Birding, like gardening has its seasons: one could consider winter as the quiet season since the summer migrants are missing and will not be back with us until October. We are fortunate, however, in the Agulhas area, to have a sizeable list of sought-after birds, some of which appear on the globally threatened list, which are with us all the year round. This includes Denham’s Bustard, Black Harrier, African Marsh Harrier, Blue Crane, KAROO Koran, Grey-winged Francolin, Long-billed Pipit, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, and Agulhas Clapper Lark, not forgetting the sunbirds, those jewels of the bird world : Malachite, Greater and Lesser Double-collared and Orange-breasted (another “special” for this area).

 The Overberg region is good raptor country; species which one can look out for at this time of year include Secretary bird, Jackal Buzzard, and African Harrier Hawk (Gymnogene). The latter seem to favour gum trees for roosting and nesting: a pair has been raising a family in a group of these trees which we can see from our window in Napier and are now busy causing mayhem amongst the local chicken population!

 The  Overberg Wheat belt, now glorious in its winter colours and textures of waving green wheat interspersed with patches of brilliant yellow canola, is home to such species as Cape Crow, Large-billed and Red-capped Larks, Capped Wheatear, Cape Long claw, African Pied Starling and Pin-tailed Whydah ( that little bird with great “attitude”) to name but a few.

 Now to “Forthcoming Attractions”: the fynbos is already starting to show signs of bursting into full bloom in the coming month and whilst the flora grabs your attention, be aware of the birds in its midst such as Cape Sugarbird, Cape Francolin, Cape Bulbul and rare Cape Siskin, not forgetting the above-mentioned Orange Breasted Sunbird which is associated with the Erica’s, and the Bokmakerie. If you are by the sea, the months of August to October are most rewarding for pelagic birding. Keep an eye on the Springfield saltpans (off the Springfield/Brandfontein road) for the return of the Greater and Lesser Flamingos.

Read more about birding for beginners

Read more about this year's Sasol Birding Weekend