GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Local birders spotted forty-five bird species during the August outing of the Graaff-Reinet Bird Club at Allendale farm. The day was hosted by Graham and Brenda Murray.
The seven club members arrived at the farm just after sunrise and recorded sightings of red-winged starling, fork-tailed drongo, cinnamon-breasted bunting, Cape sparrow, Cape turtle and Namaqua doves.
The road follows the river and cars were parked at a poplar bush, where the group later enjoyed a braai brunch watching a red-billed firefinch drinking at a water pool and a village indigo bird singing from a thorn tree.
A walk took the group further along the river to a wide bend, where members saw a ruined house, outbuildings and many stone walls and kraals, including a large circle made of iron stones.
After brunch they returned to the homestead and went into the irrigated lands, where four Ludwig's bustards were feeding and a long-billed pipit were seen. In the veld were clumps of the Karoo aloe, Aloe Longistyla, in full flower - a rare sight.
Members of the Graaff-Reinet Bird Club explore some interesting ruins.
Karoo aloe in bloom.
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