Farm Magic

09 November 2024 - Northern Farm

I try and visit the Farm, which I consider a 'local' patch once a month. Unfortunately, I can only visit on weekends now, so have to be mindful of the many mountain bikers who also enjoy this multi-recreational Farm.

I generally follow the same transect for most visits and did so again today, heading to the quarry as my first stop. There were quite a few Zitting Cisticola's calling and displaying in the dew soaked grasses which made them unusually quite obliging.

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)

I had a Glossy Ibis fly-by against the light

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

And connected with a Common Reed Warbler in the thickets around the dam

Common Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Followed by Little Rush Warbler

Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala)

and the ever present Levaillant's Cisticola with some prized nesting material

Levaillant's Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens)

In the dam, Black-winged Stilt which is an occasional visitor, was a welcome sight as it towered over a Wood Sandpiper

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Walking back to my car, I flushed a Marsh Owl - first time I have seen one on this part of the Farm

Marsh Owl (Asio capensis)

On the canal, another Wood Sandpiper stood motionless

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

Continuing on my drive, I picked up a Capped Wheatear, always a good record and a little more common in winter, after the unwanted fires

Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata)

At Fish Eagle Dam - of course!

African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer)

Continuing to explore some of the other wetland areas, I had Pin-tailed Whydah

Male Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)

and Red-collared Widow

Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens)

I checked the road on the boundary fence and was delighted that the Greater Kestrel was present. It has a preference for the pylons running parallel with this road

Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides)

On the way back to reception, Blacksmith Lapwing

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)

along with Crowned Lapwing

Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus)

A good thing about birding on the weekend, is that the restaurant is open, so a cappuccino and breakfast bun is welcome and enjoyed, but not before 'papping' an early Spotted Fly in the parking area.

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

Stomach full, it was time to head home after an enjoyable morning out with all the others who also enjoy 'our' Farm