TRIP REPORT Western Cape, South Africa 2016 July 24 Sep 28 By Thomas Plath

Transcription

1 TRIP REPORT Western Cape, South Africa 2016 July 24 Sep 28 By Thomas Plath Participants: Thomas Plath (Guide), Linda Koch, Ralph Plath and Marilyn Mickelson (till Aug 24 th ) Jul 24: fly to London 10:40 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Jul 25: fly to Johannesburg Jul 26: arrive in Cape Town 4PM, walked around waterfront and down town; overnight St. George Hotel, Cape Town Jul 27: Ralph and Marilyn arrived noon, took city bus tour, then saw Cabaret Dani and The Lion at Alexander s Pub on Strand Street, overnight St. George Hotel, Cape Town Jul 28: walked around Government Buildings and Company Gardens till 3PM, PM walked up Lions Head, Table Mt, 730 PM supper and live band at Mama Africa s, overnight St. George Hotel, Cape Town Cape Rockjumper, Rooi Els Jul 29: AM Kirstenbosch Gardens, hrs at Kommetjie, hrs Cape of Good Hope; overnight Makapa Lodge, Cape Peninsula Jul 30: Boulders Beach penguin colony, Simon s Town, drive to Paarl, overnight De Leeuwenhof Hotel, Paarl Jul 31: morning visit Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, afternoon Fairview Country Farm, overnight De Leeuwenhof Hotel, Paarl 1

2 Aug 1: early morning visit to Paarl Bird Sanctuary; drive to Karoopoort via R301 stopping at Bain s Kloof Pass and two other scenic stops, continuing via R355 to Eierkop, then Katbakkies; overnight Klein Cederberg (Karoo desert) Aug 2: birded Klein Cederberg area, Karoo desert drive via R355 to R46, south on N1 to N15, then down to Garden Route; overnight Schoone Oodt Country House, Swellendam Aug 3: Garden Route drive to Hermanus via: farmlands loop to Breede River, (Malgas) (across river on working Pont); lunch De Hoop Nature Reserve (right whales), overnight Francolinhof, Hermanus Aug 4: morning walked town, brief stop at along sanctuary, Betty s Bay, drive back to Cape Town via coastal route; overnight St. George Hotel, Cape Town Aug 23: overnight Camps Bay at Fullham Lodge Aug 24: after visiting Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, dropped Ralph and Maril off at Cape Town airport, drove north and birded Darling flower route, overnight Elly s Place, Darling, great porkchop/squash/bean dinner with three of Elly s friends Aug 25: birded West Coast NP in AM, then lunch at Berg River, brief stop in Clanwilliam for coffee, then long drive via dirt road R364, overnight Calvinia Hotel Aug 26: morning birded Akkerendem NR, drove to Brandvlei, overnight Brandvlei Aug 27: birded Brandvlei area in morning, and then drove to Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve, overnight Clanwilliam Aug 28: road to Protea Seedeater closed so drove down to Citrusdal and birded R303 for 10km Fri: drive to Simon s Town, overnight Simon s Town Aug 29: pelagic, overnight Simon s Town Aug 30: overnight Simon s Town Sep 24: birded Sir Lowry s Pass PM, then Rooi Els PM, overnight Simon s Town Sep 25: pelagic trip from Simon s Town, however could only go out 10 miles offshore due to bad seas, overnight Simon s Town Sep 26: Kirstenbosch Gardens, overnight Simon s Town Sep 27: no birding, shopping in Simon s Towm Sep 28: fly home Highlights: African Black Duck, Cape and Grey-winged Francolin, Jackass Penguin, Shy, Atlantic and Indian Yellownosed Albatross, Cape Petrel, Cape Gannet, Cape, Crowned and Bank Cormorant, Cape Griffon, Martial and Verreaux s Eagle, Black Harrier, Karoo, Black and Ludwig s Bustard, Blue Crane, Spotted Thick-knee, African Oystercatcher, Brown Skua, Sabine s Gull, Antarctic Tern, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Rameron Pigeon, Klaas s Cuckoo, Spotted Eagle-Owl, White-backed Mousebird, Olive Woodpecker, Greater Kestrel, Cape Batis, African Paradise- Flycatcher, Cape Rockjumper, Fairy Flycatcher, Cape Clapper, Red, Karoo, Sclater s, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Blackeared Sparrow-Lark, Rufous-eared Warbler, Namaqua Prinia, Yellow-rumped Eremomela, Layard s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Sickle-wing, Karoo and Tractrac Chat, Karoo Thrush, Pale-winged and Red-winged Starling, Orange-breasted, Malachite, and Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape Siskin Mammals: Striped Grass Mouse, Bontebok, Klipspringer, Eland, Grey Rhebok, Bryde s and Southern Right Whale Annotated Bird and Mammal Trip List This trip list follows the taxonomic order and nomenclature Clements 6 th Edition (updated 2014). The status of the threatened bird species is taken from Birdlife International (Threatened Species). 2

3 NP National Park GR Game Reserve * - Heard only birds Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus): About 10 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, one seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, and one seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. Ducks Anatidae Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca): Common and widespread: Four seen at Cape Town Jul 26, three seen Jul 27 th in Cape Town, 10 seen Jul 28 th in Cape Town, 20 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, 10 seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, two seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, two seen at Boulders Beach Jul 30 th, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 30 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, several seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, four seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, 20 observed en rout to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, 10 seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, and four seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 28 th. South African Shelduck (Tadorna cana): Good looks of two at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, four seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and four distant birds were at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis): Widespread and common: Over 50 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, 10 observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, six seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, six observed en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th, and six seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. African Black Duck (Ana sparsa): Two seen in flight along a river en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, and two along the river at Swellendam Aug 3 rd. Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulate): One seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, five observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, four seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, four seen at Swellendam Aug 3 rd, and six seen at a wetland along the R303, Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Mallard (Anas platyrynchos): Introduced. Two at a small pond on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Cape Shoveler (Anas smithii): Over 60 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and four observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha): Fifteen observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota): Ten observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Cape Teal (Anas capensis): Five observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma): A flock of approximately 75 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa): A flock of 50 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. 3

4 Guineafowl: Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris): Common and widespread: About 30 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, around 20 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, about 40 seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 20 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, over 100 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, over 100 seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, four seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, and 20 seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Helmeted Guineafowl Francolin and Pheasants: Phasianidae Cape Francolin (Pternistis capensis) Endemic: One seen Jul 28 th at Lions Head Table Mt, four observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, heard in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, four observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and three seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Grey-winged Francolin (Scleroptila afra) Endemic: Six seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one observed in flight at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Grebes: Podicipedidae 4

5 Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis): Over 100 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and two seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus): Over 100 seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and two seen at the dam at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis): One seen Jul 27 th at the harbour at Victoria & Alfred waterfront Cape Town, and 75 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Flamingos: Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus): About 50 seen at a small wetland near Cape Town Jul 26, a flock of 20 was wading along the shoreline at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, 15 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and two seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. Penguins: Spheniscidae Jackass (African) Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) Endangered: Around 30 seen at the Boulders Beach colony, Simon s Town Jul 30 th, about 50 at the Stony Point penguin colony Aug 4 th, and 10 observed offshore on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Jackass Penguin, Boulder s Beach Photo: Marilyn Mickelson 5

6 Albatrosses: Diomedeidae (Atlantic) Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos): One adult observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. (Indian) Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos): Two adults observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Shy (White-capped) Albatross (Thalassarche cauta): Twenty observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, and five seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Shy Albatross, Simon s Town pelagic Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris): Five observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, and one seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Petrels: Procellariidae Southern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes giganteus): One observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, two seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Northern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes halli): Eight observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, one seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Cape Petrel (Daption capense): Three observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. 6

7 Cape Petrel, Simon s Town pelagic White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis): Over 500 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, 500+ seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Great Shearwater (Ardenna gravis): Five observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, one seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Greater Shearwater, Simon s Town pelagic 7

8 Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea): Over 200 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, 15 seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus): One seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Storm-Petrels: Hydrobatidae Wilson s Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus): About 30 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Wilson s Storm-Petrel, Simon s Town pelagic Storks: Ciconiidae Black Stork (Ciconia nigra): One seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Gannets: Sulidae Cape Gannet (Morus capensis): Over 50 seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29th, and over 100+ seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. 8

9 Cape Gannet, Simon s Town pelagic Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo): Twenty seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, around 20 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 20 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, 10 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, and 30 seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) Endemic: About 20 seen Jul 27 th in Cape Town, 50 seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, 50 observed at Cape of Good Hope Reserve Jul 29 th, over 50seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 10 seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 500 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, 300+ seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus) Endangered: Ten seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, 50 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, and 40 seen on nests the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Long-tailed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus): Ten observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, two seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. 9

10 Crowned Cormorant (Phalacrocorax coronatus): Three seen at Cape Town Jul 26, and five observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Crowned Cormorant, Simon s Town pelagic Anhingas: Anhingidae African Darter (Anhinga rufa): One seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd,one seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Hamerkop: Scopidae Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta): One seen along the shore of the lagoon at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Herons: Ardeidae Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea): One seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, two seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, one seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. 10

11 Gray Heron, Simon s Town pelagic Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala): One seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Intermediate Heron (Egretta intermedia): One observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta): Two seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, 20 seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one observed at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th, and one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis): Five seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, five seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, five seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 10 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, over 100 seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, many seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, 0ver 100 seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th. Ibises: Threskiornithidae Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus): Common and widespread at farm dams and wetlands: One seen at Cape Town Jul 26, around 10 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 20 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, many seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, many observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, 20 seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, 20+ seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, 20 observed flying over Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. 11

12 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus): Twenty observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash): Noisy, common and widespread: One seen at Cape Town Jul 26, two seen Jul 27 th in Cape Town, eight observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, 20 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, 10 observed at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, 10 seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, around 20 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, five seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, many seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, four seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, 20 seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. African Spoonbill (Platalea alba): One seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Hawks and Eagles: Accipitridae Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus): Three seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. Cape Griffon (Gyps coprotheres): Three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus): Two seen between Brandvlei and Calvinia Aug 27 th sitting on telephone poles. Verreaux s Eagle (Aquila verreauxi): One observed en route to Calvinia Aug 25 th, one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Pale-chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus): Four seen between Brandvlei and Calvinia along the R27 on Aug 27 th. Black Harrier (Circus maurus): One seen in over flight on the farmlands en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus): Two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris): One seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, one observed as a low fly by at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Black (Yellow-billed) Kite (Milvus migrans): One seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, three seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer): One seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus): Two seen at Table Mt Jul 27 th in Cape Town, one observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, two seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, ones seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, three observed en route to Calvinia Aug 25 th, two seen between Brandvlei and Calvinia Aug 27th, three seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th, two seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Bustards: Otididae Ludwig s Bustard (Neotis ludwigii) Endangered: Two seen in flight along the R357 east of Brandvlei Aug 26 th, and heard at Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. 12

13 Karoo Bustard (Eupodotis vigorsii): A group of four seen along the farmlands route en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Black (S. Black-bellied) Bustard (Eupodotis afra) Endemic: One observed and heard at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, two heard in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, heard in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Rails: Rallidae *African Rail (Rallus caerulescens): One heard at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra): One seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, and three observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Black Crake, Paarl African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis): About 20 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus): Around 10 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. 13

14 Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata): Ten seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, 60 observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, many seen on ponds en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 100 s observed at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th, and 20 seen at a wetland along the R303, Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Cranes: Gruidae Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus): A very elegant looking crane. About 40 seen feeding in fields en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, four seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, two observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, and a flock of 55 seen at roadside dam near Caledon Sep 24 th. Blue Crane, Swellendam Thick-Knees: Burhinidae Spotted Thick-Knee (Burhinus capensis): One at night near Makapa Lodge Jul 29 th. Stilts and Avocets: Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus): About 30 seen near Cape Town Jul 26, five observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and several seen at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th. 14

15 Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta): Two seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, two seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and four seen at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th. Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae African Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini): Three seen Jul 27 th in Cape Town, 16 seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, around 10 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, two seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, two seen from Fullham Lodge Aug 24 th, and four observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Plovers: Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus): Two seen at Cape Town Jul 26, two seen Jul 27 th in Cape Town, four seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, three seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, four seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, one seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 10 seen at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th, four seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, and four seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Blacksmith Plover 15

16 Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus): One seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, two seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris): One seen at a small dam en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, and two seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd. Sandpipers: Scolopacidae Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatillis): Three seen at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th. Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea): One seen at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th. Skuas: Stercorariidae Brown Skua (Stercorarius antarcticus): Six observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, and three seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Gulls: Laridae Sabine s Gull (Xema sabini): An adult was observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Hartlaub s Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii): Over 100 seen at Cape Town Jul 26 and 27 th, many observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, 50 seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, around 100 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, a few seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, many seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, over 100 seen at Cape Town Aug 24 th, 20 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Kelp Gull (Larus dominicus): Common along the coast: A few seen at Cape Town Jul 26, many seen Jul 27 th in Cape Town, five seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, over 20 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, many seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, two seen from Fullham Lodge Aug 24 th, 50 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, 50+ seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia): One observed in flight at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and one seen at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th. Common Tern (Sterna hirundo): Over 500 seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea): Five were identified amongst the hundreds of Sterna terns observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Antarctic Tern (Sterna vittata): Three adults observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii): About 50 seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, one seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 20 observed on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Sandgrouse: Pteroclidae 16

17 Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pterocles namaqua): About 30 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, including looks of some walking about only 15 metres away, and five seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Namaqua Sandgrouse, Brandvlei Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Introduced: A few seen at Cape Town Jul 26 th, many seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th and 28 th, many seen Jul 29 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, a few seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, many seen around Cape Town Aug 24 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, several seen at Akkerendam NR and Brandvlei Aug 26 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th. Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea): Two seen at Cape Town Jul 26, one seen at Kommetjie Jul 29 th, two seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, a few seen at Boulders Beach Jul 30 th, two seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, several seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, five seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, a few seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, few seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th. 17

18 Speckled Pigeon Rameron Pigeon (Columba arquatrix): Five perched in a large tree near the entrance of Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th. Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata): A few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, a few seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, and several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, Ring-necked (Cape) Dove (Streptopelia capicola): Common and widespread, heard everywhere: One seen at Cape Town Jul 26, five seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, 10 observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, many seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, many seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, many seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, many seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, five seen at Brandvlei Aug 26 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, many seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis): About five seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 20 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, several seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, many seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, many seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, 10 seen at Brandvlei Aug 26 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, many seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. 18

19 Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis): Two seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Cuckoos: Cuculidae Klaas s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas): A male and female seen at Swellendam Aug 3 rd. Owls: Strigidae Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus): One observed at Lions Head, Table Mt, Cape Town Jul 28 th, one seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, one flushed from the rocks at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Swifts: Apodidae Alpine Swift (Apus melba): Three seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, one seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, and 15 seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th. African Swift (Apus barbatus): Twenty seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st. Little Swift (Apus affinis): Ten seen at Brandvlei Aug 26 th and Aug 27 th. Kingfishers: Alcedinidae Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis): One seen at the Stony Point penguin colony Aug 4 th. Bee-eaters: Meropidae Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus): One seen at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and one seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th. Mousebirds: Coliidae Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus): About 10 seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. 19

20 Speckled Mousebird, De Hoop Reserve White-backed Mousebird (Colius colius): Six seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, 12 on Aug 27 th, and five seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus): Around 20 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, and 10 seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st. Hoopoes: Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops): One seen at the Breede River crossing NR Aug 3 rd, and one heard at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Honeyguides: Indicatoridae Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor): One observed perched on a fence at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and two seen at a small park by the river in Swellendam Aug 3 rd. Woodpeckers: Picidae Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus): Good looks of one at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st. 20

21 Falcons: Falconidae Rock Kestrel (Falco rupicolis): One seen at Table Mt, Cape Town Jul 27 th, one seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, two seen between Brandvlei and Calvinia Aug 27th, one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, and one observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides): Eight seen between Brandvlei and Calvinia Aug 27 th, including one by nest on a telephone pole along the R27. Greater Kestrel, Calvinia Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus): One seen soaring briefly overhead at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): An adult seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st. Batises: Platysteiridae Cape Batis (Batis capensis): About 10 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, and seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th. Bushshrikes: Malaconotidae 21

22 Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus): Two seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, two seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, and two seen hopping around a parking lot at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Southern Boubou, De Hoop Reserve Bokmakierie (Telephorus zeylonus): One seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, two seen at Fullham Lodge and one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, five seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, and three seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Shrikes: Laniidae Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris): Widespread and conspicuous often perching on telephone wires: One seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, one observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, two seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, five seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, three seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, four seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, five seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 15 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, four seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, several seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, and one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. 22

23 Fiscal Flycatcher, Brandvlei Drongos: Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicruris adsimilis): One seen at Swellendam Aug 2 nd, and 15 observed en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Crows: Corvidae Cape Crow (Corvus capensis): One seen at Kommetjie Sep 29 th, one seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, 20 en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and 10 observed at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Pied Crow (Corvus albus): Common and widespread: Two seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, two observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, six seen at Cape Town Jul 29 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, six seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, five seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, five seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, five seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, over 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, many seen between Calvinia and Brandvlei Aug 26 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, many seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. 23

24 White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis): Two observed at Cape of Good Hope Reserve Jul 29 th, two seen at Paarl Mt reserve Jul 31 st, one seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, three seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, and two seen at Table Mt Aug 23 rd. Rockjumpers: Chaetopidae Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus) Endemic: An adult and two immatures wee watched for half an hour Rooi Els Sep 24 th offering great looks only metres away. Cape Rockjumper, Rooi Els Larks: Alaudidae Cape Clapper Lark (Mirafra apiata): Twenty seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Red Lark (Calendulauda burra) Endemic: Great looks of one perched on roadside wires beside the R357 east of Brandvlei Aug 26 th. 24

25 Red Lark, Brandvlei Karoo Lark (Calendulauda albescens) Endemic: One observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata): Two seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, three seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata): Three seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, eight seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Black-eared Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix australis): A flock of 20 were seen along R27 20 km west of Brandvlei Aug 27 th. Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea): Over 50 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 10 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Sclater s Lark (Spizocorys sclateri): Good looks of two perched on roadside wires beside the R357 east of Brandvlei Aug 27 th. Large-billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris): One seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and six seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. 25

26 Large-billed Lark, Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Swallows: Hirundinidae Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula): Five seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, five seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, three seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, 10 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 10 observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, 10 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, 20 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th, 10 seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Plain (Brown-throated) Martin (Riparia paludicola): Two seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, two seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and eight seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica): One seen at Caledon Sep 24 th. White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albogularis): Two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, and four observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Pearl-breasted Swallow (Hirundo dimidiate): Two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. 26

27 Greater Striped-Swallow (Cecropis cucullata): Two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and three seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Fairy Flycatchers: Stenostriridae Fairy Flycatcher (Stenostira scita): Very active and spritely bird reminiscent of a gnatcatcher. Two were seen in the riparian vegetation at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae Sombre Greenbul (Andropadus importunus): Five observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, and one seen along the river at Swellendam Aug 3 rd. African Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans): Ten observed at Clanwilliam Aug 25 th. Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis) Endemic: Two seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, four seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, around 10 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 10 seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, 10seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 15 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st,five seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, over 20 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, five seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, vlei seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Grassbirds and Crombecs: Macrosphenidae Cape Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens): One seen at Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd. Cape Grassbird (Sphenoeacus afer): One seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. *Victorin s Warbler (Cryptillas victorini) Endemic: One heard only at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Reed Warblers: Acrocephalidae African Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus): One observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Lesser Swamp-Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilorostris): Five observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st. Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala): Three observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, one seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, one heard at a marsh along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Cisticolas: Cisticolidae Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica): Good close looks of two at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Rufous-eared Warbler (Malcorus pectoralis): Scope views of one seen singing from the top of a shrub along the R357 near Brandvlei Aug 27 th. 27

28 (Neddicky) Piping Cisticola (Cisticola fulvicapilla): One heard at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, one heard along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, one observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Levailllant s Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens): Three observed at the marsh at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, and two observed at Berg River estuary Aug 25 th. Grey-backed Cisticola (Cisticola subruficapilla): Two seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, two seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, three observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, two seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, two observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th, and three seen at Rooi Els Sep 24 th. Black-chested Prinia (Prinia flavicans): One seen in the roadside scrub near a small farm dam along the R357 near Brandvlei Aug 26 th. Karoo Prinia (Prinia maculosa): Two seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, two seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, four seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, five observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, five seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, eight observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th, and one seen at Rooi Els Sep 24 th. Karoo Prinia Namaqua Prinia (Prinia substriata): One seen in the phragmites bed on the R357 as it crosses the Sak River, Brandvlei Aug 27 th. 28

29 Yellow-bellied Eremomela (Eremomela icteropygialis): One seen in the roadside scrub near a small farm dam along the R357 near Brandvlei Aug 26 th. Yellow-rumped Eremomela (Eremomela gregalis): Good looks of one seen feeding in the Karoo scrub en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd. Warblers: Sylviidae Layard s Warbler (Sylvia layardi): Two seen at Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, and five seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. White-eyes: Zosteropidae Cape White-eye (Zosterops capensis): One seen at Cape Town Jul 26, four seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, 10 observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, 10 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, a few seen at Boulders Beach Jul 30 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 20 seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, 10 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, many seen at Swellendam NR Aug 3 rd, one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, eight seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Sugarbirds: Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer) Endemic: Three observed at Lions Head, Table Mt, Cape Town Jul 28 th, two observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, one at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, five on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, four at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, one along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, and one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Old World Flycatchers: Muscicapidae Chat Flycatcher (Bradornis infuscatus): One seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, four seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens): Two seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, six seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, a few seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, a few seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, a few seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Dusky-brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta): Two observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, and two seen at Swellendam NR Aug 3 rd. Karoo Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas coryphaeus): One seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, two seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, 20 observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, 10 seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, 10 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, 10 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th, and three seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Cape Robin-Chat (Cossypha caffra): A fairly confiding, tame bird - at some sites watched feeding from tables or hopping about in gardens. One observed at Lions Head, Table Mt, Cape Town Jul 28 th, three observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, two seen at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, three seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, one seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, four seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, three seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, one at Swellendam and two seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, 10 observed at 29

30 West Coast NP Aug 25 th, four seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, five seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th, and five seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris) Endemic: Brief, poor looks of one observed from the car in the mountains east of Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, and great looks of two at Rooi Els Sep 24 th. Cape Rock-Thrush, Rooi Els African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus): Two seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, four seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and four seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Southern Anteater-Chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora): Two seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Sicklewing Chat (Cercomela sinuate): One seen at beside the road with nesting material at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. 30

31 Sicklewing Chat, Akkerendam NR Karoo Chat (Cercomela schlegelii): Five seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, five seen along the R357 near Brandvlei on Aug 26 th, and two on Aug 27 th. Tractrac Chat (Cercomela tractrac): One seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, one seen along the R357 several km outside Brandvlei Aug 27 th. Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris): Two seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, six seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, eight seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, four seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, one seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, and two seen at Rooi Els Sep 24 th. Mountain Wheatear (Oenanthe monticola): Two seen at Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, and two seen between Brandvlei and Calvinia Aug27 th. Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata): About 10 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 10 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, 20 observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, and one seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Thrushes: Turdidae 31

32 Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus): Five observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, one observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, five seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, three seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, four seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, and two seen at Swellendam Aug 3 rd. Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithi): Two seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, five observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and three seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th. Starlings: Sturnidae European Starling (Sturnus vullgaris) Introduced: Five seen at Cape Town Jul 26 th and Jul 28 th, 15 seen at Cape Town Jul 29 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, a few seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, many seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, many seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, many seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, many seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, several seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, and many seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. Pale-winged Starling (Onychognathus nadouroup): Two seen along the cliffs at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio): A few seen at Cape Town Jul 26 th, and many observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, 10+ observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, 30 observed at Cape of Good Hope Reserve Jul 29 th, over 20 seen at Boulders Beach Simon s Town Jul 30 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 40 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, over 50 seen en route and at to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and eight seen at Table Mt Aug 23 rd. Red-wing Starling African Pied Starling (Lamprotornis bicolor): A flock of over 50 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, a few flocks observed en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, 40 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, 15 seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th, and five seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. 32

33 Sunbirds: Nectariniidae Orange-breasted Sunbird (Anthobaphes violacea) Endemic: Thankfully this pretty sunbird is common: Two observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, two seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, two seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, one seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, six seen at Table Mt Aug 23 rd, six observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th, and six seen at Rooi Els Sep 24 th. Orange-breasted Sunbird, Rooi Els Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa): Four observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, two seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, three seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, 10 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, five observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, four seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, one observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th, and two observed at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th, Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina): Two seen at a small park near Schoone Oodt Guesthouse, Swellendam Aug 3 rd. Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus): Over 30 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, around 10 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, 10+ seen at Paarl Jul 31 st, five seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, one observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and four seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. 33

34 Southern Double-collared Sunbird Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris afer): Five seen at a small park near Schoone Oodt Guesthouse, Swellendam Aug 3 rd. Dusky Sunbird (Cinnyris fuscus): Two seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, and one seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae Cape Wagtail 34

35 Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis): Four seen at Cape Town Jul 26, 15 seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, two seen at Kommetjie Sep 29 th, two seen at Boulders Beach Jul 30 th, five seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, two seen at Swellendam Aug 2 nd, five seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, five seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, five observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and two seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus): One seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and two seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th. Orange-throated Longclaw (Macronyx capensis): One seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Buntings: Emberizidae Lark-like Bunting (Emberiza impetuani): Over 50 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, and 20 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis): Six observed at Cape of Good Hope Reserve Jul 29 th, eight seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, 10 seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, 20 seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, four observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, five seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th, and two seen at Rooi Els Sep 24 th. Canaries: Fringillidae Cape Siskin (Pseudochloroptila totta) Endemic: Poor looks of three observed in flight at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Black-headed Canary (Alario alario): Scope views of three at the lookout at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis): Over 20 observed at Kirstenbosch Gardens Jul 29 th, around 10 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, one seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 15 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, three seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, two seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th, and six seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Brimstone Canary (Serinus sulphuratus): One seen at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, 10 observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, and one seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th. Yellow Canary (Serinus flaviventris): Two seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, two seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, and one seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. White-throated Canary (Serinus albogularis): One seen at Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, two observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, five seen along the R357 east of Brandvlei Aug 26 th and on the 27 th. Sparrows: Passeridae House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Introduced: A few seen at Cape Town Jul 26, many seen at Cape Town Jul 27 th, many observed at Cape Town Jul 28 th, 10 seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, many seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, several seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, several seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, several seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, several seen en route to Clanwilliam Aug 27 th, several seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. 35

36 Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus): Six observed at Paarl Bird Sanctuary Aug 1 st, 10 seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, 15 seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 2 nd, 20 seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd, five seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, over 40 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, several seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, over 40 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th, and several seen en route to Cape Town Aug 28 th. Weavers: Ploceidae Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis) Endemic: Common and widespread: One seen singing at Makapa Lodge Jul 30 th, four seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, five seen at the Fairview Country Farm, Paarl Jul 31 st, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, 20 seen at Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, 10 seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, over 50 seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, several seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many observed at West Coast NP and en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, one seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th, and 20 seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus): Three seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, 50+ seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, many observed at West Coast NP and en route to Clanwilliam Aug 25 th, over 20 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix): One seen en route to Swellendam Aug 2 nd, 20 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, 10 observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, 15 seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, and 20+ seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, including several displaying males. Yellow Bishop (Euplectes capensis): Three seen at Paarl Mt Reserve Jul 31 st, 10 observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th, one seen at the Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve Aug 27 th, 20+ seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th. Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea): Over 50 seen in the farmlands route en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Waxbills: Estrildidae Swee Waxbill (Coccopygia melanotis): Three observed at the Company Gardens in Cape Town Jul 28 th, 10 seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, five seen at the De Leeuwenhof Hotel outside Paarl Jul 31 st. Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild): Five seen en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, and a flock of 15 seen on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th. Mammals Rodents - Rodentia Four-striped Grass Mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio): One observed at close range at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus): One observed at Company Gardens, Cape Town Jul 28 th. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): Over 10 observed at Company Gardens, Cape Town Jul 28 th, many seen on the Cape Peninsula Jul 30 th, a few seen in the Paarl area Jul 31 st, a few seen in Paarl Aug 1 st. 36

37 Rabbits and Hares - Lagomorpha Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis): One seen on a night drive in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th. Dassies - Hyracoidea Rock Dassie (Procavia capensis): One seen at Boulders Beach Jul 30 th, one seen en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, two seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, ten seen at Stony Point penguin colony Aug 4 th, four seen at Table Mt Aug 23 rd, one seen along the R303 at the Cederberg Mountain Aug 28 th, Ruminants - Ruminantia Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus): Ten seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris): One seen in fields on the Darling flower route Aug 24 th, two seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th, one seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 27 th. Steenbok, Brandvlei Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia): one seen in the Brandvlei area Aug 26 th. 37

38 Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus): One seen at Sir Lowry s Pass Sep 24 th. Eland (Taurotragus oryx): Over 50 seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, 10 observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Grey Rhebok (Pelea capreolus): Fifteen seen en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, two seen at Akkerendam NR Aug 26 th. Carnivores - Carnivora Suricate (Suricata suricata): Three seen en route to De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. Small Grey Mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta): One observed by LK at Cape of Good Hope Reserve Jul 29 th, one seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, one seen en route to Skitterykloof Aug 2 nd. Cape Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus): Two seen at the harbour, Cape Town Jul 27 th, one seen at Boulders Beach Jul 30 th, one seen off of Hermanus Aug 4 th, 100+ seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Primates - Primates Chacma Baboon (Papio (hamadryas) usrinus): Three observed at Cape of Good Hope Reserve Jul 29 th, 20 seen at en route to Klein Cederberg Aug 1 st, 20 seen at De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd, five observed at West Coast NP Aug 25 th. Chacma Baboon, De Hoop Reserve 38

39 Whales and Dolphins - Whippomorpha Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus): About 30 seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Long-beaked Dolphin (Delphinus capensis): About 30 seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Bryde s Whale (Balaenoptera byrdei): Two seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th. Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeanliae): Two cow and calf pairs observed off Camps Bay, Cape Town Jul 27 th, two seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Aug 29 th, four seen on the Simon s Town pelagic Sep 25 th. Humpback Whale, Simon s Town pelagic Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis): Five cow and calf pairs were seen close to shore off De Hoop NR Aug 3 rd. 39