9 May 2024

First of all, our grateful and heartfelt thanks to our hosts for the day, Clive and Ann, who welcomed us onto their property and allowed us to take over their veranda for the sit-in. It was very much appreciated.

The view was stunning over a small dam with lots of big trees around and the birds were very active (some even coming onto the deck when it was quiet – which was difficult with over 15 people)…

Seed had been put out and lots of Bronze Mannikin were the first to respond (even coming onto the veranda next to us)!

The Greater Double-collared Sunbird were active at all the flowers and birds such as Black-collared Barbet and Purple-crested Turaco called in the background. Both Red-eyed and Laughing Dove came to the bird feeder.

The 2 George brothers and Oscar then took people off birding with some going to see the waterfall and cave downstream…

While others headed into the forest to record what they could hear and see.

The people that stayed on the veranda were treated with Red-backed Mannikins and African Firefinch.

When the walkers came back they caused excitement by seeing a Cape Rock Thrush on the roof which had the sitters rushing outside.

The highlight of the day (for me) was a beautiful Black Cuckooshrike flitting around the trees having been spotted way off to the left and then passing by in front of us on its way downstream. (Some-one did take a photo of it but did not send it through to me).

One of the most constant birds was Village Weaver with some building (or practising) their nests.

We ended up with a modest 33 birds on our list.

Report by Jenny Norman