Trip report: Agulhas Plains

This trip report was provided by Johan van der Westhuizen.

Seventeen birders met at the Eastcliff SPAR at 06:30 for what promised to be a “cracker” of an outing. The convoy of 6 vehicles left a bit late but arrived safely at the bridge across the Uilenskraal Estuary where we met our guide for the day, Riaan Jacobs. By the time we journeyed further, 26 bird species had been logged, including Black Sparrowhawk & Water Thick-knee.

Riaan then led us further along the R43, stopping frequently at dams, pans and other water bodies. By now the wind was really strong and the photographers found it difficult to keep their cameras still and focused on the targets. Birds would generally only perch for seconds on wires, bushes and fence posts before heading for cover. Various species of birds were added to the growing list including Whiskered Terns flirting over the larger pans. A Common Buzzard sighting was reported by a birder at one of the stops. Communication was limited while travelling as there were only 4 radios scattered around the 8-vehicle convoy. At the stops, birders mingled freely, sharing their sightings and taking the time to grab a quick snack or drink. 

Driving along a gravel road a pair of Denham’s Bustards were spotted and everyone disembarked quickly. Photographers acted quickly as, true to form one immediately took flight while the other moved away briskly. Two Common Quail were flushed and flew a short distance away before going to ground. All efforts to relocate them were however unsuccessful. At a stop next to a large marsh several Intermediate Egrets were spotted as well as an African Swamphen. Vehicles started leaving the convoy at regular intervals, heading home as people had various other commitments lined up.

 The occupants of the vehicle last in line had a memorable sighting of a Spotted Eagle Owl flying in to perch on what seemed like a nest. The sharp-eyed lady in our vehicle spotted a flock of large birds flying in formation and despite the general assumption that it must be Blue Cranes, insisted that we stopped to make sure. She was vindicated when it turned out to be Great White Pelicans instead. We then took a detour to Flower Valley/Witkrans and managed to locate and photograph a very accommodating Red-chested Cuckoo and an African Dusky Flycatcher.

Despite the strong winds a combined total of 102 bird species were recorded during the outing. Several birders reported back that they had enjoyed the outing and were looking forward to the November outing.

A big thank you to Riaan Jacobs for taking the time to guide us around the Agulhas Plains.