The Cape Bird Club

Outing to the Karoo Botanical Gardens, Worcester by  Julian Hare 

photograph by Julian Hare

Brian explaining to Heather what we were going to see.

Members met in the gardens parking area at 09H00 on a glorious sunny winter morning.

Outing co-ordinator Anne Gray invited Brian van der Walt along to act as group leader. The high quality of Brian’s in depth knowledge and experience together with his passion for birding was a major factor in a very successful and enjoyable morning.
The group started by moving slowly up the path from the parking area, sighting Bokmakieries and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds. Karoo Scrub-Robin, Streaky-headed Seedeater and Grey-backed Cisticola were also in evidence. Several noisy Acacia Pied Barbet announced their presence and were duly sighted and ticked.

Aloes, vygies and many spring flowers added shape and bright colours to the outing. A break for refreshments was taken on the grass above the upper parking area.

photograph by Julian Hare

Some of the succulent specimums along the way.

photograph by Julian Hare

Having a break in the shade on a winters sunny day.

After this, some returning Alpine Swifts were spotted high in the skies. Brian led the group in stalking a Long-billed Crombec giving a display call and we were rewarded with a good sighting of two Crombecs as well as a Southern Tchagra.

photograph by Julian Hare

Checking out the Crombecs.

Nearer the top of the mountain path we had a sighting of a Familiar Chat as well as Layard’s and Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler.
On returning down the mountain path there were sightings of Booted Eagle in flight.

photograph by Julian Hare

The group after an enjoyable days outing.

Our thanks to Anne and Brian for this most pleasant outing.