BeKZN Stake Out/Sit-In |Krantzkloof Nature Reserve 🌻

13 March 2025

The group (before the late comers arrived) – Dot van der Merwe

A large number of people gathered together for the monthly stake-out near the small dam. We were quickly entertained by an Amethyst Sunbird at its nest.

Female Amethyst Sunbird in nest – Dot van der Merwe

Some birders looking at the nest – Tayla van Rees

Many Crowned Hornbills were very active flying around and also landing in the trees nearby. While the normal Red-eyed Doves called and gave us fly-bys.

We had all of the ‘bulbuls’ come to see us with Dark-capped Bulbul, Sombre Greenbul and Terrestrial Brownbul all calling.

A secretive Sombre Greenbul – Cara Christianson

A Mountain Wagtail was seen which promptly flew down the river, so some people decided to go for a walk to try and relocate it. They went past the area where the old Crowned Eagle nest was to a small waterfall where they found what they were looking for. The walkers also saw/heard Tambourine and Lemon Dove.

Waterfall near where the Mountain Wagtail was seen – Wendy van Elden

Some more birders – Tayla van Rees

Meanwhile we were kept occupied by watching the male Amethyst Sunbird and a pair of African Dusky Flycatchers. At one stage I felt a sharp pain on my arm and brushed off what had bitten me noticing what it was in the process – A spider!

African Dusky Flycatcher – Cara Christianson

Biscuit Boxkite Spider (same species as what bit me) – Cara Christianson

Black-headed Orioles were very vocal and active throughout the morning.

We had quite a few birds just flying over the area during the morning. Trumpeter Hornbills, Woolly-necked Storks, a Black Sparrowhawk and a Common Buzzard as well as one of the last of the Yellow-billed Kites before they migrate north.