National Rarities / Nationalerariteite

• Franklin’s Gull. Franklinse Meeu : an adult bird in post-breeding moult was located at CenturionLake, 13 Aug 08 (MG). This is only the second known inland record in southern Africa for this rare North American visitor (most records are from along the coast) with birds possibly becoming storm blown during their southwards migration to South America.

Regional Rarities / Streeksrariteite

• African Pygmy-Goose. Dwerggans : a juvenile bird was located at Rooiwal Sewage Works, north of Pretoria, 13 May 08 (CK).

• Black Harrier. Witkruisvleivalk : one bird in 2nd/3rd year plumage was seen just south of Devon on the south-eastern edge of Gauteng, 17 May 08 (AM,JB); an immature bird was observed between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp, 20 Jul 08 (A&AH). This species is an uncommon winter migrant to the highveld region.

• Grey Crowned Crane. Mahem : one bird was at Marievale, where this species is seldom observed, 12 Jul 08 (DD).

Other Interesting Observations / Ander Interessante Waarnemings

• Black-necked Grebe. Swartnekdobbertjie : two birds in non-breeding plumage were seen on a farm dam in the Devon area, south-east of Gauteng, 17 May 08 (AM,JB).

• Black Sparrowhawk. Swartsperwer : one bird had been present in the Meyers Park, Pretoria, area over a few weeks and was photographed, 10 Jul 08 (via RdM).

• Red-winged Francolin. Rooivlerkpatrys : this species was observed at Segwati Ranch, in the southern foothills of the Magaliesberg, 15 May 08 (S&OO).

• Blue Crane. Bloukraanvoël : a flock of 113 birds was observed in the Devon area, south-east of Gauteng, 17 May 08 (AM,JB).

• African Finfoot. Watertrapper : three sightings of this species were made at Borakalalo NR during the club outing there, 18 May 08 (BLNG); one bird was seen at Hennops Pride on the Hennops River, south-west of Pretoria, 21 Jul 08 (S&OO).

• Meyer's Parrot. Bosveldpapegaai : one bird was in a Pretoria North garden at the foot of the Magaliesberg and was seen feeding on the seed pods of a Japanese Pagoda tree, Sophora japonica, 01 Apr 08 (N&IR).

• Grey-headed Kingfisher. Gryskopvisvanger : one bird was at Blaawbank in the Brits area, 12 Apr 08 (JJ).

• Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. Swaelstertbyvreter : 6 birds were seen near Rayton, east of Pretoria, 05 Apr 08 (RGy).

• Pink-billed Lark. Pienkbeklewerik : 3 adult birds and 2 nestlings were observed near Mooinooi, north of the Magaliesberg, in an area where this species is not known from, 16 Apr 08 (GLd).

• Groundscraper Thrush. Gevlekte Lyster : one bird was observed in Broadacres in Johannesburg, 08 Apr 08 (A&RP); one bird was seen in Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 05 May 08 (EAd); this species was observed at a property in Pretoria North for the first time in 44 years, 21 Jul 08 (N&IR). This species is regularly recorded in parts of Gauteng during winter months and it would seem there is an influx from bushveld areas.

• Dark-capped Yellow Warbler. Geelsanger : this species was present at the wetlands at Zonderwater, near Cullinan, 22 Jun 08 (BLNG).

• Red-headed Weaver. Rooikopwewer : a single bird was found at Little Eden, near Cullinan, a species that is not regularly observed within Gauteng boundaries, 29 Jun 08 (ER).

Observers / Waarnemers:
Adrian & Amanda Haagner (A&AH)
André Marx (AM)
Andrew & Ruth Pike (A&RP)
BirdLife Northern Gauteng members (BLNG)
Clive Kaplan (CK)
Dave Deighton (DD)
Elmien Adendorff (EAd)
Ernst Retief (ER)
Geoff Lockwood (GLd)
Jannie Jansen (JJ)
John Bannon (JB)
Michal Groenewald (MG)
Neels & Ingrid Roos (N&IR)
Rihann Geyser (RGy)
Rita de Meillon (RdM)
Sue & Owen Oertli (S&OO)

This column is mainly concerned with observations of rarities and interesting sightings made within a 100km radius of Pretoria, however observations made further afield are also welcome. While the majority of reports are included it is sometimes necessary to exclude some depending on space availability and whether the subject matter has already been well reported. Occasionally records are sourced from the Internet. All are encouraged to complete rarities documentation for regional and national rarities. Members are invited to submit details of sightings to Pauline Leinberger at 012 807-6898, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or to André Marx at 083 411 7674, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it