The minute you leave the main road you feel like you have travelled deep into the Karoo veld and the birding can begin. As is typical with the Karoo, it is harsh but beautiful. There is just something about the vast space, bluish bushes and windmills that make the Karoo such a special place to visit.
I had the absolute privilege of being able to spend 2 days at Steynskraal Guest Farm about 20km outside of Beaufort West. Situated ideally just off the N1 it is a great place to break your trip from the North to the South.
On arrival I was able to immediately start adding birds to my list, domestic and wild. The lush gardens, unusual for the Karoo, where abuzz with weavers, sunbirds and thrushes. There is even a Giant Kingfisher that has made Steynskraal his home.
After unloading the car into one of the most beautiful and well-equipped self-catering units I have ever stayed in, I mean seriously they have thought of everything. From 5 different kinds of tea to boardgames to keep you entertained in the evenings. Oh and I was spoilt with a home-baked bread. It was amazing. Anyway, after unloading I went off to explore the farm.
From farmlands with Olive and Pomegranate trees, Karoo veld, dams and the Gamka River that runs through the property, I was blown away by the different birds I heard and saw.
I was able to add a number of larks to my list namely, Karoo, Spike-Heeled, Karoo Long-Billed and Red-Capped. There seemed to be quite a large number of Lark-Like Buntings as well. They are nomadic so there must have been some really nice grass seeds around to attract them. I think the biggest surprise I found were the Pied Avocets. Yes, can you believe it. In the middle of winter in this dry, harsh environment I found 5 of the them at one of the dams.
Not only is Steynskraal a gem for birding, there is so much history attached to the property as well. The property is on the old Cape mail route which was used up until 1888 when the first train arrived in the area. The train still run today. It came passed while I was there. What a treat! The unit I stayed in is a converted stable that was used to keep the mules at night. One of the other buildings was the old rural school that has also been converted.
I had two birds that I really wanted to see and try photo photograph while I was there and both graced me with their presence, posed for a quick photoshoot and then went on about their day. Spike-Heeled Lark and Karoo Korhaan
After a full day of birding on the property, Gerrit, the owner took me across to the other side of the property to show me the fossils. I unfortunately do not know enough about dinosaurs and old reptiles of the area to venture a guess as to what it might have been. What I can tell you is I hope that it wasn’t a toe bone we found because it must have been huge.
While we sat around the fire in a dry riverbed Gerrit explained how they hope to one day turn the property into a protected area. They are actively removing invasive plant species and slowly taking the livestock off. Some parts of the farm have been livestock free now for 3 years.
Ending the day with a sundowner and a kuduwors braai in a dry river bed. What a way to experience the Karoo!
Steynskraal is any experience you want it to be. You can spend the day lazing in the pool, go for walk through the veld on the walking trails, take a drive to the fossils or have a picnic braai at the river.
Find out more about what Steynskraal Guest Farm offers birders and book your stay https://www.thebirdinglife.com/steynskraal-guest-farm
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