COASTAL TREASURE

St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis Villages

In gardens, and on the grassy verges and open areas we find many birds that share our built-up environment. Some of these have not been mentioned before.

Southern Fiscal

Black and white with a little, hooked bill to catch insects. Always perching on a prominent spot, ready to fly down to the ground.

Red-necked Spurfowl

walking around, scratching in the dirt. Displays a red neck patch and red legs.

Spotted Thick-knee

As night falls, these birds come out and claim back the streets. They walk around on tall legs. We can hear their plaintive long calls at dusk and dawn.

Spotted Eagle Owl

Silently swoops overhead or sits on the chimneys and roof tops, showing its false ear tufts and calling in 2- or 3-syllable hoots.

Lovebird

These hybrid birds have the look of small parrots that have escaped from someone’s birdcage; this is exactly what happened here!

Burchells Cougal

Also called the rain bird. An unmistakable, large, shy bird often just heard, making a “water bottle” sound.