Trip report: Napier – Tapestry of the Overberg

This report was provided by Jill Wheater.

Probably one of the most popular birding outings on the calendar, this is the Overberg tapestry at its best. Just the drive towards Napier is magnificent with deep green, rolling wheat fields, bright yellow canola fields, moody skies contrasted with a backdrop of ancient, watchful mountains. The air was sharp and clean – a mere 4 degrees – and the early mist contributed to the drama of the rolling countryside.

Eight cars with 24 spirited birders quickly downed steaming mugs of hot beverages and equipped with our walkie talkies we were ready to bird! We were quickly into farmland with cattle staring at us with a mild curiosity, steam rising from the feed and the cows, in the cold damp air. Birds flitted through this pastoral scene; by the feed, on the troughs, perched on the fence and darting in the bushes. It was hard to keep up with Steve’s running commentary and you needed eyes everywhere. Plenty of Yellow Canaries, African Stonechats, Cape Weavers, Pied Starlings and lovely to see the African Pipit, a Bokmakierie, Karoo Prinia and Capped Wheatear. As one of the back cars the Large-billed Lark kept defeating us but finally we managed to win the game of hide and seek! And spot a couple hopping through the field! Patience!

We drove past Jonaskraal admiring the characteristic red aloes and spotting a Cape Grysbok and Springbok in the distance. We were very lucky to see two Spotted Eagle-Owls quietly sheltering and very camouflaged in a large group of eucalyptus trees. This resulted in much excitement and clicking of cameras.

The vibrant tapestry of the Overberg continued as we were treated to the blue thread of the elegant Blue Crane, nonchalantly sharing the field with a flock of ungainly sheep. Nature at its best. Fifty percent of the SA population of Blue Crane are found in the Overberg Wheatbelt area and we need to remember how privileged we are to see Blue Crane on a regular basis. Powerful wings lifting into the air, the acrobatics of mating and that guttural “pterodactyl” sound could be heard often during the morning.

As we continued along the road a graceful Black-headed Heron was disturbed and flew over our heads, whilst on the ground could be seen Cape Robin-Chats, Yellow Bishops, a Levaillant’s Cisticola and a lone Three -banded Plover.

Steve introduced us to the resident African Fish Eagles, which could be seen in the distance, taking a powerful pose at the top of a large tree. Always a special sighting even from a distance. On the horizon a Denham’s Bustard was spotted and later a Karoo Korhaan in the fields; neither wanted to be photographed so we were lucky to see them through binoculars.

Let’s not forget the several sightings of Jackal Buzzard and Rock Kestrel: beautifully captured by some of our photographers. Steve Peck shot a reflective Peregrine Falcon, but it didn’t reflect long enough for most of us to see it, so grateful for the excellent photograph.

As a result of the rains, there were many ponds close to the roadside and several water birds were noted included a Cape Teal, a Cape Shoveler, Common Moorhen, a Yellow-billed Duck and a Giant Kingfisher. Many Red-billed Quelea could be seen darting amongst the grasses, and the front car was lucky enough to see a Malachite Kingfisher.

The countryside became increasingly dramatic, and we developed a new meaning for the word “landscaping” – a birder who was “landscaping” was taking photos of the incredible scenery… and not birds! The canola fields are an impressive seasonal highlight and attract many birders and nature lovers. Likewise, Steve reminded us of the strips of Renosterveld running through this incredible scenery, quite unspectacular in comparison and yet as a unique ecosystem, a vital thread in this tapestry. It’s worth remembering that this is home to the Black Harrier, a threatened raptor which depends on this fragile, endangered ecosystem.

All too soon the birding outing was over, and we said goodbye to the ubiquitous sheep, the elegant blue crane and the 72 species of birds counted during the morning. Many thanks to Johan for his impeccable organisation and to Steve Peck for leading the outing and providing us with his extensive local knowledge. Without the walkie talkies and the experienced birders, many of us would never have seen all those birds. What a privilege to enjoy such camaraderie in this unique environment we call home. The full bird list can be found here.

The complete bird list can be found here.