On March 15th our outing took us to Strandfontein and Zandvlei, near Muizenberg.
The first stop was False Bay Nature Reserve which includes the Strandfontein water / sewage works. It doesn’t sound glamourous but it’s a large area containing multiple ponds and reed beds forming a haven for water birds and many other species.
Stopping by the entrance we spotted a Batis (very apt) and Black Sparrowhawk before we headed further into the reserve. The very first pool did not disappoint with a flock (or is it a flamboyance?) of Flamingos among Ducks, Gulls, Grebes, Ibis and Egrets and a Rock Kestrel hiding on his favourite perch. Further in we encountered another gate with the sign ‘important birding area’ – excitement now rising. Driving through the sandy roads we were bombarded by swallows swooping everywhere. Our next stop included Spur winged goose, Pelicans and Avocets.
At one of the last stops we enjoyed lovely views of ducks and terns but the hoped-for spot of a Phalarope eluded us (or me at least). As we exited the reserve, a small bird on a fishing platform amongst Caspian and Crested terns confused many of us but was later identified as a White Winged Tern (non-breeding). All in all it’s a super area to drive around and enjoy the tranquility and the birdlife (just don’t look towards the dump site next door).
A smaller group us then headed to Zandvlei, a small reserve within a residential area near Muizenberg. There’s a pleasant walk to a hide where we enjoyed watching a pair of pied kingfishers.
Thanks to Riel for organising and guiding this outing, it’s great to discover birding spots that you might not have known about before. Also for the photo. There will be more photos and information in the next Batis.
