Outing report- 14th July 2013 Umzimkulu Valley

Aloe ferox were flowering beautifully
(Photo Doug Butcher) 

Attendees: Doug Butcher, Helgard du Preez, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Margaret Jones, Eric Kok, Dave & Joy Mullin, Keith & Maureen Roach, Andy Ruffle, Noelene Sapiro, Irma Smook, Steve & Paula Thomas. (15 attendees).

It was a rather overcast sky that greeted us as we gathered at Lake Eland. Not a major problem for us birders, but somewhat a handicap for the good contingent from Hibiscus Coast Camera Club who had come along to join us.

Aloe ferox flowers
 (Photo Doug Butcher)

We took a slow steady drive down in to the valley, stopping for bird parties and photo opportunities. This road was alive with bird calls and the Aloe ferox adorning the hillsides were absolutely stunning. By the time we reached the valley it was time for our breakfast.

Trogons and Hibiscus Coast Camera Club members
enjoy breakfast  together
 (Photo Doug Butcher)

After our refreshments, we walked down to the river, where we witnessed a pair of Hamerkop mating. African Black Duck, African Fish-eagle and a Flap-necked Chameleon Chamaeleo dilepsis were also seen.

Flap-necked Chameleon Chamaeleo dilepsis
(Photo Doug Butcher)

When we finally dragged ourselves away from the river, we drove to our usual lunchtime picnic spot. The camera club headed straight for the waters edge again, while the birders went off on another walk before returning for lunch.

White-browed Scrub-robin skulking in bushes by the road
 (Photo Doug Butcher)

Great birding and stunning backdrops
(Photo Doug Butcher)

(Photo Doug Butcher)

The beauty of this place never ceases to delight. We look forward to our next visit.

Birds recorded: African Stonechat, Pied Crow, Common Fiscal, Southern Boubou, Village Weaver, Egyptian Goose, Cape Starling, White-browed Scrub-Robin, Red-eyed Dove, Cape Turtle-Dove, African Hoopoe, Olive Thrush, Spectacled Weaver, Sombre Greenbul, Red-winged Starling, Dark-capped Bulbul, Neddicky, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Fork-tailed Drongo, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Cape Batis, African Firefinch, Brimstone Canary, Southern Black Tit, White-breasted Cormorant, Yellow-fronted Canary, Hadeda Ibis, Black Saw-wing, Amethyst Sunbird, Yellow Weaver, Hamerkop, Green-backed Camaroptera, Streaky-headed Seedeater, African Pied Wagtail, Three-banded Plover, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Brown-throated Martin, Cape Wagtail, African Fish-Eagle, African Black Duck, Cape Vulture, Black-headed Oriole, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Robin-Chat, Giant Kingfisher, Common Waxbill, White-necked Raven, Cape White-eye, Chinspot Batis, Rock Martin, White-bellied Sunbird, Purple-crested Turaco. (54 species).