Outing to Ganzekraal Coastal Resort.

15 Setember 2024  – Led by Gigi Laidler.

cbc outing gazenkraal 10 LL 15 sept 2024

A pair of Pearl-breasted Swallows greeted our arrival, swooping around the entrance to the Reception area, pausing periodically when they perched on the security gate or the fence. A Grassbird called diligently from the top of a bush some distance from the parking area, while a Bokmakierie was busy on the other side of the buildings. A Clapper Lark was heard, but unfortunately no sighting was forthcoming, but a Fork-tailed Drongo was more obliging.

After our group of about 30 participants had gathered, we made our way to the beach, where we caught sight of a pair of White-fronted Plovers scuttling back and forth above the high water line. At the northern end of the beach we continued along the gravel road that leads to the Ganzekraal Reserve boundary with Grotto Bay.
There had evidently been some recent rain, and we were treated to good views of White-throated swallows and Large Rock Martins gathering mud on the edge of a puddle in the track, while a Cape Wagtail checked the verge for any morsels of food to be gleaned.
Along the road we enjoyed some bush birding, with Grey-backed Cisticolas, Karoo Scrub Robins, Southern Double-collared Sunbirds and weavers popping up on bushes, to name a few. Bar-throated Apalises were vocal in shrubs, occasionally putting in appearances long enough for us to make out all their details.
An African Pipit put in an appearance when we reached the boundary, while some Greater Striped Swallows swooped around the high point of our walk.
We rounded off a successful morning, enjoying our picnic at the Lapa which the Resort management had kindly made available to us. Grey-winged Francolins grazing among the daisies near one of the cottages was a final treat for the group, while several others were lucky to catch good views of a Peregrine Falcon on the way out.

Once again, the consensus was that the Ganzekraal outing was a resounding success, providing some excellent birding as well as a lovely display of spring flowers. A big thank-you goes to the management of Ganzekraal Coastal Resort and CapeNature staff for making this outing possible.

Photographs by Zunaid Barday, Luke Linde and Gigi Laidler.

Report by Gigi Laidler.