This report was provided by Jill Wheater.
It was an early start for the intrepid birders on Saturday – meeting at 05:45 at Eastcliff Spar – which meant that many of us were up by 04:30 – caffeine definitely required! As always, the trip to Nuwejaars at this time of the day, was absolutely stunning with the early morning cloud formations over the estuary reminding us how privileged we are to be able to live in this special place.
Once the dirt road past Grootbos was over, we were already spotting birds with a special sighting of a large flock of White Storks, several Blue Crane, Jackal Buzzards, a Denham’s Bustard and a Rock Kestrel.
The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area is a unique conservation model now being replicated in other parts of South Africa. The 46 000 hectares of private land is protected and farmed by 25 landowners and the town of Elim. There is a commitment to conservation and sustainable farming by the signing of title deed restrictions – this means that the biodiversity is protected whilst food security is still supported through sustainable farming. Game, birds and flora flourish in this unique conservation venture on the border of the Agulhas National Park.
What a great opportunity to visit these secret wetlands, with our guide Eugene, a longstanding member of the Nuwejaars team. Full of anticipation, we climbed into the safari vehicle and three 4×4’s followed us making up the group. The air was fresh, and the day was cool, perfect for a day of birding.
Small ears popping out of the fynbos was the first sign of a steenbok, one of many we were to spot during the day. Our first stop at one of the large dams gave us plenty of birds to add to the list: elegant White-breasted and Reed Cormorants, Cape Teal, Great Crested Grebes, Black-necked Grebes and Little Grebes, Common Greenshank, Pied Avocet and Black-winged Stilt.
Using Carin’s “scope” we were treated to fantastic views of two Purple Herons on the far side of the dam and a solitary Lesser Flamingo. For the novices amongst us it was valuable to see three types of Grebes and have the differences clearly explained by Eugene.
Excitement was momentary as the potential Fish Eagle turned into a South African Shelduck; but compensated by several Blue Crane taking to the skies just in front of the vehicle. Elegant demeanour, powerful wings and unique calls – a sighting which always takes your breath away.
There were plenty of Kittlitz’ Plovers to be seen at the water’s edge along with Blacksmith Lapwings and further in, Yellow-billed Ducks and Common Moorhens.
As we moved onto towards the next dam, an unidentified large bird was seen swooping through the trees. This was later confirmed to be an African Marsh Harrier.
En route plenty of small birds were spotted including an Agulhas Long-billed Lark, a Zitting Cisticola, African Pipits and a Cape Longclaw.
Our final stop by a dam revealed two Blue-billed Teals on the far side – incredible bird spotting – and thanks to the scope we were able to get a good look at their vivid blue bills! An intermediate Egret could be clearly seen through the reeds along with a Black-winged Stilt. An African Swamphen was spotted and a shy, rarely seen, Maccoa Duck.
And all too soon the morning was over. Many thanks to Johan for organising the trip, Eugene our guide and Steve for leading the trip (and opening all the gates!). A total of 92 birds were identified.