Sunday Bird Spotting

Part of the False Bay Nature Reserve is the Strandfontein Bird Section which is the Strandfontein sewage works.

I can just imagine everyone thinking "sewage" Yuck, the stench must be awful, not so to be honest. I have been there on numerous occasions and the there is hardly a smell at all.

The entrance is on the Pelican Park side of Zeekoevlei. I normally go via Victoria Rd, Grassy Park, turn right into Fishermans Walk then right into  Buck Rd. Look out for Flowerpecker Street and turn right. Once you have signed in at the entrance follow the road until you get the actual entrance to sewage works and turn right.

Now take out the camera and drive and drive and drive and take those pics.

Now is the time to go as most of the birds have migrated here for summer.

Had some good photographic opportunities of the White Pelican.

The Greater Famingo have also arrived and if you manage to get to the birding section at the right time you are in for a photographic feast.

If you are very lucky you might catch a Kite with it's prey.

The Photographic opportunities are endless of the various Duck Species, Terns, Storks, Spoonbills, Stints, Plovers, list goes on.

I am yet to spot the Fish Eagles, but there is hope yet.

Drakenstein Lion Park

Had a fantastic walk about the Lion Park - I would rather use the word "sanctuary" on Sunday the 26th November 2017. 

Each and every Lion in this sanctuary has a terrible story to tell, but thankfully they have been rescued and are now in a happy place.

The extract below is from their website

"Drakenstein Lion Park was established in 1998 to provide lions in distress with sanctuary, where they could live in safety, free from abuse and persecution, and be treated with the compassion and respect they deserved.

The Park is situated in the scenic Cape Winelands and comprises of 50 acres of sprawling lion habitat.

The Park is actively involved in improving the quality of life of lions in captivity, locally as well as internationally, either by offering these animals a lifetime home or working in conjunction with other animal welfare organizations to secure a safe future for individual animals in dire need.

The Park is not involved in commercial breeding or trade and offers lifetime care to all of it’s animals. All the animals brought to the Park are captive bred / hand reared and cannot be rehabilitated to the wild. The animals at the Park are assured a chance of living out their natural lives in an enriched and safe environment."

 As can be seen from theses photographs, the lions are in excellent shape and look very very well looked after.

There is a volunteer programme at the sanctuary as per the website.

The sanctuary is open as follows:

Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 16:00

Sat: 10:00 – 16:00

Sun: 11:00 – 16:00

Closed:
25 Dec & 01 Jan

How about adopting your very own lion

Your donation contributes directly towards a portion of the care costs for the adopted lion. 

This includes food, veterinary care and housing costs.

You will get an acknowledgement on the lions information board at the Park as well as on their website.

Adoptions fees are R1000  renewable annually.

They also have a LIFETIME adoption option, which entails a once off donation to adopt a lion for the rest of its natural life.

 If you are interested in this type of long term commitment please contact the sanctuary for further info.

www.lionrescue.org.za