headed for a rather special lunch, with the family of our friend and local guide Tijan.  It was lovely to see everybody again after a year, and to meet newborn Yusuf!  We settled into the affectionately-known RSPB Tah-tey office.  While Mariama and eldest daughter Fatima prepared for us a delicious selection of local dishes domada and yassa, chips, salad and rice we enjoyed Village and Little Weavers, Red-cheeked Cordon Bleus, Grey-headed Sparrows and Brown Babbler coming to the feeders. Citrus Swallowtail Butterflies drifted through the garden, while overhead there was a constant swirl of Hooded Vultures, Yellow-billed and Black Kites, Pied Crows and Pink-backed Pelicans. In the afternoon we visited our friends of the Gambia Bird Watchers Association, at their base in Kotu Creek. They took us to visit the nascent stages of the mangrove restoration project which we are honoured to be funding.  The first two hectares are in place and growing fast!  Association President Karanta Camara tells us that by the time we return next year they´ll be fully-fledged bushes! The mudflats and mangroves were a productive birding stop, including Splendid Sunbird and Fork-Tailed Drongo.  A magnificent Giant Kingfisher sat on telegraph wires like a feathered breeze-block, almost making them bend in the middle!  On the way home we saw Green Wood-hoopoe and huge, scruffy colonies of Buffalo Weavers.  Day 3                     Wednesday 4 December Today was our travel day upriver, but was also to be a day of five Owls (making no apologies for the spoiler)!  We started the day with a Pearl-spotted Owlet that showed well at Picca-Laa before we hit the road. 

At Farasutu, we explored the community-owned forest nature reserve, pleased to be contributing to its value as a natural resource.  Green Monkeys eyed us from the track and we found Variable Sunbird, Klaas´s Cuckoo, Bearded Barbets and Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird.  In 10-year old secondary coppice woodland, our park guide showed us Long-tailed and Standard Winged Nightjar, both roosting peacefully!  We were also thrilled with views of two fierce-looking Greyish Eagle Owls.

 After a lovely fresh picnic in the shade, we took a wander into the woods.  They were amazing!  At one point we could see African Goshawk, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Grey-headed Bristlebill and a fantastic pink-lidded Verreaux´s Eagle Owl without even leaving the spot we were standing.  We also heard Green Crombec and Bruce´s Green Pigeon.  Later on, two African Wood Owls were roosting peacefully. Taking a seat by a shaded area with water bowls, we enjoyed Olive-backed Sunbird amongst many others.  Soon, not one but three gorgeous Violet Turacos came in to drink and cool down from the midday sun – superb! Wandering out through the humid, intensely alive primary forest we came to

Palm Nut Vulture © Inglorious Bustards

a pool, where we were thrilled to find a very scarce White-backed Night Herons roosting in the trees.  A roosting White-faced Scops Owl brought the owl tally to five! Carrying on our journey upriver, we made a brief stop at Kampant Rice Fields where we picked up a Wahlberg´s Eagle and a stunning Long-crested Eagle. On the road again, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Grasshopper Buzzard, Palm Nut Vulture, Abyssinian and Rufous-crowned Roller brought us home to our base at the famous Tendaba Camp, where we enjoyed a few refreshing beers by the Gambia River, building our anticipation for the next day´s birding!  Day 4                     Thursday 5 December We awoke to the sounds of rural Gambia and completely different surroundings.  Tendaba Camp – a birder´s mecca for so many years – has changed hands and been given a new lease of life!  We ate a hearty camp breakfast looking out over the Gambia River - over a mile wide at this point – to the pristine mangroves of Baobolong National Park beyond.  Taking in a group of Spur-winged Geese overhead and a group of engaging White-crested Helmetshrikes by the road, we headed for “Tendaba airport”.  Still humourously signposted with Terminal numbers, the only aviators at this tiny, disused airfield are birds!  There were plenty to see - Great, Little and Intermediate Egrets, Pink-backed Pelicans, 90+ Eurasian Spoonbills as well as Slender-billed Gulls, Caspian and Gull-billed Terns, Grey Plovers and Spur-winged Lapwings. In the surrounding woodland and scrub were Senegal Coucal, many Lesser Blue-eared, Purple and Long-tailed Glossy Starlings.  Abyssinian Rollers were everywhere, some treating us to their spectacular swooping display flight. 

Next, we headed to farmland around the village of Batteling, where we arrived to find African Hoopoe, Upopa epops africanus.  African Grey Hornbills were calling and we picked up a Fork-tailed Drongo.  We had some great views of perched Lizard Buzzards and Grasshopper Buzzards.  Three Beaudouin´s Snake Eagles soared overhead, also a Wahlberg´s Eagle.  As we drove, sight of a Bateleur prompted us to leap out of the car at high speed!  We watched it gliding effortlessy for several minutes, never beating its wings, until it drifted out of sight. The woodlands were stuffed full of some fantastic avian treats!  It was hard to know where to look as Senegal Batis, Viellot´s Barbet, Brown-rumped Bunting, Brown-backed Woodpecker, White-shouldered Blacktit, Brubru and Pygmy Sunbird vied for our attention! We had our picnic with clouds of Guineafowl – of the butterfly variety.  Three Striped Kingfishers showed well in the trees. Leaving Batteling, we picked up a fantastic mixed group of soaring birds - White-backed and Pink Pelicans, White-backed, Rüppell´s and Griffon Vultures mingled with Hooded Vultures and Black Kites.  Another brief stop gave us views of Black-headed Lapwing on a bare field. We had some nice down-time in the heat of the afternoon, before heading out for an early evening walk up the hill behind the village.  We watched at a watering hole for a while and got great views of White-shouldered Black Tit, Greater Honeyguide, Bush Petronia and Black-billed Wood Dove coming in to drink.  On the track we had sight of Green-backed Camaroptera and Namaqua Dove, but we ended the day on an immense and fairly adrenaline-boosting encounter with a Rock Python!  This huge snake - metres long - had clearly just eaten, so it merely warned us with a hiss and glided away to its home in a termite mound.

  Day 5                     Friday 6 December The first of our boat trips left at dawn, and we boarded our brightly-painted wooden fishing boat and glided across the broad River Gambia until we reached the creeks on the far side by which we would navigate the mangroves of Baobolong National Park. We drifted quietly down inlets and creeks, taking in the sounds of African Blue Paradise Flycatchers and Brown Sunbirds, two mangrove specialists we were keen to see. In secluded pools, Woolly-necked Storks were feeding and it was exciting to find White-throated, Blue-cheeked and also European Bee-eaters in the foliage.  Deep in the swamp, we were able to get out of the boat onto an area of mudflats.  Here, dozens of European Bee-eaters were hawking for insects.  We loved the thought we may well have seen them before as they passed through The Straits of Gibraltar!  We could also hear the sounds of angry Guinea Baboons not far away, which prompted us to get back in the boat pronto! Brown Sunbirds were numerous but fast moving, but on the way back we got fantastic close views of a group of three. For lunch we headed up to the derelict buildings of Tendaba´s disused peanut farm.  Nature has moved in and we enjoyed Greater Honeyguides, Bush Petronias and Namaqua Dove while we tucked in to fresh local bread and some of the most delicious fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, limes and spring onions known to human! It had been a superb day´s birding, but now it was time to rest before our traditional participation in the Tendaba Youth football match!  Inglorious Bustards often “grace” a team, and this year we had a secret weapon in the

form of Drew Lyness, goalkeeper extraordinaire!  The match was illuminated by the setting sun over the riverside pitch, and Black Kites and Hooded Vultures served as vocal spectators!  Day 6                     Saturday 7 December After breakfast we said goodbye to Tendaba Camp and continued our journey farther into the less-explored reaches of The Gambia.  We crossed the brand-new bridge to Farafenni - which replaced the ferry crossing earlier this year - in moments.  Our journey continued, interspersed with fantastic stops!  On the outskirts of a village, we encountered Anteater Chat and Black-headed Lapwing close by.  Chestnut-backed Sparrow Larks and White-billed Buffalo Weavers were by the roadside.

 It was during one of these stops that we first picked up a huge group of White Storks – 300 or more – in a spiralling flock that drifted towards us.  Then we saw there was another, and another, and another!  In under an hour, we observed over 1500 White Storks drifting past us in huge flocks.  How inspiring to think that they had bred in France, Germany and Spain and made it all this way. We journeyed on to Kaur wetlands.  The raised road passes right through the centre of them allowing us great views of Spur-winged and Wattled Lapwings, Black-winged Stilts, Marsh and Wood Sandpipers and many Collared Pratincoles.  These formed a panicky whirlwind at the behest of a passing Lanner Falcon!  A Beaudouin´s Snake Eagle also cruised overhead.

Cinnamon Breasted Bunting © Inglorious Bustards

 At one of the area´s many roadside watering holes we enjoyed Cinnamon-Breasted Bunting and Namaqua Dove amongst many Red-billed Quelias and Black-tailed Waxbills.  We had our first look at a splendid and thoroughly ridiculous male Exclamatory Paradise Whydah, his huge tail waving behind him like a pennant. Our lunch stop was to bring much better views of Cinnamon-Breasted Bunting as there was an active nest at the hilltop lodge where we took picnics and refreshments.  From here we had sweeping views out over the river valley, and encountered Cut-throat Finch and the African subspecies of Red-rumped Swallow breeding. We stopped again at a watering hole just outside a village.  And there, on the muddy shores of this unassuming little spot was one of our most sought-after prizes – an Egyptian Plover! We watched it hunting insects in the mud, ducking down against aerial predators, and apparently regarding other lesser waders rather snootily! 

 We continued on our way through Panchang Wetlands, where low-intensity agriculture and subsistence rice-farming make a patchwork with Sahelian scrub and huge, mystical-looking Baobab trees.  We were enchanted by the swarms of Red-billed Queleas, thousands of them whizzing noisily all around us. Our last stop of the day was at the quarry at Wassu, whose sandy banks provide a great habitat for a large colony of Red-throated Bee-eaters – a treat to see them adorning the trees!  We also saw Pied Kingfisher, Grey Kestrel and found a wintering Isabelline Warbler. Red-throated Bee-eater © Inglorious Bustards

As we waited for the tiny ferry to take us across the final 200m stretch of river to our next base at Georgetown, the peaceful scene was idyllic to say the least.   As the sun set over the tranquil waters and tropical sounds, Bruce´s Green Pigeons flew overhead.  Day 7                     Sunday 8 December We awoke to our new riverside surroundings at Baobolong Camp saying good morning to the local villagers doing their laundry on the nearby quay.  Our host - the famous and super-friendly George of Georgetown! – fed us a fine breakfast of omelette and good coffee as we watched Bruce´s Green Pigeons.

 Our boatman soon picked us up and we journeyed upriver at a leisurely pace.  Along the river banks we picked up singing Oriole Warbler, Yellow-throated Leaflove, White-crowned Robin-chat, Swamp Flycatcher, Isabelline Warbler and numerous Black Crakes.  We took the opportunity to look at the Village Weaver colonies with intricately woven nests at the shore. In a small muddy cove, we were thrilled to spot a family of African Finfoots!  The two adults showed well and had a chick with them!  A great bird to see, and what incredible feet!  Later on, we picked up another swimming right out into the river. 

African Finfoot © Inglorious Bustards

A family of Common Hippopotamus were great to see very close by in the river.   They eyed us cautiously, submerging then popping up to look again.  We were a little disturbed when a bubble trail in the water showed one of these humungous and notably aggressive beasts to be swimming alongside us! Almost immediately as we arrived at the community-run island nature reserve of Kunkilling Forest, we were greeted by the deep purring of Adamawa Turtle Dove.  We soon got views of one in a tree top.  For a while we had the eerie experience of being stalked by a troupe of Guinea Baboons, always just a few metres away but rarely in sight!  Walking towards the rice fields we saw many European Turtle Doves flitting between patches of scrub, as well as African Collared Dove.  At lunch by the quay, we enjoyed a White-backed Vulture on the nest, and many Palm Swifts twittering through the palms.  A Violet Turaco flew over, as well as three Marabou Storks.

 On the way back our Black Crakes were being pursued by a Monitor Lizard!  A Malachite Kingfisher was upsetting a pair of Oriole Warblers.  We had lovely views of Red Colobus Monkeys leaping between waterside branches.  Overhead were several splendid African Fish Eagles, Palm Nut Vulture, and a Black Stork. After some down-time in the hottest part of the day, we made a late afternoon trip to the local ricefields, which occupy clearings in the riverside woodland.  Here we encountered Grey-headed Kingfisher, Striated Heron and Hadada Ibis flying down the river, calling as they came in to roost. 

Black Crake © Inglorious Bustards

Marsh Mongoose scuffled through the reeds.  As the sun set, we could hear Pearl-spotted Owlet and African Scops Owl calling.  A lovely Standard-winged Nightjar was spotted warming itself on the track, and then flying around us.  

Day 8                     Monday 9 December A chilled-out day started with a shout of Knob-billed Duck at first light.  We took the short ferry trip back to the north side of the river.  While we waited for it to load we made the most of our time enjoying a family of Swamp Flycatchers, a Yellow-throated Leaflove and a White-Crowned Robin Chat. We drove through the bustling market and then explored some fields at the edge of the village, where we saw Anteater chat, Brown Snake Eagle and a mixed flock of finches including Cut-throat Finch, Red-billed Quelia, Village Indigo Bird and White-rumped Seed eater. Exploring a different part of Wassu quarry, we saw Little Green and Red-throated Bee-eater and many Chestnut-backed Sparrow Larks as well as Yellow-billed Shrikes and Exclamatory Paradise Whydah, Spur-winged Lapwings and Wattled Plovers.  We had a chilled-out lunch listening to Alieu´s reggae selection emanating from the bus, while watching Hooded, White-backed and Rüppell´s Vultures swirling overhead with Mottled Spinetails, White-rumped and Little Swifts, Sand Martins and Plain Martins as well as African Red-rumped Swallows.  The entire group dropped their sandwiches for two fantastic African Hawk Eagles!

Swamp Flycatcher © Inglorious Bustards

 We made a brief stop to see the Wassu Stone Circle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  A Wahlberg´s Eagle soared overhead, hunting doves. At the rice fields near Kuntaur, we picked out a heavily-moulting Singing Cisticola and a singing Great Reed Warbler amongst the huge flocks of Red-billed Queleas.  There were many Senegal Coucals, and later Wood Sandpiper, African Jacana and Squacco Heron.  A Nile Monitor Lizard shambled quickly away from a threatening Senegal Thick-knee. We relaxed through the hottest part of the day with a cool drink by the shady river, observing several dragonfly species, and then boarded our boat with the famous Captain Hippo!  Little Bee-eaters and Malachite Kingfisher accompanied our jaunt on the river.  We had great views of a family group of six

hippos, and Red Colobus Monkeys by the river. We visited the shores of the islands that house a Chimpanzee rehabilitation project started in 1979. Melanie - the oldest rehabilitated resident - still lives, and today we saw two of her daughters by the riverside, each with their own daughter.

 Day 9                     Tuesday 10 December On the road in the peaceful hours of the morning, a troupe of Guinea Naboons and a Common Warthog crossed in front of us. 

Chimpanzee © Inglorious Bustards

We spent the morning in a hide, hoping for the arrival of carrion feeders to the carcass staked out in front of us.  Several Hooded Vultures came in, and many more circled overhead along with Maribou Storks and Gyps species drifted over much higher. Unfortunately, no further birds came down, but our time did allow us amazing views of irridescent Greater Blue-eared and Long-tailed Glossy Starlings in the bright sun, lovely Namaqua Doves, Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark, Common Redstart and a drop in from a Levaillant´s Cuckoo.  There was also chance to grab forty winks for some! We had lunch in nearby scrubby rice fields, where we glimpsed a Green Monkey which quickly fled the scene.  In the wooded areas we saw African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-throated Bee-eater and Bearded Barbet, while Black-headed Herons and Little, Intermediate and Great Egrets patrolled the lily pads. A Nile Monitor Lizard hunted African Jacana in another rice field area and we saw Hammerkops, Eurasian Reed Warbler and Stone Partridge crossing the road.  Travelling back was a real upriver raptor-fest, with highlights being views of Western Banded, Long-crested and Brown Snake Eagle! On the way back we again met with Guinea Baboons, and this time were treated to a brilliant moment where they were crossing the road with a troupe of Red Patas Monkeys in parallel. After a rest and afternoon beers by the river, featuring Bruce´s Green Pigeons, we headed out for a dusk walk.  In the gloomy outskirts of the old Georgian cemetery, we had calling Stone Partridge and outstanding views of Four-banded Sandgrouse.  Three African Scops Owls and a Pearl-spotted Owlet cold be heard, and we encountered an enormous Fruit Bat species. With that it was time to head for our final feed at the main area of the camp.  As every night, the team provided a mouth-waterin selection of local food, including vegetable curries, bean stews, fresh salads with the area´s

outstanding vegetables, rice, noodle dishes and fresh local bread and fruit.  We toasted our upriver stay with a couple of bottles of local Julbrew, and admired the Blue-breasted Kingfisher on the label! 

Day 10                   Wednesday 11 December We said our goodbyes to George of Georgetown and our local Bruce´s Green Pigeons and headed back toward the coast.

 We dropped in once more at the vulture feeding station, which today was decked out with an enormous dead cow, brought to the site on a donkey cart.  Sadly we again failed to attract the “big boys” of the vulture world, but we enjoyed the Hooded Vulture antics as well as Chestnut-backed Sparrow Larks, Little Green Bee-eaters, Wahlbergs Eagle, and many hawking Broad-billed Rollers. En route we stopped for some close Marabou Storks in flight, and one on the nest with two disgustingly cute chicks!  Our picnic at Dala Baa lake – meaning “Big Water” – brought yet more fruitful birding.  Here we found six African

Pygmy Geese amongst the White-faced Whistling Ducks, African Jacanas and Squacco Herons.  Close by were Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Green and Wood Sandpiper, Little Bee-eater and a big colony of Red-throated Bee-eaters. 

Little Green Bee-eater © Inglorious Bustards

We stopped at a village where Tijan´s extended family live in a shared compound of several small houses.  It was lovely to meet them all and be shown their home, as we dropped off some supplies of food and firewood that Tijan had brought with us from upriver. After a leisurely afternoon drive enjoying the scenery, villages and markets of the Gambia – and the  Little Swifts and White-billed Buffalo Weavers that inhabit them – we arrived back to Picca Laa in time for more of Kady´s fabulous cooking, today a chicken and vegetable curry.  

Day 11                   Thursday 12 December After a lovely breakfast with a showy Pearl-spotted Owlet, we set out, determined to make the most of our last

full day!  We headed off to Abuko forest, Gambia´s first nature reserve.  This tiny 100-hectare pocket of primary forest in the middle of town is a real gem and we were hoping for some final forest species.  Things started well as we were escorted to the first hide by Green Monkeys!  Sure enough, it wasn´t long before we picked up two Green Turacos in the treetops, among the Western Grey Plantain-eaters!  This lovely little reserve just kept on giving, and we soon found birds we were hoping for including Black-necked Weaver and Little Greenbul.  African and Red-bellied Paradise Flycatchers were both active in the scrubby foliage.  We heard a Western Bluebill calling.  We enjoyed many views of Green and Violet Turacos and Western Red Colobus Monkeys.

Yellow-throated Leaflove © Inglorious Bustards

 While the team prepared picnic at Brufut forest, we were again treated to Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Northern Crombec and more.  A Grey-headed Woodpecker appeared, yet another species for our ever-lengthening list! We headed for a mid-afternoon cold beverage at Tanji Ecolodge, situated between the sea and the mangroves of this lovely reserve.  As we chilled in the shade, we could hear a Western Bluebill, which soon came in to drink and bathe at the ponds in front of us!  Other creatures enjoying a drink in the shade (and who could blame them?!) were Snowy-crowned Robin Chat, Yellow-throated Leaflove.  Wandering in the scrubby dunes we found Black-crowned Tchagra, Eurasian Hoopoe, Common Redstart, Melodious Warbler and Little Bee-eater and there were great photo opportunities for butterflies including the stunning Citrus Swallowtail. At Tanji beach, we enjoyed an amazing sunset over the brightly-painted traditional boats.  Along the busy beach, Caspian, Royal and Sandwich Terns flitted amongst fishermen landing their catches.  Bar-tailed Godwits and Ruddy Turnstones foraged in the seaweed.  On a nearby pond, over two hundred Grey-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost, as well as a single Slender-billed Gull. As dark fell we headed back to base, where we packed and had our final lovely dinner before heading to the airport.  A final treat awaited in the form of the videos on Tony´s trail camera, which he had set to record activity at the water hole at Picca Laa.  The very first clip was a drinking Shikra! This was a fantastic trip, with so much packed in but always with a relaxed feel.  We thoroughly enjoyed hanging out and travelling with Tony and Drew and thank them for their good humour, spotting skills and enthusiasm for natural history throughout.  We left with fantastic memories and big grins from Africa´s Smiling Coast!   

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th

Seq. Species Scientific Name

1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 1

2 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 1 1

3 White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus √

4 Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus 6 √ 4 2 √ 3 6 5 5 2

5 African Darter Anhinga rufa 3 √ 1 3 3

6 Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus 15 50 10

7 Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens 2 20 1 100 √ √ 10 1 5

8 White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus 3

9 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 2 2 3 1

10 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 2 4 5 3 1 3 8 √ 15 √ 7

11 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

12 Striated Heron Butorides striata 1 1 4 6 3 1

13 Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca 1 2 4

14 Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis 1 10 15 10 8

15 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 5 30 5 √ 5 1 √ 2

16 Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia 1 3 20 30 √ √ √ √ √

17 Great White Egret Egretta alba 1 1 3 10 2 5 8 4 10 2

18 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1 1 1 1 3 2 2

19 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 4 6 √ 1 √ √ √ √ √ 10 √

20 Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala 3 2 4 2 15 4 3

21 Goliath Heron Ardea goliath 1

22 Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 1 3 2 5 10 √ √ √ √

23 Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis 1

24 Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus 5

25 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 1,500

26 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 1

27 Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus 3 4 5

28 Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash 4 1

29 Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus 2 2

30 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 3 5

31 African Spoonbill Platalea alba 1

32 White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata 50 37 2 105

33 Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis 3 12 3 27 1 4

34 Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos 3 1

35 African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus 6

36 Osprey Pandion haliaetus c.5 10 3 1 2

37 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus 2 1

38 Black Kite Milvus migrans 1 3 √

39 Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

40 African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer 2 1 2

41 Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis 1 4 2 1 2 3 10 1 1 3

42 Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

43 White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus 10 3 √ √ 4

44 Rüppell's Griffon Vulture Gyps rueppellii 5 5

45 Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 1 4 1

46 Beaudouin's Snake Eagle Circaetus beaudouini 1 3 1 3 1 2 2

47 Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus 3 1 2 7

48 Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens 1 1 1

49 Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus 1

50 African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus 2 2 1 4 3 2 1

51 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 1

52 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 1 1 3 1

53 Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates 5 4 1 2 2 6

54 African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro 2

55 Shikra Accipiter badius 3 4 5 5 1 3 5 6 4 4

56 Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis 1 10 4 2 5

57 Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus 1 5 4 2 1 2 1 1 1

58 Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi 1 1 3 3 1 1

59 African Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster 2

60 Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis 1 2 1

61 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni 1 1

62 Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus 1 5 1 2 1 4 5 3

63 Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera 1 2 2 3

64 Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus 2 2 1

65 Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus 2 √ 4

66 Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcaratus 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 2 5

67 Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris 4 2

68 African Finfoot Podica senegalensis 5

69 African Jacana Actophilornis africanus 15 3 15 √ √ 3

70 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 20 10 10 10 10 √ 10

71 Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis 30 20 20 10 5 20 √ 4 4 10 √

72 Egyptian Plover Pluvianus aegyptius 1

73 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola 1 300

74 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 3 2 6

75 Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 1 15 10 5

76 African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus 3 15 10 10 3 √ 15 10 5

77 Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectus 1 2 7 6 4

78 Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus 5 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

79 Ruff Philomachus pugnax 20

80 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 1

81 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 1

82 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 10

83 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 8 √ 1

84 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 4 5

85 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis 1

86 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 3 10 10 3 1

87 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 2 1 3 5 7 5 1 4

88 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 1 1 1 20 2 10 2 6

89 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 4 5 5 5 2 2 5

90 Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 20

91 Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus √ √ √

92 Slender-billed Gull Larus genei 20 20 1

93 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus √

94 Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica 10 50 √ 3 2

95 Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 3 5 30 30 √ 10

96 Royal Tern Sterna maxima 3 6

97 Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis √ 3

98 Black Tern Chlidonias niger 1

99 Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus 2 2 12

100 African Green Pigeon Treron calvus H

101 Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia 4 √ √ √ √

102 Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer 3 5 3 1 5 5 6

103 Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus 10 1 √ c.10 √ √ 10 √ √ √ √

104 Namaqua Dove Oena capensis 20 √ √ 7 √ √ √

105 Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea √ √ √ 4 2 √ 4 √ √ √ √

106 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

107 African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens 6 √ √ 5 √ √ √ √ √ √

108 Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea 3 √ √ 3 10 √ √ √ √

109 African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea 1 √ 2 √

110 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 2 32 2 8 3

111 Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha 2

112 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis 20 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

113 Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus 10 √ √ √ 5 √ √ √ √ √ 1

114 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri 5 10 √ 4 √ √ √ √ √ √ 3

115 Green Turaco Tauraco persa 3

116 Violet Turaco Musophaga violacea 1 3 2 4

117 Western Grey Plantain-eater Crinifer piscator c.10 10 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

118 Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii 2

119 Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas 1

120 Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus 1

121 Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis 2 2 1 1 3 5 6 2 3 1

122 Chattering Yellowbill Ceuthmochares aereus 2

123 African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis 1 3H

124 Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis 1

125 Greyish Eagle Owl Bubo cinerascens 2

126 Verreaux's Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus 1

127 Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum 1 2 1 2 4 2 2

128 African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii 2

129 Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus 2 2

130 European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

131 Standard-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx longipennis 1 1

132 Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri 3 2 10 √ 3

133 African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

134 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus √

135 Common Swift Apus apus

136 Little Swift Apus affinis √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

137 White-rumped Swift Apus caffer 3 2

138 Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala 1 2 3

139 Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica 2 1 10 2 1 1

140 Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis 2 2

141 Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti 1 3

142 African Pygmy Kingfisher Ceyx pictus 1 1

143 Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata 2 3 10 2 3 3

144 Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima 1 1

145 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis 5 10 2 12 √ √ √ √ √ √ √

146 Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus 1 4 2 1 10 1 1

147 Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus 5 5

148 Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki 200 √ 50 30 100

149 White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis 3

150 Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis 3 6 6 3 6

151 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus H H 2 √

152 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster H 30 150 √ √

153 Rufous-crowned Roller Coracias naevius 1 6 2 5 4 1

154 Blue-bellied Roller Coracias cyanogaster 5 4 1 2 2 2 1

155 Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus 1 1 4 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

156 Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus 10 5 10 2 1 2 20 20 5

157 Green Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus 4 3 4

158 Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrimus 1

159 Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 1

160 African Hoopoe Upupa epops africanus 3

161 Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus 15 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

162 African Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus 2 1

163 African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus 5 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

164 Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus 4 2 3 1

165 Vieillot's Barbet Lybius vieilloti 3

166 Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius 4 5 3 3 2

167 Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator 1 1 1

168 Fine-spotted Woodpecker Campethera punctuligera 2 1 1

169 Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens 1 2

170 Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae H 1 1

171 Brown-backed Woodpecker Picoides obsoletus 1 1

172 Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa 1

173 Crested Lark Galerida cristata 3

174 Chestnut-backed Sparrow LarkEremopterix leucotis 15 10 10 4

175 Common Sand Martin Riparia riparia √ √ √ √ √ √ √

176 Mosque Swallow Cercropis senegalensis 1 2 2

177 Red-rumped Swallow Cercropis daurica 1

178 African Red-rumped Swallow C. daurica domicella 2 √ √ √ √

179 Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii 4 4 5

180 Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida √ √ √ √ √ √ √

181 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica √ √ √ √ √ √

182 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum √ √ √ √ √ √

183 Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola 2

184 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 1 2 √ √ √ √ √ 30 1

185 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 1 2

186 Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 3 2

187 Plain pipit Anthus leucophrys 1

188 Little Greenbul Andropadus virens 1 4

189 Yellow-throated Leaf-love Chlorocichla flavicollis 3 1 5 4

190 Grey-headed Bristlebill Bleda canicapillus 3

191 Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

192 Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla 1 3

193 White-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha albicapillus 1 1 6 6 2

194 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 2 2 1 1

195 Whinchat Saxicola rubetra 1

196 Northern Anteater-Chat Myrmecocichla aethiops 1 2

197 African Thrush Turdus pelios 4 2 4 3 1 3

198 Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 1

199 Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

1

200 Isabelle Warbler Iduna pallida 2 1 2 1 3 2

201 Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta 1 5 2 1 1

202 Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla 4 10 1

203 Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura 1 1 2 2 1 2

204 Green Crombec Sylvietta virens H

205 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 1 1

206 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 5 2 3 1 2 2 1

207 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 1 2

208 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 1 1 1 2

209 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans 5 2 2 4 1

210 Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans 1

211 Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis 2

212 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis 4

213 Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava 2 5 3

214 Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida 2 2

215 Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura 2 2 1 1 1

216 Oriole Warbler Hypergerus atriceps 3

217 African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda 2

218 African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis 1 1 2

219 Red-bellied Paradise-FlycatcherTerpsiphone rufiventer 3 4 3

220 Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica 5 4 1

221 White-shouldered Black Tit Parus guineensis 7 1

222 Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea 1 4 √ √ 5

223 Senegal Batis Batis senegalensis 2

224 Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

225 Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii √ 2 1 1 2 8

226 Brown Sunbird Anthreptes gabonicus 15

227 Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis 1

228 Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis 2

229 Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris H

230 Pygmy Sunbird Hedydipna platura 6 2 2 1 √ 4

231 Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus 8 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

232 Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus 2 4 2 1 √ 1 2

233 Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigaster 1 1

234 African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis 2

235 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 2 1

236 Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina 6 1 5 3 √ 20 15 4 √ 2

237 Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus 1

238 Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis 1 2

239 Yellow-crowned Gonolek Laniarius barbarus 10 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

240 Brubru Nilaus afer 1

241 White Helmet-Shrike Prionops plumatus 8

242 Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis 1 1 4 4 4 1 3 10 √ 1

243 Pied Crow Corvus albus √ √ √ √ √ √ 2 2 2 √ √

244 Piapiac Ptilostomus afer √ √ 3 10

245 Purple Starling Lamprotornis purpureus 2 5 √ √ √ √ √ 1

246 Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus 4 √ √ √ 3 √ √

247 Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus √ 3 √

248 Long-tailed Glossy Starling Lamprotornis caudatus 5 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

249 Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus 5 6

250 Northern Grey-headed SparrowPasser griseus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

251 House Sparrow Passer domesticus √ √

252 Bush Petronia Petronia dentata √ 5 3 5 2

253 White-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis albirostris √ 5 25 √ √

254 Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus 8 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

255 Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis 4 2 10

256 Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

257 Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea 4 5,000 √ √ √

258 Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus 3 1 √ √ √

259 Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus 2

260 Lavender Waxbill Estrilda caerulescens 10 10 5 10

261 Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda 4 15

262 Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 5

263 White-rumped Seedeater Serinus leucopygius 4

264 Western Bluebill Spermophaga haematina 1

265 Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus 8 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

266 Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala 5 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

267 Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta 4

268 Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata 1 6 4

269 Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata √ √ √ 3 √ √

270 Exclamatory Paradise-WhydahVidua interjecta 10 10

271 Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata 2 3 6 3 5 4 1 1

272 Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus 2 10 2 √ √ √ 2

273 Brown-rumped Bunting Emberiza affinis 2

274 Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi 3

Mammals

1 Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ 1

2 Red Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas √ √ √ √

3 Western Red Colobus Procolobus badius √ √ √ √ √

4 Green Monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus √ √ √ √ √

5 Guinea Baboon Papio papio H √ √ √

6 Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes 10

7 Common Hippotamus Hippopotamus amphibius 4 6

8 Marsh Mongoose Atilax paludinosus 1

9 Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus 1

Reptiles

1 Nile Monitor Lizard Varanus niloticus √ √ 1 1 1

2 Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus √ √ 1

3 African Rock Python Python sebae 1

Butterflies

1 African Tiger Danaus chrysippus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

2 African Painted Lady Vanessa cardui √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

3 Citrus Swallowtail Papilio demodocus √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

4 Africa Tiger Blue Tirumala petiverana √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

5 Blue Pansy Junonia orithya

6 Scarlet Tip Colotis danae √ √ √ √ √ √ √

7 Tiny Orange Tip Colotis etrida √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

8 Desert Orange Tip Colotis evagore √

9 Elegant Acreae Acraea egina √ √

10 Small Orange Acreae Acraea eponina √ √ √ √ √ √ √

11 Encedana Acraea Acraea encedana √ √ √

12 Dancing Acraea Acraea serena √

13 Wandering Donkey Acraea neobule √

14 African Grass White √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

15 Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

16 Calypso Caper White Belenois calypso √ √ √

17 Common Zebra Blue Leptotes pirithous

18 Guineafowl Hamanumida daedalus √ √ √ √ √ √ √

19 Grey Elfin Sarangesa laelius √

20 Diomus Grizzled Skipper Spialia diomus √

21 Brown-veined White Belenois aurota √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

22 African Grass Blue Zizeeria knysna √ √ √ √ √

23 African Emigrant Catopsilia florella √ √ √ √

24 Cream-bordered Charaxes Charaxes epijasius √ √

25 Common Albatross Appias albina √

www.ingloriousbustards.com

Dragonflies

1 Woodland Skimmer Orthetrum monardi

2 Portia Widow Palpopleura portia

3 African Piedspot Hemistigma albipunctum

4 Emperor Anax imperator

5 Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope

6 Vagrant Emperor Anax ephippiger

7 Epaulet Skimmer Orthetrum chrysostigma

8 Julia Skimmer Orthetrum julia

9 Banded Groundling Brachythemis leucosticta

10 Striped Siphontail Neurogomphus featheri

11 Black Percher Diplacodes lefebvrii

12 Scarlet Darter Crocothemis erythraea

13 Red Basker Urothemis assignata