Yellow-headed Picathartes: a mystical bird

In March 2019 I visited Ghana with Birdquest specifically to search for the White-necked Rockfowl – or Yellow-headed Picathartes – (Picathartes gymnocephalus). Previously, colonies of this bird sought by many avian enthusiasts had been recorded throughout the rainforest zone of western Africa. Ceaseless deforestation destroyed all known populations, and the bird was considered extinct in… Continue reading Yellow-headed Picathartes: a mystical bird

CAMEROON – a birding trip to south-western Cameroon

INTRODUCTION Having participated in a Rockjumper Trip to Cameroon with a 3-week itinerary in April 2017 I knew that Cameroon is likely the number 1 birding destination in Western Africa with a big potential of seeing more but in a 3-week itinerary in a group of 11 participants. A trip list in April of 537… Continue reading CAMEROON – a birding trip to south-western Cameroon

Congo Serpent-Eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis) in the Cameroon lowlands

Driving from Edea down to Kribi in April 2017 we managed to catch a bird, unobtrusively crouching on a branch of a medium-sized tree right along the road. The bird had large eyes, but was sitting right in the open. Wow, this was the Congo Serpent-Eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis) is a medium-sized eagle that occurs in… Continue reading Congo Serpent-Eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis) in the Cameroon lowlands