This trip report was provided by Graeme Hatley.
There is an extensive network of gravel roads north-east of Stanford, in the area between Caledon, Riviersonderend, and Napier. A junction of these roads is in the Jongensklip region. The route I took starts on the R316, heading north towards Jongensklip and then east towards the Rietpol silos. This is not a section I’ve explored before.
The first section is fairly hilly, with sections of Renosterveld broken up by wheat and canola fields, and grazing for sheep. The birds were typical of this sort of habitat — lots of LBJs! Large-billed Larks were calling throughout the area. Agulhas Long-billed Larks were coming into breeding season and showing off with their vertical display flights. The cryptically coloured Red-capped Larks were abundant, but kept a low-profile in the more gravelled and heavily graced areas.
Capped Wheatear, Cape Longclaw and African Pipit were not shy and often presented themselves for a photo opportunity. Less keen to be photographed were the canaries. Yellow Canaries were abundant, with an occasional White-throated Canary making an appearance.
Raptors were not present in large numbers. I recall seeing only one Jackal Buzzard and one Black-winged Kite. Just outside Jongensklip, a Spotted Eagle-Owl sat on the railway line catching the early morning sun.
This is a road well worth exploring and I see it becoming a regular outing for me.