South Coast Trogons Bird Club: March 2013

Sunday 24 March 2013

Outing report- 24th March 2013 Ellingham Estates, Park Rynie

Irma eyes up her mount at Ellingham Estates
(Photo Doug Butcher)

Attendees: Doug & Angie Butcher, Stan & Val Culley, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Tina Haine, Joe & Adrian Harwood, V Kerr Wilson, Sandy Olver, Barry Pullock, Sean & Beathe Ross, Andy Ruffle, Irma Smook, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (18 attendees).

This popular venue once again attracted a good turnout from the club, with some visitors from Port Natal Bird Club also joining us.

Burchell's Coucal

Centropus burchellii

juvenile, John Howe's garden, Umzumbe 20th Jan 2013
(Subspp burchellii)
(Photo John Howe)

Sunday 10 March 2013

Outing report- 10th March 2013 Mpenjati Nature Reserve

Swift and Sandwich Terns
(Photo Stan Culley)

Attendees: Doug & Angie Butcher, Stan & Val Culley, Stanley Gengan, Margaret Jones, Vaughan Merrick, Sandy Olver, Hazel Parry, Sean & Beathe Ross, Andy Ruffle, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen, Ron Whitham, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (17 attendees).

Despite a rather poor weather forecast we had a very good turnout, including founder member of our club Vaughan Merrick.
The calm wind and slightly overcast skies, provided ideal conditions for our visit to Mpenjati.
Surprisingly the birding was quite slow, but we did manage to record 45 species, which does not include a mystery raptor (or possibly two) which is still under debate. Initially, it was thought to be an immature African Harrier-Hawk, but the photo below soon disproved this theory.

Outing report- 3rd March 2013 Bird ringing Igwalagwala Forest, Melville

Elaine, Sandy & Stan check out one of the prize catches
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Attendees: Liz Blomeyer, Stan & Val Culley, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Sandy Olver, Frans & Lana du Plooy, Andy Ruffle, Ron & Elaine Whitham. (11 attendees).

Despite perfect weather conditions for this morning’s ringing session, the birds were not particularly co-operative. Only six birds were ringed- 1 x Brown Scrub-Robin, 2 x Lemon Dove (male & female), 1x Olive Thrush and 2 x immature Green Twinspot.

Vulture Viewing Hide Project Fund Launch

18th February 2013

Birdlife Trogons Bird Club today announced plans to erect a Vulture Viewing Hide at Oribi.

‘The provision of a vulture viewing hide will not only raise awareness of the plight of the Cape Vulture, but also be a huge asset to the local tourist trade. We anticipate the hide being used not only by locals, but also attracting visitors nationally and internationally.’ Said Andy Ruffle, Birdlife Trogons Bird Club Chairman.

The Trogons have launched a Vulture Hide Project Fund to finance the construction of the hide and appeal to corporates and individuals to assist with this very worthwhile project.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or to offer any other assistance, is asked to contact Andy Ruffle on 039 695 0829 or email andy_ruffle@yahoo.co.uk.

‘This is a very exciting time for Trogons. To see the ribbon cut during an opening ceremony will be an extremely proud moment for us.’ Commented Andy Ruffle.