A River Runs Through It
It was a delightful sunny morning when we set off for a stroll along the Eerste River route in Stellenbosch. You could tell the 18 birders were just happy to get out and see one another, shaking off the winter blues with cheerful greetings. Laughter floated freely like the birds above.
We smelt the fresh, verdant scent of the forest, a mixture of damp earth, leaf litter, and the lingering aroma of river air. The emerald green forest enticed and the leaves of the trees, in their winter hues, beckoned—ochres, russets and worn gold catching the sunlight like forgotten treasure.
The Eerste River trail is a 5km loop. The path was mushy here and there, thanks to recent rain, but nothing a decent pair of boots couldn’t handle. Overall, it made for a comfy walk, with the sound of water rushing over the rocks and forming a backdrop to our muffled voices.
A beautiful pair of Black Ducks entertained us with their antics in the river, even clambering over the smooth round rocks and revealing their yellow legs, feet and toes. The birds were chirping and frolicking in the foliage, weaving an invisible thread through the morning. Some were hidden in the thickets; others darted across shafts of sunlight. The noisy calls of Egyptian Geese and Hadidas formed a shrill contrast to the gentler whistles of smaller birds. At one point, we looked up to see a leafless tree full of chattering Starlings, their glossy feathers catching the light like jewels. They filled the air with sound and motion like a living Christmas tree. An Olive Woodpecker revealed itself to a few birders before flying off. Small Cape Batis skulking in the undergrowth were no match for some accomplished photographers. There was a magical moment when a Jackal Buzzard soared overhead in the blue sky, majestic and
effortless.
We were able to catch our breath at a lookout point over the river. Swee Waxbills in abundance flitted and frolicked in the foliage along the river. We breathed deeply and enjoyed the rich tapestry embroidered by nature. A Pin-tailed Whydah without breeding plumage but with characteristic red bill darted hither and tither overhead. A magnificent Malachite Sunbird in iridescent green did the same. Southern Double-Collared Sunbirds chirped their swizzling song in the tree tops. A dull female Amethyst Sunbird with her striped belly made a surprising appearance. Suddenly, an African Harrier Hawk glided gracefully and low over the birders, showing off its unmistakable shape and grey colours with a spatter of yellow; a moment of quiet reverence followed the surprised gasps as it settled in a tree. Under the expert guidance of Keith Roxburgh, the group identified 30 species including Cape Canary, Fiscal Flycatcher and Cape Robin-Chat.

Eventually, the birders heeded the call for coffee at a café while others

found a picnic spot in the parking area next to Coetzenburg Stadium.

In a world that often moves too fast, mornings like these feel like a

gentle reminder that beauty is found in nature and community.
The works of art and display boards along the meander provide

additional inspiration. The sculptures create an interactive and creative

environment for the enjoyment of all.
‘In every walk with nature, man receives far more than he seeks.’

Notes
The Eerste River rises on Dwarsberg at the head of the Jonkershoek

Valley. Only about 40 km long, it flows into the sea on the northern

part of False Bay at Macassar. The route, adjacent to the Mile-long

Art Gallery, was built, and is maintained by the Stellenbosch Trail Fund,

(STF) that aims to create and improve hiking, biking and running trails

in and around Stellenbosch. Businesses and individuals provide the

funding.

Cheryl Grobler