GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - For the October meeting of the Graaff-Reinet Bird Club, Marie de Vos arranged a wonderful outing to Tertius Groenewald's farm Patrysfontein, on the road to Nieu Bethesda.

Although also suffering under the drought conditions, this farm was an interesting venue as it has springs in the river, so there are pools which afforded sightings of black duck, Cape and southern masked weaver and Cape wagtail.

The poplar bush along the river yielded good views of Cape white-eye, paradise flycatcher and southern boubou.

Cape, white-throated and yellow-fronted canaries were seen, as well as long-billed crombec, cinnamon-breasted and Cape bunting. On the krantz a Verreaux's eagle was seen near its nest.

Members were interested to see the small cemented furrows leading from the waterfall which are no longer in use, but reflect a time when water was more abundant.

A braai brunch was enjoyed by the nine bird club members under the shade of an enormous old oak tree. Altogether a total of 44 species were listed.

The November outing was postponed, as it would have caused a conflict of interest with the Springboks rugby final!

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