Liesbeek

A very long time ago they made a little walking route from Rondebosch through to Claremont along the Liesbeek. Even though most of it here is canalised, it’s still a very lovely walk from Observatory to Newlands for lunch on a summer’s day - especially because the locals all along the route have planted up a storm of flowers. Although it’s a domesticated section of the river, there’s still no shortage of life, such as a pair of African Black Ducks with a small swarm of ducklings.

Another dawn by the Black River, looking to the confluence where the Liesbeek joins it. I’m still waiting for my new lenses because Fedex is a garbage company. Hopefully soon though. If I’d had the wide lens I could have included the full rainbow that went along with this scene.

No otters down by the river. But great flights of ibis - including two flocks of Glossy Ibis; about a dozen each. Might be getting new lenses for the little XE1 today. Excited about that.

I didn’t see an otter today. I saw two.

Huge day for me. First time I’ve ever seen a wild otter. And it was here, fifteen minutes’ walk from my house where the city thinks it’s ok to bulldoze everything to put up offices for Amazon. The Cape Clawless Otter is thriving in this little bit of urban paradise.

Imam Rashied of Claremont Main Road mosque (thanks @suhairsolomon) tries to explain to a metro cop - probably surprised to find himself facing off against a series of the Cape’s religious leaders (including anti-apartheid hero, Allan Boesak - over whose shoulder the imam is pointing) that the activity is around a celebration of the sacrifices made by Khoi pastoralists who were the first to shed blood against colonial raiders, and who were the first to have their land usurped right here in Observatory. ...

Great white #pelicans on our #walk the way to #lunch. Like #galleons under #sail. We also saw a #malachite #kingfisher - our little #jewel with #wings.