Outing to Cecilia Forest,  Raptor watch.

This was the second Raptor Watch, as part of our weekday outings programme, the first having been introduced last year.

It was a perfect early autumn evening when a small group gathered in the car park just before 17h00 and did the short walk to a terrace which offers a good vantage point across Constantia and beyond. Numbers were augmented later to nearly twenty, with people driving straight from work, to enjoy a peaceful and fairly productive evening’s birding.

Seeing six raptor species (in bold in the bird list, below), was the undoubted highlight of the evening. A high-speed chase and altercation involving two Booted Eagles close to us, on the mountain side of the forest, was probably the most memorable moment for most. Unfortunately, many of the raptors were far away and more scopes were needed to observe them clearly. One disappointing omission was the European Honey Buzzard, which is seen fairly often from this spot.

The bush birds were also enjoyed, as evidenced by the following comment posted on a WhatsApp Group: “Siskins and a Cape Grassbird! It was a lovely trip!” Siskins were heard more than seen, and proved a challenge to Charlie (8 years), who was hoping to get them as a lifer.

Thank you to Jacque for his sharp eyes and assistance with ID, and for helping get the birders onto the birds with his scope. This continues to be a very popular outing and should definitely be included in our programme again next year.

Bird list compiled by Jacque Smit.

Cape Batis
Swee Waxbill
Red-winged Starling
African Harrier-Hawk
Jackal Buzzard
Cape Siskin
White-necked Raven
Cape Grassbird
White-rumped Swift
Karoo Prinia
Booted Eagle
Cape Robin-Chat
Common Buzzard
Pied Crow
Peregrine Falcon
African Olive Pigeon
Black Sparrowhawk
Rock Dove
Red-eyed Dove
Southern Double-collared Sunbird

Photographs by Penny Dichmont, Stephen Judge and Lindsay Burrow.
Report by Penny Dichmont.