It’s already halfway through summer in the Drakensberg. One indication is that the Red-chested Cuckoo is still calling, but the Black Cuckoo is not. The Half-collared Kingfisher has returned after at least six months away, a pair was poised in their favourite Buddleja overhanging the water. Another bird we have not seen for some time […]
Miserable weather when it mattered most limited the birding somewhat. But the influx of tropical migrants has begun. They don’t all arrive at once, and as usual the Greater Striped Swallows were first. One more heavy rain is needed to provide them with the soft mud needed to start repairing old nests and building new
Mid-winter’s day proved to be the best winter birding within living memory. The winter species list might be shorter than summer, but if anything the actual head count is greater. Altitudinal migrants and all other stragglers congregate in the Cavern valley at this time of year because of its sheltered warmth. Fairy Flycatchers are now
As winter takes hold, altitudinal migrants like the Fairy Flycatcher move from the icy top of the berg down to the warmer cosy Cavern gardens and surrounding woodlands. Our Nature Weekend group was lucky enough to see this delightful little bird on three different occasions. What a treat to watch this tiny 6 gm treasure,
The weather was drizzly and unsettled, but this did not upset the hardy British Ramblers and a few other keen souls. Highlights: The Crowned Eagle made its first ever appearance two years ago, and is very unusual at this altitude. But “our” eagles have been seen performing their duet high in the sky since then,
There’s no such thing as a dud birding weekend at the Cavern, and last weekend was no exception. Birding walks always start on the front lawn, under the Kiggelaria africana (that’s the Wild Peach tree), which is dripping with ripe fruit at the moment. The ripe fruit splits open to reveal a number of bright
It’s at this time of year in the Drakensberg that one appreciates just how many Chorister Robin-Chats are at the Cavern. Normally this is a secretive species of the dark forest interior, but at the Cavern it’s not unusual to see three or four in the thicker parts of the garden. The name refers to
Spring has sprung in the Drakensberg. Best proof comes from the arrival of a host of tropical migrants at The Cavern. They’ve come to breed and are not shy about it. Most of the noise comes from cuckoos. The Red-chested Cuckoo, with its familiar “piet-my-vrou” call is proclaiming its territory against other males, while its
Spring isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. None of this balmy sun, gentle rain and birds fluttering their eyelashes at each other. Not now anyway. This is a real KZN Spring, still dry, alternating hot and cold, strong winds and a haze of fine dust and smoke. It’s no different in the Drakensberg,
August is not usually the best birding month; dry winds, four months with little or no rain, and ongoing cool weather all conspire against. But on the other hand there is the prospect of seeing high altitude birds taking winter refuge lower down. First prize among these is the Fairy Flycatcher, and in recent years
