Early in the morning at 5.30 am I get up and as soon as possible in the car. The distance is about 140 km on the road and stop for a cup of coffee is part of the standard routine.
I arrived at 7.15 pm on the Kamperhoek and there was nobody there. There was a weak southwest wind and it was completely cloudy. In any case, no error conditions. The counting means were established and soon became the first White-fronted Geese on the list noted. In the first 2 hours of the count they kept coming and at the end of the count over 1100 White-fronted Geese were counted. Furthermore, it remained remarkably calm. Across the Kamperhoek 3 pairs of Marsh Harriers have taken up residence. The birds are often seen mating and occasionally there is a photo opportunity. Furthermore, it remained very quiet.