Systematic List

Nomenclature and taxonomy follows that in the Collins Illustrated Checklist of Birds of Southern Africa by Ber van Perlo. (underlined indicates birds that were new to me)

1.Ostrich Struthio camelus. First seen near Nata (B) on 12/9 then seen almost daily in small numbers in Botswana and Namibia. Most Ostriches in the region are of feral stock, but some (e.g. Etosha, Kalahari) are considered wild.

2.Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli. One close offshore near the Cape Cross seal colony (N) 19/9.

3.White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis. 3 fairly close offshore at Toscanini, Skeleton Coast and 2+ Cape Cross (N) 19/9, plus c.6 from the dolphin cruise at Walvis Bay (N) 21/9.

4.Wilson's Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus. 3 close offshore Cape Cross 19/9, c.100 flying around the boat on the Walvis Bay dolphin cruise 21/9.

5.Cape Gannet Sula capensis. 6 from the Walvis Bay dolphin cruise 21/9.

6.African Finfoot Podica senegalensis. An adult male from the Zambesi boat trip (Zim/Zam) with CP near Vic Falls 27/9, one of the highlights of the trip.

7.Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis. 8+ Walvis Bay 21/9.

8.Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis. 1 Namutoni waterhole 16/9, 1 Swakopmund lagoon 21/9, several Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

9.Jackass Penguin Sphensicus demersus. 4 (2 ad, 2 imm) Walvis Bay 21/9 from the dolphin cruise including one very close adult which we circled around, another major highlight of the trip.

10.Cape Cormorant Phalacracorax capensis. Large numbers along the Namibian coast - the common coastal cormorant.

11.Great Cormorant Phalacracorax carbo. Seen in small numbers along the Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

12.Crowned Cormorant Phalacracorax coronatus. One seen from the dolphin cruise 21/9, plus another on Swakopmund pier 21/9.

13.Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacracorax africanus. Common in Chobe, the Okavango and Vic Falls - the common inland cormorant.

14.African Darter Anhinga melanogaster. Fairly common in Chobe, the Okavango and Vic Falls.

15.Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber. 1000+ Walvis Bay 21/9. I somehow failed to pick out any Lesser Flamingoes, and to add insult to injury the truck drivers saw a Lesser by the roadside between Maun and Nata while I was asleep on 25/9.

16.Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Fairly common in suitable habitat throughout.

17.Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. 1 in the Okavango Delta 12/9 plus 3 13/9; one on the Zambesi 27/9.

18.Goliath Heron Ardea goliath. Distant singles in Chobe 10/9 and Okavango Delta 12/9; excellent views of 3 on the Zambesi 27/9.

19.Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus.20 nr Swakopmund 20/9, then 100+ Walvis Bay 21/9.

20.Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens. A lone adult soaring over the mokoro in the Okavango Delta nr Seronga 13/9.

21.Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides. Common in suitable habitat throughout.

22.Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris. 2 in the Okavango Delta 13/9, one on the Zambesi 27/9

23.White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus. 2 adults at a nest site on the Zambesi 27/9.

24.Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. 40+ flying around at dusk in the Okavango Delta 12/9

25.Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus. Singles in the Okavango Delta on 12/9 near Seronga and 13/9 near Sepupa.

26.Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus. Fairly common in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and on the Zambesi.

27.Black Egret Egretta ardesiaca. 1 Chobe 9/9, c.3 in the Okavango Delta near Seronga 12/9; also c.10 all-dark egrets seen from the plane flight over the Delta were probably this species.

28.Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula. 3 seen from the mokoro safari on the Delta 12/9.

29.Great Egret Egretta alba. Fairly common in suitable habitat throughout.

30.Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Fairly common throughout, especially near waterholes and game animals

31.Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Common in suitable habitat throughout.

32.Black Stork Ciconia nigra. 3 over the Gorges Lodge 27/9

33.Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii. Small numbers at Harare Airport 28/9.

34.Marabou Stork Leptopilos crumeniferus. First recorded in Chobe 10/9, seen in small numbers in the Okavango Delta and Etosha, and a large group of over 100 birds at the Victoria Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

35.African Open-billed Stork Anastomus lamelligerus Fairly common; first recorded in Chobe 9/9, also recorded in the Okavango Delta and on the Zambesi 27/9.

36.Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis. Fairly common; first recorded in Chobe 10/9; small numbers in the Okavango Delta, a single over Victoria Falls 26/9 and several on the Zambesi 27/9.

37.Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. Only seen in the Okavango Delta; one identified during the flight over the Delta 12/9 then at least 6 were seen during the mokoro safari near Seronga - another major highlight of the trip.

38.African Spoonbill Platalea alba Only recorded in Chobe 9/9 and 10/9.

39.Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash. 3 on the Zambesi 27/9 was the only record.

40.Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus. 2 Chobe 10/9.

41.Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopica. First recorded in Chobe 9/9 and regular afterwards in suitable habitat.

42.Hamerkop Scopus umbretta 4-5 in Chobe 10/9, also small numbers in the Okavango Delta, Etosha and on the Zambesi.

43.Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis. Common in Chobe 9/9 and 10/9 and the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

44.Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus. Common in suitable habitat throughout.

45.Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos. 3 in the Okavango Delta 12/9 and 4 Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

46.African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus. 3 from the mokoro safari near Seronga 12/9, same 3 there the next day also.

47.White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata. Common in suitable habitat throughout, sometimes in flocks of over 50 birds.

48.Cape Shoveler Anas smithii. One at the Namutoni waterhole (Etosha) 16/9 was the only sighting.

49.Cape Teal Anas capensis. One at the Namutoni waterhole (Etosha) 17/9, and 4 at Walvis Bay 21/9.

50.Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota. 4 at the Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

51.Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha. One at the Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9 was the only sighting.

52.Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus. First recorded 14/9 with 5 roadside birds en route between Sepupa and Mamuno; also fairly common in open thornveld in Namibia where it was recorded daily in small numbers apart from the Swakopmund/Walvis Bay area.

53.Gabar Goshawk Microniscus gabar. 1 at the Halali camp in Etosha 17/9.

54.Shikra Accipiter badius. 1 perched on the fence at the Transkalahari border post near Mamuno 14/9; another at Waterberg 15/9.

55.African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus. 2 Chobe 10/9, singles Okavango Delta 12/9 and 13/9.

56.Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus. A male south of Kasane (B) 11/9.

57.Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus. First recorded at Harare airport 9/9 and then almost daily afterwards, a common roadside bird throughout.

58.Gymnogene (African Harrier-Hawk) Polyboroides typus. Singles in the Okavango Delta 12/9 and on the Zambesi 27/9.

59.Yellow-billed Kite Milvus migrans parasitus. First recorded near Vic Falls 9/9 then almost daily afterwards; less common near the Namibian coast and in the desert but otherwise widespread and common. N.b. the nominate race (Black Kite) does occur as a summer visitor but no definites were recorded.

60.Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus. One over the Zambesi 27/9 threw us for a while.

61.Augur Buzzard Buteo augur. One from the verandah of the Gorges Lodge 27/9 mobbing a Verreaux's (Black) Eagle - quite a sight!

62.Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus. 1 en route from Sesriem to Rehoboth 23/9.

63.African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer. First recorded in Chobe 9/9 with 4+ birds; also common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9 and along the Zambesi 27/9.

64.Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis. A single from the mokoro in the Okavango Delta 12/9.

65.African Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster. 1 being mobbed by a Lanner north of Nata 25/9.

66.Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus. First recorded on 9/9 with a juv. at the Kazungula border crossing, then seen daily in Botswana in small numbers; also recorded in Etosha.

67.Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus. A single from the mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta 12/9.

68.Black breasted Snake Eagle Circaetus (gallicus) pectoralis. First recorded in Chobe 9/9 then almost daily afterwards; one of the more numerous large raptors. Some authorities (including van Berlo) consider this bird to be conspecific with the Eurasian Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, however most other authorities (e.g. Clements, Ferguson-Lees et al.) treat it as a full species.

69.Verreaux's (Black) Eagle Aquila verreauxii. A single adult from the verandah at the Gorges Lodge hotel 27/9 being mobbed by an Augur Buzzard, one of the highlights of the trip.

70.Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax. 2+ Chobe 10/9 were the only sightings.

71.Martial Eagle Polematus bellicosus. 1 probable near Waterberg 15/9, and a superb immature bird in Etosha near Namutoni 16/9.

72.Lappet-faced Vulture Aegypius tracheliotus. A superb adult atop a roadside nest between Halali and Okaukejo (Etosha) 17/9, and 3 at a kill south of Okaukejo 18/9.

73.Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus. Small numbers in Chobe 10/9, Okavango Delta 12-13/9, also recorded near Vic Falls 27/9.

74.Cape Griffon Vulture Gyps coprotheres. An adult in Chobe 10/9 circling with other vultures - this bird has become rare outside South Africa, and less than 10 remain in the whole of Namibia due to persecution.

75.African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus. First recorded 9/9 near Vic Falls and then almost daily afterwards, especially in the game reserves - this is the commonest vulture species in the region.

76.Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus. 2 adults at a nest site near the Gorges Lodge 27/9, again a major highlight of the trip.

77.Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus. 2 Chobe 10/9, and a single north of Nata 25/9 mobbing an African Hawk Eagle.

78.Dickinson's Kestrel Falco dickinsoni. A single bird in the Okavango Delta 12/9 from the mokoro safari.

79.Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides. Singles in Etosha 16/9 and 17/9; also numerous roadside "possibles".

80.Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni. A single male near Nata 11/9.

81.Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. Fairly common throughout.

82.Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus. A superb female near the Sociable Weaver nest in Okaukejo camp 18/9, and another roadside bird near Weltevrede farm, en route from Sesriem 23/9. The areas around Sociable Weaver nests are always worth checking for this fantastic bird.

83.Swainson's Francolin Francolinus swainsonii. 1 Chobe 10/9.

84.Red-billed Francolin Francolinus adspersus. Fairly common in Chobe, the Okavango Delta, Waterberg and Etosha.

85.Natal Francolin Francolinus natalensis. 2 near the Vic Falls golf course 27/9.

86.Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena. Fairly common in Chobe 10/9 but not recorded elsewhere.

87.Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris. 3 Chobe 10/9, and another on the Zambesi 27/9.

88.Red-knobbed (Crested) Coot Fulica cristata. 30+ at the Swakopmund lagoon 21-22/9.

89.Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris. First recorded in Chobe 10/9 (where it is known as the "Chobe Chicken") and common throughout, recorded daily.

90.African Jacana Actophilornis africana. Common in Chobe and the Okavango, also recorded on the Zambesi 27/9 in small numbers.

91.Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis. At least 10 were seen from the mokoro safari south of Seronga 12/9 with a further 2 13/9. This bird can be difficult to find and the mokoro trip is probably the best way of finding them easily.

92.Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculatus. 6 were identified from the plane as we flew over the Okavango Delta 12/9, and a further 2 were seen well near our bush camp later that day.

93.Blue (Stanley's) Crane Anthropoides paradisea. 4 of these elegant birds near Namutoni, Etosha 16/9.

94.Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius. One was seen by another member of the party near Hoba 16/9, but fortunately we saw 2 more near Namutoni, Etosha later that day, and another was seen near Halali 17/9. One of the major targets for the trip - Etosha would seem to be the best site in the area.

95.Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori. Over the 2 days we spent in Etosha, 16-17/9, we had an incredible 99 sightings of this spectacular bird (believe me I tried for the 100th!). Seemed to be more common in eastern Etosha around Namutoni and Halali rather than the Okaukejo area.

96.Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii. c.10 were seen near Sesriem 22/9 en route to Dune 45.

97.Rueppells Koorhaan Eupodotis rueppellii. This attractive bustard was first recorded on 19/9 with 2 near Spitzkoppe, although other roadside bustards seen previously in Namibia may have been of this species. Also seen well en route to and around Sesriem 22-23/9 in small groups of 2-3 birds.

98.(Red-)Crested Bustard Eupodotis ruficrista First recorded with at least 2 near Ghantzi (B) 14/9, also recorded in small numbers in Etosha 17/9 and 2 near Abu Huab (N) 18/9.

99.White-winged (White-quilled) Black Koorhaan Eupodotis afraoides. First recorded with at least 15 near Ghantzi 14/9; fairly common roadside bird in Namibia, especially in Etosha 16-18/9.

100.Eurasian Avocet Recurvirostra avocetta. 100+ Walvis Bay 21/9.

101.African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini. 5+ Walvis Bay 21/9, frequenting the area on the long sandy spit on the far side of the lagoon.

102.Black-winged (Common) Stilt Himantopus himantopus. Recorded in Chobe 10/9, and c.40 at Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

103.Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus. Small numbers at Walvis Bay 21/9

104.Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata. Small numbers at Walvis Bay 21/9.

105.Spotted Thick-knee (Spotted Dikkop) Burhinus capensis. 2 near Namutoni, Etosha in the late afternoon 16/9.

106.Water Thick-knee (Water Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus. The commoner dikkop, with at least 6 in Chobe 10/9 and several on the Zambesi 27/9.

107.Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres. Common along the Namibian coast.

108.Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris. 10+ at Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

109.White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus. 2 at Toscanini (N) 19/9, and several Walvis Bay and Swakopmund Lagoon 21/9.

110.Red Knot Calidris canutus. 2+ Walvis Bay 21/9

111.Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea. Common along the Namibian coast e.g. 15 Toscanini 19/9.

112.Sanderling Calidris alba. 100+ at Cape Cross 19/9

113.Little Stint Calidris minuta. 1 at Toscanini 19/9.

114.Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus. First recorded near Maun 11/9; common in the Okavango Delta and Etosha.

115.African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus. One in the Okavango Delta 12/9 was the only record.

116.Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris. Only recorded in the Okavango Delta, where it was fairly common 12-13/9.

117.White-headed (White-crowned) Lapwing Vanellus albiceps. Single above Devils Cataract, Vic Falls 26/9, and several along the Zambesi 27/9.

118.Blacksmith Plover Vanellus armatus. Common and widespread.

119.Ruff Philomachus pugnax. 4+ Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

120.Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola. Small numbers Walvis Bay 21/9.

121.Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia. 1 Chobe 10/9; 2 Walvis Bay 21/9.

122.Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola. Fairly common in Chobe and at Vic Falls sewage ponds.

123.Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatalis. A single at Vic Falls sewage ponds 27/9.

124.Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos. Fairly common throughout in suitable habitat.

125.African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis. 3+ in the Okavango Delta 12/9. This long-billed Okavango race may warrant full specific status according to Chris Pollard.

126.Collared (Red-winged) Pratincole Glareola pratincola. Common in Chobe 10/9, the Okavango Delta and along the Zambesi 27/9.

127.Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis. 4+ above Devils Cataract, Vic Falls 26/9, and 10+ along the Zambesi 27/9.

128.Double-banded Courser Cursorius africanus. A single near Halali, Etosha 17/9 was the only courser of the trip.

129.Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus. Common along the Namibian coast 19/9, 20-22/9.

130.Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii. Small numbers at Cape Cross 19/9, several Walvis Bay and Swakopmund 20-21/9.

131.Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus. 5+ Chobe 9-10/9, also small numbers along the Namibian coast.

132.Swift Tern Sterna bergii. One flew south past Toscanini 19/9; another Walvis Bay 21/9.

133.Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis. One past Cape Cross 19/9; small numbers Walvis Bay 21/9.

134.Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Common along the Namibian coast.

135.Caspian Tern Sterna caspia. 2 Walvis Bay 21/9.

136.African Skimmer Rhynchops flavirostris. 20+ Chobe 10/9; c.20 Okavango Delta 13/9 and 10+ along the Zambesi 27/9.

137.Black Tern Chlidonias niger. 10+ Walvis Bay 21/9.

138.Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus. A single in the Okavango Delta 12/9.

139.Speckled (Rock) Pigeon Columba guinea. Only seen in Namibia e.g. Waterberg 15/9, Spitzkoppe 19/9 and numerous around Sesriem 22-23/9. Initially caused confusion as the Collins Illustrated Checklist shows these birds as having a white rump, but the birds I saw in Namibia all had grey rumps.

140.Feral Pigeon Columba livia Birds resembling Rock Dove were seen in Swakopmund 21/9.

141.African Green Pigeon Treron calva. 2 Okavango Delta 12/9; 2 at Sepupa camp 13/9; 1 along the Zambesi 27/9.

142.Namaqua Dove Oena capensis. Common throughout.

143.African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens. Seen daily in small numbers in Chobe and Okavango Delta.

144.Red-eyed Dove Stretopelia semitorquata. Fairly common in Chobe, Okavango Delta and Vic Falls.

145.Ring-necked (Cape Turtle) Dove Streptopelia capicola. Common throughout.

146.Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis. Common throughout.

147.Emerald (or Green-) Spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos. Common throughout except in central/coastal Namibia.

148.Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus. First recorded at Kasane 9/9 and fairly common in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Vic Falls.

149.White-backed Mousebird Colius colius. The common mousebird in Namibia; first recorded at Arabusch Travel Lodge near Windhoek 15/9. The white back can be difficult to see.

150.Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus. Only recorded at the Okaukejo waterhole where 10 came into drink just after dusk 17/9, and they returned just before dawn on 18/9. These birds are rather similar to Liechtenstein's Sandgrouse in their crepuscular habits.

151.Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua. First recorded near Torra Bay with 8 on 19/9, then large flocks (100+) near Sesriem 23/9. Several birds gave close views near Sesriem Canyon. If we had arrived earlier in the day (i.e. before dusk) or stayed to mid-morning at Okaukejo (Etosha) we would have probably seen them there also, as large numbers are said to come to drink there.

152.Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis. c10 Waterberg 16/9, also 2+ Spitzkoppe 20/9.

153.Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri. Common in the Okavango Delta, especially around Seronga 12-13/9.

154.Rueppell's Parrot Poicephalus rueppellii. 2 Waterberg 15/9.

155.Hoopoe Upupa epops. Singles recorded at various locations throughout e.g Maun, Etosha, Vic Falls.

156.Grey Go-away Bird (Grey Lourie) Corythaixoides concolor. Common throughout except the Namibian coast and desert.

157.Rufous-crowned (Purple) Roller Coracias naevia. First recorded north of Nata 11/9; appeared more numerous in Namibia especially around Etosha.

158.Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata. Common throughout except Namibian coast and desert.

159.Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus. One along the Zambesi 27/9; according to Chris Pollard this was the earliest date he had ever recorded this species - they normally arrive about a month later.

160.Violet Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus damarensis. 3 Halali 17/9.

161.Green (Red-billed) Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus. 2 Chobe 10/9, 3 Okavango Delta 13/9; 3 Mosi-au-Tunya NP (Zambia) 27/9.

162.(Greater) Scimitarbill Phoeniculus cyanomelas. 2 (including one very approachable bird) Arabusch Travel Lodge (Windhoek) 15/9.

163.Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas. An over-wintering female at Vic Falls golf course 27/9 was the only cuckoo of the trip - we were too early in the year for other cuckoos.

164.Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena. 4+ around the Okaukejo waterhole 17-18/9 giving flight calls and churring occasionally; one bird repeatedly landed in front of the "grandstand". Another nightjar was seen briefly near Vic Falls 26/9, which may have been Square-tailed (Mozambique) Nightjar, but was not heard or seen well enough to confirm the identification.

165.Pel's Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli. The undoubted bird highlight of the trip, a magnificent immature bird on an island in the middle of the Zambesi upstream of Vic Falls 27/9. Two birds had recently fledged in the area, and this bird still had a whiteish crown and some downy feathers. The sight of its huge dark eyes glaring at me will live long in the memory. Fairly nervous, it was first located by Chris Pollard as it flew away from us, but I relocated it in the top of a tree and we watched it for a couple of minutes as the thin branches struggled to take the weight of the bird. We then had several flight views of the bird as it flapped around the island, but an approaching group of elephants hastened our departure!

166.Verreaux's (Giant) Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus. An immature bird at the Okaukejo waterhole 17-18/9. We had watched it hunting around the waterhole in the late evening of the 17th, and as we were emerging from our all-night vigil a little old lady approached me and asked me what the big bird outside her chalet was - bold as brass no more than 8ft above our heads was the owl! It later moved to the large tree adjacent to the waterhole - a total stonker!

167.Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus. One briefly near the Okaukejo waterhole 17/9; it may have been put off by the Verreaux's.

168.Barn Owl Tyto alba 2 at the Okaukejo waterhole were active all night 17-18/9, perching frequently in the large tree adjacent to the waterhole and also perching on the toilet block next to the Sociable Weaver nest. Another was found roosting in the same tree as 2 White-backed Night Herons along the Zambesi on 27/9.

169.Marsh Owl Asio capensis. 2 at dusk in the Okavango Delta on 12/9 and a single flushed from long grass on the morning of 13/9; another came in to drink at the Okaukejo waterhole 17/9 but was seen off by one of the Barn Owls.

170.Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus. Only seen in the Okavango Delta from the mokoro safari with 4 on 12/9.

171.Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis. One near Nata 11/9; 2 near Sepupa 13/9.

172.White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus. 2 Vic Falls NP 26/9.

173.Alpine Swift Apus melba. Common at Waterberg 15-16/9 and Spitzkoppe 19-20/9.

174.Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi. Small numbers Waterberg 15/9; 50+ at Sesriem Canyon 23/9.

175.African Black Swift Apus barbatus. One from the Gorges Lodge verandah 27/9.

176.Little Swift Apus affinis. 100+ at Harare airport 9/9 and 28/9; several hundred in Windhoek city centre 15/9; otherwise locally common especially near settlements and bridges.

177.African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus. Common throughout near palm trees.

178.Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus. First recorded 9/9 Chobe where it was fairly common; also common in the Okavango Delta and in the Vic Falls area.

179.White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides. Fairly common along the Chobe river 10/9, also common in the Vic Falls area 26-27/9 along the Zambesi.

180.Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides. Common in Chobe 9-11/9; also very common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9 including a flock of c.500 birds which turned the treetops bright pink.

181.Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus. First recorded at Arabusch 15/9; thereafter fairly common in Namibia only.

182.African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus. Fairly common throughout except along the Namibian coast and desert.

183.Monteiro's Hornbill Tockus monteiri. 2+ Waterberg 15-16/9; other roadside hornbills may have been this species in central/northern Namibia.

184.Bradfield's Hornbill Tockus bradfieldi. 3 Sepupa camp feeding amongst the rubbish bins 13/9.

185.Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas. Common roadside hornbill; more common than the next species in Namibia.

186.Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythryorhynchus. Common roadside hornbill, especially in Botswana.

187.Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus cafer. Several sightings of this prehistoric-looking bird; one at the roadside south of Nata 11/9 with 3 there 25/9; one from the mokoro in the Okavango Delta 12/9, and presumably the same bird there 13/9; our drivers reported another group by the roadside near Vic Falls airport while I was dozing.

188.Trumpeter Hornbill Ceratogymna bucinator. 2 Chobe 10/9; 3+ Vic Falls NP 26/9 and 2 along the Zambesi 27/9.

189.Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis. The commonest kingsfisher, abundant in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and along the Zambesi.

190.African Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima. Excellent views of a pair along the Chobe river 10/9, plus a female along the Zambesi 27/9.

191.Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristata. Fairly common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9, and small numbers along the Zambesi 27/9.

192.Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata. 3+ along the Zambesi 27/9.

193.Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris. A pair at the Chobe campsite 9-10/9, plus a single along the Zambesi 27/9.

194.Black-collared Barbet. Lybius torquatus. Fairly common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9, also several along the Zambesi and at Vic Falls NP 26-27/9.

195.(Acacia) Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas. First recorded at Waterberg with 2 on 16/9, small numbers in Etosha and 2 at Spitzkoppe 20/9.

196.Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii. One at Sepupa 13/9 was the only record.

197.Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus. One at Shoestrings Backpackers lodge in Vic Falls 26/9, and another at Vic Falls golf course 27/9.

198.Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni. One Maun campsite 12/9, another in the Okavango Delta 13/9.

199.Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens. 2 at Sepupa 13/9.

200.Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicus namaquus. One at Kasane 11/9.

201.Sabota Lark Mirafra sabota. 4 Spitzkoppe 20/9.

202.Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana. One near Mamuno sheltering under a roadsign 24/9.

203.Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea. 2 Sesriem Canyon 23/9.

204.Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis. 1 Chobe 10/9.

205.Red-breasted Swallow Hirundo semirufa. Small numbers in the Okavango Delta 12/9.

206.Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica. Large flocks (100+) in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

207.Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii. Small numbers in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and along the Zambesi.

208.Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata. Fairly common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

209.Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula. Common in Namibia especially near cliffs and buildings.

210.Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga. 2 in the Okavango Delta 12/9.

211.Banded Martin Riparia cincta. Common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

212.Brown-throated Sand Martin Riparia paludicola. Small numbers in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

213.Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus. Small numbers in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

214.Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii. Small groups around the campsites at Chobe 10/9 and Maun 12/9 and 24/9, also small groups at Vic Falls 26-28/9.

215.Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor. A single roadside bird near the Maun Camp 11/9.

216.Hartlaub's (White-rumped) Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii. Fairly common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

217.Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris. Small numbers around the Chobe campsite 10/9 and at Vic Falls 26-27/9.

218.African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans. First recorded in the Okavango Delta 12/9; more common in Namibia.

219.Common (Black-eyed) Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus. Very common in Chobe, Okavango Delta and Vic Falls, but replaced in Namibia by the Red-eyed Bulbul.

220.Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis. Common throughout.

221.Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii. One at the Chobe campsite 10/9 was the only record.

222.Pied Crow Corvus albus. Small numbers recorded daily; this was the first bird of the trip recorded at Harare Airport 9/9.

223.Black Crow Corvus capensis. First recorded near Mamuno with 4 on 14/9; recorded in small numbers throughout Namibia.

224.Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris. Small numbers in Chobe 10/9 and Vic Falls 26-27/9.

225.Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola. First recorded at Twyfelfontein (N) 18/9, subsequently common through central Namibia.

226.Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata. 2 at the roadside en route to Maun 11/9.

227.White-headed Black (or Arnot's) Chat Myrmecocichla cinnamomeiventris. One near Kasane 11/9.

228.Eastern Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata. One seen well in Vic Falls NP 26/9.

229.White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys. One in Chobe 10/9, 2+ Waterberg 16/9.

230.Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac. Fairly common throughout Namibia.

231.Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii. 2 near Sesriem 22/9.

232.Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris. First recorded Waterberg plateau 15/9, also small numbers Sesriem canyon 23/9.

233.Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata. Small numbers in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

234.Southern Anteater Chat Myrmecochlica formicivora. Roadside birds seen at various locations; fairly common in Etosha 16-18/9.

235.Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus. One confiding individual at the Maun campsite 12/9.

236.Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa. 3 Waterberg 16/9, 2 Halali 17/9, 1 Rehoboth 23/9.

237.Collared Palm Thrush Cichladusa arquata. 4+ around the Vic Falls golf course and at the boat ramp along the Zambesi 27/9.

238.White-browed (or Heuglin's) Robin Chat Cossypha heuglini. Fairly common in Chobe 9-11/9 and Vic Falls 26-28/9.

239.Lesser Swamp (Cape Reed) Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris. Several along the Zambesi 27/9.

240.Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis. One Waterberg 16/9.

241.Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens. 2 Vic Falls golf course 27/9.

242.Grey-backed Bleating Warbler Calamonastes brachyura. First recorded at Kasane 11/9; subsequently common throughout except coastal Namibia.

243.Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava. First recorded near Kasane 11/9; fairly common in the Vic Falls area 26-27/9.

244.Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans. 2 Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9; 2 near Mamuno 24/9.

245.Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapillus. One at Waterberg 16/9.

246.Winding (Black-backed) Cisticola Cisticola galactotes. Small numbers in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9. According to Chris Pollard this race of Winding Cisticola may be a new split, the Luapula Cisticola.

247.Chirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens. Fairly common in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

248.Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana. One in the Okavango Delta 13/9.

249.Fan-tailed (Zitting) Cisticola Cisticola juncidis. Fairly common in Chobe, Okavango Delta and Etosha.

250.Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus. Several individuals were only identified with certainty in Etosha when seen alongside Fan-tailed Cisticola.

251.Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida. 2 at Vic Falls golf course 27/9.

252.Layard's Warbler (or Titbabbler) Parisoma layardi. 2 Spitzkoppe 20/9.

253.Chestnut-vented Warbler (or Titbabbler) Parisoma subcaeruleum. Fairly common throughout Namibia.

254.Ashy (or Blue-Grey) Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens. The only record was one at Vic Falls NP near the toilet block 26/9.

255.Chat Flycatcher Melaenornis infuscatus. One at Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9.

256.Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis. First recorded at Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9, and common en route to and in Etosha 16-18/9. Another near Mamuno 24/9.

257.Pririt Batis Batis pririt. 2 Sesriem Canyon 23/9.

258.Chinspot Batis Batis molitor. One at the Kasane entrance to Chobe 10/9 was the only sighting.

259.Southern Black Tit Parus niger. A female at Kasane 11/9.

260.Scarlet-chested Sunbird Nectarinia senegalensis. 2 Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9, small numbers Vic Falls 26-27/9.

261.Amethyst (or Black) Sunbird Nectarinia amethystina. 2+ Okavango Delta 12-13/9, small numbers Vic Falls (inc. 1 at Gorges Lodge) 26-27/9.

262.White-bellied Sunbird Nectarinia talatala. Fairly common around the Vic Falls area 26-28/9.

263.Dusky Sunbird Nectarinia fusca. Fairly common in Namibia, recorded in small numbers at Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9, Waterberg 15-16/9, Etosha 17/9, Spitzkoppe 20/9, Sesriem 23/9.

264.Marico Sunbird Nectarinia mariquensis. 2+ Waterberg campsite, 1 Hoba Meteorite 16/9.

265.Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis. 1 Chobe 9/9, 2 Vic Falls 27/9.

266.Tropical Boubou Laniarus aethiopicus. Fairly common in Chobe and Vic Falls.

267.Swamp Boubou Laniarus bicolor. Several in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

268.Crimson -breasted Bush Shrike Laniarus atrococcineus. This was one of the main "f*****g hell!" birds of the trip, absolutely stunning and fairly common, with 2 sightings in Chobe 10/9, plus singles near Maun 11/9, Okavango Delta 12/9, 2 Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9, and one en route to Etosha 16/9.

269.Orange-breasted Bush Shrike Malaconotus sulfureopectus. Chris Pollard refers to this as a "junk bird" (with tongue firmly in cheek!) - we saw 3 of these crackers along the Zambesi on 27/9.

270.Brown-headed (or Three-streaked) Tchagra Tchagra australis. Singles in several locations e.g. Maun 12/9, Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9, Waterberg 16/9, Vic Falls 26-27/9. Somehow I managed to avoid bumping into a Black-crowned Tchagra, all the Tchagras I saw were definitely Brown-headed.

271.Southern Puffback Dryoscopus cubla. Fairly common around Vic Falls 26-27/9 including some displaying birds at Vic Falls NP 26/9.

272.White-tailed Shrike Lanioturdus torquatus. A very attractive Namibian speciality, 2 at Spitzkoppe 20/9.

273.Magpie (or Long-tailed) Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus. 1 near Nata 11/9; fairly common around Seronga and Sepupa in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

274.White Helmet Shrike Prionops plumatus. 7+ Vic Falls golf course 27/9.

275.Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens. 2 en route to Maun 11/9; several around the camp at Waterberg 16/9.

276.Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris. 1 Chobe 10/9, 1 Okaukejo 17/9, 1 Spitzkoppe 20/9, several around Sesriem 22-23/9.

277.Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea. Small numbers, often in the company of other starling species, first recorded in Chobe 9/9, also seen in the Okavango Delta 12-13/9, Etosha 17/9.

278.Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup. Only recorded in Namibia, where it was fairly common around cliffs and rocky areas at Waterberg, Twyfelfontein, Spitzkoppe, Sesriem.

279.Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio. Only recorded at Vic Falls 26-28/9.

280.Violet-backed (or Plum-coloured) Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster. Small numbers around Vic Falls 26-27/9.

281.Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus. Common around Chobe 9-11/9

282.Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus. A juvenile in Chobe on 10/9 was the only one definitely identified.

283.Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens. First recorded at Maun camp 12/9 and subsequently fairly common throughout.

284.Southern Long-tailed Starling Lamprotornis mevesii. Several around Maun and the Okavango Delta 11-13/9.

285.Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis. Common around the Okavango Delta 12-13/9, also recorded in Etosha 17/9 and at Rehoboth 23/9.

286.Richard's (Grassveld) Pipit Anthus novaseelandiae. Singles at Vic Falls Airport 9/9 and Chobe 10/9.

287.Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus. 20+ Chobe 10/9 around hippos, 3 Okavango Delta 12/9, 4 on White Rhinos Mosi-au-Tunya 27/9.

288.Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus. 2 on Warthogs Chobe 10/9; 2 Okavango Delta 12/9.

289.Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis. Small numbers throughout, especially around Swakopmund/Walvis Bay.

290.African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp. Only recorded in Chobe 10/9 and Vic Falls 26-28/9.

291.Grey-backed Sparrow (or Finch) Lark Eremopterix verticalis. Fairly common on the desert floor around Sesriem 22-23/9.

292.Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus. First recorded at the Kazungula border post 9/9 and fairly common throughout subsequently.

293.Rufous (or Great) Sparrow Passer motitensis. A male at Okaukejo 18/9.

294.House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Fairly common throughout near settlements.

295.Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus. Common near settlements in Namibia only.

296.Yellow-throated Petronia Petronia superciliaris. One at Seronga 12/9.

297.White-browed Sparrow Weaver Plocepasser malahi. First recorded at Arabusch Travel Lodge 15/9 and subsequently common throughout Namibia; also recorded at Vic Falls 26-27/9.

298.Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger. Several around Maun Camp 11-12/9 and 24/9.

299.Sociable Weaver Phileatarius socius. Only recorded in Namibia, where several large nests were seen including the famous "supported" one at Okaukejo (plus attending Pygmy Falcon!).

300.Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis. One near Sesriem 23/9.

301.Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris. 2 Chobe 10/9.

302.Red-shouldered Whydah Euplectes axillaris. 4+ Okavango Delta 12-13/9.

303.Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea. Large flocks recorded in several locations.

304.Large Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops. Singles recorded in various locations in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Vic Falls.

305.Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis. Small numbers around Vic Falls 26-27/9.

306.African (or Southern) Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus. The most common and widespread weaver species.

307.Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius. Only definitely identified around the camp at Chobe 9-11/9.

308.Village (or Spotted-backed) Weaver Ploceus cucullatus. Only definitely identified around Vic Falls and along the Zambesi 27/9.

309.Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons. First recorded at Arabusch Travel Lodge with 6 on 15/9; also recorded in Etosha 16-17/9.

310.Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata. A flock of 50+ recorded at Kasane 11/9; also recorded near Vic Falls 27/9.

311.Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus. 2 Waterberg 16/9, several Hoba meteorite 16/9, 4+ at the Mamuno petrol station 24/9.

312.Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis. Common and widespread except along the Namibian coast.

313.Melba Finch Pytilia melba. 2 Kasane 11/9; one in Etosha 16/9.

314.Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala. Fairly common around the Okavango Delta 12-13/9. Numerous other firefinches were seen during the trip, but these were the only ones specifically identified.

315.Shaft-tailed Widow Vidua regia. A female-type at the Mamuno filling station in the company of Violet-eared Waxbills (its host species) 24/9.

316.Yellow Canary Serinus flaviventris. Recorded at the Mamuno filling station with 4 on 15/9 and 2 on 24/9; also at Arabusch Travel Lodge 16/9.

317.Black-throated Canary Serinus atrogularis. First recorded at the Hoba meteorite 16/9; subsequently fairly common throughout Namibia.

318.White-throated Canary Serinus albogularis. Several around Spitzkoppe 20/9.

Other Wildlife

Taxonomy follows that of Haltenorth and Diller (1977) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar (Collins)

1.Wart Hog Phacochoerus aethiopicus. Common and widespread except along the Namibian coast, usually approachable with care.

2.Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius. Fairly common in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and along the upper Zambesi. Often quoted as the most dangerous animal in Africa, they can be very bad tempered and the Zambesi boat trip with Chris Pollard got me much closer views than I was comfortable with, particularly in the size of boat we were in!

3.Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis. A couple were seen by some of the group from the flight over the Okavango Delta, but we had to wait until Etosha to get good views, and they were reasonably common here. Individuals of a non-reticulated population were seen at Mosi-au-Tunya on 27/9.

4.Kirk's (Damara) Dik-dik Madoqua kirki damarensis. Singles at Waterberg and Etosha.

5.Steinbok Raphicerus campestris. Seen en route to Mamuno 14/9

6.Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis. 2 seen on the night drive near Vic Falls 25/9

7.Klippspringer Oreotragus oreotragus. 3 on the lower slopes at Spitzkoppe 20/9, and a couple more in a canyon en route to Sesriem 22/9.

8.Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus. One of the rare darker forms in Chobe on 10/9, also seen at Victoria Falls NP 26/9.

9.Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros. Fairly common in Chobe and Etosha; also seen near Vic Falls 26/9.

10.Oryx (Gemsbok) Oryx gazella. Recorded only in Etosha, where it was fairly common.

11.(Defassa) Common Waterbuck. Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus. Common in Chobe and around Vic Falls.

12.Puku Kobus kob vardoni. Small numbers in Chobe 10/9.

13.(Red) Lechwe Kobus leche leche. Small numbers in Chobe 10/9 and a couple of small herds in the Okavango Delta, including a herd of bachelor males.

14.(South African) Hartebeeste Alcelaphus buselaphus caama. Only seen in Namibia en route to Windhoek 14/9 and in Etosha.

15.Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus. Common in Etosha; also seen in Mosi-au-Tunya.

16.Impala Aepyceros melampus. Two Angolan (Black-faced) Impala (race petersi) were seen in Etosha near Halali 17/9; race melampus was fairly common in Chobe and Mosi-au-Tunya.

17.Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis angolensis. Common in Etosha and elsewhere in Namibia.

18.Cape Buffalo Syncerus caffer caffer. Fairly common in Chobe and Mosi-au-Tunya.

19.Burchell's Zebra Hippotigris quagga. First seen in the Okavango Delta with two granti/bohmi (Grant's Zebra), this race was also seen at Mosi-au-Tunya; race burchelli common in Etosha.

20.Black (Hook-lipped) Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis. A major highlight of the trip, four individuals (young male, adult male, female and calf) at the Okaukejo waterhole, Etosha 17/9.

21.White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum. Amazing views of five reintroduced individuals at the Mosi-au-Tunya reserve 27/9.

22.Cape Rock Hyrax (Cape Dassie) Procavia capensis. 20+ at Waterberg 15/9.

23.African (Bush) Elephant Loxodonta africana africana. Common in all the game reserves (several hundred in Chobe) although less common in the Okavango Delta; small groups were also seen occasionally at the roadside and on the outskirts of Victoria Falls. A "Desert" Elephant was seen at Abu Huab camp 18/9.

24.Cape Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris (capensis) Common at Waterberg and Etosha NPs.

25.Spring Hare Pedetes capensis. Two seen on a night drive near Vic Falls 26/9.

26.Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus. Common along the Namibian coast; large colony at Cape Cross.

27.Heaviside's Dolphin Cephalorhynchus heavisidii. 4+ from the dolphin cruise in Walvis Bay, occasionally bow-riding. Restricted in range to around 1000 miles of the Namibian/South African coast.

28.Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas. First seen en route to Windhoek 14/9, fairly common in Etosha.

29.Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis. One south of Okaukejo (Etosha) 18/9.

30.Suricate (Meerkat) Suricata suricatta. A family group near Sesriem 23/9.

31.Yellow Mongoose Herpestes ochracea Seen only at Etosha.

32.Banded Mongoose Mungus mungo. Several family parties in Chobe and Etosha.

33.Bushy-tailed Meerkat Cynictis penicillata. Two near Halali, Etosha 17/9.

34.Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta. 2 near Namutoni 16/9; one defending a carcass from jackals near Namutoni 17/9, plus one at the Okaukejo waterhole 18/9. Two were also seen from the flight over the Okavango Delta by some members of our party.

35.Lion Panthera leo. A pride of 11 in Chobe 10/9.

36.Serval Leptailurus serval. One in the headlights on the night game drive near Vic Falls 26/9.

37.Baboon Papio cynocephalus. Common and widespread (race ruacana = Kalahari Chacma)

38.Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops ngamiensis. Common around Chobe and the Okavango.

39.Bushveld Elephant Shrew Elephantus intufi. Singles at Waterberg and Spitzkoppe.

40.Striped Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio One at Sesriem 23/9.

Other notable critters included Nile Crocodile (small numbers in Chobe, the Okavango Delta and along the Zambesi) and a Leopard Tortoise near Halali, Etosha 17/9. The only snakes I saw were being carried at high altitude by Black-breasted Snake Eagles. Geckos and small lizards were plentiful. Butterflies did not appear to be particularly numerous at this time of year although we saw several swallowtail-types.

Acknowledgments

The trip reports of Jan Vermuelen, David Kelly and Nigel Blake were of great help, obtained online via www.surfbirds.com, www.birdtours.co.uk and www.fatbirder.com. Chris Pollard in Victoria Falls was great fun to be with, and showed me some fantastic birds. Also many thanks to James Ward who let me use some of his photos, and to the leaders and co-participants on the tour and of course Gill for helping to make the whole experience unforgettable.