Evening all, and another hard day at the office. We start with a few photos from Thursday 28th which I neither had the energy or the time to post yesterday - enjoy!
This Snake has been identified but I'll need to look it up again.
Sanderling with Greater Sand Plover
Ringed Plover, something a little more familiar for readers at home.
Mud Skipper, while taking these shots I looked up to find the only Swamp Warbler so far this trip. Unfortunately it was too active to get anything like a decent image.
More photos of Chabert's Vanga
this time on its magic little nest.
Greater Flamingo (unfortunately) as Lesser continues to evade me.
The only Gull species thus far, while watching a small number of Humpbacked Whales, at great distance, this Kelp Gull flew over. The only other prospective Gull here would be Grey-headed.
Wild Lychee's, always ripe by Christmas.
and finally another Gecko.Friday 29th October 2010
Friday 29th October 2010
It was a bit of a wrench having to leave Vezo after just 24 hours, but did so by the same modes of transport which as well as the speedboat included Zebu Taxis which carried us from the boat to shore. These small carts propelled by local cattle were great fun but the ride was all too short. Back at the minibus we met up once again with the driver and his assistant for the one hour run to Ifaty and another beautiful coastal hotel and location. Along the way there were a series of pools where, as there had been some rainfall in recent days, we found Curlew Sandpiper, Greenshank and Black-necked Stilt, while on the beach there were good numbers of Sanderling all added to the trip list. The best however was left until last as we watched the sunset once again Grey Mouse Lemur woke and emerged from its nest in one of the chalets.
Welcome to Reniala Baobab Forest and our local guide.
Common Newtonia
Cabert's Vanga
Giant Baobab Tree with unwanted guest.
Archbold's Newtonia, notoriously difficult to locate we heard this little bird long before the guide spotted it.
Long-tailed Ground-Roller
We make no apologies for publishing 4 shots of this Madagascar gem,
along with the likes of Helmeted Vanga (which we won't see as it is restricted to the northern regions of the country)
this species is one of what birding fable is made of.
Greater Vasa Parrot, this one's for you Dave!
Chameleon Sp. Most of the Chameleons, Geckos, Lizards etc have been identified but I am well behind labeling photos - the 'readership' comes first.
Frog Sp.
Spiny-tailed Dragon
Some of the local work force with Zebu carts.
Forest Fody (pronounced Foodie) common but none the less charming for all that.
Madagascar Hoopoe. Most of the group saw these at close quarters, but once again I was 'absent from place of duty'.
Running Coua,
another excellent 'ground bird' to get in the log.
Sakalava Weaver
Souimanga Sunbird
Spiny-throated Jery
Ditto
Sickle-billed Vanga, not the easiest of the 'endemics' to locate but we found a pair and when continuing the sweep I came across a distant
White-headed Vanga. I don't know if anyone else in the group saw this so will have to check that out tomorrow.
and then as if to add a 'Kiss of Death', the Warden turned up complete with medals. To be fair like everyone else we have encountered he was a great lad.