Squacco Herons at Rondevlei – Garden Route

Birdwatching at Rondevlei: A Glimpse of Squacco HeronsRondevlei is one of my favourite spots to visit, and the weather here is often a treat, clear, sunny skies with little to no wind. But it can turn quickly, especially in August and September, when cold westerly winds sweep in, bringing dramatic weather shifts in a single day. Today I’m excited to share a video of three Squacco Herons that made a brief appearance at the small bridge connecting Rondevlei to the rest of the Wilderness system. While I often spot these herons, today was special, they perched right in front of me, undeterred by the slightly uncomfortable chilly breeze. Typically, they’re solitary birds, but they’ll sometimes forage in small groups, as I saw today. I even caught them flying over the area just after sunset, a behaviour I’ve noticed before. Capturing all three in one frame was a challenge. they weren’t close enough to fit in my viewfinder, so I had to pan the camera to get the shot. These herons are fascinating to watch, perched just above the water, gripping reeds with their large feet while scanning for small fish. Though not threatened, Squacco Herons are elusive, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. Knowing their distinct calls is a game-changer for spotting them.

Contact me if you need to learn more about my guided birding trips and photography hands-on courses in the bush. Check out the video on my blog at www.birdwatcher.co.za to see these beautiful birds in action!