Birding isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. To some, it may seem like an obscure hobby—spending hours peering through binoculars, chasing after fleeting glimpses of feathers in the wild. But for those of us who’ve been bitten by the birding bug, it’s a passion that never wanes. And sometimes, it pays off in ways that leave even seasoned rangers a little giddy.
Ranger/ accountant Kevin Power taking a moment to get a closer look at something in the distance.
At Londolozi, we’re privileged to witness the extraordinary beauty of the African wilderness daily. The Big Five may steal the spotlight, but it’s the little surprises that often bring the biggest smiles. One such surprise fluttered into our lives recently, in the form of a Chorister Robin Chat—a bird traditionally found in the cool, dense forests along the Blyde River Canyon and the Drakensberg mountains not so far away. To say that spotting one here, in the heart of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve or Kruger National Park, was unexpected would be an understatement, in fact if we refer to the distribution maps in many bird books or on any birding apps, the Chorister Robin Chat doesn’t occur here.
The Chorister Robin Chat is a secretive, forest-dwelling bird. Its melodious song echoes through the shaded understory of Afromontane evergreen forests. Rarely venturing far from an area with a closed canopy. In their typical habitats, these birds are masters of their domain, slipping through the foliage with ease. Londolozi, on the other hand, is known more for its sprawling savannahs and bushveld than for its forested retreats. So, when we first caught sight of this elusive bird flitting through the trees in camp, it was almost too good to be true.
For many of us, birding is more than a pastime—it’s a way of life. Even while guiding guests through lion sightings or elephant encounters, our ears are always attuned to the chirps, tweets, and calls of the avian world around us. The thrill of ticking off another new species during our Birding Big Year or noting a rare sighting is a joy that never fades. And when a bird as uncommon as the Chorister Robin Chat makes an appearance, that thrill is magnified tenfold.
We were elated to get such a good view of this bird.
We initially assumed that this bird was simply passing through, a fleeting visitor that would soon continue its journey. After all, Londolozi’s environment is quite different from the Chorister’s typical forest haunts. But the bird had other plans. To our delight, it wasn’t long before we noticed it again—and again. Weeks passed, and what began as a brief encounter evolved into regular sightings. The Chorister Robin Chat has made itself at home.
Perhaps it’s the lush, forest-like environment we’ve cultivated within the camp that drew it in. Our gardens are meticulously maintained, with verdant foliage and a constant supply of water creating a small oasis amidst the surrounding bush. In this little pocket of greenery, the Chorister Robin Chat seems to have found a slice of home—a place that mimics the cool, shaded forests it’s accustomed to.
The fact that it stuck around allowing us to video it for so long probably means it has been around humans for longer than we thought and is not terrified of our presence.
As the days go by, our excitement hasn’t waned. Every sighting feels like a small miracle, a reminder of the wonders that can unfold when you least expect them. Birding, as we’ve come to learn, can happen anywhere—even in places where you’d never think to look. The unexpected arrival of the Chorister Robin Chat at Londolozi highlights the unpredictability and sheer joy of this hobby.
Along with this new Londolozi resident, we have recently had another unique visitor, a Narina Trogon, a bird supremely uncommon in this area but at least one that has been recorded a handful of times before. Long may these sightings last, a reminder that nature is full of surprises, waiting to be discovered by those with eyes to see and ears to listen.
Beautiful bird Sean, thanks for sharing the sighting with a video.
It is a pretty bird indeed.
Hi Sean, birding is so exciting and relaxing at the same time, given the beauties you can find not to mention the lovely songs! They have a special effect on humans mind. I’m so pleased with the pictures , bird song and description. Thank you
Birding is so great, you can do it anywhere and it is so relaxing, very seldomly is it frantic.
How absolutely lovely! I have always liked birds but never been that much interested in them before I went on safari. Now I am extremely fond of birds especially such rare and beautiful ones. And one highlight is always to keep a list of birds one can see on safari. It’s really great to sit on one deck during resting periods and watch all the different birds that can be seen.
I hope that I might add this beautiful robin to my list soon.
Birding is often so good from the deck in front of the rooms and walking through camp. I hope you are able to add this one to your list soon.
Really interesting discovery! In the video, I’m wondering if you were able to isolate his song. I think I’m hearing lots of other birds…
So in fact, none of the calls in the video are from this particular robin. I am hoping to be able to record it singing soon.
Who wouldn’t want to set up residence in Londolozi? The lush vegetation and water availability is an enticement for any species, definitely including birds. As I recall in an earlier blog, a cuckoo stopped by on its migratory route and didn’t leave with the others. Your discoveries during drives or even walking around camp just prove that there are surprises to be found in nature if you just take the time to look and listen.
It is the perfect place to settle. There are always surprises to be found no matter where you are.
Hi Sean, that is very good news seeing and hearing the Chorister Robin Chat. It is a beautiful bird with the orange front and the back being black. Here in Kranspoort we have over 200 birds and every now again there is a new bird here. Birders are very excited about these new birds.
Seeing a new bird is always exciting, particularly when it isn’t one that is normally found in the area.
My partner and I laugh that birding is an age thing (and at least I have become of that age)! Ha! Beautiful little guy!
I also used to laugh about birding being for the older generation, my gran is an avid birder or twitcher as they are also referred to as, my parents then got into birding when I was young and I couldn’t see the enjoyment in it back then, however, now I completely understand.