Mtunzini

We left on 23rd May for the drive south to Mtunzini. I was particularly pleased to be returning here after many years because had spent a great time here in the 1980's with the family. We were staying at the Mtunzini Forest Lodge, which proved to be quite good for birding & very comfortable. It is a very tropical, lush environment & the small town itself is delightful. It hadn't changed a bit! 

These palms were planted here

 in the 1880's.

Before this date there was no habitat 

for the Vultures.

Vervet Monkey.

Purple crested Lourie

White eared Barbet

Common in these coastal forests.

Yellow rumped Tinker Barbet

A very secretive species.

Olive Sunbird

We had two bird targets: Palm Nut Vulture (which should be easy here) & the elusive Mangrove Kingfisher in the nearby local nature reserve. We spent thee first morning walking in the Rafia Palm Monument which used to be a sure fire thing for the Palm Nut Vulture. Despite extensive searching & walking, nothing! I couldn't believe it, as it was here many years ago that I had ticked them & they were stuck on. They appear to have moved to the nearby residential golfing estate but they wouldn't let us in!

Habitat for the Kingfisher!

Mangrove Kingfisher

In the southern African region

this species is highly localised & 

difficult to observe.

Only found in these mangroves 

in the winter months.

Immature African Fish Eagle

Osprey with catch!

African Pied Wagtail

There is a good range of mammal species in the

 local nature reserve.

Red Duiker

Common in these coastal dune forests.

We enjoyed a nice few days in this area. It really would be a nice place to live in South Africa. Hope to return soon.