16 April 2026

What a wonderful way to spend your birthday! We met up at our usual start time of 7:30 in the morning and we were welcomed by Clive and Ann George to their gorgeous veranda, where coffee and chairs were laid out for us. Ann wasn’t feeling well so left us in the capable hands of Clive and his twin brother Mervin, who lives next door. They had put out bird seed, and the birds were quickly on the scene. Sadly the weather didn’t play ball and the number of species was not great. But the weather didn’t worry the birds that were there and were around in big numbers. The Bronze Mannikins had many youngsters who begged from their parents.

There were quite a few Sunbirds around with brief views of Collared and Olive and a few Greater Double-collared around.

Also in fair numbers were the Red-backed subspecies of the Black-and-White Mannikins and Village Weavers, with many plumage varieties from juveniles to males just losing their breeding plumage.

Some of the group went for a walk, led by Clive and Mervin George, to the waterfall and through the forest. They saw many butterflies and some interesting plants.

Those of us who didn’t walk were blessed by three juvenile African Firefinch coming to visit…

All in all, it was a lovely, overcast morning with 21 species and lots of social banter. Many thanks to Clive, Ann and Mervin for hosting us so wonderfully. Maybe next year we have a spring outing here!

Words by Jenny Norman