The Twitch of the Tree Pipits

Luck was on my side yesterday, 22 February, when I downloaded emails. I had a long list of goodies to take care of in Rustenburg, and was preparing to leave.

My eye caught an email from Lisl van Deventer reporting a Tree Pipit seen in the Kgaswane Nature Reserve, Rustenburg. I immediately replied to this mail asking for more info, and received an immediate response from Lisl. Binoculars were picked up, bird books were found, and the idea of seeing a South African special foremost in my mind. While rushing to finish off a few things at work, I received a call from Etienne Marais, suggesting we meet up at Kgaswane. Great idea!


Two hours later, I arrived at the day visitor picnic site, to find Etienne's car, but no Etienne. I assumed he was somewhere in the surrounding scrub searching for the Pipit, and set about checking the area for bird life. Within minutes of arriving, I noticed a pipit-like bird land in a tree (pretty obvious!!), but had poor views against the light. Etienne appeared, and we headed off in search of the critter I had just seen.


Tree Pipit - Stuart Groom

We did not have a long wait, and were fortunate to have awesome views of two Tree Pipits sitting exposed on some bushes. Happy that we had found the two birds recorded by Lisl and party on Saturday, we were surprised to see a third bird fly in. Amazed at our luck, we were again surprised to see yet another individual arrive in view. Four Tree Pipits!!

Over the next 30 minutes we had crippling views of a number individuals, until they very willingly landed in the same tree. Surprised we were again, six Tree Pipits sitting together, with another just alongside in another tree.


Seven confirmed Tree Pipits!!!!!! We believed with all the movement that there may well have been up to ten Tree Pipits in the area!!!!!!

Five Tree Pipits - Stuart Groom

What a phenomenal morning!!!