On September 28 2024 the Club was privileged to be invited to walk at Delheim Estate, Stellenbosch, in areas not usually accessible to the public. We were hosted by Nora who owns and lives on the estate, is a birder herself and keen to let others enjoy the beauty and the birds of the area. To that end she is in discussion with BirdLife South Africa about opening a birdwatching trail, and we were the lucky first visitors.

The walk took us through forest and vineyards on gravel tracks and past two pretty dams. There was a profusion of green with swathes of ferns, grasses and trees. The shades of green were punctuated with colour from emerging flowers. One very interesting spot was the wonderfully named Weedy Monkshood, an African variety of orchid.

It was a cool and cloudy morning with a few showers and apparently not many birds wanted to come out to play. We did spot Drongo, Yellow Bishop, Grey Headed Canary and Egrets while walking. Stopping for a rest at a dam, a Weaver gave us a good show jumping from nest to nest and two Brimstone Canaries were busy investigating a sandy bank perhaps for nesting materials.

Back at the farm, we were truly spoilt by Delheim with delicious meat and cheese platters and coffee in the cosy tasting cellar. The spotting continued in the areas around the restaurant including Olive Thrush, a Woodpecker and a Fiscal Flycatcher chick in its nest right in the middle of the outdoor restaurant area. The elusive Piet-my-vrou (Red-chested Cuckoo) was also photographed. Nora told us that birds are regularly seen around the buildings and lawns including Weavers, Hoopoes and Swee Waxbills.

A huge thank you from the Club to Nora and all the Delheim staff who looked after us so well. Our plan is to make this an annual trip and perhaps a more regular visit once they are further along with their plans.