11 December 2025

A nice size group arrived for the outing with a couple of people either arriving late or leaving early. A bird party greeted everyone before they even got to the place that we’d be sitting. This included Trumpeter Hornbill and Burchell’s Coucal.

We were all impressed by the amount of work done and the improvements since the last event. Thanks to Sue Smith and Al Nicoll (both members of BeKZN) who work on the park and were at the outing.

A Black-headed Oriole was very vocal as were two species of Woodpecker – both Golden-tailed and Cardinal which caused a debate and discussion over the calls which not everyone knew. The walkers added very little to the total list as the activity seemed to be all around us.  Cape Batis and African Paradise Flycatcher were active along with three species of barbet – Crested, Black-collared and White-eared. Numerous Southern Black Flycatchers were also active.

Al ended up having a pop-up binocular cleaning service for the people sitting around him!

Pic – Al, the binoc cleaner – Sue Smith

It’s a small park but the birdlife was prolific with 44 species recorded during the morning which kept everyone looking and logging. A great outing to finish the stake-outs for the year.

Report by Jenny Norman