Whos keeping an eye on me....

Sunday 8 September 2013

South Africa 2013 - Pt 3

Kirstenbosch & Boulders Beach

A family and friends picnic had been arranged for the day at Kirstenbosch Gardens, it was going to be a winter long-shot due to the unpredictable weather as of course the weather won..... it didn't stop us getting to the gardens for a few hours though.

For 13 years the Spotted Eagle Owls have bred in the gardens and is believed to be the most photographed Owl in Africa, there was no way I was going to miss out here.

Spotted Eagle Owl

 
 
  
Talking to the ranger he explained that they are indeed annual breeders but never take residence in the same tree. It was brilliant to see the pair perched together.

 
With plenty of flora on offer here it was no surprise to find a few species of Sunbird.
 
Malachite Sunbird

  
Southern Double Collared Sunbird


 
 
Pincushion Protea (Leucospermum cordifolium) a favourite with the Sunbirds
 
 
Dusky Flycatcher

 
Cape Robin Chat



 
Brimstone Canary

 
Southern Boubou

 
Cape Spurfowl

 
other birds included an African Goshawk that was perched a few hundreds yards away from the Eagle Owls in a rather damp and gloomy part of the wood,
 

 
Olive and Karoo Thrushes were seen amongst the leaf litter and flower borders.
 
 
Boulders Beach
 
Boulders Beach is really all about the African Penguin colony. Newly installed boardwalks take visitors close to the main colony, however the Penguins are widespread in the area with nest holes scattered along side the carparks and walkways



 
 
and a fed up juvenile
 
 
Speckled Mousebird

 
Cape Whiteye

 
Malachite Sunbird
 
 
Karoo Prinia

 
Other birds seen in the area included Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Cape Sparrow, Cape Sugarbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, while the mammals included some friendly Rock Dassie
 
But Remember when leaving a car park you must.........
 
 

13 comments:

Saun said...

Gorgeous birds nice captures....

Stewart M said...

Great post - and I loved the notice at the end.

I was wondering if you could find anything a bit more colourful for you bird of the month!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Richard Pegler said...

Fabulous birds Dave. I'd no idea that South Africa was such a fabulous place. Beautiful photos - my favourite is the first of the Malachite Sunbird, but my favourite bird is, of course the Spotted Eagle Owl!

Unknown said...

Great series Dave. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Dave these are all absolutely wonderful. I would have a very difficult time, choosing a favorite, for you always share so many beauties~

TexWisGirl said...

WOW! what a great set of birds! those sunbirds are just show-stoppers!

eileeninmd said...

Amazing collection of birds. I love the pretty Sunbird, it is so colorful! And the owls are adorable. Beautiful photos!

Karen said...

Wow, what a fabulous variety! The sunbirds are marvellous!

Carole M. said...

a fantastic series; but especially the sunbird really takes my eye

CabinGirl said...

HA! I wish I lived in an area with those warning signs posted :-D

Really enjoyed traveling vicariously to your part of the world via your blog - so fun to see these gorgeous birds!

NatureFootstep said...

intereting post. I think I have seen the penguin ones in New Zeeland. Not sure it is the same though. Your birds are so beautiful.

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos! I love the colours of the sunbirds and the penguins are just so cute.

Hootin Anni said...

Oh my gosh Dave, these images you shared are MORE than incredible!!! I'm gonna add your blog link to my blog list on my sidebar so I won't miss out of your photo expertise.