January Rangers Digest – Bird edition

As the New Year takes flight, the rains and the wind have done their part to remind us as to who is in charge, with Mother Nature leaving only the sturdiest of trees as sentinels on the landscape. The standing trees – her Business Cards. This January has been a soggy one, blessedly so, although it has tested our patience and tire traction. We’ve had an incredible amount of rainfall, for which we are all eternally grateful (and maybe just a touch exasperated).

With the relentless downpours, wildlife sightings have been sparse. The roads, too, have had their fair share of unscheduled closures. When conditions allowed us to venture out, the drives were magical. Cats made a cameo here and there, while the buffalo diligently upheld their reputation as regulars, parading between Black Rhino and our wilderness area. Let’s not forget the recent musth parade—every single male elephant seems to be in on it, hanging out at Buffalo Thorn Lodge as if it’s the hottest club in town. We have the most welcoming bouncers as well.

The rains haven’t been the most accommodating co-director for planning drives, so we’ve had to improvise. Early mornings, mid-afternoons, and other peculiar hours became prime safari times. Surprisingly, this led us to appreciate the often-overlooked treasures of the bush—the avian wonders that usually play second fiddle to big-game sightings. 

January is undoubtedly the best time for birding. The migratory species have returned in masse, and nesting season is in full swing. Take the southern masked weavers, for instance. These little architects are out in full force, busily weaving their intricate, basket-like nests. Normally, they stick to water-adjacent spots, stripping thorn trees bare for optimal snake deterrence. The sheer volume of rain creates semi-permanent puddles everywhere, so the weavers have expanded their construction empire across the reserve. The males, ever the perfectionists, keep dismantling and rebuilding their nests to impress potential mates—nature’s version of extreme home makeover or the extreme basket-case of a bird. Who knew that a tattered nest could symbolise romance? Contrary to popular belief, it’s the males who dismantle their nests when they lose their vibrant green colour, as the signalling to potential mates loses effectiveness, and so it’s time for a rebuild. This act is a crafty strategy to attract a mate, highlighting their commitment to nest quality and perseverance. So, next time you see a weaver’s nest in disarray, remember it’s the male’s creative ambition at work, not an unhappy wife! Wildflowers are in bloom, painting the reserve with splashes of colour that would make a Monet blush. The lush greenery, probably visible from orbit, provides the perfect backdrop for our vibrant birdlife. Among them are the bee-eaters—aviation acrobats and insect assassins extraordinaire.

Wildflowers are in bloom, painting the reserve with splashes of colour that would make a Monet blush. The lush greenery, probably visible from orbit, sets the perfect backdrop for our vibrant birdlife. Among them are the bee-eaters—aviation acrobats and insect assassins extraordinaire. 

We have four bee-eater species to marvel at: the little bee-eater and white-fronted bee-eater, who call this place home year-round, and their summer visitors, the European and swallow-tailed bee-eaters. Watching these agile hunters twist, swoop, and dive for their prey is a spectacle worth ditching the big cats for (well, almost). Bee-eaters don’t just hunt; they perform. And when they’re done, they always return to their favourite perch—a reassuring reminder that even the busiest of birds need a home base. 

All the beauty pageant contestants have also made their way to the reserve. Lilac-breasted rollers, European rollers, and the occasional purple roller are flapping their stuff around the reserve. These flamboyant beauties are proof that nature’s fashion sense is unmatched. However, their vocal talents leave much to be desired—think bagpipes with laryngitis. Despite their less-than-melodious calls, they’re a treat for the eyes. Fun fact: while the lilac-breasted roller is typically an intra-African migrant, a few decided to skip the flight this year, finding our reserve’s conditions too good to leave.

Shrikes are everywhere—lesser grey shrikes and red-backed shrikes seem to have claimed every second tree in the park. Meanwhile, the orange-breasted bush shrike, often heard but rarely seen, has been delighting birders around the lodge. Add one to your list if you haven’t already; it’s worth the chase.

Then, of course, there are the raptors, the heavyweight champions of the birding world. A breeding pair of African fish eagles has been stealing the show at Bathlako, while a Western osprey—an unusual visitor to Pilanesberg—has been reliably perched near Mankwe Lake, putting on a tilapia-catching master class. Pale chanting goshawks have been patrolling the Black Rhino fence line, and a dark morph Gabar goshawk made a rare and memorable appearance by the lodge driveway.

Over at Pannetjies, the red syenite rock face remains a favourite haunt for a pair of Verreaux’s eagles. Water birds have been making a splash there too—white-faced whistling ducks, knob-billed coots, and little grebes are all enjoying the temporary wetlands. I’m still holding out for a jacana sighting, but perhaps that’s just wishful thinking. 

Honourable Mentions and Oddities around the lodge grounds 

There’s simply too much to cover, but here are some additional highlights: 

– Yellow-bellied greenbuls and crimson-breasted shrikes for those who appreciate a pop of colour. 

– Black-chested snake eagles and greater spotted cuckoos for some bigger bird sightings. 

– Violet-backed starlings and red-chested cuckoos for the rarity hunters. 

And, of course, the usual suspects—grey go-away birds, Burchell’s starlings, and countless more that make every drive a chance for discovery. 

January has reminded us that while the rains may dampen some plans, they also bring unparalleled vibrancy to the bush. For those who dare to brave the mud and early starts, the rewards are well worth it. Until next time, happy birding! 

Kindest bush regards

The BTL Team