ANTANANARIVO & LAKE ALAROBIA

MADAGASCAR

state (town), (W)

18o55´S/47o31´E N/A 587,041 square km, 2,876 m (Mount Maromokotro), Antananarivo (1,310m) mainly plateau

August to December ()

Birding Site Guide

The capital Antananarivo is located E of the centre of the island on a plateau. This elevation gives the city a pleasant climate.

The scarce Madagascar Harrier is not reliably anywhere but can be found on the outskirts of Antananarivo (or Tana as it is often simply called). Over farmland such species as Madagascar Kestrel and Madagascar Buzzard may be found as well as Madagascar Cisticola in scrub. The harrier site overlooks a valley which can be reached by bus.

Within Antananarivo lies an excellent wetland; Lake Alarobia where vast numbers of duck and other water birds can be found, including the only known breeding sites for Madagascar Pond Heron. The similar Squacco Heron is much more numerous. There is sometimes the odd African Openbill Stork too. The harrier may also sometimes be found here.

An excellent report and tour operator to try is Rockjumper Tours:

ROCKJUMPER MADAGASCAR BIRD REPORT 2008

ROCKJUMPER MADAGASCAR BIRD REPORT 2007

For lists of all the endemics look here. MADAGASCAR LIVING NATIONAL TREASURES

LEMURS CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Author: BSG

 

www.birdingsiteguide.com