This report was provided by Graeme Hatley.
Birders from BirdLife Overberg met at Black Oystercatcher Wines. Spotting started early as swifts and swallows dashed overhead. Raptors were about in good numbers, with Common and Jackal Buzzards making an appearance early on. It was going to be a good day for raptors!
Once the group had all arrived, we moved onwards to the office of the Nuwejaars Wetland Trust. Before we’d gathered ourselves, birds were being spotted in all directions. A keen-eyed member spotted a Black-winged Kite some distance off, when attention was focused towards a large bird soaring overhead. Was it a vulture? After some inspection it turned out to be an immature African Fish Eagle.
After the buzz of the quick raptor spotting, we grouped together under the guidance of Eugene, who led the way in the safari vehicle. Our first stops were through the farmland just beyond the office. Zitting Cisticolas were plentiful. Many of them were sitting on the fences just far enough way to be out of reach of the long lenses. They were quickly onto our attempts to sneak up for a shot, flying off into the distance only to be heard making their distinctive calls.
There were some sharp stops to confirm the identity of some Crowned Lapwings. Firstly: confirm identification for the record. Secondly: this is an area that sporadically does have coursers coming through. Lapwings are worth a second look!
We made our way through the farmlands towards our first water stop. Birds were plentiful. Most notably there were numerous African Fish Eagles. These were a mix of immature and adult birds. There were also multiple Yellow-billed Kites standing near the water’s edge and in the adjacent fields. Once we got closer to the water it became apparent why there was so much activity. The hot summer sun had taken its toll on the water – algal levels were up; oxygen levels were down, and large carp succumbed. Birds were feasting on the bounty presented to them.
But it wasn’t only the raptors in abundance. There were several African Spoonbills working the near shore. An Intermediate Egret made its way along the bank. Yellow-billed Ducks, Cape Teals and Cape Shovellers bobbed across the surface. During the morning, we also saw White-faced Whistling Ducks and Red-billed Teals.
Some of the group got a look at a fast-moving raptor overhead. Those with their cameras at the ready snapped off a few shots before it disappeared. Was this a Lanner Falcon or something more elusive? After looking at the images it was confirmed to be a Eurasian Hobby!
We made our way to the next pan and were treated to a pair of African Marsh Harriers and in the distance we could see multiple small waders scurrying about. As we got closer, we could see the waders were mostly Little Stints. They put on display flights low over the water darting left and right in unison. The sun catching the wings of dozens of little birds is a spectacular sight. Kittlitz’s Plovers were also plentiful – some of having little fuzzball chicks scooting around them.
At this point the morning heat was catching up and it was time to make our way back. The group dispersed but some were treated to groups of White Storks on their return. The trip to Nuwejaars is always special. It is a magnificent spot!
For the round-trip from Hermanus and back a total of 93 birds were recorded.
Awesome summary! Much appreciated!