We left the Twelve Apostles Hotel, Oudekraal, Campsbay, Cape Town in light rain and a fairly strong northerly wind. The rain continued all the way through Houtbay and Constantia and all we saw were Helmeted Guineafowl.

At Grassy Park Cemetery we were extremely fortunate to see a Peregrine Falcon catch a Feral Pigeon. Near the entrance of Zeekoevlei reserve we watched a Black-shouldered Kite hover and drop onto a small rodent. What a start to the birding outing.

As we entered Strandfontein it started to rain, but the abundant and diverse birdlife of the Strandfontein wetlands did not disappoint. In the two hours birding we saw 58 species with large numbers of Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, Pied Avocet, Little Grebe, Spurwinged Geese, Egyptian Geese, Cape Shoveler and Cape Teal. Brown-throated Martin, White-throated Swallow and fairly large numbers of Barn Swallows [Late leavers] feeding over the pans. African Marsh Harrier flying low over the reedbeds, unfortunately our third raptor of the trip did not oblige by catching prey while we watched. Levaillant’s Cisticola’s, Cape Longclaw on the pan edges. Fairly large numbers of Swift Terns, a couple of Caspian Tern and Little Stint on the lower water level pans.

The birding was further enhanced by the use of the specialized photographic and viewing vehicle, driven by John Tinkler of Aperture Wild Photographic and Viewing Safaris. A great Aves afternoon birding outing which was enjoyed by all.