BE KZN Sit-In | Portman Park, Westville

8 December 2022

The sitters sitting in Portman Park – Poobalan Naidoo

We had a break in the weather and ended up with a nice sunny day. Nine people attended and Sue Smith from the Conservancy gave us a short background story of the park before leading some of the people on a short walk.

Sue Smith provided an over view of Portman Park | this park has recently been rehabilitated by Friends of Dawncliffe Parks, a sub section of Westville Conservancy. A lot of work has been done to remove Invasive Alien plants and trees and the natural grassland, wetland, woodland, and riverine forest habitats have been re-established after many years of mowing and neglect. This has resulted in an abundance of seed eating birds, plus White-eared and Crested barbet, Red-capped robin-chat, Thick-billed Weaver, Burchell’s coucal and many more. A newly constructed bridge connects both sides of the park giving over 1km of pathways.

The birdlife was very good with three species of Barbet and three species of Weaver being seen.

The walkers found a Yellow-billed Kite sitting near its nest although everyone had it flying over quite a few times.

A few families of Southern Black Flycatchers kept us entertained with their motley babies following the parents around.

Black Flycatcher, adult and juvenile – Poobalan Naidoo

Black Flycatcher juvenile – Poobalan Naidoo

A couple of Wooly-necked Storks flew over and then landed on the top of a dead tree.

Also flying around were many Lesser-striped Swallows and a brief view of an African Harrier Hawk.

African Harrier Hawk, juvenile in flight – Poobalan Naidoo

We also had 3 species of Sunbird calling and allowing some quick views. Woodpeckers and a Black-headed Oriolewere also calling and allowed good views.