This trip report was provided by Jill Wheater.
This is the season of canola in the Overberg; brilliant yellow fields stretching to the horizon framed by deep emerald-green pastures as far as the eye can see. Photos cannot do justice to this window of spectacular colour – around every bend is another breathtaking vista, each more stunning than the last. And woven into this tapestry is an abundance of birds.
Driving in the early morning from Kleinmond, a rising sun pierced the early morning mist. The cloud was low hugging the ancient mountains, their outlines sharp and clear against the sky; vibrant yellows and green emerging through the mist; Overberg tapestry at its best.
Eight cars with 19 enthusiastic birders set off in anticipation of what is always a dramatic Napier bird outing – often more to do with the scenery than the birds – but we were rewarded with a bird count of 73 and some very interesting sightings, including a herd of fallow deer. There were 11 sightings of Blue Crane usually with flocks of sheep – this seems to be a common partnership across the Overberg – and always a privilege to see these incredible birds.
The crisp morning air was warmed by steaming mugs of coffee and then we were off … those with walkie talkies trying to keep up with the running commentary. The rest of us needing eyes everywhere to spot the African Stonechats, Cape Weavers, Capped Wheatears, Red-billed Queleas and Karoo Prinia.
We were lucky to see and hear the Agulhas Long-billed Lark and a Large-billed Lark. Equally vocal were the abundant Cape Grassbirds and Levaillant’s Cisticolas. A Cape Clapper Lark treated us to its distinctive aerial display, rapidly clapping its wings before descending with its characteristic whistling dive. Too swift for a photo but a wonderful sighting.
Early into the outing, Steve Peck identified a Spotted Eagle-Owl camouflaged in a large eucalyptus tree. Further across into the gently sloping fields was a Denham’s Bustard furtively searching for insects. Later a Karoo Korhaan was spotted in a similar pose. Overhead could be heard the two resident Fish Eagles calling to each other; always a special sighting and never fails to cause excitement amongst birders.
Of course there were several sightings of Jackal Buzzard and a Black-winged Kite; skilfully captured by our keen birders.
There was a proliferation of water next to the roadside and a variety of water birds spotted including Yellow-billed Ducks, Reed Cormorant, both Grey and Black-headed Heron, several Cape Teal, a Malachite Kingfisher and a Giant Kingfisher.
All too soon the birding outing was over and we bid farewell to the elegant Blue Crane and marvelled at the sheer variety of birds we had been privileged to see. A reminder that this is also home to the endangered Black Harrier highlighting the importance of protecting this unique and fragile ecosystem.
This really was birding in the Overberg at its very best and many thanks to Johan for his efficient organisation and Steve Peck for leading the outing and using his local knowledge and keen eyes to guide us through these dramatic plains.
The full bird list for the outing can be found here.
Beautiful pictures👍