JACKAL BUZZARD near ALIWAL NORTH

JACKAL BUZZARD near ALIWAL NORTH

This Buzzard was seen for a few weeks near Aliwal North, NE Cape, SA. It had a conspicuous white breastband instead of the normal russet pattern.

It stayed in the same area near a farmhouse for a period of time, before moving on to an area a little more remote where there is not so much activity. It's new area is about 2 km from the area it was spotted at first.

It seems to be moulting as all the primaries are not fully grown.

Marabou Stork in Southern Free State

Marabou Stork in Smithfield

This bird was spotted in Smithfield at the town dumps by a farmer, Willie Swanepoel, when passing by. He contacted Carmel Rickard, a local resident. The lines were set on fire and I went out to have a look.

The tag identifies the bird as S64 - it frequented the area of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape a few months ago and was apparently ringed in Swaziland.

It was a first for the area as far as could be established at present.