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raptors |
Peninsula
Raptors:
The forested slopes and
rocky cliffs of
the Cape Peninsula are prime raptor-watching areas. A number
of Black Eagle pairs still nest on the mountains, and their
distinctive silhouette can be seen gracing the skies anywhere
along the Peninsulas rugged spine (pp.19, 21). Peregrine
Falcon (see picture below and pp.21, 23) is unusually common
here, sharing the skies with other cliff-nesting species including
Lanner Falcon, Rock Kestrel and Jackal Buzzard. The two falcons
commonly hunt in suburbia, where a flurry of scattering doves
often betrays their presence.
The
plantations and indigenous forests are the haunt of the agile
Red-breasted Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk, both of which
have adapted well to wooded suburbia. Although they are both
common, the latter is more often seen due to its conspicuously
noisy early-morning display flight. Ideally, familiarize yourself
with the calls of both these species, and scan the skies often,
especially in the early morning and evening (see pp 17 and
20). Black Sparrowhawk is a recent arrival on the Peninsula
and is still relatively scarce. See p.20 for discussion on
Steppe, Forest and Honey Buzzards.
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© Birding Africa 1997-2003 info@capebirdingroute.org
21 Newlands Road, Claremont, 7708, Cape Town, South Africa
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