Outing to Rooi Els and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

 

It was an enthusiastic group of more than 50 that spent the day in the Overberg, visiting the mountain fynbos areas of Rooi-Els and Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay, in the capable hands of John Magner, on Sunday 18 August. As we headed out on the gravel road beyond Rooi-Els, the clouds were heavy and the wind was stiff, limiting the number of species seen to around 15. The low diversity number was, however, more than compensated for by the plentiful and magnificent sightings of Cape Rockjumpers, Orange Breasted Sunbirds and Cape Grassbirds.

One of the birders saw a Black-browed Albatross near the beginning of the walk, while a few others saw a Sentinel Rock Thrush right at the end.

From Rooi-Els, most of the group continued on to Harold Porter, by which time the wind had dropped and the sun had come out, making for a lovely walk through the gardens and up to the waterfall in Disakloof. Highlights, although not seen by all, included Swee Waxbills, a Cape Batis, Sombre Greenbuls and Bar-throated Apalises.
Thanks to John Magner for leading the walk, and to all those who contributed photographs.

Photographs by Graham Pringle, Taryn Wood, Penny Dichmont and Lynn Wilkinson.

Report by Sally Bean.