10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2022

Ndumo Game Reserve lies in the Easternmost part of South Africa, close to the border of Mozambique and Eswatini. It is not particularly big but has a reported 430 bird species including migrants, though during my short stay it seems I missed most of the key attractions among them. Pel’s Fishing Owl, where were you?

South Africa 147

South Africa Africa Birds Fish 147

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 3, 2012

Due to the large number of specialty and range-restricted species it is a must-visit destination for any South African birder who wants to surpass the 800-mark of a Southern African life-list. Situated slap-bang on the Zim/Mozambique border, this used to be one of the most productive birding sites in the country.

Zimbabwe 228

Zimbabwe Buffalo Mozambique Birds 228

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 20, 2024

Phoebe Snetsinger was an American birder who first passed the 8,000 species mark. Before leaving the safety of the car I heeded the park’s advice and checked for animal tracks belonging to any biting, gnawing, mauling, trampling, stabbing or disembowelling species. Looking left I saw a big, male buffalo behind the bush.

Mozambique 245

Mozambique Birds Ghana Namibia 245

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 27, 2013

There are times when acting in the conservation interest of a species or ecosystem means that the welfare of specific animals is compromised, which is a fancy way of saying that conservationists sometimes have to kill animals for the greater good.

Lions 205

Lions Killing Hunting Hunters 205