Outing to Cape Point National Reserve.

 

The annual Seawatch, which is one of the highlights of our outings calendar, takes place in June as the wintry weather usually makes for good watching of pelagic species. Rain was expected, but I was still keen to go, having invited a friend who was developing an interest in birding.

Liz had picked me up from my home in light drizzle and pitch darkness. We both admitted that we would have preferred to have stayed at home, if we hadn’t been afraid of “letting the others down”, but Liz commented that anyway it was an “Adventure”.

The promised beautiful sunrise over the sea was more of a smudge in the gloomy light, but we were still looking forward to some good birding. Some people were already on the cliff when we arrived at the car park. By 08h30, I was amazed that there were about eighteen people there, with a few more arriving later.

There were a few experienced birders and a handful of scopes available. Jacque managed to spot a small group of prions in the distance. He and a couple of others were lucky to see a Shy Albatross, with a Black-browed Albatross seen as well, later. One of the junior birders got a lifer White-chinned Petrel.

Jacque and Callan explained, to some of the group who were on their first seawatch, the main features to look out for when trying to see pelagic species. However, visibility was very poor. After about twenty minutes, the light drizzle was becoming more definite.
Owen described his first seawatch as a “memorable experience”.

Owen, a new member of the Cape Bird Club, commented: “I was really hoping to see a few more birds, so I can’t wait to go back on a clearer day. It was great to see through the other birders’ scopes.”

By 09h15 the rain had set in, and we all decided to call it a day and head to our cars. A cup of coffee and chocolate were most welcome. Judging by the faces and smiles, everyone had enjoyed it as well and – to my surprise – Liz announced she was definitely going to join the Cape Bird Club!

Thank you to Jacque and Callan Cohen for sharing their knowledge and for giving us useful hints for pelagic birding, and thanks to all those who braved the elements on the cliff in less than ideal weather.

Photographs by Liz Hearn, Penny Dichmont and Russell Collett.

Report by Penny Dichmont.