Alex & Juanita Aitkenhead Photography

African Emerald Cuckoo calling, oh how special (Diepwalle Camping Decks) managed by SANParks GardenRouteAdmin

Day 1 of our trip to Namaqualand National Park... I uploaded some images and footage from our #drone flying towards Gifberg near vanRhynsdorp. Hope you enjoy the images :) https://alexaitkenhead.co.za/family-fun-amidst-namaqualands-floral-wonderland/ #SouthernAfrica #Flowerseason #Wildflowers #Vanrhynsdorp #Namaqualand #Roadtrip #Travelvlog #MatzikamaRegion #MaskamMountain #GifbergMountains #TroeTroeRiver #MrTyre #Barefootadventure #Knersvlakte

Aways special to enjoy the great outdoors especially in Cape Town, so many birds to enjoy, we had a wonderful flyby for two Peregrine Falcons as well as a juvenile close to Signal Hill, and then this beautiful Puffy on Lions Head, how privileged we are 😁

On the shores of the Langebaan legoon, we found a greater flamingo with a broken leg. We took it to SANCCOB saves seabirds in Tableview, but sadly he was too injured and euthanized. RiP baby 😓🌻🌹

Red-necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus) Afrikaans: Rooihalsfraiingpoot A common visitor to the Kliphoek salt works river system. This bird is in full breeding plumage and one can clearly see why it's called a Red-necked Phalarope. We didn't have the best light but it was great seeing this special bird once again.

Rosy-faced Lovebird(Agapornis roseicollis) Afrikaans: Rooiwangparakiet Found across most parts of Namibia, we were pleasantly surprised to find a small feral population at Tyger Waterfront in Tygervally, Western Cape. The colour variations of the birds in these images also had us questioning the reasons behind this, is it the age of the birds or a mix between various species? Some assistance in this regard and the existence of this population would be welcomed so that we can better understand this species of Lovebird.

Pale Chanting Goshawk(Melierax canorus) Afrikaans: Bleeksingvalk We, unfortunately, did not find a large variety of raptors on our recent visit to the Montagu area. Only managed to record, African Fish Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Black Sparrowhawk, Western Osprey, Rock Kestrel and a Rufous Breasted Sparrowhawk. The Pale Chanting Goshawk was our target Raptor, so we were very happy to get some footage of this fine adult specimen.

Sentinal Rock Thrush(Monticola explorator) Afrikaans: Langtoonkliplyser Female. Had the pleasure of this wonderful confiding bird that was in full song. We captured these images on the Lovers Lane walkway below Kanonkop in Montagu.

Black-winged Kite(Elanus caeruleus) Afrikaans: Blouvalk. We managed to spend a few days on the West Coast over the December holidays, these images were taken in Laaiplek. This was a very obliging Raptor while enjoying his breakfast.

Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus) wonderful watching our resident Falcon. This bird has been around for some time now and it was fun capturing some footage of the fastest flying bird in the world near our home in Sunset Beach, Milnerton.

Wandering Albatross

Wandering Albatross(Diomedea exulans) Afrikaans: Grootalbatros Flock to Marion 2022 aboard the MSC Orchestra. This is our tribute to the magnificent Wanderer. BirdLife South Africa Mouse-Free Marion Orms Cape Union Mart Leica Sports Optics South Africa Lynx Edicions Little Carthage Friends of Flock to Marion SANCCOB saves seabirds

Little Bittern(Lxobrychus minutus) Afrikaans: Kleinrietreier We located this Little Bittern at the Sunset Beach dam a few months ago but it proved impossible to record or capture images. When assisting some birding friends the other day we located this little beauty in a location where he didn't flush as always. A huge thanks to Garret Skead for spotting this one. we the rest becomes history, we needed a few attempts but in the end, patients paid off and we managed to video the Bittern. We believe this is the first record for sunset Sunset Beach, how exciting.

Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) Afrikaans: Roetvlerkmeeu We are feeling very privileged and grateful that we had the good fortune to find this vagrant #LaughingGull on the shores of #MosselBay, South Africa. I wonder who decided to call him a Laughing gull? Apparently, he has been a local for a while now, - seemingly enjoying the good life near the local cafe, but yet he was only recently identified by the avid birding community... who found us all flocking to Mossel Bay the past week. Some were lucky to catch a glimpse of the North American visitor between The #Point and #Santos Beach near the Mossel Bay Harbour! #birdoftheday #birdvideo SABC News https://youtu.be/ze94ZtEuHrE If you enjoyed this video, please stay connected #Like #Follow #Share 🥰😃🐦🐧🐤🐥🦆🦅

Sunset On the MSC Orchestra Unforgettable memories, we witnessed some of the most dramatic displays of both Sunset Beach and sunrise on our recent voyage to Marion Island. This sequence was a Sunset On our return to the Durban Port. Mouse-Free Marion BirdLife South Africa Orms Cape Union Mart MSC Cruises Leica Sports Optics South Africa Lynx Edicions Friends of Flock to Marion

Verreaux's Eagle(Aquila verreauxii) Afrikaans: Witkruisarend Unique experience with the resident pair of Verreaux’s Eagles. The Juvenile consumed a Sacred Ibis for breakfast, a wonderful moment out with nature. A remarkable pair, we watched them as they soared overhead, flying in tandem, what a display of power and presence. Some moments we will remember and cherish forever.

This video was taken in the SANParks - West Coast National Park Can we please get some assistance on the ID of this bird? Thanks

Very happy to report what must be a healthy population of Owls on the west coast, we had a record sighting of 6 Barn Owls and 2 Spotted Eagle Owls in one day which must confirm this status. We also understand from our travels why we are so many dead Spotted Eagle Owls on the road verges. It would appear that they sit on the side of the road and get hit by passing cars, very sad indeed.

Rufous-Breasted Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris) Afrikaans: Rooiborssperwer Encouraging to witness how this breeding pair of Rufous-Breasted Sparrowhawsk have once again had success. Such Excitement watching the two Juveniles moving around and calling. #rufousbreastedsparrowhawk #sparrowhawk #birdsofprey #birdsofpreyandthefantabulousemancipationofoneharleyquinn #flocktomarion2022 #raptors #raptorsofinstagram #raptorsnation #ronderboshcommon #birdingphotography #birding #juvenile #breedingpair #capetown #westerncape #alexaitkenhead #alexaitkenheadphotography

YELLOW-CROWNED BISHOP (In full breeding plumage) /Euplectes afer Afrikaans: Goudgeelvink It has taken us 9 months to connect with this SA Rare Birds in the Weatern Cape. Note how he fluffs up his golden back and rump feathers to attract a mate and his courtship display. A special moment and finally get to add this to our life list. Noordhoek Community Forum Colourful Birds of Southern Africa BirdLife South Africa Western Cape Birds