Our first stop along the spectacular
coastal road from Gordon’s Bay to Rooiels was for some distant
views of Southern Right Whales. Victorin’s Warbler
was calling nearby and a short bout of playback resulted in excellent
scope views of this normally-skulking endemic, right on the road
verge. We were off to a good start, especially when a pair of Cape
Siskin landed nearby.
Arriving at Rooiels we were pleased that the previous day’s
stormy weather had cleared and we could amble through the colourful
fynbos in still, sunny conditions. At first we found some more common
species, such as the bright Orange-breasted Sunbird,
smart Cape Grassbird, Grey-backed Cisticola
and more Cape Siskins, but the distant calls of
Cape Rock-jumper has us firmly focussed on the
boulder-strewn mountain slopes. Some patience and scanning paid
off and we spotted a trio (two males and a female) of Cape Rock-jumper.
Initial views were fairly distant but the birds came much closer
and we enjoyed prolonged views of these very smart endemics over
about an hour. At one stage they even took to bathing in a pool
on top of a large rock!
Occasionally our attention was diverted to other species, including
the much-wanted Ground Woodpecker, which shared
a sun-bathing rock with the rockjumpers for some time. At around
midday we continued to Betty’s Bay where a quick visit to
Stony Point allowed us to study cormorants in detail, including
the endemic Bank Cormorant and Crowned
Cormorant. And, of course, lots of African Penguin.
This was followed by a late lunch at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
and an afternoon stroll up to Disa Kloof, where we spotting African
Black Duck, Southern Boubou, Swee
Waxbill, Cape Bulbul, Cape Rock
Thrush and many Cape Sugarbird.
On our return trip to Stellenbosch we stopped along the coast to
find a pair of African Black Oystercatcher, rounding
off a superb day.
Many of the birding sites on this trip are described in detail
in the Southern African
Birdfinder which is widely available in South African bookshops
and on the internet. (e.g., www.netbooks.co.za
or www.wildsounds.co.uk). However
you're always welcome to contact
us if you're interested in a guided trip in this area.
Please click this link for more
detailed information about our upcoming
Cape Tours.
Focus
Our Cape tours and day trips are aimed at keen birders and
nature enthusiasts. They have been designed to see as many endemic
birds as possible. While on the walks, we spend a lot of time
looking for other aspects of wildlife such as mammals, chameleons,
geckos, butterflies and interesting plants. We can also customise
any itinerary to suit to the keen birder, the wildlife enthusiast
or both.
Photography
Many participants on our tours and day trips are amateur wildlife
photographers. And when we get excellent views of a bird or
mammal, some time is usually spent watching and photographing
it. However, this is not a photographic tour and once the majority
of the people have felt that they have absorbed the animal or
bird to their satisfaction, then we move on in search of the
next encounter. Thus, while the photographic
opportunities are very good, the group will only occasionally
wait for somebody who wants to spend even longer getting better
photos.
Fitness
Only a low level of fitness is required.
Timing
Throughout the year.
Climate
Moderate; can be warm in summer and chilly in winter.
Comfort
A good standard of accommodation in guest houses, lodges and
small hotels.
About
Birding Africa Birding Africa is a specialist birding
tour company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed
holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies,
dragonflies, botany and other natural history aspects and will guide
you to Africa's and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations.
Our guides' knowledge of African
birds and birding areas is our greatest strength and together we
have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations with the
birding community and had a fun time exploring our home continent.
We've even written two acclaimed guide
books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best
birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and
we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled
with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997,
we've run bird watching tours
in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders,
small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've
run Conservation Tours
in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult
for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC
Natural History Unit.
Cape Rock-jumper photographed on a Birding Africa Day Trip ©
Callan Cohen 
