Altydgedacht Wine Estate where three is a crowd, as Crested(Oriental) Honey Buzzard and European Honey Buzzard fill the sky

Altydgedacht Wine Estate — where three is certainly not a crowd.

So close to the city, yet worlds away. Step through the historic gates, and you are transported into a landscape of towering trees, golden light, and raptors carving silhouettes against the sky.

On this unforgettable visit, three European Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus – Europese Wespedief) circled overhead, joined by the ever-impressive African Goshawk and Black Sparrowhawk. A spectacle of migration, power, and wild beauty — all framed by the charm of this magnificent estate.

Three European Honey Buzzards — or so we thought.

One bird stands apart. Different. Striking. Suggestive of Crested Honey Buzzard.

Could this be just the second ever recorded in Cape Town?
Or are we witnessing the unthinkable — a hybrid between two closely related raptors?

The question now is not what we saw… but what it truly was. We believe our bird is a Hybrid Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard

Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard or European Honey Buzzard, Altytgedacht wine estate, Raptors, Rare Birds, Buzzards, Birding, Birds in flight , Durbanville, Alex Aitkenhead, Hybrid Crested Honey Buzzard

Hybrid Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard or European Honey Buzzard, Altydgedacht wine estate,

Dr Callan Cohen

Dr Callan Cohen’s authoritative analysis in BirdLife South Africa magazine provided a meticulous comparison of the subtle yet decisive differences between the two closely related species, equipping observers with the critical tools needed for accurate identification. By carefully applying every diagnostic feature he outlined — from structural nuances and plumage patterns to flight profile and head shape — we conducted a thorough reassessment of our sightings. The accumulated evidence leaves little room for doubt: one of the birds previously recorded as a European Honey Buzzard clearly exhibits the defining characteristics of a Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard. This conclusion not only reflects rigorous field observation but also underscores the value of detailed scientific guidance in resolving complex identification challenges.

Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard or European Honey Buzzard, Altytgedacht wine estate, Raptors, Rare Birds, Buzzards, Birding, Birds in flight , Durbanville, Alex Aitkenhead, Hybrid Crested Honey Buzzard

Article sourced from: African Birdlife Magazine

Three Honey Buzzards on our memorable day at Altydgedacht Wine Estate, one of which we believe is a Hybrid Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard.

This Raptor reflects the most common features of the European Honey Buzzard (our second Honey Buzzard on this day)

We believe that this is a Hybrid Crested Honey Buzzard based on the field markings listed in the article bt Dr Callan Cohen

Dark Morph European Honey Buzzard and the third Honey Buzzard at Altydgedacht. Notice the calling of this bird, along with the constant calling of the First and Second birds, made for an unforgettable experience

A Memorable Raptor Encounter at Altydgedacht Wine Estate (3 January 2022) Our Story:

Situated at a busy intersection in Durbanville, Altydgedacht Wine Estate is surprisingly easy to overlook. The entrance is largely concealed by dense foliage, and the signage is subtle—perhaps the only explanation for why we had never previously visited this remarkable property, despite its location in the heart of the Durbanville wine region.

After reading several reports within the local birding community describing excellent raptor sightings on the farm—particularly accounts of the rare European Honey Buzzard—we decided it was time to explore this unfamiliar estate for ourselves. As weekend birders, we always prefer the sunrise as our starting point. The early hours bring a quiet serenity, when birds and wildlife begin their daily search for food and the landscape slowly awakens with the first light of day.

Little did we anticipate that the farm gate would still be locked when we arrived, leaving us unable to access the property. While we waited, a vehicle approached the entrance, and the driver kindly asked if she could assist us. After explaining our intention to explore the estate in the hope of locating the elusive European Honey Buzzard, she introduced herself as the owner’s daughter. She graciously permitted us to walk around the farm. Relieved that we would not have to wait for the official opening time, we entered what immediately felt like a hidden and enchanting landscape.

Magnificent trees of various species dominate the approach to the estate. As we parked our vehicle, the rising sun cast a golden glow across the scene, illuminating the towering canopy and vineyards beyond. Moments like this are precisely why early mornings in the field are so rewarding. With our gear gathered and spirits high, we began our search—fully aware that locating a single buzzard-like raptor on such a vast property would be no easy task.

Determined and curious, we wandered beneath the estate’s impressive trees, occasionally pausing to photograph the scenery. While momentarily distracted by the towering trunks above us, we suddenly noticed our first raptor of the morning: a Black Sparrowhawk circling overhead, persistently harassed by a pair of Pied Crows. Barely an hour into our visit, this thrilling sighting felt like an encouraging omen.

What followed was an unexpectedly frenetic morning of raptor activity. A Jackal Buzzard and a Booted Eagle kept us alert and scanning the skies. Then, cutting through the air above us, came a distinctive, high-pitched whistling call. Instantly, we recognised it—this was the sound we had been hoping to hear.

Our target species had arrived.

To our amazement, two European Honey Buzzards were circling overhead, their piercing calls echoing across the farm as they displayed in graceful flight. The moment was electrifying. Then, almost unbelievably, a third honey buzzard joined them. What had begun as a hopeful search for a single bird had suddenly become an extraordinary spectacle. Three European Honey Buzzards soared above us, calling repeatedly while engaging in dramatic aerial displays that showcased both their power and their elegance.

We attempted to photograph the scene, but without the stability of a tripod or gimbal, it proved extremely challenging to keep the camera steady during such an exhilarating moment. Fortune soon favoured us again when one of the honey buzzards descended and perched in the crown of the tallest Eucalyptus tree on the estate. Moving cautiously and quietly, we approached, aware that this might be our only opportunity for a closer observation.

With careful positioning and a bit of creative manoeuvring, we managed to settle within a reasonable viewing distance without disturbing the bird. It remained calm and composed, allowing us time to study its subtle plumage and distinctive structure—particularly the small pigeon-like head and elegant profile that distinguish this specialised raptor. The honey buzzard’s diet is as fascinating as its appearance. Although capable of taking small birds and amphibians, it is particularly adapted to feeding on the larvae of wasps and hornets—an unusual specialisation among birds of prey.

We captured photographs of the perched bird and took a moment to savour the experience. Our primary objective had been achieved, and the morning had already exceeded all expectations.As we began walking back toward our vehicle, we were approached by Mr Parker, who introduced himself as the owner of the farm. It was a pleasure to meet him, and in the excitement of the morning, we shared the story of our visit and the remarkable sightings we had just experienced. Curious to learn more about the bird, he listened as we played recordings of the honey buzzard’s distinctive call and showed him several of the photographs we had taken.

Although he recognised the sound, he admitted that he knew little about this rare visitor to his property. With our spirits high and memories firmly etched in our minds, we eventually departed the estate—deeply grateful for the experience and enriched by a morning that would remain unforgettable. It has taken some time for us to revisit and reflect on the events of that remarkable day. However, a recent webinar presented by Callan Cohen on the hybridisation of honey buzzards reignited our desire to reconnect with our observations from 3 January 2022.

Upon reviewing our photographs and notes, we now believe that one of the birds we observed may have been a hybrid involving the Crested Honey Buzzard. With only two officially recognised records of Crested Honey Buzzards in South Africa, the possibility of observing a hybrid individual would make this encounter even more remarkable.

Experiences like this remind us why we venture into the field time and again. Each outing carries the promise of discovery, and sometimes—if fortune allows—those moments become truly extraordinary.

We look forward to the next adventure.

Altydgedacht Wine Estate in Durbanville is steeped in history.

Dating back to 1698, Governor Simon van der Stel granted the farm, and its first owner was Elsje van Suurwaarde, who built its first cellar in 1702 and whose name lives on in the town of Elsies River.

Sitting amongst dense vegetation, it was perhaps harshly described by Napoleon’s secretary, who stayed for three months before returning to Europe, as “being removed to the very extremity of the civilised world”; it took an uncomfortable half-day’s journey to get to Cape Town.

Arriving as settlers in 1819, the Parker family acquired the estate in 1852, and today, John and Oliver Parker are the fifth generation on the farm. With three centuries of winemaking on the estate, it abounds with relics of the past and is unashamedly rustic and informal. The old cellar stands among a warren of thick-walled rooms, where decades-old cement tanks are still in use, there the broken floor and worn stairs of a cellar that winemaker Etienne Louw says gets so cold in winter that workers used to light indoor fires to keep warm.

Etienne is in his thirteenth vintage at Altydgedacht, and though there is much pride in the history and continuity of the farm, there have been many changes along the way, and today those changes are significant.

“The biggest enemy of a winemaker”, says Etienne, “is resistance to change”. He and the new Marketing and Sales Manager, Monique Brown, are energised by the plans before them.

Crested (Oriental) Honey Buzzard or European Honey Buzzard, Altytgedacht wine estate, Raptors, Rare Birds, Buzzards, Birding, Birds in flight

Altydgedacht is known for a range of varietals, some of which are less common, like Gewurztraminer, Muscat, and especially the popular Barbera (“the on-trade were the first to understand Barbera”, says Etienne). When Etienne started, it was a farm that mostly provided grapes and wine for others, perhaps using just 20% of its production itself, and he inherited 16 different varietals spread over some 200 hectares. Gradual selection, sales and refinement since 2008 have reduced that to around 70 hectares under vine.

With new partners joining the family in 2018, the changes gained impetus. “There was never any question of the grape quality or wine quality”, says Etienne, but they needed to focus on what they did best, and that prompted a rethink. The soils were perfect, being fertile and free-draining red Hutton and Clovelly mostly, with pockets of vines having serious climatic differences, being just 12km from the ocean. “Near me, Pinotage vines are facing north, and just behind them, Sauvignon Blanc is facing the gentle down slope southwards”. Sadly, the one–hectare of Barbera that was planted in 1927 and used for fortified sweet red wine from the 1930’s to 1950’s, and which was at the time the only remaining block in South Africa, has gone, to be replaced by better-placed vines elsewhere.

Picture from the Altydgedacht FB page

What strikes you at Altydgedacht is both the unbroken history and artefacts of the estate, carefully nurtured by the Parker family (“they have a huge sense of preservation”, says Etienne) and the modern outlook and plans for the future. It is a nice juxtaposition, the wedding functions and zip-lining amongst the horses and battered wine presses, the lineage of the Barbera saved by Italian workers before the Second World War and the modern minimalist signage and canopies over the newly arrived guest tables.

No one is relying on history here, Etienne says, “you must embrace change,” and these two are up for the challenge, but if you want to speak to Etienne about it, you might need to get to Port Elizabeth, as this classically trained guitarist is performing his first rock gig there. There’s that juxtaposition again, the 1702 cellar and the Fender Strat.