3 August 2024

This Saturday offered a double bill – A BeKZN Day Tripping Walk by Adam Cruickshank and a BeKZN Sit-In hosted by Jenny Norman

THE DAY TRIPPING

Upon our arrival at the Conservation Centre, we were immediately greeted by a sizable flock of birds moving through a fruiting fig tree. Without even having to walk, binoculars were soon pressed to our eyes as we looked up into the tree, eager to see what we could spot. Among the birds noisily devouring the fruit were Trumpeter Hornbill, Sombre Greenbul, White-eared Barbet, Knysna Turaco, and Black-collared Barbet.

Trumpeter Hornbill with a berry (Aditi Bholla)

White-eared Barbet (Justin Chadwick)

The morning had gotten off to a great start, and we hadn’t even left the Conservation Centre yet. But the excitement was about to rise even higher. Near the bird bath by the center, a Spotted Ground Thrush was foraging on the ground. The group cautiously gathered on the wooden pathway, and much to our surprise, the bird moved closer and closer to the group of onlookers. For many of us, this was the best sighting of the species we’d ever had.

Spotted Ground Thrush (Justin Chadwick)

Spotted Ground Thrush by the picnic table (Debra Thom)

After the warm welcome, the large group began making its way through the beautiful conservation area. Despite the size of the group, we managed to get some good bird sightings. We spotted species like Purple-crested Turaco, Bar-throated Apalis, Collared Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, and Brown-hooded Kingfisher. A few lucky members of the group even caught a glimpse of a Black-throated Wattle-eye hiding in the thickets.

Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Ronnie Herr)

Collared Sunbird (Ajay Bholla)

The group then split into two: one group took an easier path, while the more adventurous among us opted for a longer route. Although we heard the call of a Scaly-throated Honeyguide, we were unable to spot it. However, we had several sightings ofGreen Twinspot along the way and saw another Spotted Ground Thrush deeper in the conservancy.

The route that was covered (Lorraine Retief)

On the trail (Ajay Bholla)

On the trail (Debra Thom)

The lookout point provided not only stunning views but also a special treat—a sighting of an African Fish Eagle soaring through the valley. We heard the call of a Narina Trogon deep in the forest, but unfortunately, it remained elusive. We did, however, have an excellent view of an African Goshawk perched high in the branches.

A spectacular view (Lorraine Retief)

The top pond (Lorraine Retief)

It was a fantastic morning, which we ended by sitting under a tree, enjoying the birds, sharing stories, and having a meal together.

THE SIT-IN

I drove down a bit early and linked up with the walkers before they went off – they were all gathered around a beautiful fruiting fig tree by the entrance to the Environmental Centre, where the tree was full of birds including Trumpeter Hornbills and Knysna Turacos.

Male Trumpeter Hornbill (Raymond Way)

Knysna Turaco (Ronnie Herr)

We were a small group compared to the official walkers who had to divide into 2 groups. We proceeded to the environmental centre where we sat on the deck. The bird bath was quite popular as it was dry everywhere else. We had Lemon Dove and even a pair of Blue Duikers come for a drink, 

Lemon Dove at the bird bath (Tammy Harding)

Blue Duiker (Tammy Harding)

The Spotted Ground Thrush (seen by the walkers just before they left) showed itself along with Tambourine Doves.

Spotted Ground Thrush – front view (Justin Chadwick)

We saw Red-capped Robin-chat and heard Brown Scrub Robin before deciding to move back to the big fig tree by the road. We setup amongst the parked cars and basically just birded that tree and surrounds.

Red-capped Robin-chat (Tammy Harding)

We were kept entertained by al the birds coming and going the whole morning, seeing things such as Ashy Flycatcher, a large group of at least 20 African Green Pigeons and a few Green Woodhoopoes.

Ashy Flycatcher (Tammy Harding)

African Green Pigeon (Tammy Harding)

The Trumpeter Hornbills were ever present and were joined by a few Crowned Hornbills, and both the Knysna and Purple-crested Turacos were actively bouncing around.

Trumpeter Hornbill (Ajay Bholla)

Crowned Hornbill (Tammy Harding)

Knysna Turaco (Ajay Bholla)

As each of the walker groups came back, we were joined by more people also enjoying the spectacle of an active fruiting fig tree. With birds such as Black-headed Oriole and a few sunbirds showing up the birds kept coming.

The sitters with a few of the walkers- still birding (Jenny Norman)

Black-headed Oriole

A couple of us went to the lookout in front of the club afterwards and added a couple of coastal birds such as Cape Gannet onto the list, plenty of whales but sadly so pelagic birds.