Day 7 - Ranomafana

Our first foray into the wonderful forests of Ranomafana proved to be very interesting, not only from a birding point of view but from the fact that several of my group were unwell with stomach issues. So the undulating stone step trail system was a little taxing for some but during the course of our exploration over a 5 hour period we saw a number of great birds. First of all, a pair of Pitta-like Ground Rollers were hopping along the path in front of us before we hit the first stake-out for Velvet Asity. 

Velvet Asity

A stunning male flew all around us as he patrolled his seemingly small territory and we wee told by local guide Stephan that the female is sitting on eggs at the moment. No tapes were played and we simply enjoyed the bird doing ‘its thing’. We walked upwards and eventually took a rough, side trail to the next stake-out where a female Pollen’s Vanga was sat on a nest. We were also lucky to witness a change over when the male came in to replace her. 

Pollen's Vanga

In the meantime our local guides were busy searching for Brown Mesite, but we didn’t even hear any despite a bird being present in this area 2 days previously. Maybe the heavy overnight rain had altered the birds feeding pattern? Who knows. Still, on we went and another side trail took us to a group of Red-bellied Lemurs feeding quietly in the canopy. 

Red-bellied Lemur

As we watched them we also discovered at least a pair of fabulous Cuckoo Rollers. It was  a bit steep walking back up to the main path but once here a Crossley’s Vanga showed very well as it sand from a low branch just a metre off the floor. Some authorities call this a babbler but that does seem to demean the species a tad I think. 

The nearby viewpoint was next up and as well as a fine vista we enjoyed a singing Common Jery, as well as a pair of Blue Vangas quietly feeding in the low bushes below us. Another tiring up and down hike followed during which we heard a couple of Tylas Vangas, but did see Long-billed Berneria and Grey-crowned Tetraka, before reaching yet another stake-out. This time it was a Rufous Vanga sat on a nest to round off a good morning’s birding. 

Lunch was taken at a nearby restaurant before we returned to the hotel for a siesta. Heading out again at 3pm was fairly civilised, but the all too brief view of a Madagascan Flufftail was downright rude! Still, we eventually well and truly nailed Tylas Vanga and Madagascan Green Sunbird before seeing Brown Mouse Lemur and O’Shaughnessy’s Chameleon after the sun had set.