With the chill of winter almost a distant memory now, nature’s subtle transformations signal that spring has sprung. In Africa, where the rhythm of life is closely attuned to seasonal cycles, birds and animals are some of the earliest heralds of this transition. Their behaviours, migrations, and calls form a natural calendar that announces the arrival of the different seasons or spring in this instance, offering us insights into the interconnectedness of life and the changing environment.
One of the most anticipated signs of spring is the return of migratory birds. Species like the Barn Swallow, White Stork, and Wahlberg’s Eagle along with others, which have spent months in warmer climates, begin their long journey back. In recent weeks, I’ve noticed a rise in the number of Wahlberg’s Eagles gliding across the sky. These majestic raptors, which migrate annually, have begun to return in increasing numbers, marking a clear sign that spring has arrived.
A pair of Wahlberg’s Eagles perches neatly on the branch of a knobthorn tree. The individual on the right is of the pale morph, which makes up roughly 10 -20% of the total Walhberg Eagle’s population. It has been fantastic watching the migratory birds returning and seeing many of them in full courtship display (these two had been performing their ritualised courtship display prior to perching on this branch)
Their arrival marks the beginning of the nesting season and the return of favourable conditions for breeding. For local communities, the presence of these birds is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, as they return to the same nesting grounds year after year. This could serve as an indicator to farmers for the sowing of seeds and grazing for livestock.
The river beds are always a hotspot for birding. One of the regular sights near the causeway is these Burchell’s Coucals who are at home in the date palm thickets that line river banks. This one happened to be beautifully perched out in the open in great afternoon light.
Most mornings, I hear the unmistakable call of the Burchell’s Coucal. Its deep, bubbling sound is often referred to as a “rain bird,” and for good reason – it signals that rain is on the horizon. This secretive bird tends to call more frequently just before the rains begin, a natural indicator that spring’s early showers will soon breathe life back into the parched landscape.
The beautifully striking Crested Barbet
Another two birds whose behavior I’ve come to recognize as a sign of seasonal change is the Crested Barbet and Fork-tailed Drongo. The Barbets harsh, trilling call is often heard before a shift in the weather, alerting those who listen that change is in the air. As spring approaches, this bird’s calls become more frequent, announcing not just a change in temperature, but the stirring of life all around.
One of my favourite birds in Africa. The extremely intelligent Fork-tailed Drongo
The clever Fork-tailed Drongo is known for its boldness, often mimicking other birds’ alarm calls to scare them away from food. Its own sharp, distinct call is also a signal of change in the environment. When the Drongo becomes more vocal, it is often an indication that the weather is shifting, or that new food sources are becoming available with the onset of spring.
An African Monarch butterfly is one of the common spring arrivals.
As spring progresses, we’ll soon see butterflies and bees out in full force, drawn to the vibrant colors that the season offers. Flowers will bloom in abundance, and these pollinators will be busy gathering nectar, helping to sustain the ecosystem. Their presence brings an added layer of energy to the landscape, as they flutter from flower to flower, ensuring that the cycle of growth continues for the plants and trees that depend on them.
The arrival of spring at Londolozi is not marked by the same predictable changes in temperature that many other parts of the world experience, but rather by the dynamic behaviors of its wildlife. Birds, animals, insects, and even the landscape itself announce the changing season, creating a vibrant, interconnected web of life that comes alive each spring.
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Enjoyed this blog – I want to see more photos of and stories of birds
Beautiful article about the arrival of spring, Dan. And lovely photos of birds. This September I saw lots of crested barbets and also Wahlberg’s Eagles. Beautiful birds.
Very good, Dan. Any rain yet?
What great shots of the season!! The sunrise (?) shot with the king is amazing! Love all the birds…becoming a birdy myself 😉
Birds are such an integral part of the experience at Londolozi. During one of our visits we enjoyed seeing 81 species. But we tend to come June to September, so we miss the spring/summer guys.
Dan, thanks for the pictures of the birds arriving. Sunrise and sunset as the seasons change nature changes and grows.
Lovely, Monarch butterflies are so well-known when talking about the American species, but much lesser in Africa, what sort of migration route do they use?
Spring sounds like a wonderful time to spend your days in Londolozi. The cold mornings of winter give way to lighter clothing and opportunities to see and hear more birds around camp as well as the bush, and it will still be easy to cross the Sand River, a favorite of mine when exploring wildlife along the causeway. 10 more days…..
Hi Dan your story on changing of season’s is so on the button. Here on the reserve where I live I hear the different bird calls and have noticed a few swallows have arrived. The Woodlands Kingfisher has not arrived yet as the other swallows that we have seen here. The Drongo is a clever bird and it has so many different calls. The birds that you posted in your article are beautiful. We are now awaiting the much needed rain to fall on our grounds so that all the trees, shrubs and flowers and bush can be rejuvenate with God’s precious rain. With the rain everything seems to come alive and start growing again.
So many lovely birds, Dan. I love the red eye of the Couchal. The crested barbet looks adorned for a festival. I don’t recall seeing an image of one before. Welcome spring!