Kzn Birds 51

July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 Newsletter of KZN bird clubs which are affiliated to BirdLife South Africa KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

EDITORIAL CONTENTS CHAIR’S CHIRPS in one field of view. We have partially commissioned a A PASSION for conservation has earned 3 Chair’s Chirps bird hide on one of the local farms and Dr Ian Little a prestigious international 3 BirdLife Sisonke hope to finalise this during the quieter award (see p 13). Ian, a regular 4 BirdLife Trogons (maybe) winter months. We hope that participant in the KZN Bird Forum, is 5 BirdLife Midlands this will, in the years to come, continue to doing innovate work in protecting 5 BirdLife Port Natal I AM sure that most readers wonder develop into a convenient place to grasslands on the Drakensberg 9 Letter from a former chair whether Birdlife Sisonke (BLS) even spend some time watching the birds escarpment. This work will help protect 10 Conservation and Projects exists. Well, yes, we do, although we around the dam. critically endangered fauna and flora have a small membership. This is not to We will conduct our regular CWAC species, as well as some of the most 10 Estonian Osprey found in Mtunzini 12 Back in our skins say that we do nothing! and CAR counts in July but it would be important water catchment areas in a Recently we undertook our main good to see some analysis of the data. I thirsty country. 13 Green Oscar for KZN conservationist 14 Changing birdwatching demographics fund-raising exercise for the year which am struggling to obtain historic data from We are confronted on a daily basis by involved organising refreshment tables the database so any help would be the evidence of the environmental 16 Bird Notes and Observations for the Sani2C and Joberg2C cycle welcome. devastation wrought by unthinking or 16 The Mascarene masquerade is over races. This is a major exercise involving Once a month, on the first Monday, selfish human behaviour. It is not only 18 Update on Durban pelagics four full days of action by many we have an informal gettogether and obvious things like the destruction of 20 Weavers’ nesting habits members as well as preparation and report back on what has been seen. In pristine habitats or the growing collection 22 Shorebirds feeding on mudflats wind-down activities before and after the the main, 2017 has been rather different of plastic waste in the oceans, but also 23 Woolly-necked Stork migration event. to past years with changes seen in pollution by lights that can lead to the 24 Migration: long-distance love story On 6 May we had a morning outing roosting patterns, particularly of the extinction of rare species like the 26 Pigeon behaviour under scrutiny and managed to notch up 65 species Amur Falcons. Also, there appears to nocturnal Mascarene Petrel (see p 16 ). 26 Migrating swallows brave the elements which we thought was pretty good for so have been a decline in some species, It is indeed encouraging to see that 27 News from BirdLife South Africa late in the season. Amongst these were like swallows, and there have been t h e w o r k d o n e b y d e d i c a t e d Barratt's Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Little 27 Birding Big Day 2017 reports of some unusual, but not conservationists like Ian, and including Rush Warbler and White Stork (which 30 Remember birds in your will unheard of, visitors. those working for BirdLife South Africa, had not yet realised it was already May), Doug Bell is not only recognised by their peers 30 Honorary Recorder’s Report Brown-backed Honeybird and an worldwide, but is also making a immature Greater Honeyguide together [email protected] difference on the ground. So are the 33 Club Activities 33 BirdLife Port Natal BELOW: The bird hide under construction on a farm in the Underberg area efforts of volunteers to instil a love for Doug Bell birds among young people (see p 14). 36 BirdLife KwaZulu-Natal Midlands 37 BirdLife Trogons Crystelle Wilson KZN BIRDS KZN Birds is the newsletter of BirdLife Port Natal, BirdLife KZN Midlands, BirdLife Zululand, BirdLife Sisonke and 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 not necessarily those of the editor, the aforementioned clubs or BirdLife SA. All national rarities are subject to 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 typed or neatly written and posted to Crystelle at 2 Lanville, 149 North Ridge Road, Durban 4001. Good quality, high resolution digital photographs are also welcome. Telephone: 031 2080577 or 082 7235158 Advertising in KZN Birds Per issue The deadline for the next issue Front cover logo R1000 Back page colour R1500 is 1 October 2017 Full page inside b&w R 1000 Front cover: Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross by David Allan, Half page R 500 photographed off Durban in July Quarter page R 250 Desktop Publishing: Crystelle Wilson Smalls R2 per word

July 2017 2 3 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

T H E B i r d L i f e reschedule it for spring. Kingfishers in russet brown and taking! The whole trip was magic and T r o g o n s We enjoyed a good outing to Oribi iridescent blue, Long-tailed Parakeets, from the comments of many of the c o m m i t t e e h a s Gorge on 28 May, although there were flocks of Pink-necked Green Pigeons, birders, they cannot wait for the next now dwindled to only a few vultures at the hide and the flowerpeckers, tailorbirds, Coppersmith one! three members: elusive Knysna Woodpecker did not Barbets, Racket-tailed Drongo, various T h e i n d o o r m e e t i n g s i n treasurer, secretary and myself, so we make an appearance this time. bulbuls, a Crimson-winged Woodpecker Pietermaritzburg (Woodgrove) and shall have to do some serious co-opting Mkuze was our destination for four with scarlet wings and a golden crest, a Howick (Ambers Auditorium) continue to or arm twisting as the constitution states nights, 22-26 May. Oh, the rejuvenation Crested Serpent-eagle, and more - attract good numbers of members and that we need a minimum of five . of that wilderness experience. We are so identified with “A photographic guide to non-members and our outings are also Bird ringing has come to a stop for a lucky to have it on our doorstep - well, a the birds of Indonesia” by Morten always well supported. I will not while. The local farmer withdrew large doorstep at five hours driving, but Strange. There are a variety of monkeys comment on all talks and the venues permission for the Pickles to set up nets so worth it! We were eight, staying in and apes which makes gardening a tad visited as a full report on these appears and invite the public, so Andrew will have safari tents and a chalet; enjoyed such a tricky, but the most amazing is the eerie, in our quarterly e-newsletter. Details to find other premises. This means they wonderful time and worked hard – 144 wolf-like calls of the Gibbons which we regarding forthcoming events for the have to begin so early that it is not species. The specials were Yellow-billed recorded. next four months can be found at the practical unless it is close to home for Stork, African Pygmy Goose, Knob- back of this magazine. Peter Turner also Sandy Olver them. billed Duck, Harlequin Quail, Lesser posts reminders of meetings and [email protected] On a more positive note, the outing to Jacana, Eastern Nicator and Yellow- outings on our Facebook page. Botanic Gardens and Bayhead on 12 bellied Eremomela. The Lesser Jacana Our membership stays more or less March was well attended and enjoyed. laid to rest a club ghost, as some constant at about 227. We do receive The count at Bot Gardens was 34 members thought they had seen them at resignations but new members species and 15 at Bayhead in spite of the Ndumo while others disagreed loudly compensate for those we lose. We are wind which was sending waves crashing and often. This time we all saw them very fortunate to be in this position as onto the Durban beach front and blowing clearly with juvenile African Jacanas membership at some clubs in our cyclists off their mounts in Cape Town. almost in the same frame, so that we IT IS hard to imagine that we are already country seem to be dwindling. On 26 March, the outing was to River learned the difference once and for all. halfway through the year. Our migrant Peter Divall Valley at Uvongo, a venue we haven't Our secretary, Hazel van Rooyen, birds have all departed and winter is 083 263 4169 used for a couple of years. The welcome and her husband, Bob, have been here. If we look on the bright side, it is from the owner and good bird lists made visiting daughters in Australia for two only three months before we will start for an enjoyable day. months, so there has been a dearth of seeing our returning migrants. The ever popular Ellingham Farm on newsletters, which will soon be rectified. Twenty-one of our club members 9 April yielded 51 species, including I was in Sumatra for three weeks in were on board the MSC Sinfonia for Crowned and Long-crested Eagles, March with my daughter. I am assured “Flock at Sea – Again”. It was a once-in-a Jacobin Cuckoo, Black Cuckooshrike, there are still forests with tigers, but I lifetime experience for most of us. We “Hope” is the thing with feathers - Ashy and African Dusky Flycatchers. didn't see any. We were not allowed to left Cape Town on 24 April and had four That perches in the soul - The resident Grey Crowned Cranes drive outside the manicured Chevron days at sea. It was termed a voyage to And sings the tune without the words - provided good photo opportunities. camp, the roads were too poor, the traffic nowhere as we headed south-east into And never stops - at all - Only 11 members attended. too scary, and the heat too intense. the deep blue yonder to find as many On 23 April, Stott Farm delivered 44 Flying over Sumatra showed hundreds And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - pelagic birds as possible. We were not And sore must be the storm - species during a pleasant morning's of acres of palm trees, while Java was disappointed, as on the first morning we birding. covered in rice fields. However, streams That could abash the little Bird saw so many albatrosses that we lost That kept so many warm - Three BirdLife Port Natal members meander through the camp where the count, as well as many other seldom- were to join us at Vernon Crookes on 14 original vegetation has been left, so seen species. The highlight, for all those I've heard it in the chillest land - May, but that was the weekend when there are huge forest trees and bush. fortunate to see it, was definitely the And on the strangest Sea - KZN experienced soaking rain for three Thus we found wonderful birds on our Light-mantled Albatross, and the Yet - never - in Extremity, days, snow fell on the Drakensberg and morning walks: Collared Kingfishers in stunning views of the majestic It asked a crumb - of me. everything came to a standstill. We will sky blue and white, White-throated Wandering Albatross were just breath- Emily Dickenson July 2017 4 5 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

HERE we are at the beginning of June an African Openbill at the first; Burman the information, etc. an excellent talk and also touched on the enjoying the wonderful winter weather Bush was alive with all kinds of ants Sunday 12 February was Rex Cape Parrots which garnered a lot of that Durban provides, hoping for rain in which made stopping and walking Aspeling's outing to SAPPI Stanger – interest. the Western Cape, and making the most difficult; 40 people attended the many of our members have had Forum of our birding trips both near and far. Botanical Gardens and, apart from birds excellent sightings there and 18 birders The BLKZN Forum was held over the I cannot wait to hear more from Merle often atlased there, saw the Black joined him then. Unfortunately there weekend of 3-5 March in Howick with the Mackenzie and her trip to Iceland, from Sparrowhawk. The bird count at had been some bad behaviour at the site new chair of forum, Colin Summersgill, Nomusa Mkhungo's visit to Borneo Shongweni in May was 79 with the and birders were blamed, although I do being confirmed, and Peter Divall where she participated in a Ground African Fish Eagle the highlight. The not believe that any of them were our continuing as the chair of chairs and Hornbill conference and from Flick Palmiet report is not yet in, but the group members. Rex liaised with Dolphin elected as the KZN BirdLife South Africa McKenzie's visit to Australia where some split into three, depending on how Coast Bird Club and we do hope that all board member. time was given to birding. You cannot intrepid one felt, and once the sun came is well now. Please check out the The Saturday once again brought us say our members do not get around to out, so did the birds. We hoped to see magazine for a reprint of our ethics conservation news from throughout the places both wonderful and far off. Closer the Dark-backed Weaver at the pond, document. Highlight of the day was the province and the work being done. The to home, the numbers of members and but it was too chilly, so I was delighted Spotted Crake with Andrew Warburton Sunday welcomed Peter Nelson from friends who join our monthly outings when one was seen in my garden this taking a wonderful picture. Ladysmith Bird Club. We hope that continue to increase, and we do hope afternoon. Do check out the website for Sunday 19 March was an invitation BirdLife Zululand will soon be on its feet that our conservation message is loud all the great photographs that are taken from Malcolm Stainbank to visit Priscilla again and back at forum, and we are and clear – whether you're out in the field at these outings and happily sent to Vale Farm, and in April Elena had very happy to welcome Andy Ruffle on or enjoying an indoor meeting. Elena afterwards. organized a visit to Darvill. Sunday 21 behalf of the Oribi vultures. Sandi and I are glad to note that May organized by Mike and Jane was a Outings numbers have risen for Wednesday Mannikin Meander through Westville – a BMCG People so look forward to the morning outings. We've covered North gorgeous day and we achieved our Thanks to Rob and Oscar for their Saturday morning outings with Elena Park and a skein of Spur-winged Geese, objective of getting all three species by perseverance with the Biodiversity Russell. These past few months she has and visited the Durban Natural Science the end of the morning. Thanks to M&J Monitoring and Conservation Group – taken birders to Umbogavango, Burman Museum where David Allan and his for making their home available for a an excellent walk was done on Saturday Bush, Botanical Gardens, Shongweni assistant gave us a magical morning in super braai afterwards. 11 March at the Crowned Eagle and Palmiet NR. Tamsin and Jane had the bird hall. The history behind the John and Cheryl Bevan are our Conservancy, which was largely rained BELOW: A Narina Trogon seen during a weekend accrual of many of the wonderful weekend organisers, with out the last time we were there. Check outing in May to Twin Streams at Mtunzini skins is fascinating and one in February from 24 – 26 at T.O. our website to see some of the superb Cheryl Bevan those present were well Strand near Port Edward, and one in photographs. aware of how lucky they May from 26 – 28 at Twin Streams in Indoor meetings w e r e – t h e i r e m a i l s Mtunzini. On Wednesday 8 March, one of indicated as much. Annual General Meeting Colleen's PhD candidates, David Ehlers In May, Sandi chose the Saturday 18 February was a brutally Smith, gave an excellent talk on “Avian uMhlanga Lagoon NR, just hot, humid day for the AGM held at Diversity in the Indian Ocean Coastal after five days of rain. The Palmiet Nature Reserve. The lack of air Forests”. This was very well received Black-throated Wattle-Eye conditioning inside the hall left many and engendered an excellent question- was seen by only a few people faint and slightly overcome at the and-answer session with both David and early birders, but the group end, but a turn outside revived most of his wife afterwards. Prior to Flock at Sea, had a wonderful morning. us. Rob did a great job with the braai and on Wednesday 12 April, David Allan John struggles to fill the Bridget's salads were excellent as gave a talk on “Pelagic seabirds – Sunday outings list, so usual. David Allan was elected as our preparing for BirdLife's Flock at Sea in please support him – new Honorary President, and the new April 2017” and this talk filled the hall leaders do not have to be committee has been hard at work since with eager sailing birders asking many bird experts, but make then. Prof Colleen Downs from the questions and, with David's help, arrangements, check out University of KZN Pietermaritzburg gave coming close to understanding how to ID July 2017 6 7 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 47 KZN BIRDS No 47 one petrel from another. Judy Mann project. ambitious action to mitigate climate Half-collared, so the sighting mentioned came on Wednesday 10 May to speak The IBA programme works on the change, and to help people and is really neat. on “The Role of Marine Protected Areas Sneeuwberg Protected Environment, ecosystems across the globe adapt to I have an anecdote or two about the in Conservation”. Again, there was a Stewardships, Arid Zone Ecology its impacts. Birds are powerful club's history, so I thought I would share good audience with many questions Forum, Environmental Law, tax messengers showing us how our some. being asked and those present materials placed on the SANBI climate is changing”, says Patricia How the BirdLife Port Natal expressing concern at Ezemvelo KZN biodiversity advisor website, West Zurita, CEO, BirdLife International. “A name came about Wildlife no longer being tasked to care Coast District Municipal Coastal quarter of species studied in detail If I remember it was put to the vote at for the coastal areas. Committee, Biodiversity Stewardship already show negative responses to the 2001 AGM (or it may have been I was asked to speak on attracting Guidelines, Verlorenvlei Protected Area recent climate change, and 2,300 bird 2000). The club was struggling to be birds to your garden at Springside NR to Project, Cape Estuaries Stewardship species worldwide are highly vulnerable relevant after the 1994 elections. We the local Krantzkloof Indigenous Garden Project. to further change.” really believed we had to expand Club on Thursday 9 March by Christine Avitourism and Special Projects beyond the traditional membership - Lesley Frescura Bubb, and found a number of very Programme has Martin Taylor whom post middle-aged, white middle-class, 083 231 3408 interested people keen to learn more many of you may remember from his suburban Durbanites with a few about the local birds. The same time in KZN. This includes the LETTER FROM exceptions sprinkled in, of which I was happened when I took the talk to the Community Guides programme. Then A FORMER CHAIR one, younger than 30 at the time I joined! Minds Alive group in La Lucia on Friday 2 there is the Membership programme So we wanted to rename and rebrand June, at Jessie Spencer's invitation. and the Wakkerstroom Centre and Dear BLPN Chair, the club. It was only a year or two after The Biodiversity Forum met again on finally, the youth programme Fledge. Allow me to introduce myself, I once the South African Ornithological Society Thursday 18 May – this is an excellent This does not include the core work held the same office you do today for had revolutionised itself into BirdLife way of keeping abreast of what is done in the financial department and by BirdLife Port Natal, that of chair. This South Africa, much to a deeply divided happening in eThekwini at municipal the CEO. was around 15 years ago before I took membership. This was finally ratified at level, to share our club's own concerns We wish Peter Farrington and Frankie my family on an around-the-world the SAOS AGM held in Ithala. Those and to network with the many people Berghorst, committee members, well. “follow me for my work” adventure (more members who prevailed against a lot of who attend. Buon Viaggio to Rowena Pankhurst who of that later). “stuffed shirts” and forced the change Krantzkloof Birds' morning talks will shortly be leaving for life in the Far It is nostalgic to read all about the fondly referred to the event as the continue with a very committed group of East. If anyone would like to assist your club, its outings and what is happening “slagting in Ithala”. If you ever get to talk people organising them. They had Mark committee by becoming the secretary in and around Durban (I found BLPN.org with Aldo Berutti or Geoff Lockwood, ask Liptrot in April with his excellent talk on and taking our meeting minutes, please on a lazy Friday afternoon). It's also them about it; it will bring a huge smile to plastic pollution and what can be done to let me know. great that there are still folks who love their faces. Aldo was indeed a visionary stop it. I salute the work done by BirdLife and look after our birds. The recent as he took BLSA into uncharted waters. South Africa under Mark Anderson's accounts of outings around Westville Anyway, I digress, back to the real General leadership, and now end with a quote and the Palmiet are particularly story. In a show of solidarity with Aldo I think members of our club might like from BirdLife International's Facebook nostalgic as I was a willing assistant to and as one of the three big clubs (Natal, to know what the professional side of page. We are presently at a momentous Steve Piper for many years in the Witwatersrand and Cape), we wanted to BLSA has been doing. Here are the time in our planet's life, and it is Palmiet valley between Cowies Hill and get behind BLSA and rebrand to a groupings: Terrestrial Bird Conservation incumbent on all of us to do what we can the then University of Durban Westville BirdLife branch and drop the old Natal Programme which works on vultures, to mitigate, conserve and preserve. (I have walked up and down that river Bird Club moniker as we did not truly wind and solar energy, avifaunal counts, “BirdLife International is deeply more times than I wish to remember). represent Natal. For a few months we Botha's Lark study, escarpment forest disappointed by US President Donald In all of Steve's ringing years in the asked for suggestions and, as usual in corridor study, testing bone samples for Trump's decision to withdraw from the valley (I worked with him for around six clubs, there was no clear majority or any chronic lead exposure. Paris Agreement. Not only is this years), I never remember him ever real ideas. BL eThekweni and BL East Seabird Conservation Programme decision naïve and isolationist, it is mentioning catching a Half-collared Coast did the rounds but no-one was has under its wings the Albatross Task wholly immoral. The Paris Agreement is kingfisher. We caught lots of Giant really enamoured (lots of resistance) Force, Common Oceans, African critical for the future of our planet. It Kingfishers, occasional Malachites, and with these. Penguins, Cape Verde Shearwater provides a strong framework for taking once I remember a Pied, but never a As the chair, I wanted to be the first big July 2017 8 9 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 47 KZN BIRDS No 47 one petrel from another. Judy Mann project. ambitious action to mitigate climate Half-collared, so the sighting mentioned came on Wednesday 10 May to speak The IBA programme works on the change, and to help people and is really neat. on “The Role of Marine Protected Areas Sneeuwberg Protected Environment, ecosystems across the globe adapt to I have an anecdote or two about the in Conservation”. Again, there was a Stewardships, Arid Zone Ecology its impacts. Birds are powerful club's history, so I thought I would share good audience with many questions Forum, Environmental Law, tax messengers showing us how our some. being asked and those present materials placed on the SANBI climate is changing”, says Patricia How the BirdLife Port Natal expressing concern at Ezemvelo KZN biodiversity advisor website, West Zurita, CEO, BirdLife International. “A name came about Wildlife no longer being tasked to care Coast District Municipal Coastal quarter of species studied in detail If I remember it was put to the vote at for the coastal areas. Committee, Biodiversity Stewardship already show negative responses to the 2001 AGM (or it may have been I was asked to speak on attracting Guidelines, Verlorenvlei Protected Area recent climate change, and 2,300 bird 2000). The club was struggling to be birds to your garden at Springside NR to Project, Cape Estuaries Stewardship species worldwide are highly vulnerable relevant after the 1994 elections. We the local Krantzkloof Indigenous Garden Project. to further change.” really believed we had to expand Club on Thursday 9 March by Christine Avitourism and Special Projects beyond the traditional membership - Lesley Frescura Bubb, and found a number of very Programme has Martin Taylor whom post middle-aged, white middle-class, 083 231 3408 interested people keen to learn more many of you may remember from his suburban Durbanites with a few about the local birds. The same time in KZN. This includes the LETTER FROM exceptions sprinkled in, of which I was happened when I took the talk to the Community Guides programme. Then A FORMER CHAIR one, younger than 30 at the time I joined! Minds Alive group in La Lucia on Friday 2 there is the Membership programme So we wanted to rename and rebrand June, at Jessie Spencer's invitation. and the Wakkerstroom Centre and Dear BLPN Chair, the club. It was only a year or two after The Biodiversity Forum met again on finally, the youth programme Fledge. Allow me to introduce myself, I once the South African Ornithological Society Thursday 18 May – this is an excellent This does not include the core work held the same office you do today for had revolutionised itself into BirdLife way of keeping abreast of what is done in the financial department and by BirdLife Port Natal, that of chair. This South Africa, much to a deeply divided happening in eThekwini at municipal the CEO. was around 15 years ago before I took membership. This was finally ratified at level, to share our club's own concerns We wish Peter Farrington and Frankie my family on an around-the-world the SAOS AGM held in Ithala. Those and to network with the many people Berghorst, committee members, well. “follow me for my work” adventure (more members who prevailed against a lot of who attend. Buon Viaggio to Rowena Pankhurst who of that later). “stuffed shirts” and forced the change Krantzkloof Birds' morning talks will shortly be leaving for life in the Far It is nostalgic to read all about the fondly referred to the event as the continue with a very committed group of East. If anyone would like to assist your club, its outings and what is happening “slagting in Ithala”. If you ever get to talk people organising them. They had Mark committee by becoming the secretary in and around Durban (I found BLPN.org with Aldo Berutti or Geoff Lockwood, ask Liptrot in April with his excellent talk on and taking our meeting minutes, please on a lazy Friday afternoon). It's also them about it; it will bring a huge smile to plastic pollution and what can be done to let me know. great that there are still folks who love their faces. Aldo was indeed a visionary stop it. I salute the work done by BirdLife and look after our birds. The recent as he took BLSA into uncharted waters. South Africa under Mark Anderson's accounts of outings around Westville Anyway, I digress, back to the real General leadership, and now end with a quote and the Palmiet are particularly story. In a show of solidarity with Aldo I think members of our club might like from BirdLife International's Facebook nostalgic as I was a willing assistant to and as one of the three big clubs (Natal, to know what the professional side of page. We are presently at a momentous Steve Piper for many years in the Witwatersrand and Cape), we wanted to BLSA has been doing. Here are the time in our planet's life, and it is Palmiet valley between Cowies Hill and get behind BLSA and rebrand to a groupings: Terrestrial Bird Conservation incumbent on all of us to do what we can the then University of Durban Westville BirdLife branch and drop the old Natal Programme which works on vultures, to mitigate, conserve and preserve. (I have walked up and down that river Bird Club moniker as we did not truly wind and solar energy, avifaunal counts, “BirdLife International is deeply more times than I wish to remember). represent Natal. For a few months we Botha's Lark study, escarpment forest disappointed by US President Donald In all of Steve's ringing years in the asked for suggestions and, as usual in corridor study, testing bone samples for Trump's decision to withdraw from the valley (I worked with him for around six clubs, there was no clear majority or any chronic lead exposure. Paris Agreement. Not only is this years), I never remember him ever real ideas. BL eThekweni and BL East Seabird Conservation Programme decision naïve and isolationist, it is mentioning catching a Half-collared Coast did the rounds but no-one was has under its wings the Albatross Task wholly immoral. The Paris Agreement is kingfisher. We caught lots of Giant really enamoured (lots of resistance) Force, Common Oceans, African critical for the future of our planet. It Kingfishers, occasional Malachites, and with these. Penguins, Cape Verde Shearwater provides a strong framework for taking once I remember a Pied, but never a As the chair, I wanted to be the first big July 2017 8 9 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 bird club to switch; I am never accused of almost god-like reverence within the in Läänemaa, Estonia. being change resistant. Several new and club by the majority and, as it had come Very soon after sending smaller clubs had already adopted the out of the honorary president’s mouth, it these details to the BL preface by this time and the Cape and must be OK. A couple of hands went up scheme, the initial ringing Wits clubs were being stupidly change- and Steve quickly got it ratified as there record was reported to us. resistant. With no clear idea or clear was no alternative option. By the end of The Osprey had initially winning proposal, we were going to put it the evening, the shock of the speed of been ringed in Estonia to the vote at the AGM held in building the name change dawned on the (Tartumaa, Vara, Praaga) 106 on the Durban campus of the members and then the change resisters by Joosep Tuvi. This University of Natal. Steven Piper and I started asking how this had just individual had been ringed were good friends and he picked me up happened, and others on the committee as a chick on July 13, as we were going to the AGM together. asked me what happened to the other 2016 making it a little over Steve was the honorary president and I options. I told a white lie that I had no 6 m o n t h s o l d w h e n was the chair. As we drove along Jan idea Steve was going to do this and, as recovered. Even at this Smuts Highway through 45th Cutting, we had ratified it, it was a done deal. young age it had travelled Steve calmly said “you know what, I am If you would like a few more of these a distance of over 9,725 going to propose that we call the club type of stories, please let me know and I km to reach us here in BirdLife Port Natal and simply ask for a will happily share what I can remember. South Africa. Incidentally second and then be done with it and not In 2002, I was transferred from South t h i s i s t h e g r e a t e s t have any voting nonsense.” I looked at Africa to Paris in France for work and distance reported to the him and as I had no preference for what over the last 15 years have worked and Matsalu Bird Ringing ABOVE: The journey of nearly 10,000 km came after BirdLife told him that it was a lived in France, the UK and now in the Centre for an Estonian- undertaken by the Osprey fine idea as the name included Natal for United States. For those who may still ringed Osprey. Of the the old school and was geographically remember me (Rob Jamieson was just o t h e r 2 4 f o r e i g n O s p r e y and would like to thank everyone who relevant. The only problem was we had starting out on the committee when I resightings/recoveries in our database, has taken part in ringing and resighting no idea who would second it and as the left), please pass on my best wishes. If most originated from Finland with a few in Southern Africa. If you have any chairman I could not. any members are ever going to be in coming from Germany. The greatest unreported resightings/recoveries The AGM went along well and Steve Kentucky, feel free to share my email distance travelled by those in our please contact us at SAFRING with the gave his address and in his closing address and I will see if we can connect database is 10,977 km (Ring: M47743; d e t a i l s ( r e p o r t o n l i n e a t statement made the proposal and asked somehow. Finnish ringed). http://safring.adu.org.za/numbered_rin if anyone would second the proposal. In an attempt to understand the Sean Clinning g.php). Needless to say, Steve being held in breeding habits and dispersal of email: [email protected] Ospreys, chicks across northern Dane Paijmans [email protected] CONSERVATION AND PROJECTS Eurasia have been ringed for many years. As a result of this and their long (There are four Osprey subspecies. life spans (±25 years), it should be Pandion haliaetus haliaetus breeds in Osprey ringed in Estonia found in Mtunzini possible to spot many of these birds in Europe, Asia and north Africa, and SAFRING received an interesting species is particularly interesting as the South Africa during their migration. As winters in South Africa, India and recovery report recently from one of the SAFRING database only has 26 Ospreys visit South Africa between southeast Asia; P.h. carolinensis breeds Animal Demography Unit (ADU) records, and all but one were ringed in September and March, these would be in North America and the Caribbean, participants, Frank Rautenbach. foreign countries. the best months to look out for the and winters in Florida, the Caribbean The report came from Mtunzini, Sadly, this Osprey had sustained various colour leg bands that the 21 and South America; P.h. cristatus is a KwaZulu-Natal on 27 January 2017 and injuries prior to discovery and was later registered foreign Osprey projects year round resident of coastal Australia involved a foreign ringed Osprey euthanized. This did allow Frank a good currently use. and the southwest Pacific; and P.h. Pandion haliaetus (Ring: A16170; view of the leg rings, however, and the We at SAFRING really appreciate all ridgwayi inhabits the Caribbean, from http://safring.adu.org.za/ring_info.php?r ringing scheme was easily identified as the effort of ringers and the general Cuba and the Bahamas to southeast ing=A16170&project=foreign). This the Matsalu Bird Ringing Centre, based public (the latter in reporting recoveries), Mexico and Belize. – www.arkive.org) July 2017 10 11 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 bird club to switch; I am never accused of almost god-like reverence within the in Läänemaa, Estonia. being change resistant. Several new and club by the majority and, as it had come Very soon after sending smaller clubs had already adopted the out of the honorary president’s mouth, it these details to the BL preface by this time and the Cape and must be OK. A couple of hands went up scheme, the initial ringing Wits clubs were being stupidly change- and Steve quickly got it ratified as there record was reported to us. resistant. With no clear idea or clear was no alternative option. By the end of The Osprey had initially winning proposal, we were going to put it the evening, the shock of the speed of been ringed in Estonia to the vote at the AGM held in building the name change dawned on the (Tartumaa, Vara, Praaga) 106 on the Durban campus of the members and then the change resisters by Joosep Tuvi. This University of Natal. Steven Piper and I started asking how this had just individual had been ringed were good friends and he picked me up happened, and others on the committee as a chick on July 13, as we were going to the AGM together. asked me what happened to the other 2016 making it a little over Steve was the honorary president and I options. I told a white lie that I had no 6 m o n t h s o l d w h e n was the chair. As we drove along Jan idea Steve was going to do this and, as recovered. Even at this Smuts Highway through 45th Cutting, we had ratified it, it was a done deal. young age it had travelled Steve calmly said “you know what, I am If you would like a few more of these a distance of over 9,725 going to propose that we call the club type of stories, please let me know and I km to reach us here in BirdLife Port Natal and simply ask for a will happily share what I can remember. South Africa. Incidentally second and then be done with it and not In 2002, I was transferred from South t h i s i s t h e g r e a t e s t have any voting nonsense.” I looked at Africa to Paris in France for work and distance reported to the him and as I had no preference for what over the last 15 years have worked and Matsalu Bird Ringing ABOVE: The journey of nearly 10,000 km came after BirdLife told him that it was a lived in France, the UK and now in the Centre for an Estonian- undertaken by the Osprey fine idea as the name included Natal for United States. For those who may still ringed Osprey. Of the the old school and was geographically remember me (Rob Jamieson was just o t h e r 2 4 f o r e i g n O s p r e y and would like to thank everyone who relevant. The only problem was we had starting out on the committee when I resightings/recoveries in our database, has taken part in ringing and resighting no idea who would second it and as the left), please pass on my best wishes. If most originated from Finland with a few in Southern Africa. If you have any chairman I could not. any members are ever going to be in coming from Germany. The greatest unreported resightings/recoveries The AGM went along well and Steve Kentucky, feel free to share my email distance travelled by those in our please contact us at SAFRING with the gave his address and in his closing address and I will see if we can connect database is 10,977 km (Ring: M47743; d e t a i l s ( r e p o r t o n l i n e a t statement made the proposal and asked somehow. Finnish ringed). http://safring.adu.org.za/numbered_rin if anyone would second the proposal. In an attempt to understand the Sean Clinning g.php). Needless to say, Steve being held in breeding habits and dispersal of email: [email protected] Ospreys, chicks across northern Dane Paijmans [email protected] CONSERVATION AND PROJECTS Eurasia have been ringed for many years. As a result of this and their long (There are four Osprey subspecies. life spans (±25 years), it should be Pandion haliaetus haliaetus breeds in Osprey ringed in Estonia found in Mtunzini possible to spot many of these birds in Europe, Asia and north Africa, and SAFRING received an interesting species is particularly interesting as the South Africa during their migration. As winters in South Africa, India and recovery report recently from one of the SAFRING database only has 26 Ospreys visit South Africa between southeast Asia; P.h. carolinensis breeds Animal Demography Unit (ADU) records, and all but one were ringed in September and March, these would be in North America and the Caribbean, participants, Frank Rautenbach. foreign countries. the best months to look out for the and winters in Florida, the Caribbean The report came from Mtunzini, Sadly, this Osprey had sustained various colour leg bands that the 21 and South America; P.h. cristatus is a KwaZulu-Natal on 27 January 2017 and injuries prior to discovery and was later registered foreign Osprey projects year round resident of coastal Australia involved a foreign ringed Osprey euthanized. This did allow Frank a good currently use. and the southwest Pacific; and P.h. Pandion haliaetus (Ring: A16170; view of the leg rings, however, and the We at SAFRING really appreciate all ridgwayi inhabits the Caribbean, from http://safring.adu.org.za/ring_info.php?r ringing scheme was easily identified as the effort of ringers and the general Cuba and the Bahamas to southeast ing=A16170&project=foreign). This the Matsalu Bird Ringing Centre, based public (the latter in reporting recoveries), Mexico and Belize. – www.arkive.org) July 2017 10 11 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

from the commercial pelagic fisheries handed over to us. Remember also to BACK IN OUR SKINS industry and in mitigating the impacts of place a note in the bag containing the THE preparation of new bird solar/wind farms on birds. From the larks specimen with the relevant details, i.e. study skins for the formal and parched plains of Limpopo to the locality, date, cause of death, etc., as scientific collection at the seabirds and open ocean realm off the well as your contact details. Please get Durban Natural Science Cape, Mmatjie brings a wealth of in touch with us at the Museum when Museum slowed to a trickle experience to the bird department and such instances arise. after the retirement several the museum extends her a warm The street address for the Museum's years ago of the long-serving welcome. Research Centre is 151 KE Masinga technical assistant in the bird With Mmatjie's skills now to hand, the (formerly Old Fort) Road, corner of and department, Ezra Mdletshe. Museum is again in a position to put all entrance from Wyatt Road. This situation has changed donated bird specimens to good use. Our telephone numbers are since June 2016 when Bird club members (and other parties, 0 3 1 3 2 2 4 2 1 4 / 4 2 1 9 a n d e m a i l Mmatjie Mashao took up this of course) are encouraged to pass any [email protected]. position. Shortly after joining dead birds in good condition that they David Allan the museum, Mmatjie spent a may find on to the Museum. It is critical to Durban Natural Science Museum very productive week at the keep such material frozen until it can be N a t i o n a l M u s e u m i n Bloemfontein where the staff Photo supplied KZN conservationist wins a Green Oscar there very kindly trained her ABOVE: David Allan and Mmatjie Mashao DR IAN LITTLE of South Africa's At an awards in the demanding challenge examine bird study skins at the museum Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) won ceremony held of preparing world-class bird an international Whitley Award in in London on study skins. she spent time working for BirdLife London. The awards are popularly 18 May 2017, Mmatjie hails from Limpopo Province. South Africa in Cape Town in both the known as the Green Oscars as they are each winner – She has an MSc in Zoology from the Seabird Division and the Birds and presented to individuals who have including Ian – University of Limpopo, where she Renewable Energy Programme. This achieved excellent results in nature r e c e i v e d worked with Prof Derek Engelbrecht, work involved addressing research and conservation. £ 3 5 , 0 0 0 i n one of South Africa's most eminent conservation measures relevant to Through EWT, Ian works with farmers project funding ornithologists. Before coming to Durban combatting seabird mortality stemming and tribal leaders in South Africa to to help scale up protect grasslands, one of the most their work. BELOW: Two of the more interesting bird study skins recently threatened habitats in the country. He A v i d e o , prepared by Mmatjie: a White-tailed Tropicbird from Empangeni has been involved in introducing simple “Custodians of and a Peregrine Falcon from Pietermaritzburg whitleyaward.org David Allan changes in management practices, South Africa's such as altering burning and livestock t h r e a t e n e d ABOVE: Ian Little grazing regimes to decrease pressure g r a s s l a n d on grasslands. biodiversity”, narrated by Sir David The United Kingdom-based charity, Attenborough, highlights the important the Whitley Fund for Nature, has been work Ian has been doing. As Sir presenting the Whitley Award/Green Attenborough says, “the world faces a Oscars since 1984. This year, the award growing shortage of fresh water” and recipients included six conservationists nowhere is this issue more acute than in chosen from a pool of over 166 South Africa, where demand for fresh applicants from all over the world. Each water is expected to outstrip supply by of these conservationists has spent 2025. It can be seen on YouTube at years trying to devise innovative ways of https://youtu.be/7fvVapkGwuM. protecting species at risk of extinction www.ewt.org.za and securing critical habitats. July 2017 12 13 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

Nature Reserve in Howick to learn how who have skills and resources and those Bridging the demographic gap in bird watching to use BirdLasser. Those from who are thirsty for more knowledge: “ARE some birdwatchers more equal from Europe, or else their ancestors KwaMashu have benefited during the WLTP has done work on Southern t h a n o t h e r s ? ” L o o k i n g a t t h e did), who love and know South African past year from monthly birdwatching Ground Hornbills in Centocow and demography of birdwatchers in South birds. o u t i n g s l e d b y e x p e r i e n c e d Hlokozi, helping the communities to Africa and in other parts of Africa, I would Some KwaZulu-Natal birdwatchers birdwatchers, Penny de Vries and Elena value and become custodians of the say the answer is “yes.” and an NGO, Women's Leadership and Russell, from BirdLife Port Natal, and iconic birds that call their grasslands and Historically African ancestors had Training Programme (WLTP) are from the extra pairs of binoculars they forests home. In recognition of this work, very close relationships with birds. The beginning to address this anomaly. They and their friends donated to the Dr Lucy Kemp of the Mabula Southern farmers and herders were steeped in are helping to change the bird watching KwaMashu club. Ground Hornbill Project in Bela Bela bird lore and indigenous knowledge demographics by encouraging the On the second day of the workshop, invited Nomusa Mkhungo, a WLTP staff about birds, but today urban people “birding dispossessed” to reclaim their Karin Nelson, Mike Spain, Norman member and BLPN member, to do a 15 generally, and youth in particular, have long-lost heritage. Freeman and Peter Divall, from BirdLife minute presentation on the WLTP lost touch with birds. Indeed, one might During a workshop in December Midlands, guided groups in different project at the International Hornbill say that in South Africa, African birders 2016, a group of 23 – girls mainly, with a areas of The Ambers and in Umgeni Conference in Kuching, Malaysia, in are a rare species! This is very sad – few boys – together with the leaders of Valley. These were some of the May. WLTP would have had to raise the especially as the country has many their Centocow, Hlokozi and KwaMashu appreciative comments: funds and through the generosity of excellent birdwatchers (who have come Bird Clubs, gathered at Umgeni Valley “The highlight was when we were Rockjumper Birding Tours, run by Adam grouped according to bird habitats and Riley who paid for her ticket, BLM, BLPN BELOW: Young bird watchers who attended a workshop at Umgeni Valley Nature went bird watching with our guides. We and Sani Wildlife (WESSA), Nomusa Reserve in December last year. Standing at the back left is Nomusa Mkhungo recorded the birds we saw and heard in was able to travel to Borneo and network who recently attended an international conference on hornbills in Malaysia our BirdLasser App. I saw lifers, a Cape with people from Asia who too are Mary-lyn Aitken Wagtail and a Woolly-necked Stork. passionate about their threatened What was amazing was how exciting, hornbills. nice and generous our guide was. Our And the Centocow birdwatchers guides didn't make us pay and that continue faithfully to count Cape Parrots shows their passion and love for every year near their homes, with birding.” Goldygirl Phakathi (15) Professor Colleen Downs. A bonus this “The BirdLasser workshop gave me year, besides more than a hundred an insight into the science of birding. I parrots, was the sighting of two families was very excited when I spotted a new of Southern Ground Hornbills. Cisticola, the Zitting. Our guide was a The birdwatching demographics are professional birder and I could feel his slowly changing to reflect that we are passion in the way he guided us. He after all, living together in Africa. gave us opportunities and taught us how Mary-lyn Aitken to be good birders, even to wearing [email protected] protective clothing and carrying water.” Bongiwe Tsotetsi (17). BELOW: Zitting Cisticola, “I had an amazing experience with Boston, December 2016 my group. The guide was very Crystelle Wilson impressive. She could name a bird by its call. She also taught us how birds contribute to our everyday life and to the ecosystem and food chain.” Nongcebo Xulu (Age 16) There are two further examples of growing collaboration between those July 2017 14 15 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

BIRD NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS a remote area of the south of the island, the next step was After 130 years, the Mascarene for a human expedition team t o b r a v e t h e s t e e p , masquerade is over treacherous terrain to verify In November last year an international team of ornithologists managed to the colony. “We spent five successfully discover an active Mascarene Petrel breeding colony hours walking in vertically for the first time ever. It's a major breakthrough in a bid to better understand how sheer cliff tropical woodland to protect this species, one of the 15 rarest and most threatened bird species up to 700m, after that we in the world, with an estimated global population of just 100-200 rappelled down 15m to reach the place we identified with IR WITH the help of infrared binoculars, one thing we know for sure about one of binoculars” recalls Pinet. GPS and a heck of a lot of rappel rope, the world's most poorly understood © LIFE+Petrels “The breeding colony is the project team managed for the first birds, it's that the Mascarene Petrel is in ABOVE: Here it is: the first Mascarene Petrel located in a crumbling, infirm time to scale the sharp, inaccessible trouble. The species' already slim breeding burrow to be seen by human eyes volcanic cliff where you cliffs where the Mascarene Petrel nests, numbers are suspected to be thinning following more than 15 years of wouldn't want to stay for and see one of these Critically further still as a result of two man-made research from an international team of long”. Endangered birds' nesting colonies for factors. The first is light-induced o r n i t h o l o g i s t s , a n E U - f u n d e d Because of the steep cliffs, the themselves mortality – a result of the birds getting LIFE+Petrels project team managed to explorers could not rely on GPS alone to They were in Reunion, a small, disorientated and crashing as a result of successfully discover an active locate the suspected colony, and so French-owned volcanic island in the urban lights. A public awareness Mascarene Petrel breeding colony for were forced to remain in contact with the Indian Ocean, situated between campaign on the island, organised by the first time ever. It's a major rest of the team down below, who Madagascar and Mauritius. It is here, Reunion National Park – “Nights Without breakthrough in our bid to better parlayed instructions to them via walkie- and only here, that you'll find the Lights” – has already done much to understand how to protect this species, talkies. Fortunately, the team got lucky Mascarene Petrel Pseudobulweria reduce the death toll. and it was made possible thanks to a and found the colony at the first time of aterrima, a Critically Endangered The other threat, however, will prove combination of old-school fieldwork and asking – perhaps guided by their nose, seabird, and indeed one of the 15 rarest a lot harder to dim – namely, nest cutting-edge technology. since the colony's strong fishy smell and most threatened bird species in the predation by introduced mammals such “The Mascarene Petrel is only active could be detected from a distance of world, with an estimated global as cats and rats. Invasive species are a at night, so to track its movements we around 30 metres. The discovery of population of just 100-200. leading cause of island-endemic bird needed the help of a new technological these burrows means the team can now Even so, with such a limited range, extinctions worldwide, but BirdLife's device - military infra-red binoculars” move onto brainstorming practical ways you wouldn't necessarily expect the recent successes in French Polynesia, says Patrick Pinet, Scientific Manager to secure the species' future. Mascarene Petrel to pull a disappearing where we've managed to eradicate of the LIFE+Petrels project. “As far we “The first, and most urgent step, is to act. Yet, like the Beck's Petrel introduced mammals on five of six know it's the first time this tool has been protect the breeding colony from Pseudobulweria becki, this ocean-faring targetted islands, serves as inspiration used for wildlife conservation”. invasive predators” says Pinet. “The bird is so elusive that it once went that their spread can be halted. The tool was acquired by the LIFE+ second step is to take further measures unseen for many decades. The dramatic However, the situation for every Petrels team thanks to a partnership to ensure the species' continued discovery of a grounded bird on the species is different, so before we can with Mercantour National Park, an survival. island in the 1970s was the first sighting develop an effective conservation alpine wildlife refuge on the French- “We are currently considering two for nearly a century, and it would be strategy for the Mascarene Petrel, we Italian border. They were used, in options: the first is to build a barrier another 25 years before another need to better understand its ecology conjunction with acoustic recordings around an established colony to keep specimen turned up. In between these and breeding habits. No mean feat, and thousands of hours of observational predators out. The second is the long droughts, all we've had to go on is when you're talking about a rare, strictly fieldwork, to pinpoint cliff edges where construction of an artificial colony close its haunting nocturnal calls, which have nocturnal seabird suspected to nest in the birds could frequently be seen to the sea, to avoid the issues created by inspired many Creole tales and legends burrows high up on sharp, inaccessible landing – indicating a likely breeding urban light.” on the island. cliff edges. colony. Alex Dale Which is a problem, because if there's However, this past November, Once one such spot was identified, in BirdLife International July 2017 16 17 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

involvement of Johannesburg- based birder Niall Perrins and local birder Rich Everett in the organisation and running of these trips. Indeed it was Niall's idea to chum well away from any trawlers that resulted in the first Barau's Petrel encounter. It's clear that the smaller, rarer seabirds are more likely to be found while chumming away from trawlers where big numbers of large dominant species such as albatrosses and White- chinned Petrels tends to 'frighten off' their shyer cousins. Also critical has been the support of both local and upcountry birders whose participation has made it all possible. July 2017 18 19 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

All our subsequent sightings of Pterodroma petrels, of which Barau's is Update on Durban pelagics B a r a u ' s h a v e o c c u r r e d d u r i n g one, are particularly responsive to our September – November and this fits in chumming. Great-winged Petrel is the THE past four years well with tracking studies of this species most abundant of these Pterodromas have proved to be a conducted at its Réunion breeding and on some days we've had over a purple patch for pelagic island which show that males make a hundred of them buzzing around our seabird trips off Durban. regular pre-breeding visit to our chum spot. Another exciting Pterodroma The landmark sighting coastline at this time. Essentially, there is Soft-plumaged Petrel which occurs in that launched this period is a better-than-even chance of seeing small numbers earlier in the year than was of a Barau's Petrel in the species on pelagics during these Barau's, with all our recent sightings Oct 2013. months. occurring during July – August. This was followed up We've also learnt that 'gadfly' The other two groups of small the following month by the visit of seabird guru BELOW: Antarctic Prion Hadoram Shirihai who Pictures by David Allan came out on three trips with the primary purpose of photographing Great- winged Petrels. Hadoram introduced us to a highly successful chumming technique that we have employed ever since. As important ABOVE: Great-winged Petrel h a s b e e n t h e BELOW LEFT: Soft-plumaged Petrel involvement of Johannesburg- based birder Niall Perrins and local birder Rich Everett in the organisation and running of these trips. Indeed it was Niall's idea to chum well away from any trawlers that resulted in the first Barau's Petrel encounter. It's clear that the smaller, rarer seabirds are more likely to be found while chumming away from trawlers where big numbers of large dominant species such as albatrosses and White- chinned Petrels tends to 'frighten off' their shyer cousins. Also critical has been the support of both local and upcountry birders whose participation has made it all possible. July 2017 18 19 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

All pictures by David Allan Weavers nesting in association with larger birds S o o t y Albatross in June of the following WEAVERS often nest close to the nests year. Over the years we've also of larger birds as a form of protection. occasionally seen albatrosses looking The birds that act as protector species more like the Atlantic Yellow-nosed include waterbirds, raptors and crows. s e a b i r d s Albatross than our run-of-the-mill local The PHOWN (PHOtos of Weaver especially attracted Indian counterpart. But it was in Nests, http://weavers.adu.org.za t o c h u m m i n g a r e November 2016 that we finally had a /phown.php) database has 16 records in prions and storm petrels. totally convincing adult Atlantic seen at KwaZulu-Natal. There is a record of The common prion off close range, where the grey hood and Southern Masked Weaver nests in the Durban is Antarctic Prion, mantle contrasting with the white rump, same tree as a Secretarybird nest although we have recorded a and the dark 'mascara-like' markings (PHOWN 13592). These nests were on single Slender-billed Prion (in around the eyes, were obvious. a f a r m n e a r t h e b o r d e r w i t h June 2014). These attractive birds There is much more to tell but space Mpumalanga. The weaver nests were are strictly winter visitors with all is limited and the above serves to show scattered around the bush. The sightings June-Aug and on one that Durban pelagics have progressed Secretarybird nest was active but this memorable occasion (July 2016) there way beyond just being the best southern nest is not visible in the photos. The were about 70 Antarctic Prions attracted African chance at Flesh-footed S o u t h e r n M a s k e d W e a v e r - to our chum. Shearwater. Secretarybird nesting association has The commonest storm petrel is If you'd like to come on one of these not been published before. Wilson's Storm Petrel which occurs t r i p s p l e a s e s e e t h e w e b s i t e The other PHOWN records pertain to throughout the year, but with largest www.niall.co.za/pelagic/KZNpelagictrip Village Weavers, mostly from the numbers May-November (over a s.htm for more details or get hold of greater Pietermaritzburg area. Village ABOVE: Village Weaver nests hundred at times). Small numbers of either Niall, [email protected] or cell Weavers nested in a mixed heronry with photographed by Alex Zaloumis on European Storm Petrels also regularly 0 8 3 6 5 7 5 5 1 1 , o r m y s e l f , Black-headed Herons, Cattle Egrets 3 January 2014 at Amberfield Estate visit the chum. As northern hemisphere [email protected] or 082 361 and Sacred Ibis (PHOWN 7548). This in Howick. The other nest in the tree visitors this is mainly during November- 0261. weaver also nested in a tree with a is presumed to be that of March. More exciting have been Black- presumed heron nest (PHOWN 8631). David Allan a Black-headed Heron. bellied Storm Petrels recorded likely as There are five records of Village Durban Natural Science Museum PHOWN No: 8631 passage migrants in May and again Weavers and Hadedas nesting together in August-November. Best of all in the ABOVE: Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (PHOWN 1459, 3057, 13784, 13794, storm petrel department, the single BELOW: Wilson's Storm Petrel 17780). There are six records of Village single records were uploaded by Gail White-faced Storm Petrel seen while Weavers and Yellow-billed Kites nesting Beukes, David Clulow, Sandra Olver, we were still steaming out to our together, with at least three unique sites. Elena Strydom and Alex Zaloumis. chum spot in May 2014 was followed Two records are PHOWN 13958 and PHOWN is a Virtual Museum project up by an unbelievable two birds at the 14003. The other four records (PHOWN of the Animal Demography Unit. To take chum in June 2016. 7428, 12159, 14014, 14507) are part, register and upload records at Although our chumming is probably the same site, but photos taken http://vmus.adu.org.za (read the "How primarily aimed at the smaller on different dates. The Village Weaver to" pdf for help). species, we've also had three nest associations with these waterbirds and raptors have been documented H. Dieter Oschadleus memorable albatross attendants. [email protected] The first was a fully adult Wandering before, except for Sacred Ibis. Eleven of the above records were Animal Demography Unit Albatross in June 2015. This was University of Cape Town followed by the mind-blowing juvenile submitted by Malcolm Robinson, and July 2017 20 21 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

How to feed To travel, on the mudflats or not to travel?

S H O R E B I R D S s u c h a s C u r l e w MY estimate is that only about 10% of Sandpipers have mechano-receptors in the coastal population of Woolly-necked their bill tips similar to ibisis. Storks (pictured below) remain in the On tidal mudflats, like we have here at country during winter. My guess is that Mtunzini, tube-dwelling organisms such they move to the delta region in as polychaetes are first located by sight Botswana where there are records of an on the mud surface (surface activity at influx during winter. Woolly-necked the top of tube holes, or by the presence Storks are, in the main, summer of holes), and these organisms are then breeding visitors to Mtunzini. If we can located deep under the mud surface by get satellite trackers onto some birds, sensors in their bill tips that pick up micro the destination of this migrant movements or vibrations. population will be confirmed. I suspect The photo sequence (previous page) that the few birds that overwinter here was taken on 9 March 2017. are old birds that do not want to make the journey. Hugh Chittenden [email protected] Hugh Chittenden

Pictures by Hugh Chittenden ABOVE AND BELOW: A Curlew Sandpiper feeding in the mud at Mtunzini on 9 March 2017

July 2017 22 23 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

How to feed To travel, on the mudflats or not to travel?

Pictures by Hugh Chittenden ABOVE AND BELOW: A Curlew Sandpiper feeding in the mud at Mtunzini on 9 March 2017

July 2017 22 23 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

Migration: A long-distance love story FOR the past 15 years, a lovestruck spotted and wooed by Klepetan, and the stork has faithfully returned from its pair have been inseparable since. (Most South African wintering grounds to the of the year, anyway.) Over the years, the same rooftop in Croatia, where he is lovers have reared dozens of chicks. dramatically reunited with his disabled But come the winter, Klepetan flies amore. It's a love story that has south to Africa with the other storks, captivated a nation – but every time he leaving his flightless partner behind. departs, there are fears that he will not When the birds return in the spring, survive to see his beloved next spring. Vokic, and the hundreds of thousands of Every year, for the past 15 years, people glued to the livestream, face an Klepetan, a male White Stork, returns to anxious wait to see if Klepetan has the same red-tiled rooftop in Brodski survived his perilous journeys. Migratory Varoš, a small Croatian village near the birds brave numerous threats every time Bosnian border. they embark on their epic travels – from Except last year, Klepetan was late. storms to starvation, predators to power Six days late. Normally, he returns on 24 lines. But there's one particular stretch March, give or take a day, but it was now of Klepetan's journey that has his 30 March, and his partner, Malena, was supporters particularly concerned – a casting a lonely figure as she waited 160 km stretch that takes Klepetan over patiently for her beau to return. Lebanon. Stjepan Vokic But then, at 16h40, Klepetan The African-Eurasian Flyway – one of ABOVE: Klepetan and Malena, on their rooftop nest in Croatia dramatically swooped into view of the the most important migratory routes in livefeed camera, reuniting the two the entire world – runs straight through very same feather – which Vokic urges tree as well as Man and birds, because lovebirds after months apart and Lebanon, and it is here that the journey Aoun should use to pen a law offering we continue to transgress upon them". sending the nation into rapturous joy. ends for around 2.6 million birds as they stronger protection for birds during the It follows a letter by BirdLife CEO But what is it about this particular pair are felled from the sky by irresponsible critical migration seasons. Patricia Zurita, addressed to Claudine of storks that resonates with the Croatian hunters. An excerpt from the letter says: “In my Aoun Roukoz, the president's special public above all others? Perhaps it's As one of the larger migratory birds, country, there is a belief that storks bring advisor, thanking Aoun for his because their relationship has to endure storks are an obvious target for children and that they bring new life. commitment and urging for closer something that most lovers will be poachers, and this year the issue of These two storks are my whole life. You collaboration with the BirdLife familiar with at one point or another in Klepetan's safety is particularly do not have to believe in stories for little Partnership on this matter. their lives – long distance. poignant, with the news that a male stork children, but you can believe in the fact But any action by Aoun needs to be Klepetan, you see, has to make the called Tesla – one of two Croatian storks that in Croatia every spring, via live- swift and decisive and followed with long, arduous 11,000 km trip to South fitted with GPS trackers for research stream camera, over a million people action on the ground. It is only a matter of Africa alone every winter. Malena was purposes – met his end in Lebanon in await Klepetan's return and that the months until Klepetan will begin eyeing illegally shot in 1993, and hasn't flown April. moment of his return brings happiness the long journey south once more. For properly since. Luckily for her, she was Vokic is so concerned about and joy reminding many of what love the lovestruck stork who returns to his discovered at the side of the road by a Klepetan's welfare that he has taken the means and what it means to love.“ partner's nest every year like clockwork, school janitor, Stjepan Vokic, who extraordinary step of writing a letter to Fortunately, there is every chance the clock is ticking. treated her wounds and has looked after the President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun – that Vokic's emotional plea will tug at Alex Dale her ever since – building a makeshift using a pen fashioned from one of Aoun's heartstrings. In April, the Digital Communications Officer nest on the roof of his house for her, and Klepetan's own feathers – a symbolic Lebanese Prime Minister himself BirdLife International providing shelter for her. gesture that the feather is mightier than pledged to stop the annual slaughter in United Kingdom It was while she was enjoying the roof the sword. The heartfelt letter was his country, stating that: “There should nest one day 15 years ago that she was delivered to Aoun in a box containing the be a peace treaty between Man and the July 2017 24 25 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

Pigeon behaviour under scrutiny warm enough. In that sense, it is good how to deal with different things. that the swallows are not yet nesting so The kestrels also returned and their IT WAS with some scepticism that we they can start a bit later without their nesting is in full swing in the birdhouse listened to Mike Spain’s theory that nesting being ruined. Last April was very on the cowhouse wall. Voles beware! Speckled Pigeons only sit on the ground cold with frost, snowfall and a nasty The falcons – especially the female – are or on buildings, never on trees. northerly wind which caused our spring amazingly trusting and do not mind It was during the weekly bird walk at to be 2-3 weeks late compared to much me moving around and working in the Ambers residential estates in Howick normal. Then two warm days – the yard. As if they knew they – like the that Mike, a former chair of BirdLife KZN yesterday and today – and the swallows swallows – are under my special Midlands, made his observation and started returning only to find themselves protection. sparked a lively debate. The gauntlet in the middle of coldness. Well, this is Regards, was down and it had to be proved one Crystelle Wilson not the first time something like this Risto” way or another. ABOVE: Speckled Pigeons happens, so maybe everything will be all Hilary Vickers A few weeks later in May this year I right . . . hopefully. Mother Nature knows participated in the annual Cape Parrot the bare branches in the tree, moving Howick Big Day Count and was stationed at a between them and the roof of the farm in Boston. Almost immediately, I farmhouse and never sitting on ones NEWS FROM BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA spotted a pair of Speckled Pigeons with leaves on. Nearby, an African Olive sitting on a branch in the yellowwood Pigeon was happily sitting on a branch tree that used to play host to parrots in full of leaves. Birding Big Day set for 25 November 2017 the past. Sadly, the parrots never arrived. But during the course of keeping BIRDLIFE South Africa's 33rd Birding heard during a 24-hour period from Crystelle Wilson watch for the parrots for several hours , I Big Day (BBD) will take place on midnight on Friday 24 November to Howick realised that the pigeons were using only Saturday 25 November 2017. midnight on Saturday 25 November During Birding Big Day 2016, more 2017. than a thousand birders recorded 654 wTeams can consist of a maximum Migrating swallows brave the elements species, a record, and also raised some of four members. w BIRDERS in the KZN Midlands artificial nests and slipping into them. valuable funds for bird conservation. Only free-flying birds may be commented earlier this year on how late The first Barn Swallow, in turn, During the 2017 event, we hope to break recorded (i.e. no caged birds). w the Barn Swallows were in leaving on appeared over our yard this evening. this record and have even more birders The majority of the team members their migration north. This should be a great joy, and is, kind of, out enjoying nature. have to agree on a call or sighting. w On 5 May, Hilary Vickers, who with her so why is this “unfortunate”? Well, B e l o w i s t h e Teams are husband, Ted, monitored the Barn because starting tomorrow and lasting a i n f o r m a t i o n o n e requested to limit the Swallow roost at Mount Moreland near week, the weather will turn very cold as needs to participate. use of call play-backs Ballito for many years, received an email freezing air from the north will spread Please read the to attract birds to an from a friend in Finland announcing the over the whole of Finland: here in Middle i n s t r u c t i o n s absolute minimum “unfortunate” arrival of the first swallow. Finland just a few degrees Celsius over carefully. (preferably avoiding “We made contact with Risto Jantti in freezing at the coldest in the daytime Categories using them at all). Finland years ago when the first ringed and nightfrost, meaning there will be Participants can This is especially true Barn Swallow netted at Mount Moreland absolutely nothing for the swallows to participate in one of when birding in a on 14 December 2008 was tracked to his eat. two categories: nature reserve or national park. farm in Finland,” she said. It does not feel like climate change... Open Category Community Category The swallows are wise enough to fly The rules for the Open Category are: The rules for this category are: “Hi Hilary, back the distance needed (“mini wThe maximum area that can be wThis category caters for large Yesterday evening the first House migration”) to reach warm enough areas visited is an area within a radius of 50 groups, such as bird clubs, who want to Martin returned to us and today already to find food and then return to their km. enjoy the day birding together. There is several birds kept flying around the nesting areas when they will again be wRecord all the bird species seen or no limit to the number of team members. July 2017 26 27 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

wA team leader must be selected South Africa bank account. member. your team name and send deposit slip or who will be the main contact person. p r o o f o f p a y m e n t v i a e m a i l t o Results wThe maximum area that can be [email protected]. This is important to If BirdLasser was used, each team visited is an area within a radius of 50 ensure you are put on the list to receive needs to verify its species list on their km. your badges, and incorrectly referenced phone and the website within 48 hours wRecord all the bird species seen or payments might not be allocated to your of the event. The species list at 24:00 27 heard during a 24-hour period from team. November will be considered as final. To midnight on Friday 24 November to Latest date for payments for BBD resolve any issues please email midnight on Saturday 25 November Using BirdLasser badges is 15 December 2017. [email protected] 2017. If your team will be using the If you are not using BirdLasser, Bank account details w Only free-flying birds may be BirdLasser mobile app to record your p l e a s e e m a i l y o u r r e s u l t s t o Account Name: BirdLife South Africa recorded (i.e. no caged birds). sightings on the day, please supply us [email protected] before 4 December Bank: First National Bank with the following information. This will Fund-raising competition 2017 using this checklist. Branch: Randburg ensure that your day's sightings get Although Birding Big Day is all about Branch code: 254005 displayed on the BirdLasser Birding Big Prizes birds, it is also about raising funds for Account number: 62067506281 Day event page Lucky draw prizes will be announced bird conservation. Funds raised will be If anything is unclear or you need https://www.birdlasser.com/events/bbd at a later date. shared between BirdLasser, and the more information, please contact 2017 in real-time and you don't have to Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Payment [email protected] manually submit your sightings data and Terrestrial Bird Conservation Payment for badges and funds raised after the event: Ernst Retief Programmes. should be sent to BirdLife South Africa wThe name and email address (the BLSA Regional Conservation Manager: For the first time we have added a after the event; thus enabling your team address used to register on BirdLasser) Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State Fund-raising competition with the to raise funds during the event. See of the person in the team who will log the 082 325 6608 following rules: banking details below. Please use the sightings on BirdLasser. wTeams can source sponsorships payment reference 'BBD' followed by [email protected] wTeam name which will appear on before, during and after the event. the BirdLasser events page. wA prize for this category will be Remember birds in your will wNames of team members. announced in the near future. During the day, the challenge page wTeams can raise sponsorship, for IF YOU have derived a lifetime's after first. Besides a set amount or will automatically update as teams e x a m p l e , b y a s k i n g p e o p l e o r pleasure from birds, why not help specified item, you can also bequeath: record their sightings, thus adding to the companies to pay a certain amount per ensure their future by leaving a gift to wA percentage of the estate – often excitement of the day. Progress will be species seen or a fixed amount BirdLife South Africa in your will? the better option, since it is difficult to reported in social and other media. For independent of the number of species The survival of wild birds – and the predict what your estate will be worth at more information about BirdLasser, visit seen. human race – depends on a healthy the time of your death. w w w. b i r d l a s s e r. c o m o r e m a i l wThe winning team will be the team environment. Using your will to help wThe residue – what is left over after [email protected] which has raised on average per protect birds is something almost all costs, debts and other bequests have member the most money (total money Registration for Birding Big Day everyone can do without having to been made. You can bequeath the entire raised/number of members). You need to register for Birding Big spend money now. Only when you no residue to BirdLife South Africa, or wBirdLife South Africa can provide Day before the event by completing the longer need it, will the money be put to apportion it among worthy causes of any company or individual who donates online form. There is no entry fee, but a work, to preserve for generations to your choice. more than R500 with a Section 18A Tax minimum donation of R300 is required to come the birds and the environment that If you have a will, you can add a Certificate. In order to do so, BirdLife qualify for a BirdLife South Africa Birding has meant so much to you. bequest by means of a codicil, which is South Africa needs the complete details Big Day 2017 cloth badge. Please note A bequest is simply a gift of money or read in conjunction with the will. The of each donor including full names, that only four cloth badges will be property (real estate, motor vehicle, codicil must be a separate document, addresses and donated amounts per produced per team of four members. For antiques, jewellery, etc.) that is left to an signed by you and dated in front of two donor. The certificate will be issued only teams with more than four members an individual or charitable institution in your witnesses. after the donation is paid into the BirdLife additional R45 will be added per team will. Obviously, it is important to make A lawyer, accountant, financial sure family and dependants are looked adviser, bank or trust company can help July 2017 28 29 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 wA team leader must be selected South Africa bank account. member. your team name and send deposit slip or who will be the main contact person. p r o o f o f p a y m e n t v i a e m a i l t o Results wThe maximum area that can be [email protected]. This is important to If BirdLasser was used, each team visited is an area within a radius of 50 ensure you are put on the list to receive needs to verify its species list on their km. your badges, and incorrectly referenced phone and the website within 48 hours wRecord all the bird species seen or payments might not be allocated to your of the event. The species list at 24:00 27 heard during a 24-hour period from team. November will be considered as final. To midnight on Friday 24 November to Latest date for payments for BBD resolve any issues please email midnight on Saturday 25 November Using BirdLasser badges is 15 December 2017. [email protected] 2017. If your team will be using the If you are not using BirdLasser, Bank account details w Only free-flying birds may be BirdLasser mobile app to record your p l e a s e e m a i l y o u r r e s u l t s t o Account Name: BirdLife South Africa recorded (i.e. no caged birds). sightings on the day, please supply us [email protected] before 4 December Bank: First National Bank with the following information. This will Fund-raising competition 2017 using this checklist. Branch: Randburg ensure that your day's sightings get Although Birding Big Day is all about Branch code: 254005 displayed on the BirdLasser Birding Big Prizes birds, it is also about raising funds for Account number: 62067506281 Day event page Lucky draw prizes will be announced bird conservation. Funds raised will be If anything is unclear or you need https://www.birdlasser.com/events/bbd at a later date. shared between BirdLasser, and the more information, please contact 2017 in real-time and you don't have to Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Payment [email protected] manually submit your sightings data and Terrestrial Bird Conservation Payment for badges and funds raised after the event: Ernst Retief Programmes. should be sent to BirdLife South Africa wThe name and email address (the BLSA Regional Conservation Manager: For the first time we have added a after the event; thus enabling your team address used to register on BirdLasser) Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State Fund-raising competition with the to raise funds during the event. See of the person in the team who will log the 082 325 6608 following rules: banking details below. Please use the sightings on BirdLasser. wTeams can source sponsorships payment reference 'BBD' followed by [email protected] wTeam name which will appear on before, during and after the event. the BirdLasser events page. wA prize for this category will be Remember birds in your will wNames of team members. announced in the near future. During the day, the challenge page wTeams can raise sponsorship, for IF YOU have derived a lifetime's after first. Besides a set amount or will automatically update as teams e x a m p l e , b y a s k i n g p e o p l e o r pleasure from birds, why not help specified item, you can also bequeath: record their sightings, thus adding to the companies to pay a certain amount per ensure their future by leaving a gift to wA percentage of the estate – often excitement of the day. Progress will be species seen or a fixed amount BirdLife South Africa in your will? the better option, since it is difficult to reported in social and other media. For independent of the number of species The survival of wild birds – and the predict what your estate will be worth at more information about BirdLasser, visit seen. human race – depends on a healthy the time of your death. w w w. b i r d l a s s e r. c o m o r e m a i l wThe winning team will be the team environment. Using your will to help wThe residue – what is left over after [email protected] which has raised on average per protect birds is something almost all costs, debts and other bequests have member the most money (total money Registration for Birding Big Day everyone can do without having to been made. You can bequeath the entire raised/number of members). You need to register for Birding Big spend money now. Only when you no residue to BirdLife South Africa, or wBirdLife South Africa can provide Day before the event by completing the longer need it, will the money be put to apportion it among worthy causes of any company or individual who donates online form. There is no entry fee, but a work, to preserve for generations to your choice. more than R500 with a Section 18A Tax minimum donation of R300 is required to come the birds and the environment that If you have a will, you can add a Certificate. In order to do so, BirdLife qualify for a BirdLife South Africa Birding has meant so much to you. bequest by means of a codicil, which is South Africa needs the complete details Big Day 2017 cloth badge. Please note A bequest is simply a gift of money or read in conjunction with the will. The of each donor including full names, that only four cloth badges will be property (real estate, motor vehicle, codicil must be a separate document, addresses and donated amounts per produced per team of four members. For antiques, jewellery, etc.) that is left to an signed by you and dated in front of two donor. The certificate will be issued only teams with more than four members an individual or charitable institution in your witnesses. after the donation is paid into the BirdLife additional R45 will be added per team will. Obviously, it is important to make A lawyer, accountant, financial sure family and dependants are looked adviser, bank or trust company can help July 2017 28 29 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 you plan your will to minimise death BirdLife South Africa and the BirdLife One recorded below Jozini duties, appoint an executor, and make National Trust are registered Public Dam, fair provision for your immediate family. Benefit Organisations. Donations made 25 March 2017 Any legacy or bequest to a registered t o r e g i s t e r e d P u b l i c B e n e f i t (SA Rare Bird News). Public Benefit Organisation in terms of Organisations will not attract Donations your will constitutes an allowable Tax (Section 56(1l)h of the Income Tax OLIVE-TREE WARBLER deduction for estate duty purposes and Act (No 58 of 1962)). Hippolais olivetorum reduces the net dutiable value of your If you are considering leaving a KZN Rarity estate. legacy to BirdLife South Africa or the One, Manyoni Private Game You can leave a bequest to either BirdLife National Trust, please let us Reserve, Zululand, BirdLife South Africa or the BirdLife know so that we may acknowledge your 17 February 2017 National Trust. The main object of the kind gesture. (SA Rare Bird News). BirdLife National Trust is to receive Birdlife South Africa C Meyer donations and bequests, to manage and COMMON WHITETHROAT 011 789 1122 ABOVE: Dwarf Bittern, Mkuze December 2016 invest these funds on behalf of BirdLife Sylvia communis [email protected] South Africa, and to apply the income KZN Rarity www.birdlife.org.za from investments for the benefit and (SA Rare Bird News). Two, Manyoni Private Game Reserve, objectives of BirdLife South Africa. One, Meerensee, Richard's Bay, Zululand, 17 February 2017 4, 11 and 16 March 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). (SA Rare Bird News). HONORARY RECORDER’S REPORT One, Brettenwood Estate, Ballito, CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola GREETINGS, fellow birders. It has been Eckhart Buchmann 19 March 2017 National Rarity a relatively quiet autumn, with relatively (KZN Rarity accepted). One, near Melmoth, 19 April 2017, low numbers of rarities being reported. DWARF BITTERN Ixobrychus sturmii Nick Livs However, some of them have been SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana KZN Rarity (6th record for southern Africa). national mega-rarities, such as White- KZN Rarity Two, Mkuze Game Reserve, throated Bee-eater, Basra Reed- One, Sappi Stanger, 16 December 2016, C Meyer GOLDEN PIPIT Warbler, Citrine Wagtail and Golden 22 December 2016, James Rawdon (KZN Rarity accepted). Tmetothylacus tenellus Pipit. Also unusual was an African (KZN Rarity accepted). One, Mount Moreland, 14 February National Rarity Penguin off Durban in April. One, Sappi Stanger, 12 February 2017 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). One, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, (SA Rare Bird News). 25 March 2017, Paul Rollinson. RARITIES GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus GREATER FRIGATEBIRD This is the 17th record for southern KZN Rarity Fregata minor Africa. WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER One, iMfolozi Game Reserve, National Rarity Merops albicollis 5 February 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). One, Amanzimtoti, 18 February 2017, SHORT-TAILED PIPIT Two or three, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Jannie and Elize Bouwer. Anthus brachyurus 30 March 2017, HARTLAUB'S GULL KZN Rarity Geoff Clinning. Chroicocephalus hartlaubii AFRICAN PENGUIN One, Garden Castle, Drakensberg, Two, Mkuze Game Reserve, KZN Rarity Spheniscus demersus 24 January 2017, Adrian Ogilvie 10 April 2017, Jean-Pierre de la Rey. One, Durban Bay, 13 March 2017, KZN Rarity (KZN Rarity accepted). These are the 19th and 20th records David Allan. One immature, 1.5 km offshore of for southern Africa. Durban, 14 April 2017 OUT-OF-RANGE SIGHTINGS AYRES'S HAWK EAGLE (SA Rare Bird News). White-fronted Bee-eater LEVAILLANT'S CUCKOO Hieraaetus ayresii Two, near Amanzimtoti, Clamator levaillantii KZN Rarity BASRA REED WARBLER 23 February 2017, Adam Cruickshank. KZN Rarity One, Teza, Kwambonambi, Acrocephalus griseldis Temminck's Courser Two, near Frere, 28 February 2017, 11 February 2017 National Rarity One, near Ladysmith, 6 February 2017 July 2017 30 31 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 you plan your will to minimise death BirdLife South Africa and the BirdLife One recorded below Jozini duties, appoint an executor, and make National Trust are registered Public Dam, fair provision for your immediate family. Benefit Organisations. Donations made 25 March 2017 Any legacy or bequest to a registered t o r e g i s t e r e d P u b l i c B e n e f i t (SA Rare Bird News). Public Benefit Organisation in terms of Organisations will not attract Donations your will constitutes an allowable Tax (Section 56(1l)h of the Income Tax OLIVE-TREE WARBLER deduction for estate duty purposes and Act (No 58 of 1962)). Hippolais olivetorum reduces the net dutiable value of your If you are considering leaving a KZN Rarity estate. legacy to BirdLife South Africa or the One, Manyoni Private Game You can leave a bequest to either BirdLife National Trust, please let us Reserve, Zululand, BirdLife South Africa or the BirdLife know so that we may acknowledge your 17 February 2017 National Trust. The main object of the kind gesture. (SA Rare Bird News). BirdLife National Trust is to receive Birdlife South Africa C Meyer donations and bequests, to manage and COMMON WHITETHROAT 011 789 1122 ABOVE: Dwarf Bittern, Mkuze December 2016 invest these funds on behalf of BirdLife Sylvia communis [email protected] South Africa, and to apply the income KZN Rarity www.birdlife.org.za from investments for the benefit and (SA Rare Bird News). Two, Manyoni Private Game Reserve, objectives of BirdLife South Africa. One, Meerensee, Richard's Bay, Zululand, 17 February 2017 4, 11 and 16 March 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). (SA Rare Bird News). HONORARY RECORDER’S REPORT One, Brettenwood Estate, Ballito, CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola GREETINGS, fellow birders. It has been Eckhart Buchmann 19 March 2017 National Rarity a relatively quiet autumn, with relatively (KZN Rarity accepted). One, near Melmoth, 19 April 2017, low numbers of rarities being reported. DWARF BITTERN Ixobrychus sturmii Nick Livs However, some of them have been SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana KZN Rarity (6th record for southern Africa). national mega-rarities, such as White- KZN Rarity Two, Mkuze Game Reserve, throated Bee-eater, Basra Reed- One, Sappi Stanger, 16 December 2016, C Meyer GOLDEN PIPIT Warbler, Citrine Wagtail and Golden 22 December 2016, James Rawdon (KZN Rarity accepted). Tmetothylacus tenellus Pipit. Also unusual was an African (KZN Rarity accepted). One, Mount Moreland, 14 February National Rarity Penguin off Durban in April. One, Sappi Stanger, 12 February 2017 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). One, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, (SA Rare Bird News). 25 March 2017, Paul Rollinson. RARITIES GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus GREATER FRIGATEBIRD This is the 17th record for southern KZN Rarity Fregata minor Africa. WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER One, iMfolozi Game Reserve, National Rarity Merops albicollis 5 February 2017 (SA Rare Bird News). One, Amanzimtoti, 18 February 2017, SHORT-TAILED PIPIT Two or three, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Jannie and Elize Bouwer. Anthus brachyurus 30 March 2017, HARTLAUB'S GULL KZN Rarity Geoff Clinning. Chroicocephalus hartlaubii AFRICAN PENGUIN One, Garden Castle, Drakensberg, Two, Mkuze Game Reserve, KZN Rarity Spheniscus demersus 24 January 2017, Adrian Ogilvie 10 April 2017, Jean-Pierre de la Rey. One, Durban Bay, 13 March 2017, KZN Rarity (KZN Rarity accepted). These are the 19th and 20th records David Allan. One immature, 1.5 km offshore of for southern Africa. Durban, 14 April 2017 OUT-OF-RANGE SIGHTINGS AYRES'S HAWK EAGLE (SA Rare Bird News). White-fronted Bee-eater LEVAILLANT'S CUCKOO Hieraaetus ayresii Two, near Amanzimtoti, Clamator levaillantii KZN Rarity BASRA REED WARBLER 23 February 2017, Adam Cruickshank. KZN Rarity One, Teza, Kwambonambi, Acrocephalus griseldis Temminck's Courser Two, near Frere, 28 February 2017, 11 February 2017 National Rarity One, near Ladysmith, 6 February 2017 July 2017 30 31 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

vetted by any rarities committee for Barratt's Warbler validation, unless otherwise noted. As One, Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve, such, the information presented here 28 April 2017, Richard Boon. should be used with due consideration. Caveat: the sightings recorded here Steve Davis: Honorary Recorder have been submitted directly to me or 031 2054459, Fax: 031 2731302 have been posted on the SABirdNet or e-mail: [email protected], SA Rare Bird News, and have not been 59 Edmonds Road Glenwood 4001

KZN RARITIES ACCEPTED THE following previously reported KZN records have been accepted by the KZN Rarities Committee since the October 2015 Honorary Recorder's Report. These include records forwarded to the committee for adjudication from SABAP2 field cards.

Adam Cruickshank ABOVE: White-fronted Bee-eater, Amanzimtoti February 2017

(SA Rare Bird News). One, Underberg, early February 2017 One, King Shaka International Airport, (SA Rare Bird News). 8 February 2017, Adrian Naicker, One, Tala Game Reserve, 9 May 2017, relayed by Mike White. Peter Vermaak. Brown Snake Eagle European Honey-Buzzard One, San Lameer, 5 March 2017 Since the last Honorary Recorder's (SA Rare Bird News). Report, 25 sightings of European Red-footed Falcon Honey-Buzzard were reported from CLUB ACTIVITIES One female, lower Sani Pass, throughout KZN. 13 March 2017, Stuart BIRDLIFE PORT NATAL Mclean. MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: KINDLY PHONE THE CONTACT PERSON FOR OTHER SIGHTINGS ANY SPECIFIC OUTING BEFOREHAND TO ENSURE THAT THE OUTING Southern Ground WILL TAKE PLACE. Participation is at your own risk. BirdLife Port Natal cannot Hornbill be held responsible for theft/loss of property at any venue. One, New Germany, 13 DIRECTIONS TO VENUES: Go to http://blpn.org/activities/directions-to-bird-club- April 2017, reported by venues. If unsure, then ask the outing leader when you make contact to confirm Paolo Candotti. your attendance. Bronze-winged Courser OUTDOOR OUTINGS: Please don't forget to bring your tea/lunch baskets and socialise afterwards. Please note that many places now charge so take entrance money, Wild and/or Rhino Cards with you on any outing. RIGHT: Temminck’s INDOOR MEETINGS are usually held on the second Wednesday evening of every Courser, Ladysmith month (except February and December) at 19h00 at the Westville Methodist Church, February 2017 Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. BIRD RINGING: Normally starts very early, but people are welcome to arrive later Adrian Naicker and see what is going on. Bird Ringing with Garth Aiston: Usually held early on a July 2017 32 33 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

Adam Cruickshank ABOVE: White-fronted Bee-eater, Amanzimtoti February 2017

Sunday each month. Please call Garth for details if no notification is put out nearer to the lists can be handed in and be evaluated to find the winners and the runners up. the time on the BLPN website and KZN Birds@yahoo. Cell: 084 549 1752. Bring a picnic lunch and chairs along for a social after the birding. There will hopefully Bird Ringing with Andrew Pickles. Usually the first or second Sunday of the month. be a prize for the winning team…. Big Birding Day rules will apply. Venue to be advised. Please contact Andrew for details. Cell 082 338 3302 or OCTOBER 2017 [email protected] Saturday 7 October 06h00 – Alverstone with Elena Russell. Meet in the car park. Bird Ringing with James Rawdon. James visits many private estates on the North Please confirm attendance, meeting time and place 031 705 2902, or Coast from Umhlanga into southern Zululand. Contact James for details: 083 745 [email protected]. Directions: Take the N3 west from Durban to 6007 or [email protected] Pietermaritzburg. From the N3 take the Shongweni off-ramp. Travel north past the KRANTZKLOOF BIRDS: Meetings are held at 09h30 on the second Tuesday of Assagay Hotel and over the M13. Turn left onto the D435 towards Alverstone. Follow every second month at Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre and sometimes at the Kloof this road to the park entrance on the left. The entrance fee is still R20 per person (I will Methodist Church Hall. collect the gate key on Friday) and the parking is right near the gate so I can let SEPTEMBER people in but by 06h15 we will begin walking, at which stage the gate will be locked so Saturday 2 September 06h30 – Tanglewood with Elena Russell, 031 705 2902, late comers will not be able to gain access. There is a nice boma where we will have email [email protected]. Directions: Take the exit at the bottom of Field's our picnic tea. Hill on the M13. Turn onto Richmond Road at the off ramp lights (traveling away from Tuesday 10 October 09h30 for 10h00 – Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Speakers Pinetown). Turn right onto Trafford Road. Travel 1.2 km and just before the lights, turn are Karin and Craig Nelson. There is an entrance fee, tea and coffee provided. right onto Motala Road. At the traffic circle, turn left onto Naidoo Road. After about Wednesday 11 October 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, 300 metres you will see the entrance in front of you. Meet at the bottom gate from Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. Adam Riley of Rockjumpers on “The World's Most 06h15 and we will all drive in together. Picnic tea at the Boathouse. Most important Unusual Birds”. See you there. about meeting at the gate before 06h30, as the gate is then locked. Silver collection Saturday 14 October 13h30 – BMCG with Rob Jamieson. Venue to be announced. for the Hillcrest Conservancy. Wednesday 18 October 07h30 – Paradise Valley NR with Lesley Frescura. Gate Sunday 3 September 06h45 – SAPPI Hide with Rex Aspeling. Please contact Rex opens at 07h30. The last outing with Sandi was washed out, so we haven't been for a to confirm, [email protected] or 082 301 8177. Directions: Take the N2 North. while. Let's see the Mountain Wagtails and the Crowned Eagles and enjoy the spring Left on ramp at R74 KwaDukuza and left towards KwaDukuza (Stanger). weather. There is a walk along the Umbilo River to the spectacular waterfall. Approximately 1 km further turn left at SAPPI turnoff. Follow the road till you have Directions: From M13 westbound, take the Stapleton Road/New Germany turn-off. SAPPI mill on your right. No need to sign in. I will meet you here. We will meet at the (Exit 16) Keep left into Eden Road. Follow Eden Road past the Blood Bank, turn right picnic area past the hide at 06h45. The first 10 will go to the hide and the rest for a into Oxford Road. The reserve is at the end of the road. Watch out for the many speed stroll around the dam and swop later. Afterwards tea /coffee in the picnic area. Good bumps in the road. Note: There is a small entrance fee. Bring tea things for later. idea to take cushions as well as chairs, tea/coffee. Sunday 22 October – Bisley Valley Nature Reserve, with Elena and Sandi. Please Wednesday 13 September 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, confirm meeting time and place with Elena Russell, 031 705 2902, Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. Our guest speaker – details to follow. See you there. [email protected] or Sandi du Preez 031 701 4839 or 073 332 4431. A Wednesday 20 September 07h30 – Burman Bush with Sandi du Preez 031 701 mixture of grasslands and acacia-dominated thornveld with some fine trees along 4839 or 073 332 4431. There should be lots of sunbirds around; the kites are back the three watercourses draining the higher ground. There are also some marshy and a chance to see the goshawks and sparrowhawks. Directions: Take Lilian Ngoyi areas. Directions: Leave N3 highway at Market Road (Exit 74), go past the market Road (Windermere Road) from Sandile Thusi Road (Argyle Road) M17 and continue and bear left onto R103 to Cleland. At next traffic lights, go right into Murray Road along it until the end and turn left into Goodwin Drive. Go past the Bill Buchanan (Gladys Manzi). Proceed for 2.3 km and go left through the gate at Canterbury Home and then follow the signs from Goodwin Drive/Burman Drive junction to the Stables. Parking entrance to reserve is 100 m on the right. parking area just outside the gate. Entrance is free. Bring chair coffee/tea and eats for NOVEMBER 2017 a picnic afterwards. Saturday 4 November 07h30 – Shongweni with Elena Russell. Please confirm Sunday 24 September 06h30 – A Mini Birding Day organised by Jenny Norman. attendance, meeting time and place, 031 705 2902, [email protected]. This is NOT a led outing! Participants meet at 06h30 at Paradise Valley parking area. Bring a picnic tea & chairs. Directions: Take the N3 west, go through the Mariannhill Birders must make up teams consisting of 3/4 persons. Each team will be handed a Toll Plaza, then take the Shongweni/Assagay off-ramp. Turn left and drive for bird list consisting of 180 species to be found in the Greater Durban Area. If you can't approximately 1 km before turning left again at the sign to Shongweni Dam. After a make up a team, don't worry; there will be others there that you can team up with. few hundred metres, turn right at the next signpost for Shongweni Dam. This road Each team will go out and find as many of those birds as they can anywhere in the eventually leads to the entrance (about 6 km). Pay your entrance fee by card. Cash eThekwini area, and meet back at New Germany at 13h00 for a picnic lunch so that not accepted. Wild Cards accepted. Take the left road as you enter and park in the

July 2017 34 35 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

July 2017 34 35 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 parking at the Resource Centre. ramp. Turn right at traffic light into Old Main Road. At Heritage Market, turn right into Wednesday 8 November 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, Stonewall. Travel under the subway and at the T-junction, turn right into Springside Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. End-of-year gettogether: maybe a quiz, maybe a Road. Continue along this road until you see the reserve on your left. Donations are speaker, maybe some other fun, come along and find out. encouraged. Sunday 12 November – KwaXimba Conservancy with Dave Rimmer. Please Wednesday 6 December 06h15 – Westville Trail with Sandi du Preez, 031 701 c o n f i r m m e e t i n g t i m e a n d p l a c e w i t h D a v e , 0 8 2 4 5 3 7 2 5 5 o r 4839 or 073 332 4431. Directions: Meet in the car park behind the Westville Civic [email protected]. The outing to KwaXimba will involve a walk along the Centre. We will be walking the Westville trail, and then spend some time in the “dog” southern banks of the uMngeni and Mgceweni Rivers. The plan is for everyone to park. The area behind the Westville Library is fantastic for “early morning” birds. meet at isiThumba Cultural Village on the uMngeni. Directions to isiThumba Cultural sunbirds, barbets, honeyguides, etc. On the trail, we hope to see all three mannikin Village (all on good tar roads): From Durban take the N3 heading to Pietermaritzburg. species (the Magpie Mannikin is a special there). Entrance is free. Bring chairs, From Kloof/Hillcrest take the M13 heading to Pietermaritzburg and then the N3. Go coffee/tea and eats for a picnic afterwards. PLEASE NOTE EARLY STARTING off the N3 at the Hammersdale/Inchanga Exit. At the end of the off ramp, turn right TIME – Mike Roseblade says this is essential! over the N3 and follow the road past Inchanga Station. Just after the station, turn right Saturday 9 December 13h30 – BMCG with Rob Jamieson. Venue to be into Inchanga Drive – stay on this road (it bears left) until you come to a T-junction with announced. the R103 (Old Main Road). Turn right onto the R103 and then first left (about 200 m) Tuesday 12 December 09h30 for 10h00 – Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Speaker onto the D1004. Stay on this road for 9 km as it meanders steeply down into the is Tristan Dickerson. There is an entrance fee, tea and coffee are provided. uMngeni Valley until you come to the isiThumba Cultural Village on your right. Thanks to everyone who contributes to our outings; Wednesday 15 November 07h30 – Stainbank NR with Sandi du Preez 031 701 we all appreciate your dedication. 4839 or 073 332 4431. Open grassland, woodland, scrub and riverine vegetation, BIRDLIFE KWA-ZULU NATAL MIDLANDS also a small dam, which attracts some water birds and nesting weavers. Directions: from Edwin Swales Drive (Solomon Mahlangu) take the Wakesleigh Rd turn-off. Turn Pietermaritzburg evening meetings are held at Woodgrove Retirement Centre on the left into Sarnia Rd. Travel for about 2 km and turn right into Coedmore Rd. Continue second Tuesday of alternate months at 18h00. Howick evening meetings are held in for about 3 km. The reserve is on the right. Meet at the Lourie picnic site. There is an the Ambers Auditorium in Amber Valley, on the third Wednesday of the month at entrance fee (free with Wild Card or Rhino Card. Bring chair, coffee/tea and eats for 18h00. Entry R10 pp or by donation. picnic afterwards. Committee: Chair Peter Divall 033 239 5537, vice-chair Eve Hughes 033 330 2723, Sunday 19 November – Priscilla Vale Farm with Malcolm Stainbank 083 781 1130 or treasurer Viv O’Neill 083 464 7666, secretary Sally Cumming 072 119 4253, [email protected] or [email protected]. Please confirm membership secretary Pam Nicol 071 247 3604, Rarities/SABAP2 Colin attendance and meeting time. Directions: Take the N3 from Durban and take the Summersgill 060 827 3785, conservation Karin Nelson 072 779 4219, e-Newsletter Camperdown off ramp. Go left at the bridge and follow the road until the T-junction. Rosemary Forrester 082 767 7366, evening meetings Norman Freeman 083 453 Go left towards Eston and Umbumbulu. At the Caltex Service Station, keep going 7949, Darvill project Ian Gordon 083 570 6782. straight on the R603 for about12 km from the Eston crossroad; turn off on your right. Bird ringing at Darvill, Karkloof Conservation Centre, Cedara, Hilton College: Allow 65 minutes from Durban. GPS Co-ordinates for Priscilla Vale Farm are: Contact Karin Nelson on 033 330 3027 or 072 779 4219. S29 57'815″; E30 36'444″. Please contact the coordinator before an outing Weekend away 24-26 November – Sand Forest lodge, Hluhluwe with John and to confirm the time of meeting and other arrangements Cheryl Bevan. Please confirm all details with Cheryl at [email protected], 031 Coordinators of outings to private property must please phone 708 3731 or 083 407 9785. Typical sand forest habitat conveniently situated for False the owner a week in advance to confirm the outing Bay Park and Imfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Campsite and chalet accommodation available. Details on website www.sandforest.co.za or phone Cary AUGUST or Godfrey on 082 417 6484 and 083 627 7080, referring to BLPN birding weekend. Sunday 6 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Coordinator Gordon Bennett 033 386 Sand Forest Lodge have offered 20% discount for bungalows and cottages, but 5555 or 072 875 1436. cannot discount their camp site as they are at the bare minimum rate. For directions Tuesday 8 – Presentation in Woodgrove at 18h00 by Drummond Densham entitled see their website. “Umgano Project Update”. DECEMBER 2017 Wednesday 16 – Presentation in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by David Allan on Saturday 2 December 07h15 – Springside with Elena Russell. Please confirm “Surveying the fantastic waterbird populations of the Elephant Marsh in southern attendance, meeting time and place, 031 705 2902, [email protected]. Malawi”. Our Christmas outing – we will be doing toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches! Sunday 20 – Day outing to Zulu Falls near Mooi River to see the breeding Bald Ibis. Silver collection for the conservancy. Directions: From M13, turn off at Hillcrest off- Coordinator Colin Summersgill 033 818 9013 or 060 827 3785. July 2017 36 37 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51 parking at the Resource Centre. ramp. Turn right at traffic light into Old Main Road. At Heritage Market, turn right into Wednesday 8 November 19h00 – Indoor meeting at Westville Methodist Church, Stonewall. Travel under the subway and at the T-junction, turn right into Springside Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. End-of-year gettogether: maybe a quiz, maybe a Road. Continue along this road until you see the reserve on your left. Donations are speaker, maybe some other fun, come along and find out. encouraged. Sunday 12 November – KwaXimba Conservancy with Dave Rimmer. Please Wednesday 6 December 06h15 – Westville Trail with Sandi du Preez, 031 701 c o n f i r m m e e t i n g t i m e a n d p l a c e w i t h D a v e , 0 8 2 4 5 3 7 2 5 5 o r 4839 or 073 332 4431. Directions: Meet in the car park behind the Westville Civic [email protected]. The outing to KwaXimba will involve a walk along the Centre. We will be walking the Westville trail, and then spend some time in the “dog” southern banks of the uMngeni and Mgceweni Rivers. The plan is for everyone to park. The area behind the Westville Library is fantastic for “early morning” birds. meet at isiThumba Cultural Village on the uMngeni. Directions to isiThumba Cultural sunbirds, barbets, honeyguides, etc. On the trail, we hope to see all three mannikin Village (all on good tar roads): From Durban take the N3 heading to Pietermaritzburg. species (the Magpie Mannikin is a special there). Entrance is free. Bring chairs, From Kloof/Hillcrest take the M13 heading to Pietermaritzburg and then the N3. Go coffee/tea and eats for a picnic afterwards. PLEASE NOTE EARLY STARTING off the N3 at the Hammersdale/Inchanga Exit. At the end of the off ramp, turn right TIME – Mike Roseblade says this is essential! over the N3 and follow the road past Inchanga Station. Just after the station, turn right Saturday 9 December 13h30 – BMCG with Rob Jamieson. Venue to be into Inchanga Drive – stay on this road (it bears left) until you come to a T-junction with announced. the R103 (Old Main Road). Turn right onto the R103 and then first left (about 200 m) Tuesday 12 December 09h30 for 10h00 – Krantzkloof Interpretive Centre. Speaker onto the D1004. Stay on this road for 9 km as it meanders steeply down into the is Tristan Dickerson. There is an entrance fee, tea and coffee are provided. uMngeni Valley until you come to the isiThumba Cultural Village on your right. Thanks to everyone who contributes to our outings; Wednesday 15 November 07h30 – Stainbank NR with Sandi du Preez 031 701 we all appreciate your dedication. 4839 or 073 332 4431. Open grassland, woodland, scrub and riverine vegetation, BIRDLIFE KWA-ZULU NATAL MIDLANDS also a small dam, which attracts some water birds and nesting weavers. Directions: from Edwin Swales Drive (Solomon Mahlangu) take the Wakesleigh Rd turn-off. Turn Pietermaritzburg evening meetings are held at Woodgrove Retirement Centre on the left into Sarnia Rd. Travel for about 2 km and turn right into Coedmore Rd. Continue second Tuesday of alternate months at 18h00. Howick evening meetings are held in for about 3 km. The reserve is on the right. Meet at the Lourie picnic site. There is an the Ambers Auditorium in Amber Valley, on the third Wednesday of the month at entrance fee (free with Wild Card or Rhino Card. Bring chair, coffee/tea and eats for 18h00. Entry R10 pp or by donation. picnic afterwards. Committee: Chair Peter Divall 033 239 5537, vice-chair Eve Hughes 033 330 2723, Sunday 19 November – Priscilla Vale Farm with Malcolm Stainbank 083 781 1130 or treasurer Viv O’Neill 083 464 7666, secretary Sally Cumming 072 119 4253, [email protected] or [email protected]. Please confirm membership secretary Pam Nicol 071 247 3604, Rarities/SABAP2 Colin attendance and meeting time. Directions: Take the N3 from Durban and take the Summersgill 060 827 3785, conservation Karin Nelson 072 779 4219, e-Newsletter Camperdown off ramp. Go left at the bridge and follow the road until the T-junction. Rosemary Forrester 082 767 7366, evening meetings Norman Freeman 083 453 Go left towards Eston and Umbumbulu. At the Caltex Service Station, keep going 7949, Darvill project Ian Gordon 083 570 6782. straight on the R603 for about12 km from the Eston crossroad; turn off on your right. Bird ringing at Darvill, Karkloof Conservation Centre, Cedara, Hilton College: Allow 65 minutes from Durban. GPS Co-ordinates for Priscilla Vale Farm are: Contact Karin Nelson on 033 330 3027 or 072 779 4219. S29 57'815″; E30 36'444″. Please contact the coordinator before an outing Weekend away 24-26 November – Sand Forest lodge, Hluhluwe with John and to confirm the time of meeting and other arrangements Cheryl Bevan. Please confirm all details with Cheryl at [email protected], 031 Coordinators of outings to private property must please phone 708 3731 or 083 407 9785. Typical sand forest habitat conveniently situated for False the owner a week in advance to confirm the outing Bay Park and Imfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Campsite and chalet accommodation available. Details on website www.sandforest.co.za or phone Cary AUGUST or Godfrey on 082 417 6484 and 083 627 7080, referring to BLPN birding weekend. Sunday 6 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Coordinator Gordon Bennett 033 386 Sand Forest Lodge have offered 20% discount for bungalows and cottages, but 5555 or 072 875 1436. cannot discount their camp site as they are at the bare minimum rate. For directions Tuesday 8 – Presentation in Woodgrove at 18h00 by Drummond Densham entitled see their website. “Umgano Project Update”. DECEMBER 2017 Wednesday 16 – Presentation in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by David Allan on Saturday 2 December 07h15 – Springside with Elena Russell. Please confirm “Surveying the fantastic waterbird populations of the Elephant Marsh in southern attendance, meeting time and place, 031 705 2902, [email protected]. Malawi”. Our Christmas outing – we will be doing toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches! Sunday 20 – Day outing to Zulu Falls near Mooi River to see the breeding Bald Ibis. Silver collection for the conservancy. Directions: From M13, turn off at Hillcrest off- Coordinator Colin Summersgill 033 818 9013 or 060 827 3785. July 2017 36 37 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51

Wednesday 30 – Morning outing to Cumberland. Meet at Greendale Shopping BIRDLIFE TROGONS centre to arrange transport. There is an entrance fee of R20pp. Coordinator Norman PLEASE note all outings are on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month unless Freeman 033 239 6843 or 083 453 7949. otherwise stated. They are advertised in the South Coast Herald, South Coast Fever SEPTEMBER and The Rising Sun a few days prior to each event. The venues and dates of outings Saturday 2 – BirdLife KZN Conservation Forum at WESSA Umgeni Valley from may be changed at short notice, please check www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com for 08h00. updated information or phone Hazel van Rooyen on 072 355 8837 for further details. Sunday 3 – Morning outing to Darvill at 06h30. Coordinator Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or 072 875 1436. 11 June 07h00 – Kenneth Stainbank, Durban Sunday 17 – Morning outing to Benvie in the Karkloof. There is an entrance fee of 25 June 07h00 – Bushbuck Trail, Southbroom R50pp. Coordinator Ian Gordon 083 570 6782. 9 July 07h00 – Shongweni Nature Reserve Wednesday 20 – Presentation in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by David Johnson on 23 July 07h00 – Ingeli Forest & winter CWAC Count “Birding the Ecuador Highlands”. 13 August 07h00 – Lake Eland Wednesday 27 – Morning outing to Benvie in the Karkloof. There is an entrance fee 27 August 07h00 – Umdoni Nature Reserve of R50pp. Meet at Amber Ridge car park at 07h00 to arrange transport. Coordinator 10 September 07h00 – Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Port Edward Karin Nelson 033 330 3027 or 072 779 4219. 24 September 07h00 – Skyline Nature Reserve & Uvongo River Conservancy 08 October 06h30 – Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve OCTOBER 22 October 06h30 – Culley Dam and Gaze Farm, Port Edward Sunday 2 – Morning outing to Darvill at 06h30. Coordinator Gordon Bennett 033 386 12 November 06h30 – Umbogavango Nature Reserve, Amanzimtoti 5555 or 072 875 1436. 26 November – Christmas lunch (tentative) Tuesday 10 – Presentation in Woodgrove at 18h00 by Tammy Caine – “All about Owls” www.birdlifetrogons.blogspot.com Sunday 15 – Day outing up Sani Pass. Coordinator Hugh Bulcock 082 373 6569. Wednesday 18 – Presentations in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by Nicolette and BIRDLIFE ZULULAND Anthony Forbes of Marine and Estuarine Research, “Update on the St Lucia Estuary For information or details check out the website: www.birdlifezululand.co.za and wetlands” and “Where have all the birdies gone”. Wednesday 25 – Morning outing to Bisley in Pietermaritzburg. Meet at 06h30 at the ON THE LIGHTER SIDE Greendale Shopping Centre to arrange transport. Coordinator Peter Divall 033 239 5537 or 083 263 4169. NOVEMBER Sunday 5 – Morning outing to Darvill at 06h00. Coordinator Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555 or 072 875 1436. Wednesday 15 – Presentation in Ambers Auditorium at 18h00 by Adam Riley of Rockjumper Tours. Topic to be advised. Sunday 19 – Morning outing to Rockwood in the Karkloof. Meet at Amber Ridge car park at 06h00 to arrange transport. Coordinator Eve Hughes 033 330 2723 or 082 872 4333. Wednesday 29 – Morning outing to Rockwood in the Karkloof. Meet at Amber Ridge car park at 06h00 to arrange transport. Coordinator Peter Duys 033 239 5222 or 082 344 3047. DECEMBER Sunday 3 – The end of year braai at Hilton College picnic site. Meet at the main gate of the college at 07h00 for early morning birding or arrive later for the braai. The entrance fee is R30pp. Bring chairs, food and drinks, family and friends. The fires will be organised by the club. Coordinator Colin Summersgill 033 818 9013 or 060 827 3785. NB: If the road to the picnic site is too wet, the walk and braai will be held at Cumberland. ADVERTISE IN KZN BIRDS SEE P2 July 2017 38 39 July 2017 KZN BIRDS No 51 KZN BIRDS No 51