An interesting week for SA birders: A mega twitch

While north of the Equator, the arrival of migrants was mostly awaited with great anticipation; down here in the south the departure of migrants was filled with surprises.
The sighting of a Little Crake at Clovelly, near False Bay, in the Western Cape Province; has evoked in me this age old mystery called "bird migration" as one of the great wonders of nature.
Bird migration has been a phenomenon that has always intrigued me in the entire part of my life as a birder and birdwatcher.
This fella, an uncommon Palearctic Migrant with a red spot at the base of the bill; who was  spotted on the 21st March 2012 at Clovelly wetlands, is making waves in the field of birding in the countruy.
Experts say that this particular incident was due to “reverse migration”.
Well, whatever the case might be, the joy and the excitement of being a first on the South African soil has brought our "birding world"  relatively to a standstill for at least a week. Hey, rather a fun filled weekend.
Hopefully, it will be in the national news in some days to come. So, the story goes:-

Here is the encounter as it unfolds
The Little Crake story hit the headlines on the  local news paper today, the 28th March 2012 and a twitcher from the Gauteng Province was on the spotlight. Follow this link for a full story:
http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Voelkykers-op-hol-oor-die-hennetjie-20120327

These are still some other encounters from ordinry people.
(Right-click to enlarge the image)

A group of veteran twitchers - a day to remember at Clovelly

(Photo: courtesy of Thomas Hohls posted 27/03/2012)

Family quality time enhanced for a lifetime opportunity at Clovelly

(Photo:courtesy of Thomas Hohls posted 27/03/2012)

All shapes and sizes out for a glimpse of the Little Crake at Clovelly

(Photo: courtesy of Tony Archer posted 27/03/2012)

Taking up position at the crack of dawn just for the Little Crake at Clovelly

(Photo: courtesy of Tony Archer posted 27/03/2012)

Little Crake - still showing at Clovelly (flashing the red spot at base of the bill)

(Photo: courtesy of  Pieter La Grange posted 26/03/2012)

The wetland at Clovelly where the Little Crake is at the moment temporarily taking refuge

(Photo: courtesy of  Cassia Gallagher posted 26/03/2012)

Little Crake at Clovelly
(Photo: courtesy of Per Holmen)