Although we could have returned to Nsutu forest for a final mornings birding before setting off for The Rainforest Lodge Hotel at Jukwa, our accommodation for the next 3 nights, whilst we visit the Kakum National Park we decided against it because of the state of the roads.
Instead we went to a marshy area near the beach, albeit it was quite dry now and found all the tchagras - marsh, black crowned and brown crowned, swallows collecting mud for their nests (today's photo), the violet turaco, which adorns the cover of Birds of Ghana guide book and many more besides.
We then went to a reservoir where met a German guy who was working at the dam for 18 months so often visited looking for birds when he needs a break! There was not much about so we made tracks to the hotel. We settled in to a basic but clean room with air conditioning and a nice shower. We then had lunch, ordered dinner and then returned to our room and sorted out our washing which was whisked away by a young man - we were astounded to get it back 2 hours later smelling clean and fresh and nicely folded. After the mandatory hour for my food to go down I ventured to the medium sized but lovely and clean pool and did a 100 lengths - I swam for about 50 minutes as I must keep fit for my 1000 mile cycle challenge in June. That said the walking and the heat are helping with the endurance training.
Before dinner we headed to the edge of forest reserve which is adjacent to the national park on our search for owls!
As the weather looked ominous we stayed close to the van until we were sure there was not going to be a cloud burst. We were rewarded by spotting our first monkeys - olive backed colobus and Lowes mona monkeys sitting in the branches of a tall tree. We reached an executive decision of no rain, and were proved right, so headed to a good owl spot -and thanks to eagle eyes John we saw Frasers eagle owl.
No night jars tonight. Dinner was ready when we returned but sadly no fried ice cream which we saw on the menu and thought it would be nice to try!