First up was a Common Sandpiper as I got out the car and a lone Sacred Ibis in a tree. Further off into the wetland were a couple of Fan-tailed Widowbirds flitting around in what appeared to be mating displays.

The more numerous Yellow-backed Weavers were all involved with nest building and one nest had a female going in and out regularly. The 4 Village Weavers looked lost among all their cousins and didn't hang around where I was.

Suddenly out of the distant reeds 3 Yellow-billed Ducks flew up and over me and toward somewhere much further upstream. They flew back and forth about 3 times. At one stage aGreat Egret followed them back from upstream. A surprise came in the form of a Pink-backed Pelican flying out from behind some vegetation upstream and away in a southerly direction. The air show was participated in by a couple of Augur Buzzards calling constantly and the Angola and Red-rumped Swallows doing fly-bys. White-rumped Swifts made an early appearance before setting off downstream. Only 1 Black Kite passed overhead - about 1km back toward town later there were about 30 odd circling and rising in early thermals and another 15 Hooded Vultures about 500m further following suit.

In the trees next to the road the Speckled Mousebirds kept busy although at a seemingly snail's pace compared to the gleaning speed of the Bronze and Variable Sunbirds. The latter also had a nest in a Eucalyptus tree about 3m above and right next to the water. Both Pied and Cape Wagtails were present as was the ever energetic Swamp Flycatcher.

Other species seen include Western Citril, Hadada Ibis, Pied Kingfisher and Common Waxbill. I didn't venture into or along the wetland today but certainly will be returning to see what hidden treasures it holds.

PHOTOS BY MARCELL CLAASSEN

• 07/02/2012 16:31 - FBOTW
• 04/02/2012 15:25 - WINNER OF THE DECEMBER 2011 TOTW!
• 04/02/2012 15:15 - TOTW
• 02/02/2012 12:23 - WORLD WETLANDS DAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2012
• 28/01/2012 13:19 - TOTW
• 23/01/2012 15:09 - FBOTW
• 21/01/2012 13:38 - TOTW
• 19/01/2012 12:10 - latest news from the little rahab center; Jake's story...