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

UPCOMING OUTING: Oribi Gorge NR

Dear Members & Friends

Knysna Woodpecker (photo Hazel van Rooyen)

Sunday 27 May 2018 at 07:00 am BirdLife Trogons will visit Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and the Vulture Viewing Hide.   Bring chairs, breakfast and something to braai for lunch.  All Welcome.  An entrance fee of R30 per person is payable but is negated if you have either a Rhino card or Wildcard – ensure you take it with you! 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 van Rooyen before setting off. For further details **telephone  Hazel  on 072 355 8837.

** Please note we cannot respond to text messages or “call me” requests.

Directions:  Take N2 towards Harding, the Oribi Gorge N.R. turnoff is on the right just before Paddock.  Turn first left and meet at the KZN office at the hutted camp.

Set GPS to DD MM SS.S = S30 43 55.5  E30 16 24.0

PLEASE LET HAZEL KNOW IF YOU WILL BE ATTENDING THE OUTING

Outing report: Umdoni Park, Pennington,13 May 2018

Attendees: Sandy Olver, Stan & Val Culley, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury, Graham & Sue Salthouse, Doug & Angie Butcher, Hazel Nevin, Stanley Gengan, Ros, Sandi & Eleanor from Port Natal Club, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen

Species: 41                                                                            Text: Hazel van Rooyen

Knysna Turaco (photo: HvR)

On the whole, our visit today was very quiet, although in the end we attained a tally of 41 species.

The people (photo: Doug Butcher)

Starting off with a walk from the Environmental Centre up the road, Red-capped Robin-Chat and White-bellied Sunbird were in evidence and the usual Trumpeter Hornbills flew around.  

The White-eared Barbets were not in their normal place but appeared later close to the houses.

White-eared Barbets (photo: HvR)

Wild Pink Tibouchina (photo HN)

Of interest throughout the park, especially in the Red Milkwoods were tent moth nests which look like bundles of spider webs.

Tent Moth nests (photo: Hazel Nevin)

Bark Spider (photo: Hazel Nevin)

Good sightings were had of Knysna Turacos and one group of people saw both Knysna and Purple-crested in the same tree.  Collared, Olive, Grey and Amethyst Sunbirds were all busy in the trees surrounding the houses and Southern Black Tit, Black-backed Puffpack, Lesser Honeyguide, Black Cuckooshrike and Paradise Flycatchers were seen in the large fig tree.

Knysna Turaco (photo: HvR)

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (photo: Hazel Nevin)

After breakfast we walked across the golf course (where we sighted a juvenile African Fish Eagle) to the Otter view. 

Searching the skies for raptors (photo: HvR)

Otter view (photo: HvR)

 Usually we see raptors here but the skies were clear today.  











Even the Green Twinspot didn't put in an appearance at the bird bath, although the Lemon Dove and Red-capped Robin Chat did.

Red-capped Robin-Chat (photo: Doug Butcher)

Stan caught this beautiful Blue Duiker in his lens.

Blue Duiker (photo: Stan Culley)

It was an enjoyable day with excellent company.

(All photos property of photographer)

Species:
Bullbul, Dark-capped
Robin-Chat, Red-capped
Sunbird, White-bellied
Wagtail, Pied
Drongo, Square-tailed
Ibis, Hadedah
Hornbill, Trumpeter
Dove, Red-eyed
Sunbird, Collared
Boubou, Southern
Starling, Black-bellied
Greenbul, Sombre
Turaco, Knysna
Sunbird, Olive
Stork, Woolly-necked
Dove, Tambourine
Sunbird, Grey
Woodpecker, Golden-tailed
Sunbird, Amethyst
Barbet, White-eared
Tit, Southern Black
Puffback, Black-backed
Honeyguide, Lesser
Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped
Cuckoo-Shrike, Black
Flycatcher, Paradise
Greenbul, Yellow-bellied
Turaco, Purple-cested
Eagle, African Fish
Drongo, Fork-tailed
Wood-hoopoe, Green
Oriole, Black-headed
Flufftail, Buff-spotted
Batis, Cape
White-eye, Cape
Dove, Lemon
Weaver, Dark-backed
Weaver, Spectacled
Flycatcher, Southern Black
Mannikin, Red-backed
Weaver, Thick-billed

UPCOMING OUTING: UMDONI PARK, PENNINGTON

Dear Members and Friends

Sunday, 13 May at 07:00am BirdLife Trogons will visit Umdoni Park, Pennington.  Bring chairs, breakfast and 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 this blogspot or phone Hazel before setting off.  

Please let Hazel know on 072 355 8837 if you will be attending the outing.

Directions:  Take N2 to Durban, take exit 93 for the R102 to Sezela.  Turn right onto R102. Travel 4.8 km, turn right onto Pennington Drive.  After 655m turn right onto Minerva Ave. Continue straight to Umdoni Park and meet at the Environmental Centre.

Sept GPS to DDMMSS.S = S30 23 32.2 E30 41 21.7

Kind regards
Hazel van Rooyen
Secretary
BirdLife Trogons Bird Club

OUTING REPORT: Ellingham Estate, 22 April 2018

Grey Crowned Crane (photo HvR)

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Margie Cowan, Hazel Nevin, Stanley Gengan, Ros Conrad and Andrew Warburton, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen

Species:  61                                                                                Text: Hazel van Rooyen

Early morning at Ellingham (photo HvR)

A successful morning's birding was had at Ellingham Estate, 62 species being identified.  Beginning the day with a walk towards the dams, some tall trees produced Southern Black Tit, Southern Black Flycatcher, Sombre Greenbull and White-eared Barbet.

White-eared Barbet (photo HvR)

Yellow-rumpted Tinkerbird (photo HvR)

 Collared Sunbird (photo HvR)

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Thick-billed Weaver, Paradise Flycatcher, Black Cuckoo-Shrike, Southern Boubou, Black-backed Puffback and Collared Sunbird were also very active in the early morning sunshine.  

At the first dam a Malachite Kingfisher, 3-banded Plover and Cape Wagtail were spotted.  Around the corner a Long-crested Eagle surveyed the world from a a stand of casaurinas.  As we walked beneath some bushes reaching across the road two Grey Crowned Cranes were perched in the lower branches.  After observing for a while they inevitably flew off as we moved passed them, trumpeting as they went.

Grey Crowned Crane (photo HvR)

The next dam was home to Spurwing Geese.  An African Darter dried off its wings, catching the breeze from the top of a shrub on the island while some African Jacanas investigated the lily pads.  It was good to see them as they haven't been so prolific this summer.  

African Jacana (photo HvR)

Other birds seen in this area were Green Wood-hoopoe, Purple-crested Turaco, Black-collared Barbet, Black Saw-wing and Grey Heron.  A Pygmy Kingfisher was sitting on a branch by the water's edge but disappeared on our approach.

After breakfast we drove across the road to another dam but we couldn't find a good vantage point and only saw a couple of White-backed Ducks and these through the scope.  We tried a walk around the side but couldn't get closer.  Along this road we saw Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Fiscal Flycatcher, Amethyst Sunbird and White-fronted Bee-eater.

Little Bee-eater (photo HvR)

Hamerkop - can you do this with your head! (photo HvR)

Our next stop was the causeway where we parked and took a stroll around.  White-bellied Sunbird, Pied Wagtail, Red-backed Mannikin, Mountain Wagtail and a Jackal Buzzard were spotted.

As Hazel Nevin left she added Cape Glossy Starling and Violet-backed Starling to the list and as the stragglers left, we saw a Crowned Eagle.


Special thanks go to Stanley Gengan for collecting and returning the forms to Rocky Bay resorts, especially as he had to delay joining his family on a weekend in the Drakensburg. Thanks Stanley!

Species: 61
Tit, Southern Black 
Flycatcher, Southern Black 
Ibis, Hadedah
Greenbul, Sombre
Barbet, White-eared
Weaver, Thick-billed
Flycatcher, Paradise
Robin-Chat, Red-capped
Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped
Bushshrike, Orange-breasted
Cuckooshrike, Black
Boubou, Southern
Puffback, Black-backed
Sunbird, Collared
Longclaw, Yellow-throated
Kingfisher, Malachite
Dove, Tambourine
Dove, Red-eyed
Starling, Black-bellied
Drongo, Fork-tailed
Plover, 3-banded 
Cuckooshrike, Grey
Wagtail, Cape
Eagle, Long-crested
Canary, Yellow-fronted
Sunbird, Olive
Mannikin, Bronze
Crane, Grey Crowned
Darter, African
Goose Spurwing
Jacana, African
Woodhoopoe, Green
Hornbill, Trumpeter
Goose, Egyptian
Turaco, Purple-crested
Barbet, Black-collared
Moorhen, Common
Saw-wing, Black
Heron, Grey
Hamerkop
Kingfisher, Pygmy
Greenbull, Yellow-bellied
Bulbul, Dark-capped
Kite, Black-shouldered
Goose, Spurwing
Bee-eater, Little
Duck, White-backed
Kingfisher, Brown-hooded
Flycatcher, Fiscal
Sunbird, Amethyst
Sunbird, White-bellied
Buzzard, Jackal
Wagtail, Pied
Mannikin, Red-backed
Wagtail, Mountain
Eagle, Crowned

(Photos property of H van Rooyen)