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A tip off from a fellow trekkie, about a sighting of a mythical Fairy Flycatcher at a favourite destination of mine, compelled me to go to Rietvlei Nature Reserve after school today. This small bird had successfully avoided me the previous winters, hopefully this winter would be different… 
On arrival, a Fiscal Flycatcher male had greeted my dad and me at the entrance. I pondered how different its counterpart would really be. A Common Fiscal was next, peering down at us from wooden pole, the perfect advantage point. “Very funny,” I thought, “it is great to see you, but you’re not the counterpart I’m looking for.” 
Our main aim was to explore the area of the new coffee shop, the little Fairy had been seen in this area. It is a great place to visit and it gives birders in particular better access to bushveld birds. I scanned each tree up and down, side to side. The small movement of Cape White-eyes caught my attention as well as the flashes of black and white caused by the Fiscal Flycatchers, however, not one Fairy appeared… 
  Regardless of not seeing the mythical bird, I did see my first Aardwolf (a “lifer”)! By this time, the sun had sunk below the horizon a long time ago. However, the black nozzle and black stripes down the flanks of Aardwolf were unmistakable! Other enjoyable sightings included three Marsh Owls (the first for the year for me and a first for my dad). 
» 3 Comments
1Comment
at Saturday, 29 May 2010 13:36
ah wow the aardwolf sighting makes up for the Fairy Flycatcher, Candy ;-))..well you will just have to return again for another search for that mythical bird eh?
2Comment
at Saturday, 29 May 2010 13:37
p.s. beautiful in-flight shots :-D
3Comment
at Saturday, 29 May 2010 21:11
Wow...an aardwolf Candy and Marsh Owls...awesome
AND great photos !!!
As Jay says you will have to return for that special little bird !!!
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