Continue along the Darling Hills road, and look out for the small stream passing under the road at 3. A Masked Weaver colony is present in the large tree on your right at this point, and in spring a parasitic Diederik Cuckoo lurks around its edges. We have seen all three mousebird species perched in a single bush here! The road continues along a winding, overgrown river course until you reach a bridge (4). White-throated Swallow breeds under the bridge, and the alien vegetation in this vicinity holds Fiscal Flycatcher, Acacia Pied Barbet and Cardinal Woodpecker. Titbabbler and Long-billed Crombec may be found in the remnant natural scrub. Listen out at any stand of exotic trees in this area for Klaas’s Cuckoo, African Hoopoe and the scarce Greater Honeyguide. Occasionally, Secretarybird is seen stalking the open fields along the road, and Namaqua Dove may be seen in summer. The route intersects a tar road (the R307; 5 on map); just before turning left towards Darling, take a quick scan for the Jackal Buzzard that often perches in this area.

Roadside birding in the wheatlands of the Swartland, near Darling

If you’re passing through these parts at any time between August and October, do pay a visit to the Waylands Wildflower Reserve (6) where renosterveld vegetation occurs (see p.7). The vivid colours and massive diversity of flowering bulbs are truly spectacular and are sure to impress even the most hardened of birders. This is also an excellent place to see Clapper Lark. In 1998, a major irruption of Black-headed Canary (p.105*) and Ludwig’s Bustard (p.105*), two arid-country species normally found much further north in Namaqualand and the Karoo, occurred in this part of the Cape. Large numbers of both these species invaded the area for some weeks, and the canaries even bred here. Continuing towards Darling, the tiny Oudepos Wildflower Reserve (7) provides further great birding and flower viewing, and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. You’ll see the white gateway to the reserve on your left, directly opposite the R315 turn-off to Malmesbury. A few pairs of Cloud Cisticola (p.57*) breed here, and Orange-throated Longclaw, Thick-billed Lark, Grassveld Pipit and Yellow Canary are also common. A small group of Spotted Dikkop, which can sometimes be quite difficult to see, roosts in the gardens near the main building which, incidentally, is the largest orchid nursery in the southern hemisphere.

The quaint town of Darling, home to a number of local artists including the internationally renowned political satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, appears rather unhurried, except perhaps during the peak flower season. It is an excellent place to take a short break from birding and enjoy a light meal. Little Swifts breed in the town and can almost always be seen wheeling overhead. Cape Canary can also be seen in the town. The Wildflower Reserve, adjacent to the town itself, is worth a visit in spring if you have time.

Continue through Darling along the R315 towards Yzerfontein (poorly signposted), which eventually intersects the R27. The unassuming Tienie Versveld Nature Reserve lies on the left at 8. There are no facilities here, but its presence is betrayed by a small sign and a stile over the fence. For most of the year, it resembles an ordinary, abandoned field, but in spring it undergoes a spectacular transformation, becoming a vast mosaic of flowers. It is best known among birders as an excellent site for Cloud Cisticola (p.57*), which is common in the areas of taller grass. Common Quail (summer), Thick-billed and Red-capped Larks, Capped Wheatear, Orange-throated Longclaw and Grassveld Pipit are also found here. The seasonally flooded marsh often holds Ethiopian Snipe, and Blue Crane (p.72*) is an occasional early morning visitor to the reserve.