Trip Report for February 2008
Arrival Day
We were collected separately from the airport. Birding began straight away with the expected Pied Crows and Hooded Vultures and a quick stop to view a Black Shouldered Kite. In a very short time we turned off onto the sandy road through Bijilo village and the round buildings that are the hallmark of Halcyon’s accommodation came into view.We were given a very warm welcome by Bob and Jane (Philip’s parents) and introduced to Barnsley the goat. Jane showed us our room with instructions to make ourselves at home and that is, indeed, how it felt for the week. The large round rooms are cool and airy with beautifully carved furniture and each have an en suite shower room. They were very well equipped with a mosquito net, fridge, kettle, hair dryer, clothes drier and even washing powder. There was time for a quick dip in the pool before meeting up over a welcome drink - the first of many of Clare’s excellent gin and tonics - with Philip and Mustapha to discuss the week ahead. Before we knew what was happening we had abandoned our drinks and Mustapha had three of us in the sorrel patch next to the compound doing a spot of birding before supper.
Species seen...
Cattle egret |
African Mourning Dove |
African Grey Hornbill
|
Grey-headed Sparrow White-billed Buffalo Weaver |
