13 July 2024

One of the big benefits of being part of an active bird club is the wide variety of activities on offer. This weekend, while many club members were away on a uMkhuze birding weekend, those who stayed behind in Durban still had the opportunity to go on an outing. It was encouraging to see the diverse group of attendees for uMhkhomazi Valley exploration. We had experienced and new birders, as well as participants of various ages, making their way down the South Coast. After meeting and getting some coffee at the Fresh Stop, we set off to see what we could find. I estimated that we would see around 80 birds for the morning – so the pressure was on!

We explored different habitats around the greater Umkomaas area, all while staying within one pentad. One of the big wins for the day was our ability to submit three full protocol cards to the SABAP2 project.

Our first stop was Empisini Nature Reserve. Although the reserve is far from its prime in terms of maintenance, it still offers fantastic birding. We started just outside the reserve. This area was quieter than usual, but it allowed us to get to know each other better while birding and adding a few species to the day’s list. We then headed to the parking lot, which served as our base for exploring the reserve. As the sun started to make its presence known, the birding activity picked up. We managed to see some birds, although calls were still the main way of adding species to the list. We recorded Village Weaver, Southern Boubou, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Olive Sunbird, and other species. We were excited to witness a flyover from a Black Sparrowhawk, which helped some of the newer birders brush up on their raptor ID skills.

As we walked deeper into the reserve, we were thrilled to see a juvenile Green Twinspot. We were blessed with many sightings of this special species as we walked around the reserve, although photographing them proved tricky. The walk also allowed us to see a small flock of Red-backed Mannikins sunning themselves on dry branches, along with small flocks of Fork-tailed Drongos, Black-bellied Starlings, Black-collared Barbets, Thick-billed Weavers, and the distant call of a Scaly-throated Honeyguide. We also heard a Brown Scrub Robin calling from the thick undergrowth alongside the path.

After the walk, we were treated to a flyover from a flock of Crowned Hornbills at the picnic site. We also had a great sighting of a Burchell’s Coucal catching some rays of the morning sunshine. After some snacks and small talk, we headed to our next destination.

We stopped alongside the road, overlooking the Umkomaas River. We were treated to great views of Mocking Cliff Chat, allowing the group to see the difference between the male and female of the species. A Hamerkopflew over before an African Fish Eagle graced us with its presence.

Next, we headed to the grassland by the Sappi Training Centre. The wind had picked up slightly, making it quieter than usual. However, we saw some good views of Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird and White-eared Barbets in the open. Some of the group were also lucky to see a Blue Waxbill, a great bird for the area.

We made a quick stop on a dirt road along the Umkomaas River. The call of the Red-faced Cisticola filled the air as we scanned the river and its banks for more species. On the far bank, we recorded Blacksmith Lapwing, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Egyptian Geese, and Pied Wagtail. Unfortunately, due to development, the number of species recorded on the river has declined.

Our next stop was the Magabeni Water Treatment Works. This location is a fantastic wader spot in summer, but it was still worth a visit. As the convoy made its way along the three pans, a Hamerkop flew over, announcing its presence. We also saw an African Darter fishing. Sadly, it had swallowed plastic and struggled to remove it – its fate didn’t seem positive. We were able to see the differences between White-breasted Cormorant and Reed Cormorants, with Steve providing some great ID information. On the way to the next location, some of the cars got separated from the group. This detour allowed these people to get to see a Lanner Falcon perched on a line. 

The final stop for the day was Umkomaas Beach to see if we could spot some pelagic species. The terns put on a show – Greater Crested and Common Tern flew past us, allowing the photographers to capture some great shots. In the distance, Cape Gannets flew over the choppy seas. We were also lucky enough to see a whale in the distance.

We ended the day with a healthy total of 95 species. However, the true highlight wasn’t just the impressive bird list we compiled, but the camaraderie and connections we formed. Sharing these experiences with fellow birders, both seasoned and new, made for a memorable and enriching outing. It’s these moments of discovery and friendship that make our bird club outings so special. Looking forward to many more adventures together!