South Africa, Cape region

South Africa, Cape region October 29 - November 16 2017 Sander Bot & Janne Ouwehand Damara Tern, Struisbaai

Introduction We were in for a not too demanding holiday, so we picked South Africa. Given the cheap currency, car rental and accommodation are very affordable. English is spoken everywhere, and since we are from Holland we can even understand Afrikaans a bit. There are many resources on where to see what, so this is indeed an ideal easy holiday destination. We also didn t want to drive too much, so we didn t go far from Cape Town. If visiting the Cape region as a bird watcher one might probably end up with a different itinerary than we had. Within the 16 days we had one can cover a larger area than we did. However, we also wanted to enjoy landscape, insects and botany as well, so we took our time. Besides that, I had visited the region before, so I could ignore certain places since I had seen the birds in that place before. This was especially true for water birds which we happily neglected and drier shrub birds which I had seen during field work a few years earlier in that habitat. Literature We used the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa, both the paper guide and the app. The app is ok, but for some important species the sound is lacking, for these we downloaded them from xenocanto.org. The site guide Southern African Birdfinder is very useful for planning your trip. It might be out of print now though. Logistics We flew with Qatar Airways from Amsterdam via Qatar to Cape town. The return ticket costed us 680,-, much cheaper than the direct flight with KLM (> 1.000). We booked a rental car with Rentalcars.com in advance, a Ford Fiesta or similar, which proved to be a Hyundai i10. The car gave no problems at all, also not on the many dirt roads we took near Brandvlei and Karoo NP. We paid only 315,89 for 18 days, including 140 for full coverage. Accommodation We mostly camped in national parks and nature reserves. For the national parks one can conveniently book any accommodation ahead via www.sanparks.org. This website gives also the availability for the accommodation. For the nature reserves we visited there is also a website with information about accommodation at www.capenature.co.za. Bungalows can be booked via the website, campsites not however. But by dropping an email to reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or make a phone call to 021 483 0190 one can book a campsite. Booking ahead can be useful, especially during the weekends when accommodations, including campsites, can be full booked. Observado.org During the trip I used the app by www.observation.org, ObsMapp (iobs for iphone). With this app it is very easy to directly enter your observations in the field. It is completely free, and contrary to ebird, one can submit all groups, so not only birds but also, for instance, mammals, insects and plants. Here is a direct link to all my oberservations: https://observation.org/user/view/12654?q=&akt=0&g=0&from=2017-11-24&to=2017-12- 01&prov=0&z=0&sp=0&gb=0&method=0&cdna=0&f=0&m=K&zeker=O&month=0&rows=20&only_hi dden=0&zoektext=0&tag=0&plum=0&from=2017-10-24&to=2017-12- 01&q=&zoektext=0&g=0&z=0&month=0&prov=71&m=K&zeker=O&rows=20 I entered all the data in the field, which means that the gps-coordinates are precise. I also have a kml file of all these observations, feel free to email me if you would like to receive the kml file.

October 30 Cape Town Kleinmond The flight arrived in time in Cape Town. Immigration and picking up de rental car went very smooth, so we were driving away from the airport around 1PM. After some shopping we arrived at Sir Lowry s Pass. While I got my bins and bird guide from my head luggage, Janne had a look at the view point, and the first bird she saw was a Cape Rockjumper! By the time I got there I could only hear it. Since I had seen it on my previous trip I didn t make a big effort to relocate them somewhere downhill. We didn t stay too long on the pass since it was simply too hot and sunny to do birding. We did see a selection of common birds though, like African Black Swift, Familiar Chat, vulpinus Common Buzzard, Cape Canary, Cape Francolin and African Harrier-Hawk. We drove to our campsite in Kleinmond, Palmiet Caravan Park (-34.342, 18,999). This proved to be a very nice and cheap (ZAR 175) camping. The spots are big and shady and we were only one of the three guests. On the camp site we picked up some common birds, and a stroll in the late afternoon along the beach resulted in African Oystercatcher, Crowned Cormorant and African Penguin. At night from our tent we heard Water Thick-knee calling. name place link Common Starling near Cape Town https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919563 White-throated Swallow near Cape Town https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919564 Western Cattle Egret near Cape Town https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919565 House Sparrow near Cape Town https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919561 Red-winged Starling near Cape Town https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919562 Neddicky Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919559 Malachite Sunbird Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919560 Karoo Prinia Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919558 Cape Robin-Chat Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919557 Alpine Swift Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919555 African Black Swift Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919556 Familiar Chat Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919554 African Sacred Ibis Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919553 Common Buzzard Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919547 White-rumped Swift Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919546 Little Swift Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919545 Grey Heron Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919544 Cape Canary Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919541 African Harrier-Hawk Sir Lowry s Pass https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919542 Cape Francolin Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919540 Hadada Ibis Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919538 Southern Fiscal Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919539 Sombre Greenbul Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919537 Cape White-eye Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919535 African Darter Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919536 Fiscal Flycatcher Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919529 Sombre Greenbul Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919530 Laughing Dove Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919531 Ring-necked Dove Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919532 Cape Bulbul Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919533 Cape Wagtail Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919534 Cape Robin-Chat Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919528 African Penguin Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919527 Crowned Cormorant Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919526 Kelp Gull Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919525 African Oystercatcher Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919524 Grey-headed Gull Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919523 Cape Sugarbird Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919522 Yellow Bishop Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919521 White-breasted Cormorant Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919520 Egyptian Goose Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919519 Karoo Prinia Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919518 Greater Striped Swallow Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919517

Cape Weaver Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919516 Red-faced Mousebird Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919515 Olive Thrush Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919514 Water Thick-knee Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919513 October 31 Betty s Bay Bredasdorp We woke up late since we had not much sleep the night before in the plane. In the morning we visited Harald Porter Botanical Garden near Betty s Bay. We noted Cape Canary, African Paradise Flycatcher, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Batis, Black Saw-wing and Sombre Greenbul. After lunch in the garden we went to the penguin colony at Stony Point. It s a great place where you can see (and smell) the penguins very close. Also four species of cormorant are present: Cape, White-breasted, Crowned and Bank Cormorant. There is a colony of mainly Cape, but in the colony, mainly on the outer rocks a few pairs of Bank Cormorant are present as well. Kelp Gull and Hartlaub s Gull were easily seen and on the sea we observed Cape Gannets. Rock Hyrax is common and tame here. In the afternoon we started our drive to Arniston. This small village along the coast has a camp site, but when arriving there is was closed. Nobody at reception, and no guests at all, so we drove back to Bredasdorp and got a room in Wheatlands Lodge. We paid ZAR 900 for a room including very good breakfast. The owners of this B & B were very friendly. Cape Batis Kleinmond https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919512 Cape Canary Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919511 Cape Robin-Chat Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919508 African Paradise Flycatcher Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919509 Orange-breasted Sunbird Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919510 Southern Double-collared Sunbird Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919507 Rock Martin Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919506 Cape Sugarbird Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919505 Cape Batis Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919504 African Paradise Flycatcher Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919503 African Dusky Flycatcher Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919501 Black Saw-wing Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919500 White-necked Raven Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919499 Sombre Greenbul Harald Porter Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919496 Bank Cormorant Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919495 Cape Cormorant Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919492 White-breasted Cormorant Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919493 Crowned Cormorant Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919494 Hartlaub's Gull Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919488 Cape Gannet Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919489 Kelp Gull Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919490 African Penguin Stony Point https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919491 Southern Red Bishop en route to Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919484 Blue Crane en route to Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919485 Spur-winged Goose en route to Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919486 Cape Sparrow en route to Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919483 Large-billed Lark en route to Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919482 Speckled Pigeon en route to Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919481

African Penguin, Stony Point November 1 De Mond NR Agulhas Plains Bontebok NP From Bredasdorp we drove to De Mond Nature Reserve. On the way we hoped to find bustards in the fields. There were quite some birds to see, including Capped Wheatear, Black-winged Kite, Brimstone Canary, quite a few Blue Cranes and finally 2 Denham s Bustards at -34.6596, 20.1108. Arriving at De Mond nature reserve we paid a small entrance fee and walked along the river mouth to the see. My hope was to find Damara Tern here, but we couldn t find any. Not along the river itself, nor at the river mouth. Birds we did see here were Bar-throated Apalis, Plain-backed Pipit, Levaillant s Cisticola and at the beach Sandwich and Greater Crested Terns. Highlight of the visit were Humpback Whales, one male jumped out of the water several times, while others were swimming very close to the coast. It was midday now, and missing the Damara Tern here, we decided to try the colony near Struisbaai as described in the Southern African Birdfinder. It s only a 20 minutes drive from De Mond. To reach the spot you have to leave the main road at -34.7722, 20.0307. and follow the track till the near the beach where you can park (-34.7686, 20.0460). From here it is a few 100 meters walk north over the beach to the colony at -34.7667, 20.0493. From sightings entered on ebird and observation.org I got the impression that the colony is very small or even gone. When arriving at the spot I walked carefully around the pebble beach and after a few minutes saw a Damara tern flying. I walked slowly back and followed the bird for a while before it landed again. A little later another tern with food arrived, landed at the same spot (out of sight) and later returned to sea. So, for the half hour I was there the colony seems to be reduced to one pair When driving the short track back to the main road we saw an African Marsh Harrier hunting over the dunes, a muchappreciated life bird. We started our drive to Bontebok NP. I intended to drive via the farm roads to

Swellendam instead of the highway. However, these roads are unpaved and the landscape is pretty ugly, so when seeing the first Agulhas Long-billed Larks (2 birds at -34.4311, 20.2083) we went straight back to the paved R319 in order to arrive in time in Bontebok NP. We arrived in the late afternoon and placed our tent on the campsite. There is the option to camp along the river or higher up without views on the river. It s well worth taking the campsites along the river, the views and birdlife right from your tent is great. This part of the campsite was only open from November 1 onwards, so we were the first and only one using it during our stay. Birds seen in the final hours of daylight from the campsite included a male Pin-tailed Whydah, African Black Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Burchell s Coucal, African Reed Warbler, Black Crake, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, African Olive Pigeon, Southern Boubou and Little Rush Warbler. At dusk a few Bonteboks came grazing next to the tent, and when dark several Fiery-necked Nightjars and a Spotted Thick-knee started calling. African Fish Eagle near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919480 Helmeted Guineafowl near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919479 Cape Sparrow near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919478 Blue Crane near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919476 Crowned Lapwing near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919477 Capped Wheatear near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919474 Red-capped Lark near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919473 Cape Canary near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919472 Spotted Thick-knee near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919471 Cape Weaver near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919469 Black-headed Heron near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919470 Yellow-billed Kite near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919468 Denham's Bustard near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919467 Black-winged Kite near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919466 Brimstone Canary near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919465 Speckled Mousebird near Bredasdorp https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919464 Brown-throated Martin De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919463 Bar-throated Apalis De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919461 White-rumped Swift De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919462 Barn Swallow De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919459 Red-eyed Dove De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919460 Common Waxbill De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919458 Kittlitz's Plover De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919453 Grey Plover De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919454 Common Ringed Plover De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919455 Curlew Sandpiper De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919456 Common Greenshank De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919457 Pied Kingfisher De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919451 Whimbrel De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919452 Plain-backed Pipit De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919449 African Pipit De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919450 Yellow Canary De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919448 Levaillant's Cisticola De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919447 Kittlitz's Plover De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919445 White-fronted Plover De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919446 Little Egret De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919443 Caspian Tern De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919444 Greater Crested Tern De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919441 Sandwich Tern De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919442 Arctic Tern De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919439 Little Stint De Mond NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919438 Water Thick-knee en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919437 Jackal Buzzard en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919436 Southern Tchagra en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919435 Damara Tern Struisbaai https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919434 African Marsh Harrier Struisbaai https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919432 Agulhas Long-billed Lark Agulhas Plains https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919431 Blue Crane Agulhas Plains https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919427 Spur-winged Goose Agulhas Plains https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919428 Large-billed Lark Agulhas Plains https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919429 African Spoonbill Agulhas Plains https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919430

Cape Sparrow Agulhas Plains https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919426 Brown-throated Martin Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919424 Pin-tailed Whydah Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919425 Black-winged Kite Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919423 African Black Duck Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919421 Yellow-billed Duck Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919422 Common Moorhen Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919420 Burchell's Coucal Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919418 African Reed Warbler Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919417 African Olive Pigeon Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919415 Black Crake Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919414 Brown-hooded Kingfisher Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919411 Southern Red Bishop Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919412 Southern Boubou Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919413 Little Rush Warbler Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919407 African Darter Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919408 Reed Cormorant Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919409 Fiery-necked Nightjar Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919406 Spotted Thick-knee Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919405 Blue Crane, near Bredasdorp November 2 Bontebok NP In the morning we walked the Aloe trail, starting from the campsite. Near our tent we saw 2 Pearlbreasted Swallows gathering mud, and a Giant Kingfisher flew over the river. The trail first follows the river where we saw Little Rush Warbler, African Reed Warbler and in the denser riverine wood Tambourine Dove. On the hills on the other side of the river were up to 3 displaying Denham s Bustards. Higher up the trail we had Cape Clapper Lark and African Pipit. Second half of the morning and a part of the afternoon we drove the loop through the park. We saw our first Black Harriers of the trip at -34.0593, 20.4648, and saw several Cape Longclaw and Grey-winged Francolin and heard Common Quail. At night Fiery-necked Nightjars were calling again.

African Olive Pigeon Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919403 Malachite Kingfisher Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919404 White-rumped Swift Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919398 Cape Wagtail Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919399 Pin-tailed Whydah Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919400 Little Rush Warbler Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919401 Yellow-billed Duck Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919402 Southern Masked Weaver Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919397 Pearl-breasted Swallow Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919396 Giant Kingfisher Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919395 Three-banded Plover Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919394 Red-billed Teal Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919393 Red-necked Spurfowl Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919392 African Reed Warbler Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919390 Little Rush Warbler Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919391 Bar-throated Apalis Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919388 Denham's Bustard Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919386 Sombre Greenbul Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919387 Tambourine Dove Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919384 African Black Swift Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919380 Alpine Swift Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919381 Neddicky Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919382 Cape Clapper Lark Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919379 African Pipit Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919378 Cape Bunting Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919376 Common Waxbill Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919374 African Stonechat Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919373 Black Harrier Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919372 Blacksmith Lapwing Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919369 Crowned Lapwing Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919370 Cape Longclaw Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919368 Grey-winged Francolin Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919367 Common Buzzard Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919366 Diederik Cuckoo Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919364 Spotted Thick-knee Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919361 Plain-backed Pipit Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919360 Fiscal Flycatcher Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919358 Cape Sparrow Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919359 Ring-necked Dove Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919357 White-throated Swallow Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919356 Blue Crane Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919355 Fiery-necked Nightjar Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919352 Water Thick-knee Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919353 Blacksmith Lapwing Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919354

Levaillant s Cisticola, Bontebok NP Bontebok, Bontebok NP

November 3 Bontebok NP Grootvaderbosch NR We woke up early to drive the loop again. Now activity was much better than yesterday afternoon. We saw several mammals, including Cape Mountain Zebra, Bontebok, and Hartebeest. Cape Clapper Lark was abundant. I expected Agulhas Long-billed Larks to be common too, but saw it only once (- 34.0792, 20.4798). We had several Denham s Bustards, but no Karoo Korhaan. Other interesting species were Cape Grassbird, 2 Quailfinch (-34.0522, 20.4774) and a singing Cloud Cisticola. By the end of the morning we drove the relatively short distance to Grootvadersbosch NR. We placed our tent on the lovely campsite with ten spots only. We booked ahead which proved to be a good idea, since the camp site was fully booked. During our stay in South Africa there was a marked difference between the weekends and the rest of the week. During weekends many South African residents go camping and booking is important to assure your spot. During midweeks however, you can be the only guest on a campsite. At Grootvadersbosch we arrived relatively early on Friday and found an empty camp site. But during the afternoon it filled up with locals camping for the weekend. In the late afternoon we had a stroll in the area. The forest was quiet, but we saw Swee Waxbill, Southern Boubou, African Olive Pigeon and our first Greater Double-collared Sunbird, which proved to be common here. We also walked a bit above the forest, in the fynbos, and easily heard several Victorin s Warblers, for instance at -33.9798, 20.8289. Cape Clapper Lark Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919351 Common Quail Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919349 Hadada Ibis Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919344 Denham's Bustard Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919345 Agulhas Long-billed Lark Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919346 African Pipit Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919342 Yellow-billed Duck Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919343 Yellow-billed Kite Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919340 Cloud Cisticola Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919341 Ring-necked Dove Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919337 Denham's Bustard Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919338 Karoo Scrub Robin Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919339 Cape Grassbird Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919336 Quailfinch Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919335 Rock Kestrel Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919334 Black Saw-wing Bontebok NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919333 Fork-tailed Drongo en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919331 Denham's Bustard en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919332 Jackal Buzzard en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919330 Swee Waxbill Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919328 Cape Canary Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919329 Speckled Mousebird Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919327 African Dusky Flycatcher Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919326 Greater Double-collared Sunbird Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919324 Southern Boubou Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919325 African Olive Pigeon Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919323 Red-eyed Dove Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919320 Sombre Greenbul Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919321 Cape Robin-Chat Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919322 African Paradise Flycatcher Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919319 Olive Thrush Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919317 Bar-throated Apalis Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919318 White-necked Raven Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919316 Victorin's Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919314 Victorin's Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919312 Red-chested Cuckoo Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919311

November 4 Grootvaderbosch NR Today we focussed on the forest of Grootvaderbosch. We slowly made our way in the forest east of the ridge, but found (vocal) activity to be low. We really had to work for our species. Nevertheless, by the end of the morning we had seen most of the new birds we wanted to see. Terrestrial Brownbul showed twice, same was true for Olive Bushshrike and Forest Buzzard. Cape Batis and Cape Whiteeye were the common default species of this forest. We had one silent Grey Cuckooshrike, and our first Knysna Warbler only at 10:30 AM, where after we heard several more (e.g. at -33.9813, 20.8313). They seem to start singing late. Later in the morning we had our only Forest Canaries of this place, bus showing well in the middle of the forest. Most welcomed lifer materialised only at 11:30 AM: Knysna Woodpecker at -33.9828, 20.8277. We heard the call only once and could not find the bird. But as described in the birdfinder, it calls only once every 10-15 minutes, so after searching for that long it called indeed once again. But this time closer, so now we found it soon and had great looks, quite a relief. After some relaxing at midday we birded the west of the ridge, which is slightly drier. It was remarkably silent in the forest, only highlights were a brief sighting of a female Amethyst Sunbird and an only once calling but not showing Narina Trogon. So, the birdfinder is right that you better concentrate on the east side of the slope. Amethyst Sunbird Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919310 Red-winged Starling Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919309 Terrestrial Brownbul Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919308 Olive Bushshrike Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919307 Red-eyed Dove Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919304 Cape White-eye Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919305 Cape Batis Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919306 Forest Buzzard Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919303 Greater Double-collared Sunbird Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919302 White-necked Raven Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919296 Rock Martin Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919297 Red-winged Starling Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919301 Black Sparrowhawk Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919294 Tambourine Dove Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919295 African Dusky Flycatcher Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919293 Grey Cuckooshrike Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919292 Knysna Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919291 Forest Buzzard Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919288 Bar-throated Apalis Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919289 Red-chested Cuckoo Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919290 Knysna Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919287 Terrestrial Brownbul Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919286 Knysna Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919285 Forest Canary Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919284 Knysna Woodpecker Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919282 Olive Woodpecker Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919283 Olive Bushshrike Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919280 Narina Trogon Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919278 African Paradise Flycatcher Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919277

November 5 Grootvaderbosch NR From a birdwatcher s point of view, we better moved on today after seeing most of the forest species. However, the fynbos above the forest looked very nice, so we decided to do a day hike in the fynbos. The walk started good with prolonged views of a pair of Red-necked Spurfowl in the transition zone between forest and fynbos at -33.9808, 20.8215. The rest of the day we enjoyed very fine hiking, nice flowers and great views all the way into the Boosmansbos wilderness area. Victorin s Warbler was common in this habitat, but it was interesting to see that we heard the first one only around midday. Just as with Knysna Warbler they seem to start singing late. I knew it was wishful thinking, but I hoped to flush a Hottentot Buttonquail or Striped Flufftail as a reward for walking a full day through their habitat. So, I was very excited when I flushed a quail in the afternoon. After flushing it again I could see more details, and it turned out to be a Common Quail. Seldom I have been disappointed after seeing a Common Quail, but this time I was. I also hoped for Red-winged Francolin, but despite taping their call now and then, no response. Personal highlight came in the late afternoon when I photographed a funny dragonfly which turned out the be the rare Mahogany Presba Syncordulia venator. At night we heard duetting African Woods from the campsite. Redchested Cuckoo was also calling, but for this species several birds seemed to be singing 24/7 here in Grootvadersbosch! Red-necked Spurfowl Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919276 Cape Sugarbird Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919275 Karoo Prinia Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919272 Yellow Bishop Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919273 Levaillant's Cisticola Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919274 Red-winged Starling Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919271 Cape Canary Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919268 Rock Kestrel Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919267 Victorin's Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919265 Common Quail Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919263 Victorin's Warbler Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919262 Jackal Buzzard Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919260 Cape Crow Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919256 Peregrine Falcon Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919257 Blue Crane Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919255 Cape Francolin Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919254 African Wood Owl Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919253 Mahogany Presba Syncordulia venator, Grootvadersbosch

November 6 Grootvaderbosch NR Garden Route NP Time to move on. After breakfast we packed the tent and drove to the east. When just on our way we had a surprising second African Marsh Harrier of the tip along the road (20.8330, -34.0322) and nearby also our only African Hoopoe of the trip. The drive to Garden Route NP was less long as expected. The road conditions were very good, and the road relatively quiet. By the end of the morning we were at the western end of the national park, at the Wilderness section. We made a midday walk on the Giant Kingfisher Trail, near the Ebb and Flow rest camp. This was not the best time of the day to do birding, but we still saw several new birds. One of the first birds we saw was with hindsight also the only one of the trip: Grey Sunbird showed very well in the undergrowth at -33.9845, 22.6074. Knysna Turaco was common and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Chorister Robin-Chat, African Emerald Cuckoo and Scaly-throated Honeyguide (heard only) were also added to the list. After shopping in Knysna we arrived by the end of the day at the Vasselot camp site near Nature s Valley. At night singing African Wood Owl here as well. Forest Buzzard Grootvaderbosch NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919252 African Marsh Harrier en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919251 African Hoopoe en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919250 Red-knobbed Coot en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919249 Sombre Greenbul Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919247 Knysna Turaco Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919248 Black-headed Oriole Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919246 Grey Sunbird Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919244 Red-chested Cuckoo Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919242 Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919243 Knysna Warbler Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919241 Greater Double-collared Sunbird Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919240 African Emerald Cuckoo Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919237 Scaly-throated Honeyguide Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919236 Swee Waxbill Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919235 Chorister Robin-Chat Giant Kingfisher Trail https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919234 African Wood Owl Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919233 November 7 Nature s Valley We had an excellent start of the day: when getting out of the tent first birds to be seen were Blackbellied Staring and Amethyst Sunbird. We didn t go far today since we hiked near the camp site. We kind of randomly walked trails just west of the village of Nature s Valley, eventually ending up at the pass from where the R102 winds down into the valley. This was not the best choice though, since we mainly found bush-like habitat rather than tall forest. The morning resulted thus in few forest birds, but in the thickets we found Green-backed Camaroptera, Collared Sunbird and Black-backed Puffback. In the shrubs near the pass we heard several singing Victorin s Warblers. I also hoped to hear or see Lazy Cisticola here, but despite taping a few times not a sniff. What maybe also not helped was the increasing wind, low temperature and drizzle. The first bad weather of the trip. We walked down back into the valley through a very nice riverbed parallel to the R102. In the afternoon the weather was even worse, with rain. We still went out in the late afternoon, now in the good forest directly behind the campsite. The only supposedly easy forest bird we are still missing is Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, and after much effort we heard it calling once A single Green Wood Hoopoe and Black Sparrowhawk were also new for the trip. Black-bellied Starling Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919232 Amethyst Sunbird Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919231 Kelp Gull Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919229 White-breasted Cormorant Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919230 White-necked Raven Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919226 Southern Boubou Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919227

White-fronted Plover Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919228 Greater Crested Tern Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919225 Green-backed Camaroptera Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919224 Collared Sunbird Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919223 Black-backed Puffback Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919222 Karoo Prinia Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919221 Greater Double-collared Sunbird Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919220 Victorin's Warbler Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919219 Southern Double-collared Sunbird Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919218 Green-backed Camaroptera Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919217 Knysna Turaco Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919216 African Sacred Ibis Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919215 Amethyst Sunbird Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919213 Grey Heron Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919214 Black-bellied Starling Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919212 Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919211 Levaillant's Cisticola Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919209 African Fish Eagle Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919210 Greater Crested Tern Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919208 White-breasted Cormorant Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919207 Knysna Turaco Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919205 Narina Trogon Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919206 Black Sparrowhawk Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919204 Black-headed Oriole Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919203 Collared Sunbird Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919202 Black-backed Puffback Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919201 Black Saw-wing Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919200 Sooty Shearwater Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919199 Green Wood Hoopoe Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919198 African Wood Owl Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919197 Nature s Valley

November 8 Storms River Mouth Fortunately, the weather was way better today. We visited the eastern, Tsitsikama part of Garden Route National Park. Here you can walk a few kilometres along the coast on the start of the Otter Trail, to a waterfall. The habitat along the coast is mostly bushes and fynbos, so I couldn t come up with any lifers during this hike, which happened to be true. If you come for bird watching only, this spot can be missed. The ocean views during the hike were nice though and we also spotted several African Oystercatchers. In the early afternoon the wind became really strong so we had a look at sea. We found many Cape Gannets, but also several black shearwaters, I assume Flesh-footed Shearwater. At night, back at our Vasselot campsite, I decided to give Buff-spotted Flufftail a go by taping a few times from the boardwalk in the forest. No response unfortunately but the good views of Cape Genet we got were definitely worth going in there at night! Pied Kingfisher Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919196 Kelp Gull Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919195 Cape Gannet Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919193 Greater Crested Tern Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919185 White-breasted Cormorant Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919187 Cape White-eye Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919188 Karoo Prinia Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919189 Sombre Greenbul Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919190 African Dusky Flycatcher Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919191 Southern Double-collared Sunbird Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919192 African Oystercatcher Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919184 Flesh-footed Shearwater Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919182 Cape Gannet Storms River Mouth https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919183 Scaly-throated Honeyguide Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919181 African Emerald Cuckoo Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919180 Water Thick-knee Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919178 November 9 Nature s Valley Karoo NP Mainly a travel day, all the way to Karoo NP. But before breakfast I had a short stroll behind the campsite, along the main road, near the river. This time I finally had a good sighting of Yellowthroated Woodland Warbler (-33.9693, 23.5603), but also got Grey Cuckooshrike, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Narina Trogon and Chorister Robin-Chat. On the way out, we tried for the third time Lazy Cisticola at the pass at -33.9673, 23.5398, but once again nothing. Just past the pass we had a Red-necked Spurfowl along the road (-33.9575, 23.5165). We intended to drive via the Swartberg Pass, but it was closed due to construction work after the road was partly washed away in a rain in April. So, we took the N12 east of it instead and had a short stop in the gorge at -33.4255, 22.5491. Here we saw our first Black-headed Canaries, Verreaux s Eagles and Cape Rock Thrush of the trip. After lunch in the tiny village Klaarstroom that looked like nothing had changed in 100 years we arrived in Karoo NP in the afternoon. After camping for over a week we decided to take the luxury of a bungalow instead. In this national park one can only drive around by car. On the way to the accommodation we saw our first Common Ostriches and Mountain Wheatears, both very common here. We did a drive between 17:00 and 19:00 at the Lammertjiesleegte. Before arriving at the loop we had already a nice observation: a pair of Dusky Sunbirds at -32.3335, 22.5146. At the loop we saw Karoo Long-billed Lark, Pale-winged Starling, White-backed Mousebird and the highlight being a group of ten Ludwig s Bustards. Also many mammals around, eg. Common Rhebok, Meerkat, Hartebeest, Common Eland, Steenbok, Cape Mountain Zebra and Gemsbok. Red-chested Cuckoo Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919174 Green-backed Camaroptera Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919175 Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919176 Red-eyed Dove Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919173

Scaly-throated Honeyguide Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919172 Grey Cuckooshrike Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919171 Narina Trogon Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919170 Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919169 Swee Waxbill Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919166 Black-headed Oriole Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919167 Chorister Robin-Chat Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919168 White-rumped Swift Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919164 Black Saw-wing Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919165 Red-necked Spurfowl Nature's Valley https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919163 Cape Rock Thrush en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919158 Karoo Prinia en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919159 Speckled Mousebird en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919160 Cape Canary en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919161 Black-headed Canary en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919162 Southern Double-collared Sunbird en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919153 Cape Bunting en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919154 Grey Heron en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919155 Speckled Pigeon en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919156 Red-winged Starling en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919157 Malachite Sunbird en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919152 Pied Starling en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919150 Common Ostrich Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919148 Mountain Wheatear Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919149 South African Shelduck Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919147 Rock Martin Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919145 Booted Eagle Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919146 Karoo Scrub Robin Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919143 Alpine Swift Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919144 Dusky Sunbird Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919142 Eastern Long-billed Lark Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919140 Karoo Chat Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919139 Pale-winged Starling Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919138 Ludwig's Bustard Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919137 Southern Fiscal Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919136 Ludwig's Bustard Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919134 Common Ostrich Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919135 Eurasian Hobby Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919129 Tractrac Chat Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919128 White-backed Mousebird Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919125 Common Ostrich, Karoo NP

November 10 Karoo NP Brandvlei The gate from the accommodation to the Klipspringer Pass opens at 06:00, so that was the time we drove in. My target was African Rock Pipit, missed here on the previous visit a few years ago. I played some tape at the start of the pass at -32.3297, 22.4732 and got immediate response from somewhere on the hill. Since one cannot leave the car I could not locate the song. It was funny that a male Dusky Sunbird also clearly responded to the tape of the pipit. It flew straight in and made a kind of similar sound in response! We drove up the pass and parked at the fenced lookout at -32.3256, 22.4513. The view in the gorge in very nice and we also saw Pale-winged Starling and Layard s Warbler here. After the pass the road continues over the plains as the Potiekkertjie Loop. At the very first stop Janne found three Lions! There are only a few individuals in the big park, so we were very lucky. The loop was packed with mammals anyway, many antelopes but also Cape Mountain Zebra. Best bird were three Karoo Korhaans that showed very well at -32.3751, 22.4624. After a late breakfast we packed our stuff and drove out of the park. On the way we found the same pair of Dusky Sunbird on the same spot as yesterday. The drive to Brandvlei took considerably longer than expected because large parts of the route were dirt roads. And we just drove a small Hyundai i10. Eventually we made it, arriving around 16:00 at Casablanca Overnight & Camping. We booked a room in advance via Booking.com, but you can camp here as well. The coordinates of this places according booking.com and Google are a few kilometres southwest of town in the middle of nowhere. The place is however in the town of Brandvlei itself, and it is well signposted in the village. The owners are very friendly and can cook for you. Dusky Sunbird Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919122 African Rock Pipit Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919123 Yellow Canary Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919121 Mountain Wheatear Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919120 Plain-backed Pipit Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919119 Ring-necked Dove Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919116 Southern Masked Weaver Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919117 Greater Striped Swallow Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919114 Speckled Pigeon Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919115 Red-winged Starling Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919113 Layard's Warbler Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919112 Acacia Pied Barbet Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919109 Black-headed Canary Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919108 Familiar Chat Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919106 Buffy Pipit Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919105 Common Ostrich Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919103 Pale Chanting Goshawk Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919104 Rock Kestrel Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919101 Red-faced Mousebird Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919102 Karoo Korhaan Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919100 Cape Weaver Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919099 Dusky Sunbird Karoo NP https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919098 European Bee-eater en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919097 European Bee-eater en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919096 Cape Teal en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919093 Namaqua Sandgrouse en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919092 Pale Chanting Goshawk en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919090 Yellow Canary en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919091 Double-banded Courser Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919089 Lark-like Bunting Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919087 White-throated Canary Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919088 Ludwig's Bustard Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919086 Cape Bunting Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919084 Rufous-eared Warbler Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919085 Southern Black Korhaan Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919083

Lion, Karoo NP November 11 Brandvlei Aurora, Mountain Mist A long day ahead, we left at 5 AM and drove a bit northwest out of town. There are several reports of Red Lark along the dirt road around -30.390, 20.427. However, before getting there we found one singing already along the road at -30.4144, 20.4453. Also several singing Karoo Korhaans here. After seeing the lark we turned around and took the dirt road northeast of Brandvlei, since this area is well known for Sclater s Lark. There are quite some records at ebird and observado.org from 20.6188, - 30.3799. At this point, some 20km out of Brandvlei, is a well with a metal windmill, easy visible from the road. Before arriving there we saw Namaqua Sandgrouse and Karoo Korhaan along the road, both showing very well. When stopping at the well, we saw a Kori Bustard in flight, what a huge bird! We put a scope on the well and saw a flock of Lark-like Buntings drinking. It didn t take long before two Sclater s Lark came to drink as well. We had breakfast here and within the hour or so we were checking the well, twice more two Sclater s Larks flew in to drink. I don t know whether it was the same couple that returned twice or that we saw six individuals. With this target in the pocket we drove back to Brandvlei, seeing Sinckle-winged Chat and Spike-heeled Lark on the way. At the dry riverbed at -30.4558, 20.5356 we saw another Dusky Sunbird. From Brandvlei we started the long drive to Aurora. Most interesting bird during the drive were a couple of Greater Kestrels at -31.4483, 19,2812. We left the N7 at -31.8866, 18.6328, a bit north of Aurora. By going so, we drove quite some kilometres in Cape Long-billed Lark habitat. We looked carefully, but couldn t find any, also not at -32.313, 18.391, from where it was reported recently on e-bird. Most records are from a spot northeast of Velddrif though. This was the final try before going to Aurora, but fortunately we found them there within minutes (-32.6549, 18.2777). This seems like just a random spot along the coast, but when arriving I understood why this is a good place. All along the road is a fence and here is a small turn off, so you can enter the area and walk in the sandy low vegetation, we found them in the northeast corner of the intersection. They were on the ground and not in the fence or poles, so easy to miss if you only drive around in the area checking poles and fences. They seem to be scarce anyway given the few records online. One would expect many sightings from the close by Westcoast NP, but they are only seldom reported there, no idea why it is so scarce. Anyway, after seeing the larks we drove straight to the small village of Aurora, and from there the 15km dirt road to the top of

the nearby mountain to the self-catering cottages of Mountain Mist. We booked this accommodation in advance on their website (http://mountainmist.co.za/) and paid ZAR 900 per night. The setting of the cottages is fantastic. They are about the only place on the mountain top; you have great views down the mountain all the way to the ocean. The mountain itself is full of flowers including many proteas. For a bird watcher the main reason could be the Protea Canary which is very easy to see here. For instance, when we had to wait a little moment before checking in we already found them in the large pine near the office (-32.7227, 18.5710). After checking in we didn t go far from the cottage to see some birds: Cape Sugarbird is very common and tame, Rock Kestrel, Cape Francolin, Orangebreasted Sunbird, Cape Rock Thrush, Booted Eagle and more Protea Canaries. We heard from local bird watchers we met earlier this trip that Freckled Nightjar and Cape Eagle Owl are possible here at night. We tried both with tape around the accommodation, but no luck. Karoo Korhaan Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919082 Red Lark Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919081 Namaqua Sandgrouse Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919080 Bokmakierie Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919079 Chat Flycatcher Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919078 Karoo Korhaan Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919076 Spike-heeled Lark Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919077 Kori Bustard Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919075 Lark-like Bunting Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919073 Sclater's Lark Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919074 Sclater's Lark Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919072 Sickle-winged Chat Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919071 White-throated Canary Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919070 Pied Crow Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919069 Barn Swallow Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919067 Long-billed Crombec Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919068 Sabota Lark Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919066 Kori Bustard Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919065 Dusky Sunbird Brandvlei area https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919064 Ant-eating Chat en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919062 Greater Kestrel en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919061 Booted Eagle Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919060 Black Harrier Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919059 Cape Long-billed Lark Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919052 Black-winged Kite Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919053 Yellow-billed Kite Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919054 Jackal Buzzard Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919055 Pale Chanting Goshawk Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919056 Helmeted Guineafowl Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919057 Large-billed Lark Velddrif https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919058 Blue Crane Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919051 Protea Canary Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919050 Rock Kestrel Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919047 Malachite Sunbird Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919048 Cape Sugarbird Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919049 Cape Francolin Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919045 Orange-breasted Sunbird Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919044 Greater Striped Swallow Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919043 Booted Eagle Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919041 Cape Rock Thrush Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919042 Levaillant's Cisticola Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919040 Protea Canary Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919039 Cape Canary Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919038

Karoo Korhaan, Brandvlei November 12 Aurora, Mountain Mist For once not an early wake up for birding, but sleeping in and the rest of the day just hanging around the mountain enjoying birds, insects and botany. Some of the more interesting species seen today included the species seen yesterday, 2 Verreaux s Eagles, several displaying Booted Eagles, several Protea Canaries, mainly just along the road near the reception, and two Cape Siskins on the veranda of our cottage. We were not in the mood of trying night birds again. Verreaux's Eagle Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919036 Protea Canary Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919035 Cape Rock Thrush Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919034 Rock Kestrel Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919032 Booted Eagle Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919030 Rock Martin Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919028 Neddicky Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919029 Red-winged Starling Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919027 Cape Siskin Mountain Mist https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919026

Cape Sugarbird, Mountain Mist Orange-breasted Sunbird, Mountain Mist

November 13 Auroara Darling Wildflower Route Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden After breakfast we left the scenic mountain mist. We drove out of the mountains into the agricultural fields near Aurora. We saw a Denham s Bustard landing, and when stopping, we found a group of 12 in the field (-32.7124, 18.4746)! Equally unexpected was a fantastic Spotted Eagle owl in bright daylight in a dead tree (-32.7146, 18.4613). Good start of the drive to Cap Town! Not far from here also our only Lanner of the trip. Next destination were the flower reserves near Darling. We knew that flowers were mainly flowering in September-October, so we hoped to still find a few, but we were disappointed. We were clearly too late with all fields looking dry. What also might not have helped was the drought hitting the Cape Town area. It was still in contrast with the Betty s Bay area earlier in the trip were many plants were flowering. The Tienie Versveld Nature Reserve is just a small reserve along the R315. Although the reserve held few flowering plants we did see Cloud Cisticola, as predicted by the South African Birdfinder. Other birds seen here were Black Harrier, Large-billed Lark, Red-capped Lark, African Pipit and Yellow Canary. Because of the absence of flowers we were in Cape Town early. We drove straight to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden were we had lunch before exploring the gardens. They are absolutely fantastic, this must be one of the finest botanical gardens in the world. I could not see any new birds, but still enjoyed nice views of Forest Canary at -33.9913, 18.4294 and -33.9895, 18.4279. A Cape Francolin with chicks was very tame near the restaurant at -33.9887, 18.4333. In the late afternoon we got the news that the scheduled pelagic with Cape Town Pelagics was cancelled because of the bad weather forecast, with the note that the forecast for the backup day the day after tomorrow was also not good. We checked in at the friendly Green Elephant Backpackers. Cape Francolin near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919025 Denham's Bustard near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919024 Spotted Eagle-Owl near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919023 Jackal Buzzard near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919022 Fiscal Flycatcher near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919019 Common Starling near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919020 Namaqua Dove near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919021 Lanner Falcon near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919018 Karoo Scrub Robin near Aurora https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919016 Large-billed Lark Tienie Versveld NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919012 Red-capped Lark Tienie Versveld NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919013 Cloud Cisticola Tienie Versveld NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919014 Black Harrier Tienie Versveld NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919011 African Pipit Tienie Versveld NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919010 Yellow Canary Tienie Versveld NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919009 Black-winged Stilt en route https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919008 Olive Thrush Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919005 Cape Canary Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919007 Common Waxbill Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145919002 Egyptian Goose Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918999 Southern Double-collared Sunbird Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918995 Cape Bulbul Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918978 Sombre Greenbul Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918982 Cape Robin-Chat Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918976 Forest Canary Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918974 Swee Waxbill Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918971 Forest Canary Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918969 Karoo Prinia Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918966 Rock Kestrel Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918964 Hadada Ibis Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918962 Pied Crow Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918960 Cape Francolin Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918958

November 14 Tanqua Karoo No pelagic, so we went to the Tanqua Karoo instead. There were still three lifers waiting there, namely Karoo Eremomela, Karoo Lark and Cinnamon-breasted Warbler. We decided to drive straight to Eierkop for Karoo Eremomela. Just a few kilometres before Eierkop, a few Karoo Eremomela s flew past the road but landed in scrub behind a fence. Eierkop is one of two hills in otherwise flat karoo, so you can see it from a few kilometres before arriving. Upon arrival Janne climbed the hill to see the vegetation on the top while I walked around in the hope to get a better look at the eremomela s and to find Karoo Lark which is supposed to be common here. It might be because the drought, but it was very quiet. We arrived a bit late, 9 AM, but still I expected a bit more action. After walking for over an hour through the vegetation near Eierkop all I found were 2 Grey-backed Cisticola s and a Rufouseared Warbler. When I was about to give up I finally flushed a silent Karoo Lark at the base of Eierkop at -33.0757, 19.7755. We drove further north along the R355. The most common chat along the road was Karoo Chat. We had one Sickle-winged Chat at the beginning of the road at -33.1190, 19.7666 and a few Tractrac Chats further north, for instance at -32.9082, 19.7691. At the junction at -32.8910, 19,7693 we took the road to the west for a few kilometres before arriving at Skitterykloof, the worldfamous place for Cinnamon-breasted Warbler. We followed the instructions in the South African Bird finder and walked a little east from the parking area to a band of red cliffs at -32.8819, 19.7370. Here we played the tape once. No response, but when we started to walk in the area we immediately found two foraging birds next to us. We were either lucky, or they responded to the tape by coming in but making no sound. Anyway, we enjoyed being close to them for a long time while they made their way on the boulders or bushes, very nice! This was all happening at midday. In the small reedbed on the other side of the parking (-32.8829, 19,7380) we saw Lesser Swamp Warbler. We had a cold Coke at Tankwa Padstal, along the R355 just north of the junction to Skitterykloof. From here we slowly drove back south. I hoped to look for the eremomela again at Eierkop, but when we arrived there it just started to poor down. Sure a blessing for the area, but the end of our birding day. Sickle-winged Chat near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918955 Karoo Chat near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918946 Karoo Eremomela near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918949 Rock Kestrel near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918951 Ant-eating Chat near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918954 Rufous-eared Warbler near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918945 Grey-backed Cisticola near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918942 Karoo Lark near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918940 Karoo Chat near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918935 Cape Sparrow near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918936 Karoo Prinia near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918938 Rock Martin near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918932 Tractrac Chat near Eierkop https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918931 Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Skitterykloof https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918929 African Reed Warbler Skitterykloof https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918925 Lesser Swamp Warbler Skitterykloof https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918927 Familiar Chat Skitterykloof https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918922 White-throated Canary Skitterykloof https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918919 Pririt Batis Tanqua Karoo https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918918 Fairy Flycatcher Tanqua Karoo https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918916 Tractrac Chat Tanqua Karoo https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918914 Karoo Chat Tanqua Karoo https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918912 Yellow Canary Tanqua Karoo https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918910 Speckled Pigeon Tanqua Karoo https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918907

Tanqua Karoo November 15 Cape of Good Hope NR The pelagic was cancelled again, so our last full day in South Africa was spent as a tourist. In the morning we visited Cape of Good Hope NR. The area is very scenic, with also quite some interesting vegetation. At Cape Point itself we saw Cape Bunting, Peregrine, Cape Siskin and breeding Cape Cormorant at -34.3557, 18.4946. When leaving the reserve we saw a Bontebok near the gate. The afternoon was spent in Cape Town itself, at the impressive Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). Cape Gannet Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918905 Red-winged Starling Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918901 Karoo Prinia Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918902 Rock Kestrel Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918899 Cape Cormorant Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918897 Kelp Gull Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918895 Cape Bunting Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918893 White-breasted Cormorant Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918890 Cape Siskin Cape of Good Hope NR https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918888 November 16 Cape Town Amsterdam In the morning we had our Qatar flight back home. Hadada Ibis Cape Town airport https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918882 Pied Crow Cape Town airport https://observation.org/waarneming/view/145918881