Trogons at the 2012 Lions' Show

(Photo Andy Ruffle)

A rather quiet show this year for some reason, but still very worthwhile for Trogons to attend.
17 new 'friends' were signed up and a few rand in donations for books etc, taken.

This year the conservation stands were all put together, which worked very well and enabled the various NGO's to interact with each other.

Thanks Liz, Margaret, Doug, Angie, Herbie, Jeanette, Mike, Vic and Andrew for manning the stand.
A very special thanks goes to Herbie Osborne for erecting and dismantling the stand for us again. Herbie you're a star.

Outing report- Amatikulu Trip Away 16th-19th July 2012

by Andy Ruffle

Sunrise at Amatikulu
(Photo Stan Culley)

Attendees: Liz Blomeyer, Doug & Angie Butcher, Stan & Val Culley, Mike Fagan, Stanley & Asothie Gengan, Margaret Jones, Sandy Olver, Herbie Osborne, Hazel Parry, Andy Ruffle, Irma Smook, Bob & Hazel van Rooyen, Ron & Elaine Whitham, Barrie Willis & Sue Hansbury. (20 attendees)

Trogons at the 2012 Granny Walk

Some of Team Trogons
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Birdlife Trogons once again proudly flew the flag at this year's Rotary Club Granny Walk on 11th July 2012. Team Trogons 2012 was represented by Angie Butcher, Margaret Jones, Keith Roach, Andy Ruffle, Paul & Margaret Rose, Irma Smook, Hazel van Rooyen, Ron & Elaine Whitham.

Outing report- 8th July 2012 Bird ringing at the Pickles' Home

Attendees: Liz Blomeyer, Stan & Val Culley, Sandy Olver, Andy Ruffle, Ron Whitham.

We didn't net many birds today, which was surprising considering the rain we had during the night. As the morning warmed up though, there were plenty of birds foraging in the surrounding Coral and Fig trees.

Of the 16 birds caught, 4 were re-captures and there were three interesting specimens (see below).

juv Sombre Greenbul no.1
Note the gape and dark eye
(Photo Andy Ruffle)



juv Sombre Greenbul no.2
Note the more advanced development of eye-ring feathers
(Photo Andy Ruffle)



 



juv Cape Batis
Note the spots on the back
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

The Sombre Greenbuls were new species for these open ringing sessions and now brings the tally to 63 species since we started in October 2011.

Birds ringed: African Firefinch, Cape Batis, Cape Robin-Chat, Dark-capped Bulbul x 3, Grey Sunbird x 2, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Sombre Greenbul x 2, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (8 species).
Re-captures: African Firefinch, Red-capped Robin-Chat, White-browed Scrub-Robin x 2 (4 birds).
Total tally: 16 birds

Mystery Bird No.6 revealed

To check out the answer to our Mystery Bird Quiz no.6

 and to see the new challenge

click here

More interesting sightings coming in

by Andy Ruffle

Geoff Nichols emailed and Ray Furniss phoned to say there is a Greater Flamingo at the Umzumbe River Mouth.
Eric & Christine Kok saw plenty of Cape Cormorants at the Umtentweni River Mouth.
I headed out today to get some photos. Not the best in the world, but atleast it's a record.

Darter, Reed Cormorant and Greater Flamingo
Umzumbe River Mouth July 2012
(Photo Geoff Nichols)

adult Greater Flamingo
Umzumbe River Mouth 2nd July 2012
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Cape Cormorant with Swift Terns
Umtentweni River Mouth, 2nd July 2012
(Photo Andy Ruffle)