Signs of Spring Evident at Mount Moreland

By Angie Wilken

So much rain has fallen recently that the Mdloti River, next to Mount Moreland has swollen considerably and a fast, yet steady flow of water is a welcome sight. Spring has defiantly arrived slightly early this year! 

 
Mdloti River

Yellow billed kites were spotted over and around Mount Moreland from Wednesday 17 August, the first sightings of the migratory birds arriving are evident signs of spring.

       
Yellow Billed Kite feasts on a Frog - August 2011

The very next evening (Thursday 18 August) the surrounding wetlands and river valley broke forth with a frog chorus of note  this sound is always so exciting and what we refer to as our spring wake up call.

Friday 19 August I sighted four lesser striped swallows whilst driving at La Lucia, we have yet to see these arrive at Mount Moreland, maybe in the next few days they will show up and take up residency in some of the eaves of Mount Moreland homes.

This morning, Sunday 21 August I saw 2 White Throated Swallows perched on a wire near the entrance to the Mount Moreland village, what a thrill to see these little travellers arriving once again, pity I didn't have my camera on hand.

The wetlands are both looking good for the forth coming arrival of the Barn Swallows - expected arrival mid October.

         
Lake Victoria wetland (left) and Froggy Pond wetland (right) photo 21-08-2011