Species List - Birds

Nomenclature and sequence follow Birds of the World: a checklist by J. Clements (Vista, California: Ibis Publishing Co., 5th edition 2000). The more familiar English names used in Sinclair (1993) have been added in brackets.

Key:
[NO STAR] = widespread and abundant - cannot fail to see (at this time of year at least)
* = either widespread but in small numbers or else locally abundant - should see if you spend enough time and visit enough places
** = local and in small numbers - may see but it's easily missed
*** = rare or unpredictable or vagrant to the region, not to be expected

OSTRICH Struthio camelus *
Ostrich farms are common in the Cape and feral birds were often seen in open country away from towns. Birds in national parks such as Cape of Good Hope, West Coast, Bontebok and De Hoop N.R.s may have been wild, but are perhaps more likely to have also been of feral origin.

JACKASS PENGUIN Spheniscus demersus *
c.200 Boulders Beach (seen from Simon's Town pelagic) 26/8, also smaller numbers from land at this site in the evening. The road signs in Boulders Beach direct you to a much smaller colony further east, so to see the main colony follow signs to Penguin Beach Restaurant but take care that you don't run over any on the way!

Jackass Penguins by flashlight, Boulders Beach, 26th August 2001.

LITTLE GREBE (DABCHICK) Tachybaptus ruficollis
Found on almost every pond or lake in the region, often in considerable numbers.

EARED (BLACK-NECKED) GREBE Podiceps nigricollis *
200+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 100+ Paarl S.F., 25/8. Several Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8.

WANDERING ALBATROSS Diomedea exulans **
1 imm. Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8. Flew across the bows of the boat and gave great views.

BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Thalassarche melanophris *
c100 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8.

SHY ALBATROSS Thalassarche cauta *
c100 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8. [A possible "Chatham Albatross" was seen briefly by Peter Ryan].

[YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS Thalassarche chlororhynchos *
1 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8, seen by Peter Ryan and a few others only. Inexplicably scarce on this trip.]

ANTARCTIC (SOUTHERN) GIANT PETREL Macronectes giganteus *
3+ Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8. Also an unidentified giant petrel from the beach at Kommetjie 24/8.

HALL'S (NORTHERN) GIANT PETREL Macronectes halli **
1 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8, in False Bay just east of Cape Point (identified by Peter Ryan).

CAPE (PINTADO) PETREL Daption capense *
c4000 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8, especially dense when following a passing fast-moving cargo vessel. None were seen until we entered the trawling grounds, but then they quickly became the most abundant seabird.

ANTARCTIC (BROAD-BILLED) PRION Pachyptila desolata *
3 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8, were assumed to have been this species, the most regular prion identified in South African waters (per Peter Ryan).

WHITE-CHINNED PETREL Procellaria aequinoctialis *
Abundant, Simon's Town pelagic 26/8. [1 of the spectacled race/species conspicillata seen well by Peter Ryan, but gave only untickable rear-end views to the rest of the party].

SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus *
100s, Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8.

MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus ***
1 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8. Very unusual at this season.

WILSON'S STORM-PETREL Oceanites oceanicus *
c.10 Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8.

GREAT WHITE PELICAN Pelecanus onocrotalus *
2 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 72 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 29 high to NW Darling Farmlands, 27/8.

CAPE GANNET Morus capensis *
200+ off Kommetjie, 24/8. 20+ Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8.

GREAT (WHITE-BREASTED) CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Abundant at the coast and occasional inland. 200+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 100+ Kommetjie, 24/8. Several Paarl S.F., 25/8. Several in nesting colony at the southernmost tip of the Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8. 2 Onseepkans, 29/8.

CAPE CORMORANT Phalacrocorax capensis
Abundant at the coast. 20+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 50 Kommetjie, 24/8. Several in nesting colony, Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8.

BANK CORMORANT Phalacrocorax neglectus **
2 Kommetjie, 24/8. 1 Simon's Town pelagic 26/8.

LONG-TAILED (REED) CORMORANT Phalacrocrocorax africanus *
Small numbers on inland waters widely. 1 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. Several Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 1 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8. 1 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8.

CROWNED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax coronatus *
1 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. c.10 Kommetjie, 24/8. Several around Simon's Town 26/8.

DARTER Anhinga melanogaster *
1 Kommetjie, 24/8. 1 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 2 Onseepkans, 29/8.

GRAY HERON Ardea cinerea *
Small numbers seen widely. 3 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 5 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 2 Onseepkans, 29/8. Several De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

BLACK-HEADED HERON Ardea melanocephala *
Small numbers seen widely, including on roadsides far from water. 3 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. Several De Hoop N.R., 1/9. 1 De Hoop N.R. - Potberg, 1/9.

PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea **
1 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 by roadside Dolphin Beach pools, nr. Milnerton - Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta *
Widespread in small numbers, up to 3 seen on four dates.

CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis
Abundant in most areas with grazing livestock, e.g. 40+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. c.20 Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8. c.10 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax *
c10 nesting Paarl S.F., 25/8. c10 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

HAMERKOP Scopus umbretta **
1 Onseepkans, 29/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopicus
Widespread in small to large groups. Largest flock was c.100 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8.

HADADA (HADEDA) IBIS Bostrychia hagedash
4+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 10+ Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8. c.5 De Hoop N.R., 1/5.

GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus *
1 seen flying over the N2 road in east Cape Town, 1/9.

AFRICAN SPOONBILL Platalea alba *
4+ nesting Paarl S.F., 25/8. 35 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber *
150+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. c.50 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 9 Yzerfontein Gypsum Mine, 27/8. Abundant West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna bicolor ***
2 (a pair?) at Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. Apparently rare in western South Africa.

WHITE-BACKED DUCK Thalassornis leuconotus **
1 at Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus
Common and widespread in small flocks, often in roadside fields, e.g. c.20 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 12+ Darling Farmlands, 27/8.

SOUTH AFRICAN SHELDUCK Tadorna cana **
2 Ghaamsberg - Pofadder, 29/8. 3 Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8. 1 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8.

SPUR-WINGED GOOSE Plectropterus gambensis
5 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 5 Dolphin Beach pools, nr. Milnerton 27/8. 3 Calvina - Ceres, 30/8. Several Swellendam - Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

CAPE TEAL Anas capensis *
20+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. Several Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos **
3 feral domestic varieties Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8.

YELLOW-BILLED DUCK Anas undulata
4 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 3 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 3 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 2 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 3 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 3 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

RED-BILLED DUCK (TEAL) Anas erythrorhyncha *
2 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 1 Tinie Versfeld Flower Reserve, 27/8

CAPE SHOVELER Anas smithii *
150+ Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. c.10 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 4 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8.

SOUTHERN POCHARD Netta erythrophthalma *
c.100 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8.

MACCOA DUCK Oxyura maccoa *
c50 at Strandfontein S.F. 24/8. 5+ Paarl S.F. 25/8.

Maccoa Duck male, Paarl S.F., 25th August 2001.

BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus *
1 Paarl town suburbs, 25/8. 3 Milnerton - Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 2 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 1 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 1 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 2 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8. 2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

BLACK (YELLOW-BILLED) KITE Milvus migrans *
1 Yzerfontein - West Coast N.P., 27/8. 1 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8.

AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE Haliaeetus vocifer **
1 juv. Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 juv. Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8.

CAPE GRIFFON (VULTURE) Gyps coprotheres **
3 Potberg cliffs, 1/9. We were told that these birds are most easily seen in the late morning when a southwesterly breeze is blowing.

AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER Circus ranivorus **
2 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

BLACK HARRIER Circus maurus *
1 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 1 over farmland Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8. 1 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. 2 Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

PALE CHANTING-GOSHAWK Melierax canorus **
1 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom 28/8. 2 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, including one taking food to a nest 30/8. 1 juv. Brandvlei - Calvinia 30/8.

Pale Chanting-Goshawk, Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28th August 2001.

RUFOUS-CHESTED (RED-BREASTED) SPARROWHAWK Accipiter rufiventris **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8 (identified by Peter Ryan).

BLACK GOSHAWK (SPARROWHAWK) Accipiter melanoleucos **
1 over Glencairn road (southeast of Kommetjie turning), 24/8.

EURASIAN (STEPPE) BUZZARD Buteo buteo ***
1 Eierkop, 30/8.

[MOUNTAIN (FOREST) BUZZARD Buteo oreophilus **
1 probable seen very briefly Grootvadersbosch, 31/8. Note: the Forest Buzzard Buteo tachardus of Sinclair (1993) is not listed by Clements (2000). Birds of Africa Vol. 1 shows that tachardus is another name (apparently having priority) for the bird listed in Clements (2000) as B. o. trizonatus, the resident southern race of Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus.]

JACKAL BUZZARD Buteo rufofuscus **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 1 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 1 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 1 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8. 1 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8. 2 Grootvadersbosch, 31/8. 2 De Hoop N.R., perched on dunes,1/9.

VERREAUX'S (BLACK) EAGLE Aquila verreauxii **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 1 Ghaamsberg, 29/8. 1 Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8.

BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

MARTIAL EAGLE Polemaetus bellicosus **
1 Sir Lowry's Pass, 25/8.

SECRETARY-BIRD Sagittarius serpentarius **
1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

LESSER KESTREL Falco naumanni **
2 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, in rocky cutting just before the Kharkhams junction, 28/8. 1 Gamoep - Diepvlei, 28/8. 1 Diepvlei - Koa Dunes, 29/8.

EURASIAN (ROCK) KESTREL Falco tinnunculus *
1 Kommetjie - Cape Point, 24/8. 1 Paarl town suburbs, 25/8. 3 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8.

GREATER KESTREL Falco rupicoloides **
3, including a pair at nest on telegraph poles, Varhyns Pass road, 28/8.

Greater Kestrel pair, Vanrhyns Pass road, 28th August 2001

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 1 along cliffs at Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8.

GRAY-WINGED FRANCOLIN Francolinus africanus **
Much harder to see than Cape Francolin. 2 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 2 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

CAPE FRANCOLIN Francolinus capensis *
Fairly common and often seen on roadsides. 2 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 1 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 5 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8, 1 Milnerton - Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 1 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. c.20 (including some very tame ones in the grounds of Geelbek manor house), West Coast N.P., 27/8. Several De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

Cape Francolin, Geelbek manor house, West Coast N.P., 27th August 2001.

COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix **
2 heard Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 1 heard Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 2 flushed + 2 heard Soutfontein, 28/8. 2 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

HELMETED GUINEAFOWL Numida meleagris
Widespread and frequent in open country generally, e.g. c.30 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8.

BLUE CRANE Grus paradisea *
4 (two pairs) Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 3 Tinie Versfeld Flower Reserve, 27/8. 2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8. 4 Grootvadersbosch - De Hoop N.R., 31/8. 164 (in two flocks, 74 and 90) De Hoop N.R. - Potberg, 1/9.

BLACK CRAKE Amaurornis flavirostris **
1 heard Paarl S.F., 25/8 (identified by Peter Ryan).

PURPLE SWAMPHEN (GALLINULE) Porphyrio porphyrio **
3 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
c.10 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. Several Paarl S.F., 25/8. c.10 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 1 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8.

RED-KNOBBED COOT Fulica cristata
Small groups to large flocks on lakes and ponds generally. c.50 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. Several Paarl S.F., 25/8. c.10 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 2 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8. 2 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8.

LUDWIG'S BUSTARD Neotis ludwigii **
5 Gamoep - Diepvlei, in flight and easily seen, early evening 28/8.

STANLEY (STANLEY'S) BUSTARD Neotis denhami **
6 (4 plus 2 displaying) Bontebok N.P., 31/8. 1 Potberg - Cape Town, nr Napier, flew north across the road, 1/9.

KAROO BUSTARD (KORHAAN) Eupodotis vigorsii **
3 Gamoep - Diepvlei, in flight, early evening 28/8. 2 Diepvlei farmhouse, by track near entrance gate, 29/8. 2 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

BLACK BUSTARD (SOUTHERN BLACK KORHAAN) Eupodotis afra **
1 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 4 males and 2 females Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

Male Black Bustard (Southern Black Korhaan), Darling Farmlands, 27th August 2001.

AFRICAN (BLACK) OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus moquini *
3 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 on sandy beach along Baden Powell Drive, viewed from Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 7 Kommetjie - Cape Point, 24/8. 4 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8.

BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus *
2 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. Several, including recently fledged young, Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 1 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8. 5 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8. 3 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta *
2 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 3 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8. 10+ De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

WATER THICK-KNEE (DIKKOP) Burhinus vermiculatus **
8 motionless beside the main track, Paarl S.F., 25/8. 2 Diepvlei night drive, 28/8.

SPOTTED THICK-KNEE (DIKKOP) Burhinus capensis **
2 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

BLACKSMITH PLOVER Vanellus armatus
Widespread and frequent near water, including farm ponds.

CROWNED LAPWING (PLOVER) Vanellus coronatus
Widespread in small numbers, on lawns and open spaces generally. 5+ Paarl town suburbs, 25/8. 1 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 1 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8.

BLACK-BELLIED (GREY) PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola **
1 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 10+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

KITTLITZ'S PLOVER Charadrius pecuarius **
3 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

THREE-BANDED PLOVER Charadrius tricollaris *
2 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.1 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, at Rooifontein, 28/8. 1 Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8.

WHITE-FRONTED PLOVER Charadrius marginatus **
2 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

CHESTNUT-BANDED PLOVER Charadrius pallidus **
1 Yzerfontein Gypsum Mine, 27/8. High water levels meant that this species was much harder to find at this site than usual, but we managed to locate one bird on the far side of the lake.

AFRICAN (ETHIOPIAN) SNIPE Gallinago nigripennis **
2, including a drumming male, De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica **
5+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus *
40+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquatus *
10+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis **
1 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia *
20+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola **
1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos **
3 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

RED KNOT Calidris canutus *
20+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

SANDERLING Calidris alba *
20 on sandy beach along Baden Powell Drive, viewed from Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. Several West Coast N.P., 27/8.

LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta *
c.20 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8.

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea *
10+ West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 30 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

RUFF Philomachus pugnax *
1 West Coast N.P., Geelbek Hide, 27/8. 20+ De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

BROWN (SUBANTARCTIC) SKUA Catharacta antarctica *
10+ Simon’s Town pelagic, 26/8.

KELP GULL Larus dominicanus
Abundant at the coast. 1 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8.

GRAY-HEADED GULL Larus cirrocephalus **
2 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 at Paarl S.F., 25/8. Probably breeding pairs in both cases. Easily overlooked among large flocks of Hartlaub's Gulls, and possibly more widespread than these records would suggest.

HARTLAUB'S GULL Larus hartlaubii
Abundant at the coast. Also common in breeding colony at Paarl S.F., 25/8.

CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia **
1 over sea from Peter Ryan's balcony in Muizenberg, 25/8. 2 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis **
1 Kommetjie, 24/8. 2 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8. 1 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8.

GREAT CRESTED (SWIFT) TERN Sterna bergii *
4 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. c40 Kommetjie, 24/8. 1 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8.

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea **
3 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8.

WHITE-WINGED TERN Chlidonias leucopterus **
2 Strandfontein S.F. 24/8.

NAMAQUA SANDGROUSE Pterocles namaqua *
2 Gamoep - Diepvlei, 28/8. 30+ Diepvlei - Pofadder, 29/8. 10+ Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

ROCK DOVE Columba livia
Feral birds seen in small numbers in towns and cities.

SPECKLED (ROCK) PIGEON Columba guinea
Widespread and often fairly abundant.

RAMERON PIGEON Columba arquatrix **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

RED-EYED DOVE Streptopelia semitorquata
Widespread and abundant.

RING-NECKED (CAPE TURTLE) DOVE Streptopelia capicola
Widespread and abundant.

LAUGHING DOVE Streptopelia senegalensis *
1 Onseepkans, 29/8. 5+ Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

NAMAQUA DOVE Oena capensis *
1 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 1 Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 1 Diepvlei - Koa Dunes, 29/8. 10+ Koa Dunes - Onseepkans - Pofadder, 30/8. 10+ Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

KLAAS' CUCKOO Chrysococcyx klaas **
1 heard then seen very well, Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

SPOTTED EAGLE-OWL Bubo africanus **
1 dead on road c.15 km north of Pofadder, 29/8. 1 Eierkop - Swellendam, on telegraph pole at dusk, 30/8. 1 Malgas - Breede River, on telegraph pole at dusk, 31/8.

AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT Cypsiurus parvus **
6 Onseepkans, around palms at southern edge of town, 29/8.

ALPINE SWIFT Tachymarptis melba
Small parties were seen widely, with 39 at Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

AFRICAN (BLACK) SWIFT Apus barbatus*
100+ near Strandfontein 24/8. c.10 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 3+ Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

LITTLE SWIFT Apus affinis *
Small numbers around houses in Cape Town and in Namaqualand. 5+ over river at Bontebok N.P., 31/8. Several De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

HORUS SWIFT Apus horus **
1 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, apparently prospecting bridge under the road near the Dreifontein junction, 28/8.

SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD Colius striatus *
10+ De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

WHITE-BACKED MOUSEBIRD Colius colius *
5+ Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 9 Onseepkans, 29/8.

RED-FACED MOUSEBIRD Urocolius indicus *
6 Bontebok N.P., campsite area, 31/8.

MALACHITE KINGFISHER Alcedo cristata **
2 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis **
Apparently scarce. 2 Kommetjie, 24/8. 1 Milnerton - Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8.

EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epops africana *
2 West Coast N.P., near Geelbek Manor House, 27/8. 2 Suurbraak, 31/8. 1 Grootvadersbosch, 31/8. 2 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

(ACACIA) PIED BARBET Tricholaema leucomelas **
1 in scrub near Ghaamsberg, 29/8. 1 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8.

GROUND WOODPECKER Geocolaptes olivaceus **
1 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, sitting on the roadside and oblivious of passing traffic, near the Hondeklipbaai junction, then flew to a nearby rocky outcrop, 28/8.

OLIVE WOODPECKER Dendropicos griseocephalus **
1 Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

CLAPPER LARK Mirafra apiata **
2 in display flight Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8.

FAWN-COLORED LARK Mirafra africanoides **
1 Koa Dunes, seen closely perched on a fence at the roadside, 29/8.

SABOTA LARK Mirafra sabota **
2 Pofadder - Onseepkans, by small farm pool on left c.4 km north of Pofadder, 29/8. 1 probable Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

CAPE (LONG-BILLED) LARK Certhilauda curvirostris **
2 Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8.

KAROO LONG-BILLED LARK Certhilauda subcoronata **
2 near Ghaamsberg, 29/8. 1 Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8. 2 Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8.

KAROO LARK Certhilauda albescens **
1 in the dunes West Coast N.P., 27/8. 1 Soutfontein, 28/8.

FERRUGINOUS (RED) LARK Certhilauda burra **
2 of the red form Koa Dunes, 29/8. Fairly easily located by walking away from the road into the area of dune vegetation.

SPIKE-HEELED LARK Chersomanes albofasciata *
3 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. 10+, often flushed by the vehicle, Diepvlei - Pofadder, 29/8. 10+ Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

BLACK-EARED (FINCH-)SPARROW-LARK Eremopterix australis **
3 Diepvlei - Koa Dunes, 29/8. 2 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

GRAY-BACKED (FINCH-)SPARROW-LARK Eremopterix verticalis *
3 Gamoep - Diepvlei, 28/8. Very common (100s) Diepvlei - Pofadder, 29/8. 10 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

RED-CAPPED LARK Calandrella cinerea *
5 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 3 Tinie Versfeld Flower Reserve, 27/8. 2 Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8. Several Soutfontein, 28/8. 40+ Potberg - Cape Town, 1/9.

Red-capped Lark, Darling Farmlands, 27th August 2001.

STARK'S LARK Eremalauda starki **
Fairly numerous on the open grassy plain c.15 km north of Pofadder, with several heard and 2 seen well, 29/8. This species is inquisitive and responds very well to tape playback or even pishing, landing in the open only a few metres away from the observer.

LONG-BILLED (THICK-BILLED) LARK Galerida magnirostris *
6+ Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8. 2 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 3 Soutfontein, 28/8. 1 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8.

PLAIN (BROWN-THROATED) MARTIN Riparia paludicola
c.20 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 4 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. Several Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8. Several Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

BANDED MARTIN Riparia cincta **
5+ Darling Farmlands, near Mud River, 27/8.

ROCK MARTIN Hirundo fuligula
Widespread and fairly common.

WHITE-THROATED SWALLOW Hirundo albogularis **
2 Darling Farmlands, at the stakeout for this species by the bridge at site "4" in Essential Birding (p. 45), 27/8.

PEARL-BREASTED SWALLOW Hirundo dimidiata *
3 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 1 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 1 Soutfontein, 28/8. 2 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

GREATER STRIPED SWALLOW Hirundo cucullata *
1 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 5 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

SOUTH AFRICAN (CLIFF) SWALLOW Hirundo spilodera **
3 Brandvlei - Calvinia, by the culvert 67 km S. of Brandvlei, 30/8.

BLACK SAWWING (SWALLOW) Psalidoprocne holomelas *
2 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. c.10 Swellendam - Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

CAPE WAGTAIL Motacilla capensis
Widespread and frequent on lawns and near water generally.

ORANGE-THROATED LONGCLAW Macronyx capensis **
4 Tinie Versfeld Flower Reserve, 27/8. 1 Potberg - Cape Town, 1/9.

AFRICAN (GRASSVELD) PIPIT Anthus cinnamomeus *
Widespread and fairly frequent. c.20 Potberg - Cape Town, 1/9.

LONG-BILLED PIPIT Anthus similis **
2 Sir Lowry's Pass, 25/8 (identified by Peter Ryan).

BLACK-FRONTED (RED-EYED) BULBUL Pycnonotus nigricans *
2 in gardens in Pofadder town, 29/8. 3 Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8. 4 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

CAPE BULBUL Pycnonotus capensis
Widespread in small parties.

SOMBRE GREENBUL (BULBUL) Andropadus importunus **
1 + 2 heard Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, 25/8. 2 Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

SENTINEL ROCK THRUSH Monticola explorator **
1 Sir Lowry's Pass, 25/8. Very seldom seen at this site, according to Peter Ryan.

(SOUTHERN) OLIVE THRUSH Turdus olivaceus *
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, 25/8. 1 Swellendam - Grootvadersbosch, 31/8. 3 Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

RUFOUS (CAPE) ROCK-JUMPER Chaetops frenatus **
3 Sir Lowry's Pass, including one building a nest under a stone at ground level, 25/8.

RED-HEADED (GREY-BACKED) CISTICOLA Cisticola subruficapillus **
1 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 5+ Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8.

TINKLING (LEVAILLANT'S) CISTICOLA Cisticola tinniens *
3 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 1 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 2 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8.

PIPING CISTICOLA (NEDDICKY) Cisticola fulvicapillus **
1 Sir Lowry's Pass, 25/8. 1 Bontebok N.P., at campsite, 31/8. 1 Grootvadersbosch - De Hoop N.R., 31/8.

ZITTING (FAN-TAILED) CISTICOLA Cisticola juncidis *
1 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8. 2 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

CLOUD CISTICOLA Cisticola textrix **
2 in high song flight, Tinie Versfeld Flower Reserve, 27/8.

KAROO (SPOTTED) PRINIA Prinia maculosa
Widespread and fairly abundant in scrubby areas generally.

NAMAQUA PRINIA Prinia substriata **
1 + 1 heard Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 1 heard Onseepkans, 29/8.

RUFOUS-EARED WARBLER Malcorus pectoralis **
2 Soutfontein, 28/8. 1 Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8.

BAR-THROATED APALIS Apalis thoracica **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 2 Grootvadersbosch N.R., 31/8. 1 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

KOPJE (CINNAMON-BREASTED) WARBLER Euryptila subcinnamomea **
1 heard just east of Kamieskroom, 28/8. 1 attracted to tape and seen extremely well, Kamieskroom - Gamoep, on the northeast side of Bailey's Pass as the road starts to descend, 28/8.

AFRICAN BUSH (SEDGE) WARBLER Bradypterus baboecala **
1 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

KNYSNA SCRUB WARBLER Bradypterus sylvaticus **
1 male in song by roadside, Constantia Greenbelt, 25/8. 1 heard Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

VICTORIN'S SCRUB WARBLER Bradypterus victorini **
1 responded to speculative tape playback, in thick Protea scrub, Sir Lowry's Pass 25/8.

CAPE GRASSBIRD Sphenoeacus afer **
2 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 1 heard Sir Lowry's Pass 25/8. 1 seen well Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8.

AFRICAN REED (MARSH) WARBLER Acrocephalus baeticatus **
1 Onseepkans, in riparian vegetation by Orange River, probably a newly arrived migrant, 29/8.

LESSER SWAMP (CAPE REED) WARBLER Acrocephalus gracilirostris **
2 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 2 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA Eremomela icteropygialis **
2 Koa Dunes - Ghaamsberg, 29/8. 1 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

LAYARD'S WARBLER (TIT-BABBLER) Sylvia layardi **
2 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, near the Kharkhams junction, 28/8. 1 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8.

RUFOUS-VENTED WARBLER (TIT-BABBLER) Sylvia subcaeruleum **
1 Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 2 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

CHAT FLYCATCHER Bradornis infuscatus **
2 Koa Dunes, 29/8. 1 Ghaamsberg - Pofadder, 29/8. 1 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8. A large unflycatcher-like flycatcher which looks more like a kingbird species.

FISCAL FLYCATCHER Sigelus silens *
Fairly widespead and frequent.

AFRICAN DUSKY FLYCATCHER Muscicapa adusta **
1 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

CAPE ROBIN CHAT Cossypha caffra
Widespread and fairly common.

KAROO SCRUB ROBIN Cercotrichas coryphaeus *
5 West Coast N.P., 27/8. 1 Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 1 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. Several Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8. 4 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8. 1 Bontebok N.P. 31/8.

AFRICAN STONECHAT Saxicola axillaris *
A pair Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 2 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

MOUNTAIN WHEATEAR (CHAT) Oenanthe monticola *
1 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8. 2 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. c.10 Gamoep - Diepvlei, 28/8. 1 in garden of Diepvlei farmhouse, 29/8. Several Diepvlei - Pofadder, 29/8.

CAPPED WHEATEAR Oenanthe pileata
4+ Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 5 Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8. 2 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. Frequent Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. 3 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8. 6 Potberg - Cape Town, 1/9.

SICKLEWING(ED) CHAT Cercomela sinuata **
3 Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8.

KAROO CHAT Cercomela schlegelii *
4+ Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. Several Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8.

TRACTRAC CHAT Cercomela tractrac **
2 Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8.

FAMILIAR CHAT Cercomela familiaris *
3 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 2 (including 1 juv.) Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8. 2 Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 3 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8.

SOUTHERN ANTEATER (ANTEATING) CHAT Myrmecocichla formicivora *
4+ Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 2 Soutfontein, 28/8. 2 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8. 1 in garden of Diepvlei farmhouse, 29/8.

CAPE BATIS Batis capensis *
3 males and 2 females Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, 25/8. 4 Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

PRIRIT BATIS Batis pririt **
1 heard in response to tape in acacia scrub Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 1 Pofadder - Onseepkans, in first acacia scrub north of Pofadder, 29/8. Note that the name "Pririt" is supposed to be pronounced as a French word: "pree-ree".

AFRICAN CRESTED (BLUE-MANTLED) FLYCATCHER Trochocercus cyanomelas **
1 Grootvadersbosch, Redwood Road, 31/8.

(SOUTHERN) GRAY TIT Melaniparus afer **
1 Eierkop, 30/8.

ORANGE-BREASTED SUNBIRD Anthobaphes violacea **
1 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 24/8. 1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

MALACHITE SUNBIRD Nectarinia famosa *
1 Silvermine, 24/8. 2 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 2 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 1 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. 2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8. 1 Grootvadersbosch - De Hoop N.R., 31/8.

Male Malachite Sunbird on Protea flower, Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25th August 2001.

SOUTHERN (LESSER) DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD Cinnyris chalybeus *
Widespread in small numbers, the commonest sunbird species. 3 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 24/8. 3 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. Several Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, 25/8. 2 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. c.10 West Coast N.P., 27/8. 4 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. Several Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

GREATER DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD Cinnyris afer **
3 Bontebok N.P., by campsite, 31/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

DUSKY SUNBIRD Cinnyris fuscus **
4+ Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8.

CAPE WHITE-EYE Zosterops pallidus
2 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. c.20 Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden, 25/8. 4+ West Coast N.P., 27/8. 7 Pofadder - Onseepkans, 29/8 (peach-flanked form). 8 Onseepkans (peach-flanked form). 10 Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8. Common at Grootvadersbosch, 31/8.

CAPE SUGARBIRD Promerops cafer *
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 4 Sir Lowry's Pass 25/8. 1 Darling Farmlands, probably here on the very edge of its range, 27/8.

Cape Sugarbird, Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25th August 2001.

COMMON FISCAL (SHRIKE) Lanius collaris
Found in ones and twos almost everywhere.

SOUTHERN TCHAGRA Tchagra tchagra **
1 responded well to speculative playing of tape, Buchu Bushcamp, 1/9. 2+ De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

SOUTHERN BOUBOU Laniarius ferrugineus **
2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8. 3 (including a very tame pair) De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

BOKMAKIERIE Telophorus zeylonus *
Widespread in small numbers.

FORK-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus adsimilis **
1 Swellendam - Grootvadersbosch, 31/8. 1 Grootvardersbosch, 31/8. 1 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

HOUSE CROW Corvus splendens **
2+ Cape Town airport 24/8 and 1/9.

CAPE (BLACK) CROW Corvus capensis *
1 Wiedouw River, nr Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. 3 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8.

PIED CROW Corvus albus
Widespread and fairly abundant nearly everywhere.

WHITE-NECKED RAVEN Corvus albicollis **
2 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 2 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26/8.

EUROPEAN STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
Widespread in built-up areas and often in large numbers, e.g. c.300 Paarl S.F., 25/8.

WATTLED STARLING Creatophora cinerea *
13 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. c100 Varhynsdorp Pass road, 28/8. 2 Soutfontein, 28/8.

CAPE GLOSSY STARLING Lamprotornis nitens **
3 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, 28/8. 4 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8.

RED-WINGED STARLING Onychognathus morio
Fairly common in the south of the region, e.g. 5 Kommetjie - Cape Point, 24/8. c.20 Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 24/8.

PALE-WINGED STARLING Onychognathus nabouroup *
6 Koa Dunes - Ghaamsberg, 29/8. 4 Onseepkans - Pofadder, 29/8.

AFRICAN PIED STARLING Spreo bicolor
Widespread and abundant from Silwerstroomstrand northwards and inland. Also 60+ Grootvadersbosch - De Hoop N.R., 31/8. Not seen around Cape Town.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
Widespread in small numbers in towns.

MOSSIE (CAPE SPARROW) Passer melanurus
Widespread and numerous generally.

SCALY WEAVER (SCALY-FEATHERED FINCH) Sporopipes squamifrons **
1 Koa Dunes - Ghaamsberg, visiting water troughs at site "9" in Essential Birding (p. 95) near the crossroads, 29/8.

SOCIAL (SOCIABLE) WEAVER Philetarius socius *
100+ Koa Dunes - Pofadder, 29/8, their bulky nests on nearly every telegraph pole being a conspicuous feature of the landscape.

Social Weaver nest, Ghaamsberg - Pofadder, 29th August 2001.

CAPE WEAVER Ploceus capensis
5 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 100s in sprawling colony over Mud River, Darling Farmlands, 27/8. Several De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

AFRICAN (SOUTHERN) MASKED WEAVER Ploceus velatus
3 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 2 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 10+ Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8. c.10 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

RED-BILLED QUELEA Quelea quelea **
1+ Onseepkans, in flock of Red Bishops, 29/8.

RED BISHOP Euplectes orix
Widespread and often abundant. 20+ Dolphin Beach pools, nr Milnerton, 27/8. 3 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. c.100 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. c.10 Vredenburg - Paternoster, 27/8. 1 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. Several Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8. 1 Grootvadersbosch - De Hoop N.R., 31/8.

YELLOW BISHOP (YELLOW-RUMPED WIDOW) Euplectes capensis
Widespread in small numbers. 1 Paarl S.F., 25/8. 1 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 3 Clanwilliam - Vanrhynsdorp, 28/8. Several Swellendam - Grootvadersborsch, 31/8.

SWEE WAXBILL Estrilda melanotis **
4 Grootvadersbosch, on main track, 31/8. A very cute little bird.

COMMON WAXBILL Estrilda astrild *
c.15 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 5 Suurbraak, 31/8. c.30 Bontebok N.P., at campsite, 31/8.

AFRICAN QUAILFINCH Ortygospiza atricollis **
2 Bontebok N.P., flushed twice from beside road near Swellengrebel airstrip, 31/8.

PIN-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura **
1 male Bontebok N.P., at campsite, 31/8.

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs **
1 Tokai, 25/8.

CAPE CANARY Serinus canciollis
6+ Zeekovlei Road, nr Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 2 Darling Farmlands, 27/8. 6 Suurbraak, 31/8.

FOREST CANARY Serinus scotops **
10+ Grootvadersbosch, feeding on Redwood Road, 31/8.

BLACK-THROATED CANARY Serinus atrogularis **
2 Soutfontein - Kamieskroom, near the Kharkhams junction, 28/8. 5+ Pofadder - Onseepkans, in first acacia scrub north of Pofadder, 29/8.

YELLOW CANARY Serinus flaviventris *
Widespread in small numbers. 1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8. 3 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. Several West Coast N.P., 27/8. 3+ Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8. 1 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

BRIMSTONE (BULLY) CANARY Serinus sulphuratus **
1 probable seen briefly, Zeekovlei Road nr Strandfontein S.F., 24/8. 1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

WHITE-THROATED CANARY Serinus albogularis *
Smalll numbers seen in parts of Namaqualand, Bushmanland and South Coast, e.g. 4 Silwerstroomstrand, 27/8. 5 Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8.

STREAKY-HEADED SEEDEATER (CANARY) Serinus gularis **
2 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

PROTEA CANARY Serinus leucopterus **
1 Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25/8.

Protea Canary, Paarl Mountain Reserve, 25th August 2001.

CAPE SISKIN Serinus totta **
1 male and 1 female Cape of Good Hope Reserve, along the lower part of the path to Cape Point lighthouse, 26/8. This is an elusive species and we failed to see it at several supposedly regular sites.

BLACK-HEADED CANARY Serinus alario **
4 males and 1 female Kamieskroom - Gamoep, 28/8. 2 Brandvlei - Van Wyksvlei, 30/8. 1 male Brandvlei - Calvinia, 30/8.

LARK-LIKE BUNTING Emberiza impetuani *
Abundant around water troughs in Bushmanland. Seen commonly from water troughs northeast of Koa Dunes, to the Pofadder region (few), then commonly northeast of Brandvlei.

CAPE BUNTING Emberiza capensis *
Widespread in small numbers.

Main Dips

The following expected species were missed by us:

GREAT CRESTED GREBE
GREAT WHITE EGRET
INTERMEDIATE EGRET
LESSER FLAMINGO (regionally very scarce this year)
ANTARCTIC TERN
DAMARA TERN (too early)
ROSY-FACED LOVEBIRD (apparently absent from Onseepkans)
CAPE EAGLE OWL
KNYSNA WOODPECKER
AGULHAS LONG-BILLED LARK
SCLATER’S LARK
CAPE PENDULINE TIT
CAPE ROCK THRUSH
KAROO EREMOMELA (appalling weather at Eierkop)
FAIRY FLYCATCHER (probably too early)
BLACK-CHESTED PRINIA

Species list - MAMMALS

CAPE HARE Lepus capensis
2 on night drive at Diepvlei, 28/8.

EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL Sciurus carolinensis
1 Tokai, 25/8.

FOUR-STRIPED GRASS MOUSE Rhabdomys pumilio
Singles at Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 25/8 and 26/8.

SPRING-HARE Pedetes capensis
2 on night drive at Diepvlei, 28/8.

CAPE MOLE-RAT Georychus capensis
1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, picked up by Peter Ryan as it was making its burrow and closely inspected in the hand, 25/8. What a character, and voted mammal of the trip.

WILD CAT Felis silvestris
1 Darling Farmlands, apparently wild form although not far from habitation, 27/8. 1 ran across Calvinia-Ceres road, a very long way from habitation and undoubtedly wild.

MARSH MONGOOSE Atilax paludinosus
3 Strandfontein S.F., 24/8.

YELLOW MONGOOSE Cynictis penicillata
1 between De Hoop N.R. and Cape Town, 1/9.

MONGOOSE sp.
Other mongoose species were often seen crossing roads but could not be identified with certainty.

BAT-EARED FOX Otocyon megalotis
1 on night drive at Diepvlei, 28/8. 1 at dusk Pofadder-Brandvlei 29/8. 1 after dark on approach road to Buchu Bushcamp, 31/8.

SOUTH AFRICAN (CAPE) FUR-SEAL Arctocephalus pusillus
c.30 from Simon's Town pelagic, 26/8.

HAMADRYAS BABOON Papio hamadryas
Common (and dangerous) at Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 24/8-25/8.

AARDVARK Orycteropus afer
1 on night drive at Diepvlei, 28/8. Aardvarks are not welcomed by farmers as they are strongly attracted to water and will often dig into buried water pipes. As soon as he had spotted it, Vernon Mitchell tried his best to run this animal over in the jeep, but fortunately it just managed to escape by forcing its way through a barbed-wire fence.

SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE Balaena australis
1 from Peter Ryan's balcony in Muizenberg, 25/8. 8 off De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

COMMON RHEBOK Pelea capreolus
2 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

SPRINGBOK Antidorcas marsupialis
11 Diepvlei - Koa Dunes, 29/8. 1 Akkerendam N.R., Calvinia, 30/8. 1 Calvinia - Ceres, 30/8. 35 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

CAPE GRYSBOK Raphicerus melanotis
3 Silverstroomstrand, 27/8. 2 West Coast N.P., 27/8. 1 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

ELAND Taurotragus oryx
c.50 De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

HARTEBEEST Alcelaphus buselaphus
5 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

BONTEBOK Damaliscus pygargus
5 Cape of Good Hope Reserve 26/8. 20+ Bontebok N.P., 31/8. Numerous at De Hoop N.R., 1/9.

Bontebok, Cape of Good Hope Reserve, 26th August 2001.

MOUNTAIN ZEBRA Equus zebra
16 Bontebok N.P., 31/8.

ROCK HYRAX Procavia capensis
Common in rocky areas generally, e.g. Silvermine, Kamieskroom - Gamoep, Pofadder-Onseepkans, De Hoop N.R.