Juvenile Cape vulture 'Marie' confirmed electrocuted

Over the last few days it was noticed that 'Marie' seemed to be pretty static, only making short movements of 20m or so. The transmitters can play up sometimes, but a closer inspection of the site on Google Earth (image attached) revealed what looks like an electric pylon directly where 'Marie' stopped.

She was captured on 12th February as a newly fledged juvenile and left the colony on the 26th February.

Area where 'Marie' stopped moving.
An Electric Pylon can clearly be seen.
(Image Google Earth)

Sadly we have to report that the carcass of 'Marie' was found today under an electric pylon in the Colenso area. Electrocution was the cause of death.

Unfortunately, another carcass of an unidentified Cape vulture was also discovered under the same pylon.

'Marie's' transmitter
(Frik Lemmer)

This is very tragic news and very worrying that juvenile mortality rates appear to be very high.
Photographs are being taken and the situation will be followed up by the Wildlife & Energy Programme of the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
A huge thanks goes to Frik Lemmer, from KZN Wildlife, for going out to the site for the Marburg University.

'Marie' launches after being fitted with her transmitter
(Photo Andy Ruffle)

Photos copyright of photographer

Barry Porter Memorial Hide now open for use.

We are pleased to announce that we are now in a position to be able to offer the vulture hide for use.
There will be an official relaunch in March now, as a pre-arranged capture and tagging programme will occupy the whole of February.

We can't express our gratitude enough to the contractor that has given us this stunning hide, which is way beyond our wildest dreams.

Existing Trogons members wishing to use the hide should contact Andy Ruffle please.
Otherwise, non-members can find rates and booking details here.

Barry Porter Memorial Hide damaged by veld fire

Text and photos by Andy Ruffle

damage sustained to front and one side

Unfortunately, a veld fire has raged through the grasslands at the vulture colony causing damage to the hide.

The fire started yesterday afternoon in the Umzimkulu Valley below and jumped up and over the cliffs heading straight for the hide.

Despite the very quick response from Mike's workers, who doused the area around the hide with water, the fire just tore through.

The front and one side has sustained alot of damage and will need the supports and cladding replaced. One roof panel will also need to be replaced.

the interior is relatively unscathed

we came close to totally losing the hide

Incredibly the back, one side and interior are relatively unscathed.

I have contacted the original builder to request a quote for materials and repairs. The outcome of this will determine the way forward.

The hide project does have some funds in the bank, which will hopefully go a long way to covering the repairs.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to find an insurer prepared to insure the structure at an affordable premium, although after this we will have to address the situation.

We will still be able to conduct 2hr vulture viewing visits, which are proving very popular and a good income generator. This will also assist in covering repair costs.

The landowner feels that we have achieved too much thus far, to throw in the towel now and I have to agree with him.

It may take a little time, but we will get the hide fully up and running again.

Black Stork makes a Youth Day appearance

Whilst escorting a group at the Oribi vulture colony on Monday (Youth Day), we noticed a large bird join the thermal being used by some 20 Cape Vultures. It was quickly identified as a Black Stork. This is a nice visitor to see in our neck of the woods.
We will be keeping a close eye out to see whether there are any signs of nesting by the stork.

Black Stork riding the thermal
(Photo Adeline Mccarter)

Spotted Thick-knee were also seen during this visit. Another bird not often seen in our South Coast region.

Some other good news from the vulture colony is that 30 vulture nests have been counted, just on the cliffs that are visible where we normally stand. This is the highest number so far recorded and is just a small part of the cliff face on which they nest.

There will be a full census done this month, hopefully, so it will interesting to see the total tally. We will keep you posted.

eHowzit.co.za coverage of the Vulture Hide Launch on 8th February 2014

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.

View you could expect from the hide
(Photo John Marchant)

Call for birders to look out for Cape Vultures with tags

The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is the only colonial South African vulture species nesting on cliffs [1,2]. Its range is restricted to southern Africa, with breeding occuring in Botswana and South Africa. Breeding was recently reported to have ceased in Namibia [3]. The formerly widespread population of about 440 breeding colonies in the early 1900s declined to about 167 breeding colonies at the end of the 20^th century [4]. The species is listed as vulnerable due to ongoing population declines, whereby poisoning, power-line collision, hunting for the local muthi market and declining food resources are the main threats to its existence. Nowadays, an estimated number of 3,400 breeding pairs exist in southern Africa [1,5]. A number of 18 core colonies in southern Africa hold about 80% of the world's Cape Vulture population [6]. 

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)