South Africa: Cape Birds & Flowers - Limosa Holidays Africa Cape 2008 Tour... · South Africa: Cape Birds & Flowers 1-13 August 2008 1 • Limosa Holidays, Suffield House, Northrepps,

Limosa Tour Report

South Africa: Cape Birds & Flowers 1-13 August 2008

1 • Limosa Holidays, Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 0LZ, England tel: +44 (0)1263 578143 • fax: +44 (0)1263 579251

email: [email protected] • website: www.limosaholidays.co.uk

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Tour Report • South Africa: Cape Birds & Flowers, 1-13 August 2008

2 • © Limosa Holidays www.limosaholidays.co.uk

Clockwise from top left (page 1): African Penguin at the Cape • A stand of beautiful Bulbinella elegans • Birding the Kokerboom

forest • Participants on our August 2008 tour are surrounded by sheets of Gazania lichtensteinii • The immaculate Black Harrier •

(page 2): The Karoo Bustard is endemic to southern Africa © tour participant Diane Vowles • Cape Province is simply unparalleled

for its wildflowers, like this spectacular Ornithoglossum vulgare • Restricted to the southernmost coastal strip of South Africa, the

amazing Cape Sugarbird is yet another delight! © except where otherwise credited, all photos Callan Cohen/Aug 2008 tour. For a

more extensive selection of images taken on our Cape Birds & Flowers tours visit our Gallery feature at www.limosaholidays.co.uk

Tour Leader: Callan Cohen

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INTRODUCTION

I’ve now led this combined Limosa Cape Birds and Flowers for three years running and my home region never ceases to surprise

me. Each year seems to have its own special surprises and the diversity of experiences is mind-boggling. I’ve had more than one

comment now that this is the most varied tour that the participants have ever done - a statement echoed by Limosa co-leader in some

years Mike Crewe. We never quite know exactly what we are going to see and which areas are going to be flowering - but we can be

sure we will be impressed somewhere, whether it be by something small or something large.

This year the Tanqua Karoo, normally a dry, barren moonscape, flowered like I have never seen it in 20 years of birding there. Quite

literally, the flowers stretched from horizon to horizon, and if you know the Karoo, that means you can stand at one point and see

flowers for 50 kilometres into the distance. It was hard to describe and even the most birdy among us listed this as a trip highlight.

Even without these gaudy spectacles, however, it just takes a quick look at one’s feet to find an incredible diversity of blooms, some

subtle, but all fascinating in close up with a mixture of strange orchids, lilies, ericas, proteas and more. The contrast in habitat is

about as extreme as one gets: one day we start in stony desert and end in moss-covered Afromontane forest that evening. I haven’t

even mentioned the birds yet, which is what I really know best. This area is just so unique that every second bird seems to be an

endemic! And there’re not all larks and cisticolas either – who can forget the Cape Rockjumpers, African Penguins, Cape

Sugarbirds, Black Harrier, Cape Griffon, FOUR species of bustards and Blue Cranes that we saw on this tour. That isn’t even taking

into account the really tricky endemics that we all got good views of this year, including Protea Seedeater, Cinnamon-breasted

Warbler and even a pair of Knysna Woodpeckers – in our guesthouse garden! But it’s not only about endemics: Secretarybird, six

species of showy sunbirds, and three species of eagle flying together at one time, were all highlights. As was the delicate Arum Lily

Frog and Cape Dwarf Chameleons.

The Cape certainly isn’t as famous as the Kruger for mammals, but with excellent sightings of a real live Cape Dune Molerat (the

world’s largest completely subterranean animal came onto the surface for us!), superb Cape Mountain Zebras on our first day, the

dainty Klipspringer, African Wild Cat during the day, Bat-eared AND Cape Foxes, three species of mongoose and the huge Southern

Right Whales, as just some of the highlights, we were all impressed.

Our favourite places this year, polled at the end of the tour, ranged from the surreal Kokerboom (Aloe dichotoma) “forest” and the

dramatic Gannaga pass. Besides the gusting wind on the first three days of the tour, the weather was perfect, with just half an hour of

rain and a few rather chilly mornings. The accommodation worked out well and we enjoyed a selection of family run guesthouses,

often on remote farms and, as usual, the home cooking scored top points. Best of all, the participants got on superbly and we were all

firm friends by the end of the tour (although my trip report is running late so I hope this is still the case!) Thanks to all for a great

trip and, remember, “don’t mention the moffee”….

DAILY DIARY

Day 1 Friday August 1st 2008 Overnight flight to Cape Town.

Day 2 Saturday August 2nd 2008 The overnight flight arrived in the early morning and, when meeting the group at Cape Town

airport, I was met with the immediate request, “Can we go to your garden and see the chameleons?”. Half an hour later, we were

peering into the hedge and soon found both an adult and a miniature young Cape Dwarf Chameleon ( and enjoyed a cup of tea and

coffee). A stunning male Southern Double-collared Sunbird in full breeding dress was a highlight, while a melanistic Black

Goshawk almost took heads off as it flew through the garden. We found a pair of the Spotted Thick-knees in a garden nearby, had

some fly over Great White Pelicans and then headed down the Cape Peninsula to our accommodation in Noordhoek where we settled

in. After settling in and enjoying an open air lunch at a nearby restaurant, we headed to Boulders Beach where we soaked up African

Penguin - and a light drizzle which would be our only rain of the trip. Watching these endearing birds was a trip highlight for most.

We then headed through to the fynbos-covered plains of the Cape point area (with Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk and Malachite

Sunbird en route). A group of close Cape Mountain Zebra was a huge highlight and we also got out of the car to appreciate the

restios and endemic protea Mimetes fimbriifolius as well as excellent views of Orange-breasted Sunbird and Cape Sugarbird. The

views of the Cape were stunning and enjoyed also by a family group of Chacma Baboons that sat grinning nearby as we watched the

sunset. We drove along the scenic coastal route back to our lodgings where we enjoyed dinner made by Chris and Louise, our hosts.

Day 3 Sunday August 3rd 2008 A gale force wind had risen today so we concentrated on the one site that is always sheltered –

Kirstenbosch. First we stopped at the Silvermine viewpoint in the Table Mountain National Park and enjoyed the excellent views

and very pristine fynbos vegetation. We then left and spent most of the day in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

enjoying both the flowers and the birds. The flower highlights were too many to mention but included cycads and succulents. The

bird prize here must go to the extremely close views of a pair of Spotted Eagle Owls. More male sunbirds performed here. Swee

Waxbill was another highlight and an incredibly close and obliging Southern Double-collared Sunbird on a pincushion flower

provided excellent photographic opportunities. Of course, the magnificent King Protea blooms as well as silver-trees were highlights

too. After enjoying lunch we drove to the local sewage works in the afternoon, an essential destination for birding. Highlights here

among the 50 or so species were large numbers of Greater Flamingo, many duck species, Great White Pelican and African Marsh

Harrier. And of course the unusual White-backed Duck spotted by John!



Day 4 Monday August 4th 2008 Again, the gale force wind blew but we did have clear, sunny skies and not a sight of rain. Today

we explored the south coast with our primary target being Cape Rockjumper. Along the coastal drive, mountain peaks over 1000 m

high loomed on the left and the aquamarine coastal waters stretched away on the right. We stopped along the shores of False Bay and

scanned out to sea, seeing no less than 10 Southern Right Whales in total! The Cape Rockjumper spot came up trumps with superbly

prolonged views of these burgundy, black and white birds, while other species included mating Cape Grassbird, Cape Rock-thrush

and some good flowers. We had lunch at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens where we saw a Sombre Greenbul in the treetops. We

then tried a site further down the coast to see if we could see a Hottenot Buttonquail but instead we had a host of other good

sightings including African Fish Eagle, Black Harrier, Black-winged Kite, Cape Dwarf Chameleon, Parrot-beaked Tortoise, Cape

Grysbok and a small, pink, horned Disperis orchid and sunbird tongue-pollinated Microloma with its red, twisted flowers. We

returned via the scenic coastal drive for dinner at our guesthouse.

Day 5 Tuesday August 5th 2008 With even more wind this morning, our pelagic trip was duly cancelled after being on standby for

three days. While disappointing, this extra time allowed us to explore more land sites and spend a little longer appreciating the

diversity around us. After breakfast, we eventually found an Arum Lily Frog in the garden, hiding among the Agapanthus. We then

explored a forest site in Constantia for Knysna Scrub Warbler, but only a few were able to glimpse this dark bird hopping about the

undergrowth singing its wonderful descending “Wood Warbler”-like call. Cape Batis was more conspicuous! By mid-morning, we

were driving through the mosaic of natural “strandveld” vegetation and farm fields up the West Coast. An African Wild Cat sighting

was really unexpected, but even more so was a Cape Dune Molerat, the world’s largest completely subterranean animal, groping

around on the surface! Other good bird sightings were Black Bustard, Bokmakierie, Wattled Starling and Grey-winged Francolin.

We had lunch at a charming restaurant in Darling, Evita se Perron, the home of a famously outspoken political satirist. In the

afternoon, the good birding continued with sightings of Cloud Cisticola, Blue Crane, Cape Longclaw, superb Chestnut-banded

Plovers on a salt pan, before checking in at our hotel in Langebaan. We had a cosy dinner near the fireplace at the restaurant there.

Day 6 Wednesday August 6th 2008 After scanning the beaches at Langebaan, we headed to the West Coast National Park, where

we had excellent birding and flower watching. Bird highlights included Cape Penduline-tit, Black Bustard, Black Harrier, Southern

Grey Tit - and Grey-backed Cisticola of course! Lesser and Greater flamingos were in the distance. A diversity of daisy species

here was an excellent backdrop to the birds – white Dimorphothecas and orange Arctotis were probably the most conspicuous. Of

course, there were Lachenalias here, and Hebenstrieitias, packed with twisted tiny white and red flowers. At midday we headed

north and enjoyed our picnic lunch on the banks of the Berg River. Here we saw Caspian Tern, Pied Kingfisher, Marsh Sandpiper

and Greenshank. Driving further north still, we found African Spoonbill on the roadside and had a short break in a beautiful gorge

where the bird highlight was Fairy Flycatcher. We arrived just after sunset at on the farm near Nieuwoudtville - with a sighting of the

nocturnal Cape Fox as a bonus - and checked into our rooms before coming to dinner. It was chilly here in the mountains and we

were glad for the warm fire and superb home cooking.

Day 7 Thursday August 7 2008 After a chilly wake-up (ok, by African standards then), we left on a pre-breakfast stroll for about

half an hour, seeing Malachite Sunbirds feeding on the red Aloes outside, Hoopoes, Bokmakieieres and Cape Crows. After a very

extensive breakfast, we went to a nearby reserve where a stand of proteas was at just the right stage in seeding and we thought it

might warrant a try for the elusive Protea Seedeater, a bird that had eluded us before. Not three minutes after beginning our scan, one

called and flew over, landing in a protea seedhead just 50 metres away! We were all treated to excellent views. We then headed back

down the rather spectacular Van Rhyn’s Pass, enjoying excellent views of a sun-basking Rock Hyrax on a rocky outcrop. No sign of

its arch-enemy, Verreaux’s Eagle, though. Mid-morning, once it was starting to warm up nicely, found us on the extensive

“Knersvlakte” below, a unique plain covered in quartz pebbles and packed with an incredibly high plant diversity. We were soon on

our hands and knees, dazzled by the variety of oranges, pinks, yellows, reds and whites of all the flowers! A whole genus of

succulents, the Argyroderma “babies bottoms” succulents are only found here (no, no, not succulent babies bottoms, Peter!) and we

were able to appreciate the dwarf bloated leaves of these living stones. The striking orange Gorterias have irregular black markings

in the centre that have been shown to attract their pollinators, monkey beetles, fooling them into believing that mating opportunities

are close at hand! Looking skywards again, we had excellent Greater Kestrels and Ludwig’s Bustard and, of course, the Namaqua

Prinia and a stunning Klaas’s Cuckoo at the watercourse earlier.

We wanted to get to the newly-formed Hantam Botanical Reserve in Nieuwoudtville with the sun fully out, to show all the plants to

best advantage! After a picnic lunch here, we strolled off into the reserve with the manager as our personal guide. Blue Cranes in a

field of pink Senecios and a Black Harrier were bird highlights, but the varied flowers stole the show with many local endemics.

Highlights were Nemesias, Lapeirousias, “boatman” Androcymbium, fields of Ursinias and Senecios and the very local

Hesperanthas that are moth pollinated and so only began to open in the late afternoon. To round off the last rays of the day we

headed north to a natural spectacle that later proved to be one of the highlights of the tour. We walked around a privately-owned

“kokerboom forest”, a valley populated with these huge aloes, much taller than a human; the stillness of the place, with the surreal

silhouettes of the succulents and the riot of colour from all the mesems flowering below was quite a sight. A Lanner flew over and

perched, Dusky Sunbirds fed from the blooms but still the Karoo Eremomelas eluded us. We stopped on the way back home for

spectacular views of the Nieuwoudtville Waterfalls and a Layard’s Warbler. Again, the log fire and home-cooked meal were greatly

appreciated.



Day 8 Friday August 8 2008 We did another pre-breakfast excursion, in the open veld, punctuated by yellow flower spikes of

Bulbinella and quickly located our target bird: a displaying Clapper Lark. We all had excellent views of this intricately-patterned

bird, which regularly launched itself into the air, beating its wings together at 26 times a second! After breakfast, we indulged in a

little more flower watching, photographing the yellow fields of Bulbinellas, before heading south into the increasingly arid Karoo

landscapes. Flowers lined the roads and we drove along the open plains. After a fuel stop in Calvinia, we headed southwards on the

gravel into the heart of the Tanqua Karoo. This road is famous as the longest distance between two towns in South Africa – 250 km

in all. Descending the mountain passes and heading onto the plains, we had a string of excellent sightings. Highlights were Bat-eared

Foxes foraging in the open; Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle and Martial Eagle all at the same time - and Hoodia,

spotted by Peter who had so much wanted to see them! We had to ascend another very dramatic desert pass, to reach our final

destination, a new guest house at the top of the pass, miles away from civilisation and a great testament to the owner who must

drives over 100 km to get supplies! As we arrived, a pair of Ground Woodpeckers was just preparing to roost in an old stone wall

and we had excellent views of this endemic which had eluded us until now.

Day 9 Saturday August 9 2008 It was very chilly this morning – in fact the puddles of rain had frozen over – but that didn’t seem

to concern the Ground Woodpeckers, who mated shortly after emerging from the roost! We headed to the top off the pass for some

pre-breakfast birding and watched a troop of baboons basking in the sun. After breakfast, we returned here and slowly made our way

down the pass. One of the most elusive birds in the Karoo, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, performed remarkably well for us and we

were all treated to excellent views. We had a long drive ahead of us, so leaving the pass behind we continued our journey across the

desert plains below – but not one of us was prepared for what we would see: horizon to horizon, the Tanqua Karoo was in bloom!

Orange and yellow fields of flowers for miles and miles. Just when we thought we had stopped and photographed the best parts, we

came across even more awe-inspiring scenes. Getting out and looking in detail, many less conspicuous flowers, such as Lachenalias

and Ornithoglossums were peppered among the daisies. We drove for 100 kilometres through this spectacle and it was an undisputed

trip highlight. Oh yes, we finally had excellent views of a family party of Karoo Eremomela and saw some Aardvark footprints -

probably from the night before - and a few more Bat-eared Foxes for good measure! We made so many stops today that we only

arrived at our guest farm just before eight in the evening, but we were welcomed by our hosts and enjoyed another excellent home

cooked meal, before settling in for the night.

Day 10 Sunday August 10 2008 Who could imagine the views that greeted us this morning! Now far from the desert, we looked

across grassy fields, dropping away to a valley filled with afromontane forest, with a backdrop of fynbos-covered mountains covered

with pink Ericas. A star bird of the early morning was a Greater Honeyguide, drawn to the old bee-hives that form part of our hosts

other enterprise. Also here were Southern Boubou, Cape Weavers, Swee Waxbill, Olive Thrush, Fiscal Flycatcher and Plain-back

Pipits foraging below the horses. We had an excellent breakfast before descending into the forest, where we did a loop walk. It was

such a change to be beneath huge forest trees, draped with lichens and with trickling forest streams underfoot. Good birds here

included Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and an

overflying African Harrier-hawk. We also birded the campsite, with excellent views of Terrestrial Brownbuls – eventually! Nearby

fynbos slopes gave us superb views of the normally very skulking Victorin’s Scrub Warbler, while an African Marsh Harrier

displayed overhead. We heard a mega-skulker, a Striped Flufftail, calling just at our feet but it would not show itself! An African

Firefinch popped into view briefly, before dropping out of site and, although brief, it was enough to confirm this rarity for the Cape.

Back to our farm guest house for an excellent dinner.

Day 11 Monday August 11 2008 Today, after some local birding and an excellent extended breakfast, we headed southwards. We

spent some time birding along a river, where we saw African Black Duck and Malachite and Brown-hooded Kingfishers, then

headed into the Tradouw’s Pass, where we eventually caught up with Cape Siskin amongst superb mountain scenery. We journeyed

along the coastal plains down to the coast. A highlight was Karoo Bustards among pink flowers and great views of the localised

Agulhas Long-billed Lark. One of the top sightings was of three Secretarybirds flying overhead during our picnic lunch! Our

accommodation was set on the banks of the Breede River and we had a break shortly after settling in. However, that was to be short-

lived, as a Knysna Woodpecker shrieked from the trees outside and we rushed out to get a view. However, it had disappeared! It took

another half an hour of dedicated scanning before we picked it up - and had saturation views of a pair of these highlight elusive

birds. We made a drive to Potberg mountain and had excellent views of the endemic Cape Griffon. Excellent views too of a huge

dispersed herd of Eland and Bontebok, as well as Ostrich.

Day 12 Tuesday August 12 2008 Some birding from the front yard this morning revealed an excellent perched Giant Kingfisher

and after breakfast, we headed to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. En route, we had excellent views of a Southern Tchagra, a type of

localised bushshrike. The vlei, a large temporary lake, was full of water and yielded Great Crested Grebe and Little Egret among

others. The fynbos was in flower here too, with bright red Protea obtusifolia blooms. We then drove the few hours back to Cape

Town, having our picnic lunch near a farm dam along the way. We spent a little while repacking bags and freshening up at my

house, before heading to the airport for the flight back.

Day 13 Wednesday August 13th 2008 Arrival back in the UK.

Callan Cohen, Limosa Holidays



SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED (Total number of species recorded by the group - 220)

Common Ostrich Struthio camelus

Widespread in nature reserves and also seen ferally on farmlands. A cheeky tourist was charged by a male protecting his small

young near Cape Point on the first day.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

Very common in farmlands and roadsides.

Grey-winged Francolin Francolinus africanus

Two seen very well on a farmland drive on the West Coast.

Cape Francolin Francolinus capensis

Very common throughout.

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

Heard calling at the Kokerboom forest.

White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotos

Unusually, three at Strandfontein of this rare duck.

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis

Common in farmlands.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Widespread and common and noted daily. All too frequently obvious when scanning for bustards!

South African Shelduck Tadorna cana

Three on a dam on the West Coast and then scattered birds throughout, often in the drier areas.

Cape Teal Anas capensis

Great views at Strandfontein and then scattered throughout.

African Black Duck Anas sparsa

Typically a bird of running streams rather than still waters and that’s exactly where we found three, near a bridge west of

Grootvadersbos.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Introduced; two seen on our drive up the West Coast.

Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata

The most widespread duck, often on small dams, with sightings throughout the tour.

Cape Shoveler Anas smithii

Seen well at Strandfontein and two other days.

Red-billed Duck Anas erythroryncha

First seen at Strandfontein with a few more scattered sightings.

Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma

About 15 at Strandfontein.

African (Jackass) Penguin Spheniscus demersus

Wonderful views of tame and endearing birds at the breeding colony at Boulders Beach.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Over 20 at Strandfontein and scattered throughout; perhaps 100 on a flooded dam in the Karoo.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Best views at De Hoop Vlei on the last day.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

First at Strandfontein but then about 300 at a salt pan on the West Coast.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

Over 100 were at Strandfontein on small numbers on the West Coast.

Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor

Over 500 in the West Coast National Park.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

One rather out of place bird in a farm field near the Hantam Botanical Gardens.

Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus

Widespread and common throughout much of the tour with largest numbers in grazing meadows in the south and around

Nieuwoudtville.

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

Widespread and often common throughout the tour and frequently a startling alarm call at first light!

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Small numbers at Stranfontein and the Berg River.

African Spoonbill Platalea alba

Small numbers both at the Berg River and De Hoop area.

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Widespread and common in suitable habitats throughout.



Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Small numbers on almost all the days of the tour.

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala

Small numbers on almost all the days of the tour. and often seen in quite dry areas and along roadside verges.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Two seen at Strandfontein.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Small numbers on four days of the tour, notably at the Berg River and De Hoop.

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

A single bird at a small dam near Grootvadersbos.

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus

A good start with eight over Callan’s house, a few more sightings with over 60 at Strandfontein.

Cape Gannet Morus capensis

About six flying offshore at Boulders.

Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus

The most widespread cormorant away from the immediate coast with small numbers seen at freshwater wetlands throughout the

tour.

Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus

Great views of perched birds at Simon’s Town/Boulders.

Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus

Two of this endangered species at Boulders.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Small numbers scattered at both coastal and inland locations, including some smart, white-breasted adults. Many taxonomists

split the African form as White-breasted Cormorant (P.lucidus) but this doesn’t resolve the intermediate forms in northwest

Africa.

Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis

Large numbers seen offshore at Boulders.

Darter Anhinga melanogaster

A good scattering of birds in small numbers, notably Strandfontein and De Hoop.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Small numbers noted on most days of the tour, often on roadside poles and a regular roadside bird in rocky areas. The local form

(F.t.rupicolus) is morphologically distinct and very different to European birds (being more like Lesser Kestrel in plumage),

resulting in it being considered a full species (Rock Kestrel) by South African taxonomists.

Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides

Locally common in the Knersvlakte with several pairs found using old Pied Crow nests along the roadsides. Noted in small

numbers from Vanrhynsdorp to Nieuwoudtville with a few further on towards Calvinia too.

Lanner Falco biarmicus

Excellent views at the Kokerboom Forest.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

One at Tienie Versveld on the West Coast.

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius

A real treat to get 3 birds circing right overhead on farm roads near De Hoop.

Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus

An occasional roadside bird, but often seen well.

African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer

One gave us good views at while looking for buttonquails.

Cape Griffon Gyps coprotheres

This species continues to decline and any sighting is to be cherished. Excellent views of a bird sitting in a field near Potberg.

Black-breasted Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis

Good sightings in the Karoo while driving from Calvinia.

African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus

Some nice sightings with at least two at Strandfontein and one displaying at Grootvadersbos.

Black Harrier Circus maurus

We saw a total of five of this rare and spectacular bird, some showing extremely well. First seen at the buttonquail spot, then on

the West Coast and again at Hantam – and finally on the last day at De Hoop.

African Harrier-hawk Polyboroides typus

One flying along the roadside on the first day and another over the forest at Grootvadersbos.

Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus

Common in the Karoo, often perched on roadside telegraph poles. A smart bird with a striking wing pattern.

African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro

One seen at Kirstenbosch and another at Constantia.

Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris

Good views of a circling bird near the entrance to Cape Point on the first day.



Black Goshawk Accipiter melanoleucus

One flew over our heads in my garden in the first hour of the trip – duck!!

Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus

A very early bird, or perhaps overwintering, at Ou Kaapse Weg in Cape Town.

Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus

Three displaying together at Grootvadersbosch.

Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus

Small numbers of this endemic raptor throughout. Mostly seen in the Southern Overberg.

Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii

This stunning eagle put on a great performance with five seen in the Tanqua Karoo on one day! Also Tradouw Pass.

Booted Eagle Aquila pennata

A pale bird seen well in the town of Worcester, no doubt after pigeons.

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus

Two over head in the Tanqua Karoo during our eagle-hour! A huge bird.

Ludwig’s Bustard Neotis ludwigii

Some great views around the Knersvlakte and Nieuwoudtville about 12-13 in total!

Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami

Excellent views of six in the fields near De Hoop. Southern birds may be split as a separate species, in which case they are likely

to be known as Stanley’s Bustard.

Karoo Bustard Eupodotis vigorsii

Four in the fields near De Hoop – seen very well among the pink flowers!

Black Bustard Afrotis afra

Small numbers seen well on the West Coast – a striking bird!

Striped Flufftail Sarothrura affinus

One heard at our feet near Grootvadersbos.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

Two birds noted at Strandfontein. These green-backed African birds may soon be split from European birds as African or Green-

backed Swamphen (P. madagascariensis).

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

A small scattering at Strandfontein.

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata

Rather scattered but often common where they are found with large numbers particularly at De Hoop Vlei and Strandfontein.

Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus

“Surely one of the most delightful birds in the world; I could have watched them all day.” Mike Crewe, 2007 tour. First seen on

the West Coast, with excellent views at Nieuwoudtville among the flowers, and over 300 in the Overberg near De Hoop.

Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus

Two showed well on our drive up the West Coast at Milnerton.

Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis

Two at a stake-out near my house were seen very closely.

African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini

Small numbers on the West Coast but the best was 18 birds on a beach near Scarborough on the first day!

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Two at Strandfontein and small numbers throughout on small dams.

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Ten birds on a salt pan on the West Coast and more in a wetland in the Karoo.

Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus

Widespread in small numbers and noted daily in flooded meadows and occasionally around livestock.

Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus

A good scattering of birds on five dates with the first on the West Coast.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

One at Velddrif.

Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius

Good views at the salt pan on the West Coast.

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris

Two at a farm dam near De Hoop.

White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus

One with the Chestnut-banded Plovers.

Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus

Two at a salt pan on the West Coast.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilus

One at Strandfontein.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

At least 40 at Velddrif.



Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus

Widespread and common along coastal regions, especially around Cape Town and False Bay. The form breeding in South Africa

may be split as a separate species, Cape Gull (L.vetula), based mostly on geographical isolation (dominicanus occurs in South

America) and bare part colour; however, bare part colour can vary and the status of both forms needs clarifying. Though South

American dominicanus is included in the South Africa field guide, some question whether it occurs in the region at all.

Hartlaub’s Gull Larus hartlaubii

The ‘standard’ small gull of the region, being widespread and common at the coast and around Cape Town.

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia

Four at the Berg River estuary.

Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii

A good scattering of birds at the coast around Simon’s Town and a few at Strandfontein.

Feral Rock Dove Columba livia

Rather local and mostly noted around Cape Town and the centres of other towns.

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea

Small numbers on almost every day, especially common near rocky areas, seen first in my garden.

African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix

About 10 at Grootvadersbos.

African Lemon Dove Aplopelia larvata

One flushed off the path in Grootvadersbos, and seen by some as it perched on a low branch before flying off again.

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

Widespread and common, though not noted in the driest areas we visited around Namaqualand and Tanqua Karoo. Largest and

darkest of the ‘collared’ doves.

Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola

Widespread and common and seemingly tolerant of most habitat types. Its call is one of the iconic sounds of Africa.

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis

Smallest and smartest of the three common doves of the region and found patchily throughout the tour, especially common

in towns.

Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas

Great scope views of a calling male on the Knersvlakte and another in the garden at Grootvadersbosch.

Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo capensis

A roosting pair at Kirstenbosch were a highlight and two were seen on roadside poles during our late return from the Potberg.

Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis

Heard daily around Grootvadersbos.

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba

Good numbers were arriving back into the area at the start of their breeding season with the biggest flocks noted on the drive from

the Tanqua to Grootvadersbos.

African Swift Apus barbatus

Big flocks noted on the drive from the Tanqua to Grootvadersbos, with Alpine Swifts.

Little Swift Apus affinis

Over 200 at Langebaan.

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus

Small numbers seen at Bettys Bay, with some endearing views particularly at Honeywood and De Hoop.

White-backed Mousebird Colius colius

Small numbers from Darling to the Tanqua Karoo.

Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus

A bit elusive this year but seen in Worcester and around De Hoop.

Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris

Three seen well at at river bridge near Grootvadersbos.

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata

Seen well at at river bridge near Grootvadersbos.

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima

Good views beside the river near Malgas.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

Three at Velddrif on 8th.

Common Hoopoe Upupa epops

One to three on five dates scattered throughout the tour, with great views especially at Darling. The local form (U.e.africana) is

very different in plumage from European birds, being a rich rufous-orange colour and having no white bar on the primaries.

However its call is virtually identical to European birds and forms in northern Africa are intermediate in plumage, thus splitting

them into more than one species is not that simple.

Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator

One seen near the bee hives at Honeywood and scoped.

Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata

A pair was found in the garden of our accommodation near Malagas; a real trip highlight!



Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus

Seen well at Gannaga – even mating!

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens

Good views near De Hoop at the same place as the Southern Tchagra.

Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus

Two at Grootvadersbosch in the forest.

Cape Batis Batis capensis

Nice views of a pair at Constantia and several pairs in Grootvadersbosch; also near Malagas.

Pririt Batis Batis pririt

A pair called repeatedly near the Knersvlakte but never showed well.

Olive Bushshrike Chlorophoneus olivaceus

One heard only at Grootvadersbosch but it remained rather elusive.

Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus

Noted daily from Darling in small numbers. Best views came at the end of the tour with the tame bird at De Hoop.

Southern Tchagra Tchagra tchagra

A nice find! Two showed well in scrub near De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus

Widespread, though far more heard than seen. Noted on six dates and eventually seen very well at Grootvadersbos and De Hoop.

Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia

One in the forest at Grootvadersbosch.

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris

Widespread and common and noted daily. A regular and familiar feature of roadside telephone lines.

Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis

One at Bettys Bay then a good scattering around the Heidelberg/Malgas area.

Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas

About four in the forest at Grootvadersbos, eventually seen well.

House Crow Corvus splendens

Quite plentiful around Cape Town airport. Accidentally introduced to the Cape by shipping traffic from India, there is now talk of

attempting to eradicate the species from South Africa – a daunting task!

Cape Crow Corvus capensis

Widespread and common in the north and east of the area, seemingly avoiding the Cape itself (despite its English name, though

this is preferable to the alternative of Black Crow!). Raucous night roosts in Eucalypts a feature of the Nieuwoudtville area

particularly; indeed, this is quite possibly the most awful-sounding of all the corvids!

Pied Crow Corvus albus

Attractive but not popular! Widespread and common throughout much of the area, though not present in the Heidelberg area. The

presence of roadside telegraph poles has allowed this species to spread into treeless desert areas such as the Knersvlakte – though

its old nests do provide breeding opportunities for several raptor species too.

White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis

Noted in small numbers on all but two dates. A chunky bird with an amazing beak!

Southern Grey Tit Melaniparus afer

Excellent views in the West Coast Park.

Cape Penduline-tit Anthoscopus minutus

Eventually seen superbly at West Coast National Park, normally very fleeting.

Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera

Two over the forest at Grootvadersbosch and another bird at De Hoop.

Plain Martin Riparia paludicola

Seen well at Strandfontein and then a few up the West Coast the next day.

Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula

Widespread and noted on most days throughout the tour, especially in rocky areas.

Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata

Two seen flying past near Darling.

Cape Clapper Lark Mirafra apiata

Seen well displaying near our accommodation near Nieuwoudtville and then again distantly at the top of Gannaga Pass for

Wendy.

Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens

Rather common in the Tanqua Karoo; first seen at the Kokerboom forest.

Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata

A strange beast with its long neck and bill, long legs and short tail! Small numbers on the Knersvlakte and then in the Tanqua.

Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris

This wonderfully endearing bird was seen extremely well in fields near De Hoop.

Grey-backed Sparrow-lark Eremopterix verticalis

Small numbers, about 10, on the Knersvlakte.



Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea

Quite common from Darling onwards in dry fields; common near De Hoop in fields.

Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris

This chunky lark was noted almost daily from the West Coast onwards and often gave good views of its rather stout, elongate bill.

Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla

By far the commonest cisticola - even if not al that striking - of the region and noted on almost all days. Common in a range of

open, grassy or scrubby habitats and often seen well in the scopes.

Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens

Quite similar to Grey-backed Cisticola with a well-streaked grey back and rufous cap, but usually longer tailed, darker, heavier

black streaking on the mantle and generally confined to wetland habitats. Best seen at Strandfontein and Velddrif.

Piping Cisticola Cisticola fulvicapilla

Also known as Neddicky; seen well at Rooiels.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis

One at Strandfontein.

Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridicola

This rarity on the edge of its range was heard at the Kokerboom forest but not seen.

Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix

“Speck-tacular” birding at its best!! This feathered midget rockets skyward at a rate of knots, sings its little song then plummets

even faster to hide in thick grass. We heard and saw birds at Tinie Versveld Reserve.

Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis

Great views at the Kokerboom forest of this smart warbler; more in the Tanqua.

Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa

Widespread and common in scrubby fynbos and karoo throughout the tour.

Namaqua Prinia Phragmacia substriata

This special seen well on the Knersvlakte.

Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica

Seen well in the West Coast National Park and heard often after that.

Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis

Small numbers noted daily, even in desert habitats, though usually near human habitation in such places. Regular in hotel

gardens, parks and towns.

Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus

Two seen at Harold Porter Botanical Garden and others seen or heard at Kirstenbosch. Noted also at Grootvadersbosch.

Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris

Good views in the end at Grootvadersbos; responded well to its call in the camp site.

Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala

A real skulker; we all heard its wonderful call but only some managed to see this drab bird moving around in the dense vegetation

just a few metres in front of us.

Victorin’s Scrub Warbler Bradypterus victorinii

Yet another inveterate skulker that eventually gave outstanding views. One seen very well in mountain fynbos near

Grootvadersbosch!

Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer

Seen well a few times; even seen mating at Rooiels.

Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris

Seen well at Strandfontein and then again on the last day of the trip.

Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla

This forest denizen did a good vanishing act, but some managed to get views of one at Grootvadersbosch.

Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis

A pair seen well in the Tanqua Karoo, even hopping onto a low fence.

Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis

This rather aberrant eremomela with its wild eyes was seen well on the Tanqua Karoo after much searching!

Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens

Heard a few times but never saw it in the end.

Rufous-vented Warbler Parisoma subcaeruleum

AKA Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler. Four seen well on the Knersvlakte.

Layard’s Warbler Parisoma layardi

One briefly at the Waterfall and then very well at Gannaga Pass.

Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus

Great views of at least four birds near Rooiels. A fabulous bird, made all the more so by the fact that its relationships and ancestry

elude taxonomists and it bounces around the taxonomic order almost as much as it bounces around the rocks!

Cape White-eye Zosterops pallidus

Noted daily except in very arid areas.

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Widespread and quite common throughout the tour around settlements.



Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea

Large flock in near Darling, seen well perched on low bushes.

African Pied Starling Spreo bicolor

Noted almost daily with birds particularly common around farmland and settlements from Nieuwoudtville to the Overberg.

Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio

Common throughout much of the tour, especially in rocky areas, though absent from more northerly sub-desert areas.

Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup

Good views on Gannaga Pass.

Olive/Karoo Thrush Turdus olivaceus/ smithii

Noted in suitable habitat at a number of locations, especially around Cape Town and Honeywood. In addition, two seen well in a

flooded field at Nieuwoudtville on 9th were of the form smithi which may be split as a separate species, Karoo Thrush.

Cape Robin-chat Cossypha caffra

Widespread and noted daily throughout the tour. Often an important constituent of the dawn chorus, especially at our first hotel.

A cheery bird and often very tame around hotels and tourist attractions.

Karoo Scrub Robin Cercotrichas coryphaeus

Widespread in small numbers throughout the west coast, Tanqua Karoo and Overberg areas.

African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

A good scattering of roadside birds on fences and wires on most days with some real cracking males seen. Now split from

European birds (which become S.rubicola) and certainly the females are quite different to ours.

Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata

A common roadside bird in open areas and noted in good numbers on most days, in both natural and cultivated habitats.

Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola

Small numbers in rocky dry areas, such as in the Cederberg, Kokerboom Forest and Gannaga.

Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata

Three near Calvinia; a rather drab bird!

Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii

Quite a common roadside bird from Vanrhynsdorp to Nieuwoudtville and the Tanqua Karoo. Distinctive white outer tail feathers.

Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac

At least eight noted in the Tanqua Karoo. More extensive white in tail (like an Isabelline Wheatear) and with a pale rump.

Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris

Quite widespread in suitable rocky habitats with small numbers noted on many days; first near the Rockjumpers.

Cape Rock-thrush Monticola rupestris

At least 4 seen on our Rockjumper excursion beside False Bay gave excellent views.

Fiscal Flycatcher Melaenornis silens

A surprisingly shrike-like flycatcher. One at Harold Porter Botanic Gardens with small number at many sites with birds in the

garden at Honeywood being particularly obliging.

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta

One at Afton and many Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens gave great views.

Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita

Seen well in the Cederberg and Gannaga. The taxonomy of this species remains confused and probably not yet settled; it has

variously been placed in the Old World Flycatchers, Monarch Flycatchers and Old World Warblers, with current thinking

generally placing close to Myioparus, the so-called tit-flycatchers in the Muscicapidae.

Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea

Some fabulous views of this attractive species in Fynbos habitats around the Cape Town area!

Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina

A couple of pairs were seen on and off in and around Grootvadersbosch and our farmstead and we got a look at the flashy green

cap and ruby chest.

Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa

Small numbers noted almost daily throughout the tour after our first near Cape Point on Day 1. We did get some cracking views

of shiny, long-tailed males at times, especially on the garden aloes at Nieuwoudtville.

Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus

Widespread and quite common throughout the tour, especially in the parks and gardens of the greater Cape Town area. Noted

almost daily with some great views at Kirstenbosch.

Greater Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris afer

Good numbers noted in the Grootvadersbosch area where close encounters in the farmstead garden were a real treat. Longer-

billed and males with significantly more red below than the previous species.

Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus

Seen well at the Kokerboom forest.

Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer

One of the stars of any visit to the Cape – that tail is simply crazy! About four were seen very well on our first afternoon.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Nowhere particularly common but widespread around towns and farmsteads.Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus

Widespread and common. A very smart bird indeed.



Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus

Very edge-of-range on this tour, with just one near De Hoop.

Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis

Widespread and common. Seemingly more common in the Overberg area with many colonies into the swing of breeding.

Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus

Small numbers noted on most days but most common around Nieuwoudtville and the Karoo.

Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix

Many showy red males were in evidence on about half the days of the tour; often near reedbeds or fields.

Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis

Small numbers throughout including some pretty smart males.

Swee Waxbill Estrilda melanotis

Perhaps the must stunning of all the waxbills – and there’s certainly lots of competition. A pair gave wonderful close views on the

lawns of Kirstenbosch and many at Honeywood.

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild

Good views around our Cape Town hotel and a few more scattered sightings throughout.

Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura

Three in partial breeding plumage at De Hoop.

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis

Widespread in small numbers throughout the tour, with most birds running around pavements and petrol forecourts in towns.

Cape Longclaw Macronyx capensis

About 10 of these smart orange birds put in an appearance at Tinie Versveld Nature Reserve.

African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus

Seen well near Nieuwoudtville and De Hoop.

Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis

One calling on the cliffs at the Kokerboom was never seen, despite much scanning on our part.

Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys

Good views among the horses at Grootvadersbos.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Bizarre to say the least!! One of the colonists’ introductions to the Cape Town area, this species hangs on in a few favoured spots

and we saw them in our Cape Town hotel.

Cape Canary Serinus canicollis

Noted daily throughout the tour with many good views.

Forest Canary Serinus scotops

Excellent views were had at Grootvadersbosch.

Yellow Canary Serinus flaviventris

Noted almost daily in the more arid areas and near De Hoop.

Brimstone Canary Serinus sulphuratus

One at Harold Porter Botanical Garden and more obliging birds were in the garden at Honeywood.

White-throated Canary Serinus albogularis

Small numbers in the Tanqua.

Streaky-headed Seedeater Serinus gularis

One in the garden at Honeywood.

Protea Canary Serinus leucopterus

Superb views near Nieuwoudtville; a trip highlight bird!

Cape Siskin Serinus totta

Good views, eventually, at Tradouw Pass (1 flew over calling in mountain fynbos above Grootvadersbosch but we didn’t se it

well).

Black-headed Canary Alario alario

Excellent views at the Kokerboom Forest and Gannaga; a very classy canary.

Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis

A scattering of birds on many dates with confiding birds at the Cape of Good Hope viewpoint on Day 1.

Mammals

Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio

Two in the West Coast National Park.

Eastern Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

Two in Kirstenbosch – yes, they’re introduced from the USA (via the UK) here as well!

Cape Dune Mole-rat Bathyergus suillus

Incredible views of this normally strictly underground mammal in the farmlands near Darling! Lots of sand mounds seen

too.



African Wild Cat Felis silvestris lybica

Incredible daylight views of this very scarce species on the West Coast near Darling!

Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus

A total of five seen, first at Rooiels and last at De Hoop.

Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon

An unexpected find of one north of the Potberg – now for the second year in a row!

Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata

Seen on the West Coast and best around De Hoop on the last two days.

Cape Fox Vulpes chama

Good views of a group of four of this scarce species while doing a little night driving near Nieuwoudtville.

Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis

Incredible daylight views on BOTH our days driving through the Tanqua! A total of six in all.

Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus

Seen offshore in False Bay.

Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus

Seen or heard at a number of localities throughout the tour, the first being the troop at Cape Point on the first day.

Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis

About 10 seen in False Bay on the second day of the tour.

Rhebok Pelea capreolus

Just one near De Hoop.

Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis

About 40 “pronking” near Langebaan (in a private reserve) and large groups in the Tanqua Karoo.

Steenbok Raphicerus campestris

Small numbers throughout, especially on the edges of fields in the West Coast.

Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis

A bit of a coup (for the third year running!!) as we flushed one of these normally strictly nocturnal antelopes when it broke from

cover while we were looking for buttonquails.

Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus

Three seen in total, always on rocky hillsides. A star mammal!

Common Eland Taurotragus oryx

The largest antelope in the World! Good numbers around De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Red Hartebeest Alcephalus busephalus caama

A herd of about 30 near Darling in a private reserve.

Bontebok Damaliscus pygargus

Two on the Cape Peninsula and at least 30 at De Hoop Nature Reserve. This species was on the verge of extinction before

conservation measures were put in place and now only exists in a handful of nature reserves, with De Hoop having the largest

population.

Bush Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia

One in West Coast National Park.

Common Zebra Equus burchellii

Two seen in the Tanqua Karoo National Park.

Cape Mountain Zebra Equus zebra zebra

Excellent views of 4 in Cape Point on the first day. Another species rescued from extinction and now only found in a handful of

nature reserves. The subspecies hartmannae (Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra) is more plentiful and is confined to Namibia and

extreme SW Angola.

Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis

Noted at a number of rocky locations, best at Van Rhyn’s Pass and at De Hoop.

While we had great fun (!) identifying tracks, trails and signs of other mammals in the area (including Aardvark Orycteropus afer

diggings and Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis droppings), it was interesting to note how the various subterranean mammals could

be identified by their diggings: Cape Golden Moles Chrysochloris asiatica leave obvious tunnel ridges (especially through the

Kirstenbosch flower borders), Cape Mole-rats Georychus capensis make smallish earth mounds very like our own moles do, while

the chunky Cape Dune Mole-rat Bathyergus suillus (which we studied a road casualty of) leaves much larger mounds – often on

central reservations of dual carriageways!

Reptiles & Amphibians

Cape River Frog Afrana fascigula

Seen at Kirstenbosch and Harold Porter.

Arum Lily Frog Hyperolius horstocki

Seen in the garden of our Cape Town hotel.

Red-sided Skink Trachylepis homocephala

One in the conservatory at Kirstenbosch and another at Harold Porter.



Cape Dwarf Chameleon Bradypodion pumilum

Two in my garden in Cape Town and another colour form on the buttonquail walk.

Angulate Tortoise Chersina angulata

A few seen throughout the tour.

Parrot-beaked Tortoise Homopus areolatus

One of this scarce tortoise seen on the buttonquail walk.

Butterflies and other insects

We were too early for most species, but Large White Pieris brassicae (introduced) and Painted Lady Vanessa cardui were

widespread in very small numbers. Boland Brown Melampias huebneri was noted around Langebaan and Rainforest Brown

Cassionympha cassius was seen at Grootvadersbosch. We saw a number of other insects; please let me know if you have questions

about any of your photographs.

FLORA

The flora was simply spectacular and at times outshone the birds by several orders of magnitude. We probably saw hundreds of

species on this tour, the great majority of which were South African endemics. To list them all here is not possible (and we didn’t

keep a running list anyway!), but you’re welcome to contact me if you have questions about any particular species.

Documents

South Africa: Cape Birds & Flowers - Limosa Holidays Africa Cape 2008 Tour... · South Africa: Cape Birds & Flowers 1-13 August 2008 1 • Limosa Holidays, Suffield House, Northrepps,