This post concludes our autumn visit to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. We experienced a few memorable bird interactions and observations, plus added a few species to our first sightings list.

Secretary bird

Most of our sightings of this easily identifiable bird occur in the early morning or an hour or so before sunset. Having a chicken-like body and the distinction of growing the longest legs of all birds of prey, this feathered creature exhibits sometimes humorous antics while looking for food, preening, or moving quickly.

Sociable weavers

We stopped at Dikbaardskolk picnic area to take a break from riding in the car. While walking around the site, Jerry discovered a group of extra friendly and curious sociable weavers. It didn’t hurt that a previous park visitor spread corn kernels on the ground.

Swallow-tailed bee-eaters

Watching, not to mention photographing, these colorful, quick birds requires a great deal of concentration. But the effort is worth it because they are so entertaining and like to return to the same tree or bush over and over again in a short period of time. 

Spotted eagle owl

One morning we luckily noticed a family of spotted eagle owls and their nest camouflaged in a very large tree right beside the road. The owlet was almost as big has his mom and dad.

Western barn owls

While at one of the park picnic areas we visited briefly with an older couple who visit KTP at least once a year. They told us about a family of western barn owls in a large sociable weaver nest just over 1/2 kilometer down the road. They didn’t know how many babies were in the nest and really encouraged us to go take a look. We followed their advice and parked near the nest for about 15 minutes. The longer we looked at the nest openings, the more owlets we saw, with the help of our binoculars and camera. We counted 4 babies, but there may have been more since a female western barn owl sometimes lays over 15 eggs in her nest.

Ostriches

We rarely see baby ostriches, so watching and photographing this calm, unintimidated little one was a real treat. 

Our first sightings