Bokmakierie Newsletter of the Witwatersrand Club August 2017 No 249

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SOUTHBird AFRICALife Giving Conservation Wings New Crake Hide, Nylsvley

The new Crake Hide at Nylsvley was donated by the Friends of Nylsvley to replace the original hide destroyed by the devas- tating fire in September 2013 - photo by Barbi Forsyth

Marion Mengell (left) from Friends of Nylsv- ley officially hands over the new Crake hide to Natasha Möller from LEDET 25th Au- gust 2017 - photo by Barbi Forsyth

The surrounding trees and bushes were cleared by LEDET and will be kept like that to prevent future fires - photo by Barbi Forsyth Newsletter of the Witwatersrand Bird Club August 2017 No 249

Witwatersrand Bird Club Inside this issue: P O Box 641 Cresta 2118 2 Letter from the Chair Tel: 011 782 7267 Fax: 086 512 7696 3 Kakum Forest, Ghana by Lesley Cornish Email: [email protected] 6 Monyena Bush Lodge, Korocreek by Web: www.witsbirdclub.org.za Martin Benadie 2017 Committee: 12 Looking for the Green Barbet in Ngoye Forest by Anthony Cavanagh HON. PRESIDENT: Lance Robinson 16 Flock at Sea Again 2017 - 24-28th April CHAIRMAN: Andy Featherstone 2017 by Lesley Cornish VICE-CHAIRMAN: Janice Isom 20 Trip Reports TREASURER: Sandy Goodall Atlasing Reports by Lia Steen and Wer- COURSES: Janice Isom 22 ner van Goethem CONSERVATION: Lance Robinson 25 Almost 100 Vultures dead after eating EVENING MEETINGS: Lia Steen poisoned Elephant carcass - Bird- SALES & MARKETING: Dael Stojakovic Guides PROGRAMME: Fiona van Zyl 27 Call to ban Vulture-killing drug in Europe EAST RAND CHAIR: Awie Coetzee - BirdGuides HENLEY-ON-KLIP CHAIR: Ben Botha 30 Rarities and unusual sightings report: WEST RAND CHAIR: Koos van Dÿk 10 August 2017 by André Marx

CLUB SECRETARY: Lauraine Leigh

NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS Bokmakierie is published three times annually. Contribu- tions may be in Afrikaans or English. English names of should be those used in Roberts VII. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor, Club, the Committee, Members or those of BirdLife South . The Editors reserve the right to edit articles as necessary. This issue of Bokmakierie has been produced and edited by Andy Featherstone and Lance Robinson.

COVER PHOTO: Pearl-breasted Swallow by Trevor Charters MAGAZINE LAYOUT: Andy Featherstone

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 1 Letter from the Chair

September is always a busy event: we will be host- month and this year is no ing Faansie Peacock on exception. On Saturday the Saturday 30th September 2nd we hold our annual at the Delta Environmen- Arbor Day at Delta Park tal Centre. Faansie will be and trees can be booked in giving a talk featuring the advance through Lauraine subject of his latest book: for planting on the day. This Waders. So, if you have a year, on behalf of the Club, copy you would like signed, bring it along, or purchase Dear Members, we will be planting seven trees, one for each decade one on the day. There will August is here us and spring of the Club’s existence, in be a R50 entrance fee to the is just around the corner memory of Marion Wittstock talk but all proceeds from after what has been a very and other late members the day will be donated to mild winter. My garden has who bequeathed some a suitable bird conservation already started to pro- money to the Club. programme. Faansie now duce the first Jasmin and lives on the West Coast Clivia flowers and, before Following on from Arbor and we are grateful to his we know it, the first of our Day, there is the African Bird sponsor, David Chamberlain, summer migrant birds will Fair at Walter Sisulu Botan- for assisting with covering be arriving. ical Gardens on the 9th and costs related to the logistical 10th September. This is al- arrangements. In keeping with the theme of ways a great weekend with spring and spring cleaning, all sorts of events and bird- Look out for the Birding we have revamped the ing goods for sale. Wits Bird Big Day events in Novem- Weekly Reminder email and Club will have a stand there ber, these are always great hope that you will approve to promote our club and to events to participate in. We of the new layout. Our aim sell various items, such as have arranged for a camp- has been to streamline the 2nd hand books given to ing weekend at Ezemvelo Reminder and structure it the Club, to raise a little bit and a fantastic event to be in such a way that events of revenue. We need your held in Dinokeng, at Monge- and trips are easier to find. help, so if you can spare a na Game Lodge. Details are There have been a few couple of hours to assist available in the programme. hiccups in setting it up and with manning our stand then I’m sure you will agree that issuing it but we trust that please let Lauraine know so your committee continues these issues have now been that she can add your name to arrange a varied and resolved. to the roster. It’s not difficult interesting programme of work, there will always be an Later in August, we will be events and talks but we’re experienced member there holding our annual quiz with always open to recommen- to guide you, and it provides the very talented Lester dations and look forward to yet another good excuse to Niss as supreme quizmas- receiving your input. visit the Fair. Full details of ter. These quiz events are the events will be published always a lot of fun and we on the BirdLife will be serving warming re- Andy Featherstone website. freshments to keep any last chill of winter at bay. Another 70th anniversary

2 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Kakum Forest, Ghana Text and Photos by Lesley Cornish

Does a weekend birding in Ghana glorious sightings of Forest Wood-hoo- sound a bit extravagant? Well, not really poe, White-crested Hornbill, African because Mike Witcomb, Alan (from the Pied Hornbill, Brown-cheeked Hornbill, USA) and I were up there anyway for a Black-casqued and Yellow-casqued workshop. We contrived that the work- Hornbills, the latter often keeping shop would end at 16.00 then we were company with each other. We also collected and taken away from Accra’s saw Little Green Woodpecker, Western mad traffic. It was a 5-hour drive and Black-headed Oriole and Velvet-mantled quite entertaining until it got dark; then it Drongo. I was really pleased to see the was terrifying! last bird because I had never seen it in We stayed in a nice hotel about 30 min- East African forests, but that’s because utes from the forest, so that on Saturday it’s on the edge of its distribution there, we only had a short drive to get there. and quite rare. At Kakum, it is well within Mike and I had been there before, but its distribution and quite common. We with about 80 screaming students, so also saw Slender-billed Greenbul, Simple we hardly saw anything. This time it was Leaflove, (Little) Grey Greenbul, and a different, and for over two hours we had Sharpe’s Apalis. One of the highlights the canopy walk to ourselves. We had was seeing Rufus-crowned Eremome

Black Bee-eater

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 3 Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher Velvet-mantled Drongo las between the leaves, high up in the canopy. We had a collection of sunbirds too, including Buff-throated Sunbird, Green-headed Sunbird and Little Green Sunbird, as well as a Blue Malkoha (aka Yellowbill). We saw a troop of Lesser Spot-nosed Mon- keys making their way through the canopy, and that made me realise just how high up we were! We came down from the canopy and spent a short time beneath it, seeing a Rufous-sided Broadbill, as well as missing some things. (That’s forest birding…) After lunch, we birded in the farmlands nearby, which had been forest not too long ago, but still had some trees. We carried on seeing good birds: African Hawk, Black Bee-eater (a real wow bird!), Blue-throated Roller, Ethiopian Swallow and Preuss’s Cliff Swallow. Additionally, we saw Dusky-blue Flycatcher, and when we tried for White-spotted Flufftail (which we heard), some Western Bluebills came in. Lastly that evening, we went back to Kakum Forest, and called up an Akun Eagle Owl! That night it rained, but it was clear the next morning, although the track was very muddy in the nearby forest. I think our guide was a bit concerned about us squeezing under fallen trees, but we had a great time that morning getting grubby, and looking UP into the canopy instead of down onto it as for the previous morning. We managed to see Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Yellow-billed Tauraco (definitely a wow bird!), Speck- led Tinkerbird, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet and Vieilot’s Barbet. We had nice sightings of a Melancholy Woodpecker, and Chestnut Wattle-eye (which

Akum Eagle Owl Swamp Palm Bulbul

4 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 African Pied Hornbill might be split to be West African Wattle-eye). We also saw Black-winged Oriole, but the best was calling up a small flock of Swamp Palm Bulbuls, who gave us a wonder- ful display! We had time to go back and shower, have lunch and then drive back to Accra for our flights home. I even found three USD for a beer to share at the airport! Although it seemed like a crazy trip, mainly because it was at the start of the rainy season (and so not the time that people go birding), we were lucky in that it only rained on Saturday night, and although we did get very grubby squeezing under fallen trees on Sunday, we saw some great birds! It was a lesson in grabbing the opportunity, even if the timing was not ideal. For one and a half day in mainly forest, seeing 94 birds is pretty good – and that last three dollar beer went down a treat!

Thank You for Your Donation Roger Baldwin Stuart Thompson Lance Robinson Werner van Goethem Philip Tarboton Marcelle van Wyk

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 5 Monyena Bush Lodge – Korocreek Golf and Wildlife Estate – Modimolle, Limpopo Province

Text by Martin Benadie and Photos by Patrick Cardwell

Interior view View from the deck As someone living in Johannesburg’s out in an eco-sensitive manner amongst never-ending rat race, it can be very hard sustainable tracts of mixed bushveld to find somewhere to just get away from and riverine thicket with the Little Nyl it all for the weekend, that’s afforda- River running through it and interspers- ble for our small family and still within ing patches of grassveld. Korocreek reasonable proximity of Gauteng itself. harbours a resultant bird and mammal We then visited Monyena Bush Lodge, mix that can be seen and enjoyed within in the Korocreek Golf and Wildlife Estate this varied habitat spectrum. The entire in Modimolle (Nylsroom). What a memo- estate never really seems busy either rable experience it was. The culmination (even on weekends), with residents and of a Bushveld ‘dream’ for enthusiastic visitors enjoying the tranquillity of an naturalists Patrick Cardwell and his wife, environment rich in peace and quiet. This Marie-Louise, Monyena is an extension is good for birds and birders… of themselves and their desire to have Monyena is the Tswana name for the a place where one can relax and enjoy willow-like Boekenhout tree – a species the sounds, sights and climate that make that dominates this patch of bushveld South Africa’s bushveld so special. along the upper reaches of the Nyl River. An easy 90 minute drive from Pretoria Thus a very apt name indeed for the north and less than two hours from Jo- thoughtfully constructed and tastefully hannesburg, along the Great North Road decorated Monyena Bush Lodge. Upon (N1), one finds Korocreek – certainly not arrival one is met and shown around in your typical clichéd golf estate. The a welcoming and efficient manner (while languid, pretty course is thoughtfully laid I was being distracted by an African

6 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Crimson-breasted Violet-backed Starling Harrier Hawk I might add!) and our a high level of comfort while being very hostess who did the meet-and-greet practical too. An informative information shared loads of local information with us. booklet covers the residence and area, Sleeping four comfortably, Monyena’s there is a lock-up garage with direct spacious, open-plan design integrates access to kitchen, braai facilities are pro- the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling folding vided, and there is DSTV and cellphone doors and windows, and a large deck coverage. Photographers will appreciate built around a Boekenhout tree with an the nifty charging points too. amazing view over the golf course and surrounding bushveld. Monyena boasts A great part of the appeal for me as bird

Lesser Galago

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 7 er is that much of the indigenous bush- Areas of and grassland are the veld has been retained around Monyena preferred haunts of Bronze-winged itself, the lodge also fronting onto a pro- Courser, Crimson-breasted Shrike, stri- tected greenbelt directly below the deck. dent Burnt-necked Eremomela, Chin- Due to this, birding and wildlife viewing spot Batis, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Brubru, can be enjoyed right from your bedroom, Pearl-breasted Swallow, African Quail- or the outside shower, or anywhere in finch, Cape Longclaw, Rufous-naped the house for that matter and continues Lark, African Wattled Lapwing, Amur Fal- throughout the estate on foot, mountain con, Magpie Shrike, Swainson’s Spurfowl, bike or golf cart. Long-billed Crombec, Little Bee-eater, Black-backed Puffback, Brown-crowned The birdlist for Korocreek estate is Tchagra, Dusky Indigobird, Common around 190 species and bird atlasers will House Martin, Red-backed Shrike, also appreciate this abundance. Korocre- Red-breasted Swallow and White- ek is found in pentad 2440_2820 and it is browed Sparrow-Weaver. quite easy to log a full protocol card of well in excess of 115 species over a sum- Birding along the reed-lined Little Nyl mer weekend. Winter continues to offer stream and associated wetlands passing pleasant birding too although numbers through the estate is very productive. are understandably not as high. Warblers such as Great Reed and Little

White-throated Robin-Chat

8 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Golden-breasted Bunting Cut-throat Finch

Rush vocalised from the thickets while golf can be surprisingly good too as the other good finds were several kingfisher course takes you through several of the and weaver species, African Black Duck areas already mentioned so always good and White-faced Duck amongst oth- to stay attentive for Wahlberg’s Eagle er waterfowl, Yellow-crowned Bishop, overhead, vocal White-fronted Bee-eater White-throated Swallow, Black Crake, feeding on the fringes of the greens and Purple Heron, Hamerkop, Southern Red Lesser Striped Swallow flying around Bishop, Green-backed Heron and even you. possibly Little Bittern, African Rail, African Snipe and Allen’s Gallinule. Bird photographers will appreciate the excellent photography prospects avail- A significant tract of Burkea and Termina- lia dominated broad-leaved woodland in- able here too due to the varied habitat terspersed with thickets is also found on mosaic already mentioned. Thoughtfully the estate and this area is certainly worth positioned feeders at Monyena attract a visit too on a peaceful morning walk. a different suite of birds with resident Here I quickly logged interesting species species around Monyena being Cut- here such as Bushveld Pipit, Bearded throat Finch, White-throated Robin-Chat, Woodpecker, , Southern Village Indigobird, Blue Waxbill, Marico Black Flycatcher, Emerald-spotted Wood Sunbird, Red-billed Firefinch, Bronze Dove, Black-crowned Tchagra, Grey Mannikin, Pin-tailed Whydah, Cape Penduline-Tit, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Glossy Starling, Black-collared Barbet, Kurrichane Thrush, Terrestrial Brownbul, Black-headed Oriole, Orange-breasted Spotted Flycatcher, Golden-breasted , Green Wood-hoopoe, Yel- Bunting, Coqui Francolin, Green-capped low-fronted Tinkerbird, African Paradise Eremomela, Yellow-fronted Canary, Ned- Flycatcher and Cape White-eye to just dicky, White-crested Helmetshrike and mention a few. My daughter of seven Black Cuckooshrike amongst others. was also utterly enthralled by the visits of Casual birding while enjoying a round of Lesser Galago and Peter’s Epauleted

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 9 White-crested Helmetshrike

Fruit Bat to the sugar feeder at dusk, paring a great dinner as a family back at and at the Bushveld Tree and Monyena’s delightful kitchen, or having a the Slender spotted around braai out on the deck taking in the night the lodge during the day. The Korocreek sky. Korocreek does have a clubhouse mammal list further includes Burchell’s too though for relaxed meals (at very Zebra, Sable, Red Hartebeest, Common reasonable prices I might add) for those Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Nyala, Common not wishing to cater for themselves mak- Impala, Grey Duiker, Warthog, Black- ing for an even more relaxing stay. backed Jackal, Banded Mongoose, We enjoyed Monyena and Korocreek so Spotted Genet, White-tailed Mongoose much over our two stays to date that we and Scrub Hare. On a recent winter visit did not venture much further. I actually an African Civet and Water Mongoose loved the fact that I could simply park my was observed on patrol below the deck vehicle at Monyena on arrival and not get at night causing much excitement. into it again until we had to leave. There After a busy day of birding, there was no is, however, lots to do in the immediate better way for us to end the day pre- area. Birding in the renowned Nylsvley

10 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Wetland Reserve, which also contains situated is also on offer such as ziplining, one of SA’s largest Roan Antelope herds, horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and is an easy drive away. The Nyl River simply birding and exploring by car on Floodplain is one of South Africa’s largest the quiet Waterberg roads and through floodplain systems and Nylsvley Nature bushveld towns. For those that would like Reserve is a designated Ramsar site – in a break from Jozi life coupled with some recognition for being a globally impor- birding, golf or simply sitting on the deck tant wetland. In years of good rainfall, with a good book, Monyena will not dis- one has a great chance in seeing Dwarf appoint and sets a standard hard to beat. Bittern, African Rail and even Rufous-bel- We only stayed two nights on both occa- lied Heron. Apart from the wetlands, sions and that was way too short for what Nylsvley also has excellent Acacia and Monyena and the area offers visitors. broad-leaved woodlands adding to the More info on www.avianlesure.com significant bird diversity found here. under the ‘Accommodation’ tab or www. Endless other activities in the immediate wildlife-safaris.co.za/bushlodge- Waterberg Region where Korocreek is accommodation.html

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 11 Looking for the Green Barbet in Ngoye Forest Text and Photos by Anthony Cavanagh

Ngoye Forest Reserve - negotiating the obstacle course

The Ngoye Forest Reserve is located prevented him from hunting within the some 20km east of Eshowe and 11km in- bounds of the forest. land from Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal and The forest has a very rare and diverse is run as a provincial nature reserve. habitat with many tree rarities. Bushbuck, Because of the medicinal value of the red duiker and red are found plants found there, the Ngoye Forest as are about 130 bird species including was in earlier times protected by the the Green (Woodward’s) Barbet that is Zulu Royal Household, and for a period endemic to the forest. Figs are the staple in the late nineteenth century, Cetsh- diet of the Green Barbet and the Ngoye wayo’s kraal was situated in the nearby forest has eight different species of fig Ongoye hills. Even after Cetshwayo whereas most other forests have no gave the land to John Dunn, Cetshwayo more than three fig varieties. The Green

12 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Sue Cavanagh with Margie and David Taylor surveying the scene

Barbet thus has a plentiful all year round food supply in the forest. In January Sue and I were in Empangeni visiting our good friends David and Mar- gie Taylor and the four of us together with their son, Andrew, duly set off early one morning to try to see the elusive Green Barbet in the Ngoye forest. The area had experienced high rainfall and as the road through the forest is difficult even in dry weather we decided to take two vehicles i.e. our Pajero and David and Margie’s Land Rover Defender. The forest is very isolated and the roads in the vicinity are all untarred with the final few kilometres to the forest being via a dirt track across the surrounding grasslands. Cattle grazed on the hillsides and we noted White-eared Barbets and Brown-throated Weavers on our approach to the forest. The track across the grasslands led to a wall of green in front us and only when we were up close did we see the narrow opening in the dense foliage that was the start of the trail through the forest. As we entered the forest it was as if a curtain had sud- denly closed on us as the tall and closely packed trees cut off much of the light from above. The ground was extremely wet and I could feel the vehicle slide in places as we drove over the slippery trail. After a few minutes we stopped both vehicles and listened out for birdcalls, but all was quiet. We drove onwards along the very uneven trail and over exposed tree roots while at the same time trying to avoid low overhang- ing branches and branches extending across the trail. Ahead of us David suddenly

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 13 Southern Ground-Hornbill stopped and I immediately saw the reason why. A large tree had fallen across the trail completely blocking our way forward. David had a panga in his vehicle and he and Andrew started chopping away some of the foliage from the fallen tree which we then dragged away using my towrope. Both vehicles then drove over the remains of the tree and we continued onwards along the very undulating track through the forest. There is a lookout point in the western part of the forest, which offers splendid views of the surrounding hills and valleys and also offers an elevated position from which to look into the forest. We parked off at the view site and walked up a few meters to the top of the rocky outcrop. Down in the valley, we saw a Trumpeter Hornbill flying below us and we also heard the familiar “pretty Georgie” call of the Emerald Cuckoo. Then we heard the “kwop kwop kwop” call of the Green Barbet and spied the bird some distance away at the top of a tree. We all saw it and hoped that it would fly closer to afford us a better sighting. Luckily it did just that and flew to the trees adjacent to the view site from where we could clearly see the dull olive green colour of the bird with tinges of yellow behind the eye. For birders, this is a major sighting as the Green Bar- bet is found only in Ngoye forest and nowhere else in the Southern African region. Feeling elated after having had such a good sighting we then set of again to tackle the rest of the forest trail which as we progressed, was becoming even muddier and more

14 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 slippery. The sides of the forest seemed to close in on us as the trail became narrower and the vehicle was sliding a lot more on the undulating and very muddy terrain. We inched our way up a very steep and muddy incline forced to follow in the churned-up tracks left by David’s Land Rover, and then suddenly when almost at the top, we had no traction and all four wheels were slipping in the mud. I tried rolling back but the vehicle just slid towards the trees. Further attempts driving up the incline again proved fruitless and we got no further than on the first attempt. The only solution was to get a tow from the Land Rover and so putting my pride in my pocket, I asked David for a tow up the hill. Green Barbet He unwound the winch cable and attached it to the front tow hook on the Pajero and with the assistance of the Landie we gradually extricated the Pajero from the sticky mud and made it to the top of the incline. As we exited the forest on the far western side we noticed three Southern Ground Hornbills walking through the grasslands quite oblivious to our presence and to the cattle grazing nearby. The Ngoye forest is truly a unique reserve and well worth a visit for birders and nature lovers. However, the roads leading to the forest are in very poor condition and the trail through the forest can be treacherous when wet. Fallen tree trunks cut up with a chainsaw are evidence of some maintenance having taken place but when planning a visit to the forest go well prepared.

Welcome New Members Delene Bertasso Edenvale Susan and Kenny Orchards Carla Gordon Waverley Lazarus Nicky Griffiths Fourways Shaun Overmeyer Plumstead Ann Kearney Paige Simons Bedford Gardens Kirsten Kluyts Parklands

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 15 Flock at Sea Again 2017: 24-28 April 2017

Text and Photos by Lesley Cornish

Anyone who did not make this trip on the Wandering Albatrosses and some calls MSC Sinfonia missed something really of Royal Albatrosses, which turned out to special! Yes, we were late leaving and be Wandering Albatrosses, or possibly early returning (really giving us three Tristan Albatrosses (still to be confirmed, main birding days), but the trip was su- perhaps). There were many Shy Alba- perb. I missed seeing any of the coastal trosses, but not very many Black-browed birds on the way out, because of settling albatrosses. The most common bird in and trying to find things, but the Good was probably White-chinned Petrel Stuff was further out. on the shelf, and Great-winged Petrels further out. I had been worried about The plan had always been to leave from not getting good views of the birds, but Cape Town and sail easterly along the I found my niche on the top deck at the edge of the continental shelf, and so see stern, because there were fewer people many birds which are not usually seen on here (still quite a lot), and it was fairly one-day pelagic trips. An eddy system easy to get from side-to-side as the birds had been identified early on Tuesday were seen. As usual, I did not get onto morning and we made our way towards everything, and it was almost laughable it. It was hoped that the upwelling as- when I missed an albatross with a nearly sociated with this eddy would bring up 3-meter wingspan! lots of food, and that would then bring on the birds. And it did! The birds were The next day we had sailed to Natal totally amazing and early on we saw Seamount (which is totally submerged), Soft-plumaged Petrels, a Grey Petrel, hoping for similar upwelling and hence, and soon after Sooty Albatross, and then a similar high number of birds, but it Light-mantled Albatross! These two al- did not compare with the previous day. batrosses flew very close to the ship and There were still a nice amount of special even circled around a few times, so we seabirds around, but I think we had all had amazing sightings. There were also been spoiled by the previous day!

16 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Seabird watching from the deck - photos by Andy Featherstone

I enjoyed the Northern and Southern Gi- towards them, and for a couple of hours ant Petrels because it was the best sight- they flew down the side of the ship, so ings I have ever had of them. There was we had wonderful views. I should have a good sighting of White-headed Petrel, gone to the BirdLife South Africa AGM which was a lifer for many. The ship was then, but I could not tear myself away slowed down for the chumming, but from this! Sadly, our course changed even at the low speed, the frozen chum relative to the trawlers and the seabirds melted too quickly and also a net was did not pass so closely. This day was lost, so it was not successful. the day of Great Shearwater – we saw The day afterwards saw us heading back loads of them: flying or in rafts. It went towards Cape Town and for me, the early from lifer at the start of the trip to “Oh, it’s morning entertainment of a Subantarctic another one of those!” I practised taking (or Brown) Skua was amazing because photographs of prions, which were all it came really close! Our passage took Antarctic, or too far away to distinguish as us into the fishing lanes and so many of anything else! There were quite a lot of the seabirds were heading towards the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and a trawlers. I could not believe the num- few Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses. I bers of birds following the ships, or flying saw a Wilson’s Storm Petrel as it

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 17 Juvenile Wandering Albatross went between some resting Wandering As well as the birding, there was a won- Albatrosses. One real treat was a pod of derful array of lectures, and all of those I Long-finned Pilot Whales, which came attended were really good. I appreciated really close! the short lecture on seabirds given at On Friday, we were back in port before the beginning of the trip because I had dawn and could enjoy seeing Cape Town missed the proper lectures in Johannes- from the harbour. After disembarking we burg. I also enjoyed dinners at our table, found our new lodgings and the next day even though the only person I knew we were at Strandfontein, meeting quite before was Errol! What an amazing trip! a few people from the trip. When is the next one?

Antarctic Prion Brown or Subantarctic Skua

18 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Wandering Albatross Sooty Albatross

Great Shearwater Black-browed Albatross

Long-finned Pilot Whales

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 19 Trip Reports Roodeplaat Nature Reserve on Saturday 24th June 2017 by Awie Coetzee

On the walkway to the hide, African Green Pigeon, Dark-Capped Bulbul (of which there an abundance) and Cape White-eye were seen. Arriving at the hide, we discovered that it no longer exists – it burned down some time ago and has not been rebuilt. What a mess! The area, include the dam water at this location was littered with rubbish. The place had a very unpleasant smell and the toilet facilities was in a total mess. What a disappointment. A group of 10 Birders had an early start at However, we still observed a few spe- the Reserve, which is located just north cials in this area, namely African Jacana, of Pretoria. Yellow-billed Ducks, Cape Shoveler, Although it was overcast and quite cool White-breasted Cormorant, Juvenile (a typical winters morning), birding picked African Fish Eagle, Green-Backed heron, up very quickly. Pied Kingfisher and Little Egret. Along the road to the Zeekoeigat hide, From this location, we made our way to a number of bird species were ob- the picnic area. On the way, some of the served, such as African Grey Hornbill, birds we observed were Yellow-fronted White-bellied Sunbird, Green Wood Canary, Wattled Starling, Cape Glossy Hoopoe, Brown-Crowned Tchagra, Starling and the ever-present Grey Go- , Black-Shouldered away bird. Kite, Pearl-breasted Swallow and in At the picnic site (and the hide at the the distance, Crested Francolin, Cardi- picnic spot) some of the birds observed nal Woodpecker and African Wattled were Blue Waxbill, Forked-Tail Dron- Lapwing were heard calling. A brilliant go, Black-throated Canary, Kurrichane sighting of a couple of White-throated Thrush, Yellow-Fronted Tinkerbird, Little Robin-Chats were enjoyed – especially Grebe, African Fish Eagle and Crowned when their tails were fanned. Lapwing. At the Zeekoeigat chalet parking area The elusive Black Cuckooshrike was (where we left the cars before walk- nowhere to be found. ing down to the hide), Streaky-headed Seedeater, Karoo thrush, Red-faced After our visit to the picnic site, some of Mouse bird and Hadada Ibis were seen. the birders left the group, while the rest

20 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 proceeded to the Eastern hide, with a Spotted Thick Knee and a Cape Rob- detour to the Aqua Social Club. in-chat. Ducks seen on the next dam included: Yellow-billed and Egyptian On the dirt-road just past the Social Club, Goose and other water birds: Common Golden-Breasted Bunting and African Moorhen and Red–knobbed Coot. Other Hoopoe were observed. sightings included both Crested as well From there, we proceeded to the Eastern as Black-collared Barbets, Rose-ringed hide, taking the dirt-road past the Recep- Parakeets, Green Wood-hoopoe, African tion complex. Hoopoe, all four typical suburban doves, Brown-throated Martin, Cape Wagtail On the road to the hide, we observed and Common Myna. a few specials, namely Magpie Shrike, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill and at The highlight of the day was a pair of the hide a Three-Banded Plover. Malachite Kingfishers at one of the small dams and, without a doubt, the a double On the way back, at the Reception area, bonus was a Cardinal Woodpecker, who we had a good sighting of the Crimson- went about his business quite unper- Breasted Shrike and Fiscal Flycatcher. turbed by 12 pairs of eyes staring at him On the whole, an enjoyable mornings in delight and fascination, camera’s flick- birding with a total count of bird species ing madly. All in all, we saw 43 different observed a healthy 65! species. Not bad for a cold winters morning. Drinks, muffins, croissants, were enjoyed by all while doing the bird list and all agreed it had been a most enjoyable Huddle Park Golf Course On morning. Monday 10th July 2017 By Felicity Kanichowsky Twelve people set out in beautiful sunny weather. Our target bird the Red-throat- ed Wryneck which was spotted very ear- ly on, somewhat in the distance at first, but it allowed us to get quite close. We spotted the wryneck again a little later in a different area. The active heronry was exciting to watch, with a large number of herons and their chicks in the tree. The reeds surrounding that dam had many weavers, both South- ern Masked and Thick-billed, there were also bishops and prinias hopping around. On our way to the next dam we en- countered all three lapwings as well as Red-throated Wryneck (W Tarboton)

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 21 Atlasing Reports Atlasing Trip On Saturday 8Th July 2017 By Lia Steen And Werner Van Goethem

Gauteng 4 Degree Square Challenge - reproduced from the ADU SABAP2 website

The outing to the far-east of the Gauteng only in the 30s; a cold & gloomy start and 4 degree square Delmas/Devon/Lean- end of the day did not help. Traffic along dra and surrounds “painted” another 8 most of the narrow, pot-holed roads was pentads yellow for winter and for 2017. a little heavy at times with coal trucks, feeding the power stations in the area, Felicity Kanichowsky (F) and Werner bearing down on us every 5 minutes van Goethem (W) tackled 2605_2855 which was a little daunting. (W), 2610_2850 (F), 2610_2855 (F) and 2615_2855 (W). With species numbers Many feeding parties (White-winged

Pink-billed Lark - photo by Karin Mitton Orange River Francolin - photo by Karin Mitton

22 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 & Long-tailed Widowbirds, Pin-tailed Whydahs, Southern Red Bishops, Southern-masked Weavers, Red-billed Queleas, Cape and Southern Grey-head- ed Sparrows, Red-capped Larks and the odd canary) were encountered along the roads, enjoying the spilt maize. Water bodies were plentiful but too far from the roads to identify many of the small- er birds. At 26°18’20.9”S 28°59’53.9”E we found a dam with an active heronry in several trees; Black-headed herons in Sub-adult Jackal Buzzard- photo by Lia Steen 3 separate trees and White-breasted Cormorants in 2 other trees. Andy Featherstone (A), Carol Lippert (C), Karin Mitton (K) and Lia Steen (L) did pentads 2620_2855 (C), 2625_2855 (A), 2615_2845 (A) and 2615_2850 (L). We headed for Leandra and Carol ticked 55 species in town and to the north of Leandra on the rural roads. In town, there were some privet trees with berries that attracted a lot of birds including Wattled Starling. A Hamerkop was also in town and a Red-throated Wryneck and Blue Korhaan called alongside the road. We also encountered most of the grassland species that you would expect in this Spike-heeled Lark- photo by Lia Steen area.

Marsh Owl - photo by Karin Mitton Secretarybird - photo by Lia Steen

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 23 Andy’s pentad was up next with 43 heard in this pentad. Once again we species recorded. Of note was quite a heard Blue Korhaan from a distance. To- few sightings of Pink-billed Lark, and wards dusk, we had Marsh Owl twice and the more common Red-capped Lark then a third owl on the way back home and Spike-heeled Lark as well as a lone too. Most of our pentads were conducted Grey-headed Gull and a Secretarybird along rural roads and we had Orange flying away. River Francolin, Capped Wheatear in every pentad. From Leandra we moved towards the northern pentads of Devon: Lia’s pen- The following stats for the South East tad delivered 38 species and a lone Degree of the Gauteng 4 Degree Square: Yellow-billed Egret at a dam, and some - 2017 coverage now 119/144 = 82.64% Spur-winged Goose being the highlight of this pentad. - Winter 2017 coverage now 80/144 = 55.56% The last (Andy’s) pentad with 42 species: a stunning sub-adult Jackal Buzzard was - Another 38 pentads needed to go nice to see, while Black-throated Canary Dark Blue (16 or more FP/pentad): a seen and African Quailfinch were only total of 97 FP cards required.

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24 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Almost 100 vultures dead after eating poisoned elephant carcass Article Published In Birdguides 12th July 2017

Ninety-four Critically Endangered African so [we are] not sure whether the cause White-backed Vultures have been re- is accidental, secondary poisoning or ported dead after feeding on a poisoned deliberate lacing of the carcass to cause elephant carcass recently in . vulture deaths,” the report stated. The incident occurred in Gonarezhou, Conservationists working at Gonarezhou a small locality near the town of Chi- NP have said the motive for poisoning is qualaquala, an area which has become likely to be ivory, as only the elephant’s a hub for illegal wildlife trade along the tusks were missing when the carcass country’s border with . It is was discovered, whereas all body parts unclear how the African Elephant came to of the vultures were intact. However, be poisoned, but a wildlife poisoning and vultures are also deliberately poisoned mortality report from Frankfurt Zoologi- by elephant poachers to avoid detection cal Society experts indicated that it was by wildlife authorities via vulture circling killed by a watermelon laced with what behaviour and this could perhaps be an is suspected to be Temik, a carbamate additional motivation for the crime. pesticide. Experts are analysing samples BirdLife Zimbabwe has expressed deep in a laboratory to determine the poison. concern over the incident and immedi- “The tusks of the elephant were removed, ately developed plans to step up efforts

The poisoned vultures and elephant carcass in situ - photo supplied by BirdLife International

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 25 to extinction. “We certainly cannot afford to lose these majestic birds from Africa’s landscape,” she stressed. Illegal killing of wildlife with poisoned baits has caused a chain reaction with disastrous effects on vultures, where farmers and herders are typically target- ing predators such as Lions and hyenas, while poachers target other like elephants for ivory. It is known that one poisoned elephant carcass can cause up to 500 vulture deaths. BirdLife Zimbabwe’s approach has been to increase awareness of the birds’ plight by involving locals and members of the public in the campaign to conserve the At least one of the African White-backed vultures. It is also reaching out to law Vultures was wing tagged - photo supplied by BirdLife International enforcement agencies, legislators and prosecutors to ensure that laws are ade- to protect the birds, which are rapidly quate and enforced. “Perpetrators of such declining in Africa. Anti-poisoning work crimes when caught should face deter- by the organisation has been ongoing in ring sentences. All vultures are Specially Hwange NP to reduce this illegal activ- Protected Species under the Parks and ity which has claimed the lives of many Wildlife Act. They should benefit fully vultures. from this status by having the law protect “I was shocked and sad. This is a huge them to the fullest,” commented Fadzai. setback for vulture conservation efforts in Most vultures are teetering on the brink Zimbabwe and in the region. The incident of extinction across Africa. They play took place within the borders of Zimba- a vital role in preventing the spread of bwe, but vultures are wide-ranging birds life-threatening diseases, and so the and could have come from neighbouring BirdLife International Partnership in Africa countries. By poisoning wildlife we are is working closely with communities, also poisoning ourselves,” said Fadzai governments and other experts to save Matsvimbo, Manager of the Preventing vultures on the continent. BirdLife’s ap- Extinctions Programme at BirdLife Zim- proach has been to develop an integrated babwe. anti-poisoning campaign in several Afri- Ms Matsvimbo described the decline can countries, working alongside wildlife of vultures in Africa as: “our legacy and authorities to rapidly respond to incidents [the] heritage of future generations being and minimise casualties, while also estab- destroyed,” noting that four species are lishing vulture ‘safe zones’ and ensuring already listed as Critically Endangered, the wider involvement of locals, scientists, and such losses only edge them closer government and other stakeholders.

26 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 Call To Ban Vulture-Killing Drug In Europe Article Published In Birdguides 5th July 2017

Five European environmental organisa- The new campaign, Ban Vet Diclofenac, tions are relaunching a campaign to ban brings together all updated information the veterinary drug diclofenac, which kills on the approval, commercialisation and carrion-eating birds and has resulted in risks posed by diclofenac in Europe, the near-extinction of vultures in Asia. as well as a clear appeal and message for the public to mobilise and protect This anti-inflammatory drug, harmless to Europe’s vultures. The organisations will humans, can potentially kill thousands of co-ordinate action at both national and necrophagous birds – that is, those that EU level, from veterinary groups and feed on corpses – and its use is unnec- farmer associations to municipalities, essary, since there are equally effective regional governments and the European veterinary alternatives. The SEO (Spain), Commission. A video will be launched SPEA (Portugal), Vulture Conservation this summer, along with follow-up activi- Foundation, BirdLife Europe and World- ties later in the year. wide Fund for Nature want the drug banned across the Continent, and par- Birds are exposed to the drug by feeding ticularly in Spain, Italy and Portugal, the on the corpses of animals which have three EU countries where most European previously been treated. Its pernicious vultures live. effect on vultures is well-documented

Black Vulture, Balearic Islands - photo Griffon Vulture, Spain - photo by Ross by Peter Warne Doughty

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 27 Red-headed Vulture, Cambodia - photo by Neil Bowman on the Indian subcontinent, where the diclofenac, an annual decline of more presence of diclofenac in only 1 per cent than 7 per cent. of the carcasses of abandoned cows “Prohibiting the veterinary use of di- in the field led to the 99 per cent loss clofenac is not only a matter of common of five species: White-backed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Slender-billed Vul- sense but also a matter of law. The ture, White-rumped Vulture and Indian precautionary principle – which requires Vulture. Its use is now banned in India, avoiding unnecessary risks – governs Nepal, Bangladesh, Iran and Pakistan, all conservation regulations in Europe. a practice which has slowed this cata- Authorising a drug with a potential deadly strophic decline. effect on birds that we must protect does not seem to be a measure consistent The veterinary use of diclofenac is with this legal requirement,” commented permitted by the EU and the national Iván Ramírez, Head of Conservation for governments of Spain and Italy, though BirdLife Europe and Central Asia. in Portugal the authorities are assess- ing their position. However, recently the Vultures are nature’s cleaners, eating the Spanish Agency of Medicines and San- flesh of other dead animals and helping itary Products (AEMPS) concluded that to reduce the spread of disease; their each year around 6,000 Griffon Vultures actions eliminate the need for the treat- in the country could die as a result of ment and incineration of thousands of

28 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 tons of remains every year, saving millions of euros in waste management and the potential emission of hundreds of thousands of tons of C02 per year. Yet they are one of the most threatened bird groups on the planet, with 16 out of 23 species at serious risk of extinction. Spain has a key role in vulture conservation, as the country is home to 95 per cent of Europe’s Griffon and Black Vultures (also known as Cinereous Vulture). The fate and survival of such critical species will depend on the engagement, mobilisation and commitment of Europe- an citizens and its politicians. Ban Vet Di- clofenac hopes to ensure that outcome.

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Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 29 Rarities and Unusual Sightings Report: 10 August 2017 Compiled by André Marx The winter period is generally a quieter Swallow, Wire-tailed. Swael, Draadstert time for rarity reports, however a few A pair of birds were at Rooiwal Waste good records surfaced over the last Treatment Plant, north of Pretoria, 11 Jun few months. Slaty Egrets always attract 2017 (RG) and was still present for at a great deal of interest and one bird least 3 weeks when a number of birders showed up at Marievale again, where reported it. A very uncommon species it is seen from time to time. This is a species that is being seen with reduced in the region and considerably further frequency compared to years gone by south and closer to the Highveld than when it was seen almost annually. It is other known records. interesting to note that species such as Vulture, Lappet-faced. Aasvoël, Swart Wire-tailed Swallow and Dark-capped Yellow Warbler continue to be recorded One bird was seen at the vulture restau- at new localities and may slowly be col- rant at VulPro near Hartbeespoort Dam, onising the region. Thank you to all the 21 Jun 2017 (KW). regular contributors of reports. Please Another bird was found near Boons just send any interesting and out of range re- off the N14 alongside a cow carcass in cords together with a photo if possible to pentad 2610_2715, 29 Jul 2017 (MJ). the address given below. These reports are referenced and used in publications This species is a vagrant to the region. such as Roberts Birds of Southern Africa, Other Interesting Observations/An- so all properly documented records are der Interessants Waarnemings valuable. Bunting, Lark-like. Streepkoppie, Vaal National Rarities/Nasionalerariteite One bird was in pentad 2530_2720, north-east of Rustenburg, 3 Jun 2017 Egret, Slaty. Reier, Rooikeel (MB, AF). One bird was at Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Cuckoo, Red-chested. Piet-my-vrou 9 Aug 2017 (PS).. This is one of the few localities in the region where this species A bird photographed at Moreleta Kloof, can occasionally be seen. Pretoria, showed the features of an adult Regional Rarities/Streeksrariteite female and in all probability was an over-wintering bird, 27 Jul 2017 (RS). Pratincole, Collared. Sprinkaanvoël, Rooivlerk Heron, Goliath. Reier, Reuse A single bird was at Mkhombo Dam, 5 Jul An immature bird recorded at Delta Park, 2017 (TG). Johannesburg, is a first record in 45 years

30 | Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 of bird monitoring at the locality (GL). so far south in the region, 30 May 2017 Kingfisher, Grey-headed. Visvanger, (JP). Gryskop Wagtail, Western Yellow. Kwikkie, Geel One bird was seen near Brits, 15 Apr 2017, Two birds were at Vaalkop Dam on 18 Jul where it is seldom observed (JJ). 2017 (SvdW). This is an unusual record for Lark, Pink-billed. Lewerik, Pienkbek mid-winter. During a Wits Bird Club outing west of Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow. Sanger, Johannesburg in pentad 2530_2720 to Geel the north-east of Rustenburg, several One bird was seen and photographed at adult birds numbering 20+ in total were Moreleta Kloof, Pretoria, 26 Jun 2017 (PH). found, 17 Jun 2017 (MB). Another sighting was of one bird at Osprey. Visvalk Rooiwal in pentad 2530_2810, north of An over-wintering bird was at Rietvlei Pretoria, 2 Jul 2017 (DT). Dam in pentad 2545_2820 on 11 Jun 2017 Observers/ Waarnemers: (BvdM). Andy Featherstone (AF) Pipit, Yellow-breasted. Koester, Geel- bors Bennie van der Merwe (BvdM) At least two birds were found on a kop- Bruce Paterson (BP) pie near Greylingstad, 17 Jun 2017 (MJ, Duard Teichert (DT) NP). Geoff Lockwood (GL) Sandgrouse, Namaqua. Kelkiewyn Jan Putter (JP) A single bird was seen in the company of several Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Jannie Jansen (JJ) in pentad 2530_2720 near Lekgalong, Kerri Wolter (KW) north-east of Rustenburg on 3 Jun 2017 Martin Benade (MB) (MB, AF). Michael Johnson (MJ) A few birds were heard and then seen in pentads 2605_2710 and 2605_2705, Niall Perrins (NP) south of Boons, 10 Jul 2017 (BP). Paulo Slaviero (PS) This species appears to be a winter Pieter Heslinga (PH) visitor to the west of the greater Gauteng region. Riana Steenekamp (RS) Rihann Geyser (RG) Vulture, White-backed. Aasvoël, Witrug Sarel van der Westhuizen (SvdW) A record of one bird at Vaalpark in Sasol- burg, northern Free State, is very unusual Toni Geddes (TG)

Bokmakierie August 2017 No 249 | 31 This column is mainly concerned with observations of rarities and interesting sightings made in the Greater Gauteng region, defined as being 100km from the centre of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, however observations made further afield are also welcome. While the majority of records are included it is sometimes necessary to exclude some depending on whether the subject Wire-tailed Swallow, Rooiwal - photo by matter has already been well reported. Etienne Marais Occasionally records are sourced from the Internet and from SABAP2 records. Members are invited to submit details of sightings to André Marx at e-mail tura- [email protected] or 083 4117674..

Goliath Heron, Delta Park - photo by Geoff Lockwood

Lappet-faced Vultue, VulPro - photo by Keri Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Moreleta Kloof - Wolter photo by Pieter Heslinga

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