GHANA TOUR REPORT 2024

17 February - 8 March 2024

by Pete Morris

Ghana, once known as the ‘Gold Coast’ is situated in the very heart of West Africa, and is a vibrant, colourful and friendly country that offers much to visitors. More importantly, for us, Ghana is without doubt the jewel of West Africa in terms of finding and seeing West African specialities. As with most of the region, the habitat is severely under threat, both from clearance for other land uses, and exploitation for bush meat, but there are enough pockets of habitat to deliver many of those mouth-watering specialities. But importantly, there is a brilliant infrastructure in Ghana with generally good hotels and roads, decent food and excellent local guides and logistical support. So, despite the fact that the birding is still tough, it is anywhere in West Africa, it is without doubt the place to go to get a big list of desirable birds! In just under three weeks, we recorded around 460 species of birds, an excellent total for this tour. But the list of desirable goodies was more impressive! The White-necked Rockfowl (much better known as Yellow-headed Picathartes) was the star of the show, but other mouth-watering goodies included Nkulengu Rail, Brown Nightjar, Akun and Fraser’s Eagle Owls, Congo Serpent Eagle, Long-tailed Hawk, White-throated Francolin, stunning Blue-moustached and Rosy Bee-eaters, delightful Blue-bellied and Abyssinian Rollers, Forbes’s Plover, and the highly-desired Egyptian Plover. More subtle but rarely seen species included Baumann’s Olive Greenbul, Forest Penduline Tit, and Nimba and Tessmann’s Flycatchers, and a number of Upper Guinea endemics included species such as Melancholy and Fire-bellied Woodpeckers, and Yellow-bearded and Western Bearded Greenbuls. This is of course only scratching the surface! The butterflies were out of this world and would need another full trip to do them justice, and we found a number of interesting mammals. All in all, it was a great adventure and my sincere thanks go to James and the entire Ashanti family for their support and tireless help during the trip.

We all met up in the evening in Accra, the busy capital of Ghana, and the following morning made our way to our first birding stop at the Winneba Plains. This provided a gentle introduction to some of Ghana’s open country birds, with colourful Yellow-crowned Gonoleks being an early standout, with other interesting species including a pair of Western Plantain-eaters, Senegal Lapwings, a black morph Gabar Goshawk, White-throated Bee-eaters, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbirds, Vieillot’s Barbet, numerous Croaking Cisticolas, an excitable pair of Red-winged Warblers, Splendid and Copper Sunbirds and a surprise Common Cuckoo! Nearby, we were pleased to find a couple of African Hobbies and a Lanner Falcon. We then made our way around to the Winneba coastal lagoon for a bit of wader and tern watching. Here, we found good numbers of waders, including Kittlitz’s and White-fronted Plovers and our first Spur-winged Lapwings, whilst the tern roost held African Royal and Black Terns as well as good numbers of Roseate Terns, some in smart plumage. After a busy first morning we made our way to our comfortable base near to Kakum National Park, and here we settled in and had a fine lunch. Or first afternoon into the rainforest was somewhat curtailed by heavy rain! We did find a few forest species such as Blue Malkoha, an Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, West African Pied Hornbills, some flyover Brown-cheeked Hornbills, Naked-faced and Yellow-spotted (the very different song of West African birds will lead to this form being split as another species) Barbets, Western and Black-winged Orioles, Golden Greenbul, Rufous-crowned Eremomela and our first malimbes and nigritas, but as the rain worsened we headed back to the hotel. As we arrived, the rain abated and so we made the most of the situation, exploring the nearby farmbush, and here we found our first Blue-headed Coucals, a splendid pair of Marsh Tchagras, Bar-breasted Firefinches, smart Chestnut-and-black Weavers, and a skulking pair of Baumann’s Olive Greenbuls.

We then had two full days to explore the area around Kakum National Park. Although created in 1932, the park wasn’t opened to the public until 1994. Covering an area of 347 square kilometres, it is semi-evergreen rain forest although much of it has been ‘selectively’ logged and little of the forest is pristine, though the regenerating forest holds a number of good birds! Kakum is perhaps most famous for its rain forest canopy walkway, the only one in Africa, and very similar to the famous canopy walkway at Iquitos in Peru. Constructed in 1995 it is comprised of about 350 metres of bridges suspended between six tree platforms that reach a height of up to 40 metres above the forest floor. Luckily, we were allowed on before the crowds, and were privileged to spend a few hours in the canopy just with the birds and were greeted by Ussher’s Flycatchers. The walkway itself was not everyone’s cup of tea as it swayed and creaked, but over the next couple of hours we accumulated a number of species at eye-level that normally reside high above in the canopy. During our vigil Velvet-mantled Drongos and West African Pied Hornbill were virtually constant companions. Green Hylias piped out their disyllabic calls and early goodies included some often difficult-to-see species such as Sabine’s Puffback, West African Batis and Sharpe’s Apalis, as well as a very obliging pair of Forest Penduline Tits, Finsch’s Rufous Thrush, and some smart Tit-Hylias. Some of the canopy species still proved difficult to see, and stayed on even higher perches, with species such as Violet-backed Hyliota, and Buff-throated Sunbird still seemingly high above us! White-breasted and Grey-headed Nigritas were somewhat easier to see, as were Red-headed Malimbes. Chestnut-winged and Splendid Starlings were often around too, and other goodies included a smart Western Long-tailed Hornbill, more Brown-cheeked Hornbills, a Black-casqued Hornbill, and showy African Cuckoo-Hawks. We also spent some time watching overhead, where we found our first Rosy Bee-eaters, a couple of Cassin’s Spinetails and plenty of Pallid Swifts. As it warmed up and activity died down, we made our way off the walkway and to the forest down below. Here we made a short walk through the forest and found a number of interesting species including West African Wattle-eyes, Fraser’s Sunbirds and Icterine Greenbuls, and a fantastic male Rufous-sided Broadbill. After lunch and a break, we made our way back to the canopy walkway, but alas it was one of those days when the birds were AWOL! We barely saw a bird for our efforts, but stunning views of the rare Brown Nightjar at dusk went some way towards compensating us!

The following day, we tried a few different forest patches and areas of farmbush in the Kakum area. We began in an open area where we found a singing Grey Tit-Flycatcher, whilst in the nearby undergrowth, stunning Red-cheeked Wattle-eyes glowed, and a Lowland Sooty Boubou skulked! Moving further on we got to an area of taller farm bush where we soon found a smart Red-rumped Tinkerbird, and both Olive-green and Yellow-browed Camaropteras. Blue-throated Rollers and smart Red-vented Malimbes added colour, and a careful vigil by a small stream yielded a fantastic male White-spotted Flufftail. Other species seen during the morning included Mottled and Black Spinetails, our first stunning Black Bee-eaters, a brilliant flock of more than fifty Rosy Bee-eaters, several Bristle-nosed Barbets, our first Hairy-breasted Barbet, Lesser (Thick-billed) Honeyguides, Grey Longbills and our first Whistling Cisticola. In the afternoon we again returned to a forest road, and again the weather was decidedly dodgy. We did find our first stunning Yellow-billed Turacos, a superb flock of Red-billed Helmetshrikes, a restless flock of Spotted Greenbuls, Honeyguide Greenbuls posing in the scope, and a male Yellow-chinned Sunbird. At dusk we saw a brief Dwarf Bittern for some, and after dark we squeezed in some great looks at a Fraser’s Eagle Owl before the heavens opened, and we got a real soaking!

We returned to the forest once more the following morning. It was quiet and slow going, though we managed a few interesting species such as African Emerald and Levaillant’s Cuckoos, a lovely pair of Red-thighed Sparrowhawks, a sneaky Forest Wood Hoopoe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Western Bearded and Red-tailed Greenbuls, Narrow-tailed and localized Copper-tailed Starlings, some smart Preuss’s Weavers and our first Crested Malimbe. Heading back to the hotel we made an extended stop at a large roadside gathering of Preuss’s Cliff Swallows, busily gathering mud for their nests.

We were once more back at the hotel for an excellent lunch, before making the long journey to Ankasa National Park. We made some stops along the way. At the first stop, a rather lush, lily-covered pool, we soon found the hoped for African Pygmy Geese, and we were also pleased to see a pair of Allen’s Gallinules sneaking about with the more prevalent African Jacanas. We also found some excellent colourful male Orange Weavers attending their nests. Moving on, the Ebi River produced a real surprise in the form of a rare hybrid between Grey and Purple Heron, as well as Black Heron, Mangrove Sunbird and a much-wanted pair of Hartlaub’s Ducks which showed very well in the scope. It was dark by the time we arrived at Ankasa National Park, but we still had time to be bowled over by the fabulous lodge and its excellent restaurant!

We had three and a half days to explore the magnificent and diverse forests at Ankasa. Magnificent and diverse, but you still have to tease every bird out, and it was pretty slow going. At times it could seem as if the forest was completely devoid of birds! Put simply, there are no magic tickets in West African forests. The more time you spend looking, the more you see, and it really is a gradual accumulation, but the list we amassed was certainly pleasing in the end. We focused much of our attention around a series of small forest pools, and here we found several of our wanted species. As Blue-billed Malimbes attended their nests, White-bellied and Shining Blue Kingfishers flashed across the pools and gave some wonderful perched views. On a couple of occasions, we bumped in to the elusive White-crested Tiger Heron, whilst nearby we were surprised to find a splendid Lagden’s Bushshrike, a rare bird in Ghana.

We worked hard, and at times went for long periods without seeing a bird, but in the end, we did manage to amass a fair number of great birds. We spent some time targeting the desirable forest raptors, and this also paid off, with decent views of both Congo Serpent Eagle and the much-wanted Long-tailed Hawk. Other highlights included an Nkulengu Rail fixed in the spotlight pre-dawn, a fantastic pair of Akun Eagle Owls, a fine Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, a Blue-headed Wood Dove, a fine pair of Fire-bellied Woodpeckers, Brown-eared Woodpeckers, some huge and noisy Great Blue Turacos, a scoped male Yellow-casqued Hornbill, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo and a fine Red-chested Owlet peering down at us from the canopy. Inside the forest we sought another group of elusive denizens! Here, sneaky mixed flocks held the much-wanted Yellow-bearded Greenbuls that were outnumbered by fidgety Red-tailed Greenbuls. Black and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbills both put in an appearance and skulkers that were teased out included a couple of smart (Western) Forest Robins, the excellent Rufous-winged Illadopsis, sneaky Pale-breasted and Blackcap Illadopsises, White-tailed Alethes (the roosting juvenile being the easiest to see), Western Bearded, Icterine and Ansorge’s Greenbuls, Red-tailed and Grey-headed Bristlebills (and calling Green-tailed Bristlebills that only the leader saw), some smart Crested Malimbes and a neat male Red-fronted Antpecker. Around the lodge there were also plenty of birds including some stunning and confiding Black Bee-eaters, smart Reichenbach’s Sunbirds and Cassin’s Flycatchers.

It had been a tough, but immensely rewarding few days, but we had been brilliantly looked after by the fantastic lodge staff, and the comfort of the lodge was such a great release at the end of tough and sweaty days! It was then basically a long and slow haul all the way back to the Rainforest Lodge at Kakum, though we had time to make a stop in the scrub along the Brenu Beach Road. Here, in the late afternoon we enjoyed our first Double-spurred Francolins, some showy Great Spotted Cuckoos, Brown-throated Wattle-eyes, Singing Cisticolas and a few other common scrub-loving species. We arrived back at our familiar Kakum hotel in time for dinner and a cold beer!

Our last morning in Kakum was spent in an area of farmbush which was pretty productive. Both Fire-bellied and Melancholy Woodpeckers showed really well, and some great sunbird watching produced a lovely male Tiny Sunbird and a brilliant pair of Johanne’s Sunbirds. Other goodies included our first Guinea Turaco, a fine Double-toothed Barbet, a sneaky White-throated Greenbul and our first Red-faced Cisticola. We then headed north to the Praa River where, in hot sticky temperatures, we soon found the hoped-for Rock Pratincoles and White-bibbed Swallows, both of which showed well. We then continued to Bonkro, to the new community lodge and prepared for the main event…!

Tension was rising and questions were being asked… We donned our gear and set off on the rather easy forty-five-minute walk up to the fabled rock. We perched on the benches and waited… and waited… to a soundscape of Shining Drongos and various greenbuls. Then suddenly a yellow-head bounded in, and we were in business! Over the next hour or so, we were treated to what has to be one of the most thrilling avian spectacles around, as two or three Yellow-headed Picathartes (now sadly known as White-necked Rockfowl), bounded all around us, even approaching to within a few metres of us. It’s hard to describe the magic as they bound along and almost glow in the dark but suffice to say that by the time we walked back down, we were all buzzing, and enjoyed a cold drink and dinner at the lodge! It was also lovely to stay on site and not need to drive off to a distant hotel after the thrills of the picathartes!!

The following morning was spent in an area of nearby degraded forest. Although birds were hard to come by at times, we did have some memorable sightings, the best of which was a stunning pair of Congo Serpent Eagles which gave some stupendous views. Other goodies included Red-fronted Parrots screeching by and perching, more White-tailed Alethes, our first sneaky Kemp’s Longbill, and a pair of rare Tessmann’s Flycatchers. In the afternoon we made our way to the attractive Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary. Again, birding was a little slow, but we continued to add to our tally with interesting species such as Cassin’s Honeybird, our first Blue Cuckooshrike, a canopy flock which included Chestnut-capped Flycatchers and an obliging pair of Lemon-bellied Crombecs.

BIRDS OF THE TOUR

1^st WHITE-NECKED ROCKFOWL

2^nd STANDARD-WINGED NIGHTJAR

3^rd EGYPTIAN PLOVER

4^th Blue-moustached Bee-eater

5^th Northern White-faced Owl

6^th Congo Serpent Eagle

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v14.1).

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Seen at several sites.

Hartlaub’s Duck ◊ Pteronetta hartlaubii Great views of a pair at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP.

African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus Two seen well at the Nor Palm Pond near to Bokro, on the drive to Ankasa NP.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Common at Mole National Park. A distinctive local form [galeatus].

Stone Partridge ◊Ptilopachus petrosus Many seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

White-throated Francolin ◊Campocolinus albogularis Great views of a pair at Mole National Park [buckleyi].

Ahanta Spurfowl ◊Pternistis ahantensis Heard at Kalakpa Resources Reserve, but sadly, no luck.

Double-spurred Spurfowl Pternistis bicalcaratus First seen along the Brenu Beach Road. Many seen well [nominate].

Brown Nightjar ◊Veles binotatus Brilliant views of a fine male at Kakum National Park.

Fiery-necked Nightjar ◊ (Black-shouldered N) Caprimulgus [pectoralis] nigriscapularis Heard at Kalakpa Resources Reserve, but sadly, no luck.

Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus One flushed from the roadside along the Brenu Beach Road. Great views at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [sclateri]. Also, briefly at Mole National Park [nominate].

Standard-winged Nightjar Caprimulgus longipennis A fine male seen at Mole National Park then stunning views of a couple of males at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Mottled Spinetail Telacanthura ussheri One seen well along the Antwikwaa Road at Kakum [nominate].

Black Spinetail ◊Telacanthura melanopygia One seen well along the Antwikwaa Road at Kakum.

Sabine’s Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini Seen over Ankasa Conservation Area.

Cassin’s Spinetail Neafrapus cassini One seen well from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Another seen over Ankasa Conservation Area. Also, one on the excursion to the Atewa Range.

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Common, first seen along the Brenu Beach Road [brachypterus].

Common Swift Apus apus First seen in the Kakum area.

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Common in the Kakum area. Many photographed.

Little Swift Apus affinis First seen in the Kakum area [aerobates].

Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata c10 seen just before the power lines in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Western Plantain-eater Crinifer piscator Common, first seen at the Winneba Plains.

Violet Turaco ◊Tauraco violaceus A couple seen well at Mole National Park. Also seen at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga and at the Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Yellow-billed Turaco Tauraco macrorhynchus Several seen with best views in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Guinea Turaco (Green T) Tauraco persa A few, first seen at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum.

Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster Nice views of one at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga [nominate].

Black-throated Coucal ◊Centropus leucogaster Good scope views of one at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi. Also, one seen at Atewa [nominate].

Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis Plenty, first seen in the Kakum area [nominate].

Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus Several seen, the first in the farmbush, near Kakum [occidentalis].

Blue Malkoha Ceuthmochares aereus Heard in most forests, with several good looks in the end [flavirostris].

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius Great views of two adults along the Brenu Beach Road.

Levaillant’s Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii One seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Also, one seen near to Bonkro and good numbers at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Diederik Cuckoo (Didric C) Chrysococcyx caprius A few seen, the first two males at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum.

Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas A few seen well.

Yellow-throated Cuckoo ◊Chrysococcyx flavigularis Brilliant views of one on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve. A really stunning bird.

African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus A few seen well.

Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx olivinus Excellent scope views of one in Ankasa Conservation Area. Others heard and seen more briefly.

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus A very black male seen well at Mole National Park.

African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis Good views of a singing bird at Mole National Park. Also seen at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus An adult seen well at the Winneba Plains. Scarce on this trip.

Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus A few seen flying around at dusk at Mole National Park. Two pairs seen at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga, one pair scoped on the deck.

Rock Dove (Feral) Columba livia ‘feral’

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Common in the north [guinea].

European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur At least four seen well at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border. A new bird for Birdquest in Ghana!

Mourning Collared Dove (African M D) Streptopelia decipiens Common at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border [shelleyi].

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Common, first seen at the Winneba Plains.

Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea Common in the north.

Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis First seen at the Winneba Plains [senegalensis].

Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus Plenty seen in drier open areas. First seen at the Winneba Plains.

Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer Plenty, the first seen at the Winneba Plains.

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria Common in forest and forest edge. Many seen well.

Blue-headed Wood Dove Turtur brehmeri First heard in the Kakum area. Just one seen well on the road in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Best views were at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Bruce’s Green Pigeon Treron waalia One scoped at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga, a couple seen on the way to Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border, and c15 seen well at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga.

African Green Pigeon Treron calvus Common, first seen in the Kakum area [sharpei].

White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra Brilliant views of a lovely male in the Kakum area [nominate].

Grey-throated Rail ◊Canirallus oculeus Heard at close range in Ankasa Conservation Area, but no luck.

African Crake Crecopsis egregia One at the side of the track at Kalakpa sadly flushed all too soon.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus One seen at the Nor Palm Pond on the drive to Ankasa NP [meridionalis].

Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrio alleni At least three, 2 adults and an immature, seen well at the Nor Palm Pond on the drive to Ankasa NP.

Black Crake Zapornia flavirostra A young bird seen well at Mole National Park.

Nkulengu Rail ◊Himantornis haematopus Excellent views of a single roosting bird, pre-dawn, in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis A pair seen well at the Nor Palm Pond near to Bokro, on the drive to Ankasa NP [capensis].

Common Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus One flushed and seen clearly in flight at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga [lepurana].

Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis Several seen well at Mole National Park.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola c30 at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Common at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Forbes’s Plover ◊Charadrius forbesi Great views of a single on our first day at Mole National Park, and at least four there on our last day there.

Spur-winged Lapwing (S-w Plover) Vanellus spinosus First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Senegal Lapwing (Lesser Black-winged P) Vanellus lugubris A pair seen well at the Winneba Plains.

African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus 100s seen in the north, especially at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border.

Kittlitz’s Plover Anarhynchus pecuarius c10 seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

White-fronted Plover Anarhynchus marginatus One or two seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [mechowi].

Egyptian Plover ◊Pluvianus aegyptius Brilliant views of at least eight on the White Volta River, at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border. Stunners.

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis A male seen at the roadside pools at Janikura and another male showed well at Mole National Park.

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Several seen well.

Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus A few seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica A few seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Seen well especially at the roadside pools at Janikura and in Mole National Park.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis About six seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola A few, the first at the roadside pools at Janikura.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus A couple seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia A few seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea A few seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Sanderling [alba] Calidris alba alba c50 seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis At least five seen well on the Pra River on the drive from Kakum to Bonkro [liberiae].

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola A few seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Black Tern (Eurasian B T) Chlidonias [niger] niger c20 seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo c20 seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii c50 seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon, including a couple of pink, long-tailed adults almost in breeding plumage, with all black bills [nominate]! Great to see them well.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Three seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

West African Crested Tern (A Royal T) Thalasseus albididorsalis One seen well at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon.

African Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia microscelis Five seen briefly in flight at Mole National Park.

Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus A few seen [nominate].

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Plenty seen at Mole National Park [brevirostris].

White-crested Tiger Heron ◊Tigriornis leucolopha One in flight at dusk at Ankasa Conservation Area, and another perched briefly the following day, but it was shy and flew off.

Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii One seen at dusk along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticoraxOne seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca A few seen well at the Ebi River.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta One seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon, and a couple in the north [nominate].

Western Reef Heron Egretta gularisSeveral seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Striated Heron (Old World) [atricapilla] Butorides striata atricapilla First seen at the pool in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides One seen at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP. Seen better on the drive out and many in Mole National Park etc.

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis First seen at the Winneba Plains.

Great Egret (African) Ardea alba melanorhynchos First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon. a few seen at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP.

Yellow-billed Egret Ardea brachyrhyncha One seen at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea A few seen, especially in Mole National Park [nominate].

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Only seen flying over the Black Volta on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

[Purple Heron Ardea purpurea x Grey Heron Ardea cinerea An amazing hybrid between these species was seen at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP. A very rarely recorded hybrid!]

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala A few, first seen on the way to Mole National Park.

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Several, the first seen on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus One seen from the bus between Bolgatanga and Tamale [nominate].

African Harrier-Hawk (A Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus Plenty seen well [pectoralis].

Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Seen in the Kakum area and again well in Mole National Park.

European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Two seen, one perched, along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. A few seen in Ankasa Conservation Area.

African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides A few seen in the Kakum area, the first from the canopy walkway. Also seen well at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [batesi].

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus Plenty seen at Mole National Park.

White-backed Vulture (African W-b V) Gyps africanus Several seen well at Mole National Park.

White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis At least six seen well at Mole National Park.

Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle ◊Circaetus beaudouini One seen on a pylon c10km north of the Black Volta River on the way to Mole National Park.

Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens One seen perched briefly and in flight at Mole National Park.

Congo Serpent Eagle ◊Dryotriorchis spectabilis One flew over four times in Ankasa Conservation Area, but never landed in view! We then got brilliant views of a pair near to Bonkro.

Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Common in Mole National Park, with many seen well.

Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus One flew in perched briefly and flew off on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Ayres’s Hawk-eagle Hieraaetus ayresii One seen circling at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum.

Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus One seen soaring over the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus First seen briefly in the fog at the Winneba Plains. A few others seen at Mole National Park and elsewhere [nominate].

Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar First seen at the Winneba Plains, where a smart black morph adult was seen. Also seen at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [niger].

Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates A few in the north, the first on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Long-tailed Hawk ◊Urotriorchis macrourus One seen in Ankasa Conservation Area. Others heard.

Red-chested Goshawk ◊ Accipiter toussenelii One seen briefly in Ankasa Conservation Area. A couple of other brief sightings including a calling bird in the farmbush at Atewa, and another seen briefly at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [macroscelides].

Shikra Accipiter badius First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon. A few others including one at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [sphenurus].

Red-thighed Sparrowhawk ◊Accipiter erythropus Great scope views of a pair along the track in Abrafo Forest. Also seen well at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nominate].

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus A few seen in the north [nominate].

Black Kite Milvus migrans One or two seen and photographed at Mole National Park [nominate].

Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Common and widespread [parasitus].

Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis First seen on the way to Mole National Park with many at the roadside pools at Janikura.

Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis Great views of one or two at the Winneba Plains. A few later in the trip.

Western Barn Owl Tyto alba One seen well, flying over us three times at our hotel in Bolgatanga. Seemed quite dark on the breast [poensis].

Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum One seen near to the Mognori River, at Mole National Park [nominate].

Red-chested Owlet Glaucidium tephronotum Excellent scope views of one in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis Great spotlight views of one at Mole National Park [nominate].

Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis Brilliant views of one, and another heard, along the entrance road to the Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Greyish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens One seen well in the spotlight at Mole National Park.

Fraser’s Eagle-Owl ◊Ketupa poensis Excellent views of one along the track in Abrafo Forest [nominate].

Akun Eagle-Owl ◊Ketupa leucosticta Excellent views of a pair above the village at the entrance to Ankasa Conservation Area.

African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii One heard at the picathartes forest at Bonkro [nuchalis].

Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina Two or three heard at Kalakpa Resources Reserve but no luck [constantia].

Forest Wood Hoopoe ◊Phoeniculus castaneiceps Great scope views of an orange-headed adult along the track in Abrafo Forest, Kakum [nominate].

Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Several more seen at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrimus One seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Northern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus Several seen well at Mole National Park.

West African Pied Hornbill ◊Lophoceros semifasciatus Common and widespread.

African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus Many seen, the first at Opro Forest [nominate].

Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Lophoceros camurus Good scope views of a small group in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Piping Hornbill ◊Bycanistes fistulator First seen at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP [nominate].

Brown-cheeked Hornbill ◊Bycanistes cylindricus Four seen flying over at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Several others seen well in the Kakum area including from the canopy walkway and along the track in Abrafo Forest.

Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata Two females seen flying over along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area.

Yellow-casqued Hornbill ◊Ceratogymna elata Good scope views of a male in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Western Dwarf Hornbill ◊Horizocerus hartlaubi A couple of sightings in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Western Long-tailed Hornbill ◊Horizocerus albocristatusExcellent views at several forest sites. What a stunner [macrourus]!

Purple Roller Coracias naevius A couple seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Abyssinian Roller ◊Coracias abyssinicus Great views of one or two at Mole National Park. Several others in the north!

Blue-bellied Roller ◊Coracias cyanogaster Brilliant views of a pair displaying, at Mole National Park. Also seen at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis First seen well along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area. Also, several along the track in Abrafo Forest, and elsewhere [nominate].

Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus Quite a few seen [afer].

Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia A few heard and one scoped high up in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti One seen well and others heard at Mole National Park [nominate].

Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica First seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Seen well in the scope in Ankasa Conservation Area and a few seen well at Mole National Park [forbesi].

Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis A few, the first seen in the Kakum area [fuscopileus].

African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta Several seen very well [ferrugina].

White-bellied Kingfisher ◊Corythornis leucogaster Stunning views at the pool in Ankasa Conservation Area [bowdleri].

Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus Best view at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [galeritus].

Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys Excellent views of a fishing individual on the pool in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima One seen very well at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Lots seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon, and some elsewhere [nominate].

Blue-moustached Bee-eater ◊Merops mentalis Great views of 3, an adult, and then an adult feeding a juvenile on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Great bird.

Black Bee-eater Merops gularis A lovely pair seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area, then brilliant views around the lodge in Ankasa Conservation Area, and a few elsewhere [nominate].

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus A few seen at Mole National Park [chrysolaimus].

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Small numbers, first seen in the farmbush near the Rainforest Lodge [nominate].

Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki Many seen brilliantly at Mole National Park [nominate].

White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis First seen at the Winneba Plains. Common elsewhere with 100s at Ankasa and Atewa!

African Green Bee-eater Merops viridissimusBrilliant views of a responsive pair at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga [nominate].

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster A flock seen flying over at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Rosy Bee-eater ◊Merops malimbicus Plenty seen in the Kakum area including a lovely tree full along the Antwikwaa Road.

Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus Brilliant views of c10 at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Also a few seen along the White Volta River at Sapelliga.

Yellow-billed Barbet ◊ (Western Y-b B) Trachyphonus [purpuratus] goffinii One seen briefly along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. One taped in but only seen in flight at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro. Scope views of one along the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Bristle-nosed Barbet ◊Gymnobucco peli Plenty seen in the Kakum area.

Naked-faced Barbet Gymnobucco calvus First seen well at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro. Also a few at Opro Forest [nominate].

Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus First seen from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Seen well around the lodge in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus Great views of one along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area.

Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus First heard at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Great views on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [chrysopygus].

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus Seen briefly in the farmbush at Atewa. Seen well at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [leucolaimus].

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus A pair seen well at the Winneba Plains [nominate].

Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum [dowsetti].

Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta First seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area [nominate].

Vieillot’s Barbet Lybius vieilloti Excellent views of one and others heard at the Winneba Plains. A few others seen in the north and at Atewa [rubescens].

Double-toothed Barbet Pogonornis bidentatus One seen in the scope at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum [nominate].

Bearded Barbet ◊Pogonornis dubius First seen by the roadside pools at Janikura, on the way to Mole National Park. A few others seen in the north.

Cassin’s Honeybird Prodotiscus insignis One scoped along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Excellent views of one at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [flavodorsalis].

Willcocks’s Honeyguide Indicator willcocksi Good scope views of one on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [nominate].

Lesser Honeyguide (Thick-billed H) Indicator [minor] conirostrisGood scope views of one along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area [ussheri].

Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor Two seen by the roadside pools at Janikura, on the way to Mole National Park [senegalensis].

Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator One seen along the river at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border.

African Piculet ◊Verreauxia africana Good views of two individuals at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi.

Buff-spotted Woodpecker Pardipicus nivosus Three brief sightings in the farmbush at Atewa [nominate].

Brown-eared Woodpecker Pardipicus caroli A couple seen well in Ankasa Conservation Area [arizelus].

Fine-spotted Woodpecker ◊Campethera punctuligera Good views of one at Mole National Park. Also seen very well at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [nominate].

Fire-bellied Woodpecker ◊Chloropicus pyrrhogaster One seen briefly along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Excellent views of a pair in Ankasa Conservation Area, and then more excellent views of at least one or probably two pairs, at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum. Plenty of red on the cracking males!

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescensOne heard only at Mole National Park [lafresnayi].

Melancholy Woodpecker ◊Dendropicos lugubris A rather drab female seen well at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum. Also seen at Atewa.

African Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae Heard, and one seen flying over, at Mole National Park [centralis].

Brown-backed Woodpecker Dendropicos obsoletus Excellent views of a pair at Mole National Park [nominate].

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus First seen on the journey near to Brenu Beach [rufescens].

Fox Kestrel ◊Falco alopex Excellent views of a pair at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga., eventually!

Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus One seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area. A few others later including one at Mole National Park.

African Hobby Falco cuvierii One dashing around and then perched on a pylon at the rest stop near to the Winneba Plains. Also seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum. Also seen well at the roadside pools at Janikura, on the way to Mole National Park.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus First seen, a juvenile, at the rest stop near to the Winneba Plains. An adult seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum [abyssinicus].

Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus Several seen well at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi.

Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi A few flyovers at Nyamebe Bepo, the picathartes forest at Bonkro, then good perched views at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro [fantiensis].

Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus A few seen at Mole National Park. A few seen well around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border and at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga. Also seen well at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [versteri].

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri One seen flying over at Mole National Park and then a few seen well around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border [nominate].

Rufous-sided Broadbill ◊Smithornis rufolateralis Great views of one in the forest below the canopy walkway. A few heard and another (female) seen well in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Senegal Batis ◊Batis senegalensis Just one seen and another heard at Mole National Park.

West African Batis ◊Batis occulta Excellent views of male, female and two juveniles from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park.

West African Wattle-eye ◊Platysteira hormophora A few in the Kakum area, the first in the forest below the canopy walkway. Also seen in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea A male seen well at the Winneba Plains. Several seen well along the Brenu Beach Road and several more subsequently [nominate].

Red-cheeked Wattle-eye ◊Platysteira blissetti Great views of a pair along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area.

Fiery-breasted Bushshrike ◊Malaconotus cruentus One seen quite well at Opro Forest.

Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti Heard only. One heard distantly at Mole National Park [nominate].

Lagden’s Bushshrike ◊Malaconotus lagdeni Great scope views of a singing bird in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus A pair seen well at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [nominate].

Marsh Tchagra Bocagia minuta A pair seen well in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum [nominate].

Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis Great views of three in the farmbush at Atewa [ussheri].

Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus First heard at the Winneba Plains. Several seen well at Mole National Park etc [nominate].

Sabine’s Puffback ◊Dryoscopus sabini Excellent views of a male from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Also heard in Ankasa Conservation Area and a female seen briefly at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nominate].

Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis Several seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Lowland Sooty Boubou ◊Laniarius leucorhynchus First heard in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum. One seen quite well along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area.

Yellow-crowned Gonolek ◊Laniarius barbarus Some smart individuals seen at the Winneba Plains. Also seen along the Brenu Beach Road etc [nominate].

Brubru Nilaus afer One seen, and others heard, at Mole National Park [nominate].

White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus A flock seen well at Mole National Park [nominate].

Red-billed Helmetshrike ◊Prionops caniceps Nice views of a group of c4 along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. A flock seen well at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nominate].

African Shrike-flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus One on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [nominate].

Black-and-white Shrike-Flycatcher Bias musicus First seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area [nominate].

Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike Campephaga phoenicea Leader only. A male seen briefly at the Winneba Plains.

Purple-throated Cuckooshrike Campephaga quiscalina First heard at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi. A pair eventually seen well at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi, on our second visit [nominate].

Blue Cuckooshrike Cyanograucalus azureus First heard at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro. A male seen at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi on our first visit with better views on the second visit.

Western Oriole Oriolus brachyrynchus First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum [nominate].

Black-winged Oriole Oriolus nigripennis First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum.

African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus Great views of a few at Mole National Park [nominate].

Velvet-mantled Drongo ◊ (Fanti D) Dicrurus [modestus] atactus First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum.

Fork-tailed Drongo (Glossy-backed D) Dicrurus [adsimilis] divaricatus First seen by the roadside pools at Janikura, on the way to Mole National Park.

Shining Drongo Dicrurus atripennis Several heard and a couple seen in Ankasa Conservation Area. Also heard at Nyamebe Bepo, the picathartes forest at Bonkro. Also seen briefly on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Sharpe’s Drongo ◊ (Western Square-tailed D) Dicrurus sharpei Great views of at least 3 at Mole National Park, including one at an antswarm along the Mognori River [occidentalis].

Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus nitens First heard in Ankasa Conservation Area. Eventually one seen well on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [reichenowi].

Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer First seen in the Kakum area, along the Antwikwaa Road. Many others seen [nigriceps].

African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Surprisingly, first seen from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Seen well along the Mognori River at Mole National Park. A few including a white male at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [ferreti].

Yellow-billed Shrike Lanius corvinusFirst seen by the roadside pools at Janikura, on the way to Mole National Park. A few more seen at Mole National Park etc [togoensis].

Northern Fiscal Lanius humeralisFirst seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum [smithii].

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Two, one a tailless individual, seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Piapiac Ptilostomus afer First seen by the roadside pools at Janikura, on the way to Mole National Park. Several others seen in the north and at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Pied Crow Corvus albus Common.

White-necked Rockfowl ◊Picathartes gymnocephalus Brilliant views of at least three coming to the rock at Nyamebe Bepo, the picathartes forest at Bonkro. Superb!

African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda A pair seen at the Mognori River at Mole National Park [nominate].

White-shouldered Black Tit Melaniparus guineensis Heard only, at Mole National Park.

Forest Penduline Tit ◊Anthoscopus flavifrons Brilliant views of at least a pair, probably a few more, from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Came very close to playback [waldronae].

Western Nicator Nicator chloris First heard in Ankasa Conservation Area. A few seen briefly with better views at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Also seen at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga [melanocephalus].

Flappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea A couple flushed at Mole National Park [buckleyi].

Sun Lark ◊Galerida modesta A few seen at Mole National Park. Also seen at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga [nominate].

Slender-billed Greenbul Stelgidillas gracilirostris Several in the Kakum area where first seen from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park [nominate].

Golden Greenbul Calyptocichla serinus A couple seen well at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Several more subsequently.

Red-tailed Bristlebill Bleda syndactylus One seen in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Green-tailed Bristlebill ◊Bleda eximius Heard (and seen by the leader) in Ankasa Conservation Area. Also heard and seen briefly at Nyamebe Bepo, the picathartes forest at Bonkro, and heard and seen on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve, though very shy.

Grey-headed Bristlebill ◊Bleda canicapillus First heard in the Kakum area. Two seen roosting at night in Ankasa Conservation Area, then great views of a responsive pair at Opro Forest, north of Kumasi [nominate].

Yellow-throated Leaflove Atimastillas flavicollis Heard only, at the Mognori River at Mole National Park [nominate].

Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus Good views along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area.

Swamp Palm Bulbul Thescelocichla leucopleura First heard in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum. First seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area.

Simple Greenbul Chlorocichla simplex First heard at the Winneba Plains.

Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator A few including one scoped along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Also heard and seen briefly on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [leucurus].

Western Bearded Greenbul ◊Criniger barbatus First heard and seen briefly along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. A few heard and one seen quite well in Ankasa Conservation Area. Also heard, and one seen, at Nyamebe Bepo, the picathartes forest at Bonkro [nominate].

Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger calurusFirst seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area [verreauxi].

Yellow-bearded Greenbul ◊Criniger olivaceus A few seen well in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Little Greenbul Eurillas virens First heard at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. A few seen subsequently including good views in the farmbush at Atewa [erythroptera].

Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Eurillas latirostris First heard along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Heard, and a couple seen roosting, in Ankasa Conservation Area [congener].

Plain Greenbul Eurillas curvirostris First heard and seen briefly at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Seen better elsewhere including along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area [nominate].

Little Grey Greenbul Eurillas gracilis First seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Good scope views of one at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [extrema].

Ansorge’s Greenbul Eurillas ansorgei A few seen in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

White-throated Greenbul ◊Phyllastrephus albigularis Heard, and one seen briefly, at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum. Also, one seen briefly at Nyamebe Bepo, the picathartes forest at Bonkro [nominate].

Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus First seen below the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Several seen well in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Baumann’s Olive Greenbul ◊Phyllastrephus baumanni A pair seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum, but generally quite elusive and hard to see.

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus First seen at the Winneba Plains [inornatus].

Square-tailed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne nitens Several seen in Ankasa Conservation Area. Also seen well at Atewa [nominate].

Pied-winged Swallow ◊Hirundo leucosoma One seen briefly, a couple of times, at Mole National Park.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica First seen in the Kakum area, where hundreds were present [nominate].

Red-chested Swallow ◊Hirundo lucida First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Several seen well at Mole National Park. Many seen well on wires around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border [nominate].

Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica A couple seen at the Nor Palm Pond near to Bokro, on the drive to Ankasa NP, and a few more subsequently [nominate].

White-bibbed Swallow Hirundo nigrita At least one seen on the Pra River on the drive from Kakum to Bonkro.

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii First seen well at Mole National Park [nominate].

Western House Martin Delichon urbicum One seen over Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi. Also seen at the Volta River, near New Chanakope.

West African Swallow ◊Cecropis domicella Brilliant views of 10+ around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border.

Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum [puella].

Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa A few seen along the Brenu Beach Road [gordoni].

Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis One seen over the farmbush at Atewa. Also seen at the Volta River, near New Chanakope [saturatior].

Preuss’s Cliff Swallow ◊Petrochelidon preussi Excellent views of c300 collecting mud on the drive back to the Rainforest Lodge. Also seen at the Volta River, near New Chanakope.

Moustached Grass Warbler Melocichla mentalis One seen well at the Winneba Plains [nominate].

Kemp’s Longbill ◊Macrosphenus kempi One heard and glimpsed beyond the first two pools in Ankasa Conservation Area, then good views of a pair skulking in a vine tangle at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro, then even better view just below the gate at Atewa.

Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor Good views of a pair along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area.

Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura One seen by the swimming pool at Mole National Park [nominate].

Green Crombec Sylvietta virens First heard at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Several seen in the Kakum area and elsewhere [flaviventris].

Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti First heard from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park, then great scope views of a pair at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [hardyi].

Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Best views were at at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nigeriae].

Green Hylia Hylia prasina First seen briefly and others heard at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. A few others seen in the Kakum area and elsewhere [nominate].

Tit Hylia Pholidornis rushiae Great views of one from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Also, two seen in Ankasa Conservation Area [ussheri].

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Several seen in the Kakum area, the first from the canopy walkway Several also seen at Atewa.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Several seen at Mole National Park.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Two seen well at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga.

Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta One seen well at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga. Responded well to the call.

Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops First seen well at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum. Also seen very well in the farmbush at Atewa [nominate].

Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans First seen well along the Brenu Beach Road [swanzii].

Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis Good scope views of a singing bird along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area [nominate].

Rock-loving Cisticola Cisticola emini Excellent views of one at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga [admiralis].

Winding Cisticola Cisticola marginatus Several seen well at Nasia Swamp, between Bolgatanga and Tamale [amphilectus].

Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis First seen at the Winneba Plains [strangei].

Dorst’s Cisticola ◊Cisticola guinea Great views of a singing bird at Mole National Park.

Rufous Cisticola ◊Cisticola rufus A few seen well at Mole National Park.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis One at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border and others at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga [uropygialis].

Black-backed Cisticola ◊Cisticola eximiusA few confusing cisticolas, thought to be this species, seen at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga, and also seen well at Nasia Swamp, between Bolgatanga and Tamale [occidens].

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava First seen at the Winneba Plains [melanorhyncha].

Red-winged Prinia Prinia erythroptera A pair seen well at the Winneba Plains [nominate].

Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida Great views of one by the Mognori River at Mole National Park [caniceps].

Black-capped Apalis Apalis nigriceps Great views of one on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Others heard [nominate].

Sharpe’s Apalis ◊Apalis sharpii Great views of a pair at least from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Heard elsewhere and also seen at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi.

Oriole Warbler ◊Hypergerus atriceps A singing pair were seen briefly along the Brenu Beach Road. Brilliant views of three by the Mognori River at Mole National Park.

Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata First seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area.

Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris First seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area.

Olive-green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota First seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area. Seen well on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [chloronota-group].

Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla Several seen well, the first at Mole National Park.

Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Also seen well from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park [fantiensis].

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin One seen at Opro Forest, north of Kumasi [nominate].

Common Whitethroat Curruca communis A few seen at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border and at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga [nominate].

Northern Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Three seen at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga. Also seen well in the farmbush at Atewa [nominate].

Brown Illadopsis ◊ (Moloney’s I) Illadopsis [fulvescens] moloneyana Excellent views of a group at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens First seen, reasonably well, on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [gularis].

Pale-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis rufipennis One seen well at Ankasa Conservation Area, and others heard [extrema].

Blackcap Illadopsis Illadopsis cleaveri One seen in the daytime and another roosting, in Ankasa Conservation Area. Also heard and seen briefly at Atewa [nominate].

Puvel’s Illadopsis ◊Illadopsis puveli Excellent views of a singing bird just below the gate at Atewa. Also heard at Kalakpa Resources Reserve [nominate].

Rufous-winged Illadopsis ◊Illadopsis rufescens Excellent views of one in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Capuchin Babbler ◊ (Black-capped C B) Turdoides [atripennis] rubiginosus Heard close by, and seen briefly, at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus First seen well at the waterhole at Mole National Park [platycirca].

Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii First heard and glimpsed at the Winneba Plains. Best views were of the family attending an antswarm along the Mognori River, at Mole National Park [stictilaema].

Violet-backed Hyliota ◊Hyliota violacea A few seen from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park [nehrkorni].

Copper-tailed Starling ◊Hylopsar cupreocauda A few scoped along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area.

Bronze-tailed Starling Lamprotornis chalcurus Excellent views of several around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border [nominate].

Splendid Starling Lamprotornis splendidus A few seen well, the first at the Winneba Plains [chrysonotis].

Purple Starling Lamprotornis purpureus First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Long-tailed Glossy Starling Lamprotornis caudatus Quite a few seen well in Mole National Park and elsewhere in the north.

Chestnut-bellied Starling ◊Lamprotornis pulcher Excellent views of several around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border.

Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogasterFirst seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum [nominate].

Chestnut-winged Starling (Forest C-w S) Onychognathus [fulgidus] hartlaubii First seen in the Kakum area.

Narrow-tailed Starling Poeoptera lugubris First seen in the Kakum area, along the track in Abrafo Forest.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Finsch’s Rufous Thrush ◊Stizorhina finschi Good views of a pair from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park, was our first encounter.

White-tailed Ant Thrush Neocossyphus poensis One heard and seen briefly in Ankasa Conservation Area. Same at Atewa [nominate]!

African Thrush Turdus pelios Two forms were noted. The form saturatus was first seen on the Winneba Plains whilst the form chiguancoides was first seen at Mole National Park.

White-tailed Alethe ◊Alethe diademata A few heard and glimpsed in Ankasa Conservation Area, and a juvenile seen well in the spotlight. Excellent scope views of an adult, complete with orange crown, at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro. Also seen well along the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Forest Scrub Robin ◊Cercotrichas leucosticta One heard and seen by some below the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve [nominate].

Pale Flycatcher Agricola pallidus One seen well, singing, at the Winneba Plains. One seen along at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum. Also seen well at Mole National Park [pallidus-group].

Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata A few seen in Ankasa Conservation Area. Also seen well at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [prosphora].

Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher Fraseria griseigularis Heard only, on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve, but not luck [parelii].

Grey Tit-Flycatcher (Lead-coloured F) Fraseria plumbea First seen near the beginning of the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area [nominate].

Tessmann’s Flycatcher ◊Fraseria tessmanni Decent views of a pair at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro.

Nimba Flycatcher ◊Melaenornis annamarulae A struggle, after hearing one, we eventually got decent views along the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides Several seen well at Mole National Park, especially around the lodge [nominate].

Dusky-blue Flycatcher Bradornis comitatus First seen in Ankasa Conservation Area [aximensis].

Ussher’s Flycatcher ◊Bradornis ussheri First seen from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park.

Little Grey Flycatcher ◊ (Little F) Muscicapa epulata Good scope views of one at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi. Also, one seen well on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata One seen at Mole National Park. Also seen well at the Volta River, near New Chanakope.

Gambaga Flycatcher ◊Muscicapa gambagae Excellent views of one or two at Mole National Park.

Cassin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa cassini Good views along the river in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica Great looks at Mole National Park [nominate].

Forest Robin ◊ (Western F R) Stiphrornis [erythrothorax] erythrothorax Excellent views of a few in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Forest Robin ◊ (Dahomey F R) Stiphrornis [erythrothorax] dahomeyensis Heard only, at the Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

Forest Robin ◊ (Ghana F R) Stiphrornis [erythrothorax] inexpectatus A few heard and one seen on the excursion to the ridge at Atewa Range Forest Reserve.

White-crowned Robin-Chat ◊Cossypha albicapillus Best views were of the four attending an antswarm along the Mognori River, at Mole National Park [giffardi].

Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla Some great looks at Mole National Park [nominate].

Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat Cossypha cyanocampter An elusive individual in the farmbush at Atewa [nominate].

European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca A male seen at Opro Forest, north of Kumasi. Several seen at Mole National Park.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra A couple seen along the entrance road at Kalakpa Resources Reserve.

White-crowned Cliff Chat ◊Thamnolaea coronata Great views of a fine pair at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga [nominate].

White-fronted Black Chat ◊Oenanthe albifrons A couple of singing birds seen well at Mole National Park [frontalis].

Fraser’s Sunbird Deleornis fraseri First seen in the Kakum area, the first from the canopy walkway [idius].

Mangrove Sunbird ◊Anthreptes gabonicus Good scope views of at least one at the Ebi River, on the drive to Ankasa NP.

Western Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes longuemarei A pair seen near to the Mognori River at Mole National Park [nominate].

Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi First seen in the Kakum area, where several seen well [kruensis].

Yellow-chinned Sunbird ◊Anthreptes rectirostris First seen in the Kakum area, including a nice male along the track in Abrafo Forest. Also seen at Atewa.

Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris First seen in the Kakum area [subcollaris].

Pygmy Sunbird ◊Hedydipna platura Several stunners seen at Mole National Park.

Reichenbach’s Sunbird ◊Anabathmis reichenbachii Excellent views of several in the lodge garden in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis A male seen at Opro Forest, north of Kumasi [nominate].

Blue-throated Brown Sunbird ◊Cyanomitra cyanolaema First seen in the Kakum area [magnirostrata].

Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea Common, First seen in the Kakum area [cephaelis].

Buff-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra adelberti First seen in the Kakum area, from the canopy walkway and along the Antwikwaa Road. A cracking sunbird [nominate]!

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Many seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygiusFirst seen along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area. Excellent views of several in the lodge garden in Ankasa Conservation Area [kempi].

Tiny Sunbird Cinnyris minullus Brilliant views of a male at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum.

Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus Many stunners seen at Mole National Park [nominate].

Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigastrus First seen at the Winneba Plains. Great views of a male at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum.

Johanna’s Sunbird ◊Cinnyris johannae First seen in the Kakum area, including scope views of a pair along the track in Abrafo Forest. Brilliant views of a pair at close range at the Stingless Bee Centre, Kakum.

Superb Sunbird Cinnyris superbus First seen in the Kakum area. Great views of one feeding on banana flowers at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [ashantiensis].

Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus First seen at the Winneba Plains [nominate].

Sahel Bush Sparrow Gymnoris dentata First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Abundant at Mole National Park.

Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus First seen at the rest stop near to the Winneba Plains [nominate].

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Twitched at the Lindador Restaurant!

White-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis albirostris Good views of a few in the nesting tree at Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border. At least 20 were present.

Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus Several seen well at Mole National Park.

Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Many seen well in the farmbush at Atewa [capitalba].

Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus Non-breeding birds seen at Mole National Park. Also seen at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border [nominate].

Olive-naped Weaver ◊Ploceus brachypterus First seen along the Brenu Beach Road. Several seen well in the farmbush at Atewa.

Orange Weaver ◊Ploceus aurantius At least two smart males seen well at the Nor Palm Pond near to Bokro, on the drive to Ankasa NP [nominate].

Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus First seen near to the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon [nominate].

Chestnut-and-black Weaver ◊Ploceus castaneofuscus First seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum.

Black-headed Weaver (Yellow-backed W) Ploceus melanocephalus Non-breeding birds seen at Mole National Park. Dozens seen in non-breeding plumage at Nasia Swamp, between Bolgatanga and Tamale. Dull and streaky with pale eyes [capitalis].

Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolorA few seen in the Kakum area including one scoped along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Also seen at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nominate].

Maxwell’s Black Weaver ◊Ploceus albinucha Decent views of an adult at Numia Forest (Kwabena San) near to Bonkro. Several seen very well low down at Atewa [nominate].

Preuss’s Weaver ◊Ploceus preussi First seen, briefly, from the canopy walkway at Kakum National Park. Also, three scoped along the track in Abrafo Forest.

Red-vented Malimbe Malimbus scutatus Great views of a lovely pair along the Antwikwaa Road, in the Kakum area. Also seen at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nominate].

Blue-billed Malimbe Malimbus nitens First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum. Many seen well in Ankasa Conservation Area.

Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum [bartletti].

Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus First seen along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Also seen at Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, near to Kumasi [nigrifrons].

Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops A couple in non-breeding plumage at Kalakpa.

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macroura First seen (all in non-breeding plumage), at the Winneba Plains [nominate].

Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata First seen along the Brenu Beach Road [nominate].

Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor First in the lodge garden at Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

African Silverbill Euodice cantans A few in the north, with best views around Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border [nominate].

Red-fronted Antpecker ◊Parmoptila rubrifrons Good views of a male in Ankasa Conservation Area.

White-breasted Nigrita Nigrita fusconotus First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum [uropygialis].

Chestnut-breasted Nigrita Nigrita bicolor First seen in the Kakum area where several were seen well. Also seen well in Ankasa Conservation Area [nominate].

Grey-headed Nigrita Nigrita canicapillus First seen at the Abrafo Forest Reserve, Kakum [emiliae].

Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda First seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum.

Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park.

Quailfinch (African Q) Ortygospiza atricollis Great views of several, including some dark males, at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Also a few in the grass at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga, and dozens at Nasia Swamp, between Bolgatanga and Tamale [ansorgei].

Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata Scope views of three in trees by the lake at Sapelliga Village, on the Burkina-Faso border [nominate].

Orange-breasted Waxbill Amandava subflava A small flock of c20 flushed and seen in flight at Tono Dam, west of Bolgatanga [nominate].

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [nominate].

Western Bluebill Spermophaga haematina First heard along the track in Abrafo Forest, in the Kakum area. Also heard at Opro Forest, north of Kumasi, and in the Atewa Farm Bush where seen briefly [nominate].

Red-winged Pytilia ◊Pytilia phoenicoptera Nice views of a pair at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park. Also a few at Mole National Park [nominate].

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Many seen well at Mole National Park [nominate].

African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata A couple seen very well in the farmbush at Atewa [polionota].

Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopictaFirst seen in the farmbush, just west of the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum [nominate].

Black-faced Firefinch ◊Lagonosticta larvata Two seen coming down to drink at Mole National Park [nigricollis].

Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura One identified at Mole National Park.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Yellow W) Motacilla [flava] flavissima First seen at the Winneba (Muni Pomadze) Lagoon. Assumed to be this form.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Blue-headed W) Motacilla [flava] flava A couple seen at Mole National Park.

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp First seen at the Rainforest Lodge, Jukwa, Kakum [vidua].

Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys One seen at the Winneba Plains [zenkeri].

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis One seen and a couple heard at Mole National Park [nominate].

White-rumped Seedeater ◊Crithagra leucopygia Several seen well near to the village at Sapelliga, on the Burkina-Faso border [riggenbachi].

Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica First seen at the roadside pools at Janikura on the way to Mole National Park [caniceps].

Gosling’s Bunting ◊Emberiza goslingi Many seen coming down to drink at Mole National Park. Also seen well at the Tongo Hills, near Bolgatanga.

Brown-rumped Bunting Emberiza affinis Brilliant views of a singing bird at Mole National Park [nigeriae].

Cabanis’s Bunting Emberiza cabanisi Heard only, one heard singing at Mole National Park [nominate].

MAMMALS

Western Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax dorsalis Heard only.

Benin Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax interfluvialis Heard only.

African Savanna Elephant Loxodonta africana

Common Genet Genetta genetta

Common Cusimanse Crossarchus obscurus

Common Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus

Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus

Roan Antelope Hippotragus equinus

Kob Kobus kob

Maxwell’s Duiker Philantomba maxwellii Heard only.

Northern Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus

Yellow-winged False-vampire Lavia frons

African Straw-colored Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum

Gambian Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus gambianus

Northern Lesser Galago (Senegal G) Galago senegalensis

Demidoff’s Dwarf Galago Galagoides demidoff

Lowe’s Monkey Cercopithecus lowei

Spot-nosed Monkey Cercopithecus petaurista

Green Monkey (Callithrix M) Chlorocebus sabaeus

Common Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas

Olive Baboon Papio anubis

African Savanna Hare (Scrub H) Lepus victoriae

Fire-footed Rope Squirrel Funisciurus pyrropus

Kintampo Rope Squirrel Funisciurus substriatus

Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus

Red-legged Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus rufobrachium

Forest Giant Squirrel (African G S) Protoxerus stangeri

Striped Ground Squirrel Xerus erythropus

Lord Derby’s Anomalure (Lord D Scaly-tailed Squirrel) Anomalurus derbianus