December 2004

On the 13th, while snorkeling at Gerickes Point, the first African Oyster Catcher chicks were sited. The two chicks belonged to an adult pair on the NE of the point. A second pair was nesting one egg and by 26th had laid a second egg.

On the 20th a group was privileged to see an Osprey successfully take a fish while canoeing down the Serpentine River. The strong wind made the final stages of the canoe section challenging, but ensured a sense of accomplishment.

On Wednesday 22nd, the Garden Route and other coastal areas were hit by torrential rain which caused intense flooding. In areas the downpour was the highest in recorded history. Unfortunately the railway line was washed away at many points, preventing the use of the steam train till repairs are completed.

The area has experienced the usual summer heat ranging from 23°C to 30°C accompanied with humid conditions. In addition to the floods, there has been a regular dispersion of rain for the month bringing relief to the drought conditions of the region.
Bird sightings have been rewarding as most species are involved with the demanding activities of nesting and chick rearing, allowing close approaches. A summer visitor, the exquisite Paradise Fly Catcher, has been regularly sighted on the forest walks. In the wetland areas the Yellow Backed Widow and the Red Bishop have added a dash of colour in the wetlands while canoeing. A sighting of a Red Duiker on the river bank was a rare and rewarding event. During the drought, damage from the feeding habits of elusive Bush pig was regularly witnessed as they extended their foraging amongst the geophytes in the forest and dune sections. I was even privileged to have a first sighting of three one evening. The Rock Pools are filled with myriad's of fish fry and fingerlings.

November 2004:

Since the launch of this new coastal walk response has been great with it proving to be a popular option for shared family experience in the Garden Route. I would like to share some of the things that can be expected in the coming months and some of the things experienced recently along the route. Going into summer, the whales have now moved off, to be replaced with a luxuriant growth flush from the vegetation. The forest and river sections in particular have a fresh look about them which is accompanied by the activity of the bird life as they are in the grips of nesting and chick rearing. The Serpentine River section in particular is rewarding with the iridescent flash of Malachite Kingfishers darting in stages ahead of the canoes. There is even the opportunity of seeing mullet and carp lips as they feed from the river surface. The airborne antics of the Mullet as they flee predators has startled a few guests as they pass through the winding wetland. Lovers of geophytes will be in for a treat after a maintenance burn in February 2005 in the Goukamma Nature Reserve. The area has not been burnt for in excess of 15 years, and management anticipates a spectacular display of bulbs through the winter months. Some excitement in Featherbed Nature Reserve was the birth of a Blue Duiker (the smallest African antelope) on Sunday 14th November.

 

Return to Top of Page