Ghana Coastal Forest Tour Report 2015

 21st - 28th Sept 2015

 
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Either for rarity value, excellent views or simply a group favourite.

  • Hartlaub’s Duck
  • Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle
  • Long-tailed Hawk
  • Black-bellied Bustard
  • White-spotted Flufftail
  • Senegal Lapwing
  • Great Blue Turaco
  • Yellow-billed Turaco
  • Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo
  • Black-throated Coucal
  • Fraser’s Eagle Owl
  • Red-chested Owlet
  • White-bellied Kingfisher
  • Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
  • Black Bee-eater
  • White-crested Hornbill
  • Black Dwarf-Hornbill
  • Bristle-nosed Barbet
  • African Piculet
  • Fire-bellied Woodpecker
  • Rufous-sided Broadbill
  • Red-cheeked Wattle-Eye
  • Red-billed Helmetshrike
  • Sabine’s Puffback
  • Blue Cuckooshrike      
  • Yellow-headed Picathartes
  • Western Nicator
  • White-throated Blue Swallow
  • Preuss’s Swallow
  • Tit-Hylia
  • Honeyguide Greenbul
  • Yellow-bearded Greenbul
  • Grey Longbill
  • Chestnut-capped Flycatcher
  • Sharpe’s Apalis
  • Rufous-crowned Eremomela
  • Puvel’s Illadopsis
  • Violet-backed Hyliota
  • Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher
  • Oriole Warbler
  • White-tailed Alethe
  • Forest Robin
  • Finsch’s Flycatcher Thrush
  • Reichenbach’s Sunbird
  • Buff-throated Sunbird
  • Red-headed Malimbe
  • Yellow-mantled Weaver
  • Chestnut-breasted Negrita
  • Red-fronted Antpecker
  • Black-bellied Seedcracker

 

 SUMMARY:
Yellow-headed Picathartes - Ghana 2015 by Nick Bray
With a short 6 hour direct flight from the UK leading you to the bird-rich coastal forests of Ghana and with a long tour scheduled for late October 2016, I had an opportunity to spend a few days exploring the area. This was a real eye-opener for me as these lush forests were simply alive with birds and I cannot think of anywhere where you can see so many birds in such dense forests anywhere in the world. I visited Shai Hills, several sections of Kakum National Park, Antekwa, camped in Ankasa forest for two nights, Abrafo, Bonkro and Bobiri forests. My focus was on exploring these sites as fully as possible and not building up a big list, as well as trying to get to grips with some of the regionals more difficult skulkers. The highlight was undoubtedly the famous Canopy Walkway at Kakum – an amazing experience with so many local, rare and stunning species appearing at regular intervals. Oh and a magical few hours alone with a pair of Yellow-headed Picathartes or White-necked Rockfowl. Simply amazing! 


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