Trip report: Gamkaberg Reserve and Marloth Nature Reserve

This report was provided by Tierck and Jeanetta Hoekstra.

From 13-17 September we stayed at Gamkaberg NR (Calitzdorp) and then from 17-20 Sept. at Marloth NR (Swellendam). All in all this was a very pleasant trip although the Little Karoo was very dry with less flowers and birds compared to our previous visit. Gamka Mountain NR provides glamping type accommodation, but you can also camp at the camping site.  We stayed in the very nice Xami Eco Lodge (2 sleeper) for the second time and will go there again, especially during the dates CapeNature gives a generous discount for 60 plusses. 

As we drove from the reception to the lodge, we were greeted by a Booted Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and a Rock Kestrel all in a row following each other.  Lots of Common Waxbills, White-backed Mousebirds, Cape Buntings, etc.  were enjoying the little bird bath below the veranda from where we were able to  take many photos. Other species seen were a Fairy Flycatcher, Pririt Batis, Pale Chanting Goshawks and Pied Barbets were heard.  

After leaving the old Calitzdorp-Oudtshoorn road on the road to the reserve, you cross the Olifants River.  Here we flushed three Namaqua Sandgrouses making their distinctive call, but we were not quick enough for pictures. 

We also decided to take a trip to Matjiesvlei.  A fairly remote farming area along the Gamka River as it exits the Swartberg Mountain on the southern side. Here we saw several White-fronted Bee-eaters amongst the many Brown-throated Martins as well as a Giant Kingfisher.  On our way through the foothills to the river a Nicholson’s Pipit was spotted and many Karoo Shrub Robins.  

As we travelled to Swellendam, we stopped at one of the picnic sites next to the Tradouws Pass road.  A Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher treated us with a display and song and we saw our first Greater Doubled-collard Sunbirds for this year.

At the Suikerbekkie cottage where we stayed at Marloth NR, the Red-chested Cuckoo was quite vocal as usual. Two Brown-hooded Kingfishers landed on a pole next to the cottage parading in front of the camera. Cape Grassbirds, Neddickies, Brimstone Canaries, etc. etc. were present everywhere around and we heard the calling of the Klaas’s Cuckoo and the Fiery-necked Nightjar later in the evening.

Just before dark during our braai, two Grey-winged Francolins landed in the vegetation next to the cottage.  We were able to identify them from their calls as they flew past. 

Along the road to the different trails, we stopped at the picknic area under the Oak trees. During our previous visit we saw the Olive and Knysna Woodpeckers, but this time only a brief sighting of the Knysna Woodpecker.  A beautiful male African Paradise Flycatcher was also seen. 

The Duiwelskloof Trail to the waterfall is also a must, but the last part might be too steep for some elderly birders. The Victorin’s Warblers were everywhere and very vocal, but did not show themselves.  Our sight for the day was the Grey Cuckooshrike, but pardon the poor picture, as it was not that easy to photograph it amongst the trees.  During a previous visit to Marloth we heard a Black Cuckoo, but unfortunately not this time. Other birds seen were a Amatyst Sunbird, Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Cape Batis, Bar-throated Apalis, etc.  What we noticed was that we did not see any Cape Sugarbirds or Orange-breasted Sunbirds in the fynbos areas however this reserve is a must to visit for birding in the Overberg. 

We also took a drive on the Sparrebosch road towards the Buffeljags dam.  Here we saw a flock of Olive Pigeons and a Brown-backed Honeybird.  The latter was a lifer for both of us. 

As we (Jeanetta) desperately wanted a good picture of a Black Harrier, we drove down to Haarwegskloof, but unfortunatly no Black Harriers in sight. Other species seen next to the road were a Cape Vulture,  Cape Longclaw, Grey-winged Francolins, an African Spoonbill, Red-capped Lark, White-throated Canary and of course, the Augulhas (Cape) Long-billed Lark.  As soon as you have the call of this bird in your head, you can hear and see it many times more.  Further we saw a Purple Heron, Common Reed Warbler, Large-billed Larks and a single Red-billed Quelea amongst the more common birds. 

On our last day we visited the Bontebok Park and at last saw the Black Harrier, but again no good picture.  Traveling back home a number of Wattled Starlings were on a fence near the Rietpoel silos and I had to turn around on instruction of the photographer in the car. She got some nice pics right at the end of a great birding trip.