Outing report: Mpenjati Nature Reserve, 24 June 2018

Attendees: Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Stan & Val Culley, Graham & Sue Salthouse, Doug & Angie Butcher, Rob Eccles, Rene & Anne Rey, Pete & Ann Wright, Alastair Warman, Veronique Warman, Di Smith, Bob & Hazel Van Rooyen (18)

Species: 28                                                                                          Text: Hazel van Rooyen

Woolly-necked Storks (photo HvR)

Pied Wagtails, Pied Kingfishers and Woolly-necked Storks greeted our arrival at the Mpenjati estuary on a bright but blustery winter’s morning. 

Sun rising over the lagoon (photo Doug Butcher)

Reed Cormorants (photo HvR)

We spent a short while surveying the lagoon which was quite full, with no nice sandy edges for waders.  With not much activity there, we walked back up the road, past the offices, on the way sighting, amongst others, Fork-tailed Drongo, Red-eyed Dove, Southern Black Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Yellow Weaver, Fan-tailed Widowbird and Natal Spurfowl amongst the tall dry grassland. 

Tree Aloes like candles lighting up the dune forest (photo HvR)

Moving through the dune forest nothing stirred but as we came out onto the beach a couple of families of Kelp Gulls stood where the little waves were breaking, keeping their eyes open for anything the tide might expose

Kelp Gull (photo Doug Butcher)

 

Back at the cars we had our breakfast with the wintry sun beginning to warm us up.  

We then crossed back over the bridge to the north side.  The resident family of Water Thick-knees (at least 5) stood with half-closed eyes in their favourite spot on the rounded boulders at the water’s edge beneath the bridge.

Water Thick-knees (photo HvR)

Approaching the dune forest Rene spotted a raptor which landed on the top-most tree.  Stan identified it as an immature African Fish Eagle. 

Immature African Fish Eagle (photo HvR)

The entrance to the boardwalk was water-logged but we found a dry path around it.  However, a short way further along, another water-logged section blocked our path and the walk up through the dune was still cordoned off.  There had been reports of scout parties helping to repair this once pretty walk but signs informed us it was still under construction.  Sadly we had to reverse and we made ourselves comfortable under the shady trees next to the lagoon for an early lunch.

Lunch (Photo Doug Butcher)

 Species: 28

Barbet, Black-collared Bulbul, Dark-capped Cormorant, Reed Dove, Laughing Dove, Red-eyed Drongo, Fork-tailed Eagle, African Fish Egret, Cattle Fiscal, Common

Flycatcher, Southern Black Goose, Egyptian Greenbul Sombre Gull, Kelp Ibis, Hadedah Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Pied Longclaw, Yellow-throated Pigeon, Green Spurfowl, Natal

Stork, Woolly-necked Sunbird, Amethyst Sunbird, Olive Tern, Swift Thick-knee, Water Wagtail, Cape Wagtail, Pied Weaver, Yellow Widowbird, Fan-tailed

UPCOMING OUTING: Mpenjati Nature Reserve, 24 June 2018

Dear Members & Friends

Malachite Kingfisher (photo Stan Culley)

Sunday 24 June at  7am. BIRDLIFE TROGONS will visit Mpenjati N.R.

Bring chairs, breakfast & something to braai for lunch.

ALL WELCOME. There is a R20pp charge for non-members of BirdLife Trogons.

Outings may be cancelled due to weather, check www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com or phone Hazel before setting off. For further details telephone Hazel on 072 355 8837.

PLEASE LET HAZEL KNOW IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THE OUTING

From the R61 meet at the Mpenjati South entrance gate. There is a R30 per person entrance fee, however this is negated if you have a Rhino Card.

Set GPS to DD MM SS.S  =  S30 58 18.2  E30 16 39.3

See you there!

Kind regards

Hazel van Rooyen

Secretary

BirdLife Trogons Bird Club

Outing report: Empisini Nature Reserve, 10 June 2018

Attendees: Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury, Stan & Val Culley, Graham & Sue Salthouse, Danie & Bella du Toit, Robin Eccles & Hanli Kloppers, Alastair Warman & family, Sandy Olver, Hazel Nevin, Jonathan Davidson, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen (19)

Species: 44                                                               Text: Hazel van Rooyen

We had a good turnout of 19 folk for this once-popular venue.  On arrival we noticed that the reserve had received a lot of attention in recent weeks with pathways being cleared and streams being opened up to drain the reed beds clogging up the wetland.  The wooden huts were a sad sight though – completely broken down with two guys finishing the job, removing the remaining decking and floor boards.

Our first walk up the centre of the reserve produced the most birds of the day, 39.  Some of the species seen were Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Sombre Greenbul, Black-backed Puffback, Black-headed Oriole, Olive Sunbird, a lonely Red-backed Mannikin, plus the usual doves, bulbuls, starlings and barbets (see end).  At the top, not being sure where the pathway went or how long it was, we decided to return the same way.

 

After some welcome coffee and sustenance, we embarked on a walk over the other side of the river.  It looked OK but some of us more mature ladies were appreciative of a strong helping hand from the gentlemen over some soggy riverlets.  No-one ended up getting wet fortunately.  However, this forest patch was quiet, as was the rest of the walk up the side of the reserve, although a Fiery-necked Nightjar was glimpsed by some.  This was very steep and a few decided to return to the picnic spot and wait for the birds to come to them.  An African Fish Eagle and Black Sparrowhawk did show themselves in the skies.  Otherwise the reserve had quietened down and all that remained was for to us to enjoy our braai in the winter sunshine.  Apologies for the lack of photos, it was just not a photo opportunity sort of day.

Species identified: 44

Barbet, Black-collared

Barbet, Crested

Barbet, White-eared

Boubou, Southern

Brownbul, Terrestrial

Bulbul, Black-capped

Cormorant, White-breasted

Dove, Red-eyed

Dove, Tambourine

Drongo, Fork-tailed

Drongo, Square-tailed

Eagle, African Fish

Fly-catcher, Dusky

Flycatcher, Southern Black

Goose, Egyptian

Greenbul, Sombre

Greenbul, Yellow-bellied

Hamerkop

Hornbill, Crowned

Hornbill, Trumpeter

Ibis, Hadedah

Kingfisher, Brown-hooded

Mannikin, Red-backed

Nightjar, Fiery-necked

Oriole, Black-headed

Puffback, Black-backed

Robin-Chat, Red-capped

Shrike, Grey-headed Bush Shrike

Sparrowhawk, Black

Spurfowl, Natal

Starling, Black-bellied

Starling, Red-winged

Sunbird, Amethyst

Sunbird, Collared

Sunbird, Olive

Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped

Tit, Southern Black Tit

Turaco, Purple-crested

Warbler, Little Rush

Weaver, Dark-backed

Weaver, Spectacled

Weaver, Thick-billed

Wood-hoopoe, Green

Woodpecker, Golden-tailed

Outing report: Oribi Gorge and Vulture Viewing Hide, 27 May 2018

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury, Graham & Sue Salthouse, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen, Jonathan Davidson, Louis & Pat Fourie, Lennart Erikssen, Andy Ruffle

Bird count:  39 (see end)                                                 Text: Hazel van Rooyen

Cape Vulture carrying nesting material (photo: HvR)

Darkness blanketed the hutted camp on our arrival and nothing stirred on the little dam except for Hadeda Ibises, still roosting in a dead tree nearby.  As we watched, one flock flew off, then another and another, letting the whole land know it was time to rise and shine.  By now, Yellow-billed Ducks, Village Weavers and a lone Reed Cormorant were also awakening.  Far away on a tree-top a Jackal Buzzard surveyed his world.  After checking in, we made our way across the grassland towards the gorge, surprising only a Cape Longclaw which flapped off.

Walking across the grassland to the gorge

Cape Rock Thrushes (photo HvR)

  

From the edge of the gorge we enjoyed the sight of Cape Rock Thrushes and Mocking Cliff Chats flitting amongst the rocky outcrop.  Good sightings were also had of Cape White-eye, Dusky Flycatcher, Grey Cuckooshrike, Southern Black Flycatcher, Black-headed Oriole and Black-collared Barbet.  Back at the huts, Olive and Greater Double-collared Sunbirds investigated an Erythrinia, hoping for nectar from early blossoms.

At our breakfast spot half-way down the gorge, Trumpeter Hornbills called in the valley while Terrestrial Brownbuls scolded from nearby bushes.  After a brief stop at the river bridge, we made our way up the other side of the gorge to where Andy was waiting to lead our convoy to the Cape Vulture hide.  Only a couple of old carcasses remained from an earlier feeding frenzy and the Vultures now glided towards us, seemingly in greeting.  On the gorge face nests were taking shape, with one partner fetching nesting material and the other guarding the nest – otherwise a cheeky neighbour would steal a few twigs.  As usual Andy Ruffle was an interesting exponent of all things Vulture.  Thanks once again, Andy.  

Cape Vulture soaring over the gorge (photo HvR)

3 nests (photo HvR)

Cape Vulture (photo HvR)

Apart from the vultures, up here we saw African Stonechat, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Pied Crow, Lanner Falcon, and Crowned Hornbill.

Eventually we dragged ourselves reluctantly away from the vultures and returned to the bottom of the gorge to light the fire for the braai.  A most enjoyable day was had by all.

Andy explains (photo HvR)

Oribi Gorge (photo HvR)

There is so much to learn (photo Lennart Eriksson)

Mountain Reedbuck (photo Lennart Eriksson)

The vulture bath is fed from a tank and cleaned regularly (photo Lennart Eriksson)

Guarding their nests (photo Lennart Eriksson)

 Species: 39

Barbet, Black-collared Boubou, Southern Brownbul, Terrestrial Bulbul, Dark-capped Buzzard, Jackal Cameroptera, Green-backed Chat, Familiar Chat, Mocking Cliff Cormorant, Reed Crow, Cape Crow, Pied Cuckooshrike, Grey Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Tambourine

Dove, Turtle Duck, Yellow-billed Falcon, Lanner Fiscal, Common Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Southern Black Greenbul Sombre Honeyguide, Lesser Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Trumpeter Ibis, Hadedah Longclaw, Cape Oriole, Black-headed Prinia, Tawny-flanked

Puffback, Black-backed Raven, White-necked Starling, Glossy Starling, Red-winged Stonechat, African Sunbird, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Olive Thrush, Cape Rock Vulture, Cape Weaver, Village White-eye, Cape Woodpecker, Golden-tailed

All photos property of photographer 

UPCOMING OUTING: Empisini Nature Reserve, Umkomaas

Dear Members & Friends

Black-headed Oriole (photo Stan Culley)

Sunday 10 June at 7.00am BirdLife Trogons will visit Empisini N.R. Umkomaas. 

Bring chairs, breakfast & something to braai for lunch.

ALL WELCOME.  There is a R20 pp charge for non-members of BirdLife Trogons.

Outings may be cancelled due to weather, check

www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com or phone Hazel before setting off.

For further details telephone  Hazel van Rooyen on 072 355 8837

or visit the blog.

PLEASE LET HAZEL KNOW IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THE OUTING

Directions:

Take the Umkomaas off-ramp from the N2 and meet at the roadside just over the bridge.

Set GPS to DD MM SS.S  =  S30 12 30.2   E30 46 35.3

Many thanks

Hazel van Rooyen

Secretary

BirdLife Trogons Bird Club