When I wrote you last evening, I figured I’d get one more chance to stroll around the grounds of the Trans Kalahari Inn, before we headed off for the airport, but I also figured I’d seen most of what there was to see. It would appear that I was mistaken on the latter.
Almost as soon as Deb and I set out this morning we spotted this beauty perched high on an agave stalk. I figured it was yet another lilac-breasted roller, but upon closer inspection, it turns out to be my very first purple roller (Coracias naevius). Sweet!
I had actually seen this next little cutie the first time we stayed at the inn, but the picture wasn’t great, so it sure was a treat to get a second chance at a black-chested prinia (Prinia flavicans) portrait.
This was the first bird we saw when we drove into the place last time, a groundscraper thrush (Turdus litsitsirupa), so it was nice for it to reappear in time for our final departure.
After the way I gushed about the male Marico sunbird I showed you yesterday, is it any wonder that a female would show up today seeking equal time? She doesn’t have the high gloss that he does, for sure, but she’s still quite a pretty bird, don’t you think?
Finally, and now that the precedent of “equal time” has been established, here’s a male pririt batis. As with the belted kingfishers in Estabrook Park, it is the female of the species that wears the extra color on her breast.
Anne’s got some adventures lined up for us here in Johanesburg tomorrow, but I have a hope of strolling around the hotel grounds again before the festivities begin. If we find anything, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 