KZN Midlands Bird Club

KZN Midlands Activities March to July 2012

2012-02-14T07:24:00.000+02:00

Committee: Chairman Drummond Densham/033-330-4039, Outing activities Eve Hughes/033-330-2723, Evening activities Peter Divall/033-239-5537, Secretary Sally Cumming/072-119-4253, Membership Secretary Pam Nicol/033-330-2947, Treasurer Viv O’Neill/083-464-7666 Howick evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month, registration from 17:30 for 18:00. Pietermaritzburg evening meetings are held at the Zoology Lecture Theatre, John Bews Building, Life Science Campus, end of Carbis Road at 19:00. Costs: BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp.

March

Sun. 4 – Morning outing to Darvill at 06:30. Leader – Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. 11 – Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 06:30. Leader – Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Thurs. 15 – Evening meeting at Zoology Lecture Theatre, Pmb. Illustrated talk by Meyrick Bowker on 'Zululand Bird Research - The Fun Side'.

Sun. 18 – Morning outing to Tillietudlem in the Upper Dargle. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first, also please phone regarding time and place to meet. Leader Hugh Bulcock 082-373-6569

Wed. 21 – Evening meeting at WESSA – Illustrated talk by John Carlyon on ‘Nocturnal Birds.’

Wed. 28 – Morning outing to Tillietudlem in the Upper Dargle. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h00 to arrange transport. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader – Karin Nelson 033-330-3927

April

Sun. 1 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Leader – Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. 8 – No morning outing – Easter Sunday!

Thurs. 12 – Evening meeting at Zoology Lecture Theatre, Pmb. – Illustrated talk by Dr Alan Manson on ‘Birding with a Bakkie’ – using SABAP2 as an excuse to explore S.A!

Sun. 15 – Morning outing to Umgeni Valley at 07h00. There is an entrance fee payable if you are not a WESSA member. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader – Pam Nicol 033-330-2947

Wed. 18 - Evening meeting at WESSA. Illustrated talk by Chris Watcham on ‘The Arctic.’

Wed. 25 – Morning outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h00 or at the registration kiosk at 08h00. There is an entrance fee of R10 pp. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader – Peter Divall 033-239-5537

May

Sun. 6 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h30. Leader - Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555

Thurs. 10 – Evening meeting at Zoology Lecture Theatre, Pmb. – Illustrated talk by Dr Mark Brown on ‘Climate change: it’s for the birds (NOT!)’

Sun. 13 - Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park at 07h30. Leader - Mike Spain 033 347 2797

Wed. 16 – Evening meeting at WESSA, Howick – Illustrated talk by Peter Divall on ‘Uganda Birding’ - with the added bonus of Primates!

Sun. 20 - Morning outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h15 to arrange transport or at Cumberland at 08h00. Bring tea. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. There is an entrance fee of R10 pp. Leader - Hugh Bulcock 082 373 6569

Wed. 30 – Morning outing to Barend Booysen’s farm in the Dargle. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h30 to arrange transport. There is a fee of R10 pp. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader - Pam Nicol 033 330 2947

June

Sun. 3 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h30. Leader - Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555

Sun. 10 – Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 07h30. Leader - Mike Spain 033 347 2797.

Thurs. 14 – Evening meeting at Zoology Lecture Theatre, Pmb – Illustrated talk by Peter Divall on ‘Uganda Birding’ - with the added bonus of Primates!

Sun. 17 – Outing to Moor Park near Estcourt at 08h00. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Wild or Rhino Card. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader - David Crampton 082 771 7274.

Wed. 20 – Evening meeting at WESSA, - Illustrated talk by Dr Mark Brown on ‘Climate change: it’s for the birds (NOT!)’

Wed. 27 – Outing to Weenen Game Reserve between Estcourt and Weenen. There is an entrance fee of R30pp and R20 per vehicle unless you have a Wild or Rhino Card. Meet at Umgeni Valley to arrange transport at 07h30. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader - Eve Hughes 033 330 2723

July

July is Winter Recess for both evening meetings!

Sun. 1 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h30. Leader - Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555.

Sun. 8 – Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park at 07h30. Leader - Mike Spain 033 347 2797.

Sun. 15 – Outing to Beachwood Mangrove Park in Durban where we may see the Mangrove Kingfisher. There is a booking fee of R250 and the cost will be shared between all the visitors. The leader must be contacted before in order to arrange the meeting time and to get directions. Bring tea and lunch because there may be visits to other sites. Leader - Colin Summersgill 033 818 9013 or 083 782 5113

Wed. 25 – Outing to Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve in the vicinity of Durban. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h30 to arrange transport or at the reserve gate about 09h00. Take the N3 south and turn off towards Queensburgh (M7). Take the Bellville Road off-ramp and turn right back over the N7 and then left into Main Road/Hoofweg which becomes Sania Road. At the traffic lights at Coedmore Road turn right and drive through the Cement Factory property, then travel for 3 km and the entrance to the reserve is on the fight where we will meet. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Rhino or Wild Card. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader - Drummond Densham 033 330 3940

ADU 20th Anniversary Celebrations in KZN

2012-02-02T07:46:00.008+02:00

The KZN celebration of the ADU's 20th Anniversary will be held at the Pietermaritzburg Botanic Gardens on Saturday 11 February 2012. The programme is as follows:
ADU T-shirts will be on sale at the venue, or from the ADU's online shop.

09:30 Tea and coffee
10:00 Welcome - Doug Harebottle
10:05 Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 (SABAP2) - Colin Summersgill
10:25 Southern African Butterfly Conservation Assessment (SABCA) - Steve Woodhall
10:45 Birds In Reserves Project (BIRP) - Peter Greaves
11:05 Tea
11:30 Southern African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING) - Dieter Oschadleus/Mark Brown
11:50 Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC) - Doug Harebottle
12:10 Southern African Reptile Conservation Assessment (SARCA) - Johan Marais
12:30 The Virtual Museums - Dieter Oschadleus
12.50 Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR)- Doug Harebottle
13:10 Picnic lunch
14:00 Feedback session
15:00 Wrap-up

For further information and to register look at: http://20.adu.org.za/index.php

Activities for February to April 2012

2012-02-02T07:24:00.001+02:00

February

Sun. 5 - Morning outing to Darvill at 06h00. Leader - Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Mon. to Fri. Feb. 6 – 10 - The Club has made a booking for a 5 day 4 nights stay at Wakkerstroom. Rates as follows: 1 Guest suite with double bed and 1 single bed – R165pp\n. 6 Dorm rooms with 2 single beds – R115pp/n. Lucky, the guide, has been booked for 7 & 8 Feb. If interested in coming along please contact Eve Hughes 033-330-2723 or ecotours96 @ gmail.com

Sat. 11 –ADU’s 20^th Anniversary celebration at the PMB Botanic Gardens 09:30. Enquiries – Colin Summersgill 033-818-9013 or go to http://20.adu.org.za/index.php for more details.

Sun. 12 – Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park at 06:00. Leader - Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Sat. 18 - Birdlife KZN Midlands will be having their AGM at the Karkloof Country Club at 11h00. Dr David Johnson will be the guest speaker whose topic will be “Bird Evolution”. There will be birding before at Gartmore Farm from 07h00. Tea/snacks at R10.00 per head on arrival at the Club, followed by the luncheon at a cost of R125.00 per head. Members, non-members and friends are very welcome, but please try and book with either Sally – 072-119-4253 (WESSA’s lines have been stolen again!) or Pam – 033-330-2947 by Feb. 1 in order to give the caterers as much notice as poss.

Wed. 29 – Morning outing to Mbona Estate in the Karkloof. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06h30 to arrange transport or meet at the gate of Mbona at 07h00. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader - Eve Hughes 033-330-2723.

March

Sun. 4 – Morning outing to Darvill at 06h30. Leader - Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. 11 – Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 06h30. Leader - Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Wed. 21 – Evening meeting at WESSA - Illustrated talk by John Carlyon on ‘Nocturnal Birds.’

April

Sun. 1 – Morning outing to Darvill at 07h00. Leader – Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. 8 – No morning outing – Easter Sunday!

Wed. 18 - Evening meeting at WESSA. Illustrated talk by Chris Watcham on ‘The Arctic.’

Wed. 25 – Morning outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h00 or at the registration kiosk at 08h00. There is an entrance fee payable. Venues sometimes change owing to weather etc. so please phone the leader first. Leader – Peter Divall 033-239-5537

BIRDLIFE KZN MIDLANDS – EVENINGS AND OUTINGS TO FEBRUARY 2012

2011-10-28T07:40:00.041+02:00

Howick evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month, registration from 17:30 for 18:00.

Pietermaritzburg evening meetings are held at the Zoology Lecture Theatre, John Bews Building, Life Science Campus, end of Carbis Road at 19:00.

Costs: BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp.

November

Sun 6 Morning outing to ‘Darvill’ at 06:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555

PMB Thu 10 Illustrated talk by Brent Coverdale on ‘Confessions of an amateur twitcher - Balancing a professional conservation career and your hobby’

Sat 12 Morning outing to the ‘Perry’s Protea Farm’ in the Dargle. Meet at 06:30 at Umgeni Valley to arrange transport. Leader Pam Nicol 033 330 2947

Sun 13 Morning outing to ‘Queen Elizabeth Park’ at 06:30. Leader Mike Spain 033 347 2797

Howick Wed 16 Illustrated talk by Ben and Shannon Hoffman on a topic to be announced.

Sun 20 Morning or day outing to ‘Bay Head’ and the ‘Umgeni Mouth’ in Durban. For times and meeting point please phone the leader Gordon Bennett 033 867 5555

Sat 26 Birding Big Day Get involved and support BirdLife SA and your Club by raising sponsorship by participating in a Garden Survey, Atlas work, or just a local trip to see how many birds you can spot in a day!

Wed 30 Day outing to ‘Dalton Private Reserve’ upstream from Wagondrift Dam, it is 2472 hectares in extent with 14 km of Bushmen’s River frontage. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport. Cost of R20 pp for Education purposes, payable to the leader, Eve Hughes 033 330 2723

December

Sat 3 The Club will be having their Christmas outing and braai at the Hilton College Lapa. We will be birding in the morning and then return to the Lapa for the braai. Please bring all your own food, drinks and chairs. Meet at the gate of the College at 07:00 if you want to take part in the birding, or arrive later for the braai. Cost of R20 pp (for the use of the Lapa) payable to the leader, Drummond Densham 033 330 4039

January

Sun 8 Morning outing to Darvil at 06h00. Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555

Sun 15 Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 06h00. Leader Mike Spain 033 347 2797

Howick Wed 18 Evening meeting at WESSA - Illustrated talk by Brent Coverdale – ‘Confessions of an Amateur Twitcher – Balancing a professional conservation career and your hobby’

Sun 22 Morning outing to Shongweni Dam at 06h30. Leader to be announced. Contact Pam Nicol 033 330 2947 or Eve Hughes 033 330 2723

Wed 25 Morning outing to Eston Sugar Mill Dams. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07h00 to arrange transport, or at the Mill entrance at 08h00. Take N3 south and turn off at the Umlaas Road off ramp. Over the bridge and bear left on the R603 towards s Eston for about 20km. Pass the Tala Game Reserve and turn right just before the Caltex Service station onto the R624, the entrance to the Sugar Mill is the second on your left. Please go to Security to register, after which we will drive down to the dams. Take tea. Leader Drummond Densham 033 330 4039

CWAC counts will take place between Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, and the CAR count will take place on Sat Jan 28. Anyone who is interested in taking part, please contact Eve Hughes 033 330 2723

February

Sun 5 Morning outing to Darvill at 06h00. Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555

Mon 6 to Fri 10 Feb The Club will be arranging a 5 day, 4 nights stay at Imfolosi or some other Zululand venue. If interested in coming along please contact Eve Hughes 033 330 2723

Sun 12 Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park. Leader Mike Spain 033 347 2797

Howick Wed Feb 15 Evening meeting at WESSA - Illustrated talk by Jason Londt on ‘Insects’

Sat Feb 18 - Birdlife KZN Midlands will be having their AGM at the Karkloof Country Club at 11h00. David Johnson will be the guest speaker. There will be birding before at Gartmore Farm, followed by luncheon. Details to follow.

Outdoor Meetings - Sep-11 to Dec-11

2011-09-08T07:42:00.038+02:00

- Sun Sep 4 – Morning outing to ’Darvill’ at 07:00. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555
- Sat Sep 10 – Morning or day outing to ‘Marutswa Board Walk’ near Bulwer. For times and meeting point please phone the leader Colin Summersgill 033-818-9013 or 083-7825113 - Provisionally postponed - the BirdLife KZN Forum is taking place on this Saturday
- Sun Sep 11 - Morning outing to ‘Queen Elizabeth Park’ at 07:00. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797
- Sun Sep 18 – Morning or day outing to ‘Moor Park’ near Escourt. For times and meeting point
please phone the leader David Crampton 033-845-3512 or 082-771-7274
- Wed Sep 28 – Morning outing to ‘Mount Gilboa’ on Mondi property in the Karkloof. Meet at 07:00 at Umgeni Valley to arrange transport. Leader Eve Hughes 033-330-2723

- Sun Oct 2 – Morning outing to ‘Darvill’ at 06:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555
- Sat Oct 8 - Morning outing to ’Benvie’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:00 to arrange transport or at Benvie at 06:30. Leader Eve Hughes 033-330-2723
- Sun Oct 9 – Morning outing to ‘Bisley Valley’ at 06:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797
- Sun Oct 16 – Morning or day outing to ‘Benvie’ at 06:00. Leader Colin Summersgill 033-818-9013
- Wed Oct 26 – Morning outing to ’Benvie’ meeting at Umgeni Valley at 06:00 to arrange transport. Leader Pam Nicol 033-330-2947.

- Sun Nov 6 – Morning outing to ‘Darvill’ at 06:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-867-5555
- Sat Nov 12 – Morning outing to the ‘Perry’s protea farm’ in the Dargle. Meet at 06:30 at Umgeni Valley to arrange transport . Leader Pam Nicol 033-330-2947
- Sun Nov 13 – Morning outing to ‘Queen Elizabeth Park’ at 06:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797
- Sun Nov 20 – Morning or day outing to ‘Bay Head’ and the ‘Umgeni Mouth’ in Durban. For times and meeting point please phone the leader Gordon Bennett 033-867-5555
- Wed Nov 30 – Day outing to ‘Dalton Private Reserve’ upstream from Wagondrift Dam, it is 2472 hectares in extent with 14 km of Bushmen’s River frontage. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport. Cost of R20 pp for Education purposes, payable to the leader, Eve Hughes
033-330-2723.

- Sat Dec 3 – The Club will be having their Christmas outing and braai at the Hilton College Lapa. We will be birding in the morning and then return to the Lapa for the braai. Please bring all your own food, drinks and chairs. Meet at the gate of the College at 07:00 if you want to take part
in the birding, or arrive later for the braai. Cost of R20 pp (for the use of the Lapa) payable to
the leader, Drummond Densham 033-330-4039

Evening Meetings to December 2011

2011-09-08T07:34:00.009+02:00

- Howick evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3rd
Wed of the month, registration from 17:30 for 18:00.
- Pietermaritzburg evening meetings are held at the Zoology Lecture Theatre, John Bews Building, Life Science Campus, end of Carbis Road at 19:00.
Costs: BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp.
Howick - Wed. June 15 – Illustrated talk by Carolyn Goble and Pat Cahill on the ‘Karkloof Conservation Centre.’
Pmb. - Thurs. Aug. 11 – Illustrated talk by Drummond Densham on ‘Bird behaviour - a natural field indicator.’
Howick - Wed. Aug. 17 – Illustrated talk by Mark Brown on ‘Moult, Plumage and Sexy Breeding Dress.’
Pmb. - Thurs. Sep. 8 – Illustrated talk by Anne Burke on ‘The Secret Love-life of Cranes.’
Howick - Wed. Sep. 21 – Illustrated talk by Malcolm Gemmell on ‘The Sites and Sounds of Ntsikeni Nature Reserve.’
Pmb. – Thurs. Oct. 13 – Illustrated talk by Roy Cowgill on ‘Birds and the Sounds they make.’
Howick - Wed. Oct. 19 – Illustrated talk by David Maphisa on ‘A Long Journey from a Herdboy to Managing Ingula for Avifaunal Diversity.’
Pmb. Thurs. Nov. 10 – Illustrated talk by Brent Coverdale on ‘Confessions of an amateur twitcher - Balancing a professional conservation career and your hobby.’
Howick - Wed. Nov. 16 – Illustrated talk by Ben and Shannon Hoffman on a topic to be announced.

BIRDLIFE KZN MIDLANDS – NATIONAL BIRD WEEK

2011-04-21T07:24:00.002+02:00

Celebrating National Bird Week your Club has arranged the following activities which are open to everybody and anybody who is interested:

Monday, May 2, 08:00 at the Darvill Sewage Works, Pmb. Mark Brown will be ringing Birds and identifying them for you, and telling you why Birds are ringed etc.

Thurs. May 5, 19:00 at the Zoology Lecture theatre, John Bews Building, Life Science Campus, end of Carbis Road, Pmb. Martin Taylor will give an illustrated talk entitled

‘The Vultures of Southern Africa’

Cost - BirdLife Members – R10.pp, All others R15.pp, Children under 12 R5.pp

Tea/coffee will be provided.

Sat. May 7, 08:00 a morning outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve.

Meet at the ‘Honesty Box’ at 08:00, and there is an entrance fee of R10.pp

Leaders – Drummond Densham (083-321-7959) and others.

Learn to identify Birds in the field, and enjoy the lovely surroundings.

Diary of Events to August 2011

2011-03-31T07:29:00.001+02:00

Howick evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month, whilst Pietermaritzburg meetings will be resumed shortly at a venue to be announced. Costs - BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp. Howick morning outings take place on the last Wed. of every month whilst other Branch outings are as below. Saturday morning outings are soon to be arranged.

Committee: Chairman Drummond Densham/033-330-4039, Outing activities Eve Hughes/033-330-2723, Evening activities Peter Divall/033-239-5537. Secretary Sally Cumming/072-119-4253, Membership Secretary Pam Nicol/033-330-2947

Sun.Mar. 20 – day outing to Mpushini Conservancy, Ashburton - Leader Nevill Durow. For meeting arrangements please contact Sally on 072-119-4253 or sally@wessa.co.za

Wed. Mar. 30 – Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Reservations Car Park at 07:30. Leader Peter Divall 033-239-5537

Sun.Apl. 3 - Morning outing to Darvill at 06:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun.Apl. 10 - Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 06:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Sun. Apl. 17 - Morning outing to Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve at 06:30. Leader Peter Divall 033-239-5537. There is an entry fee for non-members of WESSA of R18. per adult.

Wed. Apl. 20 Howick – Illustrated talk by Ann Burke, Volunteer Reserve Manager, KZN Crane Foundation, on ‘The Secret Love-life of Cranes.’

Wed. Apl. 27 – Morning outing to Umgeni Valley. Meet at the Valley at 06:30 and we will arrange to take a couple of vehicles down into the Valley for those not able to walk down. Entrance Fee - R18 if you are not a WESSA member. Leader – Pam Nicol 033-330-2947

Sun. May 1 - Morning outing to Darvill at 07:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. May 8 – Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park at 07:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Sat. May 14/Sun. 15 – Weekend (or Sunday) outing to Zulu Falls (Southern Bald Ibis colony) near Mooi River. Accommodation has been offered on the Saturday night at a special rate of R1050 for 14 people (R75 per person provided all rooms are occupied). Saturday will be an informal day. David Crampton 082-771-7274 will guide on Sunday. Please contact Sally 072-119-4253 or sally@wessa.co.za if you wish to book accommodation.

Wed. May 18 Howick – Illustrated talk by Adam Riley on ‘Birding in Tanzania.’

Wed. May 25 – Morning outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve. Meet at the Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve at about 08:00. There is an honesty box. Leader Eve Hughes 033-330-2723

Sun. June 5 - Morning outing to Darvill at 07:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. June 12 - Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 07:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Wed. June 15 Howick – Illustrated talk by Carolyn Goble and Pat Cahill on the ‘Karkloof Conservation Centre.’

Sun. June 19 – Day outing to ‘Cumberland Nature Reserve’. Meet at the main picnic site (not the campsite) at 07:30. There is an Honesty box. Leader Hugh Bulcock 033-330-3055 (h), 082-373-6569

Wed. June 29 – Morning or all day outing to Spioenkop Dam Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve Gate at 08:00. Entrance fee payable if you don’t have a Rhino or Wild Card. Leader - Drummond Densham 033-330-4039

Sun. July 3 - Morning outing to Darvill at 07:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. July 10 - Morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park at 07:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Sun. July 17 – Morning out to the Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg. Meet at the carpark at 07.30. Leader Adrian Ogilvie 033-347-1685

Wed. July 27 – Morning outing to Pigeon Valley in Durban. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport. Pigeon Valley is a small patch of coastal forest just off South Ridge Road, near the University. Turn left down King George V Avenue, then turn right into Princess Alice Avenue, and the entrance is set back on the right. Leader Peter Divall 033-239-5537

Sun. Aug. 7 - Morning outing to Darvill at 07:30. Leader Gordon Bennett 033-386-5555

Sun. Aug. 14 - Morning outing to Bisley Valley at 07:30. Leader Mike Spain 033-347-2797

Sun. Aug. 21 – Mhlopeni. There is accommodation for about 15 people in two rustic camps, UmPhafa camp (a house/lodge) and UmVumvu camp which is being rebuilt. We will travel on Saturday late morning and spend the afternoon in the reserve. Richard or Andrew Alcock will lead a walk on Sunday morning. Please contact Sally on 072-119-4253 or sally@wessa.co.za if you wish to spend the weekend at Mhlopeni. The access road, we are told, is improved to the extent where it can be negotiated by a normal sedan driven slowly!

Red-chested Cuckoo

2011-03-29T07:34:00.001+02:00

Brenda Davies sent me these two pictures featuring a Red-chested Cuckoo in her garden.

The first shows a very busy Cape Wagtail feeding the Cuckoo, while the second shows the contented looking Cuckoo resting, no doubt replete after the poor wagtail's efforts.

Thank you to Brenda for sending these pictures in.

Birding Further Afield

2011-03-28T20:52:00.001+02:00

Dr John Carlyon sent me these two very interesting photos from his recent trip to Mpumalanga.

The first is of a Striped Crake with chicks taken in Kruger. This is a very interesting shot, besides being of a bird very few of us have seen, it may very well also represent the first breeding record for this species in South Africa.

The second picture is of a Bat Hawk taken in White River.

Thanks to John for sending these in.

Lesser Moorhen at Karkloof Conservation Centre

2011-03-08T07:24:00.002+02:00

These pictures of a Lesser Moorhen were were taken by Pat Cahill on 28/2/2011 at the Karkloof Conservation Centre.

Pam Nicol and Karin Nelson saw it again on Thursday 3/03/2011.

Thanks to Pam Nicol for forwarding me these photos.

2011-02-16T07:49:00.002+02:00

HOWICK BIRDING GROUP - DIARY OF EVENTS TO JULY 2011

Evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month. Registration from 17:30. BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp. Morning outings usually take place on the last Wed. of every month. Committee: Drummond Densham/033-330-4039, Eve Hughes/033-330-2723, Pam Nicol/033-330-2947 Bob Murray/033-239-4233, Shirley Bennett/033-330-3234, Peter Divall – 033-239-5537.

Wed. Feb. 16 – Illustrated talk by David Johnson on ‘Nesting.’

Wed. Feb. 23 – Morning outing to ‘Hlatikulu Educaion Centre.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport. Take tea and Atlas! We will take up a collection for the running costs of the Centre. Leader – Eve Hughes

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Sat. Feb. 26 – The AGM of BirdLife KZN Midlands and the Howick Birding Group, will be held at the Yellowwood Café in Howick. A walk in Umgeni Valley at 07:00 for those interested, followed by tea, and the meeting at 11:00 (Cost R20. pp). Guest speaker will be Mark Anderson, Executive Director of BLSA whose talk is entitled ‘Bird Conservation in South Africa’. Luncheon at 13:00 at a cost of R125. pp with a cash bar. Imperative to book for the luncheon, please contact Sally on 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za

Wed. Mar. 16 – Illustrated talk by Dr Bill Bainbridge on ‘Avitourism & the Umgano Community Project, Southern KZN.’

Wed. Mar. 30 – Morning outing to ‘Queen Elizabeth Park.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport or at the Reservations Car Park at 07:30. Leader – Peter Divall

Wed. Apl. 20 – Illustrated talk – Ann Burke, Volunteer Reserve Manager, KZN Crane Foundation, on ‘The Secret Love-life of Cranes.’

Wed. Apl. 27 – Morning outing to ‘Umgeni Valley.’ Meet at the Valley at 06:30 to double up for transport, and we will arrange to take a couple of vehicles down into the Valley for those not able to walk down. Entrance Fee - R18 if you are not a WESSA member. Leader – Eve Hughes

Wed. May 18 – Illustrated talk - Sadie Halbhuber, Events Manager, BLSA, her talk will probably be ‘Myths and tales of Owls!’

Wed. May 25 – Morning outing to ‘Cumberland Nature Reserve.’ Meet at the Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve at about 08:00. There is an honesty box. Leader – Pam Nicol

Wed. June 15 – Illustrated talk by Carolyn Goble and Pat Cahill on the ‘Karkloof Conservation Centre.’

Wed. June 29 – Morning or all day outing to ‘Spioenkop Dam’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve Gate at 08:00. Entrance Fee payable if you don’t have a Rhino or Wild Card. Leader - Drummond Densham.

July – no evening meeting – too cold!

Wed. July 27 – Morning outing to ‘Pigeon Valley’ in Durban. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport. Pigeon Valley is a small patch of coastal forest just off South Ridge Road, near the University. Turn left down King George V Avenue, then turn right into Princess Alice Avenue, and the entrance is set back on the right. Leader to be announced.

PMB Activities: Dec-10 to Apr-11

2010-10-14T07:50:00.001+02:00

BirdLife KZN Midlands (Pmb)

Activities December 2010 to April 2011

Please note that it has been suggested that instead of having an outing to QE Park every month we alternate with Bisley Valley. The first Bisley outing is in February (see below)

* Sunday 5^th December - end-of-year braai at Bisley Valley. Meet at the gate at Canterbury Stables at 7am for a walk, or else come along at about 11am for the braai. Bring chairs, drinks, food, family and friends. Contact Sally at sally@wessa.co.za or 172 119 4253.

* Sunday 9^th January 2011- morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

* Sunday 16^th January - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

* Sunday 23^rd January – day outing to Shongweni Resources Reserve. Leader Jenny Norman of BirdLife Port Natal 083 453 3999. Meet at the entrance to the reserve at 6.30am. Bring chairs, and food for brunch. There is an entrance fee.

* Sunday 6^th February - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

* Sunday 13^thFebruary - morning outing to Bisley Valley; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

* Sunday 20^th February – day outing to Bird Valley. Please contact the leader, Mike Spain on 033 347 2797 to arrange meeting place and time.

* Saturday 26^th Febuary: Annual General Meeting of BirdLife KZN Midlands. Details to follow.

* Sunday 6^thMarch - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6.30am

* Sunday 13^thMarch - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6.30am

* Sunday 20^thMarch – day outing to Mpushini Conservancy, Ashburton. Leader Nevill Durow. For meeting arrangements please contact Sally on 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za

* Sunday 3^rdApril - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6.30am

* Sunday 10^thApril - morning outing to Bisley Valley; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6.30am

* Sunday 17^thApril – morning outing to Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick. Leader: Eve Hughes 033 330 2723. Time 6.30am

Howick Activities - Oct-10 to Apr-11

2010-10-14T07:46:00.002+02:00

HOWICK BIRDING GROUP - DIARY OF EVENTS TO APRIL 2011

Evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month. Registration from 17:30. BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp. Morning outings usually take place on the last Wed. of every month. Committee: Drummond Densham/033-330-4039, Eve Hughes/033-330-2723, Pam Nicol/033-330-2947 Bob Murray/033-239-4233, Karin Nelson/033-330-3027, Shirley Bennett/033-330-3234, Peter Divall – 033-239-5537.

Wed. Oct. 20 – Illustrated talk by Alan Manson – ‘Interesting experiences in atlasing’.

Wed. Oct. 27 – Morning outing to ‘Ben Vie.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:00 to arrange transport. There is an entrance fee of R20. per head. We go early in order to see the Cape Parrots. Take tea and don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Pam Nicol.

Wed. Nov. 17 - Illustrated talk on ‘Owls’ by Martin Taylor, BirdLife SA Avitourism District Manager.

Wed. Nov. 24 - Morning outing to ‘Gilboa Vlei.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport. Take tea and don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Eve Hughes

Sat. Nov. 27 – Birding Big Day! How about getting a team together and enjoying a day’s outing? But please get your friends and family to sponsor you, and send your lists and money to BirdLife SA.

Thurs. Dec. 2 – Mark Brown will be ringing birds in Pam & Bill’s garden. All welcome from 09:00, tea/biscuits will be provided, and a collection will be taken to help cover the costs of Mark’s rings etc. Contact Pam Nicol, Tel above.

Wed. Dec. 8 - New date for our year end 'Get-together'. No longer Sat. Dec. 11 unfortunately. Meet at ‘Bush Willow’ in the Karkloof for tea and birding at 08:00, followed by a bring and braai lunch. Leader - Peter Divall 033 239 5537

Wed. Jan. 19 – Illustrated talk by Roger Porter – ‘Birding in Ethiopia.’

Wed. Jan 26 – Morning outing to the ‘Eston Sugar Mill Dams.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Mill entrance at 08:00. Take N3 south and turn off at the Umlaas Road off ramp. Over the bridge and bear left on the R603 towards Eston for about 20 kms. Pass the Tala Game Reserve and turn right just before the Caltex Service station onto the R624, the entrance to the Sugar Mill is the second on you left. Please go to Security to register, after which we will drive down to the Dams. Take tea and Atlas! Leader – Drummond Densham

Sat. Jan. 29 – CAR Count!

Mon. Jan. 31 – Fri. Feb. 4 – Trip away to Mkhuze – 5 x 2 bed tented units booked!

Wed. Feb. 16 – Illustrated talk by David Johnson on ‘Nesting.’

Wed. Mar. 16 – Illustrated talk by Dr Bill Bainbridge on ‘Avitourism & the Umgano Community Project, Southern KZN.’

Wed. Mar. 30 – Morning outing to ‘Queen Elizabeth Park.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport. Or at the Reservations Car Park at 07:30. Take tea and Atlas! Leader – Peter Divall

Wed. Apl. 20 – Illustrated talk – Speaker and topic to be announced.

BirdLife KZN Midlands (Pmb) - Activities August to December 2010

2010-07-04T06:28:00.002+02:00

New outing times from September 2010, as proposed by a number of members and supported by the committee:
November, December, January, February 06h00
March, April, September, October 06h30
May, June, July, August 07h30

Sunday 1^st August - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 7am

Sunday 8^th August - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 7am

Thursday 12^th August – evening meeting at Ezemvelo Headquarters in QE Park at 7pm. Mark Anderson, Executive Director of BirdLife South Africa will give a presentation on: “Kimberley’s Pink Gems”.

Sunday 15^th August – day outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve. Meet at the campsite at 7am. The campsite has been booked for Saturday night for those who would like to spend the weekend at Cumberland, and if you would like to stay longer please contact Stella Behn direct on 082 376 5600. Contact Sally by 6^th August on 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za if you wish to camp (R50pppn, plus day entry R10pp). Leader: David Crampton 082 771 7274

Sunday 5^th September - morning outing to Darvill. Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6.30am

Sunday 12^th September - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park. Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6.30 am

Sunday 19^th September - morning outing to Botanical Gardens, Pmb. Leader Hugh Bulcock 033 330 3055 (h), 082 373 6569. Meet at the gate to the Gardens at 06h30. You may like to have brunch at the restaurant after the walk, or a picnic in the gardens.

Sunday 3^rd October - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6.30am

Sunday 10^th October - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6.30am

Sunday 17^th October – Harburg campsite. Leader Colin Summersgill 033 345 3349 (h), 083 782 5113. Camping is available, but we have booked for a day outing only. If you would like to camp please contact Gerald at pvtrust@mweb.co.za or on 082 214 5959.

Sunday 7^th November - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 14^th November - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

Sunday 21^st November – outing to New Germany Nature Reserve, and Mt Moreland. Phone the leader, Adrian Ogilvie on 033 347 1685 (h) for times and transport arrangements. We will probably meet for a picnic lunch in the reserve and then have a walk, and then go on to Mt Moreland in time to see the barn swallows arrive at the roosting site (bring drinks and snacks).

Sunday 5^th December - end-of-year braai at Bisley Valley. Meet at the gate at Canterbury Stables at 7am for a walk, or else come along at about 11am for the braai. Bring chairs, drinks, food, family and friends. Contact Sally at sally@wessa.co.za or 172 119 4253.

HOWICK BIRDING GROUP – DIARY OF EVENTS – TO NOVEMBER 2010

2010-07-04T06:26:00.001+02:00

Howick Birding Group – Wed. July 28 – Morning or all day outing to ‘Weenen Game Reserve’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve Gate at about 08:30. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Wild Card. Take tea and lunch. Leader – Pam Nicol – 033-330-2947

Howick Birding Group – Thurs. July 29 – Mark Brown will be ringing in the Nicol’s garden. All welcome to come along from about 09:00 to watch and learn. Tea will be provided, and a collection will be taken to cover Mark’s rings etc. Please phone Pam – 033-330-2947 for directions.

Howick Birding Group – Wed. Aug. 18 – Illustrated talk by Peter Divall – ‘A Kenyan Bird Safari.’ Meet at the WESSA Goldfields Education Centre, at 17:30 for registration. Members R10 pp, all Others R15 pp.

Howick Birding Group – Wed. Aug. 25 – Morning outing to ‘Moor Park’ in the Estcourt area. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Rhino or Wild Card. Take tea. Leader – Eve Hughes – 033-330-2723.

Howick Birding Group – Wed. Sept. 15 – Morning/or day outing to ‘Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve Gate at about 08:00. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Rhino or Wild Card. Take tea/lunch. Leader – Drummond Densham -033-330-4039.

Howick Birding Group – Wed. Sept. 29 – Illustrated talk by Tony Roberts – ‘Birding at Dunblane in the Little Drakensberg (Newcastle Area)’. Meet at the WESSA Goldfields Education Centre, at 17:30 for registration. Members R10 pp, all Others R15 pp.

Howick Birding Group - Wed. Oct. 20 – Illustrated talk by Alan Manson – ‘Interesting experiences in Atlassing.’ Meet at the WESSA Goldfields Education Centre, at 17:30 for registration. Members R10 pp, all Others R15 pp.

Howick Birding Group - Wed. Oct. 27 – Morning outing to ‘Ben Vie.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:00 to arrange transport. There is an entrance fee of R20. per head. Take tea. Leader – Pam Nicol – 033-330-2947

Howick Birding Group - Wed. Nov. 17 - Illustrated talk on ‘Owls’ by Martin Taylor. Meet at the WESSA Goldfields Education Centre, at 17:30 for registration. Members R10 pp, all Others R15 pp.

Howick Birding Group - Wed. Nov. 24 - Morning outing to ‘Gilboa Vlei.’ Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport. Take tea. Leader – Eve Hughes - 033-330-2723

Howick Activities - February to July 2010

2010-02-02T07:45:00.001+02:00

HOWICK BIRDING GROUP - DIARY OF EVENTS TO JULY 2010

Evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month. Registration at 17:30. Unfortunately, we have had to increase our charges from Jan. 2010 - BirdLife Members R10 pp. Non-members R15 pp. Morning outings usually take place on the last Wed. of every month. Committee: Drummond Densham – 033-330-4039, Eve Hughes – 033-330-2723, Pam Nicol – 033-330-2947, Bob Murray – 033-239-4233 Karin Nelson – 033-330-3027 Shirley Bennett – 033-330-3234.

Wed. Feb. 24 – Morning outing to ‘Darvill’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at Darvill at 07:45. Bring tea. Don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Pam Nicol.

Wed. Mar. 17 – Illustrated talk by Brent Coverdale on ‘Birds and Biodiversity.’

Wed. Mar. 24 – Not the last Wed. because of Easter. Morning outing to ‘Umgeni Valley’. Meet at the Reserve at 07:00. There is an entrance fee payable for non-WESSA members. Bring tea. Don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Eve Hughes.

Wed. Apl. 21 – Illustrated talk with sounds by Dave Bishop on ‘Local Bird Calls.’

Wed. Apl. 28 – Morning outing to ‘Shongweni Resources Reserve’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the entrance to the Reserve at 08:00. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Wild Card. Take the Shongweni/Assagay off ramp, turn left and drive for approx. 1 km, turning left again at the sign to Shongweni Dam. The entrance is about 6 km further on. Don’t forget to Atlas! Bring tea. Leader – Drummond Densham.

Wed. May 19 – Illustrated talk by Barry Taylor on ‘Rails of Africa.’.

Wed. May 26 – Morning outing to ‘Albert Falls’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the entrance to the Reserve at 07:45/08:00. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Wild Card. Bring tea, and don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Bob Murray.

Wed. June 16 – Illustrated talk by Sally and David Johnson – on a topic of their choice!

Wed. June 30 – Morning outing to the ‘Botanical Gardens’ in Pmb. Meet at 07:15 at Umgeni Valley to arrange transport, or at the entrance to the Gardens at 08:00. We will probably also visit the Indigenous Nursery there at the end of the morning. There is an entrance fee. We will Atlas! Bring Tea. Leader – Karin Nelson.

There is no evening meeting in July – too cold!

Wed. July 28 – Morning, or all day outing, to ‘Weenen Game Reserve’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Reserve Gate at about 08:30. There is an entrance fee unless you have a Wild Card. Take tea and lunch, and don’t forget to Atlas! Leader –Pam Nicol.

Midlands Events March to August 2010

2010-02-02T07:43:00.001+02:00

Sunday 7^th March – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 7am

Sunday 14^th March – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 7am

Sunday 21^st March - day outing to Mbona Estate, Karkloof. Contact the leader, Eve Hughes on 033 330 2723 for meeting place and time. Bring chairs and refreshments.

Sunday 4^th April – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 7am

Sunday 11^th April – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 7am

Sunday 18^th April - day outing to Sani Pass. Contact the leader, Hugh Bulcock on 082 373 6569 for meeting place and time

Sunday 2^nd May – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 7am

Saturday 8^th May – Cape Parrot Counting Day. Contact Professor Colleen Downs, 033 2605127/04 (w), 033-3962011 (h), 082-9202026 Email: downs@ukzn.ac.za

Sunday 9^th May – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 7am

Thursday 13^th May - evening meeting at Ezemvelo Headquarters in QE Park at 7pm. Ben and Shannon Hoffman from the African Raptor Sanctuary will give a presentation on their work with raptors at the centre

Sunday 16^th May – morning outing to Bisley Valley. Leader Mike Spain 033 347 2797. Meet at Bisley Valley entrance (Canterbury Riding School) at 7am. Bring chairs and tea, and picnic lunch if you wish.

Sunday 6^th June – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 8am

Sunday 13^th June – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 8am

Sunday 20^thJune – day outing to Satellite Dam, Cramond. Contact the leader Mike Spain on 033 347 2797 for meeting place and time.

Sunday 4^th July – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 8am

Sunday 11^th July – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 8am

Friday 16^th to Sunday 18^th July - weekend outing to Umdoni Park, Pennington. Accommodation at R165 pppn at the Trust Cottages has been booked, but is limited, so please contact Sally by 9^th July on 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za to book. We will ask a local guide to take us around the estate on the Sunday morning.

Sunday 1^st August - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 7am

Sunday 8^th August - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 7am

Thursday 12^th August – evening meeting at Ezemvelo Headquarters in QE Park at 7pm. Mark Anderson, Executive Director of BirdLife South Africa. Topic to be advised.

Sunday 15^th August – day outing to Cumberland Nature Reserve. Meet at the campsite at 7am. The campsite has been booked for Saturday night for those who would like to spend the weekend at Cumberland, and if you would like to stay longer please contact Stella Behn direct on 082 376 5600. Contact Sally by 6^th August on 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za if you wish to camp (R50pppn, plusday entry R10pp). Leader: David Crampton 082 771 7274

Hilton Quarry's Spotted Eagle-Owl Chick

2009-11-19T05:32:00.004+02:00

Kenneth Dahlgren at Jeffeares and Green at Hilton Quarry took a photo of this Spotted Eagle-Owl chick in the Hilton Quarry on the 9th of November. Thanks to Sally for forwarding this to me to put onto the blog.

There have also been reports of a Pink-backed Pelican at the old 'Bird Sanctuary' [now Motor City] at Chatterton Road.

Darvill Resource Reserve 4/10/2009

2009-10-10T10:53:00.002+02:00

The usual first Sunday-of-the-month Darvill outing, dawned cool misty. Instead of the usual 6am summer start, we had a 6.30am start. A fair number of us, led by Gordon Bennett, braved what looked to be slightly wet weather, but turned out to be just morning mist.

A fairly standard morning's birding was on offer [the SABAP2 list reached 75], with fewer than expected swallows. There were some White-throated Swallows and Black Saw-wings about, and very many Brown-throated Martins.

A Purple Gallinule [or rather African Purple Swamphen] showed very well for some time. The ducks were also fairly well represented. No fish eagle about, but a Long-crested put in a little display.

Should anyone want a list of what was seen, drop me an email [or leave a comment] and I will send one along.

Nature's Hideaway Outing on 20/09/2009

2009-10-03T07:16:00.003+02:00

Eleven KZNMBC members enjoyed an outing to Nature's Valley on Sunday 20/9/09.

Neville Durow of the Lower Mpushini Conservancy met us at Pandora Long's property and guided us on a very interesting walk through both his and Pandora's property. The trail was well kept and clear.

Birding was perhaps a little slow as the weather was cool with a wind blowing. [We had a slightly late start thanks to the blog's author taking a wrong turn and leading the convoy halfway to Campbell's Drift, but I must stress that venue is extremely easy to find].

One suggestion was for future groups to perhaps be split into more manageable sizes, as much of the area is fairly thick woodland, with the inevitable stringing out of the group. This never the less allowed for some spirited discussion on Black-crowned and Southern Tchagra dialects.

The final tally for the moring was 56 species, the highlight being a Narina Trogon at the picnic site. This bird apparently showed well, but was unfortunately was not seen by the last three people to arrive back after the walk, not for lack of trying, I might add.

This is ceratinly a good birding venue with lots of potential, and is open to the public. Simply contact Neville to let him know when you would like to visit. Please contact me should you need directions and Neville's contact details, or if you would like a copy of the bird list for the day [this courtesy of Malcolm Robinson who completed the atlas card for the outing].

Karkloof Birding and Botanical Weekend

2009-09-22T17:40:00.002+02:00

19th to 22nd November 2009 Organised by the KARKLOOF CONSERVANCY and THE HOWICK BIRDING GROUP Phone the Karkloof Conservation Centre on 033 330 2992 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings or email karkloofcentre@telkomsa.net for your entry form and further information

Oct-09 to Jan-10 Club Calendar

2009-09-16T20:41:00.000+02:00

Sunday 4^th October – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 11^th October – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

Sunday 18^th October – day outing to Karkloof Conservancy and to Karkloof Canopy Tours forest. Meet at the Conservancy at 6.30am. Please note there is an entrance fee to both venues. Contact the leader, Eve Hughes on 033 330 2723 for directions.

Sunday 1^st November - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 8^th November - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

Thursday 12^th November - evening meeting at Ezemvelo Headquarters in QE Park at 7pm. Stuart Mclean will give a presentation on Sani Pass.

13^th to 15^th November – weekend outing to Wakkerstroom. The dormitories and campsite at the BirdLife Centre (self-catering) have been booked. Cost per night: members R95, non-members R120, camping members R35, camping non-members R45. We will also use a local guide at a cost of R350 per morning or afternoon session – cost to be shared between all people on the outing. Contact Sally (phone 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za). Numbers are limited, so it’s first come, first served!

Sunday 6^th December - End-of-year braai at Benvie. Meet for a walk at 6.30am. Braai fires will be lit at 11am. Bring braai food and chairs, as well as family and friends. Please note there is an entrance fee of R20 per person.

Sunday 10^th January – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 17^th January - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

Saturday 23^rd January – BirdLife KZN Midlands AGM, with Ian Sinclair as guest speaker. Details to follow.

Sunday 7^th February - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 14^th February - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

Sunday 21^ST February – afternoon/evening outing to Durban Botanical Gardens and Mount Moreland. Meet at the Gardens for picnic lunch followed by birding, and then move on to the barn swallow roosting site at Mount Moreland. Phone the leader Adrian Ogilvie 033 347 1685 to arrange times and meeting point.

BIRDLIFE KZN MIDLANDS - OUTINGS & MEETINGS: AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2009

2009-08-19T06:04:00.001+02:00

Sunday 2^nd August – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 8am

Sunday 9^th August – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 8am

Thursday 13^th August - evening meeting at Ezemvelo Headquarters in QE Park at 7pm. Stuart Mclean will give a presentation on Sani Pass.

Sunday 16^th August – day outing to Stainbank Nature Reserve. Please phone the leader, David Crampton on 082 771 7274 to arrange meeting place and time.

Sunday 6^th September - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 7am

Thursday 10^th September – evening meeting at Ezemvelo Headquarters in QE Park at 7pm Simon Bellingham will give a presentation on Mana Pools

Sunday 13^th September – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 7am

Sunday 20^th September - day outing to Nature’s Hideaway, Mpushini. Please contact Sally on sally@wessa.co.za or 072 119 4253 to arrange meeting place and time.

Sunday 4^th October – morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 11^th October – morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

Sunday 1^st November - morning outing to Darvill; Leader Gordon Bennett 033 386 5555; Time: 6am

Sunday 8^th November - morning outing to Queen Elizabeth Park; Leader: Mike Spain 033 347 2797; Time: 6am

13^th to 15^th November – weekend outing to Wakkerstroom. We have booked the dormitories and campsite at the BirdLife Centre (self-catering). Cost per night: members R95, non-members R120, camping members R35, camping non-members R45. We will also use a local guide at a cost of R350 per morning or afternoon session – cost to be shared between all people on the outing. Contact Sally (phone 072 119 4253 or sally@wessa.co.za). Numbers are limited, so it’s first come, first served!

6^th December - End-of-year braai at Benvie. Meet for a walk at 6.30am. Braai fires will be lit at 11am. Bring braai food and chairs, as well as family and friends.

HOWICK BIRDING GROUP - DIARY OF EVENTS TO JANUARY 2010

2009-08-19T06:03:00.001+02:00

Evening meetings are held at WESSA in their Goldfields Education Centre on the 3^rd Wed of the month. Tea/coffee and registration at 17:30. BirdLife Members R5 pp. Non-members R10 pp. Morning outings usually take place on the last Wed. of every month.

Committee: Drummond Densham – 033-330-4039, Eve Hughes – 033-330-2723, Pam Nicol – 033-330-2947, Bob Moore – 033-239-2331, Shirley Bennett – 033-330-3234.

Wed. Aug. 26 – Morning outing to ‘Bar Circle Ranch’ to see, hopefully, the Red-billed Oxpeckers and do some Atlasing. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the Ranch at 07:45. Directions, take the Motorway south turning left at Exit 65, marked Lynnfield Park (R103), turn right to Lynnfield Park, and drive under the motorway, turning right almost immediately signed Bar Circle Ranch, and back under the motorway. Carry straight on to a Gate marked Imvelo Ranch (which please close) and carry on to a white pole fence, bearing right to the main house where we will meet. Bring tea. Leader – Pam Nicol

Wed. Sept. 16 – Illustrated talk by George Zaloumis on ‘Madagascar’.

Wed. Sept. 23 – Morning outing to ‘Ben Vie’ to see the specials and the azaleas. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 06:30 to arrange transport or at Ben Vie at 07:15. Entrance R20.00 p p. Bring tea. Don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Bob Moore

Wed. Oct. 21 – Illustrated talk by Roger Porter on ‘Antarctica’.

Wed.Oct. 28 – Morning outing to ‘Mbona’ in the Karkloof. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00 to arrange transport, or at the entrance to Mbona at 07:45. Bring tea. Don’t forget to Atlas!

Leader – Eve Hughes

Wed. Nov. 18 – Well illustrated talk by Mark Brown on ‘Bird ringing - why it is so important’

Wed. Nov. 25 - Morning outing to the Perry’s farm in the Dargle. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:30 or at their farm at 08:00. Patti Perry has kindly offered to provide tea! Proteas, Grasslands and Indigenous Forest – something for everybody. Take Exit from N3 – Howick North/Tweedie towards Tweedie, at T-junction turn right onto the R103 towards Lions River. Turn left onto the Dargle/Impendle Road and travel for 6 kms, then right onto the D17 dirt road. A further 2.2 kms turn left into ‘Carlisle Farm’ and follow the signboards. Don’t forget to Atlas! Leader – Pam Nicol

Thurs. Dec. 3 – Mark Brown will be ringing in Pam & Bill Nicol’s garden. Anybody is free to pop in for as long as they like to see birds in the hand, and watch how ringing is done. Contact – Pam Nicol

Wed. Jan. 20 – Illustrated talk by Adam Riley on ‘KZN’s Best Birds’.

Wed. Jan. 27 – Morning outing to ‘Cumberland Nature Reserve’. Meet at Umgeni Valley at 07:00

to arrange transport, or at the Reserve at 08:00. Bring tea. Don’t forget to Atlas! There is an

honesty box of R10 pp. Leader – Drummond Densham