On Monday the 30th August 2010 I set out to tackle three routes from Birding Gauteng in one day. One of the goals was to look for Baillon's Crake which had been spotted on the flood plain at Kgomo-Kgomo. I left home at 5am and arrived at the Zaagkuildrift dirt road just after 7am for the first part of the route.
1. Zaagkuildrift to Kgomo-Kgomo Route (Chapter 40)
You can read the trip report for this section here.
2. Kgomo-Kgomo to Borakalalo Route (Chapter 42)
Not long on this road I screeched to a halt at the sight of a grey-looking Shrike on a fence wire right next to the road - what it is with birds and my reverse lights? Are they too bright - because the moment I back up birds vanish!!! The road is tarred for the first couple of kilometers but soon becomes dirt and has a few detours in spots where bridges are being constructed. It is easily passable and not at all in poor condition apart from the short detours.
I stopped at the dam (11 kilometers from Kgomo-Kgomo) on the right hand side of the road and climbed through the gate in the fence to take a closer look. There were no birds on the dam itself at this time of the day (10:45) but enjoyed close-up sightings of Violet-eared Waxbill and Blue Waxbill as well as a mystery bird that I have not yet id's - most likely a Cisticola judging by markings under the tail. [Update: this bird has been identified as Rattling Cisticola]
The rest of the route was most enjoyable (although some of the worst roads that I drove on that day were from Ga-Habedi village towards where the tar roads start again close to Borakalalo National Park). Birding was not prolific (not the ideal time of the day, I guess), but still there was enough to keep me interested including: Scaly-feathered Finch, Arrow-marked Babbler, Burchell's Starling, Magpie Shrike, Crowned Lapwing, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill, Marico Flycatcher and Cape Glossy Starling.
3. Borakalalo to Vaalkop Via Assen Route (Chapter 44)
You can read the trip report for this section here.
By the end of the day I was finished and decided not to revisit Vaalkop Dam, which I have done and reported on before, and headed for home - rather weary after bouncing along on bad roads for so long that day!
The Ruddy Turnstone lifer was special, but the beauty of the various habitats that I covered (some brand new routes for me and others that I had driven before) was a highlight of the day for me. I think I might consider applying for the job of Troll on the long bridge over the flood plain at Kgomo-Kgomo. I have enjoyed every minute that I have ever spent there!