Outing report- 13th May 2012 Mike Neethling's Vulture Restaurant

By Andy Ruffle

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Attendees: Doug & Angie Butcher, Bob & Moira Clark, Stan & Val Culley, Mike Fagan, Stanley Gengan, Julian & Fiona Hicks, Yegas, Daphne & Vitay Naidoo, Hazel Parry, Noeleen Phillips, Dudley & Irene Reid, Andrew Spence & Marietjie Griessel, Hazel van Rooyen, Andy Ruffle, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (23 attendees)

We could not have hoped for a more perfect start to the day, with clear skies, little wind and a temperature of around 18 degrees as we arrived at the vulture restaurant. To our delight, Cape Vultures were already soaring enmass above the cliffs. With no cane to mask our approach, the birds were reluctant to settle on the ground. The cleared field did, however, produce African Pipit and Black-winged Lapwing, the latter not being a particularly common sight locally. We also had good sightings of about 6 Oribi buck.

(Photo Stan Culley)

Not wanting to disturb the birds too much, we moved away from the restaurant and parked up inorder to walk to the cliff edge. Here we were treated to spectacular views, as birds flew just meters above our heads.

(Photo Stan Culley)

(Photo Doug Butcher)

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Close scanning of the cliff-face, revealed a vulture nest containing an egg. This was soon occupied by an adult as can be seen from Stan's photo below.

Adult Cape Vulture sitting on a nest (top left)
(Photo Stan Culley)

It was with great reluctance that we left to drive to the gorge for breakfast. In light of the fact that the Cape Vulture appears to be in 'free fall', according to the extremely worrying latest SABAP2 distribution map, we were very priviliged to be able to experience such an amazing show. I thought Mike had trained his vultures well, but it transpires that he had placed a fresh carcass at the restaurant on Saturday, especially for us. Mike, thank you for allowing us to witness the incredible work you are doing here.

Breakfast at Oribi Gorge NR
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Mountain Wagtail, Oribi Gorge NR
(Photo Stan Culley)

WMBD Talk 12th May 2012 report back

By Andy Ruffle

Guest speaker Andrew Pickles
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Birdlife Trogons celebrated World Migratory Bird Day 2012 with a fascinating talk by guest speaker Andrew Pickles.
Andrew's presentation enlightened the audience on the various types of migrants and some of the amazing journeys these birds embark on twice a year. The importance of bird ringing to help determine the movements of migrants was also covered, along with the various other methods now used to track the birds.
If you missed the talk this time, we will hopefully be able to repeat it for next year's WMBD. It's certainly well worth attending.

Watch this space for more interesting talks coming up. 

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

(Photo Doug Butcher)

Many thanks go to the Port Shepstone Methodist Church for allowing us to use this ideal venue.

Cape Parrot Count 5th-6th May 2012 report back

Text & photos by Andy Ruffle

Liz Blomeyer, Herbie Osborne and I, headed out to Mpur, some 60kms from Ingeli Forest Lodge, for the 15th Cape Parrot Count.
Since last year, invasive bramble has taken over our usual vantage point, making it extremely difficult to access and possibly not suitable for setting up camp. Not to be defeated, we set about finding another way in, on foot, to what was really our desired spot. It wasn't too long, before we stumbled upon what promised to be an ideal alternative location.  With some very expert manouvering of the vehicle by Herbie through Pine trees and much clearing of debris from the plantation floor by Liz and I, we managed to reach what was to be our base camp. By 1530 we were all set up and took the short walk down to the viewing point to have a well deserved beer and marvel at the view.

Mpur lookout point

In the distance, the cloudbase was getting lower and lower. To our dismay, by 1630 we were blanketed in thick mist and with still an hour to go to sunset. With no prospect of actually seeing our target, we now had to rely on our ears. It was no great surprise that, by the last glimmers of light, we had not heard a single parrot calling. With no parrots flying in that evening we held little hope for seeing anything the next day. Only time would tell.

Liz & Herbie scour the forest, below, for any signs of
Cape Parrots on Sunday morning

Although very damp and with plenty of cloud cover, the following morning was relatively clear. With hot beverages in hand, we made our way to the lookout point to catch the first rays of light.
The forest below, came alive with the sound of Brown Scrub-Robins and Knysna Turacos, but alas no cheerful squawks of parrots. At 0900, with the rest of the forest residents busily about their daily business, we sadly called it a day. Had the weather affected the presence of parrots here, was there something more sinister going on, or was there another perfectly logical explanation?
Once again, we will have to wait for the official report from Prof. Colleen Downs, which may throw light on these questions.
On a more positive note. Belinda Cooper, from Gauteng, had contacted us expressing the desire to participate in the count. Belinda, her husband Dave and daughter Julia, took advantage of Ingeli Forest Lodge's offer of a reduced rate room and kindly covered the Ingeli area. Although they were also hampered by the weather on Saturday, they did manage to hear plenty of parrots calling on Sunday morning. One male Cape Parrot obliged by perching just 20m away from them and gave them a wonderful view for some 20 minutes.

To download or view the official Cape Parrot Count reports from previous years click here.

Bearded Vulture movements May 2012

Outing report- 29th April 2012 Bushbuck Trail

Some new facing at our Bushbuck Trail walk
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Attendees: Doug Butcher, Stan & Val Culley, Mike Fagan, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, J Hale, David Halle, Yegas, Yogee & Rosie Naidoo, Andy Ruffle, P Shelly, Hazel van Rooyen, I Weaver, Ron & Heather Whitham, David Wigley, Barry Willis & Sue Hansbury. (20 attendees).

Dave Halle
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Another good turnout today and it was nice to see some new faces also. Dave Halle, once again, was on hand to lead us through this little gem nestled in Southbroom.

A Brown Scrub-Robin sang for us, perched on an exposed branch, as we commenced our walk, while Trumpeter Hornbills did a flypast. Square-tailed Drongos were much in evidence. A Pigeonwood tree gave us excellent views of a Cape Batis and an interesting sighting of a Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler. The latter being something we normally associate with places like Oribi and Ingeli Forest.
Unfortuantely, no sightings of Spotted Ground-Thrush or Green Malkoha this time. David is now familiar with the Malkoha call (having played him the call), so hopefully he will have a better chance of tracking down this bird on his regular walks through the trail.

After breakfast, we headed towards the beach via the golf course. Blacksmith Lapwings dodged the golf balls, but no 'Gypos'........strange. Ron did glimpse a Water Thick-knee though. On the beach, a Pied Kingfisher fishing in the small lagoon was our first sighting. Some waders could be seen foraging on the rocks in the distance. After investigation, by Stan, they were identified as Ruddy Turnstones. These seem to be a familiar sight during winter on our coast.

Ruddy Turnstone
(Photo Stan Culley)

Birds recorded: Brown Scrub-Robin, Red-eyed Dove, Dark-capped Bulbul, Tambourine Dove, Black-collared Barbet, Black-bellied Starling, African Dusky Flycatcher, Sombre Greenbul, Thick-billed Weaver, Olive Sunbird, Square-tailed Drongo, Dark-backed Weaver, Trumpeter Hornbill, Knysna Turaco, Black-headed Oriole, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Cape White-eye, Spectacled Weaver, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Green-backed Camaroptera, Grey Sunbird, Terrestrial Brownbul, Southern Boubou, Black-backed Puffback, Speckled Mousebird, African Firefinch, Village Weaver, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Cape Batis, Collared Sunbird, Bar-throated Apalis, Purple-crested Turaco, Amethyst Sunbird, Red-backed Mannikin, Burchell's Coucal, Red-winged Starling, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Blacksmith Lapwing, Hadeda Ibis, Pied Kingfisher, White-fronted Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Kelp Gull, Malachite Kingfisher, Water Thick-knee, Southern Black Flycatcher, African Pied Wagtail, Cape Wagtail, Cardinal Woodpecker (50 species).

Some new photos added

We've had some very nice photos coming in from Hazel van Rooyen, Stan Culley and the Williamsons.
Check out these links for recent postings:-

Photos from Hazel van Rooyen

Laughing Dove nest & chick

Red-billed Firefinch

Photos-Latest additions

Confused Budgie in the Southport area

These photos of a rather confused Budgie were taken by John & Ann Booth in the Southport area.
The bird has visited their garden a few times in the past two weeks and seems to have attached itself to a group of Village Weavers, who don't look too perturbed by the arrival of this colourful friend.

Osprey - The ultimate fisher Video

Outing report- 15th April 2012 Litchi Syndicate

(Photo Doug Butcher)

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Doug Butcher, Cameron Den, Mike Fagan, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Margaret Jones, Hazel Parry, Andrew Pickles, Andy Ruffle, Irma Smook, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen, Willie & Wilna van Zyl, Ron & Elaine Whitham, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (20 attendees).

Wow! what a brilliant turnout for this mornings visit to Barry's old stomping ground. A fitting tribute as we approach the first anniversary of Barry's passing. For those of you who never had the privilige of meeting him, you can read his obituary here.

African Black Duck
(Photo Andrew Pickles)

The large dam was particularly productive with a good variety of species, including African Black Duck and Black Crake. Stunning views of a Malachite Kingfisher were had through Stan's scope. Little Rush-warbler's, sculking in the reeds, were easily identified thanks to Andrew P's ringing sessions. What we are sure was a Little Bittern made a dash low level across the water, only to disappear behind some reeds.

Our setting for breakfast
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Getting to our after breakfast walk was challenging to say the least. We will be looking at an alternative for our next visit. Birding here was slow, but we did manage fleeting glimpses of Blue-mantled Crested-flycatcher. An Olive Woodpecker was also nice to see.

(Photo Doug Butcher)

(Photo Doug Butcher)

This persistent Hamerkop refused to abandon
it's waterhole as we departed
(Photo Andrew Pickles)

Thanks go to all the photo contributors, which makes a much more interesting post.

Birds recorded: Hadeda Ibis, Natal Spurfowl, Red-eyed Dove, Dark-capped Bulbul, Black-headed Oriole, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Black-bellied Starling, Reed Cormorant, Little Rush-Warbler, Spectacled Weaver, African Dusky Flycatcher, Green Wood-hoopoe, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Common Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, African Black Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Little Grebe, African Darter, Barn Swallow, Southern Boubou, African Jacana, Fork-tailed Drongo, Pied Kingfisher, Egyptian Goose, African Harrier-Hawk, Yellow-billed Duck, Knysna Turaco, Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Olive Sunbird, Black-collared Barbet, Black Crake, Little Bittern, Red-capped Robin-chat, Black Saw-wing, Jackal Buzzard, Collared Sunbird, Yellow-fronted Canary, Southern Black Flycatcher, Amethyst Sunbird, Blue-mantled  Crested-flycatcher, Red-backed Mannikin, White-rumped Swift, Common Waxbill, Cape Starling, Southern Black Tit, Olive Woodpecker, Cape White-eye, Lesser Honeyguide, Dark-backed Weaver, Hamerkop.  (53 species)

Outing report- 8th April 2012 Bird ringing Umzumbe

Text & photos by Andy Ruffle

Attendees: Liz Blomeyer, Stan & Val Culley, Mike Fagan, Rusty & Sue Lupton, Kate Reese, Andy Ruffle, Ron Whitham. (9 attendees).

It was a glorious morning for ringing at Andrew & Ivan Pickles home. After welcoming Sue & Rusty Lupton from Zululand and Kate Reese from Gauteng, we eagerly awaited the first bird out of the bag.
They say the early bird catches the worm, well we surely came up trumps with this one...a stunning and very unexpected Spotted Ground-Thrush - a sign that the winter migrants are arriving.

Spotted Ground-Thrush

Coming a very close second, in the wow factor league, was a female Cape Batis.

Cape Batis female

Certainly a candidate for the mystery bird competition was this juvenile Cape Robin-Chat.

juvenile Cape Robin-Chat

These ringing sessions provide you with the opportunity to appreciate aspects of birds not readily seen in the field.
A good example of this being the Grey Sunbird. Just look at those iridescent feathers!!

Grey Sunbird

For more photos of this session and some stunning photos of Crowned Eagles frolicking see Andrew's blog here.

The next ringing session will be 20th May. Snooze or lose.

Birds ringed: Spotted Ground-Thrush, Cape Batis, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Green-backed Camaroptera, Olive Sunbird, Collared Sunbird, Cape Robin-chat, Grey Sunbird, Yellow-fronted Canary, African Firefinch.

Outing report- 1st April 2012 Mpenjati Nature Reserve

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Clive Edmundson, Mike Fagan, John Marchant, Andy Ruffle, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen. (8 attendees)

Not a wonderful turnout for this mornings visit, which was probably due to an unfavourable weather forecast.
Birding was reasonable with a good complement of six hirundine species. The odd Cape Gannet was seen soaring along the backline, whilst the strangest sight must have been a Speckled Pigeon (Rock Pigeon) foraging on the beach.
It was nice to see Clive after such a long absence. This was also John Marchant's last outing before heading back to Ireland. We look forward to seeing him back next year for our Summer trip away.

Birds recorded: Olive Sunbird, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Sombre Greenbul, Green-backed Camaroptera, Hadeda Ibis, Red-eyed Dove, Fork-tailed Drongo, White-rumped Swift, Amethyst Sunbird, Black Saw-wing, Dark-capped Bulbul, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Speckled Mousebird, Bronze Mannikin, Cape White-eye, Black-collared Barbet, Yellow Weaver, African Palm-swift, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Blacksmith Lapwing, Barn Swallow, Brown-throated Martin, White-throated Swallow, Kelp Gull, White-breasted Cormorant, African Pied Wagtail, Knysna Turaco, Common Sandpiper, Pied Kingfisher, Cape Gannet, Speckled Pigeon, Swift Tern, Water Thick-knee, Egyptian Goose, White-fronted Plover, Black-headed Oriole, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Canary, African Dusky Flycatcher, African Paradise-Flycatcher. (40 species)

Mystery Bird No.5 revealed

For the answer to the Mystery Bird quiz and Mystery Bird No.6
see here

Bearded Vulture movements April 2012

Outing report- 18th March 2012 Lake Eland Game Reserve

Malachite Kingfisher at the large Dam
(Photo John Marchant)

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Margaret Jones, John Marchant, Herbie & Jeanette Osborne, Andy Ruffle,  Irma Smook, Ian Upfold, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen, Neithard & Kathrin von Durckheim (from Pretoria), Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (17 attendees)

Another good days birding was had at Lake Eland, with some nice sightings of a few unusual birds.
Bokmakerie was again heard in the reserve, whilst Red-throated Wryneck and Wahlberg's Eagle made brief appearances.

Red-throated Wryneck
(Photo John Marchant)

Wing-snapping & Croaking Cisticola's showed nicely for a few of us.

Wing-snapping Cisticola
(Photo John Marchant)

Cape Longclaw
(Photo John Marchant)

By far the highlight of the day was a rufous morph European Honey-Buzzard which flew low over the dam giving us excellent views, but fooling some of us into believing it could be a Steppe Buzzard. The ensuing debate, which naturally followed, is now well and truly concluded thanks to John's photo below.

European Honey-Buzzard
(Photo John Marchant)

A different twist to the day was when Chris Laubscher, from Talon Safaris, joined us to demonstrate a selection of Vortex binoculars and spotting scopes. Their website is currently hosting a competition in which you can win a pair of Vortex Diamondback 10x42 binoculars worth R3,390. Visit the website here to enter.


Birds recorded: Cape Wagtail, Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Blacksmith Lapwing, Cape Turtle-Dove, Cape White-eye, Olive Sunbird, Common Fiscal, Cape Longclaw, Rufous-naped Lark, Familiar Chat, African Stonechat, Barn Swallow, Bokmakerie, Black-crowned Tchagra, Red-backed Shrike, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Croaking Cisticola, Black-headed Oriole, Cape Starling, Southern Boubou, Thick-billed Weaver, White-browed Scrub-Robin, Yellow-fronted Canary, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Red-throated Wryneck, Wahlberg's Eagle, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Southern Black Flycatcher, Bar-throated Apalis, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Chinspot Batis, Black Saw-wing, Crowned Hornbill, Malachite Kingfisher, Common Waxbill, Natal Spurfowl, Sombre Greenbul, Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Dark-backed Weaver, Fork-tailed Drongo, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Green Wood-hoope, African Firefinch, Neddicky, Speckled Mousebird, Dark-capped Bulbul, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-winged Starling, White-necked Raven, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Red-backed Mannikin, Green-backed Camaroptera, African Black Duck, European Honey Buzzard, White-throated Swallow, Lesser Striped-Swallow. (58 species)

Outing report- 10th March 2012 Gaze Farm, Port Edward

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Attendees: Stan & Val Culley, Doug & Angie Butcher, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Cathy Lee, Andy Ruffle, Irma Smook, Ron Whitham, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (12 attendees)

We finally made it to Gaze Farm, following the cancellation of the outing last week due to the rain. Our walk up to the Dam and back revealed an immature Lanner Falcon which perched long enough for us to determine it's true identity. An immature African Fish-eagle (see Doug's photo below) was also seen souring over the grasslands. Both Croaking and Lazy Cisticola showed themselves nicely. Good views of a Black-crowned Tchagra were had by Stan, Barrie and Andy.

Breakfast at Culley's Curio & Coffee Shop
(Photo Doug Butcher)

immature African Fish-eagle
(Photo Doug Butcher)

After breakfast some of the group headed up to the viewing deck at Clearwater Trails. Little birdlife was seen, but the view is always stunning. Whilst at Clearwater we learnt that Cape Vultures have been seen hanging around the area. Let's hope they start breeding here again.

viewing deck at Clearwater Trails
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Thanks go to Stan & Val for their hospitality and another enjoyable visit to this popular venue.

Birds recorded: Village Weaver, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Black-bellied Starling, Purple-crested Turaco, Hadeda Ibis, Southern Boubou, Cape Glossy Starling, Red-winged Starling, Black-collared Barbet, Knysna Turaco, Black-headed Oriole, Tambourine Dove, Square-tailed Drongo, Sombre Greenbul, Collared Sunbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Dark-capped Bulbul, Amethyst Sunbird, Red-throated Wryneck, Lanner Falcon (immature), Black-crowned Tchagra, Yellow-fronted Canary, Southern Grey-headed Sparrow, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Pin-tailed Whydah, Croaking Cisticola, Speckled Mousebird, African Jacana, Blacksmith Lapwing, Three-banded Plover, Cape Longclaw, Olive Thrush, Black Saw-wing, Barn Swallow, Cape Wagtail, Common Moorhen, African Fish-eagle (immature), Natal Spurfowl, White-necked Raven, Lesser-striped Swallow, Lazy Cisticola, Brown Scrub-robin, Olive Sunbird, African Hoopoe, Jackal Buzzard. (45 species)