In 2018, a few neighbours in the Putterill valley came up with a dream of combining their properties into a joint nature reserve. That dream evolved into an idea, from which grew a plan, and finally, as of the 18th of April 2024, a reality. Comprising 6,500 hectares, the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve (NDNR), of […]
We had typical summer weather, mostly sunny for morning walks, stormy in the afternoons. All the migrants have arrived, even including a Willow Warbler – unusual at this altitude. Several Violet-backed Starlings spent much of the days picking over the trunk of a Dais tree right in front of the garden balcony. It looked as
The weather was real summer, sunny for morning walks, stormy in the afternoons. The birding was excellent. The cuckoos – Red-chested, Black, and Klaas’s were in full voice. The White-rumped Swifts did their best early morning swirl over the lawn before following their insect prey ever upwards as the air warmed. A couple of Alpine
On the way to the Cavern we passed several fresh burns. Plenty of birds recognise an opportunity for freshly roasted insects spread out on the dining table. On one, where the smoke had barely cleared, and it must have been still warm underfoot, were at least 30 Black-headed Herons. They are always first on the
The weather report said horrid rain and cold: reality beamed bright and clear. The birds said thanks, and we managed 54 species in the weekend. Early winter is the best time for Aloe arborescens and Leonotis leonurus. Best birding is from the balcony nearest the bar, and that suits many of the audience. Gurney’s Sugarbird
The weather was kind, warm sun brought out swallows and swifts in great numbers for their early morning swirl above the lawn. One “twitcher” had come specifically to find the Half-collared Kingfisher. Bingo, three on one pond, and interacting for nearly an hour. A pair of Yellow-throated Woodland-Warblers was another bonus, supposedly common but always
A new bird, not quite qualifying for the Cavern list, is the Banded Martin. It’s easily seen perched on the roadside fence about a kilometre beyond the Cavern entrance. Otherwise birding was fairly quiet with one exception; the Red-chested Cuckoo did not let us down. It’s quite late in the season to hear it –
Breeding is in full swing. There was never a moment without a cuckoo – Klaas’s, Red-chested or Black – calling full bore. Swee Waxbills – only males apparently – were collecting bits of dry grass and fallen pine needles, obviously nest-building materials. Perhaps the females were at home arranging things? The Little Grebes were a
The fabulous aloe display of winter had faded, but this is where Erythrina has stepped in. It’s not native to the Berg, and not often planted because it is frost-tender, but thrives in this, the warmest place in the Berg. Gurney’s Sugarbird was in constant attendance, so too were less typical visitors. The Cape Rock-Thrush
Not every Drakensberg bird is listed here, only those that have been spotted on our property. We hope that while in the Drakensberg birders will find this list useful: CAVERN BIRD LIST using Roberts7 names and sequence. Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coquiGrey-winged Francolin Scleroptila africanusRed-winged Francolin Scleroptila levaillantiiRed-necked Spurfowl Pternistis aferSwainson’s Spurfowl Pternistis swainsoniiCommon Quail Coturnix
