15 November 2025

This Day Tripping outing was a great morning of birding, with an enthusiastic group of birders and some excellent birds recorded. The outing allowed us to enjoy some quality birding while also completing a Full Protocol card for SABAP2, covering a pentad that included both the Lower Mpushini Conservancy and Darvill Waste Water Treatment Works. This combination of habitats proved highly productive, with a total of 107 species recorded for the morning, both seen and heard.

We met at 6am at the entrance to the Lower Mpushini Conservancy, just outside of Ashburton. Birding started immediately as people arrived, with Neddicky, Red-chested Cuckoo, Violet-backed Starling, and Trumpeter Hornbill all recorded before we even left the starting point. As we drove off, one of the birds of the day made an appearance when an African Cuckoo-Hawk flew over. This species was also seen on our previous outing to the conservancy.

We made our way into the valley and stopped at a viewpoint overlooking the river. This area allowed us to add several more species to the day’s total, including Black Cuckoo, which is always a special bird to see. We also recorded Diederik Cuckoo, Cape Starling, and Black-crowned Tchagra. Unlike the previous outing, Narina Trogon was sadly absent at this spot.

We then parked the vehicles and took a short walk along the road to see what species we could add on foot. The wide dirt road allowed us to stay together as a group, making sure that no one missed out. During this walk we saw Bar-throated Apalis, and also heard its distinctive call, as well as White-browed Scrub Robin, Black Saw-wing, and Scaly-throated Honeyguide. With plenty of eyes and ears, we were able to make the most of this section. Some of the group continued along the road, while others headed down towards the river. Those who carried on walking were rewarded with views and calls of Lazy Cisticola in trees alongside the road.

We then moved down to the path that winds along the river. This area can be productive at times, and it did not disappoint. Some of the group enjoyed views of an African Pygmy Kingfisher. We also recorded Olive Sunbird, Cape Wagtail, Dark-backed Weaver, and Lesser Honeyguide.

From there we started driving the roads that wind through the conservancy. We stopped in an area suitable for grassland species and spent some time birding on foot. This stop produced Red-throated Wryneck, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Hoopoe, Black Cuckooshrike, and Rufous-naped Lark.

We continued along the road and stopped at another productive birding spot. The stop was rewarding, with Zitting Cisticola, Common Waxbill, and White-winged Widowbird recorded. As we carried on, we added more raptors to the list, including Jackal Buzzard and Common Buzzard.

Despite the mid-day heat, some of the group pushed on to Darvill WWTW for a short visit. The standout bird there was a Booted Eagle that flew low over the water. The sewerage works allowed us to add several waterbirds and waders to the list. One of the benefits of being part of a local bird club is the shared knowledge within the group, which proved valuable while working through the waders. Some were straightforward to identify, while others required more careful discussion.

Waders recorded included Three-banded Plover, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, Pied Avocet, African Snipe, and Black-winged Stilt. Waterbirds seen included Red-billed Teal, Red-knobbed Coot, and White-faced Whistling Duck. We also added several LBJ’s, some by call and others seen well, including Levaillant’s Cisticola, African Pipit, Common Reed Warbler, and Little Rush Warbler.

This was a very enjoyable outing with a good mix of experienced and newer birders. Some enjoyed familiar species, while others were fortunate enough to pick up a few lifers during the morning.

Words by Adam Cruikshank