Bokmakierie Newsletter of the Witwatersrand Bird Club August 2016 No 246

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SOUTHBird AFRICALife Giving Conservation Wings Sediba and Borakalalo Outing Weekend

Photos by Jan van Heerden

Christine le Brocq, Charlotte Mathews and Lester Ness

Birders at Sediba Game Lodge, May 2016.

Felicity Kanichowsky, Fiona Butchart & Jenny Fullerton, Diana Cowen & Christine le Christo Venter (with Malcom Henderson in Brocq the background)

Lance Robinson collating the Sediba & Borakalalo bird list Bokmakierie Newsletter of the Witwatersrand Bird Club August 2016 No 246

Witwatersrand Bird Club Inside this issue: P O Box 641 Cresta 2118 2 Letter from the Chair Tel: 011 782 7267 3 Advanced photography with peanut Fax: 086 512 7696 butter by Lesley Cornish Email: [email protected] 6 Moscow calling - a rehab European Web: www.witsbirdclub.org.za Honey Buzzard heads north by Prof. Craig Symes 2016 Committee: 8 Bon voyage Ginny Mes 23rd July 2016 HON. PRESIDENT: Lance Robinson by Andy Featherstone 9 Vergelegen partners in bird of prey CHAIRMAN: Andy Featherstone rescue: press release by Meropa VICE-CHAIRMAN: Koos van Dÿk Communications TREASURER: Sandy Goodall 12 Notes on a nesting pair of Short-toed Rock Thrushes (Monticola brevipes) in COURSES: Janice Isom Kloofendaal Nature Reserve, Roode- CONSERVATION: Lance Robinson poort by Jacobus van Dÿk & Anthony EVENING MEETINGS: Lia Steen van Zyl 16 Short-toed Rock Thrush (Monticola WEBSITE: Thinie vd Merwe brevipes) field notes by J D van Dÿk YOUTH: Grant Morrison 20 A winter visit ro the Pilanesberg by An- SALES & MARKETING: Dael Stojakovic thony Cavanagh 23 Mount Elgon: part one: highlands and PROGRAMME: Fiona van Zyl caves by Lesley Cornish EAST RAND CHAIR: Awie Coetzee 26 Klipriversberg Verreaux's Eagles - the HENLEY-ON-KLIP CHAIR: David Ludlow story of "Witsie" by Lance Robinson 27 Vulpro, Eskom and the Endangered WEST RAND CHAIR: Koos van Dÿk Wildlife Trust (EWT) save our vultures!: CLUB SECRETARY: Lauraine Leigh press release by Vulpro 29 Long lived Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS caffra) by Dane Paijmans, SAFRING Bokmakierie is published three times annually. Contribu- tions may be in Afrikaans or English. English names of birds 30 Oldest Southern Masked Weaver by should be those used in Roberts VII. Views expressed are H. Dieter Oschadleus, SAFRING not necessarily those of the Editor, Club, the Committee, Members or those of BirdLife South Africa. The Editors 31 African Goshawk (Accipter tachiro) reserve the right to edit articles as necessary. makes a reappearance in Johannesburg This issue of Bokmakierie has been produced and edited by Andy Featherstone and Lance Robinson. by Lance Robinson COVER PHOTO: Verreaux’s Eagle by Warwick Tarboton 33 Rarities and unusual sightings report: MAGAZINE LAYOUT: Philip Tarboton 31 July 2016 by André Marx

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 1 Letter from the Chair

have not seen for a number the Committee. Ginny Mes of years. There were plenty has left the Gauteng region of migrants enjoying the to live and work in Cape summer with in particular, Town with her family and large number of White we wish her well. Joining Storks in the agricultural the Committee in her place, areas of the Baltic countries. Fiona van Zyl has under- I would love to go back to taken the onerous portfolio of programme planning, Dear Members, do some serious birding but the cost of living in these please give her your support It’s hard to believe but countries is truly frightening! and help. Dael Stojakovic winter is nearly over and has also joined the Com- the first day of spring is Back to local matters, as mittee to head up sales & September heralds the start approaching fast. The first marketing, an area which of spring, there are several of our intra African migrants has needed input for some events that are important in have already started to time. Dael has already made our calendar. The first week- arrive with White-throated an impressive start in selling end of September is the Swallows and African Palm some of our old clothing African Bird Fair which will Swifts making their ap- stock, even offering to adjust be held at Walter Sisulu Bo- pearance. Waders are also the size of items which are tanical Gardens on the 3rd turning up on what is left of too large for the purchasers. and 4th. Wits Bird Club will our pans and migration will So if you still want a fleece be having a stand at the Fair soon be in full swing. Let jacket, see Dael and she will and Lauraine is keeping a tailor one to suit! us hope that this year the roster of members willing to drought will end and that we assist in manning the stand. Lastly next year the Club have the summer rains that If you can help for a couple will be celebrating its 70th we desperately need. of hours please let her know. Anniversary and we will be having a number of special I had the pleasure of re- Fresh off the press and on events to mark the occasion. cently migrating to Europe sale at the Fair will be our This will range from talks by for the holiday of a life time stunning 2017 Calendar, the Trevor Hardaker in February with my wife Gail. In sixteen photographs submitted get and Faansie Peacock provi- days we visited seven better and better every year. Congratulations to those sionally set for March, to a countries in the Nordic and birthday bash at Delta Park Baltic areas. The scenery lucky few whose photographs were selected by our in June and an exciting trip crossing the mountains of to Mozambique in Decem- Norway by train and in the judges, Albert Froneman and Mark Anderson, and ber to look for the fabled fjords from various boats commiserations to those African Pitta …. was breath-taking. Whilst I who did not quite make it was not able to birdwatch Andy Featherstone this year. Keep trying! in a conventional sense my binoculars and camera were Since our April edition of always to hand so I enjoyed Bokmakierie we have un- many European birds that I dergone a few changes on

2 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Advanced photography with peanut butter By Lesley Cornish | Photographs by Leslie Cornish and Errol Bleksley

Errol and I were among the lucky four to really frustrated if they did not have it. go on Albert and Marietjie Froneman’s After taking a day’s leave on Friday, and Advanced Forest Bird Photography going to a meeting at Midrand at 7.30 Workshop at Kurisa Moya in Magoeber- skloof in June 2016. Initially, I was put off a.m. en route (am I nuts, this was sup- by the “advanced” bit, but Janice Isom posed to be leave!?), we were there just persuaded me otherwise, and although after 14.00. We settled into a fantastic our photographic equipment was the old farmhouse, then had our first lecture. least of the people on the workshop, it It did not seem too traumatic, and was was enough! Albert told us the “ad- followed by a short practical session vanced” was to ensure that people had setting up the cameras and trying out reasonable capability, but mostly to en- fill-in flash photography. That went OK, sure that they had the necessary equip- so we had drinks and a wonderful dinner ment, because they would have been (all part of the full board).

Cape White-eyes - do they love peanut butter!

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 3 Next morning, we had coffee and rusks at 6.30 a.m., then moved down to the feeding stations. We went in two little bird hides (actually, they were camouflaged little tents for sitting up in, with many zipped windows), Lisa put out the food: seeds and peanut butter, and then it started!

Cape White-eyes First in were hordes of Cape White-eyes and boy, do they love peanut butter! There were also Forest Canaries going for the seeds, together with Swee Waxbills, a family of Red-backed Mannikins and African Firefinches. More reluctant were the Cape Robin-chats, Chorister Robin-chats and one Southern Boubou. There were also Southern Double- Cape Robin-Chat collared Sunbirds feeding on the aloes. Lisa had put water into the leaves of the aloes, so we had the pleasure of watching (and photographing) Cape White-eyes, Red-backed Mannikins, Forest Canaries and the Southern Double- collared Sunbirds bathing. My favourites were the Three-striped Mice who live in the rocks! In the afternoon, we went Green Twinspot to the Green Twinspot

4 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Hide, a short walk away. It was well- Sunday morning saw Errol and I at a named, and the grain put out attracted different feeding station from everyone not only the Green Twinspots (both sexes else, and we had the usual squadrons of at different times), but at least five Lemon Cape White-eyes, shy robin-chats and Doves (what a silly name – how did they the mice! I discovered that mice like come up with that?), a Tambourine Dove peanut butter too! An African Goshawk (which kept getting chased off by a male came in and caught a mouse from the Lemon Dove), Forest Canaries and a other hide, which quietened things down for a bit. It was a short morning and we Natal Spurfowl. Later, back at the farm- had our wonderful brunch earlier, then house, we downloaded the photographs, packed up and left. While we were pho- discussed where we went wrong, and tographing, Marietjie trapped a Common Albert demonstrated the processing of Molerat which was digging up Lisa’s the images. lawn, and we all had a look at it before it was released. As we were taking the last bags to the cars, we saw a small Night Adder crossing the lawn. But what a super experience! We saw some super birds (quality, not quantity!), learned so much, met super people, ate wonderful food and took some nice photographs. I never thought that Errol and I would have so much fun sitting on rickety chairs for hours in a tiny hide with our cameras on tripods! (However, it did feel good to ditch the tripod, put my camera back on its strap, sling it over my shoulder and Tambourine Dove walk into the bush a couple of weekends later…)

Swee Waxbill Three-striped Mice

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 5 Moscow Calling – A Rehab European Honey Buzzard heads north By Prof. Craig Symes

This remarkable journey of a rehabilitated Musikana by this time) began her bird forms part of a collaborative study migration north and as she moved we with Dr Patrik Byholm (Novia University “watched” in anticipation that she would of Applied Sciences, Finland). We hope arrive at her “breeding” ground. She to find out more about this elusive crossed the Congo basin, veering east, species, and why it appears to be more common (relatively speaking) in South Africa in recent decades. On 17 December 2015, a European Honey Buzzard was found, near death (and weighing only about 750 g), in a garden in Bela-Bela. It was fortunate to have landed up in rehabilitation and, after immediate treatment for trichomoniasis, began to recover. On 13 January we attached a solar-charged satellite tracking backpack to her and, over the next few days, monitored her recovery in captivity. On 1 February 2016 she was released (weighing 885 g) near Bela-Bela. Over the next few weeks she moved around the area, often in close proximity to human settlements (e.g. Modimolle suburbs). On 12 April she (named Musikana just before being released

6 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 and on 5 May she crossed the Suez. By this time the first birds were already recorded in Finland. Paivi, another satellite tracked bird that has spent the past three years in Reitz, was still over central Africa. She went east of the Black Sea, passed over Ba- tumi and then north into Russia. In c. 36 days she covered over 8,500 km, an average of at least 235 km a day. On 18 May she was “on route” to Moscow, but then changed direction slightly to pass east of the city. With the birds arrival in the northern hemisphere we are now only getting updates every 5 days. Hopefully the bird will settle down at a breeding site. Thanks to Dr. Brett Gardner & Nicci Wright for their help with this project. Path taken by Musikana

Path taken by Paivi in 2015 Path taken by Paivi in 2016

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 7 Bon Voyage Ginny Mes / 23 July 2016 Message read at farewell arranged by Henly-on-Klip Satellite I am unable to attend today’s farewell as I am currently overseas. I have therefore asked Koos, as vice-chairman, to convey the Wits Bird Club’s heartfelt thanks for all that Ginny has done, both as the past Chairperson of Birds of a Feather Satellite and as a Committee Member of the Wits Bird Club. Ginny championed the establishment of Birds of a Feather for which we are all, little more than ten years later, truly grateful for. Ginny took on the somewhat onerous but all-important portfolio of Programme Planning and has truly excelled in this role, organising a mix of outings and weekends that appealed to so many members, including myself.

Ginny’s presence at these outings always ensured that everyone enjoyed themselves as she has the wonderful personal attribute of going out of her way to ensure that everyone is fully involved and enjoying their birdwatching. We will miss her abundant enthusiasm and really want to wish her well with her new adventures in Cape Town.

Bon Voyage Ginny, thank you again for all that you have done, please don’t forget us and let us know how you are faring in the fairest Cape!

Andy Featherstone WBC Chairman

Photos by Lance Robinson

8 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Vergelegen partners in bird of prey rescue 1 June 2016

Staff at Vergelegen, the 316-year-old wine estate in said Chalmers. “We fed it, Somerset West, were involved in an unexpected rescue checked it could fly, and operation last month (May) when a concussed Jackal released it after about two Buzzard was discovered in the pastures. weeks in the vicinity of the farm. It’s probably sitting The large bird of prey, estimated to be five to seven in a tree there now.” years old, was spotted by Vergelegen staff. They immediately alerted the environmental project manager, The buzzard is just one of numerous feathered friends of the world-re- nowned estate, which has won awards not only for its superb wines, but also its pioneering conservation projects. Vergelegen was the first local wine farm to receive championship status in the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, in recognition of its commitment to con- serving Cape’s biodiversity for future generations. It is also the site of probably the largest private conservation project in South Africa. Some 2000 hectares of land, previously Vergelegen environmental project manager Jacques van Rens- covered in dense alien burg with an injured jackal buzzard, rescued on the estate and then rehabilitated and released by Eagle Encounters. (Pic credit: vegetation, have been Maritza van Rensburg.) restored to their natural habitat. Jacques van Rensburg. Hank Chalmers, a director of As alien vegetation uses Eagle Encounters (a wildlife rehabilitation and education up to 60% more water organisation in Stellenbosch) then collected the Jackal than fynbos, its clearing Buzzard for treatment. has boosted water flow. “The bird was slightly thin, but nothing was broken,” The farm’s environmental

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 9 Run-off areas and surrounding wetlands are home to many Weavers, Waxbills, Warblers and Bishop birds. (Supplied Marilyn Scholtz) treasures now include 80 hectares of The volunteers’ meticulous records shed rehabilitated wetlands, a popular habitat light on the seasonal movement of birds for numerous bird species such as ducks in and out of the 3200 hectare estate. and herons. The total monthly counts vary from Van Rensburg says the estate has re- around 45 species in winter, up to 65 corded 145 bird species in total, with new species during spring. The Grey-backed discoveries still being added. Bird lovers Cisticola, for example, has only been have also noted more regular sightings recorded on the estate in winter, says of fynbos-loving species such as Cape Marilyn Scholtz. Sugarbirds and Orange-breasted Sunbirds. Vagrant species (seldom seen, or unu- A team of volunteers has been conduct- sual in the area) include Secretary Birds, ing a monthly count of the birds since Lesser Honeyguides and Burchell’s 2000, when the estate’s former conser- Coucals. vationist, Gerald Wright, introduced bird The records also reveal the arrival and ringer Gordon Scholtz to the beautiful departure of migratory birds such as the property. Yellow-billed Kite, Steppe (Common) Scholtz’s widow Marilyn continues to Buzzard, African Paradise Flycatcher and coordinate recording activities on the cuckoos. Certain intra-African migrants farm. “We use an App to identify the GPS such as the Black Saw-wing, winter in the point where we see a bird, so we can area too. record where they are spotted,” she said. The counting team has also noted an “Vergelegen has diverse habitats so it is increase in populations of certain species a very rewarding place for us to visit - we such as the Swee Waxbill and African see a wide variety of birds.” Olive Pigeon. The latter fly in large flocks

10 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Rehabilitated areas where fynbos is blooming provide food sources for Sunbird species, Neddicky, African Stonechat and various Flycatchers and Shrikes. (Supplied Marilyn Scholtz) “Our achievements have been a team effort and we are happy to share our conservation research and learnings with other interested parties that could benefit.” For more information: www.vergelegen.co.za Vergelegen environmental project manager (L to R) Francis Hannay and John Clements, members of the bird Jacques van Rensburg, species counting team at Vergelegen. (Supplied Marilyn Scholtz) vanrensburgj@vergele- over the farm, but are not readily viewed elsewhere in gen.co.za. the Helderberg, said Scholtz. Issued by: Van Rensburg said the bird data, which spans 16 years, Meropa Communications could provide interesting scientific research material. He noted that several pioneering scientific studies have On behalf of: already taken place on the farm, covering subjects as Vergelegen Estate diverse as bontebok social interaction and water quality. (www.vergelegen.co.za) Vergelegen MD Don Tooth said the estate works closely Contact: Judy Bryant with conservation bodies and universities. Local and 021-6836464 x 207 international scientific research is coordinated under 083 2867168 Vergelegen’s Centre of Learning Excellence. [email protected]

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 11 Notes on a nesting pair of Short-toed Rock Thrushes (Monticola brevipes) in Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Roodepoort Jacobus van Dÿk & Anthony J. van Zyl

The Short-toed Rock Thrush has a wide distribution in southern Africa from the north- western Namibia, through the Northern Cape to the Northern Province (Harrison, et al. 1997). Two subspecies have been described, M. b. brevipes, from Namibia and northern Cape and M. b. pretoriae from Botswana and Transvaal. The pretoriae subspecies is particularly interesting as it was originally collected and classified as a new species by Short-toed Rock Thrush (Monticola b. pretoriae) - Gunning and Roberts photo: Warwick Tarboton in 1911. C.M.N. White confirmed this in 1967 but in identity in the past and that there were definite then P.A. Clancy refuted seasonal movements (most records were in winter) in it in 1968. Subsequent the Pretoria area. The new atlas seems to substantiate to that, several authors these ideas. Monroe and Sibley’s Distribution and have noted that they felt Taxonomy of Birds of the World (1990) classify the it should be split (e.g. pretoriae subspecies as a valid species and call it the Farkas in 1979). Recently, Transvaal Rock Thrush (Monticola pretoriae). Harrison Terblanche (1996) (1997) further speculated that the atlas data suggested reviewed the literature but did not come to that the integration of the two subspecies was not in any conclusions on Griqualand West as Clancey stated but further west. the species validity. He The Short-toed Rock Thrush shows definite seasonal believes, however, that altitudinal movements and disperses widely when at there has been confusion lower altitudes during winter. Our current lack of

12 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 knowledge of the Short-toed Rock tufts of grass obscured it. The nest Thrush raises many questions contained three downy chicks, which concerning its taxonomy, distribution were estimated to be approximately one and movements. However, even basic week old. The chicks were covered by a natural history information on this bird purple-coloured down. is lacking (Urban ET al. 1997, Maclean, 1993). Few breeding records have been On 20 December 1998, observations published and Tarboton et al. (1987) were done between 10h30 and 13h00 reported two breeding records for the at the nest site to record the breeding old Transvaal region, a nest of eggs in behaviour of the birds; the food brought Pretoria in 1904 and recently fledged to the nestlings and feeding frequency. chicks near the Union Buildings in Observations were made from an Pretoria on 30 October 1960. This article unobtrusive vantage point 20m from provides additional information on the the nest using a 20X Kowa telescope. breeding biology of the Short-toed Rock Feeding was shared between the two Thrush in the Kloofendal Nature Reserve, sexes with the male feeding on average Roodepoort. once every 13 minutes and the female Jacobus van Dÿk (JvD) first discovered once every 12 minutes. The longest a pair of Short-toed Rock Thrush in interval between feeds was 23 minutes November 1997 in the Kloofendal Nature and the combined effort of male and Reserve. This pair remained in the female provisioning resulted in feeds on rocky areas of the reserve for the next average every 6 minutes. Behaviour of three months but then disappeared for the sexes differed when approaching the the autumn and winter period. They nest site. The female normally took a reappeared during the summer of few minutes to enter the nest with food 1998 to haunt the same area. During a and perched in the vicinity with the food. Witwatersrand Bird Club outing led by The male, however, normally landed at JvD on 6 December 1998, the male was the nest and entered it straight away. seen singing from a vantage point on a The female also tended to bring multiple rocky slope in the southern section of items per load to the nest. Of the 19 prey the reserve. After watching the male for items observed, one was unidentified about 15 minutes, the female was seen and the rest were identified as 12 worms disappearing into a rock crevice. It was or caterpillars, 1 moth, 3 possible wasps, suspected that there was possibly a nest there. one grasshopper and one small lizard or gecko. In one case, the female caught a On 17 December 1998, JvD visited the black caterpillar near the nest and then spot again and found the nest under a killed it by bashing it in her beak against steeply angled overhanging rock. The a rock. nest was a neatly constructed grass cup with the inside diameter of the cup A faecal sac was removed from the 73 mm wide and 52 mm deep (nest nest on five occasions after feeding the measured on 24 December 1998). While chicks. Nest sanitation was performed by the nest was on the ground, some long both sexes and the parents tended

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 13 to dump the sacs in the same area approximately 15 – 20 meters from the nest. Nest sanitation is important in nidicolous birds with vulnerable nests such as the Short- toed Rock-Thrush because any strong smell or visible faeces could attract predators. Thus, it is not surprising that faecal sacs were removed on a regular basis from Female seen disappearing into a rock crevice. the nest. Kloofendal Nature Reserve does have predators and at 10h43 the female joined the male at the top of the rocky outcrop calling excitedly. A Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) was then observed approaching the nest site from the west. It sniffed around in the area of the nest but Nest found under a steeply angled overhanging rock. did not find it. On several occasions, the parents arrived at the nest within the same minute although more observations are needed to confirm this. However, it may be a strategy that the parents use to reduce nest detection as it effectively reduces the number of individual times that the nest is visited. The nest was checked on Nest was a neatly constructed grass cup

14 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Welcome New Members

Shelagh Jenkinson - Jukskei Park Ainsley Hay - Bryanston Attie Lombard - Glenvista Nest was found empty on 22 December Joan Maddern 20 December 1998 and the chicks were markedly larger - Jukskei Park and were a dark navy blue-black with orange blotching. Sue Temple However, the nest was empty on 22 December 1998 and - Fourways East the adults were not seen in the vicinity of the nest on that Larry Thompson day or on a subsequent visit on 24 December 1998. It - Bedfordview is possible that a Yellow Mongoose found the nest and it once again raises the question if human observations of nests possibly aid predators in detecting nests as has been found for pheasants in England (reference).

References: Farkas, T. 1979. A further note on the status of Monticola pretoriae Thank Gunning & Roberts, 1911. Bull. BOC 99:20-21. Clancey, P.A. 1968. The status of Monticola pretoriae Gunning You for and Roberts, 1911. Bull. BOC 88:126-127. Harrison, J.A. 1997. Shorttoed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes. Your In: The atlas of southern African birds. Vol 2: Passerines. Harrison, Donation J.A., Allan, D.G., Underhill, L.G., Herremans, M., Tree, A.J., Parker, V. & Brown, C.J. (eds), pp. 165-167. Birdlife South Africa, Johannesburg. Lesley Cornish Maclean, G.L. 1993. Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa. 6th Edition. Barbi Forsyth Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town. Sue Goodman Tarboton, W.R., Kemp, M.I. & Kemp, A.C. 1987. Birds of the Transvaal. Transvaal Museum, Pretoria. Megan Kew Terblanche, S. 1996. Korttoonkliplysters (Monticola brevipes). Jake Mulvaney Laniarius 63:11-13. Lesley Rae Urban, E.K., Fry, C.H. & Keith, S. 1997. The Birds of Africa. Vol. 5. Koos van Dÿk Academic Press, San Diego. Jan van Heerden White, C.M.N. 1967. Taxonomic notes on African Turdidae. Bull. BOC 87:150-152.

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 15 Short-toed Rock Thrush (Monticola brevipes) Field Notes (by J D van Dÿk). Nest located (during a Witwatersrand Bird Club outing) on 05 December 1998 in the Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort, Gauteng. (Nest coordinate S26.13668° & E27.87682° at an altitude of 1 748m). First nest visit on 17 December 1998. The nest is a neatly constructed grass cup with a top inside diameter of 7,3cm x 5,2cm deep, located under a steeply angled overhanging rock. The front of the nest is protected / hidden by some long grass tufts. The nest is located on the ground on a north-facing ridge approximately 100m from the southern border of the reserve. Inside the nest I found three downy chicks ± one week old. My first impression was that they were covered with a “purple haze”, which was in fact their down covering which looked like it filled the nest. Note:- Nest dimensions were only taken on 24 December 1998. Second nest visit was on 20 December 1998. Two and a half hours observation was done from 10:30 to 13:00. (See attached observation notes). The chicks were markedly bigger and they now appeared a very dark navy blue / black with orange blotching all over. Third nest visit on 22 December (17:00) to photograph nest and chicks. Empty nest found on arrival (chicks possibly taken by Mongoose). No sign of adult birds in vicinity of nest. Fourth nest visit on 24 December (14:00) to measure nest. No sign of adult birds in vicinity of nest. General Notes. 1. Both male and female feeds chicks. 2. Female does not go to nest straight away when feeding chicks. Will first land in the vicinity of the nest, wait ± 5 minutes, then go to the nest to feed. 3. Male lands straight at nest and hops in to feed. 4. Prey is killed by vigorously hitting on rock. 5. Female regularly brings in more than one food item. 6. Birds regularly goes in together to feed chicks. 7. Both male and female keeps nest clean i.e. removes fecal sacks. 8. Fecal sacks are always removed to the same area. (Saw male putting it down on a rock). Other mammals / reptiles observed near nest. Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata). Spiny Agama (Agama aculeata distanti). Gecko.

16 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Observation Notes / Chick Feeding Behaviour ( 20 December 1998). Observations were made from an unobtrusive vantage point between some rocks across a small valley, some 20m from the nest, using a telescope with 20X magnification.

Time Male (M) Time Time Food Item Behavioural Notes of Day / Female Between Between (F) Feeds Feeds for (M) Individual (M)

10:38 F - - Black Sits on rocky outcrop nearby before worm / perching at nest and going in. caterpillar

10:43 F 5 5 Yellow Sits nearby on rocky outcrop. Suddenly worm ± flies away from nest site and joins male on 20mm L the koppie behind me where they started calling excitedly. At first I thought that they were not happy with my presence, but then I saw what was bothering them. A Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) was approaching the nest area from the west. It spent a few minutes in the nest area, sniffing around, before it was on it’s way again. (If it could locate the nest, it would most certainly have eaten the chicks since it forms part of it’s diet).

11:06 M 23 - Black Male not shy to perch at nest straight away. worm / Perches outside nest for a short while caterpillar before hopping in to feed.

11:07 F 1 24 Yellow worm

11:08 M 1 2 Small white moth

11:17 F 9 10 Grey Sits around for ± 5 minutes before going in worm at 11:17.

11:21 M 4 13 Did not Brings out fecal sack and discards in a see north-western direction.

11:40 F 19 23 Wasp ? (Thin long body / wings).

11:42 M 2 21 Very thick Worm so thick, cannot see how a chick is green going to swallow that! worm Continued next page

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 17 11:50 F 8 10 Wasp ? Arrives with wasp. Hops down near nest and adds a worm to her beak i.e. more than one food item at the same time in the bill. ( Bill looks like a Christmas tree ☺). Brings out fecal sack when leaving nest. 11:50 M 0 8 Thin green Enters nest while female is still inside. worm 11:57 F 7 7 Grey/ Catches black caterpillar below nest when black she came out. Flies to nearby rocks and barred kills prey by hitting vigorously on rock. worm 11:58 F 1 1 Black caterpillar 11:59 M 1 9 Small Removes fecal sack from nest. (Fecal lizard / sack is a white slimy blob with the black gecko excretion contained inside in the form of a worm). ± 10 - 12mm diameter. 12:05 M 6 6 Did not Removes another fecal sack. see 11:21 M 4 13 Did not Brings out fecal sack and discards in a see north-western direction. 11:40 F 19 23 Wasp ? (Thin long body / wings). 11:42 M 2 21 Very thick Worm so thick, cannot see how a chick is green going to swallow thatz! worm ****

12:34 F - - White Arrives with one food item and adds an- caterpillar other before entering. plus another food item 12:35 M 1 - White worm 12:43 M 8 8 Small When he leaves the nest, he catches a real brown big insect of some kind near the nest and grasshop- flies off, probably to feed itself. per 12:48 F 5 14 Wasp ? Removes fecal sack when leaving nest. As she leaves the nest with the sack, she makes a chuk - chuk - chuk - chuk call as she flies off to dump the load. **** During this period I left the nest observation point to try and determine where the birds discard the fecal sacks.

18 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Grace Country Retreat is situated in the crafting opportunities. quaint farming community village of Double Room R280.00 per person per night Memel, nestled at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the North Eastern Free State. sharing. Single Room R370.00 per night. The Retreat consists of 8 fully furnished, Contact Henry & Estelle Watermeyer self-catering units. On site is a Coffee / Gift 0832783666 / 08394168 Shop providing breakfasts and light meals, [email protected] as well as a library and various arts and www.Web26848.wix.com/gracecr

Otters’ Haunt is a rustic country retreat with a good variety of birds on the island trails and bushveld walk. More than 60 species have been seen over a weekend. We have maintained a peaceful and secluded ambience in spite of the tourism developments that have gone on in Parys and surroundings. There’s plenty to do at Otters’ Haunt! We are the adventure centre of the area. In addition to birdwatching, there are walks & hikes, mountain biking, kayaking and even rafting. We are Lonely Planet’s “Pick” of the Northern Free State. Out of hundreds of lodges, hotels and guest houses in this area, we came out tops for adventure and hospitality. For more information contact Graeme & Karen Addison

082 475 8767 / 056 8181814 or 0842452490 [email protected]

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 19 A Winter visit to the Pilanesberg Text and Photos by Anthony Cavanagh

The Pilanesberg National Park is proba- a Pale Chanting Goshawk not far from bly the closest reserve to Gauteng that the Kwa Maritane complex and a Jackal supports the big five and consequently Buzzard. The lack of good rains showed the park has plenty of visitors, both local in the low level of the dams. nevertheless, and from overseas, hoping to see Africa’s African Fish Eagles, Spurwing Goose, finest. Winter is a great African Spoonbill, time for observing cormorants and African game animals as in Darters were all seen in the cooler weather good numbers. Some they are generally uncommon sightings more easily seen. Bird included a White Stork life too, is quite abun- that had not flown dant during the winter north for the winter, a months, as the en- lone Marabou Stork demic species as well and three quail that as many other resi- scuttled quickly across dent species remain the road in front of us. throughout the year. The Pilanesberg park Sue and I spent a mid- is quite unique in that it week break recently at our timeshare lies across several dif- at Bakubung lodge in the Pilanesberg ferent biomes and thus is able to support and were very pleasantly surprised fauna from both the drier western and by the number of rhino that we saw in wetter eastern parts of the country. It is the reserve. At the timeshare owners not uncommon therefore to see spring- meeting the head ranger advised that bok that prefer a dry climate, grazing measures to prevent poaching have near impala that prefer a wetter climate. been quite successful and consequently There are also large areas of open only four rhino have been poached in the grassland where one can often see such Pilanesberg this year. Elephant too are bird species as Secretarybird, Capped plentiful in the reserve and every day we Wheatear, Anteating Chat and numerous had a visit from a large bull elephant that larks and pipits. The higher ground above strolled up into the hippo pool area in 1200 meters is a good area to look for front of the chalets. Temminck’s Courser and rock thrushes while the woodland areas support a vast Interesting raptor sightings included a array of bushveld species. pair of Gabar Goshawk, one of which had the melanistic black plumage, very The undulating terrain is not ideal for close to the bridge over the stream a cheetah, as they prefer wide-open kilometre from the Pilanesberg Centre, plains where they can use their speed

20 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 to catch their prey. Consequently there are only six cheetahs in the Pilanesberg and sightings are few and far between. Last winter however we saw a female and three cubs in the flat area around Mankwe lake and I managed to take a few photos. The head ranger told us that the cubs are now fending for themselves and that mother has sauntered off to the remote northern areas for a well de- Impala female served bit of R and R. Although the park has the big five of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino the buffalo in particular are very difficult to spot. The reason for this is that the buffalo prefer grazing areas in the northwest of the park where there are no roads accessible to tourists. Buffalo have been

Sue with our daily visitor seen recently at Makorwane dam but as usual we drew a blank trying to spot them. We did however have a great deal of luck in having a magnificent leopard appear in front of us about two kilom- eters from Malatse dam in the eastern section of park. At the time there was no other vehicle in sight and the leopard African Darter strolled nonchalantly towards us along the road and conveniently stopped at our car for a few seconds. It was so close I could have touched it but cautiously we kept the car windows up while taking as many photos as possible. Then quite unconcerned with our presence the leopard continued on its way down the road and into the surrounding bush with still no other car in sight to share in this remarkable sighting of one of Africa’s A magnificent leopard appeared in front of us most fearsome and elusive predators.

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 21 22 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Mount Elgon: Part One: Highlands and Caves By Lesley Cornish

It was one of my wishes for many years not have to go far before seeing Zebra, to go to Mount Elgon, partly for the forest Olive Baboons (keeping their posteriors and the highland, and partly to visit Kitum warm by sitting on the building of the Cave, which is visited by elephants and donkey boiler) and Defassa Waterbuck buffaloes to obtain minerals. So after a (the forest equivalent of the Common workshop in Nairobi, I was collected by Waterbuck), as well as Black-and-White Jeff Mwok (who guided Casqued Hornbills, the WBC trip to Kenya Pale Flycatcher and in June 2007, in celebra- Narina Trogon next to tion of 60 years of the the house. On a short WBC), at 4.30 am for a drive up the mountain, long drive, made longer we soon found African by the traffic and the Buffalo, Bushbuck, birding stops… Specials Weyns’s Duiker (a lifer!) en route included Jack- and Side-striped Jackal son’s Golden-backed (which are usually Weaver, White-bellied found in more moist Go-away Bird, Superb environments than the Starling, Grey-backed Black-backed Jackal) Shrike, Speke’s Weaver, Brown Woodland Warbler and (of course) Black- Dusky Turtle-dove and and-white Colobus. Pied Crows (hah! Snuck that one in…). We Inevitably, there were some birds too: stopped at a wonderful view over the Grey-headed Nigrita, Masked Apalis, Rift Valley, and picked up Great Sparrow- White-headed Woodhoopoes, Brown hawk, Lanner Falcons hunting chickens Woodland Warbler, Yellow-whiskered (but they were scared off),Augur Buz- Greenbuls (my favourite, because they zards aplenty, some White-bellied Tits are easy to distinguish), Chubb’s Cisticola, and a pair of vociferous Hunter’s Cisti- Slender-billed Bulbul and Abbot’s cola. We also saw our firstWhite-eyed Starling. Once we were actually in the Slaty Flycatcher. park, it was easy to forget that this was Despite the long drive, we did have time just a small proportion of the original to go birding at Mount Elgon that day. forest, and it looked really pristine. I As we drove towards the mountain, we missed seeing a Giant River Hog which could see that most of it was deforested, was in the ditch, but it faded into the and the park was only a small part of forest before I could find it, and I had to the previous forest. We stayed in self- make do with a Scrub Hare instead. catering accommodation within the park, The next day was our assault on the so we were ready to go birding. We did summit, well not really, but we planned

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 23 to drive as far as we could, since a track goes nearly to the top, and the rest is a combination of staunch hiking and rock-climbing! We started off in the forest, seeing Red-capped Robin-chat, Baglafecht Weaver, Thick-billed Seedeater, Montane Oriole, Crowned Eagle, Tambourine Dove, Mountain Greenbul Stuhlman’s Starling, Purple-throated Cuckoo- shrike, Hartlaub’s Tauraco, Peregrine Falcon, Cinnamon-breasted Bee- eater, Golden-winged Sunbird, Grey-throated Barbet and Black-throated Apalis. Many of these were seen in a gorgeous campsite, which was pretty sloped, so better for birding than pitching a tent! Higher up, but still in the forest, we had saw African Hill Babbler, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Black-fronted Duiker Black-billed Weaver, Black-headed Waxbills, Chubb’s Cisticola and Brown-capped Weaver. The forest changed as we went higher, and at one stage, all the trees were Olives. Higher up, there was bamboo, and then bamboo with some more trees. Here there were different birds again: Cabanis Greenbul, Oriole Finch, Yellow- billed Barbet, Mountain Doherty’s Bush-shrike

24 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Yellow Warbler, Grey Apalis and Mountain Greenbul. Next, we were into a much more open area, with heathers, rosewoods and here we saw Stonechat, Forest Buzzard, Olive Pigeon, Alpine Chat and Jackson’s Francolin. We also saw a Black-fronted Duiker, and I missed a Grey Duiker. On the way back, but still fairly high, we saw Red-fronted Parrots, a Eurasian Hobby, Abyssinian Crimsonwing and lastly, an African Wood-owl. We heard elephants, but they were too far away for us to go after. Spot-flanked Barbet Our last morning at Mount Elgon was Kitum Cave. It had to be booked, because no-one is allowed to leave the vehicles without game guards. We had two, which was useful, because when we came across a suspected poacher (he did not have a permit), he was driven back to the headquarters with one game guard, and I could carry on birding on foot with the other. Kitum Cave is wonderful, and we walked around inside it, spending more time there than planned. Part of the way around, the batteries in my torch nearly died, and I African Penduline-tit had already lent my other torch to Jeff, so I was now stumbling and cursing (and cursing even more when I slipped between rocks), but I dumped my camera on Jeff, so it did not feel so bad! We saw the holes where the elephants used their tusks to dig out the rock, and also there was fresh elephant and buffalo dung. There were also many bats! We were half-way in when the game guards told us about a rock-fall which had trapped an elephant… I was quite glad to get out of there! Just near our cottage we saw an immature Ayres Hawk-Eagle, which made us scratch our heads to identify it! Black-throated Wattle-eye

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 25 Klipriversberg Verreaux’s Eagles - The story of “Witsie” Report-back by Lance Robinson

This year’s eaglet from Meyers Farm was given the name: “Witsie”. So named due to the as- sociation of the project with the Wits bird club and due to the number of observers and ringers from our ranks. Bo van der Lecq, project coordinator, advised the eagle monitors in April that the second egg is expected to be laid four days after the first. The first egg was laid on Tuesday 12 April. With a 44-day incubation period one could, therefore, expect the hatching of the first egg on 22 May, Retrieving “Witsie” - Photo by Hanneline with the second hatching on 25 May. Cainism Smit-Robinson (sibling aggression) occurs in Verreaux’s Ea- gles and may last up to 3 days, usually the first hatched is the sole survivor. The first egg was considered to have hatched on 24 May. The banding /ringing of “Witsie” occurred at the artificial nesting platform (ANP) on the 7th July. Thanks must be extended primarily to Wits ringers, Brett Gardner and Craig Nattrass, who performed the somewhat onerous task of climbing the nesting platform and removing the bird Banding “Witsie” - Photo Brian Reynolds for the banding, under the watchful eagle-eyes of the parents. They also took a blood and feather sample for sexing purposes. It was then later genetically determined that “Witsie” was a young male. A bright orange colour-coded ring, G23265, was fitted to “Witsie’s” right tarsi. “Witsie” fledged, somewhat prematurely, in the early afternoon on 17 August, having spent 86 days on the nest. Males, being the smaller, may fledge in the region of 90-95 days whilst fe- males may fledge by about 95-100 days. On the 26th of August, now 96 days old, he was seen by Odette Campbell from the Meyersdal Eco “Witsie” at 96 days old - Photo by Odette Estate, in a tree near the nesting platform. Campbell

26 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 VulPro, Eskom and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) save our vultures! VulPro Press Release 19th July 2016

South Africa’s vultures face the very On the 15th of July 2016, Kerri’s dream real threat of extinction, from numerous came through. This initiative led by threats mostly occurring from direct and VulPro in collaboration with the EWT indirect poisonings, new developments, (Endangered Wildlife Trust) and Eskom, poaching and human encroachment has seen bird spirals fitted to the power on their breeding and foraging ranges. lines running through and next to the One of the most prolific threats vultures R&L Nature Reserve. face are power lines resulting in Kerri says, “One of my personal goals electrocutions and collisions. At best when I started VulPro was to have the electrocutions result in burns and not power lines running through the Rhino immediate death, collisions result in and Lion Nature Reserve marked with wing fractures – if the injured vulture spirals. Today through ongoing collabo- is not rescued and rehabilitated this ration with Eskom and the EWT my goal ultimately leads to starvation and death. is being achieved and the lines are finally The best case scenario for the vultures being marked. This is a major milestone who are rescued is wing rehab/therapy for all organisations involved trying to followed by living a life in captivity if not save our vultures. Thank you Eskom, I releasable, helping to save their species am so incredibly grateful. My persistence by being incorporated into programmes and nagging has finally paid off. Thanks such as VulPro’s educational, research to EWT for helping to drive this mitiga- and captive breeding programmes tion.” for population supplementation and The thin earthing wire that are found reintroduction purposes. above the power lines is invisible to birds, Founder and CEO of VulPro, Kerri Wolter resulting in power line collisions being has always had a dream of mitigating common and frequently resulting in the power lines surrounding the Rhino death. Large birds of prey such as vul- and Lion Nature Reserve situated in the tures have a wingspan wide enough to Cradle of Humankind on the West Rand touch both terminals, resulting in electro- of Gauteng. The first incident on this line cution and horrific burns and / or death. was recorded as far back as 1996 and it This mitigation is an incredibly exciting has taken the dedicated teamwork of all and positive step forward, towards saving parties to bring the dream of mitigation vultures found foraging throughout to fruition. South Africa. We not only saving South

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 27 increases the risk of the bird colliding and being electrocuted on lines and structures. If a new vulture restaurant is planned it would be wise to contact any of the collaborators, VulPro, Eskom or EWT, to conduct a risk assessment of the proposed area and receive ongoing support and information for the effective and healthy management of vulture restaurants. VulPro is available to assist with the correct management of any feeding site given numerous important factors Attaching spiral to power cable from helicopter to take into consideration. Mitigation of these lines means increased safety for our vultures, reduced deaths, reduced need for rescue and costly rehabilitation and more stable breeding colonies – as colonies that become too small due to loss of vulture numbers will disband and become extinct as breeding sites. Whilst the mitigation of this line is exciting and hugely positive step in the right direction for our vultures, VulPro believes strongly in ongoing monitoring and assessment of the mitigated structures and power lines to ensure that mitigation is in fact effective and therefore justifiable and Power lines marked with spirals cost effective. Africa’s vultures but vultures from the This is one giant step forward for vultures entire southern African continent be- and other birds of prey and proof that cause the Cape Vulture and other vulture collaborations in conservation are the species are known to range and forage way forward to save our wildlife. throughout South Africa and as far as Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozam- For more information contact Ms Kerri Wolter bique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and at VulPro on email [email protected] or Zimbabwe. cellular – 082 808 5113, www.vulpro.com The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is a Mr Constant Hoogstad at the Endangered natural high traffic area for vultures with Wildlife Trust on email [email protected] their active vulture restaurant supplying or cellular – 082 334 4176 or website: safe food for vultures for over 29 years www.ewt.org.za now. It is important to note that vulture Mr Kishaylin Chetty at Eskom on email restaurants should not be placed in [email protected] or cellular - close proximity to power lines as this 082 516 1046 or website: www.eskom.co.za

28 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Long lived Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra) Dane Paijmans, SAFRING - [email protected]

An interesting record was identified when This record is certainly an impressive going over Gauteng’s retrap and recov- one, but falls short of being this spe- ery records for the first half of 2016. This cies longevity record by only 185 days. record involved the Cape Robin-chat Our current longevity record belongs (seen in the photo) wearing the SAFRI- to an individual (ring number: BB09460) NG metal ring F68667 below a red leg initially ringed on 30 January 1978, at the ring. This individual was controlled by Mr Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary. This individual Geoff Lockwood on the 14 June 2016 at was ringed as an adult (similar to Geoffs Delta Park, Randburg. What makes her bird) and only seen again on 20 August a special record is her age at retrap, as 1994 by Peggy Gobey, when it was hit by she was an impressive 16 years old. She a car. Earning its longevity title it survived was initially ringed in the same location the ordeal and was released again on the on the 27 May 2000. Since being ringed 21st. After this release it was never seen she has been re-trapped on three other again and no further sightings are likely. occasions; in 2000, 2010 and 2015. In all Geoffs’ record however appears to be cases she was recorded at the same site very easily seen/ retrapped, and through by ringer Geoff Lockwood. Geoff fondly email correspondence I have heard of recounted these sightings in a facebook yet another more recent sighting. If re- post from 14 June 2016; corded after the December 16th this year “F68667 Red/Metal is getting old. we will have our new Cape Robin-chat On 27 May 2000, an adult female longevity record. Cape Robin-Chat flew into the Del- Of our 21549 national Cape Robin-chat ta Environmental Centre building records (17411 initial, 3960 retraps, 178 and, before releasing her, I fitted ring recoveries) 5754 come from Gauteng, number F68667 to her right tarsus. 21 and 567 records from Melville Koppies days later (on my birthday) she was Nature Reserve (the top ringing site for caught again in the building and I de- Cape Robin-chat in South Africa). The top cided to add a red plastic colour ring. provincial ringer for this species is Kobie Since then she has been a feature around the Centre and I have sighted Raijmakers (Ringer 162) with a total of her numerous times. I also retrapped 428 Gauteng ringed (627 national) Cape her on 30 June 2010 (Football World Robin-chat records (297 initial and 131 Cup) and again 12 October 2015. This retrap records). Following close behind is season she is sporting a white outer Shonie Raijmakers (ringer 140) with 393 rectrix (? going grey) - just visible in Gauteng records (543 national) and Karin the photograph taken in the car park Dixon (ringer 1278) with 295 Gauteng earlier today - over 16 years after she records (543 national). The top Cape was first ringed . We have come a long Robin-chat ringer in the country is Mr Jo way together!” Johnson with 916 records (657 initial, 256

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 29 retraps and 3 recoveries). We at SAFRING really appreciate all the effort of ringers and the general public (the latter in report- ing recoveries), and would like to thank everyone that has taken part in ringing and resighting in South- ern Africa. If you feel you know of an older record or have any unreported resightings/recoveries please contact us at SAF- RING with the details. Cape Robin-Chat - Photo by Geoff Lockwood

Oldest Southern Masked Weaver By H. Dieter Oschadleus

In checking longevities of weavers in the SAFRING database, I realised that the details for the oldest Southern Masked Weaver have not been published yet. On 9 August 1987, Mr ARF Williamson from Strubens Valley was ringing at Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Roodepoort, where he caught 30 birds. He ringed a Cape Grassbird, 4 Cape Weavers, 18 Southern Masked Weavers and 5 Southern Red Bishops. There were also two recaptures, a Cape Robin-chat and a Black- chested Prinia, both ringed at the same site 3 years previously. None of these birds were recaptured later, but two were found dead by the general public. Southern Masked Weaver BB75798 was found dead at the same site 1.5 years later. But more interesting is Southern Masked Weaver with ring BB75791, an adult with mass 32g. This bird was found dead by Ken Stewart on 18 December 2002 at Wilropark, Roodepoort, 3 km from the ringing site. The cause of death was unknown, and the bird was freshly dead. Ken noted that it looked like a male. The elapsed time was 15 years 4 months 15 days, the greatest longevity for this species. At least 11 Southern African weavers have longevity records over 10 years old in the wild (see http://weavers.adu.org.za/wow_age.php). Only three weaver species have longevity records of over 15 years in the wild: Seychelles Fody, Southern Masked Weaver, and Sociable Weaver.

30 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 African Goshawk (Accipter tachiro) makes a reappearance in Johannesburg Text & photos by Lance Robinson

On Tuesday 17 May 2016 at 08h15, I heard Witwatersrand and Pretoria area. These a familiar call in unfamiliar surroundings. I records were all from previous reports in immediately looked up and noticed a raptor WBC newsletters (and a reminder how our soaring above our complex in Fairland, newsletter observations are very useful). I Johannesburg. The bird was circling in flight was curious and wrote to the Niven library and uttering an unmistakable “whit…whit… in Cape Town for copies of the WBC whit”. A tad late for work, I dashed back newsletter articles referenced. into the house and Graham Patten I managed to get a recorded an African few distant camera Goshawk at Power shots before the Park in the late bird moved off. The afternoon of 16 photos weren’t that October 1965 (a bird clear and, considering he reported killed their known distri- and consumed a bution, this record female (Common) seemed somewhat Fiscal Shrike). Some incredulous. I was time elapsed before rather relieved when Clive Hopcroft Trevor Hardaker recorded an African issued a birding alert Goshawk and an on Monday, 30 May, African Hawk Eagle that Richard Montina- in combat which ro had photographed he encountered at an African Goshawk in the Modderfontein Delta Park, less than African Goshawk - photo by Lance Robinson Dynamite Factory 10 kilometres away. on 27 February I had no further sightings in our area until I 1974. A later record of ‘good views’ from heard the unmistakable call of an African an unknown observer came from Lovers Goshawk, again over our house in Fairland, Rock, in the Magaliesberg, on 16 May and managed to record that through my cell 1976. Compared to my record, that was an phone on Friday, 5 August, at 08h20. uncanny thirty years and one day later! I These sightings made me look into previous was unable to trace reports in more recent records for the region and specifically years, although Marais and Peacock greater Johannesburg. I turned to the ‘Birds (2008) do allude to records from the of the Transvaal’ by Warwick Tarboton Pretoria region. and Alan Kemp where there are historical Then in conversation with Gail Schaum records for African Goshawk from the who lives in Berario, an adjoining

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 31 suburb to Fairland, Gail mentioned for a while. So maybe the species is that an African Goshawk landed in her slowly colonising the province. It is very garden ‘one day in June 2015’. This must exciting! I think there are other surprises have been the first, albeit unofficial, in store for us.” report in the well-wooded suburbs of I would welcome any reports from readers Johannesburg in over three decades! of any historical records, or of any new On submission of my Regional rarity sightings in-and-around Johannesburg, or Form, André Marx who is the regional in Gauteng too. atlas coordinator and collates the rarities References report for the region wrote to me as Marais, E. and Peacock, F. 2008. The follows: “Congratulations on finding Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng: Mirafra this one and having the foresight to Publishing. photograph it. I am sure there are a few Tarboton, W.R., Kemp, M.I. & Kemp, A.C. 1987b. more hanging around but given that Birds of the Transvaal. Transvaal Museum, we have some experienced birders in Pretoria. the province atlasing and birding all the Witwatersrand Bird Club Newsletters 85:17; time, I can’t help feeling that we should 94:2 & 104:2. have recorded these birds earlier in the SABAP2 project if they had been around

32 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 Rarities and Unusual Sightings Report: 31 July 2016

Compiled by André Marx The period from April to July is again in winter, and a sighting of a pair traditionally a quieter time for rarities as of breeding Burchell’s Coursers on the migrants have departed and there the southern edge of the region near is generally less birding activity. It was, Deneysville was also significant and was therefore, a surprise that a few very enjoyed by a number of birders. significant firsts for the region came to light and this served to illustrate how National Rarities/Nasionalerariteite important it is to carry out birding and Harrier, Western Marsh/Vleivalk, Eu- atlasing in all areas throughout the year ropese as resident bird species are also given to local movements and only by finding A male bird was seen at Marievale Bird them and documenting their occurrence Sanctuary during the club outing to this can we learn about this. African Goshawk venue, 16 Mar 2016 (BLNG). sightings in Johannesburg were very Regional Rarities/Streeksrariteite significant as photos were obtained and confirmed the occurrence of this species Blackcap, Bush/Tiptol, Rooibek- in the province, a very exciting record A single bird was found at Suikerbosrand, indeed. Will we see this species expand its range and gradually colonise the 8 May 2016 (TG), and possible the same province due to the habitat changes that bird was reported again on 5 Jun 2016 have taken place over many decades (GvZ & WJ). much as other birds such as the Long- Chat, Sickle-winged/Spekvreter, Vlakte- crested Eagle have done? It is a species One bird was located in the Devon area, that is at home in other urban locations 30 Apr 2016 (CM), with up to four birds such as Cape Town so this is entirely being encountered in the weeks follow- possible. A juvenile Palm-nut Vulture was ing, with birds still being reported into found at Vulpro in Hartbeespoort; July. I cannot find any records for the greater Gauteng region for this species going One bird was in pentad 2700_2800 near back more than 30 years. A sighting Deneysville, Free State, 9 Jul 2016 (AM, of an Olive Woodpecker in the Wilge GL & CC). River Valley in the east of our region is This species is a winter visitor to the also significant as it represents another region. first for the greater region. It will be interesting to see if this species is Courser, Burchell’s/Drawwertjie, Bloukop- recorded throughout the year or if it is A pair of birds on a nest were located in a just a winter visitor. Other good records field near Deneysville, Free State, in pen- were Sickle-winged Chats popping up tad 2700_2755, 26 Jun 2016 (NP). Several

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 33 greater Gauteng region. Crane, Wattled/Kraanvoël, Lel- The long-staying bird in the Devon area was seen again amongst a group of Blue Cranes, 22 May 2016 (NP). Goshawk, African. Sperwer, Afrikaanse A remarkable sighting was of one bird at Delta Park, Johannesburg, on 30 May 2016 (RM). Another record of this species came to Burchell’s Courser - photo by Niall Perrins light when one bird was photographed in Fairland, Johannesburg, 17 May 2016 (LR). There have been reports of this species in recent years in both Johannesburg and Pretoria but they have not been confirmed and these records may represent the first photographic evidence for the province. This is possibly a species that is colonising the region due to the changes that have taken place over many years where parts of the province have become more densely treed and now resemble a woodland. Openbill, African/Ooievaar, Oopbek- One bird was seen in pentad 2645_2805 African Goshawk - photo by Lance Robinson at the Vaal Dam, 24 Mar 2016 (EdB); One bird was at Vaalkop Dam in pentad 2515_2720, 23 Apr 2016 (LR). Vulture, Palm-nut/Aasvoël, Wit- An immature bird appeared at Vulpro, Hartbeespoort, in pentad 2540_2755, on 19 May 2016 (KW). This bird is unknown for the Gauteng region and this is in all probability the first confirmed record for African Openbill - photo by Lance Robinson the region. Vulture, Lappet-faced/Aasvoël, Swart- birders were able to see this pair of birds A single bird was reported from Vulpro, in the days following this discovery. near Hartbeespoort Dam, 21 May 2016 This is a very uncommon species for the (JJ).

34 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 This species is occasionally recorded in the region at vulture restaurants. Wagtail, Mountain. Kwikkie, Berg- One bird was located at Qodesh in the Wilge River Valley in north-eastern Gaut- eng, 13 Jul 2016 (R&KW). This bird was recorded by several birders in the weeks following this sighting. Woodpecker, Olive. Speg, Gryskop- A male bird was an exciting find at Amanzimtaba Resort in the Wilge River Valley, north-eastern Gauteng (pentad 2535_2900), 2 Jul 2016 (BF & TM). Palm-nut Vulture - photo by Andrew Keys This represents the first record of this species in the greater Gauteng region.

Other Interesting Observations/ Ander Interessante Waarnemings Bustard, Denham’s/Pou, Veld- A sighting of one birdsat Bushwillow Es- tate, Vaalkop Dam (pentad 2515_2725), is a first during the atlas period (2007-2016) and an unusual record for the locality, 23 Apr 2016 (LR). Mountain Wagtail - photo by Ben Fouche Buzzard, European/Wespedief One bird was sighted near Three Rivers in southern Gauteng, 30 Apr 2016 (DV). Hawk, African Cuckoo/Valk, Koekoek- One bird was found in a bluegum plan- tation in pentad 2545_2715, near Rusten- burg, an unusual location for the species (ER & NR). Osprey/Valk, Vis- One bird was at Roodeplaat Dam in pentad 2535_2820 on 22 Apr 2016, a fairly late record (NP). Owl, Southern White-faced. Uil, Witwang- A single bird was found to be roosting in Olive Woodpecker - photo by Ben Fouche a garden in Clubview, Centurion, 12 May

Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 | 35 Marabou Storks, Kloppersbos - photo by Ben Fouche

2016 (JM), an unusual record for the area. Greg Lock (GL) Jannie Jansen (JJ) Starling, Common/Spreeu, Europese Jason McCormick (JM) One bird was at Rietvlei NR, 16 Jun 2016, Karin Wiesler (KW) (FB & LR). Kerri Wolter (KW) Two birds were at Northern Farm during Lance Robinson (LR) the club outing there, 20 Jul 2016 (BLNG). Laura Jordaan (LJ) Stork, Marabou/Maraboe Natasja Retief (NR) Niall Perrins (NP) Two birds were found in pentad Richard Montinaro (RM) 2625_2815 in the vicinity of Suikerbos- Rihann Geyser (RG) rand, a surprise sighting for the area, 23 Apr 2016 (DT). Rolf Wiesler (RW) Theuns Botha (TB) Approximately 30 birds were found in Tiaan Muller (TM) a wetland at Kloppersbos in pentad 2525_2820, east of Hammanskraal, 11 Jun Toni Geddes (TG) 2016 (RG, BF, TB, TM), an unusually large Wesley Jarvis (WJ) concentration for the area. This column is mainly concerned with Observers/ Waarnemers: observations of rarities and interesting sightings made in the Greater Gauteng André Marx (AM) region, defined as being 100km from Ben Fouche (BF) the centre of both Johannesburg and BirdLife Northern Gauteng members Pretoria, however observations made (BLNG) further afield are also welcome. While Cameron Meyer (CM) the majority of records are included it is Charles Coetzee (CC) sometimes necessary to exclude some depending on whether the subject mat- Duard Teichert (DT) ter has already been well reported. Dylan Vasapolli (DV) Occasionally records are sourced from Ernst Retief (ER) the Internet and from SABAP2 records. Errol de Beer (EdB) Members are invited to submit details Fransie O’Brien (FB) of sightings to André Marx at e-mail Gebre van Zyl (GvZ) [email protected] or 083 4117674.

36 | Bokmakierie August 2016 No 246 WBC 2016 Quiz Afternoon Photos by Andy Featherstone

The winning team: Dael Stojakovic, Gail Schaum, Alison Hanson, Lance Robinson and Hanneline Smit-Robinson

Second place: Martin Rhodes, Charlotte Mathews, Adele Rhodes, Brendan Ryan

Third place: Andy Featherstone, Marion & Rob Hofmeyr, Ann and John Goatcher

Quiz Master Lester Niss and his assistant, Janice Isom