A lot has happened since my last visit to the Gardens. The most devastating news was that Thulane has disappeared. He has not been seen since 8 June. A few days later the chick hatched. There was lots of speculation as to what would happen as it would be very difficult for Makatsa to raise the chick on her own. But despite the challenges, Makatsa is still trying her best and as of 28 June she was still bringing food to the nest.
It was not the best birding morning initially and there was no too much activity at the hide. On the way to the waterfall I saw quite a few birds enjoying the morning sun in the early morning chill – a few Cape White-eyes, a Dark-capped Bulbul and a whole flock of Yellow-fronted Canaries.
I also had brief glimpses of a Brown-hooded Kingfisher and a pair of Green Wood-hoopoos. I was excited to add another bird to my garden list in the form of a Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird!
Soon after reaching the top of the waterfall, 2 male Cape Rock-thrushes and a female dropped by.
There was no sign of Makatsa, but I know the nest is very deep, so I could not be sure whether she was on the nest or not. While I was chatting to the eagle monitors, Makatsa all of a sudden appeared over the ridge.
She was soon harassed by the pesky crows, but for the most time she seemed unperturbed by them.
I don’t know if the chick will survive, and it makes me incredibly sad. But whatever happens, I just hope that she will find another mate and continue to breed in the Gardens. We have been so privileged to have them so close, and it would be the saddest day if they are no longer there.
Just opposite the restaurant I saw this slender mongoose.
I made a quick top at the hide again. My timing was perfect. A minute after I sat down the Half-collared Kingfisher came to perch right in front of the hide. It was a perfect end to the morning!
