While searching for the elusive and uncommon Half-collared Kingfisher (we found not one, but two!) we flushed a little heron. As it flew determinedly past us, a greeny-grey blob with dangling legs, it was those bright orange, dangling legs and big feet that immediately identified it as a Green-backed Heron. A real WOW as this […]
MORE often than not when you live in Gauteng and you want to slip away for a few days, albeit just a weekend, your first thought is to head north along the N1 and park under a thorn tree in the bush. However, only an hour or two further in the other direction on the
It’s already halfway through summer in the Drakensberg. One indication is that the Red-chested Cuckoo is still calling, but the Black Cuckoo is not. The Half-collared Kingfisher has returned after at least six months away, a pair was poised in their favourite Buddleja overhanging the water. Another bird we have not seen for some time
Dear Friends We are sweltering in the berg! What a hot Spring month we have endured with temperatures regularly in the 30’s. We do look forward to a bit of moisture in October and November because the rivers are very low and the earth parched. But, this lovely hot weather does mean that our new
Miserable weather when it mattered most limited the birding somewhat. But the influx of tropical migrants has begun. They don’t all arrive at once, and as usual the Greater Striped Swallows were first. One more heavy rain is needed to provide them with the soft mud needed to start repairing old nests and building new
The roadworks on the R74 from Harrismith have resumed. This is good news as the roadworks had been abandoned when the construction company doing them was liquidated. For several years guests from Gauteng had to navigate a terrible 14km section. The bad news is that with ongoing roadworks, there are 2 stop / go delays.
Dearest Friends, It seemed impossible and then it was done… I can hardly believe it is all over. What a disappointment to wake up on Wednesday 28th May and not have to walk in the hills… I loved the incredible support from friends close and far, I so enjoyed the messages and was thrilled that
We had put 4 days aside during the July school holidays to do a little hiking with the children and some good friends. We had also managed to convince the grandparents that they should be the Sherpas (in their vehicle). Our first day was a hike from The Cavern to Witsieshoek Mountain Resort. The grandparents
Dear Friends Our Big5Hike weekend has happened and all seems to have passed very quickly! We are enormously grateful to each and every one of you for the support. Our weekend raffle winners were Brian McLintock and Anne Fraser. They have each won 2 nights for 2 in a superior suite including all meals, teas
Mid-winter’s day proved to be the best winter birding within living memory. The winter species list might be shorter than summer, but if anything the actual head count is greater. Altitudinal migrants and all other stragglers congregate in the Cavern valley at this time of year because of its sheltered warmth. Fairy Flycatchers are now
