KZN BIRDS 52 Fin.Cdr

November 2017KZN BIRDS No 52 Newsletter of KZN bird clubs which are affiliated to BirdLife South Africa KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

EDITORIAL CONTENTS CHAIR’S CHIRPS nesting in the cycad. The monkeys are always around. THE articles about the worldwide plight 3 Chair’s chirps September brings the rain and heavy of vultures featured in this newsletter 3 BirdLife Port Natal clouds which hang over the city. The provoke a mixture of despair and hope. 7 BirdLife KZN Midlands wind has been worse than I remember, BirdLife International is working with 8 BirdLife Trogons particularly on two occasions recently. other conservation organisations to help 10 BirdLife Zululand Birds are resilient – the next day, there restore the population of vultures in Asia The baby birds are hatching they are singing, feeding, gleaning, 10 Conservation and projects which crashed because of the use of and learning how to sing. breeding and surviving. 10 Ringing statistics for KZN veterinary medicines (p17). But this is Somehow the weather gives them clues 12 Cape Parrot census report OUTINGS happening at the same time that yet and tells them that it’s spring! 13 BLPN 2018 Calendar another medication has been shown to We have continued with our monthly 14 News from Oribi Vulture hide be toxic to vultures (p16). Then when they have their feathers outings and indoor meetings – stalwart 16 Veterinary painkiller toxic to vultures Locally, however, there is some good and learn to flap their wings, Elena Russell began in June with a news. The colony of Cape Vultures at 17 Rebuilding vulture population in Asia they jump into the bright, blue sky Saturday morning visit to the Palmiet Oribi on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast 20 Guardians of Africa’s largest lake and try the “flying thing!” NR. Last year's outing to Palmiet was appears to be thriving, with an increase 23 Bird notes and observations - Betty Francis cancelled due to heavy rain which made in the number of nests (p14). And it is 23 African Finfoot behaviour observed the river crossing impossible. Another heartening to read about the birds’ 24 Knysna Warbler sighting in Durban NOW that the rains have come, the year, another attempt. There was a good appreciation of their new bathing facility trees, bushes and other growing things turnout of mostly members and a couple which was recently constructed at the 24 Bird trips and outings are all in bud, so quickly. One day all was of visitors. We had two options: cross the viewing hide. When a vulture was injured 26 Pelagic trip off St Lucia dusty and dry, the next my dog refused river in search of the grasslands or take by powerlines in the area, Eskom’s 28 Migrants in Iceland pose questions to walk on the wet grass which is already the path alongside the river. Both prompt response in addressing the 29 Small brown and large rapacious birds grown to a mowable length. The most options were not without their hazards. noticeable birds have been the Black- Mike Roseblade took a group alongside problem was most laudable. 30 Honorary Recorder’s report These efforts to conserve vultures are headed Orioles, whose calls resound in the river and the other group crossed the very costly. Any contributions, whether 35 Club activities the valley above and below. They are river. financially or by giving your time as a 35 BirdLife Port Natal now joined by bulbuls, the white-Eyes The path up through the kloof is very volunteer, are sure to be welcomed by 36 BirdLife KZN Midlands and the sunbirds – the bulbuls are rugged, but we had some good birds. rehabilitation and conservation 37 BirdLife Trogons Purple-crested Turaco, Collared, organisations. BELOW: Female Black Cuckooshrike, Amethyst, Grey, Olive and White-bellied Howick, July 2017 Sunbirds, Cape Batis, Cape White-eye, Crystelle Wilson Crystelle Wilson Sombre and Yellow-bellied Greenbuls, Dark-capped Bulbul, Terrestrial KZN BIRDS Brownbul, Fork-tailed and Square-tailed KZN Birds is the newsletter of BirdLife Port Natal, BirdLife KZN Midlands, BirdLife Zululand, BirdLife Sisonke and Drongos. Eventually we reached a small BirdLife Trogons, all branches of Birdlife South Africa, and is published three times a year. Any member of the public, whether members of a branch or not, are invited to submit articles for publication. Views expressed in KZN Birds are patch of grassland. Here we picked up not necessarily those of the editor, the aforementioned clubs or BirdLife SA. All national rarities are subject to Bronze and Red-backed Mannikins, acceptance by the National Rarities Committee. Submissions are used at the discretion of the editor and may be held back for future editions. Contributions can be sent to the Editor, Crystelle Wilson, at [email protected] or Dusky Flycatcher, Crowned Hornbills, typed or neatly written and posted to Crystelle at 2 Lanville, 149 North Ridge Road, Durban 4001. Good quality, high which flew over; Tawny-flanked Prinia, resolution digital photographs are also welcome. Black Flycatcher, Golden-tailed Telephone: 031 2080577 or 082 7235158 Advertising in KZN Birds Per issue Woodpecker, Black-backed Puffback The deadline for the next issue Front cover logo R1000 (trash bird of the day), African Firefinch, Back page colour R1500 Bar-throated Apalis, Southern Boubou, is 1 February 2018 Full page inside b&w R 1000 Front cover: Pel’s Fishing Owl photographed near Martin’s Half page R 500 Black Cuckooshrike, Red-capped Robin Drift, Limpopo, September 2017, by Hugh Chittenden Quarter page R 250 Chat, White-browed Scrub Robin, Desktop Publishing: Crystelle Wilson Smalls R2 per word Black-headed Oriole, Black-Collared

November 2017 2 3 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

November 2017 2 3 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 and White-eared Barbets and lots more, outings, visiting Pigeon Valley on 14 including the Mountain Wagtail. Back at June with many rewarding sightings and the picnic site Mike's group had the best taking the New Germany outing on 19 bird of the day, the Half-collared July for me. She was busy again on 16 Kingfisher. Although we hunted up and August at the Botanical Gardens with down the river after tea we had no luck good weather and good birding. The finding it again. Our bird count was 53 at outing on 20 September was cancelled tea and then we picked up Brown- due to a lack of participants. backed Honeybird to make a total of 54. Sunday 3 September had Rex Elena continued with visits to New Aspeling organising an outing to SAPPI Germany NR in July, Stainbank NR in Stanger. He has said that there were too August and Tanglewood in September. many outings on that weekend, but we A comment about Stainbank: “Stainbank are reliant on our leaders to organise the is superb – the sun was shining, sky of day and date. If possible, please keep to blue and the birds were everywhere.” first Saturdays for eThekwini outings Sunday 18 June had Crispin taking and third Sundays for those further birders around Pigeon Valley, then Steve away. On the weekend away at Oribi Davis organised an outing to Midmar Gorge NR, 25-27 August; unfortunately Dam on 16 July following his course on Cheryl and John Bevan were ill, and the Crystelle Wilson “Weavers, Whydahs and Widows” on vulture hide was not available, but ABOVE: At the Chairs’ Forum were from left to right, standing: Jenny Norman the Saturday. Then the irrepressible birders will always find birds. (rarities committee), Robin Colyn (BLSA), Anita Divall (forum secretary), Colin Elena organised a visit to Empisini on 20 The bi-annual CWAC count was held Summersgill (KZN Bird Forum chair), Lesley Frescura (BLPN chair), Sandy Olver August – nine members and three on Sunday 30 July with Steve Davis who (Trogons chair), Ingelore Taylor (St Lucia Bird Club), Carole Hills (Zululand chair), visitors who observed Little Rush reported that the counting conditions Doug Bell (Sisonke chair), Peter Divall (Midlands chair) and seated: Steve Davis Warblers, a Gorgeous Bushshrike, were ideal on a low tide at uMngeni River (honorary recorder), Louise Coetzee (Free State chair), Ian Gracie (Ladysmith Goliath and Grey Herons. The bird of the and incoming tide at Bayhead. However, Bird Club) and Ian Gordon (SABAP2 coordinator) day must be the Black-chested Snake the bird numbers were very low: was very quiet and not a good sign of the the chair of BL Sisonke also attended, as Eagle which was seen a number of uMngeni River: total count 267 birds of state of the environment. did the Ladysmith Bird Club. It was really times. We also had a fabulous display by 20 species. This was both the lowest The BMCG group continues and is good to have a full room and with Peter a pair of Crowned Eagles, Long-crested count and the lowest number of very much enjoyed by those who attend Divall, who is an excellent chair, we Eagle and Black Sparrowhawks, Scaly- waterbird species recorded since we – Saturday 10 June was a visit to North managed to discuss quite a few thorny throated Honeyguide, plus Greater started doing CWAC counts in 1999! Park. It was upsetting to see how much issues and resolve them. Honeyguide and Brown-backed Notable were zero Sacred Ibis (we have was overgrown and/or broken, or INDOOR MEETINGS Honeybird, lovely views of a Bar- recorded 8, 0, 0, 10 and 0 in the last five overtaken by alien invasive vegetation. throated Apalis, Amethyst, Collared, and counts) and zero Kelp Gull this count This is an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife site. These have continued in an orderly Olive Sunbirds; and Weavers: Dark- and last count. Even Hadedas (3) and f a s h i o n . S t e v e D a v i s l e d t h e FORUM backed, Spectacled, Thick-billed and Egyptian Geese (2) were scarce. The photographic evening on Wednesday Village. We had a great outing and only species which seems to maintain The BLKZN Forum was held over the 14 June where members were invited to everybody enjoyed themselves, even steady numbers is Blacksmith Lapwing weekend of 1-3 September in Howick bring five of their own favourite the bundu-bashing was met with glee, (67). Bayhead: total count of 44 birds of with the chair, Colin Summersgill, photographs to show and discuss. We but it does make birding a little difficult. 14 species, nearly the same as the organising a most interesting day on the saw some really great pictures and Jenny Norman organised a mini-birding record low numbers of recent years. Saturday with some excellent inputs. He members very much enjoyed the day on 24 September, marred by very Bayhead is almost without value for afforded UKZN students an opportunity opportunity to show off their work. Kate bad weather, but those who braved the birds in winter – biggest numbers were to present their studies and work so far. Richardson was our guest speaker on elements had a count of more than 80 10 Blacksmith Lapwings and 8 The Sunday was devoted to the Chairs' 12 July, giving a well-informed species. Hadedas. Only 1 Grey-headed Gull, and meeting. The new chairs of BL Zululand presentation of the bureaucracy Sandi contined our Wednesday Kelp Gull is virtually extinct here. It really and BL Free State were welcomed and surrounding EIAs and the controversies November 2017 4 5 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 and White-eared Barbets and lots more, outings, visiting Pigeon Valley on 14 including the Mountain Wagtail. Back at June with many rewarding sightings and the picnic site Mike's group had the best taking the New Germany outing on 19 bird of the day, the Half-collared July for me. She was busy again on 16 Kingfisher. Although we hunted up and August at the Botanical Gardens with down the river after tea we had no luck good weather and good birding. The finding it again. Our bird count was 53 at outing on 20 September was cancelled tea and then we picked up Brown- due to a lack of participants. backed Honeybird to make a total of 54. Sunday 3 September had Rex Elena continued with visits to New Aspeling organising an outing to SAPPI Germany NR in July, Stainbank NR in Stanger. He has said that there were too August and Tanglewood in September. many outings on that weekend, but we A comment about Stainbank: “Stainbank are reliant on our leaders to organise the is superb – the sun was shining, sky of day and date. If possible, please keep to blue and the birds were everywhere.” first Saturdays for eThekwini outings Sunday 18 June had Crispin taking and third Sundays for those further birders around Pigeon Valley, then Steve away. On the weekend away at Oribi Davis organised an outing to Midmar Gorge NR, 25-27 August; unfortunately Dam on 16 July following his course on Cheryl and John Bevan were ill, and the Crystelle Wilson “Weavers, Whydahs and Widows” on vulture hide was not available, but ABOVE: At the Chairs’ Forum were from left to right, standing: Jenny Norman the Saturday. Then the irrepressible birders will always find birds. (rarities committee), Robin Colyn (BLSA), Anita Divall (forum secretary), Colin Elena organised a visit to Empisini on 20 The bi-annual CWAC count was held Summersgill (KZN Bird Forum chair), Lesley Frescura (BLPN chair), Sandy Olver August – nine members and three on Sunday 30 July with Steve Davis who (Trogons chair), Ingelore Taylor (St Lucia Bird Club), Carole Hills (Zululand chair), visitors who observed Little Rush reported that the counting conditions Doug Bell (Sisonke chair), Peter Divall (Midlands chair) and seated: Steve Davis Warblers, a Gorgeous Bushshrike, were ideal on a low tide at uMngeni River (honorary recorder), Louise Coetzee (Free State chair), Ian Gracie (Ladysmith Goliath and Grey Herons. The bird of the and incoming tide at Bayhead. However, Bird Club) and Ian Gordon (SABAP2 coordinator) day must be the Black-chested Snake the bird numbers were very low: was very quiet and not a good sign of the the chair of BL Sisonke also attended, as Eagle which was seen a number of uMngeni River: total count 267 birds of state of the environment. did the Ladysmith Bird Club. It was really times. We also had a fabulous display by 20 species. This was both the lowest The BMCG group continues and is good to have a full room and with Peter a pair of Crowned Eagles, Long-crested count and the lowest number of very much enjoyed by those who attend Divall, who is an excellent chair, we Eagle and Black Sparrowhawks, Scaly- waterbird species recorded since we – Saturday 10 June was a visit to North managed to discuss quite a few thorny throated Honeyguide, plus Greater started doing CWAC counts in 1999! Park. It was upsetting to see how much issues and resolve them. Honeyguide and Brown-backed Notable were zero Sacred Ibis (we have was overgrown and/or broken, or INDOOR MEETINGS Honeybird, lovely views of a Bar- recorded 8, 0, 0, 10 and 0 in the last five overtaken by alien invasive vegetation. throated Apalis, Amethyst, Collared, and counts) and zero Kelp Gull this count This is an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife site. These have continued in an orderly Olive Sunbirds; and Weavers: Dark- and last count. Even Hadedas (3) and f a s h i o n . S t e v e D a v i s l e d t h e FORUM backed, Spectacled, Thick-billed and Egyptian Geese (2) were scarce. The photographic evening on Wednesday Village. We had a great outing and only species which seems to maintain The BLKZN Forum was held over the 14 June where members were invited to everybody enjoyed themselves, even steady numbers is Blacksmith Lapwing weekend of 1-3 September in Howick bring five of their own favourite the bundu-bashing was met with glee, (67). Bayhead: total count of 44 birds of with the chair, Colin Summersgill, photographs to show and discuss. We but it does make birding a little difficult. 14 species, nearly the same as the organising a most interesting day on the saw some really great pictures and Jenny Norman organised a mini-birding record low numbers of recent years. Saturday with some excellent inputs. He members very much enjoyed the day on 24 September, marred by very Bayhead is almost without value for afforded UKZN students an opportunity opportunity to show off their work. Kate bad weather, but those who braved the birds in winter – biggest numbers were to present their studies and work so far. Richardson was our guest speaker on elements had a count of more than 80 10 Blacksmith Lapwings and 8 The Sunday was devoted to the Chairs' 12 July, giving a well-informed species. Hadedas. Only 1 Grey-headed Gull, and meeting. The new chairs of BL Zululand presentation of the bureaucracy Sandi contined our Wednesday Kelp Gull is virtually extinct here. It really and BL Free State were welcomed and surrounding EIAs and the controversies November 2017 4 5 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 around bats and wind farms. Library on Friday 2 June – this is a committee member, organised a highly as they recover. Wednesday 9 August was National popular talk, first put together by Roy successful Illovo Wagtail Conservation Roy Cowgill's memorial bench is in Women's Day and Jean Senogles gave and Steve, and adapted by myself. I Festival on the weekend of 21 – 22 July. place at the Kenneth Stainbank NR, with us a well-informed talk on the vervet spoke again on 12 June to the Probus His committee hosted a dinner on the a stunning view over the grasslands, monkeys who live within calling distance club at the Rob Roy retirement home – a Friday evening with David Allan as guest where one can “abide a while” and watch of our homes. The females are pregnant beautiful setting and a splendid lunch. speaker. The Saturday gave the general the wildlife and the birds. Thanks to at present, even the little ones from last public the opportunity to participate in Steve for the dedication and to Enviro EDUCATION year, and the hiatus between the rich workshops and hear some of the Timbers of Howick, who have produced bounty of mid-winter and the summer Arnia and Rhona participated in the country's best conservationists tell them a work of beauty. fruits leaves them hungry. On 13 Durban Natural Science Museum's what is being done throughout SA to Enjoy the rest of the 2017 birding September, members enjoyed the annual Kwa-Nunu day at the City Hall. preserve our dwindling biodiversity. year, send us suggestions for speakers presentation that member Nomusa This year they were stationed outside, BLPN had a stall there, led walks along on Wednesday evenings and remember Mkhungo gave to the conference on and met quite a few different people. the trails, and spoke to many visitors. “a question frequently heard, especially from Ground Hornbills in Borneo recently – Steve Davis ran a course on “Whydahs, persons trying to make conversation is, ‘How did GENERAL the participation of a rural community in Widows and Weavers” on Saturday 15 you first become interested in birds?’ Strangely monitoring these vulnerable birds was July at Paradise Valley. This was a great The notice for our AGM is once more enough this question is seldom asked among very well depicted and discussed. success, followed by an outing the included in the magazine and we hope birders themselves.” – Roger Barton. Krantzkloof Birds' morning talks on following day to Midmar Dam. Following to see many members in February when Lesley Frescura the second Tuesday every two months the successful Toti Bird Day on 22 July, Mark Anderson is our guest speaker. 083 231 3408 always attract an enthusiastic audience. we were invited by the EWT to do a However, your club faces multiple In June, Tammy Caine spoke on the workshop with their four environmental challenges in 2018 – the loss of crucial work of the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, course students. Although it was bitterly committee members being one of the and in August, Arnia van Vuuren kept the c o l d , w e m a d e o u r w a y t o most important. If you are a new audience enthralled with her Karoo Umbumbulu/Adams Mission, and had a member or someone who has been with presentation. fruitful morning with three of the students us for a while, please consider joining I was asked to speak on attracting and their EWT contact. the committee and taking on one of the birds to your garden at the La Lucia A d a m C r u i c k s h a n k , o u r To t i portfolios. It is really unfair to expect the few to keep the club going – we are not IT IS hard to believe that when you BELOW: Members of BirdLife Port Natal gathered at Stainbank Nature Reserve getting any younger! We meet on Skype receive this issue of KZN Birds, the end near Durban on 10 September to dedicate a bench to the memory of Roy Cowgill, for two months and only do a face to face of the year will be just around the corner. former honorary president of the club and chair of the KZN Ornithological Trust every three months. I would hate to see Once again our monthly meetings at Paul Bartho us cancelling more outings and Woodgrove in Pietermaritzburg and in outreaches: this is a very serious plea. Howick continue to be well supported, I would most especially like to thank as well as the outings. Speakers have Crystelle Wilson for her dedicated been varied and the topics have not preparation of our regional magazine, always been bird related. Comments KZN Birds, and for being the designer of from some of our members stated that our annual calendar, which next year they have enjoyed something slightly features magnificent photographs of the different from the “usual” talks. cuckoos of SA. The money raised in the I welcome all our new members and sale of these goes to support the work hope that you will be able to participate done to rehabilitate birds – be they in all the club's activities. raptors, seabirds or “just a mossie”. A very successful BirdLife KZN Forum Every member should purchase at least was held on 2 September at WESSA. one. There were 63 participants which may We wish Flick McKenzie, Peter be a record attendance for the past few Farrington and Frankie Berghorst well years. Colin Summersgill put together a November 2017 6 7 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 around bats and wind farms. Library on Friday 2 June – this is a committee member, organised a highly as they recover. Wednesday 9 August was National popular talk, first put together by Roy successful Illovo Wagtail Conservation Roy Cowgill's memorial bench is in Women's Day and Jean Senogles gave and Steve, and adapted by myself. I Festival on the weekend of 21 – 22 July. place at the Kenneth Stainbank NR, with us a well-informed talk on the vervet spoke again on 12 June to the Probus His committee hosted a dinner on the a stunning view over the grasslands, monkeys who live within calling distance club at the Rob Roy retirement home – a Friday evening with David Allan as guest where one can “abide a while” and watch of our homes. The females are pregnant beautiful setting and a splendid lunch. speaker. The Saturday gave the general the wildlife and the birds. Thanks to at present, even the little ones from last public the opportunity to participate in Steve for the dedication and to Enviro EDUCATION year, and the hiatus between the rich workshops and hear some of the Timbers of Howick, who have produced bounty of mid-winter and the summer Arnia and Rhona participated in the country's best conservationists tell them a work of beauty. fruits leaves them hungry. On 13 Durban Natural Science Museum's what is being done throughout SA to Enjoy the rest of the 2017 birding September, members enjoyed the annual Kwa-Nunu day at the City Hall. preserve our dwindling biodiversity. year, send us suggestions for speakers presentation that member Nomusa This year they were stationed outside, BLPN had a stall there, led walks along on Wednesday evenings and remember Mkhungo gave to the conference on and met quite a few different people. the trails, and spoke to many visitors. “a question frequently heard, especially from Ground Hornbills in Borneo recently – Steve Davis ran a course on “Whydahs, persons trying to make conversation is, ‘How did GENERAL the participation of a rural community in Widows and Weavers” on Saturday 15 you first become interested in birds?’ Strangely monitoring these vulnerable birds was July at Paradise Valley. This was a great The notice for our AGM is once more enough this question is seldom asked among very well depicted and discussed. success, followed by an outing the included in the magazine and we hope birders themselves.” – Roger Barton. Krantzkloof Birds' morning talks on following day to Midmar Dam. Following to see many members in February when Lesley Frescura the second Tuesday every two months the successful Toti Bird Day on 22 July, Mark Anderson is our guest speaker. 083 231 3408 always attract an enthusiastic audience. we were invited by the EWT to do a However, your club faces multiple In June, Tammy Caine spoke on the workshop with their four environmental challenges in 2018 – the loss of crucial work of the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre, course students. Although it was bitterly committee members being one of the and in August, Arnia van Vuuren kept the c o l d , w e m a d e o u r w a y t o most important. If you are a new audience enthralled with her Karoo Umbumbulu/Adams Mission, and had a member or someone who has been with presentation. fruitful morning with three of the students us for a while, please consider joining I was asked to speak on attracting and their EWT contact. the committee and taking on one of the birds to your garden at the La Lucia A d a m C r u i c k s h a n k , o u r To t i portfolios. It is really unfair to expect the few to keep the club going – we are not IT IS hard to believe that when you BELOW: Members of BirdLife Port Natal gathered at Stainbank Nature Reserve getting any younger! We meet on Skype receive this issue of KZN Birds, the end near Durban on 10 September to dedicate a bench to the memory of Roy Cowgill, for two months and only do a face to face of the year will be just around the corner. former honorary president of the club and chair of the KZN Ornithological Trust every three months. I would hate to see Once again our monthly meetings at Paul Bartho us cancelling more outings and Woodgrove in Pietermaritzburg and in outreaches: this is a very serious plea. Howick continue to be well supported, I would most especially like to thank as well as the outings. Speakers have Crystelle Wilson for her dedicated been varied and the topics have not preparation of our regional magazine, always been bird related. Comments KZN Birds, and for being the designer of from some of our members stated that our annual calendar, which next year they have enjoyed something slightly features magnificent photographs of the different from the “usual” talks. cuckoos of SA. The money raised in the I welcome all our new members and sale of these goes to support the work hope that you will be able to participate done to rehabilitate birds – be they in all the club's activities. raptors, seabirds or “just a mossie”. A very successful BirdLife KZN Forum Every member should purchase at least was held on 2 September at WESSA. one. There were 63 participants which may We wish Flick McKenzie, Peter be a record attendance for the past few Farrington and Frankie Berghorst well years. Colin Summersgill put together a November 2017 6 7 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 stimulating programme for the day. report on these presentations will be spectacular views, There were 15 speakers in total. summarised in the next BirdLife KZN as well as 41 bird S u b j e c t s v a r i e d f r o m e c o l o g y, Midlands e-Newsletter. species. biodiversity, mites, updates on The club participated again in The Tr o g o n s l a s t Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife projects and W i t n e s s G a r d e n S h o w h e l d i n v i s i t e d recent activities at the bird department of Pietermartizburg over the long weekend Wakkerstroom in the Durban Natural Science Museum. in September. We shared a stand with February 2013, so Five students from KZN University the Karkloof Conservancy, EWT and the 20 to 24 November presented updates on the work they are Crane Foundation. My thanks go to will find us there doing towards their degrees. Twanè Clark who designed the stand again enjoying the Robin Colyn represented BirdLife SA and to all who helped with the set-up, venue, checking at the forum. He delivered a most manning and dismantling of the stand. out the exceptional interesting paper and reported on work Once again, it was a great success and bird life and looking being done by BLSA. As the KZN board was awarded a gold certificate. for the elusive larks member, I gave a short presentation on As this is my last report for the year, I w i t h L u c k y how far BLSA has come over the past wish you all a blessed festive season Ngwenya. eight years, especially regarding and a very happy and prosperous New C u l l e y ’s d a m Stan Culley communication to our members. I thank Year. h a s b e e n o u r ABOVE: Gurney’s Sugarbird, Umtamvuna September 2017 Mark Anderson, the CEO of BLSA, for favourite success Peter Divall the material for this presentation. A full story for the past two years, where Stan The gardens done by Elsa Pooley are 083 263 4169 turned an old banana plantation into a spectacular, especially in winter when wetland with three dams, filled them with the aloes are flowering. Waterbirds are ANOTHER shad birders who relinquish membership of aquatic plants and the birds moved in – coming in to breed on the ponds and the season, another BirdLife to become “Trogons only” Little Grebe, African Jacana, Common manager, Martin Rodrigues, plans a h o r r o r s t o r y o f members and I am sorry this was Moorhen, African Purple Swamphen, speaker on the second Saturday of each W o o l l y - n e c k e d instituted. The pensioners, and most Black Crake, Little Bittern, Spur-winged month to give expert information on Storks with legs members are pensioners, will save Goose, Yellow-billed and White-faced environmental matters. There is a entangled in fishing line and unable to be R105 a year, which is really not much Whistling Duck all bred there with restaurant and the centre is becoming caught; another load of plastic collected and doesn't contribute greatly to BirdLife Pygmy Goose a passing migrant. an attractive venue for birders and in half a kilometre of beach – what can funds, but the numbers are important. If Then disaster struck. The vegetation photographers. Some injured birds we do? Where can we go for help? Help one cares about conservation of the disappeared and with it, the water birds! cannot be released into the wild – for our bird life and for the fish and for the environment to preserve and protect our Many anxious enquiries found the Crocworld provides a sanctuary for, turtles who eat plastic thinking it is bird species, then one should be a culprits – tilapia fish. There are two kinds amongst others, a White-backed Vulture jellyfish and die a horrible death with member of the parent/umbrella body. of tilapia and Stan had installed the and two Cape Vultures with amputated stomachs jammed with plastic. All BirdLife does a fantastic job as the watch voracious one that decimated all the wings. They will hold injured birds cigarette packs now carry the warning dog and the more members, the more vegetation. So far he has managed to overnight for transport to CROW, which “ S m o k i n g k i l l s ” . H o w w a s t h a t teeth and the stronger its bite. My notes empty the top dam completely and is a boon as we are an hour's drive from organised? Why cannot fishing lines from Forum read: there are about refilled and replanted it with 30 mature CROW or from SCAR at Shelley Beach, carry a message like ABANDONED 30,000 birders in South Africa, 5,000 are water lilies. An African Jacana was where Michelle Pearson does wonderful LINE CAN BE A KILLER? members of BirdLife, with 37 clubs. walking on the lily pads within 24 hours – rescue work. On the plastic side, Lesley and I are News of the club outings can be read howzat for a hotline? News of the vulture viewing hide from collecting information and hope to meet on our excellent blogspot compiled by Crookes Brothers have turned the Andy Ruffle is that the project is doing with Pennington Conservancy who have our secretary, Hazel van Rooyen. crocodile farm at Clansthal near extremely well. Results of the recent an anti-plastic campaign. We would like www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.co.za S c o t t b u r g h i n t o t h e C r o c w o r l d breeding census, using a drone, have to discuss the urgency of the problem The last outing was to Umtamvuna on 10 Conservation Centre. An excellent now revealed the colony to comprise with SA Plastics. September, where we enjoyed the indigenous nursery caters for their many over 200 individuals. 94 nests were I am distressed at the number of spring flowers in the grasslands, projects and is also open to the public. counted, way up on the 50 expected. November 2017 8 9 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 stimulating programme for the day. report on these presentations will be spectacular views, There were 15 speakers in total. summarised in the next BirdLife KZN as well as 41 bird S u b j e c t s v a r i e d f r o m e c o l o g y, Midlands e-Newsletter. species. biodiversity, mites, updates on The club participated again in The Tr o g o n s l a s t Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife projects and W i t n e s s G a r d e n S h o w h e l d i n v i s i t e d recent activities at the bird department of Pietermartizburg over the long weekend Wakkerstroom in the Durban Natural Science Museum. in September. We shared a stand with February 2013, so Five students from KZN University the Karkloof Conservancy, EWT and the 20 to 24 November presented updates on the work they are Crane Foundation. My thanks go to will find us there doing towards their degrees. Twanè Clark who designed the stand again enjoying the Robin Colyn represented BirdLife SA and to all who helped with the set-up, venue, checking at the forum. He delivered a most manning and dismantling of the stand. out the exceptional interesting paper and reported on work Once again, it was a great success and bird life and looking being done by BLSA. As the KZN board was awarded a gold certificate. for the elusive larks member, I gave a short presentation on As this is my last report for the year, I w i t h L u c k y how far BLSA has come over the past wish you all a blessed festive season Ngwenya. eight years, especially regarding and a very happy and prosperous New C u l l e y ’s d a m Stan Culley communication to our members. I thank Year. h a s b e e n o u r ABOVE: Gurney’s Sugarbird, Umtamvuna September 2017 Mark Anderson, the CEO of BLSA, for favourite success Peter Divall the material for this presentation. A full story for the past two years, where Stan The gardens done by Elsa Pooley are 083 263 4169 turned an old banana plantation into a spectacular, especially in winter when wetland with three dams, filled them with the aloes are flowering. Waterbirds are ANOTHER shad birders who relinquish membership of aquatic plants and the birds moved in – coming in to breed on the ponds and the season, another BirdLife to become “Trogons only” Little Grebe, African Jacana, Common manager, Martin Rodrigues, plans a h o r r o r s t o r y o f members and I am sorry this was Moorhen, African Purple Swamphen, speaker on the second Saturday of each W o o l l y - n e c k e d instituted. The pensioners, and most Black Crake, Little Bittern, Spur-winged month to give expert information on Storks with legs members are pensioners, will save Goose, Yellow-billed and White-faced environmental matters. There is a entangled in fishing line and unable to be R105 a year, which is really not much Whistling Duck all bred there with restaurant and the centre is becoming caught; another load of plastic collected and doesn't contribute greatly to BirdLife Pygmy Goose a passing migrant. an attractive venue for birders and in half a kilometre of beach – what can funds, but the numbers are important. If Then disaster struck. The vegetation photographers. Some injured birds we do? Where can we go for help? Help one cares about conservation of the disappeared and with it, the water birds! cannot be released into the wild – for our bird life and for the fish and for the environment to preserve and protect our Many anxious enquiries found the Crocworld provides a sanctuary for, turtles who eat plastic thinking it is bird species, then one should be a culprits – tilapia fish. There are two kinds amongst others, a White-backed Vulture jellyfish and die a horrible death with member of the parent/umbrella body. of tilapia and Stan had installed the and two Cape Vultures with amputated stomachs jammed with plastic. All BirdLife does a fantastic job as the watch voracious one that decimated all the wings. They will hold injured birds cigarette packs now carry the warning dog and the more members, the more vegetation. So far he has managed to overnight for transport to CROW, which “ S m o k i n g k i l l s ” . H o w w a s t h a t teeth and the stronger its bite. My notes empty the top dam completely and is a boon as we are an hour's drive from organised? Why cannot fishing lines from Forum read: there are about refilled and replanted it with 30 mature CROW or from SCAR at Shelley Beach, carry a message like ABANDONED 30,000 birders in South Africa, 5,000 are water lilies. An African Jacana was where Michelle Pearson does wonderful LINE CAN BE A KILLER? members of BirdLife, with 37 clubs. walking on the lily pads within 24 hours – rescue work. On the plastic side, Lesley and I are News of the club outings can be read howzat for a hotline? News of the vulture viewing hide from collecting information and hope to meet on our excellent blogspot compiled by Crookes Brothers have turned the Andy Ruffle is that the project is doing with Pennington Conservancy who have our secretary, Hazel van Rooyen. crocodile farm at Clansthal near extremely well. Results of the recent an anti-plastic campaign. We would like www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.co.za S c o t t b u r g h i n t o t h e C r o c w o r l d breeding census, using a drone, have to discuss the urgency of the problem The last outing was to Umtamvuna on 10 Conservation Centre. An excellent now revealed the colony to comprise with SA Plastics. September, where we enjoyed the indigenous nursery caters for their many over 200 individuals. 94 nests were I am distressed at the number of spring flowers in the grasslands, projects and is also open to the public. counted, way up on the 50 expected. November 2017 8 9 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

Previous guestimate was 150 birds. story about a young couple held up at younger generation, as well as ideas for With great enthusiasm the new gunpoint and robbed of everything while 2018. We have a strategy session vulture bathing facility is nearing enjoying a daytime picnic. Recently, a planned for November, so watch this completion. Andy said a big thank you to lady suffered a nasty attack at space. all visitors both past and future, as the Amanzimtoti Bird Park. In closing I would like to thank Johan vulture hide had been an ambitious On the brighter side, happy birding and the previous committee, for the project financially which, without their everyone and enjoy posting the opportunity to continue to serve the support, would not have been possible. returning migrants on your atlasing birding community. To my committee, Breaking news is that they have been cards. thanks for your trust - I'm learning so chosen to partner McDonalds fast food much from you all. We make a great Sandy Olver outlet in a marketing project – a “2 for 1 team and as they know, I'm a great [email protected] offer” for the vulture viewing experience delegator, but we have already had will be available as a redeemable reward great fun together. We look forward to when purchasing a “sharebag meal” at lots more people becoming involved Paul Bartho any McDonalds outlet in SA. Excited that with BirdLife Zululand in the future. ABOVE: Malagasy Pond Heron, vultures are deemed such a worthwhile Phinda, June 2017 Carole Hills reward in a high profile marketing BIRDLIFE Zululand continues to 082 465 6966 campaign, Andy says, surely this will operate, despite some people thinking help to put these often misunderstood otherwise. CONSERVATION AND PROJECTS birds on the map! Our chair, Johann Gouws, moved out The winter CWAC count for Harding of the area at the beginning of the year 2016 SAFRING ringing statistics for KZN Dam was done by Stan and Val Culley and we sadly lost one of our key with Doug Butcher, with 164 birds from committee members, Alan van Zyl, who WE at SAFRING have received a total of resighted was the Cape Vulture (159 15 species listed. There are another 14 passed away in October 2016 after a 9,526 ring records (initial ringing, retrap, records), African Reed Warbler (73 sites on the KZN South Coast, where Val brave fight against cancer. His presence resighting and recovery) from qualified records), Cape White-eye (39 records), hopes they can participate in future and experience is sorely missed. ringers and public (reported recoveries) Olive Sunbird (38 records) and Southern counts. We do know the lack of co- However, the new year of 2017 and in KwaZulu-Natal from the start of Red Bishop (38 records). ordination is from lack of staff and funds, the club AGM saw a revived committee January 2016 until the end of December Of the recoveries received, most did a constant battle, but hopefully this will of seven – a mixture of new and stalwart 2016. not have identifiable causes of death. improve. members, and I was bamboozled into This total makes up 13.3% of the total The main recorded causes of fatalities The same can be said for the Blue taking the chair. I'm not a professional ring records received by SAFRING over were “killed by domestic pets (cat/dog)” Swallow counts which did not take place birder, having only picked up the interest this period. This total includes 8,443 (4 records; Yellow Weaver, Southern in 2016. Some club members are keen to at the beginning of 2015, but my love for initial ring records, 1,052 recaptures/ Red Bishop, Village Weaver, Chorister participate and the news from forum is it has grown to such an extent that I even resightings and 31 recoveries from 302 Robin-Chat), “window collisions” (2 that a co-ordinator will be appointed did my first twitch this year to the species. The most common species records; Lesser Masked Weaver, before the migrants arrive. infamous Malagasy Pond Heron found ringed in the province over this period Amethyst Sunbird) and “shot” (2 Andrew is putting up nets for ringing in on Phinda estate. How could I not make was the Southern Red Bishop (896 records; both Egyptian Geese). The the Gwala Forest, but this is no longer my first twitch right on our own back records), followed by the Barn Swallow recoveries were predominantly made up open for club members or the public as yard! (856 records), Village Weaver (570 of Egyptian Geese (6 records), Spotted farmers are loath to allow access. He We have had monthly meetings and records) and Southern Masked Weaver Eagle-Owls (3 records), Crowned has found a spot on the river for Barn outings since April, but as that is all (484 records). Eagles (2 records) and Southern Red Swallow netting, also not available for history, I won't bore you with the details. Most recaptures and resightings were Bishops (2 records). general viewing, but he can continue We have a quiz evening planned for identified by registered ringers while Two foreign recapture-resightings- with his research. November and two outings for the year trapping, with only 12 records coming in recoveries were reported for this period, Birders beware: Empisini Nature left. I'm passionate about growing the from unregistered birders identifying both being White Storks (Rings: Reserve at Umkomaas is not safe. Our love and care of birds and the metal or colour rings in the field. The Ph08973 from Hungary, and Hn941 local Rising Sun newspaper carried a environment, especially among the most common species recaptured or from Germany). November 2017 10 11 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

We would like to thank the 53 often fly to non-forest localities to feed Southern Ground registered ringers who aided in this on fruit of pecan nut trees. This makes Hornbill. A group collection and a special thanks to Peter counting much easier and reduces the of seven Ground Dearlove who is our top KwaZulu-Natal probability of repeatedly counting the Hornbills were ringer with an overall of 1,961 birds same birds. observed at a ringed in the province over this period. Despite the poor weather on one of l o c a l i t y n e a r This number is followed by Karin Nelson the days in many areas, at least 1,409 Creighton, KZN. (1,006 records) and James Rawdon parrots were seen during the afternoon Interestingly, (952 records). The ringer with the most count while 1,719 were seen the several observers retraps in KwaZulu-Natal for 2016 was following morning. The maximum reported juvenile Peter Dearlove with 170 retrap records. number of Cape Parrots counted was African Crowned Please be aware that the statistics 573 in KZN, 209 in the former Transkei, Eagles at various Photo supplied presented here may vary slightly as 887 in the former Eastern Cape, and 98 localities. Several ABOVE: Some of the Cape Parrot observers involved in the outstanding records are submitted. We in Limpopo Province. This suggests that o b s e r v e r s CPBBD at a forest near Creighton, KZN. at SAFRING really appreciate all the there were at least 1767 Cape Parrots in reported illegal effort of ringers and the general public the wild on the CPBBD in 2017. On the logging and/or hunting of wildlife while doing their CPBBD observations, which is of (the latter in reporting recoveries), and Sunday, the parrots were observed at concern. would like to thank everyone who has 69% of localities and on the Saturday at As in past years, there were numerous communities involved in the count. This taken part in ringing and resighting in 74% of localities. The localities where no highlights the importance of the CPBBD in developing interest, knowledge and Southern Africa. parrots were observed, are ones where hopefully conservation awareness. It is an excellent way that citizens can contribute the birds have been seen previously so to science. Several school groups assisted observers in many of the rural areas. The Dane Paijmans they need to be covered, although, for observers in the Langeni/Matiwane Region area had a get-together and produced a SAFRING, [email protected] observers, nil counts are often very very detailed summary report for their area. We are most grateful to all those who negative. participated in the CPBBD, especially the stalwarts who assist year in and year out. Again, several observers commented We are also most grateful to the various co-ordinators and those volunteers who Cape Parrot on how Pied or Cape Crows or various have participated for many years. Please diarise 5 and 6 May 2018 for Cape Parrot Birding Big Day raptors were disturbing the Cape Day 2018, the 21st one! Parrots. Colleen T. Downs, Eebee Ally and Preshnee Singh 2017 report We are regularly asked to provide School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal; [email protected] THE twentieth CPBBD was held on 6 maps and locations, and/or summary and 7 May 2017. The CPBBD is numbers of Cape Parrots for particular generally extended over the Saturday areas in this report, but we do not, as BLPN Calendar 2018 available now afternoon and Sunday morning of the these data may affect where illegal BIRDLIFE Port Natal’s themed following day. One reason for this is that capture and trade of Cape Parrots occur. calendars are hugely popular, often weather is poor on one of the days. Co-ordinators can get specific combining beautiful pictures with This allows an afternoon and a morning information for feedback to their interesting information. In 2018, estimate. The higher of these for each volunteers. we learn more about cuckoos. province is then used to give the Other highlights The calendar includes a year maximum number counted. planner and 13 months. The The areas of South Africa covered by Cape Parrots are flagship species for superb photographs are donated the count include the Eastern Cape, KZN South Africa’s Afromontane-temperate by Hugh Chittenden, editor of and Limpopo Provinces where Cape indigenous forest patches. Many Roberts' Bird Guide. Funds raised Parrots occur. This year at least 196 observers recorded other endangered from sales are used for bird volunteers were posted at 79 localities in forest species or ones found in the conservation projects. the three provinces. Usually when the neighbouring grasslands while doing Contact Lesley Frescura CPBBD is held in April or May, the Cape their CPBBD observations. These [email protected] 083 231 Parrots move between forests more and included the Samango Monkey and the 3408. November 2017 12 13 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

News from the Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide THE Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide project restaurant on a 24-hour basis. This has has certainly had an eventful and since proved to be an invaluable asset to exciting 2017 so far. the project. Not only are we capturing During February, we received a call tagging data that would otherwise be from the Oribi Gorge Spa and Lodge m i s s e d , b u t a l s o s e e i n g s o m e advising us that a Cape Vulture was interesting visitors and behaviour at the grounded on their property. Our initial feeding station and hide bird bath. Of thought was that the bird had become some 250 tag records submitted, 230 of sodden following a few days of rain. these were from the camera photos. To Camera trap photo supplied However, when we received a photo of date, oribi antelope, bushpig, black- ABOVE: There was great delight when vultures began using a new bathing the bird, it was clear that something was backed jackal, large spotted genet, facility at the hide within three days of construction being completed amiss. Michelle Pearson, from Second serval, Spotted Thick-knee and African annually. The highest was in 2003. We been a financially ambitious project for C h a n c e A v i a n R e s c u e , a n d I Fish Eagle, have made appearances, were therefore expecting about 50 nests us and we wish to express huge thanks immediately went to investigate. amongst others. this year. to all our visitors, past and future, without Although still alive, the juvenile bird Our most exciting sighting was a In July, we performed a census of the whom this would not have been had collided with a powerline and juvenile White-backed Vulture in June. nests using a drone. Unfortunately, a possible. suffered a wing fracture. The bird was This record has been submitted to previous attempt in 2016, during which And finally for this update, Oribi rushed to a vet in Margate, but the SABAP2. We are also seeing oribi at the we just took video footage, was Vulture Viewing Hide is proud to prognosis was not good. Unable to bird bath, which is interesting as they are unsuccessful. This time we took still announce that we have been chosen to repair the wing, we had two options – to reported to be independent of water. photos. After painstakingly scanning participate in a nationwide marketing euthanase or amputate the wing. Nest building commenced in April, through all the images, we were campaign for the fast food outlet F o r t u n a t e l y, t h e C r o c w o r l d with initial signs being very positive. The astonished to count at least 94 active McDonalds. A “2-for-1 offer” for our Conservation Centre at Scottburgh had breeding success of the Oribi colony has nests. Not only was this a magnificent “vulture viewing experiences” will be recently announced a new vulture been monitored by the farmer, Mike result, but it also threw our previous available as a redeemable reward when captive breeding programme at their Neethling (et al.), since 2001, with estimate of 120 individuals in the colony purchasing a “sharebag meal” at any facility. We therefore opted for between 17 and 58 nesting attempts completely out the window. We can now McDonalds in South Africa. The amputation and following intensive post- safely say that the Oribi colony promotion was launched in October operative care at Raptor Rescue in BELOW: CITES took up residence comprises over 200 birds. 2017. We are extremely excited that Pietermaritzburg, “CITES” as she at Crocworld in Scottburgh in April. On 22 August, we embarked on a vultures were deemed as a worthwhile became known, was transported to Her wing was amputated after project to construct a bathing facility for reward for such a high profile marketing Scottburgh. a collision with a powerline the vultures. The four metre diameter campaign. This will surely help put these Eskom was immediately notified Michelle Pearson concrete bath is fed automatically by a often misunderstood birds on the map. about the incident and promptly 10,000 litre Jo-Jo tank positioned 130 m To book one of our popular two-hour attended the site to assess mitigation away. Construction was completed on vulture viewing experiences and help us measures required. The offending 18 September. We were absolutely continue to expand this very worthwhile structure was a wooden upright pole with thrilled when our trail camera captured conservation project, please see our three vertical power lines, resembling a the first vultures visiting the bath on 21 contact details below. fence. Eskom has since replaced the September. Andy Ruffle poles with horizontal lines, fitted with Vultures are very clean birds and will Chair and project coordinator, “flappers” to make the lines more visible find water to bathe after feeding. Being Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide to birds. We are extremely impressed covered in thick down, they require a and grateful for their commitment to safe and secure environment to wash email: [email protected] protect our wildlife. and then dry off. The fact that our colony Cell: 072 893 3794 February also saw the purchase of a has taken to this new facility so quickly, WhatsApp: 081 510 8333 trail camera to monitor the vulture is rewarding beyond words. This has November 2017 14 15 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

New study finds veterinary painkiller How can South Asia’s lethally toxic to vultures vulture population be rebuilt? A STUDY published online this month in would provide vets and farmers another Conservationists from India and Nepal Nepali, who has worked to strengthen the scientific journal Chemosphere, has vulture-safe alternative to diclofenac.” have come together to plan a transboundary, Vulture Safe Zones in Nawalparasi, and shown the lethal effects on vultures of a When cattle are treated with sustainable answer to the question: t o e n h a n c e c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d popular painkilling drug used in the cattle carprofen, the drug collects in the how can you improve the outlook conservation in western Nepal. Here, farming industry. kidneys and in the tissue around the site of a bird family that has already suffered Khima shares his Learning Exchange The toxic drug is known as carprofen of the injection. In a controlled a population crash of 99%? experiences: and is from the same family of drugs as experiment, vultures were given kidney A s p a r t o f m y C L P ' s F u t u r e d i c l o f e n a c . T h e f r e q u e n t a n d tissue rich in carprofen or pure carprofen ASIAN vultures have undergone a Conservationist Award, my team and I widespread use of diclofenac to treat at the maximum levels measured in catastrophic decline in recent decades, have been conducting field surveys to cattle and buffalo in south Asia is what kidney tissue. These vultures showed with populations crashing by as much as assess the population status of several was responsible for the catastrophic no toxicity. However, the researchers 99%. In India and Nepal, four of nine vulture species. We have also been population declines in vultures in that found that carprofen concentrations v u l t u r e s p e c i e s a r e C r i t i c a l l y trying to fully understand what is region. Birds that consumed the were much higher at the injection site Endangered, largely as a result of threatening vultures in the lowland of carcasses of livestock treated with than in the kidneys or liver of the cattle poisoning by a drug commonly used to Uttarakhand state, which is a potential diclofenac experienced severe renal used in the experiment. One of two treat livestock, diclofenac. site for a Vulture Safe Zone (VSZ) – key failure and death within hours to days. As vultures exposed to the average Since 2006, diclofenac has been geographical habitats for vultures that a result, five species of South Asian concentration found at the injection site banned in these countries for veterinary are free of diclofenac by a radius of at vulture are now endangered or critically died. Post-mortem examination of this use, but it is still being purchased on the least 100 km. I'm interested in this work endangered. vulture found severe kidney and liver black market, and vultures are still because vultures play a crucial role A g a i n s t t h i s b a c k g r o u n d , damage evident of NSAID poisoning. struggling to rebound in the wake of their within ecosystems, by eating carrion conservationists in South Africa are “Our NSAID safety testing provides population crash. The Conservation and helping prevent the spread of extremely concerned about the impact of the critical evidence needed to bring Leadership Programme (CLP) – an disease. But they also suffer from being similar veterinary drugs on the vultures about bans and save tens of thousands initiative co-created by BirdLife in 1985 – maligned and misunderstood, which has which are indigenous to this region. To of vultures,” says Toby Galligan, a co- has funded projects in both Nepal, in hindered their survival. better understand the impact of non- author of the study and senior 2010 and 2013, and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs conservation scientist at the RSPB India, in 2016, to BELOW: A discussion at the vulture restaurant (NSAIDs) on southern African vultures, a Centre for Conservation Science, UK. improve the outlook management committee in Nepal team of researchers from the University “We carefully designed our experiment for these overlooked Photo supplied of Pretoria, the United Kingdom and to minimise the number of vultures that species. In March associated conservation partners have may die from that cause.” this year, a CLP been conducting a range of toxicity trials. Learning Exchange Kerri Wolter So far, only one common drug, brought a project VulPro NPC meloxicam, has been shown not to kill team member from [email protected] vultures at the maximum level of b o t h c o u n t r i e s 082 808 5113 exposure in a carcass. Tens of drugs together to share belong to this family and the toxicity of their knowledge. most remains unknown. ADOPT A BRICK K h i m a N a n d Professor Vinny Naidoo, a co-author VULPRO, a vulture conservation centre at Balodi, who led a of the study and Director of the Hartbeespoort, plans to expand their project to assess the Biomedical Research Centre, University enclosures and build new ones. To raise population status and of Pretoria, South Africa, says: “We funds for the project, the public is invited t h r e a t s f a c i n g wanted to safety test carprofen because to adopt a brick for R50 each. v u l t u r e s i n Uttarakhand, India in we had some evidence that this drug [email protected] might be non-toxic to vultures. This 2016, visited Bhupal November 2017 16 17 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

I spent my first few days in Nepal observe how these were managed, and learning about the work being done by a municipal waste site to see how this Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), with was run and which species could be Krishna Bhusal in Kathmandu. Krishna found there. Finally, we visited two was also part of the 2013 CLP project nesting colonies of the Critically team alongside Bhupal Nepali, and is Endangered White-rumped Vulture now BCN's Vulture Conservation Gyps bengalensis, once one of the most Program Officer. Nepal has initiated abundant birds of prey in the world, successful in-situ vulture conservation before the diclofenac crisis saw the interventions, such as community- species' population plummet from managed Vulture Safe Zones, and the several million to under 10,000 in the declaration of Diclofenac-Free Districts, 1990s. both of which emphasise the importance The Learning Exchange was also of cooperation between multiple useful in deepening my understanding stakeholders. We discussed the work of Nepal's cultural heritage – for we're involved with in our respective example, we visited Lumbini, the birth countries, including my ongoing CLP place of Buddha – and its close linkages Rene Pop project, and came up with a plan for the with India. I also gained insight into the ABOVE: The population of the Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture rest of the trip so I could learn as much as potential for using the religious and plummeted from several million to under 10,000 in the 1990s possible about what's been effective in philosophical connections that vultures the Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps The Conservation Leadership Programme Nepal. have in South Asia in their conservation. calvus, in Uttarakhand state. But (CLP) is a partnership of three conservation I then headed west to Butwal to join The field visits, and the interactions electrocution risk now seems to be the organisations: BirdLife International (BirdLife), Bhupal, who had arranged for us to meet with different stakeholders, gave me lots major existing threat to these vultures, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the with lots of different people and of ideas to take back to India, and to use as we recorded more than 100 dead Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). organisations over the next few days. in the advocacy, education and outreach electrocuted birds, including vultures BirdLife has been strongly involved in the We met with para-vet associations, and plan I'm developing for Uttarakhand. I'm and Steppe Eagles, at various carcass development of a Multi-species Action Plan to with government officials from the also in the process of organising a dumping sites. These are often situated Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (Vulture veterinary and forestry departments, meeting about transboundary vulture close to transmission lines, making MsAP), including all the species mentioned in who are concerned about vulture conservation, to share and discuss collisions likely, so we are working to this article, working with the Coordinating Unit conservation. We spoke with community these issues further with state shift all unsafe sites to safer locations. of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) forestry associations about their role in institutions in both countries, and We have also conducted several Raptors MOU, Vulture Conservation Foundation monitoring nests and raising awareness, working on an action plan for vulture meetings with various stakeholders in and IUCN Vulture Specialist Group. The Vulture and with vulture restaurant (special sites conservation in Uttarakhand state which the state and have organised 15 MsAP is available online where carcasses are left out to feed can be incorporated into the Vulture awareness camps in various districts of (http://www.cms.int/en/document/multi-species- vultures) management committees Conservation Action Plan of India. I am Uttarakhand, as per the plan prepared action-plan-conserve-african-eurasian-vultures- about their work in ensuring safe food is very thankful to CLP for supporting this during the learning exchange. To vulture-msap-0) and will be considered for available. We met district livestock excellent experience, and for the celebrate International Vulture adoption by the Parties to the CMS at its 12th service officers and pharmacists to opportunity to develop a collaboration A w a r e n e s s D a y 2 0 1 7 , w e a r e Meeting of the Conference of the Parties in discuss the use of diclofenac and with BCN team members. conducting around 20 events in different Manila in October 2017. alternative drugs, and also held Since returning to India, I have locations through local NGOs, schools, The BirdLife Partnership's work on South discussions about transboundary issues continued with our project work in volunteers and our Vulture Mitra and South-east Asian vultures is carried out as relating to drug use and monitoring in Uttarakhand. We have collected 100 (Friends of the Vulture) initiative. part of SAVE (Saving Asia's Vultures from cases where safe zones span the India- tissue samples from livestock to assess Khima Nand Balodi Extinction), a consortium created to oversee Nepal border. the use of diclofenac, and we have also and co-ordinate conservation, campaigning and We also visited three already- recorded very small, scattered fundraising activities for the region's vultures. established safe feeding sites – in populations of two Critically Endangered Gaindatel, Pithauli and Dhachuk – to species, the White-rumped Vulture and ADVERTISE IN KZN BIRDS, SEE PAGE 2 November 2017 18 19 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

network of over 2,000 The guardians of Africa’s largest lake similar groups working at Locals are rallying together to protect Lake Victoria's valuable wetlands BirdLife Important Bird & and its inhabitants. The world's largest tropical lake spans three Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) countries and nourishes both the rich wildlife and the impoverished around the world. communities that live around it. But its resources have also attracted The Shoebill and a less desirable attention - such as traffickers targeting iconic birds range of other interesting such as the Shoebill wildlife such as the Blue Swallow, Papyrus gonolek AS THE sun rises over the Mabamba There! He's spotted one at last: an and sitatunga antelope Bay Wetland on the northwestern shores unmistakeable blue-grey bird with a attract ever-increasing of Lake Victoria, East Africa, a canoe massive bill and small white eyes, numbers of visitors to the slowly navigates a winding channel lined standing still as stone as it waits for its swamp, providing vital with papyrus and reeds. A light mist still next meal to swim within range. As his income for the local clings to the water, and three tourists clients gasp, focus their binoculars and people. So in 2013 and jump excitedly at every rustle, ripple and snap away with their cameras, Julius 2 0 1 4 w h e n w i l d l i f e flutter of wings as they peer into the smiles with relief. His clients will leave traffickers began to target dense vegetation. Their guide Julius Uganda today happy and satisfied; a job David Thomas the Shoebill in Mabamba ABOVE: Tourists visiting Mabamba Bay Musenda, a fisherman from the local well done. Bay for sale to zoos and village of Kasanje who knows the swamp Julius is a member of the Mabamba private collectors, the like the back of his hand, keeps his sharp B i r d G u i d e s a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n community took swift and direct action to Mabamba Bay, like some other eyes peeled for the feathered prize they Association, which is in turn part of the stamp out the trade. wetlands in the area, is not included in have all come to find. Mabamba Wetland Eco-Tourism The local people were able to act so Uganda's official protected area system. Mabamba Bay is widely recognised Association (MWETA), along with two quickly and confidently because they Its management therefore lies largely in as the best place to see the mysterious other Local Conservation Groups were well organised and aware of their the hands of local people and civil Shoebill in Uganda, but a sighting is (LCGs). These community groups are rights and responsibilities as stewards of society organisations such as MWETA, never guaranteed. Tension is mounting, run by volunteers who aim to conserve the wetland, which is an IBA protected who try to conserve it in the face of they must soon return to land to catch and sustainably manage the wetland’s under the Ramsar Convention, an serious threats including poaching, their flight and time is growing short. natural resources, and are part of a international treaty that provides the pollution, invasive species and framework for the conservation and agricultural encroachment – problems BELOW: Shoebill David Thomas sustainable use of wetlands and their also affecting the wider Lake Victoria resources. They also fostered close Basin. relationships with local law enforcement The famous lake supports Africa's agencies and government bodies, and largest inland fishery, and its resources were able to rely on their support when and ecosystem services help sustain the the need arose. livelihoods of tens of millions of people. Vitally, they had the motivation to However, it is this dependence that protect their local patch from those who threatens Lake Victoria's delicate and wished to exploit it for short-term gain. d i v e r s e e c o l o g y, i n c l u d i n g i t s MWETA focused their conservation remarkable cichlid fish diversity and efforts through the creation of a globally threatened species such as the sophisticated Community Action Plan, Shoebill and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. with assistance from Nature Uganda No less than 17 IBAs are directly (BirdLife Partner in Uganda), which also connected to the lake system, with more helped them better understand the found across the Basin. importance and value of their natural Due to the high levels of poverty in the resources. densely populated Basin, governments November 2017 20 21 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 have historically focused on poverty funds and influence policy. With the alleviation and increasing GDP, at any support of Association pour la BIRD NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS cost. Exploitation of natural resources Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda continues apace, and arguments for (BirdLife Partner), the community is Observations of a female African Finfoot sustainability tend to lose out in favour of working together to improve their quality commercial growth. If the government of life through the sustainable use of in the Mhlathuze River will not stand up for nature, then their wetlands. DURING the May 2017 survey of the approximately a metre from me. I was communities must urge them to do so. They are taking advantage of the KwaZulu-Natal River Eco-Status unsure as to the period the bird had There are numerous LCGs working to national programme of community Monitoring Programme (KZN REMP) I been submerged, but my associate and protect their own patch of Lake Victoria service called Umuganda, where on the managed to observe interesting, I were at the site for about 40 minutes on a voluntary basis, and BirdLife last Saturday of every month, people perhaps aberrant, behaviour of a female prior to the event. The finfoot then flew International, with funding from the Aage participate in activities such as street African Finfoot Podica senegalensis. d o w n s t r e a m a n d d i s a p p e a r e d V. Jensen Foundation, has released a cleaning, tree planting and wetland The sample site was located on the completely under the water again and new report that details how five such restoration. Mhlathuze River, near the settlement of was not seen for the remainder of the groups have been working with decision Many rural communities possess a Ntshentshelu, approximately 21 km sampling period (about 20 minutes). The makers to tackle environmental issues in deep well of knowledge about their local from Eshowe. The site is a riffle-pool SABAP2 coverage map does indicate their area. By sharing their experiences environment. Every plant species has a complex dominated by boulders with the presence of the species within the of working with local governments to name, and its uses – as food, fuel, pockets of sand. The riparian vegetation pentad with a full protocol reporting rate p r o t e c t t h e i r l o c a l I B A s , o t h e r medicine or building material – are at the time of writing was dominated by of 4 – 4.7%. What is noteworthy is that conservation groups in East Africa and passed down through the generations. Phragmites reeds within the marginal according to Roberts, African Finfoots beyond can hopefully benefit from their The ebb and flow of the seasons, the zone and woody vegetation forming a prefer slow water velocity with a clear wisdom; these include Yala Swamp, lifecycles of animals, these things are closed-canopy riparian forest within the water column, although the individual Kenya; Mabamba Bay and Lutembe not merely the background to everyday non-marginal zone. Although invasive was observed within a relatively fast- Bay, Uganda; Mpungwe Mountains life – they are life. This sort of “natural species were dominant within the flowing reach possessing relatively Chain (connected to Ruvubu National database”, paired with a community's riparian forest, the site nevertheless turbid water (clarity was 37 cm). Park IBA), Burundi; and Akanyaru motivation to safeguard their local possessed remnants of indigenous Furthermore, Roberts indicates that Wetlands, Rwanda. natural resources, can be a valuable vegetation. the species usually submerges, albeit For example, the group Serukubeze resource for conservation, if they are During sample collection for macro- leaving the head and neck exposed and (“the ability to do”) is formed mostly of recognised and respected. invertebrates within a pool that feeds from the water surface and young women who are working hard to This motivation is clearly expressed possessed a sand substrate, the female surrounding vegetation. However, this protect the Mpungwe Mountain Chain by by Julius Musenda: “Mabamba Bay appeared from underwater within individual was observed to be encouraging local policy makers to take wetland is my only source of income. completely submerged. In addition, the conservation seriously. The Association First through selling fish to the BELOW: An illustratation of the site species diet does include aquatic fauna, Burundaise pour la Conservation de la community and tourists, and then characteristics where the female including crabs, snails and fish, of which Nature (BirdLife in Burundi) has through tips when I take them to find the African Finfoot was recorded Mahomed Desai the first two were confirmed to be supported Serukubeze by organising Shoebill. MWETA educates us on the present at the site. The species is also training in fundraising and advocacy, importance of the wetland. Now I see the known to feed on Odonata of which the giving members the confidence to connection between being a fisherman, larvae were collected, but it is not clear if engage with decision makers. bird conservation, tourism, and the species feeds on larvae and/or I n a n o t h e r e x a m p l e , t h r e e community development. I have come to adults. Therefore, it is postulated that cooperatives in the Akanyaru Wetlands regard Mabamba as a community this is unrecorded feeding behaviour i n n e i g h b o u r i n g R w a n d a a r e wetland.” a n d p e r h a p s n e e d s f u r t h e r i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e i r C o m m u n i t y Louise Jasper investigating. Adaptation Plan, which aims to BirdLife International rehabilitate and sustainably manage the Mahomed Desai wetland, improve livelihoods, reduce Aquatic Ecosystem Research Programme poverty, and build their capacity to raise University of KwaZulu-Natal November 2017 22 23 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 have historically focused on poverty funds and influence policy. With the alleviation and increasing GDP, at any support of Association pour la BIRD NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS cost. Exploitation of natural resources Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda continues apace, and arguments for (BirdLife Partner), the community is Observations of a female African Finfoot sustainability tend to lose out in favour of working together to improve their quality commercial growth. If the government of life through the sustainable use of in the Mhlathuze River will not stand up for nature, then their wetlands. DURING the May 2017 survey of the approximately a metre from me. I was communities must urge them to do so. They are taking advantage of the KwaZulu-Natal River Eco-Status unsure as to the period the bird had There are numerous LCGs working to national programme of community Monitoring Programme (KZN REMP) I been submerged, but my associate and protect their own patch of Lake Victoria service called Umuganda, where on the managed to observe interesting, I were at the site for about 40 minutes on a voluntary basis, and BirdLife last Saturday of every month, people perhaps aberrant, behaviour of a female prior to the event. The finfoot then flew International, with funding from the Aage participate in activities such as street African Finfoot Podica senegalensis. d o w n s t r e a m a n d d i s a p p e a r e d V. Jensen Foundation, has released a cleaning, tree planting and wetland The sample site was located on the completely under the water again and new report that details how five such restoration. Mhlathuze River, near the settlement of was not seen for the remainder of the groups have been working with decision Many rural communities possess a Ntshentshelu, approximately 21 km sampling period (about 20 minutes). The makers to tackle environmental issues in deep well of knowledge about their local from Eshowe. The site is a riffle-pool SABAP2 coverage map does indicate their area. By sharing their experiences environment. Every plant species has a complex dominated by boulders with the presence of the species within the of working with local governments to name, and its uses – as food, fuel, pockets of sand. The riparian vegetation pentad with a full protocol reporting rate p r o t e c t t h e i r l o c a l I B A s , o t h e r medicine or building material – are at the time of writing was dominated by of 4 – 4.7%. What is noteworthy is that conservation groups in East Africa and passed down through the generations. Phragmites reeds within the marginal according to Roberts, African Finfoots beyond can hopefully benefit from their The ebb and flow of the seasons, the zone and woody vegetation forming a prefer slow water velocity with a clear wisdom; these include Yala Swamp, lifecycles of animals, these things are closed-canopy riparian forest within the water column, although the individual Kenya; Mabamba Bay and Lutembe not merely the background to everyday non-marginal zone. Although invasive was observed within a relatively fast- Bay, Uganda; Mpungwe Mountains life – they are life. This sort of “natural species were dominant within the flowing reach possessing relatively Chain (connected to Ruvubu National database”, paired with a community's riparian forest, the site nevertheless turbid water (clarity was 37 cm). Park IBA), Burundi; and Akanyaru motivation to safeguard their local possessed remnants of indigenous Furthermore, Roberts indicates that Wetlands, Rwanda. natural resources, can be a valuable vegetation. the species usually submerges, albeit For example, the group Serukubeze resource for conservation, if they are During sample collection for macro- leaving the head and neck exposed and (“the ability to do”) is formed mostly of recognised and respected. invertebrates within a pool that feeds from the water surface and young women who are working hard to This motivation is clearly expressed possessed a sand substrate, the female surrounding vegetation. However, this protect the Mpungwe Mountain Chain by by Julius Musenda: “Mabamba Bay appeared from underwater within individual was observed to be encouraging local policy makers to take wetland is my only source of income. completely submerged. In addition, the conservation seriously. The Association First through selling fish to the BELOW: An illustratation of the site species diet does include aquatic fauna, Burundaise pour la Conservation de la community and tourists, and then characteristics where the female including crabs, snails and fish, of which Nature (BirdLife in Burundi) has through tips when I take them to find the African Finfoot was recorded Mahomed Desai the first two were confirmed to be supported Serukubeze by organising Shoebill. MWETA educates us on the present at the site. The species is also training in fundraising and advocacy, importance of the wetland. Now I see the known to feed on Odonata of which the giving members the confidence to connection between being a fisherman, larvae were collected, but it is not clear if engage with decision makers. bird conservation, tourism, and the species feeds on larvae and/or I n a n o t h e r e x a m p l e , t h r e e community development. I have come to adults. Therefore, it is postulated that cooperatives in the Akanyaru Wetlands regard Mabamba as a community this is unrecorded feeding behaviour i n n e i g h b o u r i n g R w a n d a a r e wetland.” a n d p e r h a p s n e e d s f u r t h e r i m p l e m e n t i n g t h e i r C o m m u n i t y Louise Jasper investigating. Adaptation Plan, which aims to BirdLife International rehabilitate and sustainably manage the Mahomed Desai wetland, improve livelihoods, reduce Aquatic Ecosystem Research Programme poverty, and build their capacity to raise University of KwaZulu-Natal November 2017 22 23 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

warbler was not heard or seen; and Jacobs district is being very quickly Knysna Warbler seen in Durban presumably it had moved on or was opened up and in a few years there will for the first time in 85 years silent. This is the first record of Knysna be no bush and no birds - a sad Warbler at Pigeon Valley, despite prospect” (7). ON 20 August 2017, extensive monitoring at the reserve over The Pigeon Valley observation raises while walking along the last 30 years. In past years, Barratt's many questions. Was the warbler simply one of the trails on the Warbler has occasionally been a lost vagrant? Where might it have north-facing side of identified in winter, but those warblers come from? Is there indeed a winter Pigeon Valley Nature were generally only giving their movement of Knysna Warblers Reserve in Durban, alarm/contact calls, which are similar in into/within KZN? Were some of the Richard Boon heard the two warblers. Barratt's Warblers identified in the past a n u n u s u a l s o n g This Pigeon Valley observation also at Pigeon Valley perhaps Knysna emanating from an appears to be the first sighting in Durban Warblers instead? Has the warbler been impenetrable tangle of in 85 years. The last confirmed record overlooked at other forests in Durban? for Durban was a pair collected by the lianas and vines. Greg Davies and Richard Boon naturalist Roy Wilson at Wentworth in The song began [email protected] with about 10 high- early July 1932 (1, 3). Wilson noted at p i t c h e d , s t a c c a t o the time that “I have only come across References teep-teep-teep-teep [Knysna Warbler] in those patches of (1) Berruti A. 2000. Knysna Warbler notes before grading thick forest that still remain along the Bradypterus sylvaticus. In: Barnes K. (ed.), into a fast, rather coast near Durban” (4). Six museum ESKOM Red Data Book of Birds of South skins of Knysna Warbler, collected sweet-toned trill. It Dirk Human Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland, pp. 123-124. was recognizable as a ABOVE: Knysna Warbler between the late 1800s and 1932, are BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg & Avian Bradypterus warbler known from the Durban area (3), and a Demography Unit, Cape Town. song and the fairly long series of The dense thicket where the warbler seventh skin collected by JA Wahlberg is (2) Kennerley P. & Pearson D. 2010. Reed and introductory notes, the overall mellow was found was approximately 2 m high in the Royal Swedish Natural History Bush Warblers, pp. 147-148. Christopher Helm, timbre and drawn-out, somewhat down- and comprised a tangle of the following Museum, Stockholm. All verified KZN London. slurred trill at the end strongly suggested creepers and lianas: Adenopodia specimens of Knysna Warbler were (3) Berruti A., Taylor P.J., Vernon C.J. 1993. it was a Knysna Warbler Bradypterus spicata, Distephanus angulifolius, D. collected in winter (3) and it is possibly Morphometrics and distribution of the Knysna sylvaticus. anisochaetoides, Dalbergia obovata, significant that this Pigeon Valley record Warbler Bradypterus sylvaticus Sundevall and By recording and then playing back Secamone gerrardii, Flagellaria was also made in winter. It has been Barratt's Warbler B. barratti Sharpe. Durban the song, the singer emerged low down guineense and Ipomoea ficifolia. The tentatively proposed as a winter visitor to Museum Novitates 18: 29-36. at the edge of the undergrowth revealing typically common herbaceous forest KZN (5), although this was doubted as a (4) Wilson R.B. 1932. Some notes on the genus itself as a generally plain brown warbler, understorey shrub, Isoglossa woodii, collecting artefact (3). No seasonal Caffrillas as observed in the district of Durban. with slightly paler underparts. The throat was present but only as a minor movements could be discerned from Ostrich 3(3): 110-112. had diffuse brown streaking, but the constituent of the thicket. There were SABAP 1 data (6) and Wilson thought he (5) Clancey P.A. 1964. Birds of Natal and breast was unstreaked. The undertail also a few saplings struggling to emerge may have seen the warbler at Zululand, p. 354. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburgh. covert feathers were brown with pale tips from under the lianas and creepers, but Wentworth in summer (7). (6) Berruti A., Harrison J.A. & Navarro R.A. creating a barred effect. The wings were there were no tall trees nor any The apparent extinction of Knysna 1994. Seasonal migration of terrestrial birds noticeably short (reaching to about the interlocking canopy above the thicket. Warbler in the Durban area has been along the southern and eastern coasts of base of the tail) and the tail was short and The thicket was not adjacent or close to attributed to the clearance of coastal southern Africa. Ostrich 65: 54-65. broad with rounded corners. The eyes any drainage line or watercourse; a forest for urban expansion (1). In a letter (7) R. Wilson to A. Roberts, letter, 7 Jan 1932; were dark-toned and the legs pinkish. liking for drainage lines has been to Austin Roberts written in January Austin Roberts Correspondence Archive, Bird These features and the song indicated reported previously (1, 2). 1932, Wilson commented on the Department, Ditsong National Museum of that the bird was a Knysna and not a Richard returned on 21 August and Wentworth Forest that “unfortunately all Natural History, Pretoria, Gauteng. Barratt's Warbler B. barratti. twice more during that week, but the that bush is doomed, this Wentworth

November 2017 24 25 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

BIRD TRIPS AND OUTINGS Pelagic trip off St Lucia ON 29 July 2017, I teamed up with other surf zone at that stage, but this was not birders for an exploratory pelagic trip off wholly unexpected because the seabed St Lucia town in the iSimangaliso falls off remarkably quickly here and Wetland Park. deep-water conditions are reached We got off to a promising, if further inshore than is usual along the unorthodox, start as we passed the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Sooty Tern that's been loitering on-and- Sure enough, within minutes, this off at the estuary mouth for years. Rather initial sighting was followed by several ludicrously, this sighting happened while more, mixed in with approximately equal we were already seated in the boat, but numbers of another deep-water were still on dry land being towed on a specialist, the diminutive and darting trailer along the beach by a gigantic Antarctic Prion. At one stage we sailed tractor. The panic-inducing launch was through a patch where several petrels directly into the surf and we were barely and prions were circling when, to our beyond the breakers when a hump- astonishment, a tiny flying-fish leapt out backed whale breached just ahead of us. of the water metres ahead of our bow Seconds later, a Soft-plumaged Petrel and was snatched in the air by an soared in to circle the spot. This is acrobatic petrel! normally a species of deep, usually far- Things were looking positive for the David Allan offshore, waters. I doubt we were more primary purpose of the trip: to get some ABOVE: A dainty Antarctic Prion skips over the waves off St Lucia, July 2017 than a few hundred metres behind the chum in the water and draw the birds to close quarters. The next couple of hours endearing. Facing into the wind, they BELOW: Soft-plumaged Petrel off St Lucia, July 2017 were spent revelling in unparalleled hang and manoeuvre with their feet David Allan views of several dozen Soft-plumaged trailing in the water and delicately dip Petrels and Antarctic Prions virtually at down with their bills to select particles of arm's length. The Soft-plumaged Petrel floating food, before picking up the pace is one of the 'gadfly' petrels in the genus and pattering over the sea surface as Pterodroma. Gadfly petrels are they take more purposefully to the wing. celebrated as the most aerially dynamic The prions are colloquially known as of all seabirds (flying “as if evading “whale-birds” because lamellae lining horseflies”) and the genus name means their bills are best likened to analogous “wing runners”. When they flip sideways structures in the cavernous maws of the in flight against the wind, they rocket baleen whales. vertically as if ensconced in a Several White-chinned Petrels, a skyscraper's exterior elevator. Most couple of Wilson's Storm Petrels, a encounters with Soft-plumaged Petrels juvenile Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross are distant and transitory affairs as the and an early Great-winged Petrel made birds flash past at velocity. But not on up the supporting cast. All too soon, our this occasion, when our chum enticed time was up and we had to turn for home, them repeatedly within easy reach and but the tantalizing results from this trip they even dropped down at eye-level will hopefully inspire repeat efforts. alongside us to pluck morsels from the David Allan ocean surface. The foraging action of Durban Natural Science Museum the prions is quite different but more November 2017 26 27 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

Iceland Birds, I was unable to put a do I tick the migrants off on my life-list?! Migrants in Iceland pose questions name to it. Another one that we also get Merle Mackenzie here in South Africa was the Common ON a trip to Iceland earlier Durban this year, I was really Ringed Plover. But my favourite sighting interested to see some of was, of course, the Atlantic Puffins! Editor’s note: The mystery bird is a Redwing o u r m i g r a n t s i n f u l l The only question I'm left with now, is Turdus iliacus breeding colours there. While I was not specifically Small brown birds and large rapacious birds on a birding trip (I was on a FOLLOWING the non-breeding widows, guided coach tour of the whydahs and weavers course that I ran country), I was still able to on 15 July this year, we had an outing do a spot of birding when the next day to Thurlow Park, part of we stopped at various Midmar Nature Reserve, to see how places along the way. many of the little brown jobs we could Unfortunately, I don't have find. The day started cloudy and cool, a powerful lens on my with a forecast of strong winds and rain c a m e r a , s o t h e later. This might explain why relatively photographs included are Merle Mackenzie few people arrived, but those who did not the best quality. ABOVE: Black-headed Gull were treated to a good set of birds. A bird that had me After seeing some Black-winged guessing was a gull with a black head. on the forewing. Lapwings skulking in a rocky area, we Was it indeed a Black-headed Gull, or One bird that had me lamenting the started the excursion by walking through was it perhaps a Franklin's Gull? fact that I was stuck on a bus was a Red- the rank grasslands towards the edge of Fortunately I managed to get a photo necked Phalarope. The only photos I the water. We managed to pick up with wings outstretched as it was about could get were through the bus window, several of the euplectids that we were to take flight, so could examine this at but I could still confirm its identity. hoping for, namely Fan-tailed Widows, leisure on my return home. I was Of interest was a thrush that looks Long-tailed Widows and Southern Red satisfied that it was a Black-headed Gull very similar to our Groundscraper Bishops, and brief views of Yellow because of the greater expanse of white Thrush, but as I didn't have a book on Bishop and Red-collared Widows. There were other LBJs to divert some BELOW: Atlantic Puffin attention, such as Levaillant's Cisticola RIGHT: Redwing and female African Stonechat, but none Merle Mackenzie of the weavers I was hoping for. We got down to the water and managed a good list of waterfowl, including two pairs of South African Shelduck and Red-billed Teal, as well as Malachite Kingfisher and Steve Davis African Wattled Lapwing. ABOVE: Aloes at Thurlow Satisfied with these sightings, we we were pleasantly surprised to see a drove on down to the west end of the splendid array of flowering Aloe dam, looking all the time for any maculata, in red, orange and yellow weavers, but they remained scarce. We contrasting with the burnt ground. This then drove up the rutted road to the top was a photo opportunity that could not of the hill, pausing briefly for Fiscal be missed, so we climbed the small hill Flycatcher and Rufous-naped Lark on to the aloes, encountering a number of the burnt grassland and a few Alpine other wild flowers along the way. Swifts zooming past. At the top of the hill, While we were admiring them, we November 2017 28 29 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 picked up a good raptor list: African Fish After this delight, the wind picked up 27-31 August 2017 Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, African Marsh and the clouds gathered, and so we Rina Pretorius, Klaus Heyer, Harrier, Lanner Falcon (chasing the headed back to the entrance. On a short Dave Rimmer and harrier and itself being chased by Pied diversion, some of us were lucky enough Jenni Maxted Crows), Rock Kestrel and Black- to see a small flock of about 20 Orange- (KZN rarity forms submitted). shouldered Kite. Then, at the top of the breasted Waxbills and a couple of Red- hill, we saw a pair of Secretarybirds winged Francolin close to the road. So, ANTARCTIC TERN striding through the short grass. They despite the small turnout and the cool Sterna vittata saw us when we were quite close to weather, it was a good morning's outing KZN Rarity them, took off and soared higher and and the goal of seeing a range of streaky One, 25 June 2017, at sea off higher on the increasingly strong south- brown euplectids was achieved. Durban, Niall Perrins. westerly wind, and then headed off Steve Davis elsewhere. SOOTY TERN Durban Onychoprion fuscatus KZN Rarity HONORARY RECORDER’S REPORT Dave Rimmer Two, 24 June 2017 and one, ABOVE: Chestnut-banded Plover 25 June 2017, at sea off GREETINGS, fellow birders. Spring is Also notable is an increase in Knysna Newcastle, August 2017 Durban, Niall Perrins. now well under way and the rarities are Warbler records. Again, are they One, St Lucia estuary, streaming in again. There's quite a dispersing through KZN or are birders AFRICAN CRAKE Crecopsis egregia 2-6 July 2017, Themba Mthembu, and mixed bag, ranging from the first becoming better at differentiating its call KZN Rarity 16-31 July 2017, Paul and Julie confirmed record in South Africa of from that of Barratt's Warbler? Answers One, Port Edward, 29 March 2017, Herselman and others, still present on Malagasy Pond Heron to the regular on a postcard please… Stan Culley 27 September 2017 Sooty Tern at Richard's Bay. Of (KZN Rarity form submitted). (SA Rare Bird News) particular interest this issue is a plethora RARITIES One, Port Edward, 7 July 2017, One, off Sodwana Bay, 13 July 2017 of Ayres's Hawk Eagle sightings from all BENNETT'S WOODPECKER Claudia Risch (SA Rare Bird News). over the province. This species was Campethera bennettii (KZN Rarity form submitted). Four off Port Shepstone, previously regular only around the KZN Rarity 10 August 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). Empangeni area, but either they have One female, Manyoni Private Game ALLEN'S GALLINULE Porphyrio alleni been dispersing recently and/or people Reserve, 18 June 2017, Clayton Burne KZN Rarity BAT HAWK Macheiramphus alcinus are getting better at identifying them. (KZN Rarity form submitted). One, Ndumo Game Reserve, KZN Rarity 5 March 2017, Dominic Rollinson One, Nsumo Pan, Mkhuze Game BELOW: Striped Crake, Hluhluwe, June 2017 VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (KZN Rarity form submitted). Reserve, 13-31 July 2017, Nick Evans Paul Bartho Bubo lacteus (KZN Rarity accepted). KZN Rarity LESSER MOORHEN One, Hayfields, Gallinula angulata DARK CHANTING GOSHAWK Pietermaritzburg, KZN Rarity Melierax metabates 25 June 2017, Patrick Kime. One, Mkhuze Game Reserve, KZN Rarity 21 August 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). One, Zululand Rhino Reserve, STRIPED CRAKE 2 April 2017, Steve Davis and others Aenigmatolimnas marginalis CHESTNUT-BANDED PLOVER (KZN Rarity form submitted). National Rarity Charadrius pallidus One, Thiyeni Hide, Hluhluwe KZN Rarity PALE CHANTING GOSHAWK Game Reserve, One, St Lucia estuary, Melierax canorus 11-15 June 2017, 30 July – 27 August 2017 KZN Rarity Zacharus Benadie and (SA Rare Bird News). One, Coleford Nature Reserve, others. One, Iscor Pan, Newcastle, 6-13 July 2017, Steve Freese and November 2017 30 31 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 picked up a good raptor list: African Fish After this delight, the wind picked up 27-31 August 2017 Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, African Marsh and the clouds gathered, and so we Rina Pretorius, Klaus Heyer, Harrier, Lanner Falcon (chasing the headed back to the entrance. On a short Dave Rimmer and harrier and itself being chased by Pied diversion, some of us were lucky enough Jenni Maxted Crows), Rock Kestrel and Black- to see a small flock of about 20 Orange- (KZN rarity forms submitted). shouldered Kite. Then, at the top of the breasted Waxbills and a couple of Red- hill, we saw a pair of Secretarybirds winged Francolin close to the road. So, ANTARCTIC TERN striding through the short grass. They despite the small turnout and the cool Sterna vittata saw us when we were quite close to weather, it was a good morning's outing KZN Rarity them, took off and soared higher and and the goal of seeing a range of streaky One, 25 June 2017, at sea off higher on the increasingly strong south- brown euplectids was achieved. Durban, Niall Perrins. westerly wind, and then headed off Steve Davis elsewhere. SOOTY TERN Durban Onychoprion fuscatus KZN Rarity HONORARY RECORDER’S REPORT Dave Rimmer Two, 24 June 2017 and one, ABOVE: Chestnut-banded Plover 25 June 2017, at sea off GREETINGS, fellow birders. Spring is Also notable is an increase in Knysna Newcastle, August 2017 Durban, Niall Perrins. now well under way and the rarities are Warbler records. Again, are they One, St Lucia estuary, streaming in again. There's quite a dispersing through KZN or are birders AFRICAN CRAKE Crecopsis egregia 2-6 July 2017, Themba Mthembu, and mixed bag, ranging from the first becoming better at differentiating its call KZN Rarity 16-31 July 2017, Paul and Julie confirmed record in South Africa of from that of Barratt's Warbler? Answers One, Port Edward, 29 March 2017, Herselman and others, still present on Malagasy Pond Heron to the regular on a postcard please… Stan Culley 27 September 2017 Sooty Tern at Richard's Bay. Of (KZN Rarity form submitted). (SA Rare Bird News) particular interest this issue is a plethora RARITIES One, Port Edward, 7 July 2017, One, off Sodwana Bay, 13 July 2017 of Ayres's Hawk Eagle sightings from all BENNETT'S WOODPECKER Claudia Risch (SA Rare Bird News). over the province. This species was Campethera bennettii (KZN Rarity form submitted). Four off Port Shepstone, previously regular only around the KZN Rarity 10 August 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). Empangeni area, but either they have One female, Manyoni Private Game ALLEN'S GALLINULE Porphyrio alleni been dispersing recently and/or people Reserve, 18 June 2017, Clayton Burne KZN Rarity BAT HAWK Macheiramphus alcinus are getting better at identifying them. (KZN Rarity form submitted). One, Ndumo Game Reserve, KZN Rarity 5 March 2017, Dominic Rollinson One, Nsumo Pan, Mkhuze Game BELOW: Striped Crake, Hluhluwe, June 2017 VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (KZN Rarity form submitted). Reserve, 13-31 July 2017, Nick Evans Paul Bartho Bubo lacteus (KZN Rarity accepted). KZN Rarity LESSER MOORHEN One, Hayfields, Gallinula angulata DARK CHANTING GOSHAWK Pietermaritzburg, KZN Rarity Melierax metabates 25 June 2017, Patrick Kime. One, Mkhuze Game Reserve, KZN Rarity 21 August 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). One, Zululand Rhino Reserve, STRIPED CRAKE 2 April 2017, Steve Davis and others Aenigmatolimnas marginalis CHESTNUT-BANDED PLOVER (KZN Rarity form submitted). National Rarity Charadrius pallidus One, Thiyeni Hide, Hluhluwe KZN Rarity PALE CHANTING GOSHAWK Game Reserve, One, St Lucia estuary, Melierax canorus 11-15 June 2017, 30 July – 27 August 2017 KZN Rarity Zacharus Benadie and (SA Rare Bird News). One, Coleford Nature Reserve, others. One, Iscor Pan, Newcastle, 6-13 July 2017, Steve Freese and November 2017 30 31 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 others. More than 30, offshore St Lucia, LARGE-BILLED LARK One, Weenen Game Reserve, 27 June 2017, J van Rensburg Galerida magnirostris 15 July 2017 (SA Rare Bird (KZN Rarity form submitted). KZN Rarity News). One, Sani Pass, 11 August 2017, SLENDER-BILLED PRION Stuart McLean (KZN Rarity accepted). AYRES'S HAWK EAGLE Pachyptila belcheri Hieraaetus ayresii National Rarity RED-HEADED WEAVER KZN Rarity One on each of 24 and 25 June 2017, Anaplectes rubriceps One, Brettenwood Coastal at sea off Durban, Niall Perrins. KZN Rarity Estate, Ballito, 19 March 2017, Two, Ndumo Game Reserve, Chris Macdonald AFRICAN RED-EYED BULBUL 15 May 2017, Klaus Heyer (KZN Rarity form submitted). Pycnonotus nigricans (KZN Rarity form submitted). Sandi du Preez reported the KZN Rarity following sightings from Durban: Several, Matatiele Nature Reserve, CUT-THROAT FINCH 21 June, over Kloof Falls Road in 24 February 2017, Sandy Bishop Amadina fasciata Kloof; 1 July, New Germany (KZN Rarity form submitted). KZN Rarity Nature Reserve; 4 July, near New A pair, Kumasinga hide, Mkhuze Game Germany Nature Reserve. KNYSNA WARBLER Reserve, 21 July 2017, Ian McDonald One, Kloof, 22-24 June 2017, Bradypterus sylvaticus (KZN Rarity accepted), and Tristan Silver. KZN Rarity 31 July-25 September 2017, One, Richards Bay, One, Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve, David Hoddinott and others. J van Rensburg 27 June 2017, Nada Crafford. ABOVE: Soft-plumaged Petrel, 20 August 2017, Richard Boon One, Umlalazi Nature Reserve, St Lucia, June 2017 (KZN Rarity form submitted). AFRICAN ROCK PIPIT 2 July 2017, Dirk van Zijl. Two, Ferncliffe Nature Reserve, Anthus crenatus One, Empangeni, 8-15 July 2017 LESSER FRIGATEBIRD Fregata ariel Pietermaritzburg: KZN Rarity (SA Rare Bird News). National Rarity 27 August 2017, Clayton Burne One, Garden Castle, Drakensberg, One, Lake Teza, One juvenile, Richards Bay, (KZN Rarity form submitted) 30 April 2017, Rudi von Staden 21 July-31 August 2017 one on 5 July 2017 28 August 2017, Dave Rimmer (KZN Rarity form submitted). (SA Rare Bird News). (SA Rare Bird News). (KZN Rarity form submitted) One, Bluff, Durban, 29 July 2017, 28 August 2017, Brad Arthur MOUNTAIN PIPIT Anthus hoeschi Andre Steenkamp. AFRICAN PENGUIN (KZN Rarity form submitted) KZN Rarity One, Westville, 30 July 2017, Spheniscus demersus 9 September 2017 Two, Bushman's Nek, 4 May 2017, David Loumeau. KZN Rarity (SA Rare Bird News). M Galpin (KZN Rarity form submitted). One, Tanglewood Farm, Westmead, One immature at sea off Salt Rock, Two, Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, Durban, 2 September 2017, 9-10 September 2017 25 September 2017, Steve Davis and OUT-OF-RANGE SIGHTINGS Elena Russell, Mike Stead and others. (SA Rare Bird News). others (KZN Rarity form submitted). One heard at the same locality on Lesser Jacana MALAGASY POND-HERON NORTHERN GIANT PETREL 30 September 2017 by One, Darvill Bird Sanctuary, Ardeola idae Macronectes hallii Hennie and Decklan Jordaan. 17 June 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). National Rarity KZN Rarity One, Phinda Private Game Reserve, Two, 24 June 2017 and one, EASTERN CLAPPER LARK Temminck's Courser 12 June-17 September 2017, 25 June 2017, at sea off Durban, Mirafra fasciolata Three, Newcastle, 2-6 August 2017, Steve de Ricquebourg and Niall Perrins. KZN Rarity Dave Rimmer and Jenni Maxted- subsequently many others. This is the About four, near Newcastle, Smith, and a further two on first confirmed record of this species in SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL 24 July 2017, Dave Rimmer and others 3 August 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). South Africa. Pterodroma mollis (KZN Rarity form submitted). Two, near Nambiti Game Reserve, KZN Rarity Ladysmith, 22 September 2017 November 2017 32 33 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 others. More than 30, offshore St Lucia, LARGE-BILLED LARK One, Weenen Game Reserve, 27 June 2017, J van Rensburg Galerida magnirostris 15 July 2017 (SA Rare Bird (KZN Rarity form submitted). KZN Rarity News). One, Sani Pass, 11 August 2017, SLENDER-BILLED PRION Stuart McLean (KZN Rarity accepted). AYRES'S HAWK EAGLE Pachyptila belcheri Hieraaetus ayresii National Rarity RED-HEADED WEAVER KZN Rarity One on each of 24 and 25 June 2017, Anaplectes rubriceps One, Brettenwood Coastal at sea off Durban, Niall Perrins. KZN Rarity Estate, Ballito, 19 March 2017, Two, Ndumo Game Reserve, Chris Macdonald AFRICAN RED-EYED BULBUL 15 May 2017, Klaus Heyer (KZN Rarity form submitted). Pycnonotus nigricans (KZN Rarity form submitted). Sandi du Preez reported the KZN Rarity following sightings from Durban: Several, Matatiele Nature Reserve, CUT-THROAT FINCH 21 June, over Kloof Falls Road in 24 February 2017, Sandy Bishop Amadina fasciata Kloof; 1 July, New Germany (KZN Rarity form submitted). KZN Rarity Nature Reserve; 4 July, near New A pair, Kumasinga hide, Mkhuze Game Germany Nature Reserve. KNYSNA WARBLER Reserve, 21 July 2017, Ian McDonald One, Kloof, 22-24 June 2017, Bradypterus sylvaticus (KZN Rarity accepted), and Tristan Silver. KZN Rarity 31 July-25 September 2017, One, Richards Bay, One, Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve, David Hoddinott and others. J van Rensburg 27 June 2017, Nada Crafford. ABOVE: Soft-plumaged Petrel, 20 August 2017, Richard Boon One, Umlalazi Nature Reserve, St Lucia, June 2017 (KZN Rarity form submitted). AFRICAN ROCK PIPIT 2 July 2017, Dirk van Zijl. Two, Ferncliffe Nature Reserve, Anthus crenatus One, Empangeni, 8-15 July 2017 LESSER FRIGATEBIRD Fregata ariel Pietermaritzburg: KZN Rarity (SA Rare Bird News). National Rarity 27 August 2017, Clayton Burne One, Garden Castle, Drakensberg, One, Lake Teza, One juvenile, Richards Bay, (KZN Rarity form submitted) 30 April 2017, Rudi von Staden 21 July-31 August 2017 one on 5 July 2017 28 August 2017, Dave Rimmer (KZN Rarity form submitted). (SA Rare Bird News). (SA Rare Bird News). (KZN Rarity form submitted) One, Bluff, Durban, 29 July 2017, 28 August 2017, Brad Arthur MOUNTAIN PIPIT Anthus hoeschi Andre Steenkamp. AFRICAN PENGUIN (KZN Rarity form submitted) KZN Rarity One, Westville, 30 July 2017, Spheniscus demersus 9 September 2017 Two, Bushman's Nek, 4 May 2017, David Loumeau. KZN Rarity (SA Rare Bird News). M Galpin (KZN Rarity form submitted). One, Tanglewood Farm, Westmead, One immature at sea off Salt Rock, Two, Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, Durban, 2 September 2017, 9-10 September 2017 25 September 2017, Steve Davis and OUT-OF-RANGE SIGHTINGS Elena Russell, Mike Stead and others. (SA Rare Bird News). others (KZN Rarity form submitted). One heard at the same locality on Lesser Jacana MALAGASY POND-HERON NORTHERN GIANT PETREL 30 September 2017 by One, Darvill Bird Sanctuary, Ardeola idae Macronectes hallii Hennie and Decklan Jordaan. 17 June 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). National Rarity KZN Rarity One, Phinda Private Game Reserve, Two, 24 June 2017 and one, EASTERN CLAPPER LARK Temminck's Courser 12 June-17 September 2017, 25 June 2017, at sea off Durban, Mirafra fasciolata Three, Newcastle, 2-6 August 2017, Steve de Ricquebourg and Niall Perrins. KZN Rarity Dave Rimmer and Jenni Maxted- subsequently many others. This is the About four, near Newcastle, Smith, and a further two on first confirmed record of this species in SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL 24 July 2017, Dave Rimmer and others 3 August 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). South Africa. Pterodroma mollis (KZN Rarity form submitted). Two, near Nambiti Game Reserve, KZN Rarity Ladysmith, 22 September 2017 November 2017 32 33 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

(SA Rare Bird News). One present with Cape Vultures at CLUB ACTIVITIES Oribi Gorge, 31 August 2017 Southern Banded Snake Eagle (SA Rare Bird News). BIRDLIFE PORT NATAL One, Umdoni Park, Pennington, Black Heron MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: Indemnity forms must be completed before every 22 July 2017, Richard Boon. One, Thurlow Bay, Midmar Dam, outing, and returned to the leader. Leaders, please send completed indemnity One, Umtentweni, 29-30 July 2017, 17-20 September 2017, forms to John Bremner ([email protected]) for filing. Trish McGill. Gre-marr Hattingh. DIRECTIONS TO VENUES: Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird- club-venues. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to Black Harrier Greater Flamingo confirm your attendance.To reduce printing costs, directions will be given on the One, Hilton College grounds, One adult and two juveniles, Durban monthly reminder only. 8 September 2017 Bay, 10 September 2017, David Allan. OUTDOOR OUTINGS: Please don't forget to bring your tea/lunch baskets and (SA Rare Bird News). socialise afterwards. Please note that many places now charge so take entrance Magpie Mannikin money, Wild and/or Rhino Cards with you on any outing. OTHER SIGHTINGS A group of seven, Simbithi Eco-estate, INDOOR MEETINGS are usually held on the second Wednesday evening of every Ballito, 25 June 2017, Mike month (except February and December) at 19h00 at the Westville Methodist Church, Southern Ground Hornbill O'Donoghue (KZN Rarity accepted). Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. One, New Germany Nature Reserve, One, Dawncrest, Westville, KRANTZKLOOF BIRDS: Meetings are held at 09h30 on the second Tuesday of 9-10 September 2017, 24 June 2017, Derek Spencer. every second month at Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre and sometimes at the Kloof Tracy Gertenbach. Methodist Church Hall. Caveat: the sightings recorded here European Honey-Buzzard have been submitted directly to me or Since the last Honorary Recorder's have been posted on the SABirdNet or JANUARY 2018 Report, no sightings of European SA Rare Bird News, and have not been Saturday 6 January 06h00 – Umbogavango with Elena Russell. Tel 031 705 2902, Honey-Buzzard were reported from vetted by any rarities committee for email [email protected]. KZN. validation, unless otherwise noted. As Wednesday 10 January 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, such, the information presented here Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. Our guest speaker: details to follow. See you there. White-backed Vulture should be used with due consideration. Wednesday 17 January 07h30 – Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary with Lesley. Another city parkland with a pond, river and Coastal Lowland Forest. The Amanzimtoti lagoon BELOW: Mountain Pipit, Busman’s Nek, May 2017 KZN Rarities is nearby where more sea birds and water birds can be seen. Meet in the car park. J Galpin Accepted Tea with scones and toasted sandwiches are being organised, so please let Lesley know which. Price will come later. Sithembiso Majoka is standing by to walk with us Four KZN records and show us some interesting nests etc. have been Sunday 21 January 06h30 – Bisley Valley Nature Reserve Pietermaritzburg with accepted by the Dave Rimmer. Please confirm meeting time and place with Dave. 082 453 7255 or KZN Rarities [email protected]. A mixture of grasslands and acacia dominated thornveld Committee since with some fine trees along the three watercourses draining the higher ground. There the June 2017 are also some marshy areas. Honorary Recorder's Report FEBRUARY 2018 as noted above. Saturday 3 February 06h00 – Sappi hide with Elena Russell. Please confirm attendance, meeting time and place, 031 705 2902 or [email protected]. Steve Davis: Saturday 10 February 13h30 – Bird Monitoring and Conservation Group with Rob Honorary Jamieson. Venue to be announced. Recorder Tuesday 13 February, 09h30 for 10h00 – Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Speaker 031 2054459, Fax: to be advised. There is an entrance fee, tea and coffee is provided. 031 2731302 Wednesday 14 February 19h00 – There is no indoor meeting, AGM on Saturday. e-mail: Saturday 17 February 14h00 – Annual general meeting at Palmiet NR, further [email protected], November 2017 34 35 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 details to follow. Guest speaker is Mark Anderson, the CEO of BirdLife South Africa, Dave on email [email protected] to confirm your attendance. The birding is who will speak on “Bird conservation in South Africa: successes and challenges”. usually good in the winter months, from Crowned Eagle to Spotted Ground Thrush, Sunday 18 February 06h00 – Eston Ponds with Dave Rimmer. Contact Dave on and who knows what else may turn up. email [email protected] to confirm your attendance. You will need your ID Wednesday 18 April 08h30 – Bluff Nature Reserve with Lesley. A 45 ha wetland book. Like all venues it has its good days and bad days, but to whet your appetite, situated in coastal lowland with pan and hides. Meet in the car park. This reserve is Red Phalarope, Spotted Crake, African Crake, Painted Snipe, Green Sandpiper, and managed by Ezemvelo KZN and there is an entrance fee. We are starting at the later Western Yellow Wagtail have all been recorded here. time to enable negotiating the harbour traffic. Please bring tea, etc. for later. Wednesday 21 February 07h30 – Jubilee Park with Sandi du Preez, 031 701 4839 Thanks to everyone who contributes to our outings, or 073 332 4431. A lovely, well-maintained municipal park in Westville, which has we all appreciate your dedication. become famous for good sightings of Magpie Mannikins. Wetland and forest habitats. https://www.facebook.com/BirdLifePortNatal MARCH 2018 BIRDLIFE KZN MIDLANDS Saturday 3 March 07h30 – Stainbank Nature Reserve with Elena Russell. Please c o n fi r m a tte n d a n c e , m e e ti n g ti m e a n d p l a c e , 0 3 1 7 0 5 2 9 0 2 o r PIETERMARITZBURG evening meetings are held at Woodgrove Retirement [email protected]. Open grassland, woodland, scrub and riverine Centre on the second Tuesday of alternate months at 18h00. Howick evening vegetation, also a small dam which attracts some water birds and nesting weavers. meetings are held in the Ambers Auditorium in Amber Valley, on the third Wednesday Sunday 11 March 06h30 – Cumberland Nature Reserve with Mike and Jane of the month at 18h00. Entry R10 pp or by donation. Roseblade. Entry fee of R20, please contact Jane to confirm you are coming, Committee: Chair Peter Divall 033 239 5537, vice-chair Eve Hughes 033 330 2723, 082 442 2982. Cumberland Nature Reserve is a 300 ha private reserve situated in treasurer Viv O’Neill 083 464 7666, secretary Sally Cumming 072 119 4253, the Table mountain area, just east of Pietermaritzburg. Besides a wonderful selection membership secretary Pam Nicol 071 247 3604, Rarities/SABAP2 Colin of savannah species, one can also pick up a variety of wetland, forest and rocky Summersgill 060 827 3785, conservation Karin Nelson 072 779 4219, e-Newsletter outcrop species. Spectacular scenery and pristine veld add to the appeal of this Rosemary Forrester 082 767 7366, evening meetings Norman Freeman 083 453 reserve. Birding is good with 227 species recorded to date, and it is quite possible to 7949, Darvill project Ian Gordon 083 570 6782. see 80+ species in a morning's birding. Bird ringing at Darvill, Karkloof Conservation Centre, Cedara, Hilton College: Wednesday 14 March 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, Jan Contact Karin Nelson on 033 330 3027 or 072 779 4219. Hofmeyr Road, Westville. Speaker to follow. Please contact the coordinator before an outing Friday 23 to Sunday 25 March 2018 – Weekend away to Oribi Gorge Nature to confirm the time of meeting and other arrangements. Reserve with Cheryl and John Bevan. We will be going to the vulture hide at 09h00 on Coordinators of outings to private property must please phone Saturday 24 March 2018 (If the weather is bad on Saturday we will go on Sunday). the owner a week in advance to confirm the outing. We will bird in the area as time allows. Cost R50pp (old pricing stands for us, new price is R100 pp as it is costly to maintain the hide. Additional donations will be DECEMBER 2017 appreciated). Please confirm your booking with Cheryl Bevan 031 708 3731, 083 407 Sunday 3 – The end of year braai at Hilton College picnic site. Meet at the main gate 9785 or [email protected]. Please book directly with KZN Wildlife on 039 679 of the college at 07h00 for early morning birding or arrive later for the braai. The 1644, accommodation 033 845 1000 or www.kznwildlife.com entrance fee is R30pp. Bring chairs, food and drinks, family and friends. The fires will Wednesday 28 March 07h30 – Msinsi Nature Reserve with Sandi du Preez, be organised by the club. Coordinator Colin Summersgill 033 818 9013 or 060 827 031 701 4839 or 073 332 4431. 3785. NB: If the road to the picnic site is too wet, the walk and braai will be held at Cumberland. APRIL 2018 JANUARY 2018 Saturday 7 April 07h00 – Botanical Gardens with Elena Russell. Please confirm Sunday 7 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or attendance, meeting time and place, 031 705 2902 or [email protected]. 072 875 1436. We will have refreshments at the kiosk after the walk. Wednesday 17 – “Bird Quiz with a Difference” by Paul and Sally Bartho in Ambers Saturday 14 April 13h30 – BMCG with Rob Jamieson. Venue to be announced. Auditorium at 18h00. Tuesday 10 April, 09h30 for 10h00 – Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Chris Dalzell Sunday 21 – Day outing to Bird Valley Estate. The boat can carry 14 people so will be our speaker, topic to be advised. There is an entrance fee; tea and coffee is please contact the coordinator Ian Gordon 083 570 6782 to book. provided. Saturday 27 – CAR (Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount). Contact Peter Divall 033 Sunday 15 April 07h00 – Umdoni Park, Pennington, with Dave Rimmer. Contact 239 5537 or 083 263 4169 if you wish to participate.

November 2017 36 37 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52 details to follow. Guest speaker is Mark Anderson, the CEO of BirdLife South Africa, Dave on email [email protected] to confirm your attendance. The birding is who will speak on “Bird conservation in South Africa: successes and challenges”. usually good in the winter months, from Crowned Eagle to Spotted Ground Thrush, Sunday 18 February 06h00 – Eston Ponds with Dave Rimmer. Contact Dave on and who knows what else may turn up. email [email protected] to confirm your attendance. You will need your ID Wednesday 18 April 08h30 – Bluff Nature Reserve with Lesley. A 45 ha wetland book. Like all venues it has its good days and bad days, but to whet your appetite, situated in coastal lowland with pan and hides. Meet in the car park. This reserve is Red Phalarope, Spotted Crake, African Crake, Painted Snipe, Green Sandpiper, and managed by Ezemvelo KZN and there is an entrance fee. We are starting at the later Western Yellow Wagtail have all been recorded here. time to enable negotiating the harbour traffic. Please bring tea, etc. for later. Wednesday 21 February 07h30 – Jubilee Park with Sandi du Preez, 031 701 4839 Thanks to everyone who contributes to our outings, or 073 332 4431. A lovely, well-maintained municipal park in Westville, which has we all appreciate your dedication. become famous for good sightings of Magpie Mannikins. Wetland and forest habitats. https://www.facebook.com/BirdLifePortNatal MARCH 2018 BIRDLIFE KZN MIDLANDS Saturday 3 March 07h30 – Stainbank Nature Reserve with Elena Russell. Please c o n fi r m a tte n d a n c e , m e e ti n g ti m e a n d p l a c e , 0 3 1 7 0 5 2 9 0 2 o r PIETERMARITZBURG evening meetings are held at Woodgrove Retirement [email protected]. Open grassland, woodland, scrub and riverine Centre on the second Tuesday of alternate months at 18h00. Howick evening vegetation, also a small dam which attracts some water birds and nesting weavers. meetings are held in the Ambers Auditorium in Amber Valley, on the third Wednesday Sunday 11 March 06h30 – Cumberland Nature Reserve with Mike and Jane of the month at 18h00. Entry R10 pp or by donation. Roseblade. Entry fee of R20, please contact Jane to confirm you are coming, Committee: Chair Peter Divall 033 239 5537, vice-chair Eve Hughes 033 330 2723, 082 442 2982. Cumberland Nature Reserve is a 300 ha private reserve situated in treasurer Viv O’Neill 083 464 7666, secretary Sally Cumming 072 119 4253, the Table mountain area, just east of Pietermaritzburg. Besides a wonderful selection membership secretary Pam Nicol 071 247 3604, Rarities/SABAP2 Colin of savannah species, one can also pick up a variety of wetland, forest and rocky Summersgill 060 827 3785, conservation Karin Nelson 072 779 4219, e-Newsletter outcrop species. Spectacular scenery and pristine veld add to the appeal of this Rosemary Forrester 082 767 7366, evening meetings Norman Freeman 083 453 reserve. Birding is good with 227 species recorded to date, and it is quite possible to 7949, Darvill project Ian Gordon 083 570 6782. see 80+ species in a morning's birding. Bird ringing at Darvill, Karkloof Conservation Centre, Cedara, Hilton College: Wednesday 14 March 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, Jan Contact Karin Nelson on 033 330 3027 or 072 779 4219. Hofmeyr Road, Westville. Speaker to follow. Please contact the coordinator before an outing Friday 23 to Sunday 25 March 2018 – Weekend away to Oribi Gorge Nature to confirm the time of meeting and other arrangements. Reserve with Cheryl and John Bevan. We will be going to the vulture hide at 09h00 on Coordinators of outings to private property must please phone Saturday 24 March 2018 (If the weather is bad on Saturday we will go on Sunday). the owner a week in advance to confirm the outing. We will bird in the area as time allows. Cost R50pp (old pricing stands for us, new price is R100 pp as it is costly to maintain the hide. Additional donations will be DECEMBER 2017 appreciated). Please confirm your booking with Cheryl Bevan 031 708 3731, 083 407 Sunday 3 – The end of year braai at Hilton College picnic site. Meet at the main gate 9785 or [email protected]. Please book directly with KZN Wildlife on 039 679 of the college at 07h00 for early morning birding or arrive later for the braai. The 1644, accommodation 033 845 1000 or www.kznwildlife.com entrance fee is R30pp. Bring chairs, food and drinks, family and friends. The fires will Wednesday 28 March 07h30 – Msinsi Nature Reserve with Sandi du Preez, be organised by the club. Coordinator Colin Summersgill 033 818 9013 or 060 827 031 701 4839 or 073 332 4431. 3785. NB: If the road to the picnic site is too wet, the walk and braai will be held at Cumberland. APRIL 2018 JANUARY 2018 Saturday 7 April 07h00 – Botanical Gardens with Elena Russell. Please confirm Sunday 7 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or attendance, meeting time and place, 031 705 2902 or [email protected]. 072 875 1436. We will have refreshments at the kiosk after the walk. Wednesday 17 – “Bird Quiz with a Difference” by Paul and Sally Bartho in Ambers Saturday 14 April 13h30 – BMCG with Rob Jamieson. Venue to be announced. Auditorium at 18h00. Tuesday 10 April, 09h30 for 10h00 – Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Chris Dalzell Sunday 21 – Day outing to Bird Valley Estate. The boat can carry 14 people so will be our speaker, topic to be advised. There is an entrance fee; tea and coffee is please contact the coordinator Ian Gordon 083 570 6782 to book. provided. Saturday 27 – CAR (Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcount). Contact Peter Divall 033 Sunday 15 April 07h00 – Umdoni Park, Pennington, with Dave Rimmer. Contact 239 5537 or 083 263 4169 if you wish to participate.

November 2017 36 37 November 2017 KZN BIRDS No 52 KZN BIRDS No 52

Wednesday 31 – Morning outing to Bird Valley Estate. The boat can carry 14 people BIRDLIFE TROGONS so please contact the coordinator Eve Hughes 033 330 2723 or 082 872 4333 to PLEASE note all outings are on the second and fourth Sunday of the month unless book. Meet at Amber Ridge car park at 06h00 otherwise stated. They are advertised in the South Coast Herald, South Coast Fever 15 January to 15 February – CWAC (Coordinated Water Bird Count). Contact Eve and The Rising Sun a few days prior to each event. The venues and dates of outings Hughes 033 330 2723 or 082 872 4333 if you wish to participate in any of these. may be changed at short notice; please check www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com for updated information or phone Hazel van Rooyen on 072 355 8837 for further details. FEBRUARY 2018 Sunday 4 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or 14 January 07h00 – Ingeli Forest & Summer CWAC 072 875 1436. 28 January 06h30 – River Valley Monday 5 - Friday 9 – Five day trip to Ndumo Game Reserve. Details will be 11 February 06h30 – Sezela Sugar Mill circulated later. Eve Hughes, 033 330 2723 or 082 872 4333. 25 February 06h30 – NPC Oribi Tuesday 13 – Presentation in Woodgrove at 18h00 by Peter Divall on “Birding in 11 March 06h30 – Shongweni Zimbabwe”. 19-23 March – St Lucia away-trip Saturday 17 – Annual General meeting at 11h00 in the Ambers Auditorium. Guest 25 March 06h30 – Bushbuck Trail speaker Dr Mark Brown on “Birding in the Seychelles”. Norman Freeman, 033 239 8 April 06h30 – Lake Eland 6843 or 083 453 7949, will lead a walk in Amber Valley at 07h00. Tea will be available 22 April 06h30 – Ellingham at 10h00, and lunch in the Amber Valley dining room at 13h00 (booking essential). 13 May 07h00 – Umdoni Park, Pennington Saturday 24 – BirdLife KZN Conservation Forum. 27 May 06h30 – Oribi Gorge and Vulture hide Wednesday 28 – A morning or day outing to Impendle Nature Reserve to find the www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com Blue Swallows. Drummond Densham 033 330 4039 or 083 321 7959. Meet at Greendale Shopping Centre at 06h30 to arrange transport. High clearance or 4x4 BIRDLIFE ZULULAND vehicles will be needed. For information or details check out the website: www.birdlifezululand.co.za MARCH 2018 Sunday 4 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or 072 875 1436. Wednesday 14 – Presentation in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by Tammy Caine “All about Owls”. Sunday 18 – Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park. Jane Irvine 073 429 7142. Wednesday 29 – Morning outing to Lions Bush at Nottingham Road. Meet at Greendale Shopping Centre at 6h30 to arrange transport. Eve Hughes 033 330 2723 or 082 872 4333. APRIL 2018 Sunday 8 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or 072 875 1436. Tuesday 10 – Presentation in Woodgrove at 18h00 by Dr David Johnson on “Birding in the Ecuador Highlands”. Sunday 15 – Morning outing to Umgeni Valley. Coordinator to be announced. Wednesday 18 – Presentation in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by Arnia van Vuuren “Ramblings of a Birdwatcher through the Karoo”. Wednesday 26 – Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park. Meet at Greendale shopping Centre at 06h30 to arrange transport. Sally Cumming 033 239 2362 or 072 119 4253. Note: Training course on “Birding Winter Plumage” with Steve Davis in the Ambers Auditorium on 26 May 2018.

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