Month: August 2023

2nd to 6th July 3023

Our new Afrispoor Wildcat was crying out for a test run before we planned any long trips. Sally and I therefore decided to visit a caravan site on the coast not too far from my sister in Sea Park. We chose Leisure View Caravan Park inland north of Port Edward.

As it was school holidays, we expected it to be full. Not so. In fact, over the period that we were there only one other site was occupied.

We chose a flat grassy site with a spectacular view.

Our view of the coast probably a kilometre away at most.

Also, right next to us was a large Fig tree which both monkeys and birds enjoyed as it was fruiting. The monkeys kept their distance.

The tree was regularly talking to us – the sound of hundreds of Red-wing Starlings enjoying a feast of figs. Then we would hear the Turacos passing through, an occasional Black-headed Oriole or the chatter of greedy Vervets. And from time-to-time Trumpeter Hornbills and Green Pigeons.

One of the purposes of our trip was to ensure we practiced setting up and packing up, trying out the awning with all its sides and extra roof and to make sure all worked without issue. We did have one difficulty making the bed as the mattrass was too tightly fitted. When we got home in Howick we called David – Afrispoor – and he immediately made a new one for us and had it delivered and fitted within 2 days. That is what you can expect with Afrispoor – first class service.

Not long after setting up and relaxing we noticed a raptor flying about and landing on a branch of a palm tree at the bottom of the slope halfway to the coast. To our surprise it was a Palmnut Vulture.

Then it was time to put up the roof extensions and all the sides to the awning. Fortunately, all the different pieces were well labelled. Despite that, it still took a while moving step ladders and holding up heavy canvas so that the zips could be properly fitted. A bit of effort but a lot learned.

We had a few walks on different beaches – TO Strand below us and Marina Beach near San Lameer where we also had a very cool and windy anniversary lunch – Independance Day no less.

We also took a drive to Umtamvuna and went for a walk up-river. Very quiet birdlife. Probably only identified 4 bird species. Somewhat disappointing. The last time we visited we were treated to an aerobatic display by Mango monkeys. None this time. Then we went up to Beacon Hill above Umtamvuna. A number of raptors were seen – African Harrier-Hawk and a Lanner Falcon. Cape Rock Thrushes appeared, and a few other species were present. After a short walk we gave up.

Little did we realise it, but our Atlas card covered the Umtamvuma, Beacon Hill and Leisure View areas. We recorded 44 different bird species in total.

We enjoyed a cloudless full moon one evening enabling us to take some lekker photos.

Paul and Sally

27th July 2023

Sally and I with our friend Vicky went early morning to Ben Vie Gardens – having first called to ensure it was ok for us to come. We were advised by John Geekie to come real early to see the specials – Orange Ground Thrush, Chorister Robin-Chat, Lemon Dove, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike, Bush Blackcap, Forest Canaries, Red-backed Mannikins and the nesting Crowned Eagles and African Fish-Eagles.

We arrived at 08h00 hoping we were not too late.

As we turned the corner to the parking area, there in front of us was an Orange Ground Thrush making its way towards us. This was one of seven we saw that morning.

First dash was to the loo. From there we looked up the path towards the feeding station and saw numerous birds flitting in and out of the bushes – including a Lemon Dove, several Chorister Robin-Chats, Olive Thrushes. All enjoying the food station.

So, within minutes we had seen three specials which are sometimes difficult to find. And each gave us ample time to enjoy their presence despite the gloomy feeding area which made photography challenging as you can see from the photos.

Southern Boubous were calling as well as the Chorister Robin-Chats and the African Fish-Eagles. Forest Canaries and Red-backed Mannikins littered the lawns. Olive Thrushes were everywhere.

After a while we had tea and then continued our walk to the bottom of the grounds. We found the nesting Crowned Eagles. And watched as they both flew the nest. We observed where one flew and saw it returning to the nest carrying a rather long stick to add to the nest.

Then in one tree close by, there were a number of birds flitting around at the top of a tree. Eventually we identified a Bush Blackcap and a Grey Cuckooshrike.

On the way home a pair of Wattled Cranes were seen close to the Karkloof Conservancy.

What a morning. Altogether we atlassed 26 different bird species at BenVie.

Paul and Sally Bartho

Here are some pictures of birds and animals seen round our home in Amber Ridge over the past 2 weeks. The Oriole was heard singing and then spotted in the nearby trees. Unusually it sat at the top of the tree for a long time enabling the following shots.

And some of the other species seen on 2nd August 2023.

And on another day – 23rd July 2023 – we had our first sighting of a Yellow-billed Kite for the season. Very early.

Strangely, it has not been seen since.

Other sightings on the day:

We are so fortunate to have such a variety of wildlife about us.

Paul and Sally Bartho