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