A Feast of Birds on the Klein River

Our cruise on the Lady Stanford yesterday can only be described as exceptional. Renee and I joined the regular afternoon outing laid on for guests at Grootbos, with the aim of seeing the recently spotted African Jacana, a rare visitor to the Western Cape. 

The conditions were unusual as the recent breaching of the Klein river lagoon mouth had led to a sudden huge drop in the water level, with vast areas of previously flooded reeds suddenly exposed and available to the varied waterfowl.

As we set out, we were surprised by the huge numbers of African Darters, and despite our expectation that the numbers would soon diminish, this did not happen.  There were hundreds of them and they were enjoying good feeding conditions, judging by the large numbers of catches that we saw.

Little Grebe were everywhere and we have never seen so many.  The same could be said for Herons, with large numbers of Grey and Purple Herons in evidence.  There were also more Marsh Harriers than we have ever seen, but the most surprising thing was the endless array of African Swamphens!  We must have seen at least forty!

A large flock of White-faced Whistling Ducks accompanied us for most of the way and we were treated to them making many fly pasts and hearing them whistling loudly as they went by. 

There were also African Fish Eagles and we even saw one try to make a catch as we cruised out.  Of course there was also a Western Osprey and a Burchell’s Coucal, and on the return we did get to see the rare African Jacana, so we’ll done, Peter, our guide for getting that one as well!

Not seen from the boat, it was good to note that the Flamingos have returned to the lagoon.  There will be much work for the next batch of CWAC volunteers. 

It was a really good outing and we were very pleased that we made the effort to participate! A total of 49 species was identified, with some of them very useful additions to our Challenge list. What a pity there were not more Hermanus birders there to enjoy the show!