A group of our residents recently gathered at the library, excited to explore the fascinating birdlife around The Somerset Lifestyle and Retirement Village. With the Helderberg Nature Reserve nearby, our estate truly is an excellent spot for birding adventures. Resident Marius Kritzinger delighted us by sharing his beautiful bird photos taken on our estate. Thank you so much, Marius!
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On the 27th November, Leah and Richard Poulter led the newly-formed Somerset Village Birding group on a nature walk around Paardevlei, and this is their report:
“It was a hot and very windy day when 15 of us set off from the Lorenzo Marx restaurant car park at just after 9 am. Our first significant sighting was a Glossy Ibis, spotted on the mud flats about 100m from the setting off point.
There were countless red knobbed coots busy paddling furiously to avoid being blown ashore. And later a flock of young and older Egyptian Geese, and flamingos in small groups and lots of individual and pairs of all sorts of birds. Ian Reynolds counted 37 different types of birds, from a Jackal Buzzard down to a house sparrow.
Unfortunately, the wind and heat proved too much for some, and there is no shady seating area to stop and rest along the way.
The walk was 3.2 km but was made extra strenuous due to the strong wind and heat. The bird spotting was good despite the difficult conditions and the late start. But we all made it in the end – so, well done, everyone!
The experience gained gives us more clarity about what is more suitable in terms of venues and what to bring to stay hydrated.
The next outing will be in January. But Paardevlei is always open, and if you visit on a cooler, less windy day and at a much earlier start, you will be amply rewarded.
Richard and Leah Poulter”
At The Somerset, the community-managed library offers a diverse selection of quality books and DVDs generously donated by residents. Among its collection are several beautifully illustrated books dedicated to Birds and Birding, enriching the resource with nature-themed literature.
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