After hearing about a few mega bird alerts registered at Strandfontein Sewer Works, near Muizenberg in the Western Cape, we decided to use the opportunity to also tick off a few ‘lifers’. An early start was not an option, so we arrived at 11h00. It was not hard to find the first group of cars where we inquired as to the various locations for the target birds in question.
First up was the Temminck’s Stint. Unfortunately he had been chased from the marsh area and was missing in action. This was a perfect opportunity to do a drive around and try and tick off the remaining 2 other target birds. We got to see the American Golden Plover, but at a great distance. The Red Necked Phalarope was very obliging and a nice target bird to revisit as we had already ticked this one off at Kuifkopfontein near Veldrift
The Pectoral Sandpipers were also not to be found after visiting a few pans and chatting to many wonderful and helpful fellow birders, we decided to abandon this mission for the day.
Annoyed at having missed out on such a rare mega we began planning for Sunday morning and an early start to miss the crowds and hopefully tick this one off.
Arriving just before 6am on Sunday’s wind-still morning, we met up with Michael Mason who kindly pointed out the star of the show. Pictured above was the perfect setting and close proximity to this rare find.
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Picture Credit: Faansie Peacock. He flew in from Gauteng to tick this mega off.
Temminck’s Stint / Calidris Temmincki
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This bird was first recorded by Glynis Bowie on Tuesday 29 November 2016, but last seen in South Africa 29 years ago.
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| Pectoral Sandpipers, also another great on to have ticked off. |
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| Wood Sandpiper. |
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| Pectoral Sandpiper |
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| Another Star of the moment: American Golden Plover. |
On my way to the Strandfontein Sewer Works, we bumped into this ringed Peregrine Falcon enjoying breakfast on the lamp post above. Picture taken in Sunset Beach, Milnerton Cape Town.
During its spectacular hunting stoop from heights of over 1 km (0.62 mi), the peregrine may reach speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph) as it drops toward its prey. The Peregrine Falcon is one of the most widespread birds in the world. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, and on many oceanic islands. Ref: All About Birds.
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| Great White Pelicans |
A great and memorable morning, we only spent 90 minutes at Strandfontein, so not many opportunities for more stars on the day at the Sewer Works, but we will be back to tick off some of remaining rare finds. Thanks again to Trevor Hardaker and his excellent bird reporting process allowed us all to be on top of this special moment.
Other birds worth mentioning that are present at the moment at Strandfontein Sewer Works:
Terek Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Phalarope and the African Jacana.
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