8 February 2025

After a few days of continuous rain, we were lucky to have a break in the weather for our walk on Saturday morning which was partly cloudy with a light breeze. The reserve was in good condition with lush green grasslands and forests but still needs a bit more maintenance on the paths, especially in the forests were fallen branches creating obstacles have not been cleared for a long time.

We had a good turnout of 18 keen birders, and we set off from the lower carpark at 06h30.

The walkways and paths were generally well maintained except for the less well travelled ones in some of the forests. The forest along the stream was surprisingly quiet initially with the exception of noisy Square-tailed Drongo and Green-backed Camaroptera. On reaching the clearings, we fully expected to see many birds on the treetops sunning themselves in the early morning rays after all the rain – but only a pair of White-eared Barbet were taking advantage.

The birding started improving once we reached the grasslands with Rattling Cisticolas, Yellow-throated Longclaws and Fan-tailed Widowbird males chasing other birds off their perches. Flocks of Bronze Mannikins were feeding on grass seeds, and we were delighted by a number of the beautiful photogenic Little Bee-eaters flitting around hawking insects. Both Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills were heard and seen over the distant forest tops.

Little Bee-eaters were a delight to watch in the grasslands, posing for photographs from their hunting perches. The picturesque dam produced the usual weavers – Village, Eastern Golden (Yellow) and Thick-billed, and the only other waterbird was a single Black Crake

There were at least eight Yellow-billed Kites circling in the distance at one stage with three other rounded tail raptors among them, too far to identify or photograph, but a little later one came closer and was photographed. Initially the barred tail gave the impression of an Ayres’s Hawk Eagle which is being seen fairly regularly around the area. Back home on the computer post processing it turned out to be a European Honey Buzzard with its dark carpal patches clearly showing (thanks Dave Rimmer for help with the ID).

Back into the forests there was more activity with Purple-crested Turaco, Tambourine Dove, Yellow-bellied Greenbul and Terrestrial Brownbul all calling but no sign of Lemon Dove which we were hoping to see. Cardinal Woodpecker and Golden-tailed Woodpecker were also heard frequently but no Olive Woodpecker which we usually see in the area.

Wildlife is frequently encountered here starting with the friendly Zebras in the parking lot. Bushbuck, Red and Blue Duiker are common in the forests and Impala on the grasslands. It was concerning to see the numerous Giant African Land Snail everywhere – one wall of the castle was almost covered in them

We weren’t certain which of the Achatina species they were. After the walk, welcome drinks and snacks were enjoyed at the parking lot picnic site.  In total we saw 66 species which is probably about 20 shy of what you would expect at this time of year. I think another outing in September or October should be on the calendar! A thoroughly enjoyable relaxed walk was had by all. 

Report and photos by Rob McLennan-Smith