The last outing of the year was celebrated, as usual, at Zandvlei Nature Reserve. The tradition of serving champagne and orange juice, initiated by Kirsten Louw, was reinstated with the assistance of Simon Fogarty and the picnic breakfast was relocated to the adjacent picnic site – which provides both shade and shelter.

photograph by Heather Howell

After the walk around, relaxing in the shade with champagne for breakfast.

photograph by Heather Howell                                                 photograph by Heather Howell

Jean, Penny and Gill chatting.                              Simon doing the barmans duty.

However, shelter was unnecessary as the weather was perfect with no wind at all and the shade created a congenial venue in which to relax and chat.

It was intended that the CBC Juniors would provide leadership but most of them had left Cape Town for the school holidays and the burden fell on the only 3 remaining members.
We are grateful to Matthew Orolowitz, Bridget Evans and Matthew Cornfield for their contribution to the outing. They led the adult members in 2 groups of ± 12, travelling in opposite directions around the circular path. Their sharp eyes found an active nest and a perched Little Bittern amongst others, contributing to a total count of 68 birds.

photograph by Heather Howell

Mathew having his list reviewed.

Heather chatting to Mathew and Bridget about the morning.

We are grateful to Cassandra Sheasby, the Manager, for planning the Zandvlei Open Day to coincide with our need to access the reserve.

Heather Howell.