Contribution by: CHAIRPERSON OF EASTERN CAPE BIRDLIFE, BARRY HEDDING
A White-starred Robin, Knysna Turaco’s and a sighting of a Black Cuckoo; what more could one ask for on a morning out with the birds? The venue of course was The Island Nature Reserve, our choice for the final birding outing of the year.
This Nature Reserve that comprises 480 ha of indigenous Alexandria coastal forest was established in 1986 and has 6 walking trails. In the centre is an extensive grassed picnic area, toilet facilities and two bomas. The boma must be booked and paid for and there is a cost per person. The gates only open at 8h00 in the morning, but Truus organised that they be opened for us at 7h00 – it was a bit later…
Straight away, we made for the bird bath to look for the White-starred Robin. It was a bit early for it so we broke into a number of groups going in different directions, with a few staying at the bird bath to wait, cameras at the ready, for the “star” of the show. It was interesting to hear from them that the area would be very quiet and then once one bird had ventured into the pool, others would join it, jostling for a place.
As with any forest birding, to get the most out of the trip, it is better to know the calls, as often the birds are heard rather than seen. We could hear the Black Cuckoo calling from the dense trees and to my great delight, I spotted it on a branch not far from us and managed to get a photo.
There are a number of trails to follow and when birding instead of walking a trail, it is difficult to decide which path to take. We took one that ran parallel to the road. Unfortunately, the road has become increasingly busy over the years and the noise from the road tends to detract from listening only to birds. It is best to choose a path leading away from the traffic noise. Nevertheless, the chirping of a Greater Double-collared Sunbird directed us to him sitting high up on a branch. Dave came across a huge Puffadder on his path. Although their bite is toxic, they are not aggressive and move off when disturbed. A green and Yellow Collared Sunbird popped out of the forest to look at Graham who was waiting for us to identify a call.
Back at the picnic area, the White-starred Robin had returned again and again for a dip allowing the photographers ample opportunity to get just the right shot. This pretty little bird is seldom seen as it lives in the tangled undergrowth of a forest. According to the seventh edition of Roberts Birds of Southern Africa it bathes in the last hour of sunlight in a traditional place. Well, this one did not know that and enjoyed bathing throughout the day!
The bird bath was a very popular site for entertainment, and we saw Cape White-eyes, a Cape Glossy Starling, a Knysna Turaco, a Forest Canary and the seldom seen Lemon Dove all coming to have a dip.
The fires were ready by eleven and we all gathered around to unpack our braai meat and salads which we tucked into as we sat in a large circle under the beautiful indigenous trees. Grateful thanks must go to Graham for lighting the fires and providing the coals for cooking.
