Prof Phil Hockey 1957-2013

(Photo: UCT)

Renowned Ornithologist Prof. Phil Hockey passed away on Thursday 24th January 2013 at the age of 56.
Our condolences go to his wife, Samantha and family.

To read more about his work at the UCT click here.

**UPDATED** Outing report- 6th January 2013 Bird ringing Umzumbe floodplain

Attendees: Liz Blomeyer, Stan & Val Culley, Cathy Lee, Sandy Olver, Andy Ruffle, Ron Whitham. (7 attendees)

Fortunately, the recent relatively dry spell had enabled the floodplain to dry out enough to allow today's ringing session.
Andrew started the morning off by processing 41 Barn Swallows caught at the swallow roost the night before. Amongst the 'catch' were three rather special birds - juvenile Common House-Martins.

A tricky one to identify at first sight.
A rather dull specimen, but showing signs of
blue appearing on the back and wings.
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybrida

with a Reed Cormorant
Wakkerstroom, February 2013
(Subspp sclateri)
(Photo Stan Culley)

Little Rush Warbler

Bradypterus baboecala

Culley's Dam, Port Edward. November 2013.
(Subsp tongensis)
 (Photo Stan Culley)

Copyright of the photographer

Black Crake

Amourornis flavirostris

Culley's Dam, Port Edward. November 2013
(Photo Stan Culley)

Culley's Dam, Port Edward. November 2013
(Photo Stan Culley)

Copyright of photographer

Banded Martin

Riparia cincta

Wakkerstroom February 2013
(Subspp cincta)
(Photo Stan Culley)

Diderick Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx caprius

male, Wakkerstroom February 2013
(Photo Stan Culley)

Southern Bald Ibis

Geronticus calvus

Wakkerstroom February 2013
(Photo Stan Culley)

Little Bittern

Ixobrychus minutus

 



Wakkerstroom February 2013
(Subspp unknown)
(Photo Stan Culley)

 

Long-tailed Widowbird

Euplectes progne

 

male, Wakkerstroom February 2013
(Subspp progne)
(Photo Stan Culley)