11/03/2012

Arrived at 6.30 this morning. 16 degrees c and the water temp is 20 degrees c. Low water levels at hide number 3. lots of red knobbed coot and Egyptian geese. Hide number 2 produced African Purple swamphen close up and a reed cormorant having a frog breakfast.White throated swallows seem to have moved on but lots of Barn Swallow and white rumped swift. The dumping on the entrance road has got worse.The leaves on the white stinkwood are starting to turn yellow although i expect them to be in leaf for at least another 8 weeks.

Hooked up with a chap from Boksburg Camera Club and a couple had come through from Heidelberg. Also took a look at the Edenvale Camera Clubs site as i see them often at the reserve. Must say i think i could compete with there pictures given i am a birder who takes pics and not a photographer who takes pics of birds. 

07/03/2012

Autumn time here in Joburg and the mornings are getting a little chilly although considering the heat wave we have just come through anything under 25 degrees c is chilly.Strike season as well so i headed out to practice my photography skills. The new pathways to hide 3 and 4 are complete, dumping is still taking place on the new entrance road leaving a bad impression and lousy smell.A new lady guard today what a pleasant change from the other one who was always hitting me up for food and cold drinks and even cash on occasion. The water levels in front of hides 3 and 4 are very low showing islands that where never there before, the water is completely covered in the green seeds and a little algae. Eventually visited hide number 5,awesome view of the whole sanctuary and some nice birds spotted. I think this stretch of water will be good for some good sightings in the future.Not great for photography but awesome for birding.
today's pics

AFRICAN REED WARBLER

 AFRICAN SPOONBILL

 LITTLE BITTERN

 RED KNOBBED COOT

 SPUR WINGED GOOSE

 THICK BILLED WEAVER MALE BREEDING PLUMAGE

 WHITE FACED DUCK