A Surprise Buff-spotted Flufftail at George Botanical Garden

Whenever I’m in George, I can’t resist popping by the George Botanical Garden. This morning, June 2, 2025, was perfect for a walk – cool, clear, and just right for spotting birds. The garden was buzzing as usual: Levaillant’s Cisticolas singing their hearts out, a sneaky Black Crake creeping along the water’s edge, and colorful sunbirds zipping between flowers.

Heading to the shady indigenous forest, I picked up my pace to dodge a noisy group of students behind me. Once I hit the forest, I took a right at the first path, then a left after about 50 meters. Alone at last, I slowed down to soak in the peace. Up ahead, a few Swee Waxbills were hopping around in the short grass, pecking at seeds. The path was alive with colour, bright mushrooms and wildflowers like proteas and felicias added pops of red, gold, and purple, their sweet smells filling the air. I also spotted an owl pellet, a tight ball of mouse fur and bones, probably left by a Spotted Eagle-Owl or African Wood Owl after a good meal.

Then, out of nowhere, something small and quick caught my eye, looked like a rat or maybe a mongoose at first. I zoomed in with my camera, and as the blurry shots came into focus, I was stunned: a Buff-spotted Flufftail! It darted off in seconds, but my camera caught it clear as day – a little bird with chestnut feathers and creamy spots.

I never expected a Buff-spotted Flufftail this morning. What a wild moment in the George Botanical Garden!

Next time you go birding on the Garden Route, Join me for a guided birding trip! Book through www.birdwatcher.co.za and let’s explore South Africa’s amazing birdlife together.