Sometimes seen flying overhead, especially when cold fronts are rolling in. This is a large black and white gull, common on the sea shore, but not likely to settle on the estate.<\/p>\n
This is a common endemic gull which is sometimes seen flying overhead, generally before a cold front moves in. They are common on Fish Hoek Beach but haven\u2019t been recorded in the estate itself.<\/p>\n These small, fresh-water coromorants resemble the exclusively marine Crowned Cormorant. \u00a0 They are common on all the dams around the estate and are often seen flying between the wetlands and roosting in the reeds. They feed on small aquatic species.<\/p>\n Black-headed Heron<\/strong><\/p>\n This heron is reasonably common around the estate, although I do not see it as frequently as I did when I first moved here. Black-headed Herons forage on open land and are not necessarily associated with water. I have seen them spearing and swallowing moles, Striped Mice and frogs.<\/p>\n Purple Heron<\/strong><\/p>\n This shy little heron has been visiting the wetlands and may even be resident. I have seen it a couple of times down in the reeds at the dam closest to the entrance gate. It is very likely that the Grey Heron also occurs here but I haven\u2019t seen one on the dams as yet.<\/p>\n White Stork<\/strong><\/p>\n Not likely to be seen anywhere close to the estate, but I have observed a flock flying overhead. Not a common occurrence.<\/p>\n Hamer Kop\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a very exciting bird to see. It\u2019s not really common anywhere on the Peninsula and I have seen it twice on the estate- once flying overhead, and another time visiting the dam closest to the gate. I have not seen one here for several years so records of this species would be most welcome. Hamerkops build enormous nests, which are often taken over by Barn Owls and Egyptian Geese.<\/p>\n African Spoonbill\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n African Spoonbill has been recorded on one of the dams, but I haven\u2019t seen it recently. This is a really exciting species to have visiting the estate. Watching a spoonbill feed is fascinating to watch.<\/p>\n Western Cattle Egret\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Cattle Egrets are sometimes seen on vacant plots around the estate, but are not common. These egrets seem to visit less often, now that the estate is more developed.<\/p>\n Hadeda Ibis<\/strong><\/p>\n Hadedas are noisy and often seen. I walked past a group of nine feeding in the vineyards the other day. This species moved to the Cape Town area recently (about 10 years ago) and has become well established throughout the region.<\/p>\n African Sacred Ibis<\/strong><\/p>\n I don\u2019t think I have ever seen Sacred Ibis on the ground in the estate, but they are quite frequently seen flying over. They are in the same family as Hadedas but not nearly as noisy or numerous. Even when flying, which they do in formation, their white and black colouring is distinctive.<\/p>\n Egyptian Goose<\/strong><\/p>\n These geese are also common everywhere and breed every year on the estate. They are often seen with their goslings on the dams here. They have even adapted to life in the sea, despite the lack of desalinating glands. They are actually ducks, not true geese.<\/p>\n Spur-winged Goose<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes seen flying over, but never common. These geese are quite a lot larger than the more common Egyptian Goose and are black and white in colour. They are common in farmland areas. I don\u2019t know of any records of them near the dams.<\/p>\n Yellow-billed Duck<\/strong><\/p>\n These indigenous ducks with their distinctive yellow bills are sometimes seen visiting the dams and wetland areas around the estate. They unfortunately hybridize with Mallards which can lead to problems. No Mallards have been seen on the estate.<\/p>\n Little Grebe\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Little Grebes (also commonly known as Dabchicks) do occur on the dams but are not as common as the coots and moorhens. It is possible that they will breed in the reeds if not disturbed. They are small and colourful and their call is distinctive.<\/p>\n Red-knobbed Coot\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Coots are very adaptable water birds and seem to be breeding quite successfully on the dams on the estate. They build floating nests out in the open. The red knobs are on the head a distinctive.<\/p>\n Common Moorhen\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Moorhens, like coots, occur on most of the dams and have also bred successfully over the past couple of years. They have yellow legs and a yellow-tipped red bill. Can also be confused with Black Crake (red legs, yellow bill), which has not been recorded here yet.<\/p>\n Blacksmith Lapwing\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n It is quite possible that these lapwings (formerly known as plovers) do breed on the estate, although I have not recorded any nests. They become noisy and restless when breeding, especially when dogs are around, because they lay their eggs on the ground. They are generally associated with water.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Crowned Lapwing\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These birds were formerly known as plovers and are also referred to as Kiewiets. I have seen them on the estate, but not for a while now. They are not as partial to water and wetlands as the related Blacksmith Lapwing, which is far more common on the estate. They are noisy and active day and night while breeding although they favour open spaces such as sports fields for breeding.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Spotted Thick-Knee (Dikkop)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These birds are nocturnal and skittish. They seem to be reasonably common but I am not aware of any breeding activity. It is very possible that they do breed here and could be disturbed by wandering dogs and cats. They become quite aggressive when protecting their nests (built on the ground) and sometimes present the broken wing display to distract intruders from the nest site.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cape Spurfowl\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These charismatic birds, formerly known as francolins, are common on the estate. They have an attractive and characteristic call, especially during early spring when the males pursue the females before breeding. They can become quite confiding when fed. The eggs are laid on the ground and broods are large. Unfortunately many of the young are taken by mongooses, herons and domestic cats, which can be very destructive to wildlife.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Indian Peafowl<\/strong><\/p>\n I haven\u2019t recorded the Peafowl\/Peacock on the estate for a while. A number of these large colourful birds were kept in the Capri area and they used to sometimes visit the estate. They were also often heard calling. Not sure if this species should even be listed because it is considered feral and the only \u201cwild\u201d population occurs on Robben Island.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Helmeted Guineafowl\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Guineafowl are common on the estate, but tend to have favourite areas, where they are often seen in small flocks. They seem to be fond of foraging in the vineyards and olive groves. They are noisy, especially during the spring months when they start breeding. They were originally not resident in the Western Cape but have moved here and settled. Some are descendants of domestic birds and retain white claws and feathers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yellow-billed Kite\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Another intra-African migrant, these kites arrive in spring and are sometimes seen flying low over the estate. They are scavengers, so may swoop low in search of food. The kite has a distinctive fork in the tail, which is used effectively for steering. The yellow bill is also obvious when seen perched or flying low.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Verreauxs\u2019 (Black) Eagle\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This magnificent large eagle, more commonly known as Black Eagle, is sometimes seen flying overhead. It can be recognised by its large size and \u201cwindows\u201d in the leaf-shaped wings. These are magnificent, very large true eagles and are easy to recognise if seen close by. They feed mainly on Rock Dassies and the decline in the population has affected local breeding success. The current adult bird that is resident in Silvermine Nature Reserve has been without a mate for over a year now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n African Fish Eagle<\/strong><\/p>\n Pairs and single birds are sometimes seen flying over the estate, especially during the spring months. I have been seeing and hearing them more frequently. The call is distinctive and quite loud, especially when a pair is soaring and calling above. The white breast and tail are easy to spot, even without binoculars.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Booted Eagle\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Another less frequently seen migrant raptor that is sometimes seen during the summer months. It is the smallest true eagle (having fully feathered legs) and occurs in both a pale and dark morph. I have recorded a pale morph bird flying low over the estate during February and March. I have also seen this bird in Silvermine Nature Reserve and it is quite possible that it is the same individual visiting each year. Booted Eagles, especially the less common dark morph, have distinctive \u201clanding lights\u201d on the shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Steppe Buzzard\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Common during the summer months, but usually absent from March. Commonly seen flying overhead or seen perched on the fences. The colour varies considerably. Visiting birds have been known to come back to the same location year after year. They can be confused with the resident Jackal Buzzard, but the markings are not as bold when seen in flight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jackal Buzzard\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Jackal Buzzard can be mistaken for the migrant Steppe Buzzard, although the under-wing pattern is bolder and more distinctive and the body heavier in build than its migrant relative. They are common in the area and often seen flying up behind the estate. Some people mistake them for Black\/Verreaux\u2019s Ealges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n African Goshawk<\/strong><\/p>\n Another small raptor sometimes seen flying over the estate. African Goshawks tend to be most active in the early mornings and evenings and have a distinctive tchick, tchick, tchick call, often heard from very high up. They are not common here, also possibly because of the lack of large trees on the estate. This species is also difficult to separate from the Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, which is very similar in size and appearance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Black Sparrowhawk\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These medium-sized raptors depend on exotic trees for breeding and are nesting in the vicinity. This is due to the many exotic trees (eucalypts) outside the estate. They are shy birds, but are usually seen flying over the estate in the early mornings and evenings. They feed on birds- mainly Red-eyed Doves and Rock Doves. The closest breeding pair are both Black Morph (ie they do not have the white underparts characteristic of Black Sparrowhawks). Any info on these birds would be appreciated and forwarded to researchers at UCT.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Black-shouldered Kite\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These are charming little raptors, sometimes seen hovering over the wetland area. They live exclusively on rodents and have keen eyesight. Also not seen often anymore and generally scarce throughout the region.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rufous-breasted sparrowhawk\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This small, fast-flying little Accipter is easily overlooked and can be mistaken for African Goshawk, which is very similar in size and appearance. They do occasionally visit the estate to hunt birds and are also sometimes seen flying overhead. The rufous breast is not always obvious but the overall colouring appears darker than the goshawk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Peregrine Falcon\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This falcon is resident in the area and sometimes seen. It has a very distinctive shape in flight and is very fast. The population is well established in the South Western Cape. It specialises in hunting birds on the wing and is very efficient at it. They have been known to reach speeds of over 300 km per hour.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n African harrier-Hawk\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This unusual raptor is often referred to as Gymnogene. It is quite common in the area and is also sometimes seen flying around Silvermine Nature Reserve. It is grey and black- the white bar in the tail is quite obvious in flight. I have seen it perched on rooftops in the estate. It has bare yellow facial skin which blushes red when the bird is angry or alarmed. These birds have double-jointed legs which they use to scratch around in nesting holes to retrieve nestling birds. Possibly the most fascinating raptor in the region.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rock Kestrel\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Rock Kestrel is a common small raptor and is very at home in fynbos, so is quite often seen flying over. I have never seen it perched in the estate. Its all over rufous colouring is distinctive, but it can be confused with Peregrine Falcon or any of the other smaller raptors in the region.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Red-eyed Dove<\/strong><\/p>\n Red-eyed Doves do occur and are becoming more common on the estate. This species is easily confused with the similar Cape Turtle Dove. It is quite a bit larger than the turtle dove and has a pinkish colouring which is quite obvious. The best way to separate the two species is by call- the Turtle Dove says \u201cwork harder, work harder\u201d and the Red-eyed Dove says \u201cI am a Red-eyed Dove\u201d\u2026 Generally the same size as the Speckled Pigeon and quite confiding.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cape Turtle-Dove\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Not common and I think I have only ever seen one on the estate. This ring-necked dove is similar to the larger Red-eyed Dove. Although common in other areas around Cape Town, the habitat here seems unsuitable for this species.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laughing Dove\u00a0This <\/strong><\/p>\n little dove is quite attractive and the colour varies a little, with some birds being darker than others. It has become more established on the estate recently and has started breeding. It is attracted to seed feeders as is not really aggressive towards other birds. It is smaller than the Red-Eyed and Cape Turtle Doves and does not have a ring on the neck.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Speckled Pigeon\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This little dove is quite attractive and the colour varies a little, with some birds being darker than others. It has become more established on the estate recently and has started breeding. It is attracted to seed feeders as is not really aggressive towards other birds. It is smaller than the Red-Eyed and Cape Turtle Doves and does not have a ring on the neck.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Common Dove\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Formerly, or more commonly known as Feral Pigeon, this bird is derived from domestic homing pigeons. They are not common on the estate. This is good news because they are not indigenous. This might explain why the Black Sparrowhawks choose to hunt in Fish Hoek where more of their favoured prey is found.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Klaas’s Cuckoo <\/strong><\/p>\n I have not, as yet, seen this brilliant green cuckoo on the estate but have definitely heard it. The call \u201cmeitjie, meitjie\u201d is distinctive. These birds are generally more vocal in spring. The similar Diderick Cuckoo calls \u201cdee-dee-deederik\u201d. Like other cuckoos, they are brood parasites and can be heard throughout the year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Spotted Eagle-Owl\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I have had quite a lot of reports of owls seen on the estate. I don\u2019t think any have moved into the owl box provided but it is possible that they will do in time. I see and hear the owls occasionally, especially when it is raining, and they are often seen perched on rooftops in the early mornings and evenings. This is the only species that occurs in the area. There is a slight chance of Wood Owl, but the vicinity is possibly not \u201cwooded\u201d enough to support them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fiery-Necked Nightjar\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I have seen nightjars on the estate at night, I have seen them flying about and also heard their distinctive \u201cGood Lord deliver us\u201d call. They are more active during the summer months, but they haven\u2019t been seen around lately. I think it is also possible that these birds have moved off due to disturbance and development.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Greater Striped Swallow\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Also intra-African migrants, these swallows with streaking on the breast and rufous rumps are often seen hawking insects during the summer months, especially over the wetland. They are present in small numbers on the estate every year and have attempted to breed. They tend to favour sheltered spots above balconies and under roofs in open areas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n White-throated Swallow\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This extremely attractive intra-African migrant visits the estate every year during the summer months and is a breeding bird in the region. I am not sure if they have attempted to breed here, but they are not uncommon and I have seen them quite regularly. Very possible that they will breed on the dams if undisturbed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Barn Swallow\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These migrants from Europe tend to arrive a little later that their intra-African relatives, but seem to stay quite late in the season. Barn Swallows are not very numerous but they can be recognised in mixed flocks by their appearance. They have long tail streamers shortly before their migration back home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Black Saw-wing\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This is one of my favourite swallows. It is a delicate, small black bird which resembles a butterfly. Not common, but sometimes seen in the summer months. They are all black with forked tails. Often seen in mixed flocks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rock Martin\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These little brown martins resemble swallows and are sometimes seen in mixed flocks above the estate. They are common in fynbos, but not often seen here. Sometimes present in mixed flocks of swallows and swifts, generally during the summer months. The \u201cwindows\u201d in the tail are obvious when flying.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brown-throated Martin<\/strong><\/p>\n A small martin with a white breast commonly associated with water and wetlands. This bird may also be seen in mixed flocks of swallows and swifts as they feed above the wetlands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Swift\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This small resident swift is recognised by its short unforked tail and broad white rump. The call is distinctive. Often seen feeding in mixed flocks on warm summer evenings and in the mornings. They are active and vocal after rain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alpine Swift\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This is the largest swift in the region. Also occurs in mixed flocks on some days. It is fast flying and has a distinctive white breast and appealing call.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n African Black Swift\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Not unlike the migrant Common Swift, this swift is frequently seen in large feeding flocks above the estate. Swifts cannot perch, so are generally seen on the wing. It is very difficult to separate this species from the very similar Common Swift, but time spent with binoculars watching a mixed flock on a clear day can pay off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Common Swift\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This migrant swift closely resembles the resident Black Swift and is very difficult to tell apart. It has a pale throat patch and the wings and tail are slightly longer than the Black Swift. It is best to have a good look at the two in a field guide and then try to separate them when seen in mixed flocks which feed low over the wetland during the summer months, especially after morning rain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n White-rumped Swift\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This swift is a common intra-African breeding migrant and has been recorded in mixed flocks over the estate. It has a white rump, like the Little Swift, but this one has a forked tail and the white band is not as broad as in Little Swift. Not difficult to identify.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Speckled Mousebird\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These birds are usually seen in flocks and are becoming more established around the estate. They look a lot like mice with their long tails, as they clamber about through large shrubs. I have seen them up on the dunes and they do sometimes come into gardens and perch awkwardly before flying off again. Red-faced Mousebird also occurs but is not as common here.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Red-faced Mousebird\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n This species is not as common on the estate as the Speckled Mousebird. They also occur in flocks and have a distinctive call. The red mask is not always that obvious unless seen from close up. They are fruit eaters.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pied Kingfisher<\/strong><\/p>\n This is the only kingfisher recorded on the estate so far but it is very possible that Malachite Kingfisher also occurs. Breeding is likely if the wetlands are left undisturbed so that birds like kingfishers can become resident and confident about breeding here.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Cape Wagtail\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n These little birds do occur on the estate but their presence is erratic. At times they can be heard calling from the rooftops or seen wandering around but they are certainly not common. Wagtails have been affected over the years by the indiscriminate use of herbicides on lawns and golf courses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pied Crow\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"kelp-gull\"](\"https:\/\/stonehavenestate.co.za\/stonehaven\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kelp-gull.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nHartlaub’s Gull<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nReed Cormorant<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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