This trip report was provided by Jill Wheater.
Saturday 23 November was a perfect day for a river cruise. Guided by skipper Peter, an avid birder, 26 lucky BLO members joined the Lady Stanford river cruise for a couple of hours of tranquil birding.
The cruise winds its way gently along the Klein River from Stanford village towards the Hermanus Estuary; drifting slowly through the reeds with stunning countryside on either side. Occasional hidden lodges and weekend getaways peep out from the river banks, all set against a scenic mountain backdrop. The area is home to many endemic bird species and a popular spot for a birding excursion.
Hardly a 100m from the jetty we were delighted with a stunning sighting of a Spotted Eagle Owl taking a daytime nap in a dead tree. He very obligingly opened his eyes for the photographers and that was the start of our birding experience.
Amongst the trees and reeds we spotted African Darters, Southern Red Bishops, a Red-knobbed Coot, Yellow-billed Ducks, Egyptian Geese and plenty of Ibis. We were lucky enough to have two sightings of a Malachite Kingfisher, a giant Kingfisher and several Pied Kingfishers diving for food.
In the distance could be heard the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle and there were two sitting clearly in a tree. What a special sighting. The raptors were out and an African Goshawk was spotted and later both an African Harrier Hawk and an African Marsh Harrier.
Swallows and swifts followed the boat, and the White-throated Swallows deftly darted above the glistening water. Barn Swallows were perched on the wires and Greater Striped Swallows were in abundance. Both a Diederik Cuckoo and a Klaas’s Cuckoo were spotted and Levaillant’s Cisticolas flitting amongst the reeds.
The waders were scarce; a Black-headed Heron spotted on the bank and a couple of Little Egrets along with some Cape Shovellers and a Black-winged Stilt.
Someone opened a sandwich! The rest of us quickly followed with flasks of tea and coffee, delicious rusks supplied by Ruth and soon we were all eating breakfast drifting slowly along in the sunshine. What a treat! We were quickly overtaken by several canoeists gliding along in their kayaks; the perfect place to canoe. Standing at the top of the boat provided fantastic views and photographic opportunities; always a different perspective looking down on the water.
Two elegant Blue Cranes flew overhead and later could be seen next to the river bank. There were plenty of horses and cattle to see alongside the river bank and lots of weavers, warblers and waxbills amongst the reeds. The distinctive plumage of the Blacksmith Lapwing was easily spotted and one of their piercing calls revealed a tiny chick in the bushes. Peter pointed out how the river banks have recovered since the floods although the bird life has not returned to its original abundance.
A total of 71 species were recorded and the full list can be viewed here.
The boat trip was over too soon and we were all looking forward to the next time! Many thanks to Peter our guide, and of course to Johan for the excellent organisation as always.
The bird list for the outing can be viewed here.