“I borrow moonlight for this journey of a million miles” – Saikuku
Winter is coming. The cold has set in and food is scarce. Yet there is excitement in the air. From South-central Europe, Asia minor, Russia and Iran large flocks of European Rollers are gathering in preparation to migrate. Two definite areas are set as destinations; one being South Africa’s lowveld where they arrive around mid-December and their brilliant blue plumage and tendency for catching large grasshoppers allows us hours of incredible bird viewing.
Palearctic migrant. European Roller. Photograph by: Andrea Campbell
This is just one of the roughly estimated 185 bird species that migrate between Africa, Asia and Europe. Our lowveld summer attracts a host of species from around the world, and during that time the bush is alive with song and flashes of feathers in all directions. Tangible excitement runs through the ranging team when the first Woodland Kingfisher sounds off its iconic cry indicating the start of summer. It even reaches the point that bets get placed as to the exact date of their arrival. A season never goes amiss without someone sneakily playing a recording of the call and watching in hilarity as the rangers all bundle outside to catch a glimpse of the first Woodland Kingfisher and argue over who guessed the correct date.
Intra-African migrant. Woodland Kingfisher. Photograph by: Andrea Campbell
An Intra-African migrant, the Southern Carmine Bee-Eater. Photograph by James Hobson
In his book, Beat About the Bush Birds, Trevor Carnaby describes migration as “a predictable seasonal movement to and from a single destination once in a calendar year”. The main reason they do this is to increase their survival chances as resources diminish and competition increases. In other words, they chase summer around the world, which seems like a pretty good tactic to me.
Non-Breeding Paleartic Migrant. European Bee-Eater
Migration is a fascinating phenomenon that still holds many unanswered questions. The fact that birds can make their way across the world and in some species such as the Walbergs Eagle, find the exact same nest year after year is utterly mind blowing! It is believed that birds have an incredible internal compass, which sets them on the correct path and this is then maintained mainly by astrocues (the sun and stars). Wind, sounds, smells and topography and prominent land features all contribute to migratory birds reaching their destination.
Intra-African Migrant. Walhberg’s Eagle.
Today marks International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). Initiated in 2006 it aims to create global awareness about the need to protect key habitats for migratory birds. A day like this gives us the opportunity to become mindful about the impact we have on this planet and the consequences of that impact. Our ideas of progress are often so distorted that we start to lose sight of the magic. Although our summer has come to an end and all our visitors have already moved off, it means that many of them are making their way back to warmer climates that may be exactly where you are! Take some time out in your day to see if you can spot any of these birds in your area or in nearby nature conservancies
Where are you from and do you know which migrant birds visit your home?
Written by: Andrea Campbell, Londolozi Land Care Assistant
Awesome blog Andrea. Interesting facts. Love the sound of the Woodlands in summer. I also can’t wait to hear the first call.
Superb blog Andrea!
The title Londolozi Land Care Assitant sounds very interesting
Best wishes
Thanks Ian! Yes, is a very interesting and exciting new career path although I will still be guiding as well.
Just got back from the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. Friday began what is called “the biggest week in American birding”. Species of warblers, orioles, thrushes, flycatchers, and the ruby throated hummingbird are what most people hope to see now.
How exciting Leslie, thank you!
Informative information with beautiful pictures! Thanks, Andrea!
Thank you Andrea interesting post as usual! Your passion for birds being contagious I’ve done some researchs. Two species present in pics on the post are observed in Switzerland during migrations: European Roller and European Bee-Eater. For you and the interested persons you will find the following links here and listen the birds sing:
http://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/birds/birds-of-switzerland/european-roller.html
http://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/birds/birds-of-switzerland/european-bee-eater.html
Enjoy !!!
Beautiful clarity in shots. Love the shot of the Woodland Fisher – makes our Kookaburra look quite dull!
Thanks Janice. The Woodland Kingfisher is such a favourite here.
Very interesting blog Andrea and I love the pictures! South Africa has some of the most spectacular birds. I’m in Toronto, Canada and we are just coming into our summer now…thank goodness, after the most brutal winter! Our Robins are the first bird we look for that comes back to us and signals the beginning of Spring each year. Our beautiful, hardy bright red Cardinals and stunning Blue Jays often stay with us through the winter each year and manage to survive by many bird feeder stations being set up and filled with seeds, peanuts and suet. Our Canada Geese used to migrate to warmer climates but more and more they are staying with us through the winters now.
Thanks so much for sharing Jill. I am so glad you notice the movements of the birds and enjoy viewing them.
I love all of these, especially the Woodland Kingfisher & Carmine Bee-eater <3 Thanks for sharing them Andrea. Its nice to see the other specials the bush has to offer, maybe next time one of the littlest creatures?