A FLIGHT OF FANCY IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa hosts over four hundred exciting bird species. After a recent visit, Evington resident Anne Tester told us of the creatures that grace the country's skies.

Our exploration began on a game reserve, where we viewed the long, slender legs of the Secretary bird. It gets its name from the spiky black plumes on its head, resembling a secretary's quill pen. We were lucky to see it as it crossed a track and hurried away into the bush.

Circling eagles and vultures could be seen during the day, and almost everywhere ‘Ha De Da' birds gathered in large noisy flocks with a penetrating cry echoing their peculiar name.

The guest house we stayed in however, at the Wilderness on the Garden Route, boasted the finest views.

Amazing numbers of birds were attracted by the food put out for them at the house. They included the spectacular Golden Oriole, which as its name suggests, was golden in colour with an ebony tail and wings.

Of South Africa's ten varieties of Robin, my particular favourite was the Chorister Robin, which is much larger than the ones we find in our gardens. Most thrilling however, was the Knysna Lourie.

My husband's brother had told us to look out for it as it had a brilliant scarlet tail and wings in flight, but he said we would be lucky if we spotted one. On arrival however, we were greeted by two of these green birds with incredible scarlet feathers, visible as they took to the skies.

Vibrant sun birds, waxbills and barbets also made regular appearances. Walking around the lagoon, we spotted a Giant Kingfisher with a ruby breast and speckled plumage, while a Malachite showed off its vivid colours.

We merely unearthed a small percentage of the birds South Africa offers. A trip there, and a stay at the Wilderness guest house, is a must for any bird lover.

Anne Tester