The Waterbirds of Durban Bay Current and Historical Population Trends by David G

Volume 35 /// 2012

SPeCIAl eDITIoN tHe Waterbirds oF durban baY Current and Historical Population Trends by David G. Allan durban•natural•science•museum•novitates

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D.G Allan Curator of Birds Durban Natural Science museum P.o. Box 4085 Durban 4000, South Africa e-mail: [email protected]

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Pied Kingfisher Photo: Hugh Chittenden

Published by the Durban Natural Science museum Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 1 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY – CURRENT AND HISTORICAL POPULATION TRENDS

DAVID G. ALLAN Durban Natural Science Museum, P.O. Box 4085, Durban 4000, South Africa e-mail: [email protected]

llan, D.G. 2012. The waterbirds of Durban Bay – Current and historical population trends. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35: A 1-74. This monograph reviews the current and historical population trends of waterbirds in Durban Bay primarily based on the results of information from 278 waterbird counts. The historical information comes from 71 waterbird counts made by a variety of observers and mainly covering the period 1965 to January 1999, but with some information dating back to the late 1880s. The current information comes mainly from an unbroken series of 168 monthly counts covering the entire Bay made during the 14 years July 1999 – June 2013. These latter counts are supplemented by 39 additional counts made in selected regions of the Bay during March 1999 – February 2002. A total of 92 waterbird species were recorded in the Bay during all these counts. For the 57 species that occurred at the highest frequency, detailed species accounts are presented. These include two graphs showing the long- and short-term trends, which are interpreted in the accounts. The accounts also present details of site selection and seasonality of occurrence of each species in the Bay. Additional details, e.g. breeding, are also mentioned where relevant. Details of the remaining 35 species recorded at lower frequencies are summarized in an appendix. Of the 57 waterbird species featuring in the species accounts, nine (16%) have become locally extinct (six historically and four recently), 20 (35%) are currently decreasing (six markedly), nine (16%) are currently increasing (five markedly) and 19 (33%) show currently stable populations. Relevant to taxonomic guilds, migratory waders (and all waders combined), gulls, herons, kingfishers and wagtails are currently decreasing, terns, cormorants, ibises and spoonbills, and storks are currently stable, and waterfowl, resident waders, aquatic raptors and pelicans are currently increasing. Relevant to dietary guilds, piscivores are currently stable but invertebrate feeders are currently decreasing. The information for all waterbirds combined reveals a decreasing overall trend in both the long- and short-term. The decreasing/stable trends shown by the numerically superior invertebrate feeders/gulls have a stronger influence on the overall trends than the increasing/stable patterns shown by the numerically inferior piscivores. Concerning key sites, Centre Bank, with its expansive intertidal flats, is the most important site, supporting 46% of waterbirds, despite comprising only 8% of the area of the Bay. Centre Bank is particularly important for migratory waders. The next most important area is the intertidal flats at Bayhead, which support 23% of the Bay’s waterbirds in just 3% of the Bay’s area. Combined, Centre Bank and Bayhead support 69% of the waterbirds in just 11% of the area of the Bay. By contrast, the intensively developed commercial harbour regions support only 9% of the waterbirds, despite covering 83% of the Bay. Severe concern is expressed as to the overall continuing diminution of waterbird numbers in the Bay and the implications thereof.

KEYWORDS: abundance, conservation, counts, Durban Bay, Palearctic migrants, waterbirds.

INTRODUCTION and McInnes et al. (2005). A key feature identified in Allan et al. (1999) was the extent to which waterbird habitats have been lost and transformed due Situated in the centre of a major city, the waterbird populations of Durban to commercial harbour developments. Between 1902 and 1999 infilling for Bay are well-known both historically and in recent times in terms of their harbour and industrial development reduced the overall size of the Bay species richness and abundance. Allan et al. (1999) provided a detailed from about 1968 ha to 853 ha, a reduction of 57% in total aquatic habitat review of the position up to and including 1999. That review demonstrated (Fig. 1). Intertidal mud- and sand-flats, the primary habitat in Durban Bay for large-scale decreases in the abundance of many waterbird species in the Palearctic waders, has been reduced by about 86%, from 1166 ha to 165 Bay. This applied particularly to a substantial proportion of the Palearctic ha. Mangrove swamps have been even harder hit and have been reduced wader species but also included representatives from the flamingoes, by about 97% from 438 ha to 15 ha. By contrast and concomitant with herons, ibises and storks. These decreases were attributed to rampant dredging to allow the passage of large commercial ships, the extent of habitat loss related to the development of the Bay as a major commercial permanently inundated open-water has increased by about 1.85 times from harbour. Aspects of that investigation were presented in a popular format 364 ha to 673 ha. The original open-water areas, however, were shallow in Allan (1999). Allan et al. (2002) examined the patterns of seasonal (likely mainly <2 m deep), whereas dredging now ensures that most of occurrence of the waterbird populations of the Bay based on regular counts these regions now comprise deep water (up to 14 m deep). Concerning the made during the three years July 1999 – June 2002. McInnes et al. (2005) shorelines fringing the outer extremities of the Bay, a key habitat for the undertook a detailed investigation of the key sites for the conservation of majority of waterbird species, less than 5% of these are in a natural waterbirds in the Bay based on regular counts extending to the four years condition, the remainder largely comprising concrete quaysides and steep July 1999 – June 2003. They identified the Centre Bank and Bayhead shorelines artificially reinforced with rubble. Only three small rivers feed regions as being of paramount importance for the waterbird populations. into the Bay and all are channelized with concrete in their lower reaches. Regular monthly counts of waterbirds have continued at Durban Bay up These provide relatively limited freshwater inflow into the Bay, which is to the present. The primary aim of this publication is to deliver an update on essentially a seawater-dominated system subject to tidal influence trends in the abundance of the Bay’s waterbird populations conveyed within throughout and which has been classified as an ‘estuarine embayment’. the full context of the earlier information. This update is particularly A central feature of this publication is to present the results of pertinent in the face of ongoing further harbour development proposals, monthly counts initiated in July 1999 and continued up to the present including current plans involving modifications to the Centre Bank region. (June 2013). In contrast to the major habitat transformations, and associated impacts on waterbird populations, that occurred in Durban STUDY AREA Bay prior to this period, harbour developments during 1999 – 2013 were Several studies, dating back many decades, describe aspects of the few, relatively minor in extent and not focused on the key waterbird sites, general ecology of Durban Bay, e.g. Day & Morgans (1956), Begg (1978, i.e. Centre Bank and Bayhead (Fig. 2). The three most noteworthy 1984), Forbes et al. (1996) and Pillay et al. (2008). Details of Durban Bay developments were: 1 - quayside extension into deep, open-water habitat specifically as a habitat for waterbirds are presented in Allan et al. (1999) in the ‘Harbour East’ area just south-east of T-jetty (in place by March 2 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

2004), quayside extension into inter-tidal sandflats in the ‘Fish Wharf’ area (in place by April 2011), and 3 - the widening of the harbour mouth (achieved by March 2009). The waterbird counts conducted during 1999 – 2013 therefore were conducted during an apparent period of relative habitat stability, compared with earlier times.

METHODS Allan et al. (1999 & 2002) and McInnes et al. (2005) provide detailed general background about, and a discussion of methodology used during, the various waterbird counts made in Durban Bay upon which this publication is based. The sources of the various historical (i.e. prior to February 1999) waterbird-count data are summarized in Table 1. These sources provide information from some 71 waterbird counts. Many of these, however, did not include all waterbird species; those in this category typically focused only on Charadriform waders, especially Palearctic waders. Also included are additional incidental records of one-off counts of single or only a few species from a wide variety of sources cited in the local bird club newsletter, the earliest of these dating back to August 1900 (see Allan et al. 1999 for additional detail). A crucial aspect to note relevant to all FIG. 1. Modifications to Durban Bay since historical times, showing the reduction in the total these historical counts is that none of them covered the entire Bay region, size of the Bay, the increase in the expanse of open-water areas, and the decrease in the extent of unlike the recent counts made from the naval patrol vessel (as described intertidal mud- and sand-flats concomitant with commercial harbour development (from Allan below), and are therefore undercounts to an unknown degree. et al. 1999). A cornerstone of this publication is the presentation of the results of an unbroken series of monthly waterbird counts made between July 1999 and June 2013 (i.e. 168 counts in total covering exactly 14 years). Details of the methods employed during these counts are presented in Allan et al. (2002) and McInnes et al. (2005) but are briefly repeated here. The counts were made from a moving patrol boat (‘Namacurra’ harbour patrol boat) operated by the South African Navy as it travelled around the entire perimeter of the Bay (Fig. 3), i.e. coverage encompassed the entire Bay region. Between two and seven, usually 3 - 6, observers were used during these counts and waterbirds were identified and counted using binoculars. All counts were made during or close to spring low tide when the maximum amount of intertidal foraging habitat for wading waterbirds was exposed. Counts typically commenced at 08h30 and were completed by about 11h30. Data were recorded separately for 12 different sections of the Bay (Fig. 3) but all data from all sections of the Bay are essentially pooled here for this analysis. A suite of an additional 39 waterbird counts, mainly at low tide but some also at high tide, were made using a small inflatable boat powered by an outboard motor during the period March 1999 - February 2002. These counts did not cover the entire Bay region but concentrated on the key sections for waterbirds, i.e. Centre Bay, Bayhead, Bayhead West, Fish Wharf, Yacht Basin, Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies (see Fig. 3), although many of these counts did not cover all of these sections. One to three observers participated in these counts. Waterbirds are defined here as members of the following orders/ families: Anseriformes (ducks), Alcidinidae (alcedinid kingfishers), Cerylidae (cerylid kingfishers), Rallidae (only coots relevant here), Charadriformes (scolopacid waders, thick-knees, oystercatchers, stilts, plovers, gulls and terns), Accipitridae (Osprey and fish-eagles), Ciconiformes (grebes, boobies, anhingas, cormorants, herons, Hamerkop, flamingoes, ibises, spoonbills, pelicans, storks and frigatebirds) and, among the passerines, only the Motacillidae (wagtails). Cape Gannets Morus capensis and Subantarctic Skuas Catharacta antarctica were regularly, and Parasitic Jaegers Stercorarius parasiticus occasionally, recorded just offshore of the mouth of Durban Bay during the post-February 1999 counts. These pelagic species were not observed to enter the confines of the Bay itself (although an injured Cape Gannet was found just inside the harbour mouth on one occasion) and they are excluded from further consideration. Taxonomy and common and FIG. 2. Google Earth images of Durban Bay dated: (a) - 2 February 2001 (the earliest scientific names of the waterbird species follow Hockey et al. (2005). available) and (b) 12 June 2013, showing that large-scale modifications to the Bay between Species ordering also follows Hockey et al. (2005), with the exception of July 1999 and June 2013 through harbour developments were few, relatively minor in extent the kingfishers which are placed at the end of the non-passerines. The and did not affect the key waterbird sites (Centre Bank and Bayhead). The three most noteworthy scientific names for the species covered in the species accounts below developments were: 1 - quayside extension into deep, open-water habitat in the ‘Harbour East’ are given in these accounts; for the remaining species, the scientific name area just south-east of T-jetty (in place by March 2004), 2 - quayside extension into inter- is provided on first mention of the species. All the waterbird data were tidal sandflats in the ‘Fish Wharf’ area (in place by April 2011), and 3 - the widening of the entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for analysis. harbour mouth (achieved by March 2009). Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 3

TABLE 1. The sources of the various waterbird-count data used in this study. Summarized from, and additional detail available in, Allan et al. (1999).

NO. OF RELEVANT SOURCE OBSERVER/S COUNTS DATES SEASONALITY SITES COVERAGE

Newsletters of the Natal Various N/A 1951 - 1980 N/A Mainly Incidental records of Bird Club numbered 1 - 336 ‘Bayhead’ counts of a single or only a few waterbird species, especially Black Heron, Yellow-billed Stork and Greater Flamingo

Richard Liversidge pers. Richard 1 Apr. 1952 Autumn ? All waterbirds? comm. Liversidge

Natal Bird Club News Dave Young 6 1965 -1967 Almost exclusively ‘Bayhead’ Mainly Palearctic waders Sheets 130, 131, 132, 137, summer but some counts of other 140, 142, 152, and 157 species

Archives of the Percy J.C. (Ian) Sinclair & 38 Jan. 1974 – Mainly summer but ‘Bayhead’ Some counts of all FitzPatrick Institute of Gerry Nicholls Oct. 1977 many winter counts waterbirds, others only of African Ornithology Palearctic waders

Ryan et al. (1986) and Peter G. Ryan & 2 Nov. – Dec. 1980 Summer ‘Bayhead’ All waterbirds original data from the John Cooper archives of the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology

Environmental Advisory J.C. (Ian) Sinclair 11 Mar. 1981, Summer & winter ‘Bayhead’, Most counts of all Services (1990) Mar. 1986, Centre Bank, waterbirds, others only of Mar.-May 1990 Fish Wharf and Palearctic waders Yacht Basin

Coordinated Waterbird Various 13 Jan. 1993 – Summer & winter Bayhead All waterbirds Counts Project (CWAC; Jan. 1999 see also Taylor et al. 1999)

SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Ninety-two species of waterbirds have been recorded in Durban Bay during all the waterbird counts available for this analysis. Detailed species accounts are presented for 57 of these species. The basis for selecting these species was that they featured in at least 20% of the historical waterbird counts that covered all waterbird species during the period February 1974 – May 1990 (n=26 counts) or that they featured in at least 10% of the counts made from the naval patrol vessel during July 1999 – June 2013 (n=168 counts). The only exceptions were the inclusion of the Black Heron and Yellow-billed Stork, neither of which achieved these thresholds in either of these two specific sets of counts but for which fairly substantial count information was available from other sources. Pertinent details covering the remaining 35 waterbird species not allocated full species accounts are presented in Appendix 1. Key features of each species account are two graphs. The first of these shows the numbers of individuals of each species counted in all the waterbird counts, both historical and recent, for which data are available. The seconds graph shows only the more refined count data for each species from the monthly waterbird counts made from the navy patrol FIG. 3. Google Earth image of Durban Bay dated 27 April 2006 showing the 12 regions by vessel during July 1999 – June 2013. On both graphs, the x-axis portrays which the recent waterbird-count data (1999 – 2013) were collected. Also shown is the route time and the y-axis portrays the number of birds counted during each taken by the naval patrol vessel during these counts. individual count (including negative counts where relevant, i.e. where no individuals of a species were found during a count). Trend lines, as inserted by Excel, are also shown on both graphs. Harbour East, Harbour North and Harbour Mouth), in order to examine For the navy-vessel counts, statistics are provided related to the site selection by each species in the Bay (see Fig. 3 for the boundaries of number of counts on which each species was encountered expressed as these regions). The second table similarly shows the percentage of the a percentage of the total counts (n=168) and the mean, median and total number of birds counted during all the 168 navy-vessel counts maximum number of each individual species recorded. summarized for each month, in order to examine the seasonality of Two tables are also provided relative to the navy-vessel counts. The occurrence of each species in the Bay. The sample sizes for the second first of these shows the percentage of the total number of birds counted table are the same as shown for the first table. The text accompanying during all the 168 navy-vessel counts summarized for each of the five each account similarly focuses for each species on the long-term and primary sites in the Bay: Centre Bank (East and West), Bayhead short-term population trends evidenced, the key sites used, patterns of (Bayhead and Bayhead West), Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin, Pelican Island seasonal occurrence and any other relevant details, e.g. breeding, and Sporting Bodies, and the commercial harbour areas (Harbour West, identification difficulties, etc. 4 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Long-term abundance from all counts The earliest record of the Egyptian Goose, in Dec 1957, appears to be that (Calder 1958). Lawson (1971) stated the species as only an uncommon, non-breeding visitor to Durban at that time. The first mention in the counts was in Jan 1994, when ten birds were found during a CWAC count. This initial appearance was apparently soon followed by a rapid increase and permanent presence. This rise to prominence parallels that of the Blacksmith Lapwing.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 100% of counts (168/168) Mean = 15 birds Median = 13 birds Max. = 64 birds The data from the 14-year period suggest stability to a slight increase in abundance. This indicates that the initial apparently quite rapid colonization soon stabilized at a fairly low level of abundance (a mean of only 15 birds per count). The Egyptian Goose is one of only five waterbirds recorded on every one of the monthly navy-vessel counts during 1999-2013. Several pairs regularly breed, mainly in the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area. Egglaying, based on sightings of incubating birds and young less than half grown, has been recorded in every month of the year, with most during Aug-Feb (81%, n=73).

Key sites: Egyptian Geese are fairly evenly distributed between Pelican Island & Sporting Bodies, the adjacent Bayhead and the commercial harbour areas. The species is uncommon elsewhere.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 4% 27% 1% 31% 37% 2488

Seasonality: There is little evidence for any marked seasonality of occurrence, although numbers may be slightly lower mid-winter to early summer (Jun-Nov), which represents the peak breeding period in the region (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 9.2% 9.2% 9.8% 8.7% 12.2% 7.7% 6.9% 7.1% 7.1% 6.6% 7.1% 8.4%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 5

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis

Long-term abundance from all counts Similar to the Egyptian Goose, the first record of Spur-winged Goose in the counts comes from a singleton recorded in a Jan 1994 CWAC count. The next record, however, stems from Aug 1999 and, unlike the Egyptian Goose, the species remains an uncommon and irregular visitor. Lawson (1971) records it as a scarce visitor to the Bay at that time.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 -2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 12% of counts (20/168) Mean = 0.29 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 15 birds There is little evidence for any clear trend in numbers, although the frequency of records may be decreasing. The record of 15 birds at Centre Bank in May 2008 is the most noteworthy for the species.

Key sites: Records are fairly widely distributed across the Bay, i.e. Centre Bank, Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, Bayhead and the commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 33% 23% 0% 29% 15% 48

Seasonality: No clear pattern of seasonality is apparent.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0% 16.7% 0% 0% 35.4% 4.2% 2.1% 18.7% 4.2% 6.2% 8.3% 4.2%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M

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Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Long-term abundance from all counts The first mention of Bar-tailed Godwits in the counts stems from Dave Young’s record of three individuals in Dec 1967. Its status as an uncommon visitor apparently remains unchanged from that time.

0 Oct-67 Mar-73 Sep-78 Mar-84 Aug-89 Feb-95 Aug-00 Jan-06 Jul-11 1967 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 13% of counts (21/168) Mean = 0.22 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 5 birds The Bar-tailed Godwit is an uncommon but regular visitor, being recorded in 12 of the 14 summers.

Key sites: The vast majority of records come from the Centre Bank, followed by Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 89% 8% 3% 0% 0% 37

Seasonality: All records come from Oct-Apr, except for a single Jul record, and show a strong bias towards the first half of the summer, especially Nov, possibly representing birds on passage.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 16.2% 0 2.7% 2.7% 0% 0% 2.7% 0% 0% 10.8% 48.7% 16.2%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013

Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 7

Common Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Long-term abundance from all counts The trend in Common Whimbrel numbers seems to indicate an overall increase in abundance, although two counts of 150 birds each by Dave Young in Oct 1965 and Dec 1967 represent numbers rarely matched (and only once exceeded) subsequently. There can be little doubt, however, that counts from the 1990s onwards appear substantially higher overall than those from the 1970s and 1980s. Woodward & Woodward (1899) confirm the presence of the species in the Bay at that time. The first appearance of the species in counts stems from Richard Liversidge’s record of seven individuals in Apr 1952 and Clancey (1964) mentions specimens from the Bay taken in 1961.

200

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0 Jan-52 Sep-54 Jun-57 Mar-60 Dec-62 Sep-65 Jun-68 Mar-71 Nov-73 Aug-76 May-79 Feb-82 Nov-84 Aug-87 May-90 Jan-93 Oct-95 Jul-98 Apr-01 Jan-04 Oct-06 Jun-09 Mar-12 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 99% of counts (167/168) Mean = 54 birds Median = 57 birds Max. = 148 birds Numbers appear stable to slightly increasing.

Key sites: The vast majority of birds are recorded on the Centre Bank, followed by Bayhead, and the species is uncommon elsewhere.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 88% 7% 4% 0% 1% 9007

Seasonality: Common Whimbrels usually arrive in Sep and depart in Mar. Small numbers are present throughout the winter and the species was recorded on all but one (Jun 2000) of the 168 monthly counts. The number of over-wintering birds, however, seems to vary between years, e.g. being particularly high in the winters of 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 13.1% 15.2% 12.9% 4.4% 1.5% 1.3% 1.5% 2.5% 7.8% 13.7% 13.8% 12.3%

140

120

100

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013

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Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

Long-term abundance from all counts The Marsh Sandpiper has clearly decreased sharply and of the three first counts of the species, two made by Dave Young in the 1960s and the other by Ian Sinclair and Gerry Nicholls in Jan 1974, spanning 25-65 birds, two exceeded all subsequent counts and the third was not exceeded after the 1970s. Many other counts from the 1970s were obviously in excess of typical numbers achieved afterwards.

0 Sep-65 Feb-71 Aug-76 Feb-82 Jul-87 Jan-93 Jul-98 Dec-03 Jun-09 1965 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 29% of counts (48/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 11 birds The Marsh Sandpiper is now only relatively infrequently recorded, as reflected by the mean number of only a single bird. There is also a clear trend of even further decrease, with records becoming less frequent in occurrence and numbers smaller over time. There is some indication of ‘influxes’ during the three summers 2003-04, 2005-06 and 2007-08. This species may be approaching functional extinction.

Key sites: This species is unusual among Palearctic waders in preferring Bayhead over Centre Bank, a penchant shared only with the Little Stint, Ruff and Common Ringed Plover.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 24% 73% 2% 1% 0% 127

Seasonality: Marsh Sandpipers usually arrive in Sep and depart in Mar. Peak numbers are in early to mid-summer (Oct-Jan). The species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 16.5% 8.7% 5.5% 2.4% 0% 0% 0% 0.8% 3.1% 18.1% 18.9% 26%

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Long-term abundance from all counts The abundance of the Common Greenshank appears remarkably stable over the long-term, although the three highest counts (one of a remarkable, and perhaps questionable, 600 birds, by Dave Young, and two of 150 birds each, by Dave Young and Ian Sinclair and Gerry Nicholls respectively) came from the 1960s and 1970s. The first record of Common Greenshanks in counts came from two birds recorded by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952.

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0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 92% of counts (155/168) Mean = 52 birds Median = 64 birds Max. = 121 birds The Common Greenshank appears stable to slightly increasing, congruent with the pattern apparent in the long-term.

Key sites: Most Common Greenshanks are found on the Centre Bank. Appreciable numbers, however, are also present at Fish Wharf, the only Palearctic wader regularly common in this area.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 59% 9% 31% 0% 1% 8719

Seasonality: Common Greenshanks typically arrive in Aug, earlier than most of the other Palearctic waders. Numbers remain remarkably constant throughout their sojourn and they depart in Mar. Small numbers over-winter in some years, e.g. 2000-2004 and 2007, but apparently not in others, e.g. 2005, 2006 and 2008-2012, suggesting the practice may be becoming less common.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 12.9% 12% 11% 2.5% 0.4% 0.6% 1.8% 8.2% 12% 12.8% 12.9% 12.9%

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Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Long-term abundance from all counts The Wood Sandpiper was clearly recorded more frequently and in higher numbers in the 1970s and early 1980s compared with subsequently. Dave Young recorded an unparalleled, and perhaps questionable, 175 Wood Sandpipers in Apr 1966. The next highest number was 43 birds counted by Ian Sinclair and Gerry Nicholls in May 1975.

180

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140

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0 Jan-66 Jun-71 Dec-76 Jun-82 Nov-87 May-93 Nov-98 May-04 Oct-09 1966 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 2% of counts (3/168) Mean = 0.02 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 1 bird The Wood Sandpiper is now a rare visitor, with only three singletons recorded. It can be regarded as functionally extinct.

Key sites: All three records are from the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 3

Seasonality: Marsh Sandpipers usually arrive in Sep and depart in Mar. Peak numbers are in early to mid-summer (Oct-Jan). The species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 66.7% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 33.3% 0%

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Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

Long-term abundance from all counts The Terek Sandpiper shows evidence of only a slight decrease at best over the long-term. The first counts were of 2-10 birds by Dave Young during the period 1965-1967. The counts in the 1970s by Ian Sinclair and Gerry Nicholls, however, were in two instances higher than those achieved subsequently.

0 Jul-65 Dec-70 Jun-76 Dec-81 May-87 Nov-92 May-98 Oct-03 Apr-09 1965 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 61% of counts (103/168) Mean = 8 birds Median = 4 birds Max. = 42 birds The numbers of Terek Sandpipers appear constant. This species is difficult to differentiate from the Curlew Sandpiper from the moving naval vessel under challenging conditions, i.e. strong wind rendering the boat unstable and poor light due to heavily overcast or rainy weather, especially on the expansive Centre Bank. The species may thus have been under-counted in such circumstances. This likely explains the relatively high variance in numbers counted and some summer counts failing to detect the species at all.

Key sites: Most Terek Sandpipers were recorded at Centre Bank, followed by Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 72% 27% 1% 0% 1% 1394

Seasonality: Terek Sandpipers typically arrive in Sep-Oct and depart in Mar-Apr, arriving and departing perhaps slightly later than most of the other Palearctic waders. The species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 19.9% 13.6% 15.6 9.4% 0.3% 0% 0.1% 0.2% 1.6% 9.1% 13.8% 16.4%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 12 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term count data suggest little change in the status of the species between the historical and current positions. The unusual record of 44 birds at Bayhead in Aug 1995 came from a CWAC count and was possibly in error.

0 Jan-66 Jun-71 Dec-76 Jun-82 Nov-87 May-93 Nov-98 May-04 Oct-09 1966 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 67% of counts (112/168) Mean = 4 birds Median = 2 birds Max. = 21 birds Unlike the position suggested by the long-term data-set, the Common Sandpiper shows a marked decrease over the 14-year period, with numbers having more than halved in recent years.

Key sites: Unlike the other Palearctic waders, the Common Sandpiper is recorded fairly widely. It is unusual in typically shunning Centre Bank and in regularly occurring in the commercial harbour areas, although Bayhead (especially the Bayhead West region) was the most favoured area. It is the only wader to regularly exploit the artificial rubble shorelines found around much of the Bay when foraging.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 2% 41% 3% 20% 34% 650

Seasonality: Like Common Greenshanks, Common Sandpipers typically seem to arrive slightly earlier than the other Palearctic waders, i.e. in Aug. Departure is in Mar and the species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 14.3% 12.6% 9.2% 2.2% 0% 0% 0% 6.3% 12.8% 14.3% 17.2% 11.1%

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Long-term abundance from all counts The Ruddy Turnstone has undergone a marked long-term decrease. Although the earliest three counts by Dave Young were of only 1-2 birds, many of the counts during 1974-1980 were appreciably higher than those subsequently. The maximum number from historical counts was 68 birds (Oct 1975).

0 Jul-65 Dec-70 Jun-76 Dec-81 May-87 Nov-92 May-98 Oct-03 Apr-09 1965 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 67% of counts (113/168) Mean = 6 birds Median = 5 birds Max. = 26 birds Ruddy Turnstones show a marked decrease congruent with the long-term trend and numbers have fallen by at least half during this period.

Key sites: The vast majority of Ruddy Turnstones are recorded at Centre Bank and the remainder mainly at Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 91% 8% 1% 0% 0% 962

Seasonality: Ruddy Turnstones typically arrive in Sep and depart in Apr, departing slightly later than most of the other Palearctic waders. Small numbers over-wintered in 2000 but apparently not in other years.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 12.2% 14.1% 12% 9.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.6% 0.9% 5.5% 15.7% 15.9% 12.6%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 14 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Red Knot Calidris canutus

Long-term abundance from all counts The Red Knot has decreased severely and many of the counts from the 1960s to 1980s exceeded any of those achieved subsequently. The maximum number from historical counts was 80 birds (Apr 1974).

0 Jan-66 Jun-71 Dec-76 Jun-82 Nov-87 May-93 Nov-98 May-04 Oct-09 1966 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 4% of counts (7/168) Mean = 0.08 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 7 birds The Red Knot is now present infrequently and in very low numbers (typically 1-2 birds). Records appear ever less frequent and it can be regarded as functionally extinct.

Key sites: All records come from Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 100% 0% 0% 0% 0% 14

Seasonality: All records come from Oct-Nov or Apr-May, suggesting the Red Knot is now only a visitor while on passage. The preponderance of Oct records suggests it is most likely to be recorded on southbound migration. The pattern of seasonality appears to have changed dramatically over time. The 28 records from the historical counts from the 1960s to 1980s spanned: Aug-1, Oct-3, Nov-3, Dec-3, Jan-5, Feb-5, Mar-5, Apr-2 and May-1, suggesting a much longer period of occupancy.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0% 0% 0% 7.14% 7.14% 0% 0% 0% 0% 78.58% 7.14% 0%

Sanderling Calidris alba

Long-term abundance from all counts The Sanderling appears always to have been uncommon and there is little clear evidence for any change in abundance, although a slight downward trend is indicated. Lawson (1971), however, classed it as common in the Bay. The maximum number from historical counts was 35 birds (Dec 1974), appreciably higher than the next highest count (17 birds, Nov 2002).

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 13% of counts (21/168) Mean = 0.43 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 17 birds The Sanderling is only infrequently recorded and in low numbers, a pattern apparently intensifying. It is approaching functional extinction.

Key sites: The vast majority of Sanderlings are recorded at Centre Bank, followed by the Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin area.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 89% 1% 10% 0% 0% 72

Seasonality: All records come exclusively from early to mid-summer (Aug-Feb), especially Sep-Nov, possibly representing birds on southbound passage. The 10 records from the historical counts from the 1960s to 1980s were similarly biased towards early to mid-summer: Sep-1, Oct-2, Nov-1, Dec-2, Jan-2, Mar-1 and Apr-1.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 4.2% 1.4% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1.4% 25% 30.5% 27.8% 9.7%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 16 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Little Stint Calidris minuta

Long-term abundance from all counts The Little Stint has suffered a dramatic decrease. Dave Young’s five counts in the 1960s spanned 100 to an impressive 1750 birds. Counts in the 1970s and 1980s regularly counted hundreds of birds. Numbers subsequently crashed and the highest count in subsequent decades was 40 (Apr 1990)

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0 Jul-65 Dec-70 Jun-76 Dec-81 May-87 Nov-92 May-98 Oct-03 Apr-09 1965 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 29% of counts (48/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 26 birds The current mean number of a single bird per count reflects the extent of the catastrophic decrease evidenced by this species, which continues to this day as sightings become less frequent and of ever fewer birds. It is approaching functional extinction.

Key sites: The Little Stint is unusual among Palearctic waders in preferring Bayhead over Centre Bank, a penchant shared only with the Marsh Sandpiper, Ruff and Common Ringed Plover.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 17% 78% 3% 2% 0% 223

Seasonality: Although the first arrivals are in Sep, peak numbers are only achieved in Jan, suggesting a very late peak arrival. Departure is usually in Mar, slightly earlier than most other Palearctic waders. The species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 26% 22% 19.7% 0.5% 0% 0% 0% 0% 3.6% 3.1% 10.3% 14.8%

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Long-term abundance from all counts The Curlew Sandpiper has undergone a dramatic decrease since at least the 1960s. The highest number recorded was some 10 000 by Dave Young in Jan 1966. Other counts made in the mid-1960s ranged between the low- and mid-thousands. Counts from the early to mid-1970s did not exceed the low-thousands. Counts from the early 1980s were in the high-hundreds but by the late 1980s had fallen to the low-hundreds, where they remain and continue to progressively decrease to this day.

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0 Aug-65 Sep-69 Oct-73 Nov-77 Jan-82 Feb-86 Mar-90 May-94 Jun-98 Jul-02 Aug-06 Oct-10 1965 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 73% of counts (123/168) Mean = 85 birds Median = 70 birds Max. = 341 birds Curlew Sandpipers show a clear pattern of relatively rapid decrease that continues the downward trend evident in the historical data. Numbers have apparently halved in the 14-year period. It remains the most abundant scolopacid wader but conceivably could be overtaken in this regard in the near future by the apparently more resilient Common Whimbrel and Common Greenshank.

Key sites: Typical of most Palearctic waders, the majority of Curlew Sandpipers are counted at Centre Bank, followed by Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 78% 20% 2% 0% 0% 14189

Seasonality: The Curlew Sandpiper usually arrives in Sep and departs in Mar. Peak occurrence is in late summer (Jan-Mar). Small numbers were present throughout the winter of 2000 but apparently not during the winters of other years.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 18.7% 17.7% 16.7% 5.3% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 3.7% 10.5% 13.4% 13.4%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 18 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Long-term abundance from all counts The Ruff has suffered a similar dramatic decrease to that seen in several other Palearctic waders. Hundreds of birds, and in one instance 1100 birds (Jan 1974), were regularly counted during the 1960s to 1980s. Lawson (1971) also classed it as common in the Bay. Abundance then plummeted and the highest number subsequently encountered was 27 in Jan 2005. Woodward & Woodward (1899) mention the species as a visitor to the Bay in the late 1800’s.

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0 Jan-66 Jun-71 Dec-76 Jun-82 Nov-87 May-93 Nov-98 May-04 Oct-09 1966 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 13% of counts (22/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 27 birds As with Little Stint, the current mean number of a single bird per count reflects the extent of the disastrous decrease undergone by this species, which is now reduced to an uncommon visitor in small numbers. It is essentially functionally extinct, or close to it.

Key sites: The Ruff is unusual among Palearctic waders in preferring Bayhead over Centre Bank, a penchant shared only with the Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint and Common Ringed Plover.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 9% 86% 0% 5% 0% 94

Seasonality: All records were from Aug-Apr, with a mid- to late-summer peak (Dec-Mar).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 44.68% 6.38% 19.15% 1.06% 0% 0% 0% 1.06% 1.06% 0% 8.51% 18.09%

Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus

Long-term abundance from all counts The full count dataset almost certainly provides a highly unreliable reflection of the long-term trend in the abundance of the Water Thick-knee. The data from the 1999-2013 navy-vessel counts shows that this species is largely restricted to the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, as well as directly adjacent commercial harbour areas. These areas were probably not covered during the historical counts prior to 1999 and the only record from the older counts was of a single bird in Feb 1974. The apparent ‘explosive’ increase after 1999 therefore is likely illusory and an artefact of these coverage differences.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 49% of counts (83/168) Mean = 2 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 14 birds The Water Thick-knee shows a decrease over the 14-year period. This species was typically encountered while roosting on Pelican Island or directly adjacent areas in the Sporting Bodies or commercial harbour areas. Pelican Island in the past few years has suffered major erosion and may no longer be an attractive roosting site for the species, likely explaining the reduced frequency of records in recent years.

Key sites: Water Thick-knees are largely restricted to the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, as well as directly adjacent commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 1% 0% 83% 16% 292

Seasonality: Although recorded throughout the year, numbers appear highest in winter (May-Jun) and lowest during the early summer peak breeding period (Sep-Nov; Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 7.2% 6.80% 8.2% 9.6% 15.8% 16.8% 16.8% 5.8% 1.4% 1.7% 3.1% 6.8%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 20 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Long-term abundance from all counts The Grey Plover shares the catastrophic decrease shown by several other Palearctic waders. The first record in the counts dates back to 15 birds counted by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Four counts by Dave Young in the 1960s spanned 20 to no less than 1200 birds. Counts from the 1970s and early 1980s were typically in the hundreds, with a maximum of 500 in Nov 1975. Subsequent records only exceeded, barely, 100 birds in two instances (107 birds in both Apr 1990 and Jan 2001).

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0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 85% of counts (142/168) Mean = 27 birds Median = 24 birds Max. = 99 birds Similar to the Curlew Sandpiper, the Grey Plover shows a striking ongoing decrease that continues the downward trend evident in the historical data. Numbers have apparently halved in the 14-year period.

Key sites: The vast majority of Grey Plovers occur at Centre Bank, followed by the Bayhead and Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 85% 8% 7% 0% 0% 4498

Seasonality: All records were from Aug-Apr, with a mid- to late-summer peak (Dec-Mar).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 16.2% 15.80% 13.5% 8% 0.9% 0.4% 0.4% 0.6% 4.6% 11.4% 13.4% 14.8%

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Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Long-term abundance from all counts This plover shows the marked decrease between the 1960s-1970s and the 1990s onwards shared with the several other Palearctic waders. The first mention of the species in the counts is 10 counted by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Three counts by Dave Young in the 1960s spanned 100 to 600 birds, with the latter being the highest count ever. Many of the counts in the period 1974-1980 were of hundreds of birds (up to 450 in Feb 1977) but all counts subsequent to 1980 were of fewer than 100 birds.

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0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 58% of counts (98/168) Mean = 14 birds Median = 5 birds Max. = 88 birds The current trend is most unusual as it suggests an increase in abundance over the past 14 years in direct contrast to the long-term decrease discussed above, with numbers perhaps doubling over this period.

Key sites: The Common Ringed Plover is unusual among Palearctic waders in preferring Bayhead over Centre Bank, a penchant shared only with the Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint and Ruff.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 6% 94% 0% 0% 0% 2374

Seasonality: Common Ringed Plovers typically arrive in Sep-Oct and depart in Mar-Apr. The species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 18.1% 16.9% 12.3% 5.8% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1.5% 10.7% 16.8% 17.9%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 22 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius

Long-term abundance from all counts The count data reflect the marked decrease and essentially the ultimate local extinction of Kittlitz’s Plover in Durban Bay. The first record in the counts comes from ten birds counted by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Some of the counts covering the 1970s and early 1980s recorded over 200 birds and up to 400 birds (in Apr 1974). Counts from the mid-1980s onwards never exceeded 200 birds, with the highest being 184 in Feb 2000. Lawson (1971) reports that it bred on reclaimed land at the head of the Bay.

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0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 30% of counts (51/168) Mean = 8 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 158 birds Shortly after 2000, the species apparently continued the decrease evident from the historical data and after 2005 it was only infrequently recorded and in very low numbers. The most recent record, of 12 birds, was in Apr 2010.

Key sites: Kittlitz’s Plover was almost exclusively recorded from Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 2% 98% 0% 0% 0% 1402

Seasonality: Although there are records from throughout the year, Kittlitz’s Plover was mainly a mid-summer to mid-winter (Jan-Jul) visitor, mostly during late-summer (Feb-Apr), i.e. outside the main breeding peak of the species (Jul-Nov, Hockey et al. 2005). A similar late-summer peak was evident in the historical counts (pre-1990): Jan-7.0%, Feb-3.3%, Mar-20.2%, Apr-14.8%, May-20.3%, Jun-4.3%, Jul-4.9%, Aug-1.0%, Sep-2.8%, Oct-4.5%, Nov- 2.3%, Dec-14.6% (n=3171 birds).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 9.3% 22.2% 17.2% 14.6% 9.4% 10.1% 7.9% 0.5% 2.1% 1.5% 2.1% 3.1%

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Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris

Long-term abundance from all counts The first mention of the Three-banded Plover in the counts comes from a single bird recorded in Jan 1974. Since that time it has essentially remained uncommon (typically 2-3 birds, up to 7) but regularly present. The long-term trend, however, suggests a slight decrease. Lawson (1971) mentions it as sometimes present in the Bay.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 23% of counts (38/168) Mean = 0.34 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 7 birds The current trend is similar to that evident in the historical data and suggests a slight decrease, with the species being less frequently recorded and in smaller numbers over the 14-year period.

Key sites: Most records come from the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, and also from the commercial harbour areas and Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 12% 0% 62% 26% 57

Seasonality: There is little clear evidence of any seasonal changes in abundance. Calder (1954, 1955), in earlier times, reported winter movements to the Bay.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 14% 1.8% 10.5% 3.5% 15.8% 5.3% 7% 12.3% 12.3% 10.5% 3.5% 3.5%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 24 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus

Long-term abundance from all counts Similar to Kittlitz’s Plover, the count data show the marked decrease and essentially the finally local extinction of the White-fronted Plover in Durban Bay. Many of the counts from the 1970s to the early 1980s recorded over 20 birds and up to 60 birds (in Sep 1974). Counts from the mid-1980s onwards never exceeded 20 birds, with the highest being of this number in Jan 1996.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 6% of counts (10/168) Mean = 0.19 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 10 birds The navy-vessel counts started, in 1999, at the tail-end of the apparent final stages of the essential disappearance of this plover. The species was recorded with decreasing frequency and in ever smaller numbers until Mar 2006, after which there were no records until Apr 2013. The Apr 2013 record was most unusual as it involved three birds roosting on a concrete pier extending out from the harbour mouth into the Indian Ocean, the only time the species was ever recorded away from the intertidal flats at Bayhead, Centre Bank and Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin.

Key sites: Most White-fronted Plovers were recorded at Bayhead and Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 31% 47% 13% 0% 9% 32

Seasonality: The presence of the White-fronted Plover was highly seasonal and mainly in late summer (Feb-Apr). The historical counts (pre-1990) show quite a different pattern, with presence throughout the year and little evidence of seasonality, although perhaps highest in mid-summer (Jan-Feb) and lowest in mid-winter (Jul-Aug): Jan-23.4%, Feb-11.3%, Mar-6.9%, Apr-6.1%, May-7.9%, Jun-6.7%, Jul-1.8%, Aug-0.8%, Sep-16.7%, Oct-4.8%, Nov-6.1%, Dec-7.5% (n=505 birds).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 6.2% 34.4% 31.3% 21.9% 0% 0% 0% 6.2% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii

Long-term abundance from all counts Similar to both Kittlitz’s and White-fronted plovers, the count data reflect the decrease and essentially local extinction of the Greater Sand Plover in Durban Bay. The first record in the counts comes from seven birds counted by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Three counts by Dave Young reflect relatively low numbers, 1-15 birds, but the counts covering the 1970s and early 1980s regularly recorded more than ten birds and up to 45 birds (in Jan 1974). Counts from the mid-1980s onwards never exceeded six birds (in Feb 1998). In the past there seems to have been some confusion between the identification of this species and the Lesser Sand Plover C. mongolus in the Bay (e.g. Robson 1973, Sinclair et al. 1974; Nicholls 1985; Allan et al. 1999) and for the purposes of this report all available records have been ascribed to Greater Sand Plover.

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 13% of counts (21/168) Mean = 0.18 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 4 birds The current data fundamentally illustrate the final local disappearance of this plover, with the regular sightings of 1-4, usually 1-2, birds characteristic of the initial five-year period of the navy-vessel counts terminating in Feb 2004. In the nine years after Feb 2004, there was only a single sighting of one bird (in Sep 2011).

Key sites: Most records came from Centre Bank, followed by the Bayhead and Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 77% 13% 10% 0% 0% 31

Seasonality: All records came from Sep-Mar and the species did not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 22.6% 19.4% 12.9% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 3.2% 12.9% 16.1% 12.9%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 26 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus

Long-term abundance from all counts Thomas Ayres claimed Blacksmith Lapwings congregated in large flocks during the winter in the Bay during the late 1800s (Woodward & Woodward 1899). Calder (1991), however, states that the species was “virtually unknown” in the Bay before 1960. Clancey (1964) and Lawson (1971) classed the species as a rare, non-breeding winter visitor to the Bay. It was only rarely recorded in the early counts. Prior to the early 1990s, the only counts were of two birds in Feb 1975 and another two in 1981. In the early 1990s, however the species began to be recorded more frequently and by the mid-1990s it initiated an ‘explosive’ increase in abundance. This striking increase in the Bay somewhat parallels that of the Egyptian Goose.

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0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 100% of counts (168/168) Mean = 62 birds Median = 56 birds Max. = 144 birds The current trend similarly illustrates the ‘explosive’, and ongoing, growth in the abundance of the Blacksmith Lapwing, despite the relatively high variation in numbers. A total of 315 Blacksmith Lapwings were counted in the first year of counts and 1180 in the last year, presenting a more-than threefold increase. This lapwing is one of only five waterbirds recorded on every one of the monthly navy-vessel counts during 1999-2013. Isolated pairs are occasionally recorded breeding.

Key sites: Most Blacksmith Lapwings were counted at Bayhead, followed by Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and the species was very rarely recorded from Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 2% 71% 3% 18% 6% 10385

Seasonality: Blacksmith Lapwings were present throughout the year but with apparently lowest numbers during mid-winter to early summer (Jul-Oct), which corresponds with the peak breeding period (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 12.4% 12.7% 10.9% 9.2% 9.4% 9% 6.7% 4.7% 4% 4.6% 6.9% 9.5%

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Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus

Long-term abundance from all counts The overall long-term trend suggests stability to a slight increase. The first record of Kelp Gulls in the counts is 60 birds counted by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. The highest number ever recorded was 350 in Jun 1974, followed by 301 in Jul 2002.

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0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 100% of counts (168/168) Mean = 75 birds Median = 51 birds Max. = 301 birds The pattern during the 14-year period suggests stability to perhaps a slight decrease. The Kelp Gull is one of only five waterbirds recorded on every one of the monthly navy-vessel counts during 1999 – 2013.

Key sites: Most Kelp Gulls were found on the Centre Bank but the species was also fairly widely recorded elsewhere, especially in the Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin area. Kelp Gulls roost in large numbers, up to 370 birds (Allan et al. 1999) at the eastern extremity of Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 58% 8% 23% 1% 10% 12647

Seasonality: The abundance of the Kelp Gull is highly seasonal and it is primarily a winter visitor, as noted by Clancey (1964). Peak numbers, typically in the range of 150-300 birds, are present from late summer to mid-winter (Apr-Jul). Lowest numbers, usually in the range of 1-30 birds, are found in early summer (Oct-Dec), which corresponds with the breeding season (Hockey et al. 2005). The birds present at times of lowest abundance are almost exclusively non-adults.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 2.9% 4.8% 10.5% 19.3% 21.1% 15% 11.5% 6.6% 4.4% 1.1% 1.2% 1.6%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 28 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Grey-headed Gull Gull Larus cirrocephalus

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term pattern suggests stability in numbers. The first mention of Grey-headed Gulls in the counts was one bird encountered by Richard Liversidge in Jan 1952.

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500

400

300

200

100

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 98% of counts (165/168) Mean = 215 birds Median = 138 birds Max. = 920 birds In stark contrast to the long-term data, the trend over the 14-year period shows a marked decrease, with numbers falling by perhaps more than a third.

Key sites: Grey-headed Gulls are widely distributed throughout the Bay but, unlike the Kelp Gull, the most popular single site is the Fish Wharf sandbank, with the Centre Bank, Bayhead and the commercial harbour areas supporting lower and approximately equal numbers of most of the remaining birds.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 18% 16% 41% 7% 18% 36163

Seasonality: Like the Kelp Gull, the abundance of the Grey-headed Gull is highly seasonal, but unlike that species, the Grey-headed Gull is a winter breeder (Hockey et al. 2005) and is most common in the Bay during the summer (Nov-Feb). The birds present during the winter are almost exclusively non-adults.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 22.2% 16.6% 8.9% 3.5% 1.6% 0.9% 1% 1.5% 3.2% 8.6% 13.7% 9.5%

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Caspian Tern Sterna caspia

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term trend suggests a decrease. The highest number recorded was 23 birds during a CWAC count in Jan 1999.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 48% of counts (81/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 7 birds In contrast to the long-term trend, the data from the 14-year period suggests stability in numbers, although there are long periods when the species is apparently absent, e.g. Oct 2008-Sep 2009, and contrasting periods when the birds are regularly recorded, e.g. Oct 2009-Dec 2010.

Key sites: Most Caspian Terns are found at Centre Bank and Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 46% 35% 8% 7% 4% 198

Seasonality: The species is noted throughout the year but is least frequently recorded during late summer to early winter (Apr-Jun), which corresponds with the peak breeding season in the region (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 12.6 7.1% 10.6% 4.1% 1% 1.5% 12.1% 13.1% 11.6% 9.6% 5.6% 11.1%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 30 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis

Long-term abundance from all counts Several of the early counts from the 1970s substantially exceeded those from the 1980s to 2000s, suggesting a decrease over this period. The first record of the species in the counts was a single bird mentioned by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952.

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 35% of counts (59/168) Mean = 2 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 32 birds Over the three years from 2010 onwards, the species seems to be undergoing a remarkable increase, with some of the most recent counts approaching, and even exceeding some of the highest counts from the 1970s.

Key sites: Most Lesser Crested Terns are found at Centre Bank, followed by Bayhead and the Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin areas. This tern roosts, along with Swift Terns, at the eastern extremity of Centre Bank. Unlike the Swift Tern, this species is regularly seen hunting in the Bay.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 75% 12% 10% 0% 3% 391

Seasonality: Lesser Crested Terns arrive and depart relatively late in the summer. First arrivals are in Dec but numbers only peak Mar-Apr. Some stragglers remain as late as Jun but the species does not over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 9% 15.3% 26.3% 29.2% 12.5% 1.8% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 5.9%

Swift Tern Sterna bergii

Long-term abundance from all counts The Swift Tern appears to have increased substantially over the long-term, with many of counts from at least about 2000 onwards greatly exceeding earlier numbers. This may be due to historical modifications to the Centre Bank, rendering this area more attractive as a roosting site.

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0 Jan-67 Jun-72 Dec-77 Jun-83 Nov-88 May-94 Nov-99 May-05 Oct-10 1967 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 98% of counts (164/168) Mean = 81 birds Median = 47 birds Max. = 490 birds The current pattern suggests stability but there is relatively high variation in numbers counted. There is also some indication of inter-annual variation in numbers, e.g. particularly uniformly and relatively high in the summers of 2002-03, 2004-05, 2006-07, 2009-10 and 2010-11 (and perhaps 1999-2000), and low in the summers of 2000-01, 2001-02, 2007-08, 2011-12 and 2012-13 (and perhaps 2003-04, 2005-06, 2008-09).

Key sites: The vast majority of Swift Terns are counted at Centre Bank and the species roosts in large numbers at the eastern extremity of this site, also in smaller numbers in the Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin, and Harbour Mouth areas. This tern does not appear to hunt in the Bay and primarily exploits the area for roosting, foraging offshore. Many of the birds recorded in the commercial harbour areas were typically commuting between the roosting site and the harbour mouth.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 81% 1% 7% 0% 11% 13626

Seasonality: Despite the high variation in numbers, overall Swift Terns are most common in the Bay during early to mid-summer (Oct-Feb), as noted by Clancey (1964), largely outside the Jan-Jul breeding peak (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 11.6% 11.4% 8% 3.8% 1.3% 0.9% 8% 3.8% 8.6% 10.5% 16.3% 15.8%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 32 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term data suggest a possible decrease. The first mention in the counts was a single bird recorded by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952.

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 42% of counts (71/168) Mean = 2 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 29 birds The data from the 14-year period suggest stability or again possibly a slight decrease. This species, however, shows some inter-annual variation in abundance, with a particularly striking apparent ‘influx’ during the summer of 2006-07, which was apparently at least partially repeated the following summer.

Key sites: Most Sandwich Terns were recorded at Centre Bank, in the commercial harbour areas and at Bayhead, listed in decreasing order of the number of birds present at these areas. The species roosts at the eastern extremity of the Centre Bank along with other terns.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 49% 13% 8% 1% 29% 302

Seasonality: The main arrival period is apparently Oct-Nov but the time of departure seems less clear-cut seemingly spanning Apr-Jun. Some birds over-winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 16.2% 20.5% 12.6% 9% 5.3% 6.3% 2.6% 2.3% 0.3% 2.6% 9% 13.3%

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term data suggest stability.

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0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 86% of counts (145/168) Mean = 29 birds Median = 10 birds Max. = 780 birds Due to the counts being made from a moving vessel, it was not practical to differentiate between Common and Arctic S. paradisaea terns, especially when roosting flocks were encountered. All terns of this type therefore are attributed to Common Terns. As with the long-term data, the current pattern also suggests stability but with very high variability in numbers, similar to the position with the Swift Tern. The Common Tern shows an unusual pattern of regular but isolated sightings of large numbers of birds (>100), typically in large roosting flocks. These large numbers are not preceded or followed by similarly large numbers in the previous or following month respectively.

Key sites: Although small numbers of Common Terns were regularly found foraging virtually throughout the Bay, the key roosting sites, particularly relevant to the larger flocks, were at the eastern extremity of the Centre Bank and at the harbour mouth.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 37% 7% 14% 1% 41% 4923

Seasonality: Small numbers of Common Terns are present in the Bay throughout the year but numbers are lowest Aug-Nov. Sightings of the large flocks are restricted to the months Dec-Feb, especially Dec (Dec-5, Jan-3, Feb-2) and possibly these represent birds on southbound passage.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 20.2% 23.9% 5.2% 4.7% 5.7% 4.5% 4.8% 3.1% 1.9% 1.5% 3% 21.5%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 34 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term trend suggests an increase in abundance but the number of individual birds present was small. Woodward & Woodward (1899) report it as common in the Bay at that time. The first record in the counts was of two birds recorded by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952.

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0 Feb-52 Oct-65 Jun-79 Feb-93 Nov-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 68% of counts (115/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 1 bird Max. = 4 birds The current data also suggest a slight increase in the frequency of recordings and the number of birds (up to four) seen.

Key sites: Most Ospreys are recorded at Centre Bank, followed by Bayhead and the commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 64% 19% 1% 1% 15% 154

Seasonality: Ospreys are typically present throughout the year but numbers are highest during summer (Nov-Mar).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 11.7% 16.2% 11.7% 3.2% 5.2% 6.5% 7.8% 4.5% 5.2% 5.2% 9.8% 13%

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African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term pattern suggests stability. The earliest record, of a pair, dates to Aug 1899 and Richard Liversidge also recorded a pair in Apr 1952. A pair reportedly bred on the Bluff in 1950 (Lawson 1971). The apparent paucity/absence of records in 1970s and 1980s, however, should be noted, as mentioned by Calder (1991).

0 Jan-00 Sep-13 May-27 Jan-41 Oct-54 Jun-68 Feb-82 Oct-95 Jul-09 1900 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 54% of counts (90/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 1 bird Max. = 5 birds The current pattern also suggests stability to a slight increase. Most sightings of African Fish Eagles comprise a single adult or pair of adults. One pair seems resident in the Bay although their breeding site is unknown.

Key sites: Most sightings were at Bayhead, followed by the commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 5% 59% 0% 6% 30% 142

Seasonality: No clear-cut pattern of seasonal occurrence is evident.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 11.3% 7% 9.9% 9.2% 6.3% 3.5% 8.4% 10.6% 9.2% 9.9% 6.3% 8.4%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 36 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

African Darter Anhinga rufa

Long-term abundance from all counts The African Darter has always been an uncommon visitor with some evidence of a long-term decrease but numbers have always been very small (typically two or fewer birds). This is not a species characteristic of saline waters.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 2% of counts (4/168) Mean = 0.02 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 1 bird This species remains an uncommon visitor found flying over or roosting in the Bay and not actively foraging.

Key sites: The locality information reflects birds roosting at Pelican Island or flying over the commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 0% 0% 75% 25% 4

Seasonality: The sample size is small but records span late summer to winter.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0% 0% 25% 0% 0% 25% 50% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

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Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus

Long-term abundance from all counts The Reed Cormorant seems to have increased dramatically over the long-term, from never more than five birds during the historical (pre-Feb 1999) counts to up to 36 birds during the current counts. To possibly a large extent, this likely reflects the coverage of the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, where most Reed Cormorants were recorded during the current counts, areas probably not covered during the historical counts. Remarkably, some 3000 pairs bred in a heronry during 1961-62 situated in mangroves now long destroyed (Lawson 1964).

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 91% of counts (153/168) Mean = 9 birds Median = 7 birds Max. = 36 birds The current pattern suggests stability or possibly a slight decrease.

Key sites: This species is mainly found roosting in the Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area but is also regularly found foraging in the Bay, especially in the upper reaches.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 2% 2% 6% 62% 28% 1428

Seasonality: Although recorded throughout the year, Reed Cormorants are more common during winter to spring (May-Oct), outside the normal summer breeding peak in the region (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 1.9% 3.6% 3.3% 6% 9.2% 10.6% 14% 14.7% 14.2% 10.3% 7.3% 4.9%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 38 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus

Long-term abundance from all counts This species, similar to the Reed Cormorant, shows a clear long-term increase. Also like its smaller counterpart but to a lesser extent, this at least partially may reflect the coverage of the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area. Almost a third of White-breasted Cormorants were recorded during the current counts in this area, which was probably not covered during the historical counts. The first record in the counts is three birds seen by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Lawson (1971) mentions it as an uncommon non-breeding visitor.

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 100% of counts (168/168) Mean = 32 birds Median = 30 birds Max. = 79 birds The data from the 14-year period suggest stability but there is an indication of a trend of lower numbers since 2008, especially during the last two years of the current counts. The White-breasted Cormorant is one of only five waterbirds recorded on every one of the monthly navy-vessel counts during 1999 – 2013. A single pair nested in the Harbour mouth area in 2002 and 2009, and up to seven pairs attempted to nest, apparently unsuccessfully, on floating harbour buoys in the Bayhead West area in 2008, and these nests seemed to have been continually destroyed by harbour authorities.

Key sites: Most White-breasted Cormorants occur fairly evenly between Centre Bank, Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and the commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 32% 4% 6% 30% 28% 5343

Seasonality: Although present throughout the year, White-breasted Cormorants show a strong pattern of seasonality, with lowest numbers during the late- summer to winter breeding peak (Mar-Jul; Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 10.1% 8.4% 4.9% 5% 5.2% 5% 5.8% 7.8% 10.3% 13% 12.2% 12.3%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M

July 1999 - June 2013 Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 39

Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis

Long-term abundance from all counts Two historical records, of 48 birds in May 1976 and 100 in Sep 1977, are higher than any subsequent numbers, perhaps suggesting a long-term decrease, with the next highest total being 32 recorded in May 2011. If these two particularly high historical records are excluded, the long-term numbers appear stable. Occasional, large-scale influxes are also mentioned by Woodward & Woodward (1899), Anon. (1954) and Lawson (1971).

100

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 18% of counts (30/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 32 birds Cape Cormorant numbers and even presence vary widely between years. They occurred in most winters, except during 2001 and 2008, and they were only recorded in Apr during 2004 and Oct during 2006. There is evidence for elevated abundance in 2002 and 2010, and particularly high numbers in 2009 and especially 2011, all congruent with past knowledge of influx behaviour by this species.

Key sites: Cape Cormorants are fairly evenly recorded throughout the Bay and are most typically sighted while perched on large steel navigation buoys lining the main shipping channels.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 13% 18% 18% 15% 36% 198

Seasonality: Cape Cormorants are strongly seasonal, occurring Apr-Nov with only one record, of a single bird in Jan 2001, outside this period. Most records come from May-Sep, with an unusual paucity of Jun records and peak numbers Aug-Sep. Its annual presence off the KZN coast is attributed to the sardine run (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0.5% 0% 0% 0.5% 16.2% 1% 13.6% 33.8% 23.2% 5.1% 6.1% 0%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 40 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca

Long-term abundance from all counts Allan et al. (1999) summarize the history of Black Herons in the Bay. Woodward & Woodward (1899) state it as present (“two about the Bay at present”) but scarce at that time. The species was regularly recorded during the 1950s and early 1960s, with up to 35 birds counted (Jan 1959). They bred during the latter period (Lawson 1964), the first southern African records. The Black Herons were typically associated with the mangroves and disappeared in the face of habitat destruction subsequent to 1966, although there was a single record of a vagrant bird counted during one of the counts made using the inflatable boat in Mar 2000. The species can be considered as locally extinct in the Bay.

0 Jul-44 Mar-58 Nov-71 Jul-85 Apr-99 Dec-12 1944 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) The Black Heron was not encountered during the counts from the navy vessel (hence the absence of any graph or tables covering this period).

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis

Long-term abundance from all counts The Yellow-billed Stork, like the Black Heron and Greater Flamingo, is another large wading waterbird that has become locally extinct in the Bay (Allan et al. 1999). Woodward & Woodward (1899) recorded it as “still pretty common” at that time, while Lawson (1971) stated it as “scarce, sometimes in small flocks”. The highest number on record was 28 birds in 1957 (Calder 1957). The last record in the historical era (pre-Feb 1999) was of a single bird in Feb 1978. More recently and over 20 years after the Feb 1978 record, a single vagrant juvenile was recorded during one of the counts made using the inflatable boat in Dec 2001.

0 Jan-56 Sep-69 May-83 Jan-97 Oct-10 1956 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) The Yellow-billed Stork was not encountered during the counts from the navy vessel (hence the absence of any graph or tables covering this period). Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 41

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term trend suggests an increase, although the highest number ever recorded, 55 birds, was in Jun 1974. The first mention in the counts stems from 32 birds counted by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Small numbers bred in a heronry in the early 1960s situated in mangroves now long destroyed (Lawson 1964).

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 99% of counts (167/168) Mean = 16 birds Median = 16 birds Max. = 45 birds The data from the 14-year period mirrors the overall increase apparent in the long-term trend, although some reversal is suggested after about 2008. Little Egrets were recorded on all but one of the 168 monthly counts. In Mar 2002 a single pair bred in a small patch of mangroves at Sporting Bodies. Subsequent to this up to 12 pairs bred annually at this site during summer (Nov-Mar), although no breeding occurred in the latest summer (2012-13). The apparent increase therefore may be related to the establishment of this breeding colony. The increase in Little Egrets is in marked contrast to the decrease in Grey Herons.

Key sites: Most Little Egrets are recorded in the Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, where the nesting site is located, and in the commercial harbour areas, followed by Bayhead and Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin. They largely shun the Centre Bank. Somewhat like the Common Sandpiper and unlike most other waterbirds, this egret regularly exploits the artificial rubble shorelines found around much of the Bay when foraging.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 4% 17% 13% 36% 30% 2758

Seasonality: There is relatively little seasonality in the pattern of occurrence, although peak numbers correspond with the end of the breeding season (Feb-Jun), when recently fledged juveniles from the nesting colony likely bolster the counts.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 8.1% 9.1% 11.2% 10.3% 9.7% 9.1% 8.2% 7.65% 7.65% 6.9% 6.3% 5.8%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 42 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Great Egret Egretta alba

Long-term abundance from all counts There is no evidence from the counts that this species was ever common but in the mid-1970s it appears to have been fairly regularly recorded, with up to six birds present. Subsequently only single birds were occasionally recorded as rare vagrants.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 2% of counts (3/168) Mean = 0.02 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 1 bird The Great Egret was only recorded three times in recent counts, the last in Sep 2005. If the species ever had a regular presence in small numbers, this has been lost and it can be considered functionally extinct.

Key sites: The three records come from the upper reaches, two from Bayhead and the third from Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 67% 0% 33% 0% 3

Seasonality: The three records span winter-early summer (Jun-Sep).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 33.33% 33.33% 0% 33.33% 0% 0% 0%

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Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term data suggest stability to a slight increase. It should be noted though that Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies supported the second-highest number of birds, a region likely not covered by the historical counts (pre-Feb 1999). Woodward & Woodward (1899) confirm the presence of the species in the Bay during their time. The earliest record in the counts comes from a single bird found by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. Lawson (1971) mentions breeding at Bayhead.

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 100% of counts (168/168) Mean = 15 birds Median = 13 birds Max. = 48 birds In marked contrast to the long-term data, the results of the navy-vessel counts suggest a striking decrease over the 14-year period. Numbers have decreased by about half over this time. The Grey Heron is nevertheless one of only five waterbirds recorded on every one of the monthly navy-vessel counts during 1999 – 2013. The decrease in Grey Herons is in marked contrast to the increase in Little Egrets. A single pair nested annually in a small patch of mangroves with Little Egrets during 2007-2011.

Key sites: Grey Herons are fairly evenly distributed in the Bay, with the three most heavily used sites in decreasing order being Bayhead, Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 21% 34% 10% 23% 12% 2457

Seasonality: As with the Little Egret, there is relatively little seasonality in the pattern of occurrence, although peak numbers correspond with mid- summer to early winter (Jan-May) outside the main breeding period (Harrison et al. 1997).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 9.7% 10.5% 12% 98% 9.1% 6.3% 6.9% 7.4% 7.8% 7.3% 5.7% 7.5%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 44 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala

Long-term abundance from all counts This heron was never common, with up to only six birds recorded, but the long-term data suggest a decrease. Small numbers bred in a heronry in the early 1960s situated in mangroves now long destroyed (Lawson 1964).

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 20% of counts (33/168) Mean = 0.26 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 6 birds The current data suggest stability, although numbers are low and presence relatively infrequent. Like the Cattle Egret and Hadeda Ibis, this species largely forages away from wetland habitats and its inclusion as a ‘waterbird’ here is perhaps debatable.

Key sites: Most Black-headed Herons were recorded in the commercial harbour areas, likely reflecting their essential independence from true wetland habitats (as with Cattle Egret and Hadeda Ibis), followed by the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and Bayhead areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 2% 18% 0% 23% 57% 44

Seasonality: Although the percentage of birds recorded in each month varies remarkably widely, no clear pattern of seasonal occurrence is evident.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 4.7% 7% 11.65% 16.3% 2.3% 2.3% 11.65% 9.3% 27.9% 2.3% 2.3% 2.3%

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath

Long-term abundance from all counts The Goliath Heron is known to have been present ancestrally in the Bay (Woodward & Woodward 1899). The earliest record from the historical counts is two birds in Apr 1952 mentioned by Richard Liversidge. Calder (1991) states that Goliath Herons, similar to African Fish-Eagles, disappeared from the Bay by 1955, and only re-established in the 1990s. Indeed, the next record from the historical counts was of a single bird on a CWAC count at Bayhead in Jul 1993. There were several records subsequently from the historical counts (pre-Feb 1999) and a pair has bred, or at least attempted to breed (perhaps intermittently), in the Bayhead area since the late 1990s (e.g. Allan et al. 1999).

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 73% of counts (123/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 1 bird Max. = 6 birds Goliath Herons are now regularly recorded, typically one to two birds, and numbers appear stable.

Key sites: Just over half of the birds are recorded at Bayhead and the remainder largely at Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, followed by Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 10% 53% 4% 26% 7% 225

Seasonality: No clear seasonal pattern of occurrence is evident, although a slight mid- to late-summer (Jan-Mar) peak is suggested, after the main early summer breeding peak (Harrison et al. 1997).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 10.2% 15.1% 10.7% 4.4% 9.8% 8.9% 4.9% 8.4% 8% 5.8% 7.1% 6.7%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 46 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Long-term abundance from all counts This species only first appears in the waterbird counts used in this study during a CWAC count at Bayhead in Aug 1995 (15 birds). In earlier times, Cattle Egrets bred in large numbers in a heronry situated in mangroves now long destroyed, e.g. a remarkable 3500 breeding pairs in Oct 1961 (Lawson 1962, 1964).

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 22% of counts (37/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 28 birds The current data show the species is recorded fairly irregularly but suggest stability. The graph excludes data from three records of large numbers of Cattle Egrets found roosting in a small patch of mangroves at Sporting Bodies: 250 in May 2000, 300 in Aug 2001 and 50 in Sep 2001. Like the Black- headed Heron and Hadeda Ibis, this species largely forages away from wetland habitats and its inclusion here is perhaps debatable.

Key sites: The favourite localities for this species, in descending order, are Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies (where they roost), the commercial harbour areas (likely reflecting their essential independence from wetland habitats, as with Black-headed Heron and Hadeda Ibis), and Bayhead.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 1% 23% 1% 42% 33% 138

Seasonality: Although the percentage of birds recorded in each month varies remarkably widely, no clear pattern of seasonal occurrence is evident.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 2.2% 3.6% 22.4% 18.1% 5.1% 25.4% 5.1% 0.7% 5.8% 2.2% 9.4% 0%

Green-backed Heron Butorides striata

Long-term abundance from all counts This heron was not recorded in historical counts (pre-Feb 1999) at all but it was subsequently essentially only recorded at Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, areas likely not covered during the earlier counts. Ancestrally, breeding was recorded in 1908 and 1909 in mangroves now long destroyed (Chubb 1914).

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 20% of counts (34/168) Mean = 0.28 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 6 birds The current data suggest a decrease, with ever fewer birds recorded less and less frequently. Indeed the absence of any sightings over the four years since Jun 2009, the longest interval between sightings by a wide margin, indicates that the species may have become locally extinct.

Key sites: The species was virtually exclusively recorded in a small mangrove patch at Sporting Bodies.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 0% 0% 96% 4% 47

Seasonality: No clear-cut pattern of seasonal abundance is evident.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 8.5% 12.8% 19.1% 4.3% 0% 8.5% 8.5% 2.1% 14.9% 6.4% 6.4% 8.5%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 48 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

Long-term abundance from all counts The Hamerkop was clearly never common and the highest number ever recorded on counts was four birds in Jun 1974. There is nevertheless an indication of a decrease over the long-term, as it was fairly regularly recorded in the 1970s compared to subsequently.

3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 9% of counts (15/168) Mean = 0.10 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 2 birds The current data indicate an ongoing decrease, with sightings, almost exclusively of single birds, occurring at lengthening intervals. The marine nature of the Bay likely precludes the amphibian prey favoured by this species and many sightings were of birds in flight.

Key sites: Hamerkops prefer the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, followed by Bayhead and the commercial harbour regions.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 25% 6% 44% 25% 16

Seasonality: No clear-cut pattern of seasonal occurrence is evident.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 12.5% 6.25% 6.25% 12.5% 12.5% 25% 6.25% 0% 0% 6.25% 12.5% 0%

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0.5

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber

Long-term abundance from all counts Allan et al. (1999) summarize the history of Greater Flamingoes in the Bay. The first published records apparently date back to the Woodward brothers in the last decade of the 1800s and include unconfirmed mention of alleged breeding some 30 years earlier (Woodward & Woodward 1899). The first reference in the counts was 50 birds recorded by Richard Liversidge in Apr 1952. The highest number on record was 800 counted by Dave Young in Oct 1965. Lawson (1971) reported the species as a “common non-breeding visitor...sometimes in flocks of several hundred”. The last record of ‘hundreds’ in the Bay was 150 in Feb 1974 and subsequent to this records were restricted to the low tens. The final record in the historical era (pre-Feb 1999) was four birds counted in Dec 1980. More recently and some 20 years after the Dec 1980 record, a single vagrant juvenile was recorded during one of the counts made using the inflatable boat in Oct 2000.

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 5% of counts (8/168) Mean = 0.05 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 1 bird Ten years after the Oct 2000 record mentioned above, another single vagrant juvenile was present over some 11 months during Jul 2011-May 2012. The species nevertheless remains functionally extinct.

Key sites: The vagrant juvenile was recorded mainly at Centre Bank but also at Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 63% 0% 37% 0% 0% 8

Seasonality: The first record of this vagrant juvenile was in Jul and the last in May.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0% 0% 12.5% 12.5% 12.5% 0% 12.5% 12.5% 12.5% 12.5% 12.5% 0%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 50 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

Long-term abundance from all counts The first record in the historical counts is of three birds during a CWAC count in Aug 1995. Subsequent to this, Hadeda Ibises were recorded regularly.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 1974 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 86% of counts (144/168) Mean = 4 birds Median = 3 birds Max. = 23 birds The current data suggest stability, although the number of birds recorded is highly variable. Like the Cattle Egret and Black-headed Heron, this species largely forages away from wetland habitats and its inclusion here is perhaps debatable.

Key sites: Although Hadeda Ibises were recorded widely, only shunning Centre Bank, most were counted in the commercial harbour areas, likely reflecting their essential independence from wetland habitats (as with Black-headed Heron and Cattle Egret).

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 1% 12% 16% 19% 52% 698

Seasonality: Hadeda Ibises were counted in all months of the year but numbers appeared highest in mid-winter to early summer (Jun-Sep), before the main breeding season (Hockey et al. 2005), and lowest in mid-summer (Dec-Feb).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 5.5% 3% 5.7% 7.9% 8.3% 11% 11.7% 13.9% 10.9% 8.3% 9.3% 4.5%

0 M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 51

African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus

Long-term abundance from all counts This species seems only an uncommon visitor prior to at least the mid-1990s. Woodward & Woodward (1899) confirm the African Sacred Ibis as “sometimes seen” on the Bay in the late 1800s. There are subsequent intermittent records: March 1951 (“some”), Nov 1955 (“common”), Dec 1957 and Aug 1963 (Allan et al. 1999). The first record from the counts was a single bird found in Apr 1952 by Richard Liversidge and Dave Young counted a further singleton in Apr 1966. The only subsequent record from the historical counts (pre-Feb 1999) was yet another singleton found during a CWAC count at Bayhead in Jul 1994.

140

120

100

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 77% of counts (129/168) Mean = 12 birds Median = 3 birds Max. = 146 birds The present situation contrasts strongly with the historical information as it reflects the regular occurrence of the species, often in quite high numbers (up to 146 in Jul 2001). There seems to have been a clear increase from at least the late 1990s onwards. Paradoxically, the pattern over the 14-year period suggests stability. This is somewhat similar to the position found in the Egyptian Goose, i.e. an apparent initial relatively large-scale colonization that soon stabilized.

Key sites: Most African Sacred Ibises occur on the intertidal flats at Bayhead and, to a lesser extent, Centre Bank.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 29% 59% 3% 8% 1% 2063

Seasonality: This ibis is mainly a winter visitor (May-Jul), well outside the summer breeding season of the species (Hockey et al. 2005), where it seems almost to replace the Palearctic waders on the intertidal flats at that time of year.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0.9% 2.4% 7.7% 5.8% 17.4% 19.9% 33.3% 8.5% 2.4% 1% 0.5% 0.2%

140

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 52 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

African Spoonbill Platalea alba

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term trend suggests a decrease, with an apparently higher frequency of occurrence, as well as the highest maximum count (25 birds in Dec 1974), in the 1970s compared with subsequently. Woodward & Woodward (1899) confirm the presence of African Spoonbills in the Bay at that time. Lawson (1971) classified this species as a scarce, non-breeding visitor to the Bay and Durban generally. The first record in the counts was a singleton found by Dave Young in Apr 1966.

0 Jan-66 Jun-71 Dec-76 Jun-82 Nov-87 May-93 Nov-98 May-04 Oct-09 1966 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 36% of counts (60/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 10 birds The current trend also suggests a slight decrease, with the species apparently being recorded somewhat less frequently and in marginally lower numbers over time.

Key sites: Most African Spoonbills are recorded in the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and Bayhead regions. This species is characteristically found roosting rather than actively foraging in the Bay and it may now use the site primarily, if not exclusively, for roosting.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 40% 0% 57% 3% 149

Seasonality: Numbers appear lowest from mid-winter to early summer (Jun-Nov), during the peak breeding season (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 26.8% 7.4% 6% 10.1% 18.8% 3.4% 2.7% 1.3% 4.7% 4.7% 5.4% 8.7%

Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens

Long-term abundance from all counts The long-term trend suggests an increase. Thomas Ayres noted this species in the Bay in the late 1800s (Woodward & Woodward 1899). Lawson (1971) stated it as an “uncommon non-breeding visitor, occurring regularly on the...Bay”. The first record from the counts is seven birds in Apr 1964.

0 Feb-64 Jul-69 Jan-75 Jul-80 Dec-85 Jun-91 Dec-96 Jun-02 Nov-07 May-13 1966 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 99% of counts (167/168) Mean = 10 birds Median = 10 birds Max. = 31 birds The data from the 14-year period suggest an ongoing increase. Pink-backed Pelicans nested in late 2003 at the botanical gardens in Durban (three pairs) and up to 11 pairs have bred there annually since then (Davis 2004, Margaret Cooke pers. comm.). This initiation of breeding may be implicated in the observed increase in the Bay. Pink-backed Pelicans were recorded on all but one of the 168 monthly counts.

Key sites: Pink-backed Pelicans were mainly encountered at Pelican Island, where they roosted, and around Centre Bank, where they foraged. In recent years Pelican Island has suffered major erosion and is no longer attractive as a roosting site.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 35% 11% 9% 39% 6% 1745

Seasonality: Numbers appear marginally lower during mid- to late-summer (Dec-Apr), the peak breeding period.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 5.2% 6.1% 7.5% 9% 10% 11% 8.8% 10.7% 7.7% 10.6% 8.4% 5%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 54 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus

Long-term abundance from all counts Solitary individuals were recorded in 1901, 1963 and 1980 (Lawson 1971, Cyrus & Robson 1980). The species was clearly a rare vagrant prior to the mid-1990s as it was not recorded during any of the counts prior to Jan 1996 when five were recorded at Bayhead during a CWAC count. Subsequent to this the species was recorded twice more on CWAC counts during the historical period (pre-Feb 1999).

0 01-Sep-00 11-May-14 18-Jan-28 26-Sep-41 05-Jun-55 11-Feb-69 21-Oct-82 29-Jun-96 08-Mar-10 1901 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 30% of counts (50/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 27 birds Woolly-necked Storks are now recorded regularly. Numbers appear stable but are highly variable (up to 27 birds). Sometimes the species is not recorded for periods exceeding a year. This stork is known to have expanded its range south along the KwaZulu-Natal coast in recent times (Davies 2010).

Key sites: The majority of Woolly-necked Storks were counted at Bayhead, followed by Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and the species was rarely recorded elsewhere.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 1% 86% 0% 10% 3% 234

Seasonality: Although recorded throughout the year, there was a marked late summer-early winter (Mar-May) peak in abundance.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 4.3% 8.5% 18.8% 16.3% 25.6% 2.1% 4.7% 7.3% 7.3% 2.1% 2.1% 0.9%

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata

Long-term abundance from all counts The historical counts do not mention this species at all and it was likely widely overlooked (hence the absence of any historical graph). The first record in the counts is a singleton recorded in Mar 1999 and the species was recorded regularly, if infrequently, subsequently.

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 14% of counts (24/168) Mean = 0.18 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 3 birds The Malachite Kingfisher is perhaps slowly decreasing.

Key sites: Most birds are recorded in the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, regions likely not covered during the historical counts.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 17% 0% 63% 20% 30

Seasonality: Malachite Kingfishers are apparently absent during mid-summer (Nov-Feb) and most abundant during the late summer to late winter (Apr-Aug) non-breeding period (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 0% 0% 6.67% 13.33% 16.67% 10% 26.67% 13.33% 6.67% 6.67% 0% 0%

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 56 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus

Long-term abundance from all counts Similar to the Malachite Kingfisher, there is only one record of this species in the historical counts, a singleton recorded in Jan 1994 during a CWAC count (rendering the production of a historical graph meaningless), and it was possibly widely overlooked. The next record only came in Jul 1999 but the species was recorded regularly subsequently.

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 32% of counts (53/168) Mean = 0.42 birds Median = 0 birds Max. = 3 birds The Giant Kingfisher seems to be gradually decreasing.

Key sites: Most birds were recorded in the commercial harbour areas and Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, regions likely not well covered during the historical counts.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 12% 1% 34% 53% 70

Seasonality: Although recorded essentially throughout the year, in a pattern similar to that of the Malachite Kingfisher, abundance seems highest in late summer to winter (Apr-Jul), i.e. outside the peak breeding season of the species (Hockey et al. 2005).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 4.29% 0% 2.86% 14.29% 17.14% 11.43% 17.14% 5.71% 7.14% 10% 2.86% 7.14%

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Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

Long-term abundance from all counts The historical data for this species from the early counts is extremely sparse and the species was likely widely overlooked. Richard Liversidge counted five birds in Apr 1952 and Peter Ryan and John Cooper counted two and three respectively in Nov and Dec 1980 before the species was recorded fairly regularly in CWAC counts from 1993 onwards.

0 Jan-52 Sep-65 May-79 Jan-93 Oct-06 1952 - 2013

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 79% of counts (132/168) Mean = 3 birds Median = 2 birds Max. = 10 birds The Pied Kingfisher shows a clearly decreasing trend, a tendency also suggested for the Malachite and Giant kingfishers.

Key sites: Although fairly widespread, most records come from the upper Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies area, regions again likely not covered during the historical counts.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 18% 7% 54% 21% 462

Seasonality: As with the other two kingfishers, abundance seems highest in mid-winter (Jun-Aug), largely outside the peak breeding period (Hockey et al. 2005), and lowest in summer (Nov-Mar).

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 3.2% 4.1% 4.3% 7.4% 9.3% 16.2% 15.4% 11.9% 8.9% 10.4% 5.4% 3.5%

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M July 1999 - June 2013 58 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp

Long-term abundance from all counts This species was largely not covered during the historical counts and therefore the production of a long-term graph is not possible.

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 86% of counts (145/168) Mean = 2 birds Median = 2 birds Max. = 9 birds The current data suggest a slight decrease. This species is substantially more common than the Cape Wagtail.

Key sites: The vast majority of African Pied Wagtails occur in the commercial harbour areas and Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 2% 7% 41% 50% 407

Seasonality: No clear pattern of seasonality is evident.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 3.4% 6.9% 10.6% 10.6% 9.3% 5.9% 6.9% 13% 11.3% 7.4% 5.1% 9.6%

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis

Long-term abundance from all counts This species was largely not covered during the historical counts and therefore the production of a long-term graph is not possible.

Current abundance from navy-vessel counts (1999-2013) Present on 19% of counts (32/168) Mean = 1 bird Median = 0 birds Max. = 4 birds As with the African Pied Wagtail, the current data suggest a slight decrease. This species is substantially less common than the African Pied Wagtail.

Key sites: Similar to the African Pied Wagtail, the vast majority of Cape Wagtails are found in the Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, and commercial harbour areas.

Section Centre Bank Bayhead F Wharf & Y Basin P Island & S Bodies Comm. harbour areas n = % of birds 0% 4% 4% 50% 42% 82

Seasonality: No clear pattern of seasonal abundance is apparent. There is relatively high variation in the percentage of birds between months. Calder (1954, 1955), in earlier times, reported winter movements to the Bay.

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % of birds 15.9% 4.9% 13.4% 7.3% 12.2% 6.1% 4.9% 6.1% 9.8% 8.5% 8.5% 2.4%

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DISCUSSION Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. An additional three species, all small plovers, seem to have similarly slid to local extinction during the 14-year SUMMARY OF LONG- AND SHORT-TERM POPULATION period covered by the naval-vessel counts, after long periods of decrease TRENDS: Table 2 summarizes the long-term and short-term population during the historical era (Kittlitz’s, White-fronted and Greater Sand trends in Durban Bay of the 57 species that feature in the waterbird plovers; Table 2). counts and which are covered in the species accounts presented earlier. Twenty species show decreases during the period covered by the The waterbird-count data show that six of the 57 species essentially naval vessel counts (Marsh, Common and Curlew sandpipers, Ruddy slid to local extinction prior to the initiation of the naval-vessel counts in Turnstone, Sanderling, Little Stint, Ruff, Water Thick-knee, Grey and 1999 (Wood Sandpiper, Red Knot, Black Heron, Great Egret, Greater Three-banded plovers, Grey-headed Gull, Grey and Green-backed Flamingo and Yellow-billed Stork; Table 2). Allan et al. (1999) identify the herons, Hamerkop, African Spoonbill, Malachite, Giant and Pied Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus as another species, not featuring in the kingfishers and African Pied and Cape wagtails; Table 2). Of these, the waterbird counts at all, that appears to have had an ancestral population recent decreases evidenced by Common and Curlew sandpipers, Ruddy in Durban Bay which also disappeared in the historical era. Allan et al. Turnstone, Grey Plover, Grey-headed Gull and Grey Heron are particularly (1999) also suggest that the same may have applied to the Lesser striking, especially given the apparent lack of major habitat Flamingo, which appears in Appendix 1, and the Saddle-billed Stork transformations in the Bay over this period, as discussed above.

TABLE 2. Summary of the long-term and short-term population trends in Durban Bay of the 57 species that feature in the waterbird counts and which are covered in the species accounts presented earlier.

SHORT-TERM E x TINCT SHORT-TERM SHORT-TERM SHORT-TERM OR FUNCTIONALLY DECREASE STABLE INCREASE E x TINCT

LONG-TERM E x TINCT Wood Sandpiper OR FUNCTIONALLY Red Knot E x TINCT Black Heron Great Egret Greater Flamingo Yellow-billed Stork

LONG-TERM DECREASE Kittlitz’s Plover Marsh Sandpiper Terek Sandpiper Common Ringed Plover White-fronted Plover Ruddy Turnstone Caspian Tern Lesser Crested Tern Greater Sand Plover Sanderling Sandwich Tern Little Stint Curlew Sandpiper Ruff Grey Plover Three-banded Plover Hamerkop African Spoonbill Common Sandpiper

LONG-TERM STABLE Water Thick-knee Spur-winged Goose Common Greenshank Grey-headed Gull Bar-tailed Godwit Grey Heron Kelp Gull Green-backed Heron Common Tern African Fish-Eagle African Darter Cape Cormorant Cattle Egret

LONG-TERM INCREASE Swift Tern Egyptian Goose Reed Cormorant Common Whimbrel White-breasted Blacksmith Lapwing Cormorant Osprey Black-headed Heron Little Egret Goliath Heron Pink-backed Pelican Hadeda Ibis African Sacred Ibis Woolly-necked Stork

LONG-TERM UNKNOWN Malachite Kingfisher Giant Kingfisher Pied Kingfisher African Pied Wagtail Cape Wagtail Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 61

Nine species show increasing numbers over the past 14-year period Waders: This guild comprises members of the following families from (Egyptian Goose, Common Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Common among the Charadriiformes: scolopacid waders (Scolopacidae), thick- Ringed Plover, Blacksmith Lapwing, Lesser Crested Tern, Osprey, Little knees (Burhinidae), oystercatchers (Haematopodidae), stilts Egret and Pink-backed Pelican; Table 2). These increases are particularly (Recurvirostridae) and plovers (Charadriidae), of which the first and last marked for the Common Ringed Plover, Blacksmith Lapwing, Lesser families contribute the vast majority numerically. Crested Tern, Little Egret and Pink-backed Pelican. The migratory waders (scolopacid waders and some plovers) show a clear The remaining 19 of the 57 species show stable populations over the decreasing trend overall covering both the long- and short-term (Fig. 5a & b). past 14 years (Spur-winged Goose, Bar-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper, Although some migratory waders evidence stable to increasing populations, Kelp Gull, Caspian Tern, Swift Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, at least in the short-term in some cases, e.g. Common Whimbrel, Common African Fish-Eagle, African Darter, Reed Cormorant, White-breasted Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper and Common Ringed Plover, the often Cormorant, Cape Cormorant, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, Cattle large-scale decreases shown by species such Marsh, Wood, Common and Egret, Hadeda Ibis, African Sacred Ibis and Woolly-necked Stork; Table 2). Curlew sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Little Stint, Ruff, and Grey In conclusion, of the 57 waterbird species featuring in the species and Greater Sand plovers result in overall strongly decreasing trends for this accounts, nine (16%) have become locally extinct (six historically and guild as a whole over both the long- and short-term. three recently), 20 (35%) are decreasing (six markedly), nine (16%) are The count data for the resident waders (mainly plovers but also increasing (five markedly) and 19 (33%) show stable populations. thick-knees to a much lesser extent, with stilts and oystercatchers occurring only as vagrants) suggest a slight decrease over the long-term, ASSESSMENT OF POPULATION TRENDS which contrasts with an increasing trend over the short-term (Fig. 6a & b). BY GUILD: This section will attempt an assessment of the long-term These overall trends, however, mask the major decreases in the and short-term population trends of the Bay’s waterbirds based firstly on White-fronted and, especially, Kittlitz’s plovers (which largely occurred in taxonomic, and then on dietary, guilds. the historical period), and the contrasting large-scale increase in the Blacksmith Lapwing (which occurred relatively recently). These three It should be noted that four taxonomic guilds, Taxonomic guilds: plovers contribute 97% of the numbers of resident waders in the historical the darters (Anhingidae), Hamerkop (Scopidae), flamingoes and recent counts combined (n=20 159). (Phoenicopteridae) and pelicans (Pelecanidae), are, or were, represented in the Bay by essentially single species each (African Darter, Hamerkop, Greater Flamingo and Pink-backed Pelican) and hence the relevant information for these ‘guilds’ has already been presented in the species accounts and does not bear repetition here. Waterfowl: The count data for waterfowl (Anseriformes; ducks and geese) are overwhelmingly dominated by the Egyptian Goose, which contributed 96% of the numbers of waterfowl in the historical and recent counts combined (n=3017). The increasing trends apparent in both the long- and short-term graphs (Fig. 4a & b) therefore essentially reflect the population trends for this species alone.

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FIG. 4A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for waterfowl (ducks and geese) in Durban Bay. 62 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

7200 6600 6000 5400 4800 4200 3600 3000 2400 1800 1200 600 0 Aug-66 Jan-72 Jul-77 Jan-83 Jun-88 Dec-93 Jun-99 Nov-04 May-10 Migratory waders - 1965 - 2013

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FIG. 5A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for migratory waders (all scolopacid waders and some plovers) in Durban Bay.

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FIG. 6A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for resident waders (mainly plovers but also thick-knees, stilts and oystercatchers) in Durban Bay. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 63

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All waders - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 7A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for all waders in Durban Bay.

Combining the data for all waders, both migratory and resident, shows a Terns: The count data for terns is similarly dominated by just two decreasing trend over both the long- and short-term (Fig. 7a & b). The species, the Swift Tern, which contributed 67% of the numbers of this strongly decreasing trends in many of the numerically dominant (or in guild, and the Common Tern, which contributed 26% of tern numbers, in some cases previously numerically dominant) migratory waders most the historical and recent counts combined (n=24 005). The long-term markedly influence these overall trends. trend suggests a slight increase over the long-term and stability over the short term (Fig. 9a & b). These trends are also reflected individually for Gulls: The count data for gulls is almost exclusively dominated by two both the Swift and Common terns. Counts of Swift and Common terns species, the Kelp Gull, which contributed 25.99% of gull numbers, and though, show high variability. the Grey-headed Gull, which contributed 73.96% of the numbers of this guild, in the historical and recent counts combined (n=66 523). The long-term trend for essentially the two species combined shows stability and contrasts with the short-term trend which shows a marked decrease (Fig. 8a & b). Individually, the Kelp Gull shows stability in both the long- and short-term but the Grey-headed Gull shows stability only in the long-term and a marked decrease in the short term. The numerical dominance of the latter species therefore most strongly influences the combined information relevant to the short-term trend for the guild. 64 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

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FIG. 8A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for gulls in Durban Bay.

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Terns - July 1999 - June2013

FIG. 9A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for terns in Durban Bay. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 65

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 Aquatic raptors - 1974 - 2013

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FIG. 10A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for aquatic raptors in Durban Bay.

Aquatic raptors: The count information for aquatic raptors covers Herons: The long-term data for the herons suggest an increase but, by only two species, the Osprey and African Fish-Eagle. Both are recorded contrast, the short-term trend suggests a decrease (Fig 12a & b). The two in similar numbers in the Bay (Osprey 52% and African Fish-Eagle 48% of most frequently recorded herons are the Little Egret, which contributed total numbers counted, n=403). The trend data for both combined suggest 44% of heron numbers, and the Grey Heron, which contributed 46% of an increase over both the long- and short-term (Fig. 10a & b). These trends the numbers of this guild, in the historical and recent counts combined are also apparent for the Osprey individually but the trends for the African (n=7510). Both show similar and increasing trends in the long-term but Fish-Eagle suggest stability in the both the long- and short–term. Both their respective short-term trends differ markedly, with the former species, however, were only recorded in low numbers species showing a clear increase and the latter a clear decrease. The reason for this difference is puzzling but the increase in Little Egrets may Cormorants: The combined data for the three cormorant species be related to them establishing a small breeding colony in the Bay in suggest an increase over the long-term and stability over the short-term recent years (see species accounts). (Fig. 11a & b). A long-term increase is also suggested for the data covering the Reed and White-breasted cormorants individually, but not for the far-less-frequently recorded Cape Cormorant, which appears to have remained essentially stable over the long-term. A trend of stability over the short-term is congruent with the data for all three cormorant species. The Cape Cormorant is subject to influxes (see species accounts), which complicates assessment of its population trends. 66 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

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Cormorants - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 11A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for cormorants in Durban Bay.

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 Herons - 1974 - 2013

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M Herons - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 12A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for herons in Durban Bay. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 67

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FIG. 13A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for ibises and spoonbills in Durban Bay.

Ibises and spoonbills: The population trends for this guild Kingfishers: Long-term count information, indicating a decrease, suggest an increase over the long-term and stability in the short-term exists only for the Pied Kingfisher and is presented in the species account (Fig. 13a & b). These trends are individually apparent for two of the three for that species. The short-term trend for this guild, and one shared by all species comprising this guild, the Hadeda and African Sacred ibises. The three species (but most especially for the Pied Kingfisher), is a marked third member of this guild, and the one least frequently recorded by a decrease (Fig. 15). wide margin (at least in the recent counts), the African Spoonbill, Wagtails: No count data exist upon which to base any long-term however, shows both a long- and short-term decrease in abundance. assessment of wagtail population trends. The short-term trend for this Storks: The two key species here are the Yellow-billed and Woolly- guild, and one shared by both species, is a slight decrease (Fig. 16). necked storks (comprising 7% and 92% of numbers respectively, n=333). In conclusion, this synthesis reveals that overall over the short-term The apparent stability in the long-term data (Fig. 14a) are highly (14-year period) the migratory waders (and all waders combined), gulls, misleading, as the early records essentially apply to Yellow-billed Storks, herons, kingfishers and wagtails are decreasing, the terns, cormorants, which subsequently became locally extinct, and the latter records essentially ibises and spoonbills, and storks are stable, and the waterfowl, resident refer to the Woolly-necked Stork, which colonized the area relatively waders, aquatic raptors and pelicans are increasing. recently. The stability evident in the short-term data (Fig. 14b), however, are reliable and refer almost exclusively to the Woolly-necked Stork. 68 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 Storks - 1974 - 2013

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Storks - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 14A & B. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for storks in Durban Bay.

0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M Kingfishers - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 15. Short-term population trends for kingfishers in Durban Bay.

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Wagtails - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 16. Short-term population trends for wagtails in Durban Bay. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 69

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Piscivores - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 17a & b. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for piscivores in Durban Bay.

Dietary guilds: This section presents an assessment of the Piscivores: Piscivorous waterbirds as a combined dietary guild, i.e. long-term and short-term population trends of the waterbirds occurring in terns, aquatic raptors, darters, cormorants, herons (excluding Black- Durban Bay based dietary guilds, i.e. piscivores vs invertebrate feeders. headed Heron and Cattle Egret), pelicans, storks and kingfishers, show It should be noted that the gulls, which comprise a sizable proportion of an increasing long-term trend but stability in the short-term (Fig. 17a & b). the Bay’s waterbird community, have not been allocated to either dietary These patterns are maintained even if the highly variable data from the guild here, as their precise diets in the Bay are unknown and their wide Swift and Common terns are excluded (Fig. 18a & b). There is some dietary choice (Hockey et al. 2005) suggests that they could take a broad indication, however, in this refined version of the short-term data (Fig. 18b) variety of food, including both fish and invertebrates, either captured alive of an initiation of a recent decrease in piscivore numbers since about 2008. or scavenged as offal. Invertebrate feeders: In distinct contrast to the piscivores, invertebrate feeders as a similarly combined dietary guild, i.e. ibises (excluding Hadeda Ibis), flamingoes, waders and wagtails, show decreasing long- and short-term population trends, especially as applies to the former trend. (Fig. 19a & b) 70 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

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FIG. 18a & b. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for piscivores, excluding the highly variable data for the Swift and Common terns, in Durban Bay.

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FIG. 19a & b. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for invertebrate feeders in Durban Bay. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 71

A SSESSMENT OF TOTAL POPULATION TRENDS: At least 129 people have served as observers on the counts and these are Combining the data from all the waterbird counts covering all waterbird listed here in alphabetical order, along with the number of counts they species in the Bay, reveals a clearly decreasing trend overall in both the participated in (full details of observers is missing or incomplete for a tiny long- and short-term (Fig. 20a & b). The decreasing/stable trends shown fraction of counts): Mike Adrian (9), David Allan (148), Debbie Allan (7), by the numerically superior invertebrate feeders/gulls have a stronger Geoffrey Allan (1), Peter Bailey (1), Renusha Baldev (1), Paul Bartho (1), influence on the overall trends than the increasing/stable patterns shown Dermot Beck (4), Lyn Bingham (57), Tarik Bodasing (2), Don Bortle (1), by the numerically inferior piscivores. Herman Bos (42), Jackie Bos (4), Alice Branford (2), Louis Branford (4), Neville Brooks (4), Gill Browne (2), Michelle Bryan (2), Clayton Burne (1), A synthesis of the selection of key sites by watebirds in KEY SITES: Sarah Burns (7), Virginia Cameron (1), Hamish Campbell (2), Tony Carnie the Bay (Table 3) confirms and reinforces the findings of McInnes et al. (1), John Chalmers (9), Hugh Chittenden (1), Murray Christian (2), Barbara (2005). The Centre Bank, with its expansive intertidal flats, is the most Couzens (16), Roy Cowgill (6), Ross Crouch (1), Greg Davies (4), Steve important site for waterbirds by a wide margin, supporting 46% of Davis (1), Lynn de Beer (3), Gwen Delcros (2), John Dives (1), Nomafu waterbirds, despite comprising only some 8% of the area of the Bay. Dlamini (1), Vusi Dlamini (1), Errol Douwes (1), Ron Engels (1), Mike Fagin Centre Bank is particularly important for migratory waders. The next most (1), Nicolette Forbes (1), Ticky Forbes (1), Ron Franken (1), Lesley important area is the intertidal flats at Bayhead, which support 23% of the Frescura (2), Christine Greener (2), James Greener (3), Robin Guy (1), Bay’s waterbirds in just 3% of the Bay’s area. Combined, Centre Bank and Miriam Haffejee (2), Colleen Hamer (1), Nikhat Hoosen (9), Sally Horne Bayhead support 69% of the waterbirds in just 11% of the area of the Bay. (29), Clive Johnson (1), Jo-Anne Johnson (1), Wayne Jones (1), Adam By contrast, the intensively developed commercial harbour regions support Kahn (2), Sally King (9), Eric Kok (1), Andrew Kruger (1), Mike Lee (2), Gill only 9% of the waterbirds, despite covering 83% of the area of the Bay. Liesegang (1), Chris Macdonald (4), Sandra Madeley (1), Mike Mair (4), Simphiwe Mazibuko (1),Gerard Malan (1), Lungile Mamasu (1), Manisha CONCLUSION Manganal (1), David Maphisa (2), Chris Matthews (2), Ria Matthews (1), Durban harbour is widely acknowledged as the busiest commercial Alistair McInnes (50), Jabulani Mdiniso (1), Tony McLean (2), Jenny harbour in Africa and one of the busiest in the southern hemisphere. It is Meyrick (1), Vaughn Meyrick (1), Meriel Mitchell (1), Sbu Mkhwanazi (2), therefore little surprise that the Bay’s development as a commercial hub Paschalis Mofokeng (10), Jane Morris (1), Onica Mukhuwana (8), Craig has occurred at severe cost to its waterbird populations, as documented Nelson (3), Karin Nelson (4), Ivan Ngcobo (1), Pam Nicol (2), Jenny here. Originally, the waterbird populations of Durban Bay would likely Norman (4), Tuba Nsani (1), Mike O’Donaghue (1), Amen O’Sullivan (1), have ranked as of global importance (Allan et al. 1999). Today they are Chris Parr (1), Merle Paton (1), Albert Pienaar (1), Des Porter (1), Derek not even accorded regional significance, as evidenced by the lack of Portlock (1), David Powell (2), Dallas Reed (5), Leigh Richards (2), Debra inclusion of the site in South Africa’s directory of globally and regionally Roberts (1), Jon Roussouw (1), Andy Ruffle (1), Cuan Rush (2), Ashleigh ‘Important Bird Areas’ (Barnes 1998). This is perhaps worth re-assessing Schoultz (7), Trevor Snyman (2), Derek Spencer (6), Paddy Strover (1), though in the light of the wealth of recent waterbird information collected Barry Swaddle (37), Sean Swarts (2), Cecil Swift (1), Martin Taylor (19), since the publication of that directory. Further, the up-to-date information Dan Thomson (32), Jimmy Treoan (1), Dawn van den Berg (2), Hans van presented here suggests that the overall situation continues to den Berg (1), Raymond van Rooyen (6), Arnia van Vuuren (7), Harry deteriorate. The decreases observed over the past 14 years, during a Voorma (4), Terry Walls (11), Ingrid Weiersbye (1), Richard White (5), period when there were only relatively minor additional harbour Tessa White (41), Ron Whitham (1), John Whittaker (1), Laurie Wicks (25), developments, suggests that in at least some cases the decreases are Barry Willis (1), Sue Willis (1), Crystelle Wilson (12), Hardy Wilson (1), being driven by factors extraneous to the Bay. Alternatively, at least some Caroline Wood (3), Louis Wood (1), Tim Wood (23) and Tim Young (6). of these patterns may be related to ‘delayed impacts’ stemming from The long-term commitment of Lyn Bingham, Herman Bos, Barbara earlier and more major harbour modifications. It is fairly obvious from this Couzens, Sally Horne, Alistair McInnes, Barry Swaddle, Martin Taylor, Dan review that the major damage to the waterbird populations in the Bay Thomson, Tessa White, Laurie Wicks and Tim Wood in this regard merits occurred well prior to 1999. A consistent feature coming out of the especial recognition. individual species accounts is that many waterbird species now rely on The following BirdLife Port Natal members have taken on the role of the Bay primarily as a non-breeding refuge. The previous importance of organising these observers for each count over the years and their the Bay to nesting waterbirds, e.g. the large, multi-species heronries it contribution in this regard has been similarly invaluable and deeply once supported, is now a long-distant memory. appreciated: Laurie Wicks, John Chalmers, Herman Bos and Tessa Of particular concern is the lack of formal protection for the remaining White. The following members have over long periods regularly taken on the role of recording the data during the counts and this contribution is key waterbird habitats in the Bay, i.e. the intertidal flats present at Centre similarly greatly appreciated: Lyn Bingham, Herman Bos, Barbara Bank and Bayhead, and, to a lesser extent, at Fish Wharf and Yacht Couzens and Tim Wood, although many other participants have also Basin. The Bayhead Natural Heritage Site, a nominally protected area, taken on this task when required. covers only 20 ha, only 2% of the Bay’s current area, and a mere 1% of Laurie Wicks and Judy-Lynn Wheeler, of BirdLife Port Natal, and the Bay’s original extent (Allan et al. 1999, McInnes et al. 2005). Of Raymond van Rooyen, of the port authority (Transnet), played a pivotal role greater relevance, the Heritage Site largely comprises mangrove swamp in initiating the navy-vessel counts. Ashleigh Schoultz and Miriam Haffejee and reclaimed land, and not the critically important intertidal flats most participated as environmental representatives of Transet. Greg Davies, utilized by the waterbirds. Vusi Dlamini, Nikhat Hoosen, David Maphisa, Alistair McInnes, Paschalis As a final comment, the past and ongoing decreases in waterbird Mofokeng, Onica Mukhuwana and Tuba Nsani participated (often as populations in Durban Bay likely indicate, at least to some extent, a recorders) while interns serving at the Durban Natural Science Museum. diminution and degradation of the Bay’s broader ecological values and Several of these interns also assisted with data entry and analysis. The functioning. An ecologically non-functional Bay is certain to have negative long-term commitment and broad contribution to the project shown by ramifications the consequences of which would be measured far beyond Alistair McInnes deserves particular mention. decreasing numbers of waterbirds. Debbie Allan, Greg Davies, Alistair McInnes, Jon Rossouw, Sherran Rossouw and Andrew Sutherland are thanked for additional assistance ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS with the waterbird counts made from the inflatable boat. All bird A primary debt of gratitude is due to the South African Navy, which provided photographs are by the author except for Marsh Sandpiper, Water the Namacurra harbour patrol vessel and personnel that made the regular Thick-knee, Kittlitz’s Plover, Great Egret and Malachite and Pied monthly counts over the 14-year period July 1999 to June 2013 possible. Kingfishers by Hugh Chittenden, and Red Knot by Niall Perrins. Allan et This study would not have been possible without this steadfast support. al. (1999, 2002) and McInnes et al. (2005) also provide further detailed The observers participating in these counts were drawn largely from the acknowledgments pertinent to this study, which space constraints preclude membership of BirdLife Port Natal, the local branch of BirdLife South Africa. repeating here but which are nonetheless still relevant and appreciated. 72 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

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0 Jan-74 Jun-79 Dec-84 Jun-90 Nov-95 May-01 Nov-06 May-12 All waterbirds 1974 - 2013

2000

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0 J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M J S N J M M All waterbirds - July 1999 - June 2013

FIG. 20a & b. Long-term (a) and short-term (b) population trends for all waterbirds in Durban Bay.

TABLE 3. The percentage of the total number of birds counted at each of the five key regions in the Bay for each of the major taxonomic guilds of waterbirds based on the 14-year data from the naval-vessel counts. ‘CB’ = Centre Bank (East and West), ‘B’ = Bayhead (including Bayhead West), ‘FW&YB’ = Fish Wharf and Yacht Basin, ‘PI & SB’ = Pelican Island and Sporting Bodies, ‘H’ = commercial harbour areas (Harbour West, Harbour North, Harbour East and Harbour Mouth).

SPECIES CB B FW&YB PI&SB H TOTAL RECS

Waterfowl 4% 28% 1% 31% 36% n=2575

Migratory waders 71% 19% 9% 0% 1% n=42 409

Resident waders 2% 72% 2% 18% 6% n=12 178

All waders 56% 31% 8% 4% 2% n=54 587

Gulls 28% 15% 36% 5% 16% n=48 930

Terns 69% 3% 9% 0% 19% n=19 457

Aquatic raptors 36% 38% 1% 3% 22% n=296

Cormorants 25% 4% 7% 36% 28% n=6969

Herons 11% 26% 11% 30% 22% n=5677

Ibises & spoonbills 21% 46% 6% 13% 14% n=2910

Pelicans 35% 11% 9% 39% 6% n=1753

Storks 1% 86% 0% 10% 3% n=235

Kingfishers 0% 17% 6% 52% 25% n=562

Wagtails 0% 3% 7% 42% 48% n=489

All waterbirds 46% 23% 15% 7% 9% n=199 027 Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY 73

REFERENCES FORBES, A. T., DEMETRIADES, N. T. & CYRUS, D. P. 1996. Biological significance of harbours as coastal habitats in KwaZulu-Natal, South ALLAN, D.G. 1999. Waders on the wane in Durban Bay. Africa – Birds & Africa. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 6: Birding 4: 54-62. 331-341. ALLAN, D.G. 2000. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei (Charadriformes: HARRISON, J.A., ALLAN, D.G., UNDERHILL, L.G., HERREMANS, M., Laridae) in Durban Bay, South Africa – first record for southern TREE, A.J., PARKER, V. & BROWN, C.J. (EDS). 1997. The atlas of Africa. Durban Museum Novitates 25: 59-61. southern African birds. Vol. 1: Non-passerines. BirdLife South Africa: ALLAN, D. G., SINCLAIR, J. C. & ROSSOUW, J. 1999. The waterbirds (Aves) of Durban Bay: current status and historical trends. Durban Johannesburg. Museum Novitates 24: 1-21. HOCKEY, P.A.R., DEAN, W.R.J. & RYAN, P.G. (EDS) 2005. Roberts birds ALLAN, D. G., MCINNES, A. M., WICKS, L. & WOOD, T. 2002. Patterns of southern Africa, VIIth edition. The Trustees of the John Voelcker of seasonal abundance of waterbirds (Aves) in Durban Bay, South Bird Book Fund: Cape Town. Africa. Durban Museum Novitates 27: 61-71. LAWSON, W.J. 1962. Nesting of Cattle Egrets in Durban. Natal Bird Club ANON. 1954. Natal Bird Club. Bokmakierie 6: 44. News Sheet 84: 3. BARNES, K.N. (ED.) 1998. The Important Bird Areas of southern Africa. LAWSON, W.J. 1964. Breeding of Black Heron in southern Africa. Ostrich Birdlife South Africa: Johannesburg. 35:58-59. BEGG, G.W. 1978. The estuaries of Natal. Natal Town and Regional LAWSON, W.J. 1971. Check list of the birds of Durban. South African Planning Report 41: 1-657. Avifauna Series 73: 1-80. BEGG, G.W. 1984. The estuaries of Natal (Part II). Natal Town and Regional MCINNES, A.M. & ALLAN, D.G. 2011. Distribution, abundance and Planning Report 55: 1-631. movements of the Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus in South CALDER, D.R. 1954. Untitled. Natal Bird Club News Sheet 28: 1. Africa. Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 34: 1-20. CALDER, D.R. 1955. Untitled. Natal Bird Club News Sheet 34: 1. MCINNES, A. M., ALLAN, D. G. & MALAN, G. 2005A. Key sites for the CALDER, D.R. 1957. Untitled. Natal Bird Club News Sheet 51: 1. conservation of waterbirds (Aves) in Durban Bay, South Africa. CALDER, D.R. 1958. Untitled. Natal Bird Club News Sheet 55: 1. Durban Museum Novitates 30: 1-14. CALDER, D.R. 1991. The Natal Bird Club – beginnings. Albatross 307: 2-4. NICHOLLS, G. 1985. Greater or Mongolian plovers? Albatross 281: 12. CHUBB, E.C. 1914. A descriptive list of the Millar Collection of South PILLAY, D., BRANCH, G.M. & FORBES, A.T. 2008. Habitat change in an African birds’ eggs. Annals of the Durban Museum 1: 29-106. estuarine embayment: anthropogenic influences and a regime shift in CLANCEY, P.A. 1964. The birds of Natal and Zululand. Oliver & Boyd: biotic interactions. Marine Ecology Progress Series 370: 19-31. Edinburgh & London. ROBSON, N. 1973. Greater and Mongolian sandplovers in Durban. Natal CYRUS, D. & ROBSON, N. 1980. New distributional data and recent field Bird Club News Sheet 214: 4. notes. Albatross 261: 9-10. RYAN, P. G., COOPER, J., HOCKEY, P. A. R. & BERRUTI, A. 1986. DAVIES, G.B.P. 2010. Woolly-necked Stork nesting in Pietermaritzburg Waders (Charadrii) and other water birds on the coast and adjacent and range expansion in KwaZulu-Natal. KZN Birds 30: 12-14. wetlands of Natal, 1980-81. Lammergeyer 36: 1-33. DAVIS, S. 2004. KwaZulu-Natal Honorary Recorder’s Report – March SINCLAIR, J.C., BENNETT, G. & ROBSON, N.F. 1974. Mongolian 2004. KZN Birds 8: 26-31. Sandplover Charadrius mongolus. Ostrich 45: 135. DAY, J.H. & MORGANS, J.F.C. 1956. The ecology of South African TAYLOR, P.B. & NAVARRO, R.A. 1999. Durban Bayhead, Durban, estuaries. Part 7. The biology of Durban Bay. Annals of the Natal KwaZulu-Natal. In: TOTAL CWAC report – Coordinated Waterbird Museum 13: 259-312. Counts in South Africa, 1992-97, Taylor, P.B., Navarro, R.A., ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES 1990. Victoria Embankment Wren-Sargent, M., Harrison, J.A. & Kieswetter, S.L., p. 96. Avian Waterfront Project - Environmental investigations conducted on Demography Unit: Cape Town. behalf of Portnet (Durban Harbour). Environmental Advisory Services WOODWARD, R.B. & WOODWARD, J.D.S. 1899. Natal Birds. P. Davis & Investigational Report No. 35: 1-67 (unpublished). Sons: Pietermaritzburg. 74 THE WATERBIRDS OF DURBAN BAY Durban Natural Science Museum Novitates 35

APPENDIx 1. Details of the 35 waterbird species recorded during the waterbird counts for which full species accounts are not presented in the main text, as they were not recorded in at least 20% of the early waterbird counts that covered all waterbird species during the period Feb. 1974 – May 1990, nor were they recorded in at least 10% of the counts made from the naval patrol vessel during Jul. 1999 – Jun. 2013. The details for these species are presented separately for the historical counts, i.e. those before Feb. 1999 (n=71 counts), and the more recent counts, i.e. those after Feb. 1999 (n=209, including all the naval-vessel counts). The key details presented are the number of records of each species in the counts (‘No. recs’), the total number of individual birds counted (‘Total inds’) and the maximum number of birds encountered (‘Max.’). These species can be regarded currently as vagrants to Durban Bay.

HISTORICAL FEB. 1999

SPECIES NO. RECS TOTAL INDS MAx. NO. RECS TOTAL INDS MAx. White-faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata 0 0 0 4 9 4 White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus 0 0 0 1 1 1 Cape Teal Anas capensis 0 0 0 3 6 3 Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata 0 0 0 18 25 4 Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha 1 5 5 5 14 4 Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota 0 0 0 1 1 1 Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata 0 0 0 4 5 2 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 4 7 3 15 23 5 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 1 1 1 1 1 1 Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus 6 7 2 0 0 0 African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini 0 0 0 1 1 1 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 3 8 5 1 1 1 Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus 2 3 2 1 6 6 African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus 0 0 0 8 9 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 4 17 6 8 7 2 Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini 0 0 0 2 2 1 Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii 0 0 0 6 6 1 Common Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 0 0 0 1 1 1 Slender-billed Gull Larus genei* 0 0 0 1 1 1 Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan 0 0 0 4 4 1 Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea 1 9 9 0 0 0 Little Tern Sterna albifrons 2 3 2 5 12 7 Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata 0 0 0 4 4 1 White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 0 0 0 1 1 1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis** 0 0 0 15 29 5 Red-footed Booby Sula sula*** 0 0 0 1 1 1 Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia 0 0 0 3 4 2 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 1 1 1 2 2 1 Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides 0 0 0 1 1 1 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 1 1 1 0 0 0 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor 1 4 4 0 0 0 Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus 0 0 0 3 8 5 African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus**** 0 0 0 1 1 1 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 2 3 2 0 0 0 Greater Frigatebird Fregata minor 0 0 0 4 4 1

* - This record (Allan 2000) remains the only southern African record for this species ** - 19 of the 29 birds, and 7 of the 15 records, occurred during the four months May-Aug., i.e. winter *** - The single record represents a freshly dead carcass, now housed as a specimen in the Durban Natural Science Museum, found floating in the harbour on 26 Apr. 2006 **** - This record, of a single bird on 15 Feb. 2010, occurred during a widespread influx of the species into South Africa at that time DURBAN NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM NOVITATES – INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS

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The Waterbirds of Durban Bay – Current and Historical Population Trends D.G Allan...... 1-74

issued: June 2013 Price: r35.00 issn-0012 723x