17th September 2023

The Impithi Nature Reserve is a little hidden gem situated near the old Gillitts Train Station located alongside the M13 highway, and forms part of the Everton Conservancy. The weather forecast did not look good, so it was no surprise that almost half of the group decided to cancel their attendance. This meant that from the registered 24 participants, only about 13 decided to venture out despite the possibility of a little light drizzle.

We met at 6:30am in the parking lot at the entrance to the Nature Reserve. There is a Scan-to-pay nominal R10 entry and R10 exit fee to access this reserve, which is used towards the upkeep of the reserve. While waiting for all the members to arrive, we started listening out for the dawn chorus of the valley. I noticed 2 birds, in particular, that flew overhead at quite a speed and continued to a distant tree on the horizon. Very distant views confirmed a flock of 8 African Olive Pigeons. This turned out to be a lifer for a few of the members, which was a great way to start the walk!

Although the cloud cover was low and lighting conditions challenging, we headed off down into the reserve with the path winding down towards the small dam. A few of us got brief views of an African Goshawk as it passed by and quickly out of view. Unfortunately, the normally reliable views of a Golden Weaver next to the dam, was quickly extinguished as there was no sign or evidence of nest building activity. This was worrying and a bit disappointing.

We spread out along the dam wall and scanned the trees for possible sighting of a Purple Heron preparing to leave the overnight roost. Unfortunately, another no-show. Instead, some of us got views of a Little Sparrowhawk and then after adding a few more birds to the species list, the bird of the day made its appearance.

One of the birders alerted the group to the movement of a large bird working its way in-between the branches of a nearby tree. It was a juvenile Crowned Eagle! Everyone got part-views of the perched bird. I decided to try and get better views of the bird from below. As I got a fair view of the raptor, it took off and flew directly over the birding group. Everyone got stunning views of the underside and got to witness the large wingspan as it flew over, up and away… except for me!

We then headed along the path running down the river course. We managed to add a few more birds to the list, including a very wet pair of Purple-crested Turaco. However, a fine misty drizzle had settled in during the walk and we ended up walking up and back to the carpark, where we all said our good-byes. A few of us decided to go and sit at the Lapa and take in the misty drizzle hanging over the treetops and enjoy a quick snack and a warm beverage, before heading on our separate ways.

All in, we managed a total of 35 bird species for the outing- see the attached Species List. Not bad considering the weather.

Written by and all photos taken by EJ Bartlett