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Birds of Port Elizabeth, South Africa

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Ranked #15,168 in Pets & Animals, #415,102 overall

My images of local birds.

I've always enjoyed walking in nature. Mostly I would find a secluded spot and sit in the shade watching the birds. About a year ago I decided to attempt my hand at identifying the different bird species. From there it progressed to me purchasing a camera and attempting to get photographs of the birds. I am not much of a photographer but I find it enjoyable to be able to keep some kind of visual track of my birding.

I'm posting a few of my images here. On the left is a Streaky-headed Seadeater.

Birding in Port Elizabeth

Approximately 145 species of bird may be viewed within the city limits itself, vagrants and occasional visitors excluded. I have spotted 71 of these and photographed 46. Some of my favourite spots include the Baakens Valley, Swartkops Estuary and Cape Receife. I have published a checklist of the birds found in Port Elizabeth on my personal website and it may be viewed here. Pictured on the right is a female Amethyst Sunbird.

If you travel a short distance from Port Elizabeth to the Addo Elephant Park you will be able to view as many as 350 different bird species.

About the images

I have published the images on my personal website. I am not an accomplished photographer and thus some of the images could be better. I hope to improve with time. The basic idea is to keep a visual catalogue of the birds I've seen and I have no ambition to become a world renowned wildlife- or bird photographer. I am using a hand-held camera, without tripod, and I don't use a hide to get close to the birds. Pictured on the right is a Southern MAsked Weaver.

Yellow-billed Duck

The Yellow-billed Duck (Anas Undulata) is quite common where I stay. I found this pair having an early morning swim on the Baakens River. They always seem to be together in pairs.

Sunbirds

We have three species of Sunbird that are very common in my area. My favourite is the Lesser Double-collared Sunbird and they always seem to perch very conspicuously on the top of shrubs. The one pictured here was singing his heart out and he took no notice of me.