By Marinda Bruwer
On 15 June 2024 club members set out from the Vergelegen Plein parking area in six cars to Keurbos, Elgin, property of Jessie Walton, also a SWBC member. It was a beautiful sunny day with no wind. Nearing Grabouw streaks of fog were visible in the lower-lying areas. It created such a fairy-like atmosphere; I was expecting some fairies to appear at any moment.
Our first stop was at a fairly big dam with a bird hide across the Highlands Road from Jessie’s place. There were spider webs galore, hanging on the grass and fences like crocheted doilies. The fog lifted while we were sitting in the hide. There was no breeze; the trees and clouds reflected on the water as if in a mirror. Egrets everywhere…; they dotted the tree tops like Christmas decorations. Apart from them there were also a few African Darters on display, as well as a Night Heron or two.
At Keurbos our first stop was to look at the Spotted Eagle Owls. They have been breeding there a few times. Paul Styger spotted a hybrid Buzzard, presumably between a Common and Forest Buzzard. It was discussed that some of them had been seen in the Western Cape and that two Master’s Degrees had been done on the phenomenon.
A great sighting, and a first for Jessie at her place, was an Amethyst Sunbird. Unfortunately we were all so fixed on staring at it that no-one pressed a shutter button on a camera.
Jessie started to re-wild her garden around five years ago and has planned it very cleverly to ensure that there are plants for a variety of bird and insect species. The masses of proteas also bring a wide variety of winged visitors.
Jessie’s place is definitely worth a visit. If you have never been there, keep an eye open for when we next go there or go to her nursery on a weekday at 65 Highlands Road, Elgin
Words and collage image by Marinda Bruwer, SWBC Member
