Corné Erasmus - 07.06.19

On 26 May 2019, a WhatsApp came through from Godfrey Lodge to say that a Grey Wagtail was spotted by Patrick Killian at the Swartkops River, next to Despatch in the Eastern Cape.

This photo and news spread quickly to all interested and, needless to say, many of us flocked to Havenga Street, Despatch where we parked to walk a short distance to the river.  The bird was seen mainly beween the 27 and 30 May, but after that, no luck!

The following photos were taken by some of the “twitchers”.  Grey Wagtails are special birds with beautiful colours.

Godfrey Lodge		Godfrey Lodge
Godfrey Lodge		Barry Kurten

This sighting was only the 6^th time that a Grey Wagtail has been spotted in the Eastern Cape. Previous observations were:

1. 8 - 9 July 1989 – Cape Recife, Gqeberha: Peter Hall
2. 20 June – 14 July 1993 at Settlers Park, Gqeberha: Paul Martin and Dave Brown
3. 7 February 2003 – Kologha Forest, Stutterheim: C McMaster
4. 21 January 2006 – Swallowtail Falls, Hogsback: M Taylor, D Parker
5. 1 January 2007 – Hogsback: G Russell