We worked our way up toward the observation area overlooking the Cape of Good Hope and stopped for a group shot.
From this high vantage point we could see down into the valley below where we saw the first big mammal of the trip, an Eland. A simply huge beast grazed on the grass. This was the few times we saw them.
We had lunch at the Table Mountain National Park concession stand and saw our first of many warnings about baboons. Although we didn’t have any close encounters with baboons the residents and shopkeepers in South Africa often had a long stick to prod them away.
As we were driving out of Table Mountain NP we saw this sign warning about baboons and sure enough there were several just past the fence. I believe they were in private reserve, although the fence would do little to keeping them in there.
Our next stop for the day was Strandfontein Water Treatment Park (WTP). For those of you who don’t go out birding much, water treatments plants attract a wide range of waterfowl because of their large, shallow ponds of unsanititzed water. Bacteria in the water help to breakdown and consume the waste, leaving the water ready to be treated. There are relatively few people there (most picnickers don’t choose waste treatment plants) except for birders.
During the course of our trip I saw 17 different species of Cisticolas; they tended to be small brown birds on or near the ground. Here is a Levillant’s Cisticola perched atop a low bush.
Seen near the shore of one of the treatment ponds, this Cattle Egret waded through a field of yellow flowers.
Small groups of birds, like these Pied Avocets stood in the shallow waters of the treatment ponds.
A couple of Greater Flamingos foraged in the waters.
Seen along the shore of one of the ponds was a Cape Shoveler, most noted by its big bill.
Glossy Ibis are numerous on every continent except Antartica. Here’s a good shot of one showing the iridescent quality of its feathers.
Sacred Ibis regularly flew by us as they moved from one side of the pond to the other.
CLICK HERE to see all the posts about our South Africa Bird Tour. Karen and I have had the opportunity to travel to many interesting places in search of birds. If you would like read about some of our other Bird Tours CLICK HERE.
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You kids sure have some wonderful and interesting experiences!