25-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SA - SPOTTED HYENA (Crocuta crocuta)

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a hyena species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN due to its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. The species is, however, experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching. Populations of Crocuta, usually considered a subspecies of Crocuta crocuta, known as cave hyenas, roamed across Eurasia for at least one million years until the end of the Late Pleistocene. The spotted hyena is the largest extant member of the Hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane, spotted pelt, more dual-purposed dentition, fewer nipples, and pseudo-penis. It is the only placental mammalian species where females have a pseudo-penis and lack an external vaginal opening.

 The spotted hyena is the most social of the Carnivora in that it has the largest group sizes and most complex social behaviours. Its social organisation is unlike that of any other carnivore, bearing closer resemblance to that of cercopithecine primates (baboons and macaques) with respect to group size, hierarchical structure, and frequency of social interaction among both kin and unrelated group-mates. 

The social system of the spotted hyena is openly competitive, with access to kills, mating opportunities and the time of dispersal for males depending on the ability to dominate other clan-members and form ally networks. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care. However, the spotted hyena is also very cooperative with their clan-mates; often hunting, eating, and resting together, and making use of their numeracy and communication skills to fight off a common enemy. Spotted hyena society is matriarchal; females are larger than males and dominate them.

25-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SA - SPOTTED HYENA (JUVENILE) (Crocuta crocuta)

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a hyena species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN due to its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. The species is, however, experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching. Populations of Crocuta, usually considered a subspecies of Crocuta crocuta, known as cave hyenas, roamed across Eurasia for at least one million years until the end of the Late Pleistocene. The spotted hyena is the largest extant member of the Hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane, spotted pelt, more dual-purposed dentition, fewer nipples, and pseudo-penis. It is the only placental mammalian species where females have a pseudo-penis and lack an external vaginal opening.

The spotted hyena is the most social of the Carnivora in that it has the largest group sizes and most complex social behaviours. Its social organisation is unlike that of any other carnivore, bearing closer resemblance to that of cercopithecine primates (baboons and macaques) with respect to group size, hierarchical structure, and frequency of social interaction among both kin and unrelated group-mates. The social system of the spotted hyena is openly competitive, with access to kills, mating opportunities and the time of dispersal for males depending on the ability to dominate other clan-members and form ally networks. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care. However, the spotted hyena is also very cooperative with their clan-mates; often hunting, eating, and resting together, and making use of their numeracy and communication skills to fight off a common enemy. Spotted hyena society is matriarchal; females are larger than males and dominate them.

The spotted hyena is a highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and opportunism; it is primarily a hunter but may also scavenge, with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste. In functional terms, the spotted hyena makes the most efficient use of animal matter of all African carnivores. The spotted hyena displays greater plasticity in its hunting and foraging behaviour than other African carnivores; it hunts alone, in small parties of 2–5 individuals, or in large groups. During a hunt, spotted hyenas often run through ungulate herds to select an individual to attack. Once selected, their prey is chased over a long distance, often several kilometres, at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph).

25-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SA - COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo)

The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium-to-large bird of prey which has a large range. It is a member of the genus Buteo in the family Accipitridae. The species lives in most of Europe and extends its breeding range across much of the Palearctic as far as northwestern China (Tian Shan), far western Siberia and northwestern Mongolia. Over much of its range, it is a year-round resident. However, buzzards from the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere as well as those that breed in the eastern part of their range typically migrate south for the northern winter, many journeying as far as South Africa.

The common buzzard is an opportunistic predator that can take a wide variety of prey, but it feeds mostly on small mammals, especially rodents such as voles. It typically hunts from a perch. Like most accipitrid birds of prey, it builds a nest, typically in trees in this species, and is a devoted parent to a relatively small brood of young. The common buzzard appears to be the most common diurnal raptor in Europe, as estimates of its total global population run well into the millions.

25-2-2026 RHULANI LODGE, MADIKWE RESERVE SA - DAMARA SKINK (Trachylepis damarana)

Trachylepis damarana, also known as the Damara skink or Damara variable skink, is a species of skink. It is found in southern Africa, specifically in south-eastern Angola, northern Namibia, western Zambia, northern and eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, north-eastern South Africa, and western Mozambique.

Trachylepis damarana is a very common terrestrial skink inhabiting open, rocky habitats in savanna. It has fully developed limbs and can reach 68 mm (2.7 in) in snout–vent length.

25-2-2026 RHULANI LODGE, MADIKWE RESERVE SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK WAVE MOTH (Scopula nigrinotata)

The Black wave moth (Scopula nigrinotata) is a species of moth in the family Geometridae. It is found in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

27-2-2026 V AND A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - TRAILING AFRICAN DAISY (Dimorphotheca fruticosa)

Dimorphotheca fruticosa, is a species of perennial herb native to coastal areas of South Africa. It is commonly known as trailing African daisy, and by its synonym Osteospermum fruticosum.

It has been classified as a weed in New Zealand where it is now a widespread coastal plant, particularly in the North Island.

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - SOUTHERN HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash ssp. hagedash)

The hadada ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) or hadeda (/ˈhɑːdiːdɑː/) is an ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named for its loud three to four note calls uttered in flight especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. Although not as dependent on water as some ibises, they are found near wetlands and often live in close proximity to humans, foraging in cultivated land and gardens. A medium-sized ibis with stout legs and a typical down-curved bill, the wing coverts are iridescent with a green or purple sheen. They are non-migratory but are known to make nomadic movements in response to rain particularly during droughts. Their ranges in southern Africa have increased with an increase in tree cover and irrigation in human-altered habitats.

Tantalus hagedash was the scientific name proposed by John Latham in 1790 who described it from a specimen that had been collected at "Houteniquas", due north of Mossel Bay, by Anders Sparrman who also recorded that it was onomatopoeically "called by the colonists hagedash, and also hadelde." It was later placed in a monotypic genus as Hagedashia hagedash but has since been placed in the genus Bostrychia. Three subspecies are recognized, the nominate form is found south of the Zambezi river and is paler and shorter billed than those of other subspecies. Populations to the north of the Zambezi river and towards the eastern parts of Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan and Ethiopia are larger and longer billed and designated as B. h. nilotica (Neumann, 1909) while to the west from Senegal to Congo and Kenya the darker brown and more brightly glossed populations are designated as B. h. brevirostris (Reichenow, 1907). A range of intermediate plumages are known and other subspecies such as erlangeri and guineensis have been proposed in the past. 

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - CROWNED CORMORANT (Microcarbo coronatus)

The crowned cormorant (Microcarbo coronatus) or kuifkopduiker, 'Fringe-head diver', is a small cormorant that is endemic to the waters of the cold Benguela Current of southern Africa. It is an exclusively coastal species and is not found more than 10 km (6 mi) away from land. This species is related to the reed cormorant, and was formerly considered to the same species.

It is found from Cape Agulhas north to Swakopmund along the coast of southern Africa.

The population appears to be between 2500 and 2900 breeding pairs. It breeds in small groups, with fewer than 150 individuals per colony being typical. Ringing recoveries show that juveniles may disperse up to 277 km from their nests, and adults move between breeding sites over 500 km apart.

The crowned cormorant is 50–55 cm in length. Adults are black with a small crest on the head and a red face patch. Young birds are dark brown above, paler brown below, and lack the crest. They can be distinguished from immature reed cormorants by their darker underparts and shorter tail.

Crowned cormorants feed on slow-moving fish and invertebrates, which they forage for in shallow coastal waters and among kelp beds.

It builds a nest from kelp, sticks, bones and lines it with kelp or feathers. The nest is usually in an elevated position such as a rocks, trees or man-made structures, but may be built on the ground.

Threats to the species include predation of eggs and chicks by kelp gulls and great white pelicans, human disturbance, oiling, and commercial fishing activities, including entanglement in marine debris and plastic fishing gear.

According to the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa and The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, its status is Near Threatened due to its small distribution area, though the IUCN lists it as Least Concern.

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - HAUTLAUB'S GULL (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii)

The gull is a non-migratory breeding resident endemic to the Atlantic Ocean coastline of South Africa and Namibia. Although it is predominantly coastal or estuarine, it is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from land. About one half of the total population, currently estimated at 30,000 birds, lives within the Greater Cape Town area. It has accommodated well to humans, and can become very tame around habitations. Although it is a relatively rare species, about the tenth rarest of the world's 50 or so gull species, it is common in its range and is widely regarded in Cape Town as a nuisance, fouling buildings and bathing in urban ponds. It has, at times, been a hazard to aircraft near airports.

Like most gulls, Hartlaub's is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. This is a noisy species, especially at colonies. The call is a raucous crow-like kaaarrh. This species is frequently the subject of complaints about the noise it makes in urban areas.

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is the most widespread species of swallow in the world, occurring on all continents, with vagrants reported even in Antarctica. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. In Anglophone Europe, it is just called the swallow; in northern Europe, it is the only member of family Hirundinidae called a "swallow" rather than a "martin".

There are eight subspecies of barn swallow, which breed across the Northern Hemisphere. Two subspecies (H. r. savignii and H. r. transitiva) have fairly restricted ranges in the Nile valley and eastern Mediterranean, respectively. The other six are more widespread, with winter ranges covering much of the Southern Hemisphere.

The barn swallow is a bird of open country that normally nests in man-made structures and consequently has spread with human expansion. It builds a cup nest from mud pellets in barns or similar structures and feeds on insects caught in flight. This species lives in close association with humans, and its insect-eating habits mean that it is tolerated by humans; this acceptance was reinforced in the past by superstitions regarding the bird and its nest.

26-3-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BUFF TAILED BUMBLE BEE (Bombus terrestris)

Bombus terrestris, the buff-tailed bumblebee or large earth bumblebee, is one of the most numerous bumblebee species in Europe. It is one of the main species used in greenhouse pollination, and so can be found in many countries and areas where it is not native, such as Tasmania. Moreover, it is a eusocial insect with an overlap of generations, a division of labour, and cooperative brood care. The queen is monogamous which means she mates with only one male. B. terrestris workers learn flower colours and forage efficiently.

B. terrestris is most commonly found throughout Europe and generally occupies temperate climates. Because it can survive in a wide variety of habitats, there are populations in the Near East, the Mediterranean Islands, and Northern Africa as well. Additionally, it has escaped captivity after being introduced as a greenhouse pollinator in countries where it is not native, so this bee is now considered an invasive species in many of these places, including Japan, Chile, Argentina, and Tasmania. Nests are usually found underground, such as in abandoned rodent dens.[8][10] Colonies form comb-like nest structures with egg cells each containing several eggs. The queen will lay egg cells on top of one another. Colonies produce between 300 and 400 bees on average, with a large variation in the number of workers.

24-3-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GARDEN CARPET MOTH (Xanthorhoe fluctuata)

The garden carpet (Xanthorhoe fluctuata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is an abundant and familiar species across its huge range which covers the whole Palearctic region from Ireland to Japan and including the Near East and North Africa. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

It has a wingspan of 27–31 mm (1.1–1.2 in). The wings are greyish white with three irregular black blotches along the costa of the forewing, the largest in the middle. Occasionally, much darker (melanic) forms occur. "Easy to recognize, in spite of its variability. In the typical form the ground colour is dirty whitish and the median band is almost or altogether obsolete in its posterior half.

The species has an exceptionally long flying season spanning two or three broods, and the adults can be seen any time from April to October in the British Isles. This may vary in other parts of its range. It flies throughout the night and is attracted to light – it is one of the species most likely to be seen at lighted windows.

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - KELP GULL (JUVENILE) (Larus dominicanus)

The Kelp Gull, known scientifically as Larus dominicanus, is a robust seabird with a commanding presence along the coasts and islands of the Southern Hemisphere. This species exhibits a striking contrast between its black upper parts and wings, and the pure white of its head, underparts, and tail. The wingtips are adorned with small white "mirrors," adding a touch of elegance to its flight. Adult Kelp Gulls have a yellow bill marked with a red spot and legs of a greenish-yellow hue, which become more vivid during the breeding season.

To identify the Kelp Gull, look for its size, which is intermediate between the lesser and great black-backed gulls of the northern Atlantic. Adults typically measure 54 to 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 128 to 142 cm. The bill and tarsus measurements are also distinctive, with the bill ranging from 4.4 to 5.9 cm and the tarsus from 5.3 to 7.5 cm. Juveniles can be recognized by their black bill, grey-brown plumage with whitish edges, and a dark band in the tail. They mature over three to four years, gradually acquiring the adult's pale bill base and predominantly white head and underparts.

27-2-2026 V AND A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - REDSPOT STONE CROP (Crassula capitella)

Crassula capitella, (red flames, red pagoda or campfire plant) is a perennial succulent plant native to southern Africa.

An extremely variable species. The narrow, pointed, splayed ("propeller-like" leaves are initially a light green, but become a strong reddish colour in the sun.

The leaves are stacked, and near the base of the rosette they are larger. Near the top of a rosette, the leaves gradually get smaller and change into floral bracts, as the stem forms a long, pointed inflorescence.

It is a small, succulent herb (15–40 cm in height) - with stems that are either erect or rambling and mat-forming. Each stem forms roots at its internodes, which take root if the stem lies against the ground.

C.capitella is mostly biennial, blooming in the summer, with small, white, star-shaped flowers forming all around each thick, upright stem. It grows to a height of about 6 inches tall, and will be damaged when exposed to temperatures below 30 °F (−1 °C).

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)

The Kelp Gull, known scientifically as Larus dominicanus, is a robust seabird with a commanding presence along the coasts and islands of the Southern Hemisphere. This species exhibits a striking contrast between its black upper parts and wings, and the pure white of its head, underparts, and tail. The wingtips are adorned with small white "mirrors," adding a touch of elegance to its flight. Adult Kelp Gulls have a yellow bill marked with a red spot and legs of a greenish-yellow hue, which become more vivid during the breeding season.

To identify the Kelp Gull, look for its size, which is intermediate between the lesser and great black-backed gulls of the northern Atlantic. Adults typically measure 54 to 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 128 to 142 cm. The bill and tarsus measurements are also distinctive, with the bill ranging from 4.4 to 5.9 cm and the tarsus from 5.3 to 7.5 cm. Juveniles can be recognized by their black bill, grey-brown plumage with whitish edges, and a dark band in the tail. They mature over three to four years, gradually acquiring the adult's pale bill base and predominantly white head and underparts.

27-2-2026 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - HAUTLAUB'S GULL (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii)

The Hartlaub's gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii), also colloquially known as the king gull, is a small, nimble seabird with a length of 36–38 cm. Its plumage is predominantly white, complemented by a grey back and upperwings. The wingtips are black, adorned with striking white "mirrors." A notable feature is its dark red bill and legs. During the breeding season, it sports a very faint lavender grey hood, while outside of this period, its head remains plain white.

Both sexes exhibit similar markings. The Hartlaub's gull is distinguishable from the slightly larger grey-headed gull by its thinner, darker bill, deeper red legs, paler head, and dark eyes. It reaches full maturity in two years, and juveniles can be identified by a brown band across the wings, lacking a black terminal tail band and presenting less dark areas in the wings compared to their grey-headed counterparts.

The gull is a non-migratory breeding resident endemic to the Atlantic Ocean coastline of South Africa and Namibia. Although it is predominantly coastal or estuarine, it is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from land. About one half of the total population, currently estimated at 30,000 birds, lives within the Greater Cape Town area. It has accommodated well to humans, and can become very tame around habitations. Although it is a relatively rare species, about the tenth rarest of the world's 50 or so gull species, it is common in its range and is widely regarded in Cape Town as a nuisance, fouling buildings and bathing in urban ponds. It has, at times, been a hazard to aircraft near airports.

Like most gulls, Hartlaub's is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. This is a noisy species, especially at colonies. The call is a raucous crow-like kaaarrh. This species is frequently the subject of complaints about the noise it makes in urban areas.

28-2-2026 WATERFRONT CAPE TOWN, SA - HAUTLAUB'S GULL (JUVENILE) (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii)

The Hartlaub's gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii), also colloquially known as the king gull, is a small, nimble seabird with a length of 36–38 cm. Its plumage is predominantly white, complemented by a grey back and upperwings. The wingtips are black, adorned with striking white "mirrors." A notable feature is its dark red bill and legs. During the breeding season, it sports a very faint lavender grey hood, while outside of this period, its head remains plain white. Both sexes exhibit similar markings. The Hartlaub's gull is distinguishable from the slightly larger grey-headed gull by its thinner, darker bill, deeper red legs, paler head, and dark eyes. It reaches full maturity in two years, and juveniles can be identified by a brown band across the wings, lacking a black terminal tail band and presenting less dark areas in the wings compared to their grey-headed counterparts.

When observing Hartlaub's gulls, look for the combination of their dark red bill and legs, the white "mirrors" on the black wingtips, and the faint grey hood during breeding season. Juveniles will have a brown band on the wings and darker legs, with a white head that distinguishes them from similar-aged grey-headed gulls.

1-4-2026 LAGUNA DE SILLA, ALBUFERA - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a water bird in the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The scientific name derives from Ancient Greek plegados and Latin, falcis, both meaning "sickle" and referring to the distinctive shape of the bill.

The historical name black curlew was used for the glossy ibis in Norfolk at least until the early 19th century, and this name also appears in Anglo-Saxon literature.[citation needed] Yalden and Albarella do not mention this species as occurring in medieval England.

1-4-2026 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - SMALL WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)

Pieris rapae is a small-to-medium-sized butterfly species of the whites-and-yellows family Pieridae. It is known in Europe as the small white, in North America and the United Kingdom as the cabbage white or cabbage butterfly, on several continents as the small cabbage white, and in New Zealand as the white butterfly. The butterfly is recognizable by its white color with small black dots on its wings, and it can be distinguished from P. brassicae by the latter's larger size and black band at the tip of the forewings.

The caterpillar of this species, often referred to as the "imported cabbageworm", is a pest to crucifer crops such as cabbage, kale, bok choy and broccoli. Pieris rapae is widespread in Europe and Asia; it is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Europe and to have spread across Eurasia thanks to the diversification of brassicaceous crops and the development of human trade routes. Over the past two centuries, it spread to North Africa (about 1800), North America (1860s), Hawaii (1897), New Zealand (1930), and Australia (1937), as a result of accidental introductions.

1-4-2026 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Large wader (approx 102 cm or 3.5 ft) with an also large wingspan (approx 175 cm or 5.5 ft). Stylized silhouette and long neck. Greyish plumage in general. White head in adults with black forelock and long, black feathers like a plume. Light neck with dark lines. Ashen back and dark spot on the shoulders. Lighter belly. Long, sharp, yellow bill. Yellow legs. Silhouette in flight with neck folded in the shape of an "s" and stretched legs.

Its habitats are principally Wetlands, River and Riverside

It lives in all types of wetlands with salty or fresh water in winter. In the breeding season it needs wetlands with nearby tree vegetation. Also in Reservoirs, lagoons, ditches and irrigation ponds, stream banks, coast line.

1-4-2026 SOLLANA SOUTH, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica)

The Eurasian magpie or common magpie (Pica pica) is a resident breeding bird throughout the northern part of the Eurasian continent. It is one of several birds in the crow family (corvids) that are designated as magpies, and it belongs to the Holarctic radiation of "monochrome" magpies. In Europe, the term "magpie" is used by English speakers as a synonym for the Eurasian magpie: the only other species of magpie in Europe is the Iberian magpie (Cyanopica cooki), which is restricted to the Iberian Peninsula. Despite sharing a name and similar colouration, they are not closely related to the Australian magpie, which is an artamid.

The Eurasian magpie is one of the most intelligent birds. The expansion of its nidopallium is approximately the same in its relative size as the brains of chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and humans. It is one of the few bird species known to pass the mirror test.

The range of the magpie extends across temperate Eurasia from Portugal, Spain and Ireland in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Magpies prefer open countryside with scattered trees and magpies are normally absent from treeless areas and dense forests. They sometimes breed at high densities in suburban areas such as parks and gardens. They can often be found close to city centres. In Sweden, magpies are exclusively associated with human settlements. It is extremely rare to find a magpie more than a few hundred metres from a human dwelling. Based on archaeological finds, it has been suggested that magpies became scavengers around human communities perhaps as early as during the Scandinavian Bronze Age, but certainly during the Scandinavian Iron Age.

Magpies are usually sedentary and tend to stay close to their nesting territories in winter. However, those living near the northernmost limits of their range, in Sweden, Finland, and Russia, may move south in harsh weather conditions.

14-3-2026 KOTU CREEK, BANJUL - VILLAGE WEAVER (FEMALE) (Ploceus cucullatus)

This often abundant species occurs in a wide range of open or semiopen habitats, including woodlands and human habitation, and frequently forms large noisy colonies in towns, villages, and hotel grounds. This weaver builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and leaf strips with a downward-facing entrance, which is suspended from a branch in a tree. Two or three eggs are laid. Village weavers are colonial breeders, so many nests may hang from one tree.

Village weavers feed principally on seeds and grain, and can be a crop pest, but readily take insects, especially when feeding young, which partially redresses the damage to agriculture. The calls of this bird include harsh buzzes and chattering.

The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus), also known as the spotted-backed weaver or black-headed weaver (the latter leading to easy confusion with P. melanocephalus), is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae found in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been introduced to Portugal and Venezuela as well as to the islands of Hispaniola, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Réunion.

14-3-2026 BANJUL DOCKS, THE GAMBIA - AFRICAN GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba ssp. melanorhynchos)

The great egret (Ardea alba), also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron, is a large, widely distributed egret. The four subspecies are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. Recently, it has also been spreading to more northern areas of Europe. Distributed across most of the tropical and warmer temperate regions of the world, it builds tree nests in colonies close to water. The great egret is generally a very successful species with a large and expanding range, occurring worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. It is ubiquitous across the Sun Belt of the United States and in the Neotropics.

In the Nordic countries, it was historically a rare visitor. The first breeding was observed in Sweden in 2012 and in Denmark in 2014. In 2018, a pair of great egrets nested in Finland for the first time, raising four young in a grey heron colony in Porvoo.

14-3-2026 BANJUL DOCKS, THE GAMBIA - GREY HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus)

The grey-headed gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus), also known as the grey-hooded gull, is a small species of gull which breeds patchily in South America and Africa south of the Sahara. It is not truly migratory, but is dispersive, becoming more widespread in winter. This species has occurred as a rare vagrant to the United States, Italy, and Spain. As is the case with many gulls, it had traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. Recent evidence suggests the South American and African populations may represent two separate cryptic species.

The grey-headed gull is slightly larger than the black-headed gull at 42 cm length. The summer adult has a pale grey head, a grey body, slightly darker in tone than in black-headed gull, and red bill and legs. The black tips to the primary wing feathers have conspicuous white "mirrors". The underwing is dark grey with black wingtips. The grey hood is lost in winter, leaving just two dark smudges around and behind the eye. The eye is dark in immatures, but has a white iris in adults. The sexes are similar. It takes two years to reach maturity; first year birds have a black terminal tail band, and more dark areas in the wings. In flight, the wings are broader than those of black-headed gull. It is a noisy species, especially at colonies. The call is a raucous crow-like caw, caw.

It is locally abundant, breeding in large colonies in reedbeds and marshes; it lays two or three eggs in a nest, which can be on the ground or floating. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding and in evening roosts. Although it is predominantly coastal or estuarine, it is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from land. Flocks numbering hundreds or thousands can form when the feeding conditions are appropriate.

14-3-2026 KOTU CREEK, BANJUL - VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus)

This often abundant species occurs in a wide range of open or semiopen habitats, including woodlands and human habitation, and frequently forms large noisy colonies in towns, villages, and hotel grounds. This weaver builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and leaf strips with a downward-facing entrance, which is suspended from a branch in a tree. Two or three eggs are laid. Village weavers are colonial breeders, so many nests may hang from one tree.

Village weavers feed principally on seeds and grain, and can be a crop pest, but readily take insects, especially when feeding young, which partially redresses the damage to agriculture. The calls of this bird include harsh buzzes and chattering.