Chaetops frenatus (Eng. Cape Rockjumpers, Afr. Berglyster)

People come from all over the world to see our Cape Rockjumpers. They are endemic to mountainous fynbos and Rooiels is the most accessible place to see them.

You might hear the Rockjumpers when you walk the dirt road from Rooiels to Pringle Bay. When you scan the mountain slopes, you will see them scurrying over the rocks.

They do undertake short flights, but mostly they run or hop over the rocks, where they forage for insects or small lizards. They are inquisitive and sometimes come closer to inspect the awestruck birdwatcher. Especially the young ones have no fear of humans and come right down to the road.

Every few years we have our famous fynbos fires, a natural occurrence in our area. That is when the Rockjumpers disappear, to our great concern, but they do return once the vegetation regenerates.

Cape Rockjumpers nest on the ground, lining their nests with fluffy protea seed pods or fur from our red rock hare.

As ground nesters, rockjumpers can expect visits from the Cape grey mongoose, honey badger, common egg-eater and other snakes.

Our Chacma baboons love eggs. Open a car boot and they steal the eggs. Leave the kitchen door open, and they raid the fridge – including the eggs. They also pinch eggs from birds' nests.

Earth warming might influence the survival of the Cape Rockjumper. Research has shown that their numbers are declining in warmer parts of their habitat. The birds have lower heat tolerance compared to other birds of the fynbos.

Here in Rooiels, we are so lucky to see our Rockjumpers jumping. Start looking out for them on your left as you past the smallholdings gate. Look around the area where the milkwood trees grow, just below the leopard cave. Walk as far as the Distillery, where they can sometimes be seen frolicking amongst the rocks. Then slowly walk back, enjoying the scenery. A Rockjumper might just cross the road in front of you.