.SusanVenter

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The road which meanders through the Abel Erasmus Pass and the Strydom Tunnel offers some of the best raptor birding on the route. Sheer cliffs hem the road in and provide roosting sites for a number of different species whilst thickly wooded valleys offer a different habitat type supporting a wide range of species. A number of lay byes near the pass offer an opportunity to scan the cliffs and forests. Species to look out for include the extremely rare Taita Falcon, Verreuxs Eagle, Verreuxs Eagle Owl, Cape Eagle Owl, Cape Vulture African Harrier Hawk, European Honey Buzzard, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. Egyptian Vulture has been reported in the area although are certainly not common. Whilst the emphasis is on raptor viewing there are a number of other species including Rock Martin, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Cape Rock Thrush, Mocking Cliff-chat and Striped Pipit which can be seen.