Bird/Wildlife artist Roy Astley Fryer
Birding in Southern Africa by Roy Astley Fryer
Black-collared barbet (Lybius torquatus)
The bird has a bright red face and
throat,bordered with black
(diagnostic),Photo 2004,Berg en Dal
Saddlebilled storks (Ephippiothynchus senegalensis)
The stork has an unusual red and black banded bill,and a yellow "saddle"at
the bill base. They can be found at fresh water lakes,pans,rivers and
floodplains. They are usually solitary birds but are sometimes found in
pairs.These Saddlebills where located in the Kruger National park,South
Africa. Photo 2006, waterhole near Skukuza
Thick-billed roller (Eurystomus glaucurus)
I photographed this Broadbilled roller in the Kruger National park in
2006,South Africa. I located him at the water/bird hide just outside of Skukuza.
It is rather rare to find them so far down south as they are commonly found in
Zimbabwe.
Black Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar)
Not all bird sightings are good. Sometimes ,seeing  these scenarios brings reality  
to the world that we live in and still know so little about regarding the wildlife
around us..So much war going on in the animal kingdom for survival. Upon waiting one
day at a bird hide with Paula, I noticed across the water to the edge a bigger bird
bouncing around from one weavers nest, to the next.I had the binoc's out and soon
enough pinned the species down from my birding guide book as the "Black Gabar
goshawk".He was raiding the young from the weavers nests.We saw him take out a baby
after locating the hole from the nest. A lot of niose and panic ensued from
the parents. A protective and brave male weaver attacked the goshawk. The goshawk was
fast enough this time to snatch the poor male out of the air as he was attempting to
defend his young.Very sad, but these things happen in the wild each and
everyday.Photographed Lake Panic,Skukuza,2006
Goliath heron (Ardea goliath)
Its large size is diagnostic.It is the worlds largest
heron.Usually found at freshwater dams,lakes and
rivers.We located this heron at a bird hide near
Skukuza(2006).A common resident to the area.At the
time photographing the heron is was nest building.
Spottedbacked weaver (Ploceus cucullatus)
Common resident in the eastern part of Southern Africa.
Colonial nester in reed beds,trees overhanging
water,Usually found in large flocks. Photographed
2006,Lake Panic