grey heron
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Grey herons (Ardea cinera) inhabit estuaries, rivers, lakes, marshes, lagoons and other suitable shallow water bodies. They are solitary birds, active both day and night, often standing still for long periods. Trees and cliffs are favoured roosting sites.
Distribution Widespread throughout most of Namibia less for the most arid of regions. Found in Kunene River and Epupa Falls, Rundu, Caprivi, Chobe/Zambezi River, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour, Orange River, Fish River Canyon.
Diet: Stands and waits or hunts in shallow water for mostly fish and amphibians, insects, birds, reptiles and small rodents. Also eats worms, insects, turtle hatchlings and eels.
Description A large heron with a narrow-feathered crest and scapular plumes. Ardea is Latin for 'heron' and cinera for 'grey'. White forehead, face, nape and sides of neck. Back, tail and upper wings grey.
Breeding: Females lay 1 to 4 eggs in a shallow basing of small sticks and reeds, incubated for up to 28 days.
Size: 95cm. Weight: 2kg.
Dabis Guest Farm
A working farm in southern Namibia. Offers an insight into sheep farming is this arid region
Duwisib Castle Camping
The completely off his rocker 'Baron' von Wolf built this castle in the middle of nowhere. Rumours abound about this gun toting, cross dressing loon - the campsite is not as interesting!
Helmeringhausen Hotel
The settlement of Helmeringhausen consists of little more than a hotel, a petrol station and an agricultural museum. Luckily the hotel is a good one, with friendly owners.
Namtib Guest Farm
Situated in the Tiras mountains, an owner run guest farm that offers a warm welcome and even better scenery
Sinclair Guest Farm
A small reasonably priced guest farm - geologists are sure to enjoy the abandoned copper mine
