19 March 2026

As normal there was a good turnout at this Stake-Out at the Westville Scout Bowl, also known as the Westville Dog Park. We quickly set up in a bit of shade and started clocking the birds. The ever-present Bronze Mannikins and Village Weavers were there along with Speckled Mousebirds.

Once everyone had settled down with their morning beverages, the Southern Black Flycatchers started moving around along with the usual Common Bulbuls.

The ‘walkers’ wandered off finding Olive Thrush and Red-capped Robin Chat, while the ones ‘staking out’ saw a Brown-hooded Kingfisher and a pair of Chinspot Batis, both of which hung around for the others when they got back.

The Barbets were represented by Crested and White-eared, heard by many and seen by a few. Along with Speckled Mousebirds hiding in a Tasselberry.

The highlight of the day came when Cara called people over to a tree near the entrance for a Klaas’s Cuckoo which sat there for the next couple of hours allowing everyone to get good views!

All in all, a very pleasant morning outing with a total of 32 species of birds.

Words by Jenny Norman