Another short visit to Rietvlei…

Had nothing to do so I went for a short trip around the park in search of the Cheetah… and all I found was the birds below….

 

 

 

 

 

 

The African Hoopoe  Upupa africana

The Hoopoe is a medium sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17.3–19 in) wingspan weighing 46–89 g (1.6–3.1 oz.). The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The African Stonechat  Saxicola torquatus

The males have a black head, a white half-collar, a black back, a white rump, and a black tail; the wings are black with a large white patch on the top side of the inner wing. The upper breast is usually dark orange-red, with a sharp or gradual transition to white or pale orange on the lower breast and belly.

Females have brown rather than black above and on the head with an indistinct paler eyebrow line, chestnut-buff rather than orange below, and less white on the wings. Both sexes’ plumage is somewhat duller and streakier outside the breeding season.

   

 

The Northern Black Korhaan  Eupodotis afraoides. now known as (Afrotis afraoides)

Bustards are omnivorous, feeding principally on seeds and invertebrates. They make their nests on the ground, making their eggs and offspring often very vulnerable to predation. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. Most prefer to run or walk over flying. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips, and striking patterns in flight.

Their camouflage is outstanding and they will tend to creep into the grass and sit still, thinking you won’t see them.. like in the second photo…

I also saw the Dab chicks and a far off shot of a Secretary bird … a difficult photo but I post it anyway..