stark's lark
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: Stark's lark (Spizocorys starki) were first recorded by Arthur Cowell Stark (1850-1899) the author of the first 2 volumes of 'Birds of South Africa'. Sparse shrub or grass cover in arid and semi-arid open plains are favoured, as well as gravelly and stony soil.
Distribution: Common in mainly western and southern Namibia. Fairly common in the northern Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast. Also found in Etosha National Park with some a thin scattering in the south of the country.Diet: Eats mostly grass seeds, ants, bugs, flies, solifuges and spiders.
Description: A small lark with a short bill. Buffy brown upperparts, faintly streaked with dark brown. Often confused with the Sclater's lark which had darker brown upperparts and buffy (not white) underparts.Breeding: As a rule, 2 to 4 eggs are laid from March to August, in a simple grass cup.
Size: 14cm. Weight: 19g.
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
