A magnificent protea bloom
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Kirstenbosch Bird Walk July 2016 by Cheryl Faull

It was a beautiful warm winters morning. Hardly a breeze, and the birds were loving it. Southern Double-collard Sunbirds were displaying everywhere, some even showing off their yellow epaulettes. Klaas’ Cuckoos were in full song too and two individuals were spotted. There were good numbers of birds, as well as a good number of species seen.

We looked in all the usual spots for the owls, but they were nowhere to be seen. I think they must have been having a good chuckle somewhere watching us search for them.

An African Goshawk had us all staring into the sky as it flew over calling. We had to be careful not to look at sun nor fall over backwards as he flew right over us. Black Sparrowhawk was seen on two occasions. The views were brief as the bird was clearly on a mission to get somewhere.

We were also treated to a few Cape Batis happily foraging in a tree along the Boomslang. Both males and females were seen and they were very obliging, carrying on almost as though we weren’t there.

There were about 10 of us on the walk, and due to beautiful weather, numbers of birds seen and everyone enjoying the walk, we took close to 2 1/2 hours. I must thank all of those who came for being so eager to point out birds and ask questions. If it wasn’t for everyone helping to spot the birds I’m sure the count would have been a few less.

Bird List – pretty much in the order the birds were seen
Total: 28

Cape Turtle Dove
Egyption Goose
Southern Double-collard Sunbird
Hadada Ibis
Cape Spurfowl
Cape Robin-chat
Cape White-eye
Dusky Flycatcher
Sombre Greenbul
African Goshawk
Black Sparrowhawk
Olive Thrush
African Olive Pigeon
Red-eyed Dove
Cape Canary
Forest Canary
Helmeted Guineafowl
Cape Batis
Klaas’ Cuckoo
Southern Boubou
Brimstone Canary
Swee Waxbill
Red-winged Starling
Speckled Mousebird
Malachite Sunbird
Karoo Prinia
Cape Bulbul
Lemon Dove.

Click on any of the images below to see more details.

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