South Western Cape Extension IV 18th to 23rd April 2017 (6 days) Trip Report

Knysna Woodpecker by Clayton Burne

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, André Bernon

Trip Report – RBT - Cape Extension IV 2017 2

Tour Summary

Our short 6-day extension to our eastern South African tour took us to the Cape region on the southernmost tip of Africa. We followed a slightly different itinerary on this tour, rather than the one used on our regularly run Cape extensions. We had decided to forfeit our time in the mother city – Cape Town, missing out on our normally scheduled pelagic trip into these rich waters. The reason being that all participants were set to join on a 4-night birding cruise dubbed “Flock at Sea Again” that was organised by BirdLife South Africa and set to sail into fantastic pelagic birding waters. Bearing this in mind, we changed the itinerary to our advantage and incorporated De Hoop, encompassing a whole range of other possible endemics! This area of South Africa has an extremely high number of endemics – both faunal and floral – and is the world’s smallest floristic kingdom! Birding highlights were specials such as Knysna Woodpecker, Forest and Jackal Buzzards, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted, Malachite and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds, Protea and Forest Canaries, Southern Tchagra, Cape Spurfowl, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, African Oystercatcher, African Penguin, Hartlaub’s Gull, Crowned, Cape and Bank Cormorants, Agulhas Long-billed, Large-billed and Larks, Black Harrier, Pale Chanting Goshawk, , Rufous-eared, Cinnamon-breasted, Victorin’s and Namaqua Warblers, White- backed Mousebird, Fairy Flycatcher, Southern Black and Karoo Korhaans and Grey-winged Francolin. Mammalian species that are worth a mention included Brant’s Whistling , the Cape sub-species of Mountain Zebra, the largest antelope in the world – Common Eland, the Bontebok sub-species of Blesbok, Springbok and Cape Grysbok. The food and wine were definitely highlights, too. ______

Day one saw us starting mid-morning from the coastal village of Simon’s Town. We made our way over the famous Table Mountain toward the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. With its fantastic variety of indigenous plant species and natural vegetation surrounding the garden, this is a fantastic destination to get accustomed to some South African birding. Upon arrival, we were treated to a singing flock of about fifteen Cape Canaries. We scoured through the gardens and picked up many Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk by Adam Riley Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape White-eye, Sombre Greenbul, impressive Cape Batis, Olive Thrush, Cape Bulbul and African Dusky Flycatcher. After hearing the squawks of some Cape Spurfowls, we went in search and found a few confiding individuals that gave excellent views. After a great lunch in some much-needed shade, we made our way to one of the best birding spots in the country – Strandfontein Waste Water Treatment Plant. A stunning Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk was seen rising on a thermal en route.

Levaillant’s Cisticola was evident from the start, on the edge of the marshes, while Lesser Swamp and Little Rush Warblers required some patience. Waterfowl were seen in their hundreds and most abundant were Cape Teal, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck and Southern Pochard. Common Moorhen and Red-knobbed Coot were present in their hundreds whilst a small flock of White- winged Terns were seen foraging low over the water, including one individual in breeding plumage. A memorable sighting was that of an African Eagle with its Greater Crested Tern prey –

Trip Report – RBT South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2017 3 witnessing the fruitless attempts from the tern to dissuade its outcome was a sad site. Hundreds of waders were present and we managed to pick out Ruff, Little Stint and Three-banded and Grey Plovers whilst a tern roost produced Greater Crested and Sandwich Terns, as well as many Hartlaub’s, Kelp and a few Grey-headed Gulls. Many Greater Flamingos were seen feeding in the pans and a handful of African Oystercatchers flew by. We made our way back to Simon’s Town and after a delicious seafood dinner and a glass of Chardonnay, we retreated to a good night’s rest after a successful day.

An early breakfast watching the sunrise over False Bay was memorable. After which we bid farewell to Simon’s Town and made our way around False Bay. A brief stop at Strandfontein once again gave us some new sightings, such as Hottentot Teal, Maccoa Duck, a couple of African Marsh Harriers, White-necked Raven and a single Common Ringed Plover. We got fantastic views of Little Rush Warblers Orange-breasted Sunbird by Adam Riley displaying and African Swamphen is always nice to look at. We moved even further around the peninsula and up Sir Lowry’s Pass. The parking lot provided us with our first Cape Rock Thrush and the spectacular walk within pristine Fynbos habitat provided us with cracking views of Cape Sugarbird, stunning Orange-breasted Sunbird, Grey-backed Cisticola and Familiar Chat. We heard the distinctive call of a major target in this biome and eventually got superb views of two Victorin’s Warblers interacting with one another – out in the open! More Rock Kestrel and White-necked Raven were seen overhead before we moved back down the pass for a bite to eat.

We rounded the eastern end of False Bay and were treated to a fantastic sighting of a huge pod of Long-beaked Common Dolphins! They were pretty close to the shoreline and we watched as they moved around lazily, taking in this memorable occurrence. Our next stop was at Stony Point – the largest breeding colony of African Penguins on the mainland, with an estimated population standing at approximately 9,000 individuals! We enjoyed close up views of this charismatic species as they went about their daily routines. We also saw many Rock Hyraxes – the closest living relative to elephants! We sifted through an impressive cormorant colony and managed to pick out the rare Crowned and Bank amongst many Cape and White-breasted Cormorants! We decided to move on to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, which is exquisite and always quite a treat. Dodging some Chacma Baboons in the parking area, we had a lovely walk around. Species we managed to find were Neddicky, Swee Waxbill, Fork-tailed Drongo, African Dusky Flycatcher, Cape Bulbul, Southern Double Collared Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird and many Cape Robin-Chats.

We then had to make our way east to the De Hoop area and the wheat fields of the Overberg. This area is well-known as the Blue Crane by Steve Davis

Trip Report – RBT South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2017 4 only place to find the endemic Agulhas Long-billed Lark, as well as many other good species, and is the western limit of some exciting species too. The drive was very scenic and South Africa’s national – the Blue Crane – was seen in very good numbers. Literally thousands of Helmeted Guineafowl scurried over the fields whilst Jackal Buzzard and Black-winged Kites were numerous and perched conspicuously. We saw flocks of Southern Red and Yellow Bishops and Yellow Canaries. Two small falcons were seen and we managed to ID them as Peregrine Falcons of the minor sub-species. We enjoyed a group of Denham’s Bustards strolling across a field, also many Pied Starling and Red-capped Lark. Arriving at our accommodation set along the stunning Breede River, with a vista to remember, we settled down and were treated to a lovely home-cooked dinner consisting of Ostrich fillet steak.

Another early breakfast was devoured as we watched the bird feeders on the veranda. The Cape Sugarbird by Hugh Chittenden culprits were many Streaky-headed Seedeaters, Speckled Mousebird, Cape Weaver and Cape Sparrow. A short walk around the garden produced our first Karoo Scrub Robin, Brimstone Canary and Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Soon afterwards, we heard the faint call of a major target, and one of the toughest endemics to South Africa – Knysna Woodpecker. This striking woodpecker’s activity peaks just after sunrise, when it calls every 15 – 20 minutes, and finding this gem is a task-and-a-half. We tried our luck at finding this attractive species but, unfortunately, missed out. We hopped in our vehicle and made our way to the wheat fields and quickly managed to pick up on a pair of Karoo Korhaan! Another endemic. We watched as they preened in the morning sun. We left them in peace and went in search of some larks. We passed more Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard and a new canary in the form of White-throated Canary.

We stopped at a field that looked promising and immediately heard the distinctive two-note call of the Agulhas Long-billed Lark! We went in search and found two displaying in the distance. We then focussed on some Plain-backed and African , Bokmakierie and another lark – Large- billed Lark! As we were watching it display, we peered to the side only to find the Agulhas Long- billed Lark had moved closer and proceeded to call from a fence post a mere 20 metres from us! We witnessed a stunning adult Cape Vulture soaring overhead before finding many birds perched in some fields and soaring low overhead on a thermal. We made our way to De Hoop Nature Reserve and saw many Common Ostrich, Cape Sugarbird, Karoo Prinia, Cape Spurfowl and Cape Bulbul. Some exciting mammals were the Bontebok sub-species of Blesbok, as well as the large Common Eland and the Cape sub-species of Mountain Zebra. We visited the area near the mouth of the river and saw many Great Crested Grebes, as well as more Karoo Scrub Robin and Bokmakierie in the shrubbery. Our lunch spot saw us getting really close to some very vocal Southern Tchagra by Trevor Hardaker Cape Spurfowl. A walk around our

Trip Report – RBT South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2017 5 accommodation in the afternoon saw us getting some major targets! First of which was a stunning adult Black Harrier! Flying low, in search of food. A large covey of Grey-winged Francolins was another good sighting. We retired to a lovely meal and a glass of wine.

The following morning saw us falling into routine yet again, before going in search of the Knysna Woodpecker we heard yesterday morning. We spent some time in search of our quarry and after what seemed like an eternity, we finally located a stunning male that came into view! Success! Leaving our accommodations, we managed to find a pair of Black Sparrowhawks – one bird being melanistic. As we enjoyed this spectacle, we found another major target in the form of a stunning Southern Tchagra amongst many Cape Buntings and Acacia Pied Barbets. We Bokmakierie by Adam Riley left with huge smiles on our faces and proceeded north-west, back to Cape Town, ticking a fantastic Forest Buzzard along the way before heading further north to Ceres. En route we stopped for another endemic restricted to mountainous slopes scattered with Protea bushes – Protea Canary. We had a few stops in good habitat with no luck. Stopping in some better habitat on the edge of a little stream gave us a few birds within seconds! Success yet again! Continuing on the scenic drive through the mountains and vineyards, we passed a small river to find a pair of African Black Ducks flying about before settling down and giving us great views.

Ceres is a good base to explore the “gateway” to the karoo – specifically, the tankwa karoo. This morning saw us heading out in the dark and arriving in the karoo in time for sunrise. Whilst enjoying a hearty breakfast, we were visited by our first Karoo Chat, accompanied by Cape Bunting and Bokmakierie. Pushing on, we got our only Rufous-eared Warbler. This semi-desert habitat holds a surprising amount of endemics, considering its harshness. We managed to find the attractive Karoo Lark, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, more Karoo Prinia, Greater Kestrel, handsome Pale Chanting Goshawk, and Tractrac and Sickle-winged Chats. We ventured into a rocky pass and went in search for one of the biggest targets here. Being past the breeding season, it made the search a little more difficult, but an attentive ear and good eyesight saw us laying eyes on a stunning Cinnamon-breasted Warbler! Clambering around and through the rocks on the slopes, we watched this sought-after species for some time. We then visited a little oasis in the “desert” with some large acacia trees and water nearby. We quickly heard the charismatic call of the Fairy Flycatcher and went in search. We found a pair, which gave us stunning views amongst some Chat Flycatchers, Cape Bunting, Long-billed Crombec and Red- winged Starling. The reedbeds nearby held a calling Red-chested Flufftail which we, unfortunately, could not coax out. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler by Clayton Burne Mammalian species seen were the adapted

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Gemsbok, Common Eland, Brant’s Whistling Rat and many Springbok! We finished off the day nicely with a pair of Namaqua Sandgrouse feeding on the edge of the road.

This morning saw us leaving after breakfast and fighting our way through some heavy winds to reach the west coast of South Africa. We arrived in the town of Langebaan on the edge of Langebaan Lagoon and had a strategic stop in some promising habitat. We quickly found one of our targets – the dainty Cape Penduline Tit. We watched this pretty bird before being drawn away by the sighting of another target – Southern Black Korhaan! Entering the West Coast National Park, we quickly found some Common Ostrich as well as White-backed Mousebirds. We visited the Seeberg Bird Hide and enjoyed more Cape Penduline Tits and Chestnut-vented Warbler on the walkway. The hide itself gave us excellent views of Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints, White-fronted Plovers, African Oystercatcher, Greater and Lesser Flamingos for comparison, Cape and Crowned Cormorants and Caspian and Greater Crested Terns. We visited the Geelbek Bird Hide soon after and were in time to enjoy many waders within close view. New birds here were Bar-tailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper, Whimbrel, a few impressive Eurasian Curlew, many Sanderling and a single Kittlitz’s Plover. We, unfortunately, had to make our way back to Cape Town where the tour concluded. In summary – it was a fantastic extension to a wonderful part of the world. Great birding, fantastic scenery Cape Penduline Tit by Dubi and excellent food, wine and people. Shapiro ______Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (175 in total: 171 seen, 4 heard) Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2017. IOC World Bird List (v 7.1).

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus australis Observed 5 days in total.

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus leuconotus (1) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4. A single bird was seen amongst a large group of waterfowl. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis niger Observed 1 day in total.

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Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Observed 1 day in total. South African Shelduck Tadorna cana (2) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 6 Mudlark 20.4. Cape Teal Anas capensis (3) 1000 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4, 500 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4 and 5 West Coast NP 23.4. Fantastic numbers were seen in Strandfontein. African Black Duck Anas sparsa sparsa (1) 2 en route 21.4. A pair of birds was seen flying then feeding on a river en route to Ceres. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata undulata Observed 3 days in total. Cape Shoveler Anas smithii Observed 3 days in total. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha (2) 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 5 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota (1) 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma brunnea (1) 3 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4. Maccoa Duck (NT) Oxyura maccoa (1) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Observed 1 day in total.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Grey-winged Francolin Scleroptila afra (1) 21 Mudlark 20.4. A large covey was seen along the Breede River on a short walk. Cape Spurfowl Pternistis capensis Observed 1 day in total.

Penguins Spheniscidae African Penguin (EN) Spheniscus demersus (1) 400 Stony Point 19.4. We visited the largest colony on the mainland.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis Observed 3 days in total. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus infuscatus (1) 40 De Hoop NR 20.4.

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Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Observed 1 day in total. Lesser Flamingo (NT) Phoeniconaias minor (1) 50 West Coast NP 23.4.

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Observed 1 day in total. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash hagedash Observed 1 day in total. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (2) 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 5 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. African Spoonbill Platalea alba (2) 1 Mudlark 19.4 and 1 Mudlark 20.4.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Observed 4 days in total. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea Observed 3 days in total. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Observed 4 days in total. Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta Observed 3 days in total.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Observed 1 day in total.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus Observed 4 days in total. Crowned Cormorant (NT) Microcarbo coronatus (2) 10 Stony Point 19.4 and 3 West Coast NP 23.4. Bank Cormorant (EN) Phalacrocorax neglectus (1) 30 Stony Point 19.4. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Observed 1 day in total. Cape Cormorant (NT) Phalacrocorax capensis Observed 1 day in total.

Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa rufa (1) 1 De Hoop NR 20.4.

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Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus Observed 1 day in total. (NT) Polemaetus bellicosus (2) 2 Agulhas Plains 20.4 and 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Pale Chanting Goshawk canorus (1) 5 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris rufiventris (2) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 1 Sir Lowry's Pass 21.4. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus melanoleucus (1) 2 Mudlark 21.4. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus (2) 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Black Harrier (VU) Circus maurus (1) 1 Mudlark 20.4. A fantastic sighting of an adult was seen along the Breede River. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Observed 2 days in total. Forest Buzzard Buteo trizonatus (1) 1 en route 21.4. A single adult bird was seen perched and then in flight whilst travelling. Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus Observed 1 day in total.

Bustards Otididae Denham's Bustard (NT) Neotis denhami (3) Up to 7 Agulhas Plains 19-21.4. Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii (1) 2 Agulhas Plains 20.4. A pair was seen close to the road, preening and quite relaxed. Southern Black Korhaan (VU) Afrotis afra (1) 2 West Coast NP 23.4. A couple of birds were seen well in the open in the strand scrub on the edge of the park.

Flufftails Sarothruridae Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa (1) 1 heard Tanqua Karoo 22.4.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra (1) 1 heard Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis (2) 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus meridionalis (3) 70 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4, 30 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4 and 1 heard Tanqua

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Karoo 22.4. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Observed 3 days in total.

Cranes Gruidae Blue Crane (VU) Grus paradisea Observed 3 days in total. We saw many individuals in the wheatfields of the Overberg region.

Thick-knees Burhinidae Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis Observed 1 day in total. A bird was seen on the lawn of Riverside Lodge where we had dinner in Calvinia.

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae African Oystercatcher (NT) Haematopus moquini (3) 10 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4, 1 en route 19.4 and 7 West Coast NP 23.4.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Observed 1 day in total. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Observed 1 day in total.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus Observed 3 days in total. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus (2) 8 Agulhas Plains 19.4 and 12 Agulhas Plains 20.4. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola squatarola Observed 1 day in total. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula tundrae (1) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius (1) 1 West Coast NP 23.4. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris (3) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4, 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4 and 1 West Coast NP 23.4. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus (2) 2 De Hoop NR 20.4 and 10 West Coast NP 23.4.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica lapponica (1) 10 West Coast NP 23.4. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus phaeopus Observed 1 day in total.

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Eurasian Curlew (NT) Numenius arquata (1) 3 West Coast NP 23.4. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (1) 2 West Coast NP 23.4. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres interpres (1) 1 West Coast NP 23.4. Little Stint Calidris minuta Observed 1 day in total. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (1) 40 West Coast NP 23.4. Ruff Philomachus pugnax (2) 7 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 5 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus poiocephalus (2) 12 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. We managed to pick out a few amongst the many Hartlaubu0027s Gulls. Hartlaub's Gull Chroicocephalus hartlaubii Observed 1 day in total. One of the most abundant gulls in the Cape. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Observed 1 day in total. Literally thousands of individuals were seen. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Observed 4 days in total. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii bergii Observed 1 day in total. We even saw a fatal incident including a Greater Crested Tern being attacked and eventually killed and eaten by an African Fish Eagle. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Observed 1 day in total. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (2) 15 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 15 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. The same flock was seen twice, foraging low over the water.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua (1) 2 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. We were lucky to find a pair foraging on the side of the road in the Tankwa Karoo.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia var. domestica Observed 1 day in total. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea phaeonota Observed 1 day in total.

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We saw a few individuals including one calling from the top of a cash machine! Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Observed 1 day in total. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Observed 1 day in total. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis senegalensis Observed 3 days in total.

Owls Strigidae Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus africanus (1) 2 Mudlark 20.4. We did a very successful night drive in search of this bird and found two! Very good views of both!

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Observed 4 days in total. White-backed Mousebird Colius colius (1) 10 West Coast NP 23.4. A large flock was found in the strand vegetation on the edge of Langebaan Lagoon. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus (1) 3 Mudlark 20.4.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rudis (1) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4.

African Barbets Lybiidae Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas (2) 1 Mudlark 20.4 and 1 heard Mudlark 21.4.

Woodpeckers Picidae Knysna Woodpecker (NT) Campethera notata (2) 1 heard Mudlark 20.4 and 1 Mudlark 21.4. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens (1) 1 heard Mudlark 20.4.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus Observed 3 days in total. Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides rupicoloides (1) 2 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. A good sighting of two individuals in the semi-desert karoo. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (2) 2 Agulhas Plains 19.4, 1 en route 19.4 and 1 Sir Lowry's Pass 21.4.

Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis Batis capensis

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(2) 3 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.4 and 2 Du Toitskloof Pass 21.4.

Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus Observed 4 days in total. Many of these stunning birds were observed. Southern Tchagra Tchagra tchagra (1) 1 Mudlark 21.4. A single bird was seen in the scrub along the Breede River

Shrikes Laniidae Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris Observed 6 days in total.

Drongos Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis (2) 3 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4 and 2 Mudlark 20.4.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Cape Crow Corvus capensis capensis Observed 3 days in total. Pied Crow Corvus albus Observed 3 days in total. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis Observed 6 days in total.

Fairy Flycatchers Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita (1) 2 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. A pair was seen well at the start of Katbakkies Pass, in the acacia filled picnic site.

Penduline-Tits Remizidae Cape Penduline Tit Anthoscopus minutus (1) 3 West Coast NP 23.4. We managed to find this tiny bird in the strand vegetation on the edge of the Langebaan Lagoon.

Larks Alaudidae Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris (2) 4 Agulhas Plains 20.4 and 2 Agulhas Plains 21.4. We found a few individuals including some birds doing their display flight! Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens (2) 2 Tanqua Karoo 22.4 and 1 West Coast NP 23.4. Good views were had in the semi-desert scrub. Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris (2) 5 Agulhas Plains 20.4 and 2 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Great views were had including some displaying from a bird in the Agulhas area. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea cinerea Observed 3 days in total.

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Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis Observed 1 day in total. Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus (3) 4 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.4, 1 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4 and 1 heard Mudlark 20.4. We got many birds in Kirstenbosch feeding on Ficus fruit.

Swallows Hirundinidae Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola paludicola Observed 6 days in total. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Observed 2 days in total. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis (1) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata (1) 2 De Hoop NR 20.4. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Observed 5 days in total.

Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer (1) 1 Sir Lowry's Pass 21.4. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens (2) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4 and 1 West Coast NP 23.4. Victorin's Warbler Cryptillas victorini (2) 2 Sir Lowry's Pass 19.4 and 1 heard Sir Lowry's Pass 21.4. Fantastic views were had of this skulker!

Reed-Warblers and Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris (3) 4 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4, 2 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4 and 1 heard Tanqua Karoo 22.4.

Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala (2) 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 3 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4.

Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla Observed 4 days in total. The most common cisticola in this biome. Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens (2) 8 Strandfontein Sewage Works 18.4 and 5 Strandfontein Sewage Works 19.4. Many birds were seen interacting along the marsh edges. Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla

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(1) 1 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4. Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix (1) 1 heard Agulhas Plains 20.4. Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa Observed 6 days in total. Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. A single bird was seen well in a typical habitat in the karoo. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Observed 2 days in total. Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. This stunning bird was seen once, perched up and then feeding on the ground and in low bushes. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. We had to work hard for this bird out of its breeding season and eventually found one bird and had great views! Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4.

Old World Warblers Sylviidae Chestnut-vented Warbler Sylvia subcoerulea (1) 1 West Coast NP 23.4. Seen literally a couple of metres from us in the open.

Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies Zosteropidae Cape White-eye Zosterops virens Observed 4 days in total. A separate sub-species (capensis) from the Cape White-eye further north (virens) in South Africa.

Sugarbirds Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer Observed 3 days in total. Many individuals were seen feeding in Protea bushes.

Starlings Sturnidae Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris Observed 1 day in total. Pied Starling Lamprotornis bicolor Observed 5 days in total. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio morio Observed 4 days in total.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus (2) 4 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.4 and 1 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4.

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Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Karoo Scrub Robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus Observed 4 days in total. Chat Flycatcher Melaenornis infuscatus (1) 3 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Very chat-like and seen extremely well hawking, from a perch. Fiscal Flycatcher Melaenornis silens Observed 4 days in total. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta (2) 1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.4 and 2 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra Observed 1 day in total. Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris (1) 2 Sir Lowry's Pass 19.4. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Observed 4 days in total. Sickle-winged Chat Emarginata sinuata (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii (1) 30 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Tractrac Chat Emarginata tractrac (1) 15 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Mountain Wheatear Myrmecocichla monticola monticola (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata Observed 1 day in total. Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris (2) 1 Sir Lowry's Pass 19.4 and 4 Sir Lowry's Pass 21.4.

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea Observed 3 days in total. This impressive endemic was common. Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa famosa (2) 1 Sir Lowry's Pass 19.4 and 1 Sir Lowry's Pass 21.4. Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus Observed 6 days in total.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus Observed 1 day in total. Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus Observed 4 days in total.

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Weavers and Allies Ploceidae Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis Observed 1 day in total. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix (1) 80 en route 19.4. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis Observed 3 days in total. Many flocks of non-breeding birds were seen on the plains as well as at our accommodation.

Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae Swee Waxbill Coccopygia melanotis (1) 1 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Observed 2 days in total.

Wagtails and Pipits Cape Motacilla capensis capensis Observed 1 day in total. African Anthus cinnamomeus (2) 2 Agulhas Plains 20.4 and 1 Agulhas Plains 21.4. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys leucophrys (1) 4 Agulhas Plains 20.4.

Finches, Euphonias Fringillidae Forest Canary Crithagra scotops (1) 2 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.4. A couple of birds let us get close whilst they were singing deep within a bush. Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris Observed 5 days in total. Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata (1) 2 De Hoop NR 20.4. Streaky-headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis Observed 3 days in total. White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis Observed 3 days in total. Protea Canary Crithagra leucoptera (1) 3 Du Toitskloof Pass 21.4. We had our work cut out and eventually found a few birds near a stream. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis (2) 15 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.4 and 5 Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.4.

Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis Observed 3 days in total.

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Mammals (17 in total: 17 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Hyraxes Procaviidae Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis (1) 4 Stony Point 19.4.

Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus ursinus Observed 3 days in total.

Rabbits, Hares Leporidae Cape Hare Lepus capensis (1) 2 Mudlark 21.4. Two were seen on our night drive.

True Mice and , Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae Brants's Whistling Rat Parotomys brantsii (1) 1 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. House Rat rattus Observed 1 day in total. Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio (1) 1 De Hoop NR 20.4. A confiding individual was seen at our lunch spot.

Mongooses Herpestidae Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata (1) 1 Agulhas Plains 21.4. Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus Observed 1 day in total.

Sea Lions Otariidae Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus (1) 3 en route 18.4.

Zebras, Horse, Asses Equidae Mountain Zebra Equus zebra (2) 1 Agulhas Plains 19.4 and 3 De Hoop NR 20.4. Capensis sub-species.

Oceanic Dolphins Delphinidae Long-beaked Common Dolphin Delphinus capensis capensis (1) 150 en route 19.4. A great spectacle was observed when a large pod was seen frolicking in False Bay.

Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae

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Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis (2) 3 en route 19.4 and 40 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus Observed 3 days in total. Bontebok sub-species seen well in the De Hoop area. Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus (1) 4 Du Toitskloof Pass 21.4. Gemsbok Oryx gazella (1) 20 Tanqua Karoo 22.4. Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis (2) 2 Agulhas Plains 20.4 and 5 Agulhas Plains 21.4. Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx (3) 15 De Hoop NR 20.4, 1 De Hoop NR 21.4 and 6 Tanqua Karoo 22.4.

______Rockjumper Birding Tours Worldwide Birding Adventures PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa Tel: +27 33 394 0225 Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com