Kzn Birds 43

November 2014 No 43 KZN BIRDS Newsletter of the KZN Branches of BirdLife South Africa KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

EDITORIAL CONTENTS CHAIR’S CHIRPS

Birders’ hall of fame 3 Chair’s Chirps 3 BirdLife Midlands BIRDING has as much to do with people 4 BirdLife Port Natal as birds. What may be a hobby for many 10 BirdLife Trogons people can become an abiding passion 11 BirdLife Sisonke for some. And over the years this IN spite of the long dry winter and early 12 BirdLife Zululand Roger O’Neill recreational pastime has produced spring, our birding outings have been ABOVE: Southern Bald Ibis flying characters as colourful as the subjects 14 BirdLife KZN Bird Forum very rewarding. The KwaZulu-Natal against the cliffs at Zulu Falls they pursue. 14 Chameleon mystery unravelled Midlands provides us with a diverse We would like to create an online “hall range of habitats and places to visit. The conservation and promoting BirdLife of fame” of people in KwaZulu-Natal who 15 Conservation and Projects regular Sunday morning outings to South Africa (BLSA) nationally and have made their mark by participating in 15 Lifting the veil on falconry Darvill are always productive. Then internationally. We are very fortunate to there were visits to Bedrock Lodge, club activities, ornithology or the 17 Raptor ringing day have a thoroughly professional team in Kilgobbin Forest in the Dargle, Zulu Falls conservation of birds. You are invited to 18 2014 Cape Parrot Big Day report BLSA. near Mooi River, Albert Falls Dam The BirdLife KZN Chairs’ Forum was send in the names of avid birders, past or Nature Reserve, Kenneth Stainbank also very constructive. These meetings present, and anecdotes about birding 21 Bird Notes and observations exploits for possible inclusion on the Nature Reserve and Benvie in the ensure that bird conservation issues 21 Unusual breeding records BirdLife Port Natal website. This will be a Karkloof. remain high on the agendas of the 22 LBJ makes history on KZN south coast way of recognising the contribution of The BirdLife KZN Bird Forum on relevant government bodies and NGOs, many ordinary people to the pursuit of Conserving Birds was a really special as well ensuring that the interests of all 24 Bird Trip birdwatching. Send names, a short event. The programme and presenters the members of BLSA and the KZN 23 East Africa in 100 days: part 3 biography, photographs and the reasons gave those who attended an update on clubs are looked after well. All credit to for inclusion to t h e v a r i o u s b i r d c o n s e r v a t i o n the organisers Roy Cowgill and Lesley 27 Honorary Recorder’s Report [email protected] programmes being undertaken in KZN Frescura. B L P N i s a l s o c a l l i n g f o r t h e and in South Africa. It is so encouraging The Midmar Game Park is open to the 31 Club Activities nomination of candidates for its annual seeing such passionate and committed public after a long closure. Entrance is Feather in the Cap award. Please people involved in a wide spread of by either showing a Golden Rhino or contact the chair Lesley Frescura, at projects. The highlight of the forum Wild Card or an entrance ticket [email protected] m e e t i n g w a s M a r k A n d e r s o n ’s purchased at the main resort offices and presentation on what he and his signing the register at the Thurlow Gate. Crystelle Wilson dedicated team are doing for bird It is a great place to visit and find Grey- KZN BIRDS crowned Cranes and Blue Cranes either KZN Birds is the newsletter of BirdLife Port Natal, BirdLife KZN Midlands, BirdLife Zululand, BirdLife Sisonke and BELOW: Barend Booysen was the on the adjacent farmland or at the BirdLife Trogons, all branches of Birdlife South Africa, and is published three times a year. Any member of the public, water’s edge. whether members of a branch or not, are invited to submit articles for publication. Views expressed in KZN Birds are leader of the club's July outing to not necessarily those of the editor, the aforementioned clubs or BirdLife SA. All national rarities are subject to Kilgobbin Forest The dam water is receding leaving acceptance by the National Rarities Committee. Drummond Densham bare ground and many aquatic birds can Submissions are used at the discretion of the editor and may be held back for future editions. Contributions can be observed. On the control burnt areas be sent to the Editor, Crystelle Wilson, at [email protected] or typed or neatly written and posted to Crystelle at 2 Lanville, 149 North Ridge Road, Durban many grassland birds can be spotted. 4001. Good quality, high resolution digital photographs are The club has enjoyed all the indoor also welcome. Telephone: 031 2080577 or 082 7235158 Advertising in KZN Birds Per issue evening meetings both in Howick at Front cover logo R1000 Amber Valley Auditorium and at the The deadline for the next issue Back page colour R1500 is 1 February 2015 Full Page inside b&w R 1000 Woodgrove Centre in Pietermaritzburg. Half Page R 500 Front cover: Pel’s Fishing Owl juvenile - Hugh Chittenden Quarter Page R 250 Drummond Densham Desktop Publishing: Crystelle Wilson Smalls R2 per word 033 3304039

November 2014 2 3 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

EDITORIAL CONTENTS CHAIR’S CHIRPS

November 2014 2 3 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

to bite, and the air is thick with doom- Krantzkloof on 10 June a wonderful On Sunday 15 June Jenny Norman laden predictions. The televison general talk on birding in North America. led a group on an outing to Oribi Gorge news shows me the massive march Gordon's history with the Natal Bird Club where many birds, butterflies and in New York on climate change, and and then BirdLife KZN Midlands is a spiders were seen and photographed. the small but significant protest at the reminder to many of us of the early days The following week’s outing was to Green Hub in Durban on the same The kingfisher rises out of the black wave of birding in KZN, with few of the gadgets Simbithi Estate with Mike White where day. that many birders now take for granted. people enjoyed the visit to two of the like a blue flower, in his beak June began with a mid-year outing he carries a silver leaf. I think this is On 11 June we were so lucky to have dams followed by a good breakfast at to Umbogavango rather than going in Lucy Kemp of the Mabula Southern the Heron Centre. the prettiest world--so long as you don't mind December which is often rained out. a little dying, how could there be a day in your Ground-Hornbill Project come to Roy, Steve and myself were invited to This decision was well taken when Westville, and tell us of “our threatened the opening of the Wattled Crane crèche whole life reading Elena Russell's report: “It that doesn't have its splash of happiness? thunderbird”, and the work they are at the KZN Crane Foundation's was a beautiful day and the birding doing to conserve these birds. Those of premises close to Nottingham Road on There are more fish than there are leaves was great. There were 19 members on a thousand trees, and anyway the kingfisher you who have read her latest newsletter 28 June. I travelled with Flick McKenzie and one visitor who were privileged will be glad to know that Nomusa and Virginia Cameron on a chilly day, but wasn't born to think about it, or anything else. to see White-eared Barbets in Mkhungo, one of our members, and her the warmth of the greetings in sherry and When the wave snaps shut over his blue head, the abundance and the most lovely c o l l e a g u e s f r o m t h e Wo m e n ' s bonhomie was welcome. We watched water views of six or seven Black-collared Leadership and Training Programme an excellent video on raising young remains water--hunger is the only story Barbets sitting in the top of a fever has been busy monitoring and noting cranes, listened to tributes to those who he has ever heard in his life that he could tree catching the sun. Black Crakes the birds in the Kokstad area, and they had the vision to make the premises and believe. were seen a number of times as well were also able to visit Mabula for the crèche happen, and then visited the I don't say he's right. Neither as a very strange hybrid goose training. crèche site. More recently at the KZN do I say he's wrong. Religiously he swallows the hanging out with a pair of Egyptian T h e B i r d M o n i t o r i n g a n d Bird Forum in Howick, Lara Jordan, who silver leaf Geese and their chicks. Raptors: Conservation Group have been working is one of the chick 'minders', gave a with its broken red river, and with a rough and Black Sparrowhawk, Lanner Falcon, with the management committee from presentation on her work walking the easy cry African Fish Eagle and then the piece the Palmiet NR for the last few months, young cranes and ensuring that their I couldn't rouse out of my thoughtful body de resistance, a Palm-nut Vulture in order to ensure that the spreadsheet diet and interaction with their keepers, if my life depended on it, he swings back circling overhead and giving us the devised by Steve Davis is completed. who are all dressed as cranes, work for over the bright sea to do the same thing, to do it most fabulous display - I think we This work culminated with a Biodiversity each individual chick. Any spare cash (as I long to do something, anything) perfectly. then decided it was a glorious day. Bash in the reserve in October. you may have will be very gratefully We had a brief glimpse of a Natal The Kingfisher by Mary Oliver received by the foundation in order to Spurfowl, Giant, Malachite and BELOW: Lucy Kemp (left) gave a keep this programme going. TODAY the weather bureau has forecast a Brown-hooded Kingfishers, Cape, presentation in June on the work of the July had a treat in store for me. Marion high of 34C, but tomorrow the temperature African Pied and Mountain Wagtails, Mabula Southern Ground-Hornbill Spence, the outgoing President of will have dropped again to the low 20s. plenty of flycatchers and sunbirds, Project. Seen with her were Rotary Central, invited me to attend the When I read correspondence from those giving us a count of 74. A few of us Nthabisenge Momama, Sophie Neller evening meeting and there I found who enjoy actual seasons, I wonder what it stayed on for another short walk and and Nomusa Mkhungo Crystelle Wilson myself in the august company of Jean is like, where rather we have a rollercoaster we had large flocks of Red-backed Senogles and Alan Robb from WESSA, of changes, particularly in the time between Mannikins and a sole Blacksmith and the three of us were awarded the August and December. This year it has been Lapwing flew into sight just as we Paul Harris certificate, a very significant greatly exacerbated by the drought, and were leaving making a total count of honour. A surprise for me, but I do hope many of us have had to watch trees and 76 - not too shabby for a winter's that you, our members, will share it with bushes die away for lack of water. Driving morning birding.” Thanks Elena for me because it has been a pleasure to through the province in a winter like this one your interesting reports, and to the work with many of you and to keep the has not been pleasant – the smoke from photographers as well. club offering outings and activities, as various fires clouding the skyline, and the June was also a great month for well as supporting the conservation colour of the grass mostly a uniform yellow. excellent guest speakers - Gordon work done by BirdLife South Africa. Water problems in South Africa have begun Bennett gave those present at November 2014 4 5 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 to bite, and the air is thick with doom- Krantzkloof on 10 June a wonderful On Sunday 15 June Jenny Norman laden predictions. The televison general talk on birding in North America. led a group on an outing to Oribi Gorge news shows me the massive march Gordon's history with the Natal Bird Club where many birds, butterflies and in New York on climate change, and and then BirdLife KZN Midlands is a spiders were seen and photographed. the small but significant protest at the reminder to many of us of the early days The following week’s outing was to Green Hub in Durban on the same The kingfisher rises out of the black wave of birding in KZN, with few of the gadgets Simbithi Estate with Mike White where day. that many birders now take for granted. people enjoyed the visit to two of the like a blue flower, in his beak June began with a mid-year outing he carries a silver leaf. I think this is On 11 June we were so lucky to have dams followed by a good breakfast at to Umbogavango rather than going in Lucy Kemp of the Mabula Southern the Heron Centre. the prettiest world--so long as you don't mind December which is often rained out. a little dying, how could there be a day in your Ground-Hornbill Project come to Roy, Steve and myself were invited to This decision was well taken when Westville, and tell us of “our threatened the opening of the Wattled Crane crèche whole life reading Elena Russell's report: “It that doesn't have its splash of happiness? thunderbird”, and the work they are at the KZN Crane Foundation's was a beautiful day and the birding doing to conserve these birds. Those of premises close to Nottingham Road on There are more fish than there are leaves was great. There were 19 members on a thousand trees, and anyway the kingfisher you who have read her latest newsletter 28 June. I travelled with Flick McKenzie and one visitor who were privileged will be glad to know that Nomusa and Virginia Cameron on a chilly day, but wasn't born to think about it, or anything else. to see White-eared Barbets in Mkhungo, one of our members, and her the warmth of the greetings in sherry and When the wave snaps shut over his blue head, the abundance and the most lovely c o l l e a g u e s f r o m t h e Wo m e n ' s bonhomie was welcome. We watched water views of six or seven Black-collared Leadership and Training Programme an excellent video on raising young remains water--hunger is the only story Barbets sitting in the top of a fever has been busy monitoring and noting cranes, listened to tributes to those who he has ever heard in his life that he could tree catching the sun. Black Crakes the birds in the Kokstad area, and they had the vision to make the premises and believe. were seen a number of times as well were also able to visit Mabula for the crèche happen, and then visited the I don't say he's right. Neither as a very strange hybrid goose training. crèche site. More recently at the KZN do I say he's wrong. Religiously he swallows the hanging out with a pair of Egyptian T h e B i r d M o n i t o r i n g a n d Bird Forum in Howick, Lara Jordan, who silver leaf Geese and their chicks. Raptors: Conservation Group have been working is one of the chick 'minders', gave a with its broken red river, and with a rough and Black Sparrowhawk, Lanner Falcon, with the management committee from presentation on her work walking the easy cry African Fish Eagle and then the piece the Palmiet NR for the last few months, young cranes and ensuring that their I couldn't rouse out of my thoughtful body de resistance, a Palm-nut Vulture in order to ensure that the spreadsheet diet and interaction with their keepers, if my life depended on it, he swings back circling overhead and giving us the devised by Steve Davis is completed. who are all dressed as cranes, work for over the bright sea to do the same thing, to do it most fabulous display - I think we This work culminated with a Biodiversity each individual chick. Any spare cash (as I long to do something, anything) perfectly. then decided it was a glorious day. Bash in the reserve in October. you may have will be very gratefully We had a brief glimpse of a Natal The Kingfisher by Mary Oliver received by the foundation in order to Spurfowl, Giant, Malachite and BELOW: Lucy Kemp (left) gave a keep this programme going. TODAY the weather bureau has forecast a Brown-hooded Kingfishers, Cape, presentation in June on the work of the July had a treat in store for me. Marion high of 34C, but tomorrow the temperature African Pied and Mountain Wagtails, Mabula Southern Ground-Hornbill Spence, the outgoing President of will have dropped again to the low 20s. plenty of flycatchers and sunbirds, Project. Seen with her were Rotary Central, invited me to attend the When I read correspondence from those giving us a count of 74. A few of us Nthabisenge Momama, Sophie Neller evening meeting and there I found who enjoy actual seasons, I wonder what it stayed on for another short walk and and Nomusa Mkhungo Crystelle Wilson myself in the august company of Jean is like, where rather we have a rollercoaster we had large flocks of Red-backed Senogles and Alan Robb from WESSA, of changes, particularly in the time between Mannikins and a sole Blacksmith and the three of us were awarded the August and December. This year it has been Lapwing flew into sight just as we Paul Harris certificate, a very significant greatly exacerbated by the drought, and were leaving making a total count of honour. A surprise for me, but I do hope many of us have had to watch trees and 76 - not too shabby for a winter's that you, our members, will share it with bushes die away for lack of water. Driving morning birding.” Thanks Elena for me because it has been a pleasure to through the province in a winter like this one your interesting reports, and to the work with many of you and to keep the has not been pleasant – the smoke from photographers as well. club offering outings and activities, as various fires clouding the skyline, and the June was also a great month for well as supporting the conservation colour of the grass mostly a uniform yellow. excellent guest speakers - Gordon work done by BirdLife South Africa. Water problems in South Africa have begun Bennett gave those present at November 2014 4 5 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

Umzumbe Flood Plain to a fine art, and C o m m o n W h i m b r e l s m a d e a n night in Westville. There were many the photographs on his Swallow page appearance. There was also a dearth of oohs and aahs as he took us through the taken by himself and others of the tiny gulls and terns, with only one Grey- remote places they visited. Jenny Rix migrant birds has added much to the headed Gull and two Swift Terns. Two ended the month with a visit to Bisley literature on them. It was with this in African Fish Eagles and one Osprey Valley NR. Ten birders attended the mind that Crystelle Wilson organised “A provided some variety. outing. This bushveld reserve is very dry Summer Photographic Odyssey” for the Mike Roseblade and Jane Morris at the moment, which is to be expected evening of 9 July. An excellent evening organised one of their famous at this time of the year. Mention must be was enjoyed by those who attended. weekends on 1-2 August at River Valley made of 10-year old Declan, our “chief” Crystelle has become a fervent and NR, Uvongo, and an excellent time was photographer, who handled the camera Photo supplied accomplished photographer which had by all. Sadly they have decided to with a very large lens like a pro and his ABOVE: BLPN chair, Lesley Frescura enhances her SABAP2 atlas forays. She stop organising these weekends after birding skills weren't bad either! We are (right), was one of the recipients of the recently returned from Prieska and the many years of doing so. I would like to so delighted to have him as one of our Paul Harris award from Rotary Central annual atlas bash in a remote area. thank them for their commitment and expert birders, and that his family are this year. With her from left were Wednesday 16 July was one of those very hard work and I am sure their staying in Durban and not relocating to Jean Senogles, Marion Spence glorious winter days that we are spoilt organisation of these outings will be Gauteng. and Alan Robb with in Durban, and the outing was to seriously missed. On 18 August Mike White, who has BLPN manages to do a small amount Pigeon Valley. A crowd of 25 people Sandi du Preez continues her taken over from Laurie Wicks as our of conservation work as volunteers, and turned up and were not disappointed - a Wednesday morning outings this year r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o n t h e W i l d l i f e this year we have continued our pair of Buff-spotted Flufftails, six Spotted and Msinsi NR within the Howard Committee at uShaka airport, organised successful partnership with Coast G r o u n d - T h r u s h , a C a r d i n a l College campus of UKZN was chosen a visit to the airport for committee Watch and Carolyn Schwegman whose Woodpecker defending its nest from a for 6 August. On 12 August Malcolm members to liaise with ACSA officials expertise on EIAs and other documents Honeyguide, and a pair of Blue-mantled Gemmell gave a wonderful talk to and see for themselves what has been has assisted Arnia particularly in Crested Flycatchers were the highlights. Krantzkloof Birds on the “Sights and done to upgrade the viewsight at Froggy commenting on planned environmental Thanks to Crispin Hemson for joining us Sounds of Ntsikeni”, and this was Pond in readiness for the return of the impacts, mostly in the harbour area, but and making the morning significantly followed by Craig Nelson speaking on Barn Swallows, and for the group to see lately on the Clairwood Race Track better as he knows the reserve and his and Karin's East African trip the next the terrain where the White-winged which has been closed and is facing everything in it very well. Flufftail was found. m u c h c h a n g e . W e h a v e a l s o July also saw Paul and Sally Bartho BELOW: BLPN members and ACSA Roy Cowgill asked me to attend the commented on a planned change near lead an outing to a new destination, staff at the King Shaka Airport in BLSA Council meeting from 22-24 the New Germany NR, where we Hilton College, and on the 27th the bi- August were from left to right Mike August in Johannesburg in his place. registered our objection to a new church annual CWAC count took place along White, Christopher Jones, Clarissa Those present fully discussed the being erected very close to the reserve. the uMngeni River and estuary and at Naicker, Nontokozo Nzama, Lesley proposed changes to BLSA including We were alerted to plans for changes to Bayhead. The total count at uMngeni Frescura (obscured), Virginia changes to the constitution and the the Scouting area in Burman Bush, but River was 502 birds of 24 species. Most Cameron, Paul Bartho, Arnia van manner in which membership is being after consultations it was agreed not to numerous birds were Sacred Ibis (111) Vuuren and Sally Bartho handled. Members will be hearing more object to the proposed development. and Swift Tern (141). No overwintering Crystelle Wilson about this shortly, once the documents With the development of digital Palaearctic shorebirds were seen and have been finalised. The Owl Awards photography, we are very aware that Water Thick-knees were not seen or ceremony was held on the Saturday many more members than before are heard. An interesting sighting was a evening, and it was great to see the able to photograph birds seen on group of 75 White-breasted Cormorants recipients receive recognition for work outings. One only has to visit the a c c o m p a n i e d b y n i n e C a p e they have done - either as corporate Facebook page of BirdLife South Africa Cormorants. Bayhead was very quiet donors or those who work closely with or Trevor Hardaker, or the Wild Bird with a total of 72 birds (one of the lowest BLSA staff in the field. Due recognition Trust, to find many brilliant images of ever totals) of 18 species. Blacksmith was also given to those who work in the birds going about their daily activities. Lapwings were conspicuously absent community areas of places like Andrew Pickles has taken ringing in the but 24 Common Greenshanks and 12 Mafikeng and Soweto. However, my November 2014 6 7 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 favourite was the Owlet Award given to Thanks to Virginia Cameron for her Birds are often considered to be the younger members of the clubs - the interaction with both adults and children outstanding indicators of the health of Gauteng child and his family who were as well. the overall environment. Rather like the the recipients had worked hard to raise And then September was upon us proverbial canary in the coalmine, they funds for seriously endangered birds by and the end of the year began to loom on are readily affected by physical and various ways and means. the horizon. Elena had gone travelling chemical impacts on their ecosystems, Meanwhile, Arnia van Vuuren and her so Barry Pullock organised an outing to whether these are caused by natural or team of volunteers were kept extremely TC Robertson on the first Saturday, and m a n - m a d e i n f l u e n c e s . W h e n busy at the Sustainable Living Exhibition the 12 visitors were welcomed with communities of birds change this is - three days of information-sharing, delight by the locals. The Mpambinyoni usually the result of an ecological talking to the many schoolchildren river that came down in flood two years change. Because many species of birds present on the Friday, selling calendars, ago all but destroyed TC, but as time have become specialised to occupy Crystelle Wilson distributing other literature. Crystelle and went by it turned out a blessing, as there certain niches and together they inhabit ABOVE: Mark Anderson, CEO of Arnia designed a stand whose main are now wide river banks and a lagoon almost every conceivable habitat, they BLSA addresses the KZN Bird Forum attraction was a very large pink feather that ends on Scottburgh beach. This has are responsive to a wide variety of so people could be in no doubt as to the improved the variety of birdlife, and all in And finally, slightly later than usual, environmental changes and can reflect nature of our business. Our very grateful all, 67 different species were sighted we had the BirdLife KZN Forum at diversity and trends in other animals and thanks are due to those who volunteered and or their calls heard. W E S S A U m g e n i , f r o m 2 6 - 2 8 plants with which they coexist. Unlike a n d d i d s u c h e x c e l l e n t w o r k - Wednesday 10 September gave us a September. Mark Anderson travelled some other groups of animals that are congratulations all round. fascinating visit from guest speaker from Johannesburg and Kristi Garland also good environmental indicators, Bruce Padbury and his Peregrine from Wakkerstroom. Roy had put such as frogs, birds are relatively easy to Falcon, Blue, from the Natal Falconry together an excellent programme. observe and identify, and most are Club. Bruce works closely with Shane Contributions included David Allan active during the day. McPherson and his Crowned Eagle speaking on the pelagic seabirds off T h e r e a r e m a n y d i f f e r e n t Project, and is dedicated to the Durban and Peter Nelson from Eskom conservation issues which have an conservation and preservation of the on the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme. impact on our birds including climate remaining wild places in our province. Shane McPherson updated his c h a n g e , c o a s t a l d e v e l o p m e n t , Those present were able to view a research on Crowned Eagles and John disturbance of breeding birds and Peregrine close up and learn what the Craigie, Brent Coverdale and Morgan environmental flows, fire and burning Falconry Club does and I think the Pfeiffer spoke on vultures. The status of regimes (BirdLife International Australia: evening dispelled many myths, and has source). This year is the 30th Birding Big Crystelle Wilson cranes in KZN were discussed by Tanya given us the opportunity to interact Smith and Lara Jordan and Colin Day and in celebration of this milestone, ABOVE: Volunteers Merle Mackenzie further with them. (See article on p 15) there is a new category “Bird your (left) and Arnia van Vuuren (back) Summergill gave an update on Dave Rimmer continued the South SABAP2. Kristi Garland spoke on 'Hood”. This is a low carbon footprint engage with learners at the Coast forays with a visit to Umdoni Park, category for budding beginners or Sustainable Living Fair held in Durban environmental education and the Pennington, on 21 September. The Avianator programme. Mark gave us garden spotters to get out birding in the It wasn't long before Arnia was out group of seventeen avid birders then information on the new governance gardens, suburbs, local parks or again at the Krantzkloof Conservancy's assembled on the fringe of the 17th s t r u c t u r e a n d m e m b e r s h i p schools. Have a look on the BLSA special outreach and education day on green which is fronted by a few trees. administration at BLSA and completed website for more information, and check Saturday 30 August held at Krantzkloof One, a weeping boerbean, was in full his input with a presentation on bird our website as well for activities at the Interpretive Centre. The weather held flower which attracted a number of birds conservation in South Africa. I think that Green Hub on 29 November. We would out, Dave Bishop's walk was very well including Grey, Collared and Amethyst many listening to him marvelled at the like to encourage BIG participation in attended and Janet Levy's preparations Sunbirds, Cape White-eyes and a Red- amount of work undertaken by the very this year's event and get lots of South for the children were enthusiastically faced Mousebird. A Narina Trogon gave professional staff at BLSA, and at how Africans excited about watching birds on embraced by the children present - the photographers excellent views, but much Mark himself puts into the 29 November. unfortunately not as many as we would the bird of the day was a Gorgeous organisation. We are very lucky indeed Lesley Frescura have liked, but we will persevere. Bushshrike. to have him at the helm. 083 2313408 November 2014 8 9 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 favourite was the Owlet Award given to Thanks to Virginia Cameron for her Birds are often considered to be the younger members of the clubs - the interaction with both adults and children outstanding indicators of the health of Gauteng child and his family who were as well. the overall environment. Rather like the the recipients had worked hard to raise And then September was upon us proverbial canary in the coalmine, they funds for seriously endangered birds by and the end of the year began to loom on are readily affected by physical and various ways and means. the horizon. Elena had gone travelling chemical impacts on their ecosystems, Meanwhile, Arnia van Vuuren and her so Barry Pullock organised an outing to whether these are caused by natural or team of volunteers were kept extremely TC Robertson on the first Saturday, and m a n - m a d e i n f l u e n c e s . W h e n busy at the Sustainable Living Exhibition the 12 visitors were welcomed with communities of birds change this is - three days of information-sharing, delight by the locals. The Mpambinyoni usually the result of an ecological talking to the many schoolchildren river that came down in flood two years change. Because many species of birds present on the Friday, selling calendars, ago all but destroyed TC, but as time have become specialised to occupy Crystelle Wilson distributing other literature. Crystelle and went by it turned out a blessing, as there certain niches and together they inhabit ABOVE: Mark Anderson, CEO of Arnia designed a stand whose main are now wide river banks and a lagoon almost every conceivable habitat, they BLSA addresses the KZN Bird Forum attraction was a very large pink feather that ends on Scottburgh beach. This has are responsive to a wide variety of so people could be in no doubt as to the improved the variety of birdlife, and all in And finally, slightly later than usual, environmental changes and can reflect nature of our business. Our very grateful all, 67 different species were sighted we had the BirdLife KZN Forum at diversity and trends in other animals and thanks are due to those who volunteered and or their calls heard. W E S S A U m g e n i , f r o m 2 6 - 2 8 plants with which they coexist. Unlike a n d d i d s u c h e x c e l l e n t w o r k - Wednesday 10 September gave us a September. Mark Anderson travelled some other groups of animals that are congratulations all round. fascinating visit from guest speaker from Johannesburg and Kristi Garland also good environmental indicators, Bruce Padbury and his Peregrine from Wakkerstroom. Roy had put such as frogs, birds are relatively easy to Falcon, Blue, from the Natal Falconry together an excellent programme. observe and identify, and most are Club. Bruce works closely with Shane Contributions included David Allan active during the day. McPherson and his Crowned Eagle speaking on the pelagic seabirds off T h e r e a r e m a n y d i f f e r e n t Project, and is dedicated to the Durban and Peter Nelson from Eskom conservation issues which have an conservation and preservation of the on the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme. impact on our birds including climate remaining wild places in our province. Shane McPherson updated his c h a n g e , c o a s t a l d e v e l o p m e n t , Those present were able to view a research on Crowned Eagles and John disturbance of breeding birds and Peregrine close up and learn what the Craigie, Brent Coverdale and Morgan environmental flows, fire and burning Falconry Club does and I think the Pfeiffer spoke on vultures. The status of regimes (BirdLife International Australia: evening dispelled many myths, and has source). This year is the 30th Birding Big Crystelle Wilson cranes in KZN were discussed by Tanya given us the opportunity to interact Smith and Lara Jordan and Colin Day and in celebration of this milestone, ABOVE: Volunteers Merle Mackenzie further with them. (See article on p 15) there is a new category “Bird your (left) and Arnia van Vuuren (back) Summergill gave an update on Dave Rimmer continued the South SABAP2. Kristi Garland spoke on 'Hood”. This is a low carbon footprint engage with learners at the Coast forays with a visit to Umdoni Park, category for budding beginners or Sustainable Living Fair held in Durban environmental education and the Pennington, on 21 September. The Avianator programme. Mark gave us garden spotters to get out birding in the It wasn't long before Arnia was out group of seventeen avid birders then information on the new governance gardens, suburbs, local parks or again at the Krantzkloof Conservancy's assembled on the fringe of the 17th s t r u c t u r e a n d m e m b e r s h i p schools. Have a look on the BLSA special outreach and education day on green which is fronted by a few trees. administration at BLSA and completed website for more information, and check Saturday 30 August held at Krantzkloof One, a weeping boerbean, was in full his input with a presentation on bird our website as well for activities at the Interpretive Centre. The weather held flower which attracted a number of birds conservation in South Africa. I think that Green Hub on 29 November. We would out, Dave Bishop's walk was very well including Grey, Collared and Amethyst many listening to him marvelled at the like to encourage BIG participation in attended and Janet Levy's preparations Sunbirds, Cape White-eyes and a Red- amount of work undertaken by the very this year's event and get lots of South for the children were enthusiastically faced Mousebird. A Narina Trogon gave professional staff at BLSA, and at how Africans excited about watching birds on embraced by the children present - the photographers excellent views, but much Mark himself puts into the 29 November. unfortunately not as many as we would the bird of the day was a Gorgeous organisation. We are very lucky indeed Lesley Frescura have liked, but we will persevere. Bushshrike. to have him at the helm. 083 2313408 November 2014 8 9 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

T H E s u m m e r well, although we have noticed a receive this magazine, if you wish to rains have finally fluctuation in attendance. If the petrol attend, please try contacting Andy Ruffle arrived, rapidly prices are starting to bite, please to see if you can be added. turning what was consider lift sharing with members who Our AGM date has been changed to a very parched live close to you. Not only will you save 21 February 2015. Mark Anderson landscape into money, but also improve your carbon (BLSA CEO) will be attending, to tell us the lush green paradise we are very footprint. all about the great work being done by privileged to occupy. With them have The Richards Bay trip away in BirdLife South Africa. Please diarise as come some of our summer avian friends, September was again well attended. We you won't want to miss this AGM. which we miss in our skies during the dry express our sincere thanks to Richard We'd like to extend a warm welcome months of our winter. Johnstone and Johan Gouws from to Barrie Willis, who has joined the Sadly, two of our friends who left this BirdLife Zululand, who guided our committee as events co-ordinator. winter, won't be returning with the rains. members to the hotspots of the area. Thanks, Barrie. Fred Burnett passed away on 17 Photo supplied Thanks also go to Sandy Olver for Finally, season’s greetings to all our June. We hadn't seen Fred for a long ABOVE: Andy Ruffle at the new hide liaising with BirdLife Zululand. members and friends. Have a wonderful time, due to his frail health. He was a true under construction at the Our ‘end-of-year’ function will be at festive season. gentleman and will be greatly missed by Oribi Vulture viewing site the Oribi Gorge Hotel on 30 November. Herbert Osborne those who had the privilege of spending Although rather late by the time you Acting Chair, 083 3012135 time with him. process as I write. Mike Fagan passed away on 3 July The way this project has developed KZN Wildlife in the summer months. after a short time in hospital. He was an convinces me that it is just meant to be. However, critical seed funding was endearing character in the club for many We have had some incredible turns of needed during winter to ensure efforts years and will be sorely missed. events that have made this all happen. I working with farmers are continued. 18 June was another dark day for the sometimes wonder whether the late I WAS honoured to be elected as the B i o d i v e r s i t y S t e w a r d s h i p i s a club, when I received a telephone call Barry Porter is having anything to do chair of BirdLife Sisonke and I look mechanism that allows farmers to set from Mike Neethling to say the vulture with it. forward to serving the club. For such a aside portions of their property for hide had been badly damaged by a veld Once the hide is finished, we will be small club BirdLife Sisonke has made a conservation, ensuring improved fire which had raged through the having a relaunch for club members, so major difference broadening the management of the sites and formal grasslands. watch this space and your email inbox. horizons of hundreds of children over conservation status. With our support To my relief, Mike was extremely Unfortunately, the various events that the years through its environmental Rina will be employed by BLSA in the supportive, insisting that the project had occurred in June took a major toll on me education outreach. This has mostly winter months to work with farmers in the gone too far to let this setback affect it. both mentally and physically. I decided it been made possible through the funding district to secure what are the last few After a few quick calculations, it became was time for me to take a break as chair. I we receive from running water tables at remaining sites and our last hope for clear that due to the success of the will still be co-ordinating the hide project. the Sani2C and JHB2C. We plan to conserving Blue Swallows in KZN. Rina project, we would be able to effect As I write, I am starting to feel that my continue focussing on these successes is also undertaking her MSc with the repairs fairly swiftly and without needing batteries are recharging, I'm glad to say. and there have been a few exciting University of KwaZulu-Natal which will to raise huge sums of money. Despite Herbert Osborne has volunteered to developments. focus on answering a number of this, a few very generous donors came stand in as acting chair until the next Funding has been awarded to questions relating to the conservation forward to offer financial assistance, to AGM, so I will now hand over to him to BirdLife South Africa to support Blue biology of Blue Swallow. This will help whom we extend immense gratitude. complete this ‘chirp’. Swallow Stewardship work in southern inform decision-making for the species Then, following an article in the local Andy Ruffle KwaZulu-Natal. Blue Swallows are in the province. We wish Rina luck with newspaper, I was contacted by a large 072 8933794 Critically Endangered and as a club we these endeavours to conserve a species building contractor which expressed a need to do all we can to support so close to the hearts of so many of our w i l l i n g n e s s t o h e l p w i t h t h e Thanks Andy. a c ti v i ti e s th a t a i m to h e l p th e members. reconstruction of the hide. They have I'll be brief as this is my first ‘chirp’ and conservation of this threatened swallow. We have recently revitalised the club undertaken to build us a new solid brick I'm finding my feet. Rina Theron works with farmers and newsletter and Aldo Berrutti is doing a hide and are well advanced with the Our monthly outings have been going monitors Blue Swallows for Ezemvelo sterling job as its editor. We have November 2014 10 11 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 produced two so far. The newsletter two new members for the club. Our next be but the visits give us a lot of pleasure. accompany them for two days, but what aims to communicate and report back to outing will be to Marutswa Forest in The nectar feeder attracts White-bellied a wonderful bunch of people! When I members on the activities and work the Bulwer. and Amethyst Sunbirds and also the bird, I bird, not doing too much on the club is involved with, as well as providing Nothing can be achieved without a white-eyes. All enjoy the ants attracted social side. It was unusual to take time information on the wonderful birds and good team and I am very lucky to have a by the sugar water. Interesting was that out for coffee and biscuits. The first day habitats present in our district. We have motivated and helpful committee who the female Amethyst dominated the on a walk around Mzingazi Lake we r e c e i v e d n u m e r o u s l e t t e r s o f are providing important support. others for a few weeks actively chasing recorded 123 species. The group later appreciation from our club members and Together we hope to build on the them away. It was amusing watching the went to Lake Hlobane but the wind drove we plan to continue with this service. We successes of the club which has white-eyes adopt a decoy strategy so the birds into hiding. The following day also plan to offer a few outings and contributed a huge amount of time and that they could feed alternatively. Now we went to Thaba Ingwe, a private activities to our members each year. The resources to conservation in the area, the smaller White-bellied Sunbird residential game reserve where we first was a quiz evening held on 17 July at mostly through the commitment and dominates the feeder but co-exists quite recorded 71 species. I understand the Himeville Arms in Himeville. dedication of Trish Strachan. Bird clubs happily, sharing the feeder with the Sandy Olver recorded 161 species in the Members of the local community were play such an important role in our white-eyes. three days. I had 147 for the two days. also invited and Aldo and Sharon Berruti communities and I encourage our At a member’s home a branch Hopefully, all our visitors recorded some presented a number of slides and great members to become involved in the containing a barbet’s nest broke off the lifers. Sandy, with the help of a walking fun was had trying to identify the various activities of the club. tree. Nada placed the branch in a similar stick, went everywhere the other species. The evening was attended by position and the White-eared Barbets members allowed! Well done, friend. Nicholas Theron 30 people and we managed to secure returned to their nest building. Our recent outing was to the 078 5458977 The drought has enabled better Umhlatuze Valley Sugar flats, a not-to- viewing of returning migrants along a be missed day. Bruce was an excellent receding shoreline. At Lake Mzingazi host as usual. Richard tagged 85 Sparrows, Bronze Mannikins, Red-eyed and Thulahleka Pan, Richard has species despite overcast and windy and Laughing Doves, Village Weavers, recorded small numbers of Little Stints, conditions. The day started off very well Red-billed Queleas and most recently, Ruddy Turnstone, Kittlitz's Plover, Ruff, and within five minutes a Black-headed ZULULAND is in trouble! Hopefully by Thick-billed Weavers, are swirling Marsh Sandpiper and Common Heron was spotted making a meal of a the time you read this article the situation around the seed feeders or covering the Greenshank. rat that it had caught. will have changed for the better. Don't bricks. This in turn regularly attracts a There have been both good and not- Hopefully we will soon be blessed panic! It's got nothing to do with our Black Sparrowhawk and an African so-good club moments. We always try to with much-needed rain. Keep well and members or our birds, even though it's Goshawk which are often found early attract high profile speakers for our remember: Richards Bay and surrounds affecting them both indirectly. It's the morning leaving the neighbours' trees. monthly meetings. In August we were is still one of the best birding spots in drought. I have been in the Richard's Last week an African Harrier-Hawk honoured to have the CEO of BirdLife South Africa. Bay/Empangeni area for 15 years and snatched a Bronze Mannikin a few South Africa, Mark Anderson, address Hope to meet you soon. have never seen the water levels so low. metres from my feet! us on the Lesser Flamingoes of It's scary to see how empty dams and Johan Gouws Regular diners on the apple and Kamfersdam in Kimberley and the pans have become. To make things 0832943370 banana feeder are Dark-capped Bulbuls current role of the organisation within worse, the practice of burning fields has and Cape White-eyes. This close global participation. In September, Nick BELOW: Black-headed Heron destroyed every piece of grass in the proximity has allowed us to identify Theron presented on biodiversity and Johan Gouws area. Richards Bay in particular has individual birds from their behaviour. important bird area conservation been very hard hit by veld fires and the One bulbul chirps, pecks at the fruit a activities. Both excellent evenings and a local firemen have been hard at work to few times, then after tapping on the big thank you to them. Unfortunately control runaway fires. Windy conditions window, enters the bathroom. After a member and outside attendance was have made the fires more ferocious and quiet inspection it leaves. This is poor despite the local newspaper article destructive. Surely this must have an repeated a few times. Then there is a and invitation. impact on birds. very quiet pair and one very noisy We were delighted to have sister club Lately, I have increased our home individual. Naturally this has brought BirdLife Trogons visit our area for three feeding of birds, attracting a wide variety about caution when using the bathroom days. The few local members who joined and number. Pin-tailed Whydahs, House to avoid disturbing the birds. Silly it may in had a good time. I could only November 2014 12 13 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 produced two so far. The newsletter two new members for the club. Our next be but the visits give us a lot of pleasure. accompany them for two days, but what aims to communicate and report back to outing will be to Marutswa Forest in The nectar feeder attracts White-bellied a wonderful bunch of people! When I members on the activities and work the Bulwer. and Amethyst Sunbirds and also the bird, I bird, not doing too much on the club is involved with, as well as providing Nothing can be achieved without a white-eyes. All enjoy the ants attracted social side. It was unusual to take time information on the wonderful birds and good team and I am very lucky to have a by the sugar water. Interesting was that out for coffee and biscuits. The first day habitats present in our district. We have motivated and helpful committee who the female Amethyst dominated the on a walk around Mzingazi Lake we r e c e i v e d n u m e r o u s l e t t e r s o f are providing important support. others for a few weeks actively chasing recorded 123 species. The group later appreciation from our club members and Together we hope to build on the them away. It was amusing watching the went to Lake Hlobane but the wind drove we plan to continue with this service. We successes of the club which has white-eyes adopt a decoy strategy so the birds into hiding. The following day also plan to offer a few outings and contributed a huge amount of time and that they could feed alternatively. Now we went to Thaba Ingwe, a private activities to our members each year. The resources to conservation in the area, the smaller White-bellied Sunbird residential game reserve where we first was a quiz evening held on 17 July at mostly through the commitment and dominates the feeder but co-exists quite recorded 71 species. I understand the Himeville Arms in Himeville. dedication of Trish Strachan. Bird clubs happily, sharing the feeder with the Sandy Olver recorded 161 species in the Members of the local community were play such an important role in our white-eyes. three days. I had 147 for the two days. also invited and Aldo and Sharon Berruti communities and I encourage our At a member’s home a branch Hopefully, all our visitors recorded some presented a number of slides and great members to become involved in the containing a barbet’s nest broke off the lifers. Sandy, with the help of a walking fun was had trying to identify the various activities of the club. tree. Nada placed the branch in a similar stick, went everywhere the other species. The evening was attended by position and the White-eared Barbets members allowed! Well done, friend. Nicholas Theron 30 people and we managed to secure returned to their nest building. Our recent outing was to the 078 5458977 The drought has enabled better Umhlatuze Valley Sugar flats, a not-to- viewing of returning migrants along a be missed day. Bruce was an excellent receding shoreline. At Lake Mzingazi host as usual. Richard tagged 85 Sparrows, Bronze Mannikins, Red-eyed and Thulahleka Pan, Richard has species despite overcast and windy and Laughing Doves, Village Weavers, recorded small numbers of Little Stints, conditions. The day started off very well Red-billed Queleas and most recently, Ruddy Turnstone, Kittlitz's Plover, Ruff, and within five minutes a Black-headed ZULULAND is in trouble! Hopefully by Thick-billed Weavers, are swirling Marsh Sandpiper and Common Heron was spotted making a meal of a the time you read this article the situation around the seed feeders or covering the Greenshank. rat that it had caught. will have changed for the better. Don't bricks. This in turn regularly attracts a There have been both good and not- Hopefully we will soon be blessed panic! It's got nothing to do with our Black Sparrowhawk and an African so-good club moments. We always try to with much-needed rain. Keep well and members or our birds, even though it's Goshawk which are often found early attract high profile speakers for our remember: Richards Bay and surrounds affecting them both indirectly. It's the morning leaving the neighbours' trees. monthly meetings. In August we were is still one of the best birding spots in drought. I have been in the Richard's Last week an African Harrier-Hawk honoured to have the CEO of BirdLife South Africa. Bay/Empangeni area for 15 years and snatched a Bronze Mannikin a few South Africa, Mark Anderson, address Hope to meet you soon. have never seen the water levels so low. metres from my feet! us on the Lesser Flamingoes of It's scary to see how empty dams and Johan Gouws Regular diners on the apple and Kamfersdam in Kimberley and the pans have become. To make things 0832943370 banana feeder are Dark-capped Bulbuls current role of the organisation within worse, the practice of burning fields has and Cape White-eyes. This close global participation. In September, Nick BELOW: Black-headed Heron destroyed every piece of grass in the proximity has allowed us to identify Theron presented on biodiversity and Johan Gouws area. Richards Bay in particular has individual birds from their behaviour. important bird area conservation been very hard hit by veld fires and the One bulbul chirps, pecks at the fruit a activities. Both excellent evenings and a local firemen have been hard at work to few times, then after tapping on the big thank you to them. Unfortunately control runaway fires. Windy conditions window, enters the bathroom. After a member and outside attendance was have made the fires more ferocious and quiet inspection it leaves. This is poor despite the local newspaper article destructive. Surely this must have an repeated a few times. Then there is a and invitation. impact on birds. very quiet pair and one very noisy We were delighted to have sister club Lately, I have increased our home individual. Naturally this has brought BirdLife Trogons visit our area for three feeding of birds, attracting a wide variety about caution when using the bathroom days. The few local members who joined and number. Pin-tailed Whydahs, House to avoid disturbing the birds. Silly it may in had a good time. I could only November 2014 12 13 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

BIRDLIFE KZN BIRD FORUM differences relating to the proportional CONSERVATION AND PROJECTS size of their heads, limbs, feet and tails. Research unravels the These differences were found to influence how these chameleons Lifting the veil on falconry and falconers mystery of chameleons perform in their respective habitats, with question-and-answer session. The the larger, more brightly coloured A talk on research into the evolutionary questions asked demonstrated that closed-canopy (forest) chameleons development of three separate there is a widely inaccurate perception being able to exert a greater grip and bite chameleon species in KwaZulu-Natal of falconry. This presentation provided force compared to the smaller open- was presented at the March BL KZN an opportunity for birders and wildlife canopy (grassland) chameleons. These Forum by Dr Jessica da Silva enthusiasts to engage with a falconer. performance differences highlight the The practicality and effect of the use CURRENTLY, two species of dwarf adaptive differences between these of a falconry hood was described, and c h a m e l e o n ( B r a d y p o d i o n chameleons, indicating that they can how the mind of a falcon processes melanocephalum and Bradypodion develop on their own evolutionary training techniques. This session was thamnobates) are taxonomically trajectories. encouraging as it revealed an open mind recognised in southern KwaZulu-Natal; Microsatellite data identified seven and trust often lacking in other countries however, extensive phenotypic diversity distinct chameleon clusters, three of where falconers were painted as the throughout the region has led some to which are in accordance with the villains of raptor conservation. I would believe far more species actually exist, morphological data. As such, it is like to encourage more of these while the lack of genetic differentiation, recommended that these three interactions between falconry clubs and as revealed by phylogenetic analysis, chameleons groups be recognized as regional bird and wildlife clubs. indicates that these dwarf chameleons separate species (B. thamnobates, the There is a hugely inaccurate and are genetically identical. southern Drakensberg chameleons, quite widespread perception among In her talk, Dr Jessica da Silva aimed and the Karkloof chameleons). The non-falconers of a falconer as a nest- to unravel the mystery underlying the remaining four genetic clusters show robbing, falcon-hoodwinking, blood- observed discordance between the discordance with the morphological Crystelle Wilson thirsty hunter determined to strip the ABOVE: Falconer Bruce Padbury with phenotypic and molecular lines of data, which likely reflects the recent land clear of feathered game. Blue, a Peregrine Falcon e v i d e n c e . S h e d o e s t h i s b y emergence of this radiation, possibly This is certainly not the case. In fact comprehensively sampling chameleons corresponding to the emergence of A LIVE Peregrine Falcon was the star of most falconers would “bag” fewer throughout southern KZN and by S c a r p a n d C o a s t a l f o r e s t s the show at the September indoor gamefowl in a season than how many applying fine-scale morphological, approximately 8,000 years ago. meeting of Birdlife Port Natal. one person could shoot in just one ecological and population genetic Accordingly, it is recommended these Instead of slideshows of birding morning with a shotgun. It is the thrill of analyses. Five phenotypic forms of c h a m e l e o n s b e r e c o g n i s e d a s adventures or research that are more the chase - not the kill - that the falconer dwarf chameleons, which can be genetically distinct conservation units of familiar on these evenings, the visual most desires. It's the same thrill a birder differentiated based on overall size and B. melanocephalum. subject of the presentation was Blue, a might feel when observing at a distance, colouration, as well as distribution, were Jessica da Silva live falcon. This bird is comfortable in the a wild Peregrine stooping or a found to have other morphological Researcher ID: J-4290-2012 presence of an audience. A hunting sparrowhawk dashing through the falcon in top physical condition, she sat forest, only ten-fold as intense as the Crystelle Wilson quietly and calmly on her “block” at the time and effort invested in training, and LEFT: Attending the September KZN front of the theatre. especially the proximity, of the chase Bird Forum were (from left) Eve Bruce Padbury, the secretary of the enhances that feeling. Hughes and Colin Summersgill of South African Falconry Association It is important today to emphasise that BLKZN Midlands, Eskom conservation (SAFA) and secretary of the Natal the perception that falconers are hell- manager Peter Nelson of the Ingula Falconry Club (NFC), and an active bent on stealing eggs and chicks has Pumped Storage Scheme and BLSA’s falconer for 29 years, began the little merit. Long gone are the days when Kristi Garland who runs the Grassland presentation with a short introduction, birders and egg collectors were one and Environmental Education Project followed by an engaging and informative the same. The high profile of incidents of (GEEP) at Wakkerstroom November 2014 14 15 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 rogue individuals, well-known events GumTree). enthusiasm for our love of raptors. This awareness and understanding can be from earlier decades, are so easily used Injured birds are sent to wildlife initiative was first developed by Dr Mark achieved by further BirdLife club as modern weaponry against falconry. rehabilitation centres such as CROW, Brown, at the University of KwaZulu- presentations by falconers in KZN and Indeed, eggs and nestlings are of little FreeMe, and particularly to the specially Natal, who has networked with and throughout South Africa. value to a falconer. experienced and equipped clinic at worked alongside the members of the There is a strong regulatory system in Raptor Rescue (run by falconer Ben Natal Falconry Club for 10 years. For more information visit place in South Africa. Each province has Hoffman). The successful rehabilitation I write this article as a researcher of www.safa.za.net/ and www.iaf.org/ an ordained club or association, which of a raptor requires ensuring that the bird Crowned Eagles and as a general raptor must adhere to the national umbrella is adequately fit, strong, and capable of enthusiast, a raptorphile. I have Shane McPherson organisation, the South African Falconry catching food before confidently being personally had just a little experience of [email protected] Association. The association itself is returned to the wild. Falconers provide training and hunting with raptors myself. strongly self-regulating and, as with all this service while enjoying their hunting Work and research have often trumped associations, unethical behaviour has with the rehabilitating hawk, and my capacity (time, financial, and Raptor Ringing Day resulted in disciplinary action. There are therefore this is an ideal way to support domestic stability) to be an active supportive and trusted relationships rehabilitation, conservation, and the falconer. Despite this I love to be THREE years ago, ornithologist Dr Mark between provincial governments and the desire for falconers to engage in a involved with the falconers and have Brown from the University of KwaZulu- falconry clubs. In South Africa, permits personal relationship with a raptor. attended most of the KZN and national Natal and the secretary of the South cannot be obtained to take falcons and Today's falconer all too easily can field meets during my stay here in South African Falconry Association and A- hawks from the wild and hunt with them lean on the conservation and research Africa. grade falconer, Bruce Padbury, without being a member of a falconry successes of such well-known historical The regulatory system, SAFA's arranged the first raptor ringing day for club. Therefore rogue falconers falconers as Tom Cade who founded the apprenticeship scheme, and the the Pietermaritzburg and surrounding operating outside of a club and its Peregrine Fund in USA, Carl Jones who standard of ethical and scientific areas. permitting system should not be used to brought the Mauritius Kestrel back from responsibility of the falconers in South Raptor researchers, ringers, trainees, taint the art and sport of the ethical the brink of extinction, and Ron Hartley Africa are, from my experience of falconers and enthusiasts all attended. It falconer. at the School for Falconry in Zimbabwe. international falconry, world class. was a concept hatched from a shared South African falconers currently We call on today's falconers to continue Locally, the NFC members have passion for birds of prey, and presented have the opportunity to take (with the that good work and show how they can provided invaluable support and a unique opportunity for the exchange of proper permits) wild falcons and hawks use their passion for birds of prey to assistance in current research on Black knowledge between this dynamic group for their art. Eggs and nestlings are of assist with conservation and research. I Sparrowhawks, Jackal Buzzards, and of 'raptophiles'. A friendly competition little value to a falconer. A passage hawk would like to tell you that it is indeed Crowned Eagles (the latter two of no was developed, assigning points to (such as a branching accipiter, or happening. importance as falconry birds, in any various raptor species successfully fledged falcon) can be more easily Last month we held our second case). In addition, SAFA has provided ringed. A strict check-in time was also trained to focus on the hunting situations “raptor trapping day”. This is a important financial assistance for the established. Four teams attended, with the falconer provides. collaborative social day where each purchasing of GPS transmitters and some failing to catch. The winning team, Regardless of the opportunity for vehicle comprises of a mix of a raptor tracking equipment for my research on of which Mark and Bruce were a part, taking birds from the wild, most of the researcher from the University of Crowned Eagles over the last three ringed a Jackal Buzzard, Common falconers (especially in KZN) are KwaZulu-Natal, a NFC falconer, years. Buzzard (Steppe) and Rock Kestrel. supplied with rehabilitating and rescue licenced SAFRING bird ringer, I trust that with the currently strong On 13 September this year we held birds. Many hawks and falcons are SAFRING trainee, as well as Ezemvelo and well-established relationship the second raptor ringing day. Once injured in electrocutions, poisoned, wildlife officers. All leaving at dawn, each between falconers and university again four teams attended, with each found malnourished, trapped by pigeon vehicle was designated a trapping route researchers, we can continue to nurture team assigned an area to avoid overlaps fanciers, or are otherwise found in and was to rendezvous mid-afternoon at this mutually beneficial interaction. This and to cover as much ground in and traumatic, and sometimes quirky the waterhole. It was a day to trap, ring article attempts to share a little more around Pietermaritzburg. Being held circumstances (such as a Peregrine that and release raptors, collect data, and detail to ringers and birders who might earlier in the year meant that no was illegally offered for sale on share knowledge, experience, and be unaware or ill-informed about the role Common Buzzards were ringed as they of falconry and falconers in South Africa. had not yet returned from their ADVERTISE IN KZN BIRDS. SEE PAGE 2 And perhaps the aim of increasing the migration. Long-crested Eagles (which November 2014 16 17 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 rogue individuals, well-known events GumTree). enthusiasm for our love of raptors. This awareness and understanding can be from earlier decades, are so easily used Injured birds are sent to wildlife initiative was first developed by Dr Mark achieved by further BirdLife club as modern weaponry against falconry. rehabilitation centres such as CROW, Brown, at the University of KwaZulu- presentations by falconers in KZN and Indeed, eggs and nestlings are of little FreeMe, and particularly to the specially Natal, who has networked with and throughout South Africa. value to a falconer. experienced and equipped clinic at worked alongside the members of the There is a strong regulatory system in Raptor Rescue (run by falconer Ben Natal Falconry Club for 10 years. For more information visit place in South Africa. Each province has Hoffman). The successful rehabilitation I write this article as a researcher of www.safa.za.net/ and www.iaf.org/ an ordained club or association, which of a raptor requires ensuring that the bird Crowned Eagles and as a general raptor must adhere to the national umbrella is adequately fit, strong, and capable of enthusiast, a raptorphile. I have Shane McPherson organisation, the South African Falconry catching food before confidently being personally had just a little experience of [email protected] Association. The association itself is returned to the wild. Falconers provide training and hunting with raptors myself. strongly self-regulating and, as with all this service while enjoying their hunting Work and research have often trumped associations, unethical behaviour has with the rehabilitating hawk, and my capacity (time, financial, and Raptor Ringing Day resulted in disciplinary action. There are therefore this is an ideal way to support domestic stability) to be an active supportive and trusted relationships rehabilitation, conservation, and the falconer. Despite this I love to be THREE years ago, ornithologist Dr Mark between provincial governments and the desire for falconers to engage in a involved with the falconers and have Brown from the University of KwaZulu- falconry clubs. In South Africa, permits personal relationship with a raptor. attended most of the KZN and national Natal and the secretary of the South cannot be obtained to take falcons and Today's falconer all too easily can field meets during my stay here in South African Falconry Association and A- hawks from the wild and hunt with them lean on the conservation and research Africa. grade falconer, Bruce Padbury, without being a member of a falconry successes of such well-known historical The regulatory system, SAFA's arranged the first raptor ringing day for club. Therefore rogue falconers falconers as Tom Cade who founded the apprenticeship scheme, and the the Pietermaritzburg and surrounding operating outside of a club and its Peregrine Fund in USA, Carl Jones who standard of ethical and scientific areas. permitting system should not be used to brought the Mauritius Kestrel back from responsibility of the falconers in South Raptor researchers, ringers, trainees, taint the art and sport of the ethical the brink of extinction, and Ron Hartley Africa are, from my experience of falconers and enthusiasts all attended. It falconer. at the School for Falconry in Zimbabwe. international falconry, world class. was a concept hatched from a shared South African falconers currently We call on today's falconers to continue Locally, the NFC members have passion for birds of prey, and presented have the opportunity to take (with the that good work and show how they can provided invaluable support and a unique opportunity for the exchange of proper permits) wild falcons and hawks use their passion for birds of prey to assistance in current research on Black knowledge between this dynamic group for their art. Eggs and nestlings are of assist with conservation and research. I Sparrowhawks, Jackal Buzzards, and of 'raptophiles'. A friendly competition little value to a falconer. A passage hawk would like to tell you that it is indeed Crowned Eagles (the latter two of no was developed, assigning points to (such as a branching accipiter, or happening. importance as falconry birds, in any various raptor species successfully fledged falcon) can be more easily Last month we held our second case). In addition, SAFA has provided ringed. A strict check-in time was also trained to focus on the hunting situations “raptor trapping day”. This is a important financial assistance for the established. Four teams attended, with the falconer provides. collaborative social day where each purchasing of GPS transmitters and some failing to catch. The winning team, Regardless of the opportunity for vehicle comprises of a mix of a raptor tracking equipment for my research on of which Mark and Bruce were a part, taking birds from the wild, most of the researcher from the University of Crowned Eagles over the last three ringed a Jackal Buzzard, Common falconers (especially in KZN) are KwaZulu-Natal, a NFC falconer, years. Buzzard (Steppe) and Rock Kestrel. supplied with rehabilitating and rescue licenced SAFRING bird ringer, I trust that with the currently strong On 13 September this year we held birds. Many hawks and falcons are SAFRING trainee, as well as Ezemvelo and well-established relationship the second raptor ringing day. Once injured in electrocutions, poisoned, wildlife officers. All leaving at dawn, each between falconers and university again four teams attended, with each found malnourished, trapped by pigeon vehicle was designated a trapping route researchers, we can continue to nurture team assigned an area to avoid overlaps fanciers, or are otherwise found in and was to rendezvous mid-afternoon at this mutually beneficial interaction. This and to cover as much ground in and traumatic, and sometimes quirky the waterhole. It was a day to trap, ring article attempts to share a little more around Pietermaritzburg. Being held circumstances (such as a Peregrine that and release raptors, collect data, and detail to ringers and birders who might earlier in the year meant that no was illegally offered for sale on share knowledge, experience, and be unaware or ill-informed about the role Common Buzzards were ringed as they of falconry and falconers in South Africa. had not yet returned from their ADVERTISE IN KZN BIRDS. SEE PAGE 2 And perhaps the aim of increasing the migration. Long-crested Eagles (which November 2014 16 17 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 can be trapped fairly easily) proved make their presence known. more challenging on the day, with only 2014 Cape Parrot They are most active during two ringed in total. In addition to the two big birding day report the first few hours after dawn Long-crested Eagles, nine Jackal and before sunset, (although Buzzards were ringed. One of the Jackal BACKGROUND during misty conditions these Buzzards was a re-trap and was THE Cape Parrot (Poicephalus periods can be extended), when originally ringed in the same spot in May robustus) is the only parrot species they leave and return to their 2014. This year's winning team endemic to South Africa and is currently roosts in forest patches. These managed to ring four Jackal Buzzards, one of South Africa's Endangered birds. characteristics allow for a “total an impressive tally for the allotted time. Skead (1971) highlighted that the count” of the parrots. These ringing days not only contribute to numbers of Cape Parrots had declined Consequently the Cape the number of birds of prey ringed in the since the early 1900s, particularly in the Parrot Big Birding Day (CPBBD) area, but the data collected on the day 1950s. In 1989 Boshoff estimated less was initiated in 1998, and has have been incorporated into my ongoing than a 1000 in the wild. been held annually since as part bird of prey research. So this raised questions: Were these of the conservation effort of the ABOVE: The main areas covered by The day was a great success with declines real and how many Cape Cape Parrot Working Group. co-ordinators and volunteers on CPBBD each team ringing at least two birds and parrots were there in the wild? Standard The aim is to determine their everyone agreed that the event should bird counting techniques are unsuitable occurrence and obtain an be held more regularly. With that, it was for Cape Parrots as they are nomadic accurate population estimate of the absence of food, as the fruiting of their off to a local watering hole to swap feeders with unpredictable movements. Cape Parrot. Over the recent years preferred yellowwoods may be sporadic stories and tall tales of the one that got Parrots' cryptic colouration combined fewer than 1600 have been counted in and absent in some years. away. with dense forest habitats often make the wild (Downs et al. 2014). Factors CPBBD 2014 them difficult to locate once perched but contributing to the parrots’ decline vary Lorinda and Justin Hart South Africa celebrated twenty years their loud harsh calls whilst in-flight in their effects and extent at different [email protected] of democracy in 2014 with an election locations and include: the loss or change close to the time that CPBBD is usually BELOW: Dr Lorinda Hart releases a Long-crested Eagle after ringing it in the quality of their preferred forest held, consequently it was pushed further Justin Hart habitat; food and/or nest-site shortages; into May. The CPBBD is generally illegal poaching for the pet trade; extended over the Saturday afternoon disease (especially psittacine beak and and Sunday morning of the following feather disease virus, PBFDV); avian day. One reason for this is that often the predators; and accelerated climate weather is poor on one of the days. This change. allows an afternoon and a morning The Cape Parrot, a forest specialist, is estimate. The higher of these for each now mainly restricted to patches in a province is then used to give the mosaic of afromontane southern maximum number counted. mistbelt forests from Hogsback in the The areas of South Africa covered by Eastern Cape through to the Balgowan the count included the Eastern Cape, and Karkloof areas of KwaZulu-Natal, KZN and Limpopo provinces. This year with a disjunct population in the at least 253 volunteers were posted at 96 Magoeboeskloof region of Limpopo localities in the three provinces. Some Province. However, they are seen localities had Cape Parrots feeding in feeding on fruit in Protea patches, flocks at pecan nut trees, Carya gardens, orchards or coastal forests at illinoinensis. Despite the poor weather certain times of the year. Absence of on one of the days in some of the areas, parrots in some forest patches during at least 1 133 parrots were seen during certain periods is not due to local the afternoon count, while 1 148 were extinctions, but is likely due to the seen the following morning. The November 2014 18 19 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 can be trapped fairly easily) proved make their presence known. more challenging on the day, with only 2014 Cape Parrot They are most active during two ringed in total. In addition to the two big birding day report the first few hours after dawn Long-crested Eagles, nine Jackal and before sunset, (although Buzzards were ringed. One of the Jackal BACKGROUND during misty conditions these Buzzards was a re-trap and was THE Cape Parrot (Poicephalus periods can be extended), when originally ringed in the same spot in May robustus) is the only parrot species they leave and return to their 2014. This year's winning team endemic to South Africa and is currently roosts in forest patches. These managed to ring four Jackal Buzzards, one of South Africa's Endangered birds. characteristics allow for a “total an impressive tally for the allotted time. Skead (1971) highlighted that the count” of the parrots. These ringing days not only contribute to numbers of Cape Parrots had declined Consequently the Cape the number of birds of prey ringed in the since the early 1900s, particularly in the Parrot Big Birding Day (CPBBD) area, but the data collected on the day 1950s. In 1989 Boshoff estimated less was initiated in 1998, and has have been incorporated into my ongoing than a 1000 in the wild. been held annually since as part bird of prey research. So this raised questions: Were these of the conservation effort of the ABOVE: The main areas covered by The day was a great success with declines real and how many Cape Cape Parrot Working Group. co-ordinators and volunteers on CPBBD each team ringing at least two birds and parrots were there in the wild? Standard The aim is to determine their everyone agreed that the event should bird counting techniques are unsuitable occurrence and obtain an be held more regularly. With that, it was for Cape Parrots as they are nomadic accurate population estimate of the absence of food, as the fruiting of their off to a local watering hole to swap feeders with unpredictable movements. Cape Parrot. Over the recent years preferred yellowwoods may be sporadic stories and tall tales of the one that got Parrots' cryptic colouration combined fewer than 1600 have been counted in and absent in some years. away. with dense forest habitats often make the wild (Downs et al. 2014). Factors CPBBD 2014 them difficult to locate once perched but contributing to the parrots’ decline vary Lorinda and Justin Hart South Africa celebrated twenty years their loud harsh calls whilst in-flight in their effects and extent at different [email protected] of democracy in 2014 with an election locations and include: the loss or change close to the time that CPBBD is usually BELOW: Dr Lorinda Hart releases a Long-crested Eagle after ringing it in the quality of their preferred forest held, consequently it was pushed further Justin Hart habitat; food and/or nest-site shortages; into May. The CPBBD is generally illegal poaching for the pet trade; extended over the Saturday afternoon disease (especially psittacine beak and and Sunday morning of the following feather disease virus, PBFDV); avian day. One reason for this is that often the predators; and accelerated climate weather is poor on one of the days. This change. allows an afternoon and a morning The Cape Parrot, a forest specialist, is estimate. The higher of these for each now mainly restricted to patches in a province is then used to give the mosaic of afromontane southern maximum number counted. mistbelt forests from Hogsback in the The areas of South Africa covered by Eastern Cape through to the Balgowan the count included the Eastern Cape, and Karkloof areas of KwaZulu-Natal, KZN and Limpopo provinces. This year with a disjunct population in the at least 253 volunteers were posted at 96 Magoeboeskloof region of Limpopo localities in the three provinces. Some Province. However, they are seen localities had Cape Parrots feeding in feeding on fruit in Protea patches, flocks at pecan nut trees, Carya gardens, orchards or coastal forests at illinoinensis. Despite the poor weather certain times of the year. Absence of on one of the days in some of the areas, parrots in some forest patches during at least 1 133 parrots were seen during certain periods is not due to local the afternoon count, while 1 148 were extinctions, but is likely due to the seen the following morning. The November 2014 18 19 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 maximum number of Cape Parrots various localities. Sadly, several BIRD NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS counted was 477 in KZN, 491 in the observers reported illegal logging and/ former Transkei, 308 in the former or hunting of wildlife while doing their Unusual breeding records in Northern KZN Eastern Cape and 35 in Limpopo CPBBD observations. Province. This suggests that there were As in past years, there were SADDLE-BILLED STORKS at least 1 311 in the wild on the CPBBD in numerous communities involved in the ON 31 August 2014 two juvenile Saddle-billed 2014 which is similar to the maximum CPBBD. This highlights the importance Storks were photographed on the margin of count of 1 356 in 2013 when weather of the CPBBD day in developing Nyamithi Pan at Ndumo Game Reserve. It was also had an impact. Consequently, both interest, knowledge and hopefully estimated that the two birds had only recently years are likely an underestimate. conservation awareness. It is an feldged (probably within the past 10 days) and Furthermore, having the census day excellent way that citizens can were in the company of the adults. It is probable later in the year seems to have had an contribute to science. Several school that the these birds had nested in the immediate impact as well. On the Sunday the groups assisted observers in many of vicinity and because of the paucity of breeding parrots were observed at 61% of the rural areas. Some scholars from records for this species, this record is submitted. localities while on the Saturday at 57% of Sonyongwana, Newtonville and Hugh Chittenden localities. The localities where no parrots Ginyane schools near Creighton even Pictures by Hugh Chittenden were observed are ones where the birds c a m p e d o u t a n d a s s i s t e d w i t h AFRICAN OPENBILL have been seen previously so need to be observations. The observers in the covered although for observers nil Langeni/Matiwane region area had a DURING late July 2014 a juvenile African counts are often very negative. get-together and produced their 10th Openbill frequented the margins of Nsumo Pan Of interest were how many juvenile very detailed report for their area in uMkhuze Game Reserve. Openbills are flocks of Cape Parrots were observed in (Mandla Mavalanji, Alfred Mbiyo, Bertus usually late summer breeders and it was evident parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu- Bouwer and Helen Dalton, Indwe that this young bird was in its first winter. Natal. Two localities also reported Cape Security field rangers and Starlight Speculative, but probable that it had fledged Parrots nesting. This shows that there is Security are thanked). We are most from the heronry just south of the pan earlier in some recruitment. There was also a grateful to all those who participated in the year. report of Cape Parrots feeding on the CPBBD, particularly the co- Hugh Chittenden and Eduard Goosen bugweed (Solanum mauritianum) near ordinators and those volunteers who Umtata which has not been previously have participated for many years. We PEL’S FISHING OWL documented. Several observers continue to be extremely grateful for the commented on how Pied (Corvus albus) effort, enthusiasm and continued THE conservation manager at the and Cape Crows (C. capensis) were support of the co-ordinators. We are uMkhuze Section of the iSimangaliso disturbing the Cape Parrots. also grateful for the contribution of Wetland Park World Heritage Site, The annual CPBBD also highlights Border Bird Club, DAFF, DEAT, Rance Eduard Goosen, reported that the the importance of South Africa's Timbers, Sappi and Mondi foresters, “resident” Pel’s Fishing Owl had Afromontane/temperate indigenous Indwe Security, and Eastern Cape Parks produced a chick this year. The birds forest patches. In particular, other and Tourism Agency and Ezemvelo KZN were photographed by Hugh endangered forest species or those Wildlife officials (particularly those from Chittenden of Mtunzini found in the neighbouring grasslands, Coleford Nature Reserve), and the Katie de Pinna i n c l u d i n g S a m a n g o M o n k e y s Armours who host the University of ... and an out of range sighting as well (Cercopithecus mitis), and Southern KwaZulu-Natal students near Ingeli. Ground Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) Please diarise 18-19 April 2015 for A PAIR of Spotted Ground Thrushes was seen by Eduard in the are recorded too. Interestingly, several Cape Parrot Day 2015. uMkhuze Fig Forest earlier this year. Hugh commented: “The people reported Cape Vulture (Gyps furthest north I have recorded them is Cape Vidal in mid-winter. The Colleen Downs coprotheres), African Crowned Eagle Transkei breeding population moves up and down the coast, and School of Life Sciences, (Stephanoaetus coronatus) and Martial the Ntumeni, Dlinza and Ngoye populations move down to the coast University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) at (ie east - west) during winter when it is dry.” [email protected] November 2014 20 21 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 maximum number of Cape Parrots various localities. Sadly, several BIRD NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS counted was 477 in KZN, 491 in the observers reported illegal logging and/ former Transkei, 308 in the former or hunting of wildlife while doing their Unusual breeding records in Northern KZN Eastern Cape and 35 in Limpopo CPBBD observations. Province. This suggests that there were As in past years, there were SADDLE-BILLED STORKS at least 1 311 in the wild on the CPBBD in numerous communities involved in the ON 31 August 2014 two juvenile Saddle-billed 2014 which is similar to the maximum CPBBD. This highlights the importance Storks were photographed on the margin of count of 1 356 in 2013 when weather of the CPBBD day in developing Nyamithi Pan at Ndumo Game Reserve. It was also had an impact. Consequently, both interest, knowledge and hopefully estimated that the two birds had only recently years are likely an underestimate. conservation awareness. It is an feldged (probably within the past 10 days) and Furthermore, having the census day excellent way that citizens can were in the company of the adults. It is probable later in the year seems to have had an contribute to science. Several school that the these birds had nested in the immediate impact as well. On the Sunday the groups assisted observers in many of vicinity and because of the paucity of breeding parrots were observed at 61% of the rural areas. Some scholars from records for this species, this record is submitted. localities while on the Saturday at 57% of Sonyongwana, Newtonville and Hugh Chittenden localities. The localities where no parrots Ginyane schools near Creighton even Pictures by Hugh Chittenden were observed are ones where the birds c a m p e d o u t a n d a s s i s t e d w i t h AFRICAN OPENBILL have been seen previously so need to be observations. The observers in the covered although for observers nil Langeni/Matiwane region area had a DURING late July 2014 a juvenile African counts are often very negative. get-together and produced their 10th Openbill frequented the margins of Nsumo Pan Of interest were how many juvenile very detailed report for their area in uMkhuze Game Reserve. Openbills are flocks of Cape Parrots were observed in (Mandla Mavalanji, Alfred Mbiyo, Bertus usually late summer breeders and it was evident parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu- Bouwer and Helen Dalton, Indwe that this young bird was in its first winter. Natal. Two localities also reported Cape Security field rangers and Starlight Speculative, but probable that it had fledged Parrots nesting. This shows that there is Security are thanked). We are most from the heronry just south of the pan earlier in some recruitment. There was also a grateful to all those who participated in the year. report of Cape Parrots feeding on the CPBBD, particularly the co- Hugh Chittenden and Eduard Goosen bugweed (Solanum mauritianum) near ordinators and those volunteers who Umtata which has not been previously have participated for many years. We PEL’S FISHING OWL documented. Several observers continue to be extremely grateful for the commented on how Pied (Corvus albus) effort, enthusiasm and continued THE conservation manager at the and Cape Crows (C. capensis) were support of the co-ordinators. We are uMkhuze Section of the iSimangaliso disturbing the Cape Parrots. also grateful for the contribution of Wetland Park World Heritage Site, The annual CPBBD also highlights Border Bird Club, DAFF, DEAT, Rance Eduard Goosen, reported that the the importance of South Africa's Timbers, Sappi and Mondi foresters, “resident” Pel’s Fishing Owl had Afromontane/temperate indigenous Indwe Security, and Eastern Cape Parks produced a chick this year. The birds forest patches. In particular, other and Tourism Agency and Ezemvelo KZN were photographed by Hugh endangered forest species or those Wildlife officials (particularly those from Chittenden of Mtunzini found in the neighbouring grasslands, Coleford Nature Reserve), and the Katie de Pinna i n c l u d i n g S a m a n g o M o n k e y s Armours who host the University of ... and an out of range sighting as well (Cercopithecus mitis), and Southern KwaZulu-Natal students near Ingeli. Ground Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) Please diarise 18-19 April 2015 for A PAIR of Spotted Ground Thrushes was seen by Eduard in the are recorded too. Interestingly, several Cape Parrot Day 2015. uMkhuze Fig Forest earlier this year. Hugh commented: “The people reported Cape Vulture (Gyps furthest north I have recorded them is Cape Vidal in mid-winter. The Colleen Downs coprotheres), African Crowned Eagle Transkei breeding population moves up and down the coast, and School of Life Sciences, (Stephanoaetus coronatus) and Martial the Ntumeni, Dlinza and Ngoye populations move down to the coast University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) at (ie east - west) during winter when it is dry.” [email protected] November 2014 20 21 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

The other two methods are much The other method that I use is to A little brown job makes history easier, the first that I use is the measure the notch on the primary on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast “Wallinder Score”.This is the process of feather P2 as can be seen on the taking three simple measurements diagram below. namely A - Culmen Length Marsh Warbler: adult 8.5 - 12.0 mm; B - Tarsus Width first year 7.5 - 11.0 mm C - Culmen Width Eurasian Reed-Warbler: adult 11.0 -

And then doing a simple calculation of 15.0 mm ; first year 9.5 - 13.5 mm A-(B x C) If the final product is: 4.5 - 8 Marsh Warbler 8.5 - 12.5 Eurasian Reed-Warbler

Marsh Warbler Eurasian Reed Warbler

Patience, attention to detail and meticulous work paid off for experienced bird ringer Andrew Pickles when his record of ringing a Eurasian Reed Warbler was accepted by the National Rarities Committee in September ON 15 December 2013 during a regular Warbler. However, December, January and February are good months for the ringing session on the Umzumbe River Below are the measurements of the birds caught on 15 December 2013, which rarer Palaearctic warblers like Eurasian Floodplain we, as always at this time of includes a Marsh Warbler. For the people who were present it was a perfect Sedge, Marsh and Reed Warblers. the year, caught a good number of opportunity to witness how you have to go about to identifying the individual birds. warblers. People have in the past refuted the These often include the more presence of Eurasian Reed Warbler as I Andrew Pickles and Sandy Olver common like African Reed, Lesser had never submitted details to the [email protected] Swamp, Little Rush and Great Reed Rarities Committee. This time, however, with Sandy Olver participating in the Eurasian Reed Warbler Marsh Warbler SABAP2 atlas project, we had to Adult Less than 12months THE Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus submit the record to National Rarities. Sex Unknown Sex Unknown scirpaceus) is a small passerine bird found After months of waiting and replying to Mass 10g Mass 12 g almost exclusively in reed beds. It breeds questions and requests for additional Wing 65 mm Wing 64 mm across Europe into temperate western Asia. It information, the record has finally Tail 55 mm Tail 55 mm is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. been accepted as a National Rarity. Culmen 16.17 mm (A) Culmen 13.46 mm (A) There is only one sighting listed for the bird in T h e o n l y w a y t o p o s i t i v e l y Head 32.62 mm Head 32.48 mm Southern Africa by the South African Bird Atlas differentiate between the Marsh and Tarsus Width 1.66 mm (B) Tarsus Width 1.35 mm (B) Projects 1 and 2, at Sasolburg in November Eurasian Reed Warblers is to take as Culmen Width 4.02 mm (C) Culmen Width 4.46 mm (C) 2008 in pentad 2645_2745 many measurements as possible. Wallinder Score = Culmen - (T. Wallinder Score = Culmen - (T. Then we have three methods after Width x C. Width) Width x C. Width) The Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) this, one of which entails having to 16.17-(1.66 x 4.02) = 9.5 13.46-(1.35 x 4.46) = 7.439 migrate from Europe where it breeds to Africa place the bird’s “toes” flat on a ruler Parameters for Reed Warbler are Parameters for Marsh Warbler are via the Middle East to winter mainly in south- and take measurements. For anybody 8.5 - 12.5 4.5 - 8 east Africa, from the Cape Province north to who has never tried this, it is virtually P2 notch = 14 mm P2 notch = 8 mm Zambia and Malawi. It makes use of a range of impossible as the bird will constantly Parameters for Reed Warbler are Parameters for Marsh Warbler are well-vegetated habitats, from moist scrub to clench up and prevent this from 11 - 15 mm for adult birds 8.5 -12 mm for adult birds dense thickets and woodland edge happening. 9.5 -13.5 mm for first year birds 7.5 - 11 mm for first year birds November 2014 22 23 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

And then doing a simple calculation of 15.0 mm ; first year 9.5 - 13.5 mm A-(B x C) If the final product is: 4.5 - 8 Marsh Warbler 8.5 - 12.5 Eurasian Reed-Warbler

Marsh Warbler Eurasian Reed Warbler

BIRD TRIPS one in Uganda. We woke up on the morning of our quest to some miserable East Africa in 100 days - part 3 rainy weather. Undeterred we drove through the rain after collecting our Craig and Karin Nelson travelled 17 000 km guide on the outskirts of Kampala and from Mabira we were lucky enough to through eight countries and saw headed to Mabamba Swamp, about an have a Scaly-breasted Illadopsis visit us over 700 birds, including 300 lifers hour outside Kampala and fairly close to while breakfasting in the camp. On the Entebbe. UGANDA drive back towards the main road we We waited around for an hour for the WITH the negative connotations around found Red-tailed Greenbul and White- rain to subside and eventually headed Uganda's past it was surreal that we headed Wood-Hoopoe. out into the swamp in a small boat with were just about to drive into a country We then headed to Kampala. On the our guide and two other guys who would which a few years ago we had hardly way there we learned that we had pole us through the swamp. Our guide thought about. It was the first time on the secured Gorilla Trekking permits for ABOVE: Silverback gorilla in had told us she had never missed trip we had to buy a visa - $50 each - all Bwindi - great news. We would have to Bwindi Inpenetrable Forest finding the Shoebill and true to her word other countries we visited had removed spend a couple of days sorting that out after an hour and a half of hard poling found Dusky Twinspot, Black-headed visa requirements for South Africans. and while we were in Kampala we could through the swamp we were rewarded Waxbill, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Our first planned stop was Jinja - the at least do some shopping at Shoprite with a great sighting of a Shoebill Masked Apalis and a few other lifers. town boasts that it is set at the source of and Game, get a haircut and fill our gas standing motionless about 30 m from us. We decided to spoil ourselves in the Nile flowing out of Lake Victoria. We bottle. This is also the city that showed So special to see this rarity. Bwindi and took up our accommodation were welcomed to Jinja by an incredible us that South African drivers, including After this great sighting we birded a in Gorilla Mist Camp where we would be tropical downpour so spent our first night taxis - are angels compared to their East little around the swamp and the shores spoilt with three meals a day, hot in Uganda in a cheap, locally run hotel. African counterparts. Suffice it to say of Lake Victoria for sightings of Black- showers and even hot-water bottles in Even in the garden of the hotel we that the driving experience in Kampala headed Gonolek, Weyns’s and Orange our bed at night. We really wanted to managed a couple of lifers with Eastern was eye-opening and taught us a new Weaver, Blue-headed Coucal and Blue- make our Gorilla Trekking experience a Grey Plantain-eater and Piapiac being level of patience. breasted Bee-eater, among others. We memorable one. The day before our ever present. After breakfast we headed So after sorting out our Gorilla permits then headed back to Kampala through trek, we drove through the forest and off to arrange our Gorilla Trekking - $500 each - we decided it was time to the traffic chaos and the hundreds of found Regal Sunbird, Chestnut-throated Permits only to be told that none was get one of our “bucket list” things done. In Marabou Storks in town for our last night Apalis, Black-billed Turaco and some available for at least the next month, but 2012 we had taken a trip to the in the city. other forest specials. The afternoon was they would see what they could do and Bangweulu Swamps in Zambia to hunt The next two days were spent in spent relaxing in our chalet preparing for we should call them again the next day - down a Shoebill. Unfortunately, we Mpanga Forest Reserve walking with the big day. distressing but still some hope. blanked so we were determined to see Mabira Forest was our next home for the same guide we had used for the The “big” day dawned clear, calm and a few days. The great birding continued BELOW: The Shoebill Shoebill. Great birding for a couple of cloudless after a tropical downpour the en route with sightings of many White- in Mabamba Swamp days with the highlights being Cassin's previous evening. Luckily, the family we were due to trek to live quite close to the throated Bee-eaters. Among three new Pictures by Craig and Karin Nelson H a w k - E a g l e , Ye l l o w - c r e s t e d weavers we saw was the Vieillot's Black Woodpecker, Red-headed Malimbe, forest edge. This in addition to the fact Weaver - a pitch black weaver totally Blue-breasted Kingfisher and White- that trackers know where the group slept contradictory to what we are used to at spotted Flufftail. the previous night meant that we only home. While enjoying lunch in the The trip continued with the Landy now had to trek through the forest for about campsite we were visited by Great Blue p o i n t e d f i r m l y t o w a r d s B w i n d i an hour before we found the gorilla Turacos. It is a spectacularly large blue Impenetrable Forest on the border with family and we spent a magical hour with turaco about 75 cm long, with a red- the DRC and our appointment with that them. We saw at least 15 of a family of tipped yellow bill and ragged black crest. other “bucket list” item - the Mountain 18 including two silverbacks who were We were entertained by them at many Gorillas. On our drive up to Bwindi from so relaxed we got to within five metres of places throughout Uganda. Lake Bunyoni and a walk in the them both. What a wonderful experience Early on the morning of our departure afternoon on the outside of the forest we and one that we will never forget. November 2014 24 25 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

supposedly the best birding spot in here before so were not expecting away from us. It called frequently and did Uganda and home of the Chocolate- anything new but were pleasantly little loopy display flights just off the backed Kingfisher. Unfortunately we surprised. On a walk through the ground around us. Beautiful and an only heard the kingfisher and although miombo apart from the usual suspects incredible way to end off our list of new we added 11 more lifers in this area - we eventually had a couple of great birds. including the Chestnut-capped encounters with the non-weaver-like A few more days travelling south Flycatcher which is restricted to Bar-winged Weaver - number 299 done. through Zambia and then Zimbabwe Budongo Forest - the Royal Mile and Would we be able to find number 300? and we were back in South Africa. B u d o n g o F o r e s t w e r e a l i t t l e We did and what a special sighting it After 100 days and 17 000 km and a disappointing. was. Who knew that the last lifer we trip of a lifetime we arrived home with found would be one of the most many things ticked off our “bucket list”. THE JOURNEY HOME spectacular. Would we do it again - probably not. It was here where we decided to start The same evening we decided to take Would we recommend this trip to heading back home. Looking at the map a walk at dusk to the bush airstrip at anybody - without hesitation. we realised we were actually closer to ABOVE: African Grey Parrot in Kibale Mutinondo. We sat down on the runway London than we were to our home in Craig Nelson and after hearing an insect-like call we We spent another two or three days Howick. In fact, even though we did not Howick watched a male Pennant-winged exploring Bwindi and birding the forest rush back, it would take us another three [email protected] Nightjar in full breeding plumage fly out edges to find species such as Pink- weeks to drive home. On our journey out 033 3303027 of the trees and land less than 20 m footed Puffback, Vanga Flycatcher, of Uganda heading back to Kenya we Green Hylia, Black-faced Rufous increased our list to 291 lifers, with HONORARY RECORDER’S REPORT Warbler and Many-coloured Bush- special sightings of Black-billed Barbet Shrike. and White-crested Turaco. GREETINGS birders! The very dry last 19 July and Garth Aiston saw Lesser From Bwindi we headed up to and The journey south would take us back few months, while maybe not very good Striped Swallows on 1 August. The through Queen Elizabeth Park and then via Nairobi which we drove into two days for lots of bird activity, has at least meant pelagic seabird trips run during winter via Fort Portal to Kibale Forest Reserve. after the start of the terrorist attack on that forest birding has been easier with have also turned up a good number of We had a brief sighting of a Papyrus the Westgate Mall. We would then drive less undergrowth. It has also meant that rare seabirds off Durban, with one Gonolek en route to our camp outside the Tanzam Highway south and go into the times of movements of migratory National rarity and six different KZN the forest. Here we had the amazing Zambia via the infamous Tunduma birds have been other than normal. The rarities being seen. opportunity to see African Grey Parrots Border crossing. At this border, we had Spotted Ground Thrushes at Pigeon feeding calmly in a palm tree in the to negotiate a queue of trucks about 4 Valley remained very late (see later), the RARITIES camp, after only ever having seen them km long before reaching the border. first Yellow-billed Kite seen by Tim and BLACK-RUMPED BUTTONQUAIL in cages before. Incredibly, we would Luckily they process light vehicles much Caroline Wood in Kloof was as early as Turnix nanus even see them later in the middle of Jinja quicker because it looked like some of KZN Rarity town. Birding around this forest and the those trucks would be there for days. One, Bartlett Estates, Hammarsdale, BELOW: Green Sandpiper 25 June 2014, Tim Wood (Rarity Bigodi Wetland was richly rewarding and One of our stops in Zambia was Paul Bartho after two days we had increased our new Shiwa Ngandu and Kapishya Hot accepted) lifer list on the trip to 277. We also Springs. The hot spring here is GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus decided that while we were at Kibale incredible and the miombo birding was National Rarity Forest we should do some Chimpanzee very good. Even though the weather One, Darvill Sewage Treatment Works, trekking. This was totally different to the was not great, we still saw many miombo 5 October 2014, Paul and Sally Bartho gorillas. The chimps were much more specials and added Bocage's Akalat and AFRICAN BLACK active an,d all in all, it was an energetic, Laura's Woodland Warbler to our list. OYSTERCATCHER noisy and fun experience. The weather remained quite grumpy Haematopus moquini From here it was northwards to the so we decided to move south to KZN Rarity Budongo Forest on the edge of Mutinondo Wilderness, an incredible A flock of 24 consisting of 16 adults Murchison Falls National Park. This is spot on the escarpment above the and 8 immatures, Illovo River mouth, where the “Royal Mile” is situated, Luangwa River Valley. We had been 15 September 2014, Barry Swaddle November 2014 26 27 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 supposedly the best birding spot in here before so were not expecting away from us. It called frequently and did Uganda and home of the Chocolate- anything new but were pleasantly little loopy display flights just off the backed Kingfisher. Unfortunately we surprised. On a walk through the ground around us. Beautiful and an only heard the kingfisher and although miombo apart from the usual suspects incredible way to end off our list of new we added 11 more lifers in this area - we eventually had a couple of great birds. including the Chestnut-capped encounters with the non-weaver-like A few more days travelling south Flycatcher which is restricted to Bar-winged Weaver - number 299 done. through Zambia and then Zimbabwe Budongo Forest - the Royal Mile and Would we be able to find number 300? and we were back in South Africa. B u d o n g o F o r e s t w e r e a l i t t l e We did and what a special sighting it After 100 days and 17 000 km and a disappointing. was. Who knew that the last lifer we trip of a lifetime we arrived home with found would be one of the most many things ticked off our “bucket list”. THE JOURNEY HOME spectacular. Would we do it again - probably not. It was here where we decided to start The same evening we decided to take Would we recommend this trip to heading back home. Looking at the map a walk at dusk to the bush airstrip at anybody - without hesitation. we realised we were actually closer to ABOVE: African Grey Parrot in Kibale Mutinondo. We sat down on the runway London than we were to our home in Craig Nelson and after hearing an insect-like call we We spent another two or three days Howick. In fact, even though we did not Howick watched a male Pennant-winged exploring Bwindi and birding the forest rush back, it would take us another three [email protected] Nightjar in full breeding plumage fly out edges to find species such as Pink- weeks to drive home. On our journey out 033 3303027 of the trees and land less than 20 m footed Puffback, Vanga Flycatcher, of Uganda heading back to Kenya we Green Hylia, Black-faced Rufous increased our list to 291 lifers, with HONORARY RECORDER’S REPORT Warbler and Many-coloured Bush- special sightings of Black-billed Barbet Shrike. and White-crested Turaco. GREETINGS birders! The very dry last 19 July and Garth Aiston saw Lesser From Bwindi we headed up to and The journey south would take us back few months, while maybe not very good Striped Swallows on 1 August. The through Queen Elizabeth Park and then via Nairobi which we drove into two days for lots of bird activity, has at least meant pelagic seabird trips run during winter via Fort Portal to Kibale Forest Reserve. after the start of the terrorist attack on that forest birding has been easier with have also turned up a good number of We had a brief sighting of a Papyrus the Westgate Mall. We would then drive less undergrowth. It has also meant that rare seabirds off Durban, with one Gonolek en route to our camp outside the Tanzam Highway south and go into the times of movements of migratory National rarity and six different KZN the forest. Here we had the amazing Zambia via the infamous Tunduma birds have been other than normal. The rarities being seen. opportunity to see African Grey Parrots Border crossing. At this border, we had Spotted Ground Thrushes at Pigeon feeding calmly in a palm tree in the to negotiate a queue of trucks about 4 Valley remained very late (see later), the RARITIES camp, after only ever having seen them km long before reaching the border. first Yellow-billed Kite seen by Tim and BLACK-RUMPED BUTTONQUAIL in cages before. Incredibly, we would Luckily they process light vehicles much Caroline Wood in Kloof was as early as Turnix nanus even see them later in the middle of Jinja quicker because it looked like some of KZN Rarity town. Birding around this forest and the those trucks would be there for days. One, Bartlett Estates, Hammarsdale, BELOW: Green Sandpiper 25 June 2014, Tim Wood (Rarity Bigodi Wetland was richly rewarding and One of our stops in Zambia was Paul Bartho after two days we had increased our new Shiwa Ngandu and Kapishya Hot accepted) lifer list on the trip to 277. We also Springs. The hot spring here is GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus decided that while we were at Kibale incredible and the miombo birding was National Rarity Forest we should do some Chimpanzee very good. Even though the weather One, Darvill Sewage Treatment Works, trekking. This was totally different to the was not great, we still saw many miombo 5 October 2014, Paul and Sally Bartho gorillas. The chimps were much more specials and added Bocage's Akalat and AFRICAN BLACK active an,d all in all, it was an energetic, Laura's Woodland Warbler to our list. OYSTERCATCHER noisy and fun experience. The weather remained quite grumpy Haematopus moquini From here it was northwards to the so we decided to move south to KZN Rarity Budongo Forest on the edge of Mutinondo Wilderness, an incredible A flock of 24 consisting of 16 adults Murchison Falls National Park. This is spot on the escarpment above the and 8 immatures, Illovo River mouth, where the “Royal Mile” is situated, Luangwa River Valley. We had been 15 September 2014, Barry Swaddle November 2014 26 27 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

STRIPED FLUFFTAIL NORTHERN GIANT PETREL One, at sea off Durban, 7 June 2014, Sarothrura affinis Macronectes halli Niall Perrins KZN Rarity KZN Rarity CORY'S SHEARWATER One, in a garden in Cowies Hill, One, at sea off Durban, 27 July 2014, Calonectris diomedea 21 June 2014, Rosie and Hermann Niall Perrins KZN Rarity Kistner (Rarity accepted) GREAT-WINGED PETREL One, at sea off Durban, 7 June 2014, VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL Pterodroma macroptera Niall Perrins Bubo lacteus KZN Rarity FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER KZN Rarity One, at sea off Durban, 27 July 2014, Puffinus carneipes One, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, Niall Perrins KZN Rarity 31 May 2014 (SA Rare Bird News) One, at sea off Durban, 10 August One, at sea off Durban, 27 July 2014, One, Greytown, last week of July 2014 David Allan ABOVE: Lesser Black-backed Gull 2014, Niall Perrins and David Allan Niall Perrins (SA Rare Bird News) SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL One, at sea off Durban, 10 August Two adults and one chick, Gartmore Pterodroma mollis 2014, Niall Perrins and David Allan Farm, Karkloof, T Clarke HOODED VULTURE Necrosyrtes monachus KZN Rarity KNYSNA WARBLER (Rarity form submitted) Three, at sea off Durban, 10 August Bradypterus sylvaticus AFRICAN CRAKE Crecopsis egregia KZN Rarity Four, Zimanga Game Reserve, near 2014, Niall Perrins and David Allan KZN Rarity KZN Rarity ANTARCTIC PRION Two, Weza-Ngele Forest, One, Beachwood Golf Course, Mkuze, 5 July 2014, Johan Gouws (Rarity accepted) Pachyptila desolata 17 May 2014, D Ehlers Smith Durban North, 28 June 2014, KZN Rarity (Rarity form submitted) SABirdNet report AFRICAN HAWK-EAGLE Aquila spilogaster One, at a block of flats in Richards MAGPIE MANNIKIN One, Amazibu hide, Eastern Shores, Bay, 7 July 2014, Alan van Zyl Lonchura fringilloides isiMangaliso Wetland Park, KZN Rarity Two, near Greytown, 2 June 2014, Twelve, at sea off Durban, KZN Rarity 2 October 2014, Jane Morris 27 July 2014, Niall Perrins Several, Tudor Place, Kloof, and Mike Roseblade John Cox (Rarity accepted) AYRES'S HAWK-EAGLE About 6, at sea off Durban, 10 August 20 August 2014, Geoff Kay SOOTY TERN Onychoprion fuscatus 2014, Niall Perrins and David Allan Two, Westcott Road, Westville, National Rarity Hieraaetus ayresii KZN Rarity SLENDER-BILLED PRION 6 September 2104, Derek Spencer One, St Lucia estuary, 5 June 2014 (SA Pachyptila belcheri One, Cape Vidal, 10 July 2014, OUT-OF-RANGE SIGHTINGS Rare Bird News) National Rarity One, at sea off Durban, 7 June 2014 Leon Bruggemann Arctic Tern (SA Rare Bird News) PEREGRINE FALCON BELOW: Bush Blackcap - “finding the One was found freshly dead at Mooi Two, St Lucia estuary, 20 July to 21 Falco peregrinus species along the coast is not unusual, River in August 2014. The bird was September 2014 (SA Rare Bird News) KZN Rarity but the late timing of this sighting, at ringed and it was confirmed that it was One, St Lucia estuary, 2 October 2014, One, near Greytown, 5 June 2014, the end of September, came as a big ringed on 20 June 2011 on Wooden Jane Morris and Mike Roseblade John Cox (Rarity accepted) surprise. Doggy also recorded a Dark- Ball Island in Maine in the USA as a EUROPEAN HONEY BUZZARD One, Amatigulu Nature Reserve, 5 July capped Yellow Warbler in Mtunzini on one year old bird already (Trevor Pernis apivorus 2014, Dave Rimmer (Rarity accepted) 4 October, a very late record for the Hardaker, SA Rare Bird News) KZN Rarity RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON coast” - Hugh Chittenden Woodward's Batis Ardeola rufiventris One, Mtunzini, 4 January 2014, Doggy Kewley One female, Umlalazi Nature Reserve, W Ingram (Rarity accepted) KZN Rarity 31 August 2014, Jenny Spence Two, near Mtubatuba, 6 February One, Tembe Elephant Park, Barratt's Warbler 2014, DM Robinson (Rarity accepted) 1-2 September 2014, One, 1 June 2014, Pigeon Valley One, uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Corne Rautenbach Nature Reserve, Crispin Hemson and 22 February 2014, Colin Summersgill LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Barry Taylor (Rarity accepted) Larus fuscus Bush Blackcap One, Western Shores of St Lucia, National Rarity One, Mtunzini, 25 September 2014, 12 May 2014, DM Robinson One immature, Durban bay, Doggy Kewley (Rarity accepted) 11 August 2014, David Allan White-throated Robin-Chat November 2014 28 29 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

One, Ballito Gardens Estate, Umhlali, 15 July 2014 (SA Rare Bird News) Trish Jonnson, Ken Jarvis and Nature Reserve on 18 May 2014 by last week of September 2014 A small flock of adults and immature Antony Humphris Paolo Candotti. A report of one further (SA Rare Bird News) birds has been at Sappi Stanger ponds Spotted Ground Thrush afield was at the Fig Tree Forest in during August and September 2014, The Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve birds Mkhuze Game Reserve on 12 July 2014 OTHER SIGHTINGS seen by many birders have been present all winter and well seen by Dave Stokoe. Fulvous Duck Lesser Flamingo into spring, with Crispin Hemson Caveat: the sightings recorded here One, Simbithi Eco-estate, A flock of about 30, Mkuze River reporting up to six on one outing. The have been submitted directly to me or 22 June 2014, Mike White, floodplain, 27 September 2014, latest date he reported seeing them was have been posted on the SABirdNet or Sandi du Preez and others Japie Claassen 21 September 2014, with the previous SA Rare Bird News, and have not been South African Shelduck White Stork latest date being 16 September, no vetted by any rarities committee for One, Sappi Stanger wetlands, One, uMngeni River estuary, doubt due to the very dry weather. One validation unless otherwise noted. As 16 July 2014 (SA Rare Bird News) 26 June 2014, Anthony Humphris was also seen briefly at our house (59 such, the information presented here Bearded Woodpecker Red-headed Finch Edmonds Road, Glenwood) on 30 should be used with due consideration. One, Gillitts, 13-15 August 2014, A pair, Durban North, 23-25 April 2014, August 2014 by Richard Boon. Other Oscar van Eysen records have been from Charles and Steve Davis: Honorary Recorder White-fronted Bee-eater BELOW: A White Stork seen in June in Julia Botha in their garden in Durban 031 2054459, Fax: 031 2731302 A flock of 10-15, near Champagne the uMngeni River Estuary in Durban, from at least 20 July to 17 August 2014. e-mail: [email protected] Sports Resort, 16-17 August 2014, sometimes in the company of One was also reported from Krantzkloof 59 Edmonds Road Glenwood 4001 Margaret and John Cooke Wooly-necked Storks Lesser Jacana Antony Humphris CLUB ACTIVITIES One, Umvoti River estuary, 26 July 2014 (SA Rare Bird News) BIRDLIFE PORT NATAL Pied Avocet Members of the activities committee: A small flock of 10, Sappi Stanger Paul Bartho: Co-ordinator 072 1573678, 031 7168416, [email protected] ponds, August and September 2014, Elena Russell: Saturday outings 031 7052902 [email protected] seen by many birders Lesley Frescura: Weekday outings 031 2664150, 083 2313408, Secretarybird [email protected] One, New Germany Nature Reserve, Sandi du Preez: Wednesday outings: 031-7014839, 0733324431, 15 June 2014, Janet Longman and [email protected] others Mike Roseblade and Jane Morris: Weekend outings 082-8046377 Greater Flamingo [email protected] One, Midmar Game Reserve, Garth Aiston: Bird ringing 084 5491752 [email protected] Andrew Pickles: Bird ringing: 082 338 3302, [email protected] KZN RARITIES ACCEPTED James Rawdon: Bird ringing: 083 745 6007 THE following previously reported KZN records have been accepted by the KZN Tessa White: Krantzkloof Birds 083 5404120, 031 7673195 Rarities Committee since the October 2013 Honorary Recorder's Report. These Barry Pullock: Scottburgh Birding, 082 4951865, [email protected] include records forwarded to the committee for adjudication from SABAP2 field MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: KINDLY PHONE THE CONTACT PERSON FOR cards. ANY SPECIFIC OUTING BEFOREHAND TO ENSURE THAT THE OUTING WILL TAKE PLACE. Participation is at your own risk. BirdLife Port Natal cannot be held responsible for theft/loss of property at any venue. OUTDOOR OUTINGS: Please don't forget to bring your tea/lunch baskets and socialise afterwards. Please note that many places now charge so take entrance NATIONAL RARITIES ACCEPTED money, Wild and/or Rhino Cards with you on any outing. The Committee has received notification of the following National Rarity that was INDOOR MEETINGS are usually held on the second Wednesday evening of every observed in KwaZulu-Natal being accepted by the National Rarities Committee. month (except February and December) at 19h00. Alternative venues include: Northwood Crusaders Sports Club, 10 Ranleigh Crescent, Durban North and Westville Methodist Church, Jan Hofmeyer Road, Westville. November 2014 30 31 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

BIRD RINGING: Normally starts very early, but people are welcome to arrive later Green Sandpiper, and Yellow Wagtail have been recorded over the last ten years by and see what is going on. Barry Swaddle Bird Ringing with Garth Aiston: Usually held early on a Sunday each month. Wednesday 19 November 07h30 - Jubilee Park with Sandi du Preez. Please Please call Garth for details if no notification is put out nearer to the time on the BLPN confirm 031 7014839 or 073 3324431. A lovely, well-maintained municipal park in website and KZN Birds@yahoo. Cell:084 549 1752. Westville, which has become famous for good sightings of Magpie Mannikins. Bird Ringing with Andrew Pickles: Usually the first or second Sunday of the month. Wetland and forest habitats. Meet at the old bird hide. Venue to be advised. Please contact Andrew for details. Cell 082 338 3302 or Sunday 30 November 06h30 - Ellingham Estate with Barry Pullock, 082 4951865 or [email protected] [email protected]. Ellingham is a cane farm, with extensive riverine forest, Bird Ringing with James Rawdon: James visits many private estates on the North great climax trees, bush and dams, plus some well-left dead eucalypts which often Coast from Umhlanga into southern Zululand. Contact James for details: 083 745 yield raptors. Meet at the horse paddocks. There will be a R20pp conservation 6007 or [email protected] contribution KRANTZKLOOF BIRDS: Meetings are held at 09h30 on the second Tuesday of DECEMBER 2014 every second month at Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. BMCG: The Bird Monitoring and Conservation Group meets at 14h00 on the second Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- Saturday of each month. Venue to be advised. If you would like to improve your venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your birding skills and knowledge or give something back to the birds please join us. attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. NOVEMBER 2014 Saturday 6 December 06h00 - Springside with Elena Russell. Please phone to Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. confirm meeting time and place, 031 7052902 or [email protected] This is Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- a change to our regular Christmas outing and all are welcome. The wild flowers venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your should be in full bloom. There are braai facilities and a donation to the conservancy attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. will be appreciated Saturday 1 November 06h00 - Tanglewood Estate with Elena Russell. Please Tuesday 9 December 09h30 - Krantzkloof. Brent Coverdale of KZN Wildlife will talk p h o n e t o c o n f i r m m e e t i n g t i m e a n d p l a c e 0 3 1 7 0 5 2 9 0 2 o r on “Mammals and Birds” [email protected] Directions: Take the exit at the bottom of Field's Hill on Saturday 13 December 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised the M13. Turn onto Richmond Rd at the off ramp lights (travelling away from Pinetown). Turn right onto Trafford Road with MAN Truck and Bus on the left. Travel JANUARY 2015 1.2 km and just before the lights turn right onto Motala Road. At the traffic circle turn Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. left onto Naidoo Road. After about 300 metres you will see the entrance in front of Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- you. Buzz the buzzer to get in and we shall meet at the entrance inside and then drive venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your up to the parking area. Tea and coffee will be provided but bring your own eats. A attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. donation towards conservation will be appreciated. Saturday 3 January 06h30 - Umbogavango with Elena Russell. Please phone to Weekend Outing 7-9 November - Sand Forest Lodge. Hluhluwe with Mike confirm meeting time and place 031 7052902 or [email protected] Roseblade and Jane Morris. Please confirm all details with Mike or Jane: Saturday 11 January 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised. [email protected] or [email protected], 031 2660487. Typical sand forest Wednesday 14 January - Botanical Gardens with Lesley Frescura. Please confirm: habitat conveniently situated for False Bay Park and Imfolozi/Hluhluwe Game 031 2664150 or 083 2313408. Since this is the hottest time of the year, we will keep to Reserve. Camp sites and chalet accommodation. Details on website the shade around the lake and the forested areas and end up having tea and cake. www.sandforest.co.za or phone Cary or Godfrey 082 4176484 or 083 6277080 Meet at the southern main entrance. referring to BLPN weekend. Sand Forest Lodge have offered 20% discount for Wednesday 14 January 19h00 - Indoor meeting. Robin Colyn, BLSA conservation bungalows and the cottages, but cannot discount their camping rates as that is the officer at Ingula will speak on “The Ingula Partnership: Merging biodiversity, people bare minimum. For directions see their website and power” Saturday 8 November 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised Saturday 24 January 09h30 - CWAC count. Meet at the Umgeni Bird Park, Wednesday 12 November 19h00 - Indoor meeting. Nicholas Theron, “The Riverside Road. The Bayhead count will follow and proceed through the afternoon. Conservation of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in KwaZulu-Natal” Lunch will be at Bayhead. Please contact Roy or Steve to confirm, 083 7754459 or Sunday 16 November 06h30 - Eston Ponds with Dave Rimmer. Meet at the main [email protected] entrance to the Illovo Sugar Mill. Please confirm with Dave 082 4537255, Sunday 25 January 07h00 - Boston. River and forest birding. Meet at Gramarye, No [email protected] . Like all venues it has its good days and bad days, but to 309 on the Dargle Road. Confirm with Crystelle Wilson 031 2080577, 082 7235158, whet your appetite Red Phalarope, Spotted Crake, African Crake, Painted Snipe, [email protected] There is a gentle walk to the river with paths running November 2014 32 33 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 through the wetland and along the Elands River - good for warblers, cisticolas, Saturday 7 March - Bayhead with Elena Russell. Please confirm meeting time and widows, weavers, cranes, waterbirds and occasional raptors. Then a drive to a local place - depends on the time of the tides, 031 7052902 or [email protected] farm for a walk through an indigenous forest and picnic at a fishing cottage at a dam. Wednesday 11 March 19h00 - Indoor meeting. Jonathan Leeming, "Bites in the There is a range of accommodation options available in the district if you want to Night” make a weekend of it and atlas all the habitats: there are grasslands, dams and Saturday 14 March 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised. indigenous forests (think Cape Parrot). Allow about 1 hour 20 minutes from the Wednesday 18 March 07h30 - New Germany Nature Reserve with Sandi du Preez. Pavilion Centre. Coffee and tea will be available, but bring gumboots or a change of Please confirm, 031 7014839 or 073 3324431 shoes, insect repellent, warm clothes, picnic and chairs Sunday 15 March 06h30 - SAPPI Bird Hide with Rex Aspeling. Please contact Rex to confirm, [email protected] or 082 3018177. We will spend time in the hide FEBRUARY 2015 and take a stroll around the dam as well. Afterwards tea/coffee in the picnic area. Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. Remember to bring your ID and check in at the office on arrival where we will meet. Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- Good idea to take cushions as well as chairs, tea/coffee. There is a picnic area which venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your is separate from the bird hide attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. Saturday 7 February 06h30 - Iphithi NR with Elena Russell. Please phone to APRIL 2015 confirm meeting time and place. 031 7052902 or [email protected] Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. Tuesday 10 February 09h30 - Krantzkloof. To be advised Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- Saturday 14 February 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your Sunday 15 February - Highover at Hella Hella with Norman Freeman. Plan to meet attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. at 06h30 for 07h00 at the reception. Please confirm with Norman on 083 4537949 or Saturday 4 April 07h15 - Paradise Valley with Elena Russell. Please confirm: 031 email [email protected] Highover, approximately 25km from Richmond, is a 7052902 or [email protected] Wildlife Sanctuary with spectacular scenery which spans the uMkomazi River. A Saturday 11 April 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised variety of habitats from acacia bushveld, riverine forest, mist-belt grasslands to valley Tuesday 14 April 09h30 - Krantzkloof. To be advised thickets support about 240 bird species. Many specials include Blue Swallow, Blue Wednesday 15 April - with Lesley Frescura. We have organised with Bart Fokkens Crane, Black-winged Lapwing, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Broad-tailed Warbler, at the Green Hub for an outing, probably to the Inanda Dam wall to search for the Grey-headed and Orange-breasted Bush-Shrikes, Narina Trogon, Knysna Turaco African Finfoot. This will take the entire morning so bring tea and lunch. More details and a number of eagles closer to the time. We will probably meet at the Green Hub. If you are interested in Wednesday 18 February 07h30 - Bluff Nature Reserve with Sandi du Preez. Please this outing I would be glad to hear from you beforehand so we have some idea of confirm: 031 7014839 or 073 3324431 numbers and can confirm time and meeting place. 031 2664150 or 083 2313408 Saturday 21 February 14h00 - AGM BirdLife Port Natal. Details to be advised. Wednesday 15 April 19h00 - Indoor meeting. To be advised Trevor Hardaker will give a talk titled “Around the World in 80 Birds”. He will be Sunday 19 April 07h00 - Sheffield Beach with Mike White. Please confirm with Mike showing us some of his favourite birds that he has seen worldwide, mostly lots of 082 6570444 or [email protected]. Meet at Tiffany's Shopping Centre on the colourful photographs with information about each species. Trevor is well known for East Side of the N2 at exit 214 (Salt Rock, Umhlali, Shaka's Kraal). There is a pet Zest for Birds, national rarities, pelagics and many other birding adventures. He is shop called Fur and Feathers; wait outside it. Late arrivals: EXIT 214 from N2 north, also passionate about conservation and is actively involved with the SABAP2 bird go east over the freeway bridge. Check the shopping centre and if late, pass the atlas project Tiffany shopping centre, then left after 200 m and follow the sign to Sheffield Beach Weekend away 27-28 February - Dragon Peaks with Paul and Sally Bartho. Please (there is a small fork after 400m, keep right). After another 900 m on your left is a confirm your attendance 031 7168416, 072 1573678 or [email protected]. There horse corral; the entrance is on the right of the horses. There are two dams around is a wide range of accommodation available - self-catering chalets of different sizes which we can have breakfast. Boots and longs advised due to prevalence of forest and standards, and powered campsites. For directions see their website - cobra. Grassland, swamp forest and open savannah with dotted trees. Bring apples www.dragonpeaks.com - and book your preferred accommodation directly. Contact or carrots for the horses! details: 036 4681031, [email protected] Pensioner discounts are available BIRDLIFE KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS MARCH 2015 Committee: Chair Drummond Densham 033 3304039, outing activities Eve Hughes Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. 033 3302723, evening activities Peter Divall 033 2395537, secretary Sally Cumming Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- 072 1194253, membership secretary Pam Nicol 033 3302947, treasurer Viv O'Neill venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your 083 4647666, rarities/SABAP2 Colin Summersgill 083 7825113, conservation Karin attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. Nelson 072 7724219, e-Newsletter Rosemary Forrester 082 7677366. November 2014 34 35 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43 through the wetland and along the Elands River - good for warblers, cisticolas, Saturday 7 March - Bayhead with Elena Russell. Please confirm meeting time and widows, weavers, cranes, waterbirds and occasional raptors. Then a drive to a local place - depends on the time of the tides, 031 7052902 or [email protected] farm for a walk through an indigenous forest and picnic at a fishing cottage at a dam. Wednesday 11 March 19h00 - Indoor meeting. Jonathan Leeming, "Bites in the There is a range of accommodation options available in the district if you want to Night” make a weekend of it and atlas all the habitats: there are grasslands, dams and Saturday 14 March 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised. indigenous forests (think Cape Parrot). Allow about 1 hour 20 minutes from the Wednesday 18 March 07h30 - New Germany Nature Reserve with Sandi du Preez. Pavilion Centre. Coffee and tea will be available, but bring gumboots or a change of Please confirm, 031 7014839 or 073 3324431 shoes, insect repellent, warm clothes, picnic and chairs Sunday 15 March 06h30 - SAPPI Bird Hide with Rex Aspeling. Please contact Rex to confirm, [email protected] or 082 3018177. We will spend time in the hide FEBRUARY 2015 and take a stroll around the dam as well. Afterwards tea/coffee in the picnic area. Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. Remember to bring your ID and check in at the office on arrival where we will meet. Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- Good idea to take cushions as well as chairs, tea/coffee. There is a picnic area which venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your is separate from the bird hide attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. Saturday 7 February 06h30 - Iphithi NR with Elena Russell. Please phone to APRIL 2015 confirm meeting time and place. 031 7052902 or [email protected] Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. Tuesday 10 February 09h30 - Krantzkloof. To be advised Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- Saturday 14 February 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your Sunday 15 February - Highover at Hella Hella with Norman Freeman. Plan to meet attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. at 06h30 for 07h00 at the reception. Please confirm with Norman on 083 4537949 or Saturday 4 April 07h15 - Paradise Valley with Elena Russell. Please confirm: 031 email [email protected] Highover, approximately 25km from Richmond, is a 7052902 or [email protected] Wildlife Sanctuary with spectacular scenery which spans the uMkomazi River. A Saturday 11 April 13h30 - BMCG meeting. Venue to be advised variety of habitats from acacia bushveld, riverine forest, mist-belt grasslands to valley Tuesday 14 April 09h30 - Krantzkloof. To be advised thickets support about 240 bird species. Many specials include Blue Swallow, Blue Wednesday 15 April - with Lesley Frescura. We have organised with Bart Fokkens Crane, Black-winged Lapwing, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Broad-tailed Warbler, at the Green Hub for an outing, probably to the Inanda Dam wall to search for the Grey-headed and Orange-breasted Bush-Shrikes, Narina Trogon, Knysna Turaco African Finfoot. This will take the entire morning so bring tea and lunch. More details and a number of eagles closer to the time. We will probably meet at the Green Hub. If you are interested in Wednesday 18 February 07h30 - Bluff Nature Reserve with Sandi du Preez. Please this outing I would be glad to hear from you beforehand so we have some idea of confirm: 031 7014839 or 073 3324431 numbers and can confirm time and meeting place. 031 2664150 or 083 2313408 Saturday 21 February 14h00 - AGM BirdLife Port Natal. Details to be advised. Wednesday 15 April 19h00 - Indoor meeting. To be advised Trevor Hardaker will give a talk titled “Around the World in 80 Birds”. He will be Sunday 19 April 07h00 - Sheffield Beach with Mike White. Please confirm with Mike showing us some of his favourite birds that he has seen worldwide, mostly lots of 082 6570444 or [email protected]. Meet at Tiffany's Shopping Centre on the colourful photographs with information about each species. Trevor is well known for East Side of the N2 at exit 214 (Salt Rock, Umhlali, Shaka's Kraal). There is a pet Zest for Birds, national rarities, pelagics and many other birding adventures. He is shop called Fur and Feathers; wait outside it. Late arrivals: EXIT 214 from N2 north, also passionate about conservation and is actively involved with the SABAP2 bird go east over the freeway bridge. Check the shopping centre and if late, pass the atlas project Tiffany shopping centre, then left after 200 m and follow the sign to Sheffield Beach Weekend away 27-28 February - Dragon Peaks with Paul and Sally Bartho. Please (there is a small fork after 400m, keep right). After another 900 m on your left is a confirm your attendance 031 7168416, 072 1573678 or [email protected]. There horse corral; the entrance is on the right of the horses. There are two dams around is a wide range of accommodation available - self-catering chalets of different sizes which we can have breakfast. Boots and longs advised due to prevalence of forest and standards, and powered campsites. For directions see their website - cobra. Grassland, swamp forest and open savannah with dotted trees. Bring apples www.dragonpeaks.com - and book your preferred accommodation directly. Contact or carrots for the horses! details: 036 4681031, [email protected] Pensioner discounts are available BIRDLIFE KWAZULU-NATAL MIDLANDS MARCH 2015 Committee: Chair Drummond Densham 033 3304039, outing activities Eve Hughes Bird Ringing. See details in the introduction. 033 3302723, evening activities Peter Divall 033 2395537, secretary Sally Cumming Directions to venues. Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- 072 1194253, membership secretary Pam Nicol 033 3302947, treasurer Viv O'Neill venues/. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm your 083 4647666, rarities/SABAP2 Colin Summersgill 083 7825113, conservation Karin attendance. Directions to new venues will be shown below. Nelson 072 7724219, e-Newsletter Rosemary Forrester 082 7677366. November 2014 34 35 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

Pietermaritzburg evening meetings are held at Woodgrove Retirement Centre on 10h30 for tea before the meeting. Lunch will be served after the talk. There will be an the second Tuesday of alternate months at 18h00. Howick evening meetings are early morning walk at 07h00 in Amber Valley round the dams and game area. Mike held in the Amber Valley Auditorium on the third Wednesday of the month at 18h00. Spain 033 2395466/082 4425016 Entry by donation. MARCH 2015 Bird ringing: Contact Karin Nelson on 033 3303027 or 072 7724219 Sunday 1 - Morning outing to Darvill at 06h30. Gordon Bennett 033 3865555 Darvill: first or second Saturday of the month Tuesday 3 - Presentation at Woodgrove by Tanya Smith on “Wattled Cranes: At the home of Pam and Bill Nicol, 13 Riley Crescent, Howick: four times a year Symbols of Water, Wetlands and Life. Conserving South Africa's Critically PLEASE CONTACT THE COORDINATOR BEFORE AN OUTING Endangered Crane” TO CONFIRM THE TIME OF MEETING AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS Saturday 7 - KZN Conservation Forum 08h00 to 17h00. Venue to be advised Sunday 15 - Outing to Hillside Lodge near Bulwer to see Cape Parrots and other NOVEMBER 2014 forest birds. There is a conservation fee of R30pp. This is a round trip of 160 km. Luiz Sunday 2 - Morning outing to Darvill at 6h00. Gordon Bennett 033 3865555 Mateus 033 3454078/ 084 0618496 Sunday 16 - Morning outing to Fountain Hill near Wartburg. There is a conservation Wednesday 18 - Indoor meeting at Amber Valley Auditorium “Bird Identification fee of R50pp. Contact Rudi Hillermann 082 4408307 Dilemmas -Part 2” Wednesday 19 - Presentation at Amber Valley Auditorium by Sonja KrÜger about her Wednesday 25 - Outing to Hillside Lodge near Bulwer to see Cape Parrots and other Bearded Vulture research (with which BLKZNM assists) forest birds. Meet at Greendale Shopping Centre at 06h00 to arrange transport. Wednesday 26 - Morning outing to Mt Gilboa above the Karkloof. Meet at Greendale There is a conservation fee of R30pp. Eve Hughes 033 3302723/082 8724333 Shopping Centre at 06h30 to arrange transport. Drummond Densham 033 3304039 Saturday 29 - Birding Big Day APRIL 2015 Sunday 5 - Morning outing to Darvill at 06h30. Gordon Bennett 033 3865555 DECEMBER 2014 Tuesday 7 - Woodgrove evening meeting: speaker to be announced Sunday 7 - The end-of-year braai will be at Hilton College lapa. Meet at the Hilton Wednesday 15 - Presentation at Amber Valley Auditorium by Adam Riley entitled “In College gate at 07h00 if you want to take part in the bird walk, or arrive later for the Search of the Snow Leopard” braai. Fee will be R20pp for the use of the lapa. Please bring your own food, drink and Sunday 19 - Morning outing to Bisley at 06h30. David Crampton 082 7717274 chairs (and family and friends). Peter Divall 033 2395537 or 083 2634169. Wednesday 29 - Morning outing to Bisley. Meet at Greendale Shopping centre at NB: If the road down to the lapa is wet, the walk and braai will be held at Cumberland 07h00 to arrange transport. Sally Cumming 072 1194253 JANUARY 2015 http://midlandsbirdclub.blogspot.com/ Sunday 4 - Morning outing to Darvill at 06h00. Gordon Bennett 033 3865555 Sunday 18 - Day outing to Bayhead in Durban. Gordon Bennett 033 3865555 BIRDLIFE TROGONS Wednesday 21 - A presentation at Amber Valley Auditorium by Craig Nelson “17 000 PLEASE note all outings are on a Sunday unless otherwise stated. They are km in East Africa” advertised in the South Coast Herald, South Coast Fever and The Rising Sun a few Wednesday 28 - Morning outing to the Boschoek Golf Estate in Balgowan. Meet at days prior to each event. The venues and dates of outings may be changed at short the Greendale Shopping Centre at 06h30 to arrange transport. Eve Hughes 033 notice. Please check www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com for updated information or 3302723 or 082 8724333. phone Eric Kok 039 6950573 or 072 7510686 for further details and lift sharing. FEBRUARY 2015 2 November 06h30 - Stott Farm, Umtentweni Sunday 1 - Morning outing to Darvill at 06h00. Gordon Bennett 033 3865555 16 November 06h30 - Vernon Crookes Mon 2- 6 – Outing to Sand Forest Lodge or Mkhuze Game Reserve from 2 to 6 30 November - Members End-of-Year Lunch, Oribi Hotel. Meet at 07h00 for birding February (4 nights). For costs and other details, contact Eve Hughes 033 330 2723 or 12h30 for lunch at 13h00 or 082 8724333 11 January 2015 06h30 - Umdoni Park , Pennington Wed 25 – Day outing to Ingula Eskom Power Station near Harrismith. This will be a 25 January 06h30 - Rodney Miles' Farm, Harding and Summer CWAC long day, starting with tea/coffee on arrival, then a three-hour walk and tour of the 1 February 07h00 - Mpenjati NR power station. We will have an early lunch and then bird until 15h00. A bird guide is 15 February 06h30 - Ellingham Estate, Park Rynie optional. Meet at Greendale Shopping Centre at 06h00 to arrange transport. The Saturday 21 February 14h00 - AGM. Venue to be advised return trip will be 450 km. Drummond Densham 033 3304039. The coordinator must be contacted before 25 February so he can advise the Power Station how many www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com members will be attending. Bring tea and lunch. BIRDLIFE ZULULAND Saturday 28 - Birdlife Midlands AGM at Amber Valley Auditorium at 11h00. Meet at For information or details check out the website: www.birdlifezululand.co.za November 2014 36 37 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

NELSON'S SAFARIS AFRICA OVERLAND Join us on a guided on-board overland SAFARIS 2015 safari to some great birding and general accommodation, meals and park entry BLSA FLOCK 2015 game viewing destinations in Southern fees. Safari groups are a minimum and Africa. Safaris are inclusive of transport maximum of 6 people accompanied by IN 2015 BirdLife South Africa will be (in 4X4 vehicles), camping or chalet two qualiﬁed guides in two vehicles holding its annual Flock (AGM weekend) in Johannesburg. As there are more than 1. 14 nights Kalahari Safari - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South African and Botswana sides) March 2015 1 000 BLSA members in Gauteng, and 2. 16 night Zimbabwe/Mozambique Birds - Nylsvlei, Great Zimbabwe, Chirinda Forest, Honde Valley, many others who can easily get to Vumba Mountains, Gorongosa, Marondera, Matopos. April/May 2015. Chalet and camping options Gauteng, we hope to have a record available attendance! Join us at Flock in Jozi on 3. 18 night Botswana - Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Kubu Island, Moremi, Chobe (Savuti and Riverfont), Nata. 20-22 March where we will celebrate our June 2015 4. 3 week Angola exploratory birding and ﬁshing - Mount Moco, Gabela, Ruacana, Calueque, Lubango country's birds, and share BLSA's recent (Tundavala), Leba Pass, Namibe, Flamingo Camp. Aug/Sept 2015. On-board or tag along options conservation successes. There will be 5. 16 night Zimbabwe/Mozambique - Great Zimbabwe, Mana Pools, Marondera, Eastern Highlands, an exciting programme of talks, birding Gorongosa. October 2015. Chalet and camping options available outings to see the 400 or so bird species Note: which have been recorded in Gauteng, 1. Optional upgrades to chalet accommodation and more. The provisional programme 2. Departure dates are ex Johannesburg or Howick can be downloaded at 3. We will also customise the safari to cater to a group’s needs http://www.birdlife.org.za/events/flock Please contact the guides Craig and Karin Nelson for further information Nikki McCartney Phone: 033 3303027 Mobile: 082 9000107 083 6361060 or [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] FIFTEEN kilometres from Howick in the Karkloof Valley is the Karkloof Conservation Centre boasting two birdhides strategically built to allow the visitor maximum birding enjoyment. A rich diversity of birdlife abounds on the farm where agriculture and dairy-farming are practiced in harmony with birds, antelope and many other species. A list of over 180 bird varieties, including all three of South Africa's crane species can be seen at the hides. Pack a picnic basket, or plan a late afternoon trip for sundowners to come and absorb the tranquillity and beauty of the area. We are open daily and an “honesty box” is in place should the office not be manned Entrance is R20 p/a and R10 p/c aged 5 - 12 Pensioners pay only R10 p/p every Friday Contact us for more information on 072 376 3023/ [email protected] or visit our website at www.karkloofconservation.org.za

November 2014 38 39 November 2014 KZN BIRDS No 43 KZN BIRDS No 43

November 2014 38 39 November 2014 SPECIAL OFFER FOR BIRDERS The Drakensberg escarpment region between Harrismith and Van Reenen is an outstandingly beautiful and almost unknown area which is rich in bird life. Some specials to look out for are Blue Korhaan, White Stork, Grey Crowned and Blue Crane, Cape Vulture and Southern Bald Ibis Montrose Country Ultra City is an ideal place to use as a base while exploring this area, making it more than just a midway stop between Johannesburg and Durban on the N3 In order to encourage birders to explore this beautiful area, Montrose Country Ultra City is offering the following to members of bird clubs or BirdLife South Africa 15% discount on accommodation at the Protea Hotel Montrose 20% discount voucher for guests of the hotel on meals at Mugg & Bean, Debonairs Pizza, Fishaways and Steers

For more information (including hiring local bird guides) contact Protea Hotel Montrose 058 672 1011 [email protected]