Trip report: Birding around Napier

This trip report has been provided by Johan van der Westhuizen

It was still dark as the nine birders left Hermanus just after 7 am, destination Napier. With a strong “tail wind” we arrived a bit early and quickly popped into the Napier Sewerage Works where several duck species were added to the growing bird list. We met our guide, Steve, at the arranged spot and with a few more birders added to the group. The convoy of four vehicles moved off.

The more common birds were quickly ticked-off as we drove out of Napier past the cattle farms. The Canola fields were in bloom and with the contrasting green wheat fields made for spectacular scenery. As soon as we drove onto the gravel roads between the cultivated fields, we encountered large flocks of Southern Red Bishops, with some of the males in their transitional plumage. Red-billed Quelea, African Pipit and Large-billed Lark amongst others were soon added to the list. There was great excitement as Steve alerted us on the 2-way radio of a Southern Black Korhaan in flight. Fortunately, it landed close by where everybody could observe it calmly walking down a farm track. Numerous Agulhas Long-billed lark and Wattled Starling were also seen next to the road. Steve saw a Black Harrier flying in the distance but unfortunately it disappeared behind a hill. A short while later Steve spotted another two Black Harriers, and everyone had the opportunity to see this beautiful Raptor which is critically endangered. 

Steve then led us onto a gravel road looping back in the direction of Napier. Numerous water pans and wetlands can be found next to the road, where Grey and Black-headed Herons were spotted. A large flock of Blue Crane entertained us with their insistent calling as a solitary Lesser Flamingo could be seen in a pan next to the road. The occupants of the leading vehicle were unfortunately the only ones to spot a White-throated Canary and a Common Quail, both of which disappeared instantly. On approaching Napier, the sharp-eyed driver of the last vehicle spotted a pair of Karoo Korhaan in a field next to the road. They alerted the rest of the group, not realizing the 2-way radios were out of range. Upon arriving back in Napier, the group disbanded, each heading back home in their own time, birding as they went. An African Spoonbill and Giant Kingfisher were also added to the list.Everyone agreed that it was a very successful and satisfying outing. A big thank you to Steve for guiding us in the most beautiful of surroundings and showing us all these magnificent birds. A list of 71 bird species were recorded, which is excellent given the time of year.