Aberfolyle Lodge is well known among bird lovers. They come here from all over the world to look for the birds that are still missing from their list with Morgan, one of the best bird experts in southern Africa. We’re not there yet! However, we have become more and more fond of the birdlife in southern Africa in recent years. There is simply nothing better than hearing your feathered friends and their morning song. (We get up at 4.45 am., open the veranda door wide, go back to bed and listen to the bird concert!)

On October 23^rd, 2024 we arranged to go birdwatching with Morgan. He arrived at 5:.55 am. sharp equipped with binoculars, pointer, smartphone and a small loudspeaker. We had barely been walking for five minutes when he showed us the first bird: a brightly colored Pygmy Kingfisher. Wow! Then we went into the forest, where Morgan showed us birds that we would never have seen on our own: Livingstone’s Turaco, African Broadbill, Black-Tailed Waxbill, Narina Trogon and many more.

Before we started our tour, Morgan asked me which bird I would like to see. My answer came straight out of the box: an owl! And what did Morgan show us half an hour later: An African Wood Owl! Morgan had lured it with the help of his smartphone and loudspeaker when he uttered the call. An owl! And one we’ve never seen before! Can a day start any better?

 PS: If you want to know more about the Wood Owl, read here.