Lotta Berg Day Trips

5th to 7th September 2015 (3 days)

Cape Rockjumper by Cliff Dorse

Day 1, 5th September: West Coast National Park & Darling Hills Loop. After meeting Lotta at 05h30 at the Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel, we were off on our first of three day trips. The weather forecast was perfect with very little wind and temperatures of around 30oC predicted. As such, we decided to do the West Coast first in order to fully optimize the good weather. We arrived at the gate of the West Coast National Park at sunrise, shortly before the gate opened. There we encountered our first birds of the trip, including Bokmakierie, Cape Weaver, Karoo Prinia, and Karoo Scrub Robin. Once in the Park we had good views of Southern Black Korhaan, Karoo Lark and White-backed Mousebird. We proceeded to the small freshwater wetland and bird hide known as Abrahamskraal. Wetland birds included Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Shoveler, Lesser Swamp Warbler and Little Grebe. A pair of confiding White-throated Swallow were building a nest in the hide and they gave exceptional views. We had a Black Crake flying across the reeds before we decided to head on to the popular area for flower displays, before it became too busy. The Flowers did not disappoint and there were fields of multi-coloured flowers in the Postberg section of the Park. When the flower area started to get very congested, we decided to retreat to quieter areas of the park. We had a good lunch at the Geelbek Restaurant before continuing our birding. We added numerous species but the highlights included Malachite Sunbird, Black Harrier, Rock Kestrel by Cliff Dorse Cardinal Woodpecker, Karoo Thrush, Wattled Starling as well as Greater and Lesser Flamingo. We decided to head back to Cape Town via the Darling Hills loop. This proved to be a good move as we encountered several pairs of Blue Crane, Spotted Thick-knee, Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw and Klaas’s Cuckoo.

Day 2, 6th September: Kogelberg Mountains and Strandfontein Sewage Works. We departed Cape Town at 06h00 for the eastern side of – the Kogelberg Mountains. After a quick stop for some coffee and a snack, our first birding spot for the day was near the quaint coastal town of Rooi Els, the famous Cape Rockjumper site! Here we enjoyed many delightful Orange-breasted and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds as well as Familiar Chat, Cape Rock Thrush and two White-necked Ravens which patrolled overhead. We walked the entire path scanning and listening for the Rockjumpers. Other birds included a group of four Ground Woodpeckers, Yellow Bishop, Grey-backed Cisticola and Cape Grassbird. It was on our way back that we heard the distinctive call of the Cape Rockjumper and shortly afterwards Lotta saw a beautiful male alighting on a rock. It soon flew right past us to join in with a group of birds clearly mobbing something near a large rock. It then lost interest and began foraging back up the slope. While watching it, it suddenly started alarming again and two other Rockjumper arrived to join it as did three Ground Woodpeckers. We were enjoying the spectacle for some time before we realised that a Spotted Eagle Owl, sitting quietly on the ground, was the cause of all the excitement. It really was a great wildlife experience and the rockjumpers and woodpeckers called incessantly and danced around the owl which looked rather unfazed by all the commotion. On our way out we visited the rock that had caused the initial excitement and on top of it was about a quarter of a large Olive House that had been killed and mostly eaten by a bird, most likely the Spotted Ground Woodpecker by Cliff Dorse Eagle Owl! We then went to the picturesque Harold Porter Garden where we encountered Amethyst Sunbird, Swee Waxbill, Olive Thrush and Cape Batis. In addition we glimpsed a Giant Kingfisher as it called and flew upstream. After a great lunch at the local restaurant, we decided to pop down to the Stony Point Penguin colony. Besides having plenty of delightful African Penguins to keep us entertained, we had good scope views of all four of ’s marine Cormorants, namely; Bank, Crowned, Cape and White-breasted. We then headed back towards Cape Town and stopped in at the Strandfontein Sewage Works. Despite the impressive north-westerly gale blowing we managed to get a good number of species including, African Marsh Harrier, South African Shelduck, Hottentot Teal, Purple Swamphen, Brimstone Canary and Pied Avocet.

Day 3, 7th September: Cape Peninsula Area. The north wester had brought in a cold front and was still blowing strongly bringing intermittent rain squalls. We decide to head straight to Cape Point to put in a short sea watch. On route we had a Peregrine Falcon sitting on top of a lamp post in Simon’s Town. Upon arrival we put up the scope both at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point but were only rewarded with White-chinned Petrel, Sooty Shearwaters and Cape Gannets. Elsewhere in the park we encountered Fiscal Flycatcher, Bokmakierie, and Southern Boubou. We were also entertained by some Bontebok and Chacma Baboons. We then headed on to Kirstenbosch where it was still raining intermittently. We African Penguin by Cliff Dorse enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Restaurant before braving the conditions for some birding in the world famous gardens. We had great views of Forest and Cape Canary, Southern Double Sunbird and a brief African Goshawk but the rain was not conducive to birding and we decided to target some of the gaps on our list by visiting a few local sites. The first, the Black River did not disappoint and we found our first Darter and Pied Kingfishers of the trip. A quick drive past an urban wetland in the suburb of Ottery produced an African Spoonbill as well as Southern Masked Weaver. We then returned to Strandfontein Sewage Works where we had much better conditions than the previous day. We enjoyed a great diversity of Zitting Cisticola by Cliff Dorse wetland birds and added African Jacana (a local vagrant), Maccoa Duck and Zitting Cisticola. It was then time to get Lotta back to the Hotel so that she could prepare for the conference which facilitated her visit to South Africa. All in all, it was a productive three days with 163 bird species recorded. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the interaction of the Cape Rockjumpers, Ground Woodpeckers and Spotted Eagle-Owl.

Total species recorded:

Birds: 163 (7 heard only) Mammals: 12 : 4 Frogs: 1

Total species recorded:  Birds:163 (7 heard only)  Mammals: 12  Reptiles: 4  Frogs: 1

Annotated List of Birds recorded

Nomenclature and follows the IOC List of Please cite: Gill, F. and M. Wright. 2006. Birds of the World: Recommended English Names, version 2.5, Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press.

Key: (E) = Endemic to ; (NE) = Near-endemic to southern Africa; (BE) = Breeding Endemic (southern Africa is defined as the area south of the Cunene and Zambezi Rivers).

West Coast National Park – WCNP Strandfontein Sewage Works - SSW

Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus Wild Ostrich were encountered in WCNP and in Cape Point. NOTE: IOC now considers Common Ostrich and Somali Ostrich S. molybdophanes of dry East Africa, two distinct species.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Seen on all three days.

Pheasants, Fowl & Allies Phasianidae

Cape Spurfowl (Francolin) (E) Pternistis capensis Seen on all three days. Grey-winged Francolin (E) Scleroptila afra Heard at the WCNP. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Heard at the WCNP.

Ducks & Geese Anatidae Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis This very large goose was seen on the Darling Hills Loop and at SSW. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Very common and seen on all three days. South African Shelduck (E) Tadorna cana A single male seen at the WCNP and a pair at the SSW. Cape Teal Anas capensis Seen at the WCNP and the SSW. Mallard (Introduced) Anas platyrhynchos A single female of this introduced species was seen at SSW. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata Seen on all three days. Cape Shoveler (NE) Anas smithii Recorded on all three days of the tour. Red-billed Teal (Duck) Anas erythrorhyncha Seen at SSW. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Red-billed Duck. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota A pair of this diminutive teal the SSW. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma Several birds at the SSW. Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa Several birds at the SSW.

Penguins Spheniscidae African Penguin (E) Spheniscus demersus This charismatic and Endangered species was seen at the Stony Point breeding colony.

Petrels, Shearwaters Procellariidae White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis A few birds observed during a sea watch from Cape Point. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus A few birds observed during a sea watch from Cape Point.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe (Dabchick) Tachybaptus ruficollis Seen at the WCNP and SSW. Black-necked (Eared) Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Seen at SSW NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Eared Grebe.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Seen at SSW and the WCNP. Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor Seen at the WCNP.

Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Seen on every day of the tour. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash This ubiquitous bird was seen on every day of the tour. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Seen at the SSW. African Spoonbill Platalea alba A single bird observed at a wetland in Ottery.

Bitterns & Herons Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax A single bird disturbed at its day time roost in the WCNP. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Seen on all days. NOTE: The IOC splits Cattle Egret into 2 species, the nominate form Western Cattle Egret and the Asian/Australasian Eastern Cattle Egret E. coromanda. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Recorded on all three days. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Recorded on all three days. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Seen at the SSW.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Seen flying above the WCNP.

Gannets & Boobies Sulidae Cape Gannet (BE) Morus capensis Seen from the shore on the eastern side of False Bay and again from Cape Point.

Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus This freshwater cormorant was seen at SSW. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Long-tailed Cormorant. Crowned Cormorant (RE) Phalacrocorax coronatus This species, the marine counterpart of Reed Cormorant, was seen at the Stony Point Penguin colony. Bank Cormorant (RE) Phalacrocorax neglectus This endangered Endemic was seen at the Stony Point Penguin colony. White-breasted (Great) Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Seen in the SSW. NOTE: The IOC splits the white-breasted African subspecies into a full species from the widely distributed Great Cormorant P. carbo. Clements does not accept this split. Cape Cormorant (BE) Phalacrocorax capensis Seen on all three days of the tour.

Darters Anhingidae Darter Anhinga rufa Seen along the Black River near Maitland.

Kites, Hawks, Eagles & Vultures Accipitridae Black-winged (shouldered) Kite Elanus caeruleus This small raptor was seen on all three days of the tour. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Black-shouldered Kite. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Seen at the Postberg section of the WCNP. NOTE: This species has recently been split from the Palaearctic migrant Black Kite Milvus migrans. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Heard calling in the WCNP. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro A single bird glimpsed at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus A bird seen at Princessvlei late on the 6th of September. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus Seen at the SSW. Black Harrier (E) Circus maurus This striking endemic was seen well at the WCNP. Jackal Buzzard (E) Buteo rufofuscus This distinctive endemic raptor was seen in the WCNP. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus A single dark phased bird seen soaring in Gordon’s Bay.

Bustards Otididae Southern Black Korhaan (E) Afrotis afra Seen and heard in the WCNP.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus An unexpected local vagrant, seen at the SSW.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris Seen in the WCNP. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis Seen at the SSW. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus This widespread species was seen on all three days of the tour. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Seen on all three days of the tour.

Cranes Gruidae Blue Crane (E) Anthropoides paradiseus South Africa national bird was seen well on the Darling Hill’s Loop.

Cranes Gruidae Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis A pair seen seen well on the Darling Hill’s Loop.

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae African Oystercatcher (NE) Haematopus moquini Seen on all three days of the tour.

Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Seen very well at SSW. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avocetta Two birds seen at SSW.

Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus armatus A common species encountered on all three days. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Seen well in the WCNP. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Seen in Langebaan Lagoon, WCNP. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius Seen in the WCNP. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris Seen on the Darling Hills Loop. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus Seen in the WCNP.

Sandpipers, stints, curlew etc Scolopacidae Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Seen in Langebaan Lagoon, WCNP. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Seen in Langebaan Lagoon, WCNP. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Seen in Langebaan Lagoon, WCNP and at SSW. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Seen in Langebaan Lagoon, WCNP and at SSW.

Gulls, Terns, Skimmers Laridae Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus A common species encountered on all three days. NOTE: Recent work suggests that the Kelp Gull complex L. dominicanus may be split into as many as four species. The African form we observed has been proposed as Cape Gull L. vetula, although this is not accepted by IOC. Hartlaub's Gull (E) Larus hartlaubii The common small gull encountered in all coastal areas. Grey-headed(hooded) Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus A single bird seen at SSW. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Seen at the WCNP only. Greater Crested (Swift) Tern Thalasseus bergii Seen on all three days of the tour. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Seen on all three days of the tour. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Seen at the WCNP at Seeberg and at Cape Point.

Doves & Pigeons Columbidae Common (Rock) Pigeon Columba livia Seen occasionally in urban areas. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea A very common species seen on each day of the tour.. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Seen on all three days. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Recorded on all three days. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Seen well in the Town of Darling. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis A single male was seen in the WCNP.

Cuckoos, coucals & Malkohas Cuculidae Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas Seen at dusk on the Darling Hills road.

Typical Owls Strigidae Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus Seen very well at Rooi Els being harassed by Cape Rockjumpers and Ground Woodpeckers. Also seen roosting at SSW.

Swifts Apodidae Black Swift Apus barbatus Seen in the WCNP. Little Swift Apus affinis Great views in the WCNP on the walk to the Seeberg Hide. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer Seen in the WCNP.

Mousebirds Coliidae

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Seen well at Cape Point. White-backed Mousebird (NE) Colius colius This was the common mousebird species in the WCNP. Fed-faced Mousebird (NE) Urocolius indicus Heard but not seen in the WCNP.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima One heard and seen flying up the stream at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Three birds seen along the Black River, Maitland.

Hoopoes Upupidae African (Eurasian) Hoopoe Upupa africana One heard in the WCNP. NOTE: The Hoopoe complex has had a confusing taxonomic history, with one to four species being recognized by various authorities. Clements splits the group into two forms, Madagascar U. marginalis and Eurasian U. epops. The white-winged African forms are often split by other authorities as West African Hoopoe U. senegalensis with the fourth species being African Hoopoe U. africana (which we recorded). However, the most generally accepted treatment is that of three species, Madagascar, Eurasian and African.

Woodpeckers - Picidae Upupidae Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus A party of four seen extremely well at Rooi Els. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens Both males and females seen well in the WCNP near the Geelbek homestead.

Falcons & Kestrels Falconidae Rock (Eurasian) Kestrel Falco rupicolus This common raptor was seen on every day on the tour. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Eurasian Kestrel F. tinnunculus. The IOC splits Rock Kestrel F. rupicolus, which was the taxa we observed. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus One individual was seen on a lamp post in Simon’s Town.

Wattle-eyes & Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis Batis capensis A pair seen at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

Bush-shrikes & Allies Malaconotidae Bokmakierie (NE) Telophorus zeylonus This distinctive and conspicuous birds was seen very well in the WCNP and in Cape Point..

Shrikes Laniidae Southern (Common) Fiscal Lanius collaris A very common bird seen on all three days. Southern Boubou (E) Laniarius ferrugineus A pair seen well at Cape Point.

Drongos Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Seen fist at Kool Bay on the way to Rooi Els.

Crows Corvidae Pied Crow Corvus albus This ubiquitous species was seen in good numbers every day. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis This large billed crow was seen at Rooi Els and Cape Point.

Rockjumpers Chaetopidae Cape Rockjumper (E) Chaetops frenatus Three birds seen extremely well at Rooi Els.

Tits Paridae Grey Tit (E) Parus afer Recorded in the WCNP.

Tits Paridae Cape Penduline Tit Parus afer This diminutive bush bird was seen well in the WCNP.

Larks Alaudidae Karoo Lark (E) Certhilauda albescens Seen well in the WCNP.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Cape Bulbul (E) Pycnonotus capensis Very common in the Western Cape and seen daily. Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus Seen at Harold Porter and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Brown-throated (Plain) Martin Riparia paludicola Seen at WCNP and SSW. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Plain Martin. Banded Martin Riparia cincta Seen at WCNP. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis Seen at WCNP and SSW. Pearl Breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata Seen only at WCNP. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula A common and widespread species seen on every day of the trip. NOTE: This confusing polytypic complex is being reviewed for multi-species splitting. Within African populations, 3 potential species exist. The southern African nominate form H. f. fuligula remains Rock Martin, northern populations would become Red-throated Rock Martin H. pusilla. Palaearctic birds become Pale Crag Martin H. obsoleta.

Crombecs, African Warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird (E) Sphenoeacus afer Seen at Rooi Els and at Cape Point. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens Encountered in the WCNP. Victorin’s Warbler (E) Cryptillas victorini Only heard at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

Reed Warblers & allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris Seen at the WCNP and SSW.

Grassbirds & Allies Locustellidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Bradypterus baboecala Seen at the WCNP and SSW.

Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Grey-backed Cisticola (NE) Cisticola subruficapilla A common bush bird in the Western Cape and seen on all three days. Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens A common Cisticola associated with wetlands and seen on all three days. Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla A single individual seen at Harold Porter Botanical Garden. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Seen very well at SSW. Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix Only heard on the Darling Hills Loop. Karoo Prinia (E) Prinia maculosa One of the commonest species in the Western Cape and seen daily. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Seen very well in the WCNP.

Sylviid Babblers Sylvidae Chestnut(Rufous)-vented Warbler Parisoma subcaeruleum This charming species was seen in the WCNP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Rufous-vented Warbler.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Cape White-eye (E) Zosterops capensis Common in varied habitat throughout the Western Cape and seen daily.

Sugarbirds Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird (E) Promerops cafer This classic species was seen well at Harold Ported and Cape Point.

Starlings Sturnidae Common (European) Starling Sturnus vulgaris This alien species was seen on every day of the tour. (African) Pied Starling (E) Lamprotornis bicolour This distinctive starling was seen well in the WCNP. Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea Many non-breeding birds seen well in the WCNP. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio Seen well in Harold Porter and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Thrushes Turdidae Olive Thrush (E) Turdus olivaceus This Afrotemperate Forest species was seen in both Harold Porter and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Karoo Thrush (E) Turdus smithi This species replaces the Olive Thrush in the drayer areas and is a winter Visitor to the WCNP. One was also seen on the Darling Hills Loop.

Chats & Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra This distinctive starling was seen on all the days. Karoo Scrub Robin (N) Cercotrichas coryphaeus Many seen in the WCNP. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata Seen in the WCNP. Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris Widespread and confiding, seen at Rooi Els and Cape Point. Cape Rock Thrush (E) Monticola rupestris A pair was seen well at Rooi Els. Fiscal Flycatcher (E) Melaenornis silens Seen at distance in the WCNP and then seen at close quarters at Cape Point. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta Seen at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

Sunbirds Nectariniidae Orange-breasted Sunbird (E) Anthobaphes violacea A spectacular Fynbos endemic seen at Rooi Els, Harold Porter and Cape Point. Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina A pair seen in Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa Many seen in the WCNP and again at Cape Point. Southern Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris chalybeus The most common sunbird of the trip, seen daily.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus Seen on several occasions, always associated with man. Cape Sparrow (NE) Passer melanurus A common and distinctive sparrow, seen on all three days.

Weavers & Widowbirds Ploceidae Cape Weaver (E) Ploceus capensis A large weaver species seen on all three days but the best sightings were at the WCNP. Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus Only one male in breeding condition seen at a wetland in Ottery on the Cape Flats. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix Many small flocks seen on the Darling Hills Road. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Red Bishop. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis Seen daily at most locations.

Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Swee Waxbill (E) Estrilda melanotis A flock of these charming birds was seen at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Seeen well at SSW.

Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis A common species seen on all three days. Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw (E) Macronyx capensis A pair seen on the side of the road on the Darling Hills Loop. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Seen on each day of the tour with the best views at the SSW.

Finches Fringillidae Forest Canary Crithagra scotops Seen at close quarters at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Yellow Canary (NE) Crithagra flaviventris Many flocks seen in the WCNP. Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata Seen at SSW. White-throated Canary (NE) Crithagra albogularis Seen at the WCNP. Cape Canary Crithagra canicollis Seen at Harold Porter and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Buntings Emberizidae Cape Bunting (NE) Emberiza capensis Seen well on all three days of the tour.

Annotated List of Mammals recorded

Names and taxonomical order of the mammals follow 2007 edition of “Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa” by Chris and Tilde Stuart; additional names are given in parenthesis and are likely to appear other popular field guides.

Total species recorded: 12

Mongooses Herpestidae Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus Seen on route to Rooi Els. Seals Otariidae Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus A few seen on the rocks at the Cape of Good Hope.

Pleated Whales Balaenopteridae Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae One seen during the sea watch from the Cape of Good Hope. Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis One seen off the Stony Point Penguin Colony.

Bovids & Horned Ungulates Bovidae Bontebok E Damaliscus pygargus Seen at in the WCNP and Cape Point. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris Seen on the first day of the trip in the WCNP. Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis One seen well at SSW. Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia A single seen in the WCNP. Common Eland Taurotragus oryx Observed in the WCNP and at Cape Point.

Hyraxes Procavidae Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis Seen at Seeberg in the WCNP.

Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus A troop seen foraging at Olifantsbos in Cape Point.

Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio A single individual crossing the road at Betty’s Bay.

Annotated List of Reptiles recorded Total species recorded: 4

Karoo Girdled Lizard (E) Karusasaurus polyzonus Seen at the WCNP. Cape Girdled Lizard (E) Cordylus cordylus Seen at the Stony Point Penguin Colony at Betty’s Bay. Angulate Tortoise (E) Chersina angulata Several seen at the WCNP. Cape capensis Seen at the WCNP.

Annotated List of Frogs recorded Total species recorded: 1

Cape River Frog Amietia fuscigula Several seen at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

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