witwatersrand bird club forthcoming events in...

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WITWATERSRAND BIRD CLUB

PROGRAMME 2/2018

FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN BRIEF

Date Activity Leader Venue

May 2018

6 Sunday outing Janice Isom O.P.M. Prozesky Bird Sanctuary

9 Wednesday outing Lia Steen Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve

12 Saturday meeting Etienne Marais Delta Environmental Centre

19 Saturday outing John Wesson Wesson Farm, Magaliesberg Protected Area

25-27 Weekend away Lance Robinson Nylsvley Nature Reserve & Floodplain

June 2018

6 Wednesday outing Johan de Jager The Aloe Farm, Hartbeespoort

10 Sunday outing Andy Featherstone Faerie Glen Nature Reserve

16 Saturday meeting Stephan Terblanche Delta Environmental Centre

23 Saturday outing Werner van Goethem Cullinan district

30 BirdLasser course Ernst Retief / Henk Nel ZEISS SA Office, Randburg

July 2018

7 Saturday meeting Christmas in July Delta Environmental Centre

14 West Rand CWAC Johan de Jager De Pan, Carletonville

15 Sunday outing Lia Steen Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve

21-22 CWAC weekend Barbi Forsyth Nylsvley Nature Reserve

21-22 East Rand CWAC Werner van Goethem East Rand pans

25 Wednesday outing Christo Venter Kalkheuwel West, Cradle of Humankind

29 East Rand CWAC Werner van Goethem Marievale Bird Sanctuary

August 2018

4 Birding Basics Course Lance Robinson ZEISS SA Office, Randburg

5 Sunday outing Hennie Bornman Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

9-12 Long weekend away Janice Isom Witsand Nature Reserve, Kalahari

15 Wednesday outing Lia Steen Random Harvest Nursery

18 Saturday afternoon quiz Lester Niss Delta Environmental Centre

25 Saturday outing Werner van Goethem Rietvlei Nature Reserve

September 2018

1 Saturday outing Christo Venter Meyers Farm, Alberton

8-9 African Bird Fair BLSA Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

15 Saturday meeting &

Arbor Day

Linda de Luca & Club

Committee

Delta Environmental Centre

19 Wednesday outing Lia Steen Northern Farm

22-24 Long weekend away Lucky Ngwenya Wakkerstroom

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Affiliated to Birdlife South Africa

WITWATERSRAND BIRD CLUB

PROGRAMME 2/2018

AFTERNOON MEETINGS

Club meetings are held at Delta Environmental Centre unless otherwise stated

Arranged by Lia Steen

Route: Follow First Avenue, Linden, towards Johannesburg until it becomes Rustenburg Road. Turn left into Road No 3 at the robot. Follow the road past King David Primary School and into the Park. Once in the Park, turn left at the T-junction and follow the road to the parking lot of the Delta Environmental Centre.

Cost: R20 members R30 non-members (unless otherwise stated)

Time: 13h45 for 14h00

Saturday 12th May 2018

Etienne Marais

“Birds as Global Resource Managers”

Tracing the how’s and why’s of Bird Migration - one of nature's most incredible processes!" The talk deals with bird migration from a Southern African and global perspective. Reasons for migration, migration strategies and variations. Most incredible migration feats and much, much more.

Saturday 16h June 2018

Stephan Terblanche

“Identification of Swifts & Swallows – Easier Than You Think!”

Many birders struggle with the identification of swifts and swallows, especially in flight. This talk explains how to focus on just a few characteristics to sort out most species and give tips on how to get better views.

Saturday 7th July 2018

WBC Committee

Christmas in July

In keeping with a Christmas in July theme and to keep out the winter chill Alison Hanson will prepare some of her renowned Honeydew which will be accompanied by traditional mince pies and other festive foods. Whilst we cannot guarantee any snow we can guarantee a great afternoon in good company.

Saturday 18st August 2018 Lester Niss Annual Quiz

The annual Winter Quiz: a light-hearted challenge for all levels of birders, so please bring your friends. Come and enjoy a fun-filled Saturday afternoon with a difference: test your general birding knowledge with your fellow birders and possibly win a prize. Beat the winter cold with mirth and camaraderie and we will supply drinks and something light to eat. Teams will be selected on the day with a mixture of experienced and novice birders to make sure that everyone has a chance of winning.

Saturday 15th September 2018

Linda de Luca and Arbor Day Celebration

“Gardening for Birds”

We will start the day with our annual Arbor Day tree planting at Delta Park’s Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary. This will be followed by a talk focussing on gardening for birds by Linda de Luca. Linda will talk about how it is best to have various types of habitat to encourage a variety of birds to the garden. Linda has run the Random Harvest Indigenous Nursery for 27 years and is passionate about indigenous plants and the environment.

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WITWATERSRAND BIRD CLUB DIRECTIONS &

INFORMATION OF OUTINGS & EVENTS

JANUARY 2018 – MAY 2018

Target Bird Challenge

Target birds are not necessarily the most elusive, prettiest or rarest birds to be found. We encourage you to read up beforehand and get to grips with our nominated target birds; share your newly acquired knowledge with your fellow members and in this way, we all learn something new. Please note that the overall objective is to learn more and to have fun, therefore no prizes will be awarded for spotting the target bird on the day.

6 MAY 2018 / SUNDAY OUTING O.P.M. PROZESKY BIRD SANCTUARY, POTCHEFSTROOM

Named after the well-known ornithologist, Dr OPM Prozesky, this 72 ha bird sanctuary is a magnet for waterbirds, attracting substantial numbers of herons, ibises, waterfowl and rails. The sanctuary has two viewing hides and is accessed via several footpaths between reed-lined dams and the banks of the Mooi River. Open-billed Storks have visited the area in recent years.

Route: Take the N12 west from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom. On reaching Potchefstroom turn left onto the R501 Govan Mbeki Drive just after crossing the river. Follow the R501 for 3.6km, passing the Potchefstroom Country Club, and turn right into Viljoen Street. After 300m take the turn-off to the left which leads to the main gate.

Book on either: [email protected] or (011) 782-7267

GPS: S26°44’93.9", E27°05’79.4"

Meet: 08:00 at the entrance

Leader: Janice Isom (083 267 4273)

SABAP2: Pentad 2640_2705

Target Bird: Fulvous Duck

9 MAY 2018 / WEDNESDAY OUTING SUIKERBOSRAND NATURE RESERVE (IBA SA022)

The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is a well-known site where both the grey and black colour forms of the Mountain Wheatear occur. The reserve is a great place at this time of the year for winter migrants and Sentinel Rock Thrush can be fairly common. Other early winter migrants to look out for include the Fairy Flycatcher and the occasional Yellow-breasted Pipits.

Route: To Suikerbosrand. Take the N3 south towards Heidelberg and Durban and then the R550 (signposted Suikerbosrand) Nigel/Lenasia off-ramp. Turn right onto the R550 towards Lenasia. Follow for 6.6km. Turn left at the Suikerbosrand signboard and travel to the main entrance. Approx. 1 hour from Randburg.


GPS: S 26°27'17" E 28°13'22" (Suikerbosrand NR)

Meet: 08h00 at the Diepkloof picnic & parking area, past the entrance gate.

Cost: There is an entrance fee payable on arrival at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.

Leader: Lia Steen (082 809 4476)

SABAP2: Pentad 2625_2810 +

Target Bird: Sentinel Rock Thrush

19 MAY 2018 / SATURDAY OUTING WESSON FARM, MAGALIESBERG PROTECTED AREA

Join us for a visit to John Wesson’s property in the Magaliesberg where John will take us on a guided walk through the area. The property lies on the northern side of the mountain with relatively easy walks along farm roads through woodland and grassed areas. The area also includes a Protea belt and a stand of wild Syringa. Birds seen in the area include Flappet Lark, Striped Pipit and occasional specials such as Short-

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toed Rock-Thrush, Cuckoo Hawk and Yellow-bellied Greenbul. Bring your camp chairs and brunch as John has a braai area for socializing after the walk.

Route: From Johannesburg take the R512 Malibongwe Drive past Lanseria to the T-junction at Broederstroom. Turn right towards Pelindaba and at the intersection with the R511 turn left towards Hartebeespoort. On entering Hartebeespoort turn right on the R511 Beethoven Road past the cable car station. At the T-junction turn left to stay on the R511 and after 2.8 km turn right onto the R513. After approximately 8 km the entrance to No 89, the Wesson property is on the right. OR From Johannesburg take the R511 William Nicol Drive towards Hartebeespoort. On entering Hartebeespoort turn right on the R511 Beethoven Road past the cable car station. At the T-junction turn left to stay on the R511 and after 2.8 km turn right onto the R513. After approximately 8 km the entrance to No 89, the Wesson property is on the right.


GPS: S25°41’02.9”, E27°57’89.6”

Meet: 08:00 at the entrance.

Leader: John Wesson


Target Bird: Flappet Lark

25-27 MAY 2018 / WEEKEND OUTING NYLSVLEY NATURE RESERVE & FLOODPLAIN

As part of WBC’s commitment to the Nylsvley Local Conservation Group we will be visiting the Nylsvley Nature Reserve and the surrounding floodplain area. The purpose of the visit will be to conduct SABAP2 surveys and to interact with local landowners. This outing is not intended to be a general outing but a working visit. Members are welcome to join us to take part in the activities provided they are willing to participate in atlasing and other similar projects.

Route: Travel on the N1 North. At the Kranskop Toll Plaza take the R33 Nylstroom exit. Travel into Nylstroom. At the crossing with R101 turn right in the direction of N1 - Pietersburg and Naboomspruit. Near Middelfontein turn left towards Naboomspruit. Take the R101 and turn right to the Boekenhout station.

OR: Travel on the N1 and take the Mookopong / Naboomspruit turnoff. Turn left and follow the road until meeting up with the old road. Turn left towards Nylstroom and proceed about 10km southwards until Boekenhout station turnoff. THEN Continue on the dirt road over the N1 and then the railway line. Continue straight for about 2km. Nylsvley is well sign posted and the gate is on your left.


GPS: Main gate S24°38’50.8”, E28°39’49.0”

Leader: Lance Robinson (082 927 9785)

Cost: TBC

SABAP2: Pentad 2435_2840 +

6 JUNE 2018 / WEDNESDAY OUTING THE ALOE FARM, HARTEBEESTPOORT

The Aloe Farm has extensive gardens which are open to the public and include a ‘Bush Garden’ that demonstrates the great possibilities that exist for indigenous plants in the home and commercial garden and is landscaped to attract wildlife. The aloe gardens have now become a famous plant-lover and tourist attraction in the Hartbeespoort area that draws in visitors to admire the gardens, photograph the plants and birds, and to admire and purchase unique plants for their own gardens.

Route: Take the R512 from Randburg, crossover Kommando Nek; at the cross roads turn left onto the R104 (Mooi Nooi / Hartbeesfontien). Follow this road for 4.7 km; pass Brits Pale on your left; cross the bridge and The Aloe Farm is on your left.

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GPS: S25° 43’ 15.2” E27° 47’ 09.2’

Meet: 08:00 at the parking area NB: Please bring your eats and drinks as The Aloe Farm has no refreshment facilities.

Leader: Johan de Jager (082 376 9675)


Target Bird: Greater Double-collared Sunbird

10 JUNE 2018 / SUNDAY OUTING FAERIE GLEN NATURE RESERVE, PRETORIA

Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is probably the best suburban birding reserve in Pretoria encompassing the western edge of the Bronberg Mountains, areas of bushveld and the Moreleta Spruit floodplain. The reserve is accessed by various paths and walking trails and contains both bushveld and grassland birds such as Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, White-throated Robin-Chat, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Cape Grassbird.

Route: From the N1, take the Atterbury turn-off to the east left back across the N1. At January Masilela (General Louis Botha) Avenue turn left and follows the directions to the reserve. The reserve will be on your right-hand side just after Glenwood Road.


GPS: S25° 46’ 31.53” E28° 17’ 27.76’

Meet: 08:00 at the parking area

Cost: An entrance fee is payable

Leader: Andy Featherstone (083 259 0231)


Target Bird: White-throated Robin-Chat

23 JUNE 2018 / SATURDAY OUTING CULLINAN AND ENVIRONS

As well as laying claim to having the largest rough diamond ever found at 3,106 carats, the Cullinan area is also a great birding destination with both the De Tweedespruit and Seringveld Conservancies nearby. The Premier Mine Quarry often has both Lanner and Peregrine Falcons hunting and nesting on the rock faces as well as Striped Pipits hanging around the edge. Nearby grasslands and bushveld sport many interesting species.

Route: Take the NI North from Johannesburg to exit 152, Sefako Makgatho (Zambesi) Drive/R513 towards Cullinan. Follow the R513 into Cullinan and turn left onto Oak

Avenue. Harries Pancakes is just around the corner on the left hand side.

From the East Rand take the R25 North to Bapsfontein. After Bapsfontein turn left onto the R515 and upon reaching Cullinan left again onto the R513. The R513 becomes Oak Avenue and just after the R513 branches left off of Oak Avenue Harries Pancakes will be on the left.


GPS: S25° 40’ 18.80” E28° 31’ 08.20’

Meet: 08:00 at Harries Pancakes, 112 Oak Lane, Cullinan

Leader: Werner van Goethem (082 462 7108)

SABAP2: Pentad 2540_2830+

Target Bird: Striped Pipit

30 JUNE 2018 / SATURDAY BIRDLASSER TRAINING COURSE WITH ERNST RETIEF & HENK NEL ZEISS SOUTH AFRICA HEAD OFFICE, RANDBURG

BirdLife South Africa and BirdLasser are teaming up to host another BirdLasser training session, but this time around, the focus is on the Southern Africa Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2). The workshop is ideally for users that are familiar with the BirdLasser app and those that have used it before.

During the workshop, Ernst Retief will explain the value of the SABAP2 data, the protocol, how to register and he will demo the website. Henk Nel will then, at the hand of an on-screen demonstration, show how the BirdLasser app is configured and used to assist the atlaser when atlasing. This will include identifying pentads on the app, recording and submitting the data.

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Seasonal BirdLasser users and atlasers are also invited to use the opportunity to indicate what they believe is necessary to make the app a better tool. Henk will listen to suggestions, answer questions and talk about what’s feasible given the known challenges. This is an ideal opportunity to share your input and make this a true ‘community’ tool. Henk will also talk about some of the latest cool features, and give a sneak peak of what’s coming soon.

The workshop will start at 09:00 and should be finished by 13:00. The first 90 minutes will be allocated to SABAP2 and the rest of the time on the BirdLasser app.

Venue: Zeiss South Africa, 363 Oak Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg.


Time: 09h00

Cost: Free

14 JULY 2018 / WEST RAND CWAC DE PAN

Route: From Johannesburg travel west on the N14 towards Ventersdorp. At the junction with the R41/R500 turn left, continue on the R500 past the R41 intersection and the entrance to the pan is 2.5 km on the left-hand side.

Book: Johan de Jager (082 376 9675) as numbers taking part are limited

GPS: S26°13’49.0”, E27°25’14.3”

Meet: 07h00

Leader: Johan de Jager


15 JULY 2018 / SUNDAY OUTING ROODEPLAAT DAM NATURE RESERVE

Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve lies on the southern shore of the Roodeplaat Dam and has two hides overlooking the water. The reserve is accessed by a network of roads and is generally comprised of Acacia woodland with reed beds along the shore of the dam. The bushveld areas are good places to look for Chinspot Batis, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burnt-necked Eremomela and Long-billed Crombec amongst others. The picnic site overlooks the dam and is ideal for looking for the various water birds present.

Route: Travel north on the N1 highway towards Pretoria/Polokwane. At the Sefako Makgatho (Zambesi) Drive off-ramp (exit 152) turn right onto the R513 Sefako Makgatho Drive towards Cullinan. Drive for 6.2 km and then turn left into Kameelfontein Road, after a further 3.6 km turn left again into Dwarsweg. Travel 0, 5 km along the unnamed dirt road and then turn right, the entrance to the Nature Reserve is 1.2 km along this road on the right-hand side.


GPS: S25°38'33.7", E28°21'40.5"

Meet: 08h00 at entrance




Target Bird: Burnt-necked Eremomela

21-22 JULY 2018 / CWAC WEEKEND CAMP NYLSVLEY NATURE RESERVE (IBA SA008)

Route: Travel on the N1 North. At the Kranskop Toll Plaza take the R33 Nylstroom exit. Travel into Nylstroom. At the crossing with R101 turn right in the direction of N1 - Pietersburg and Naboomspruit. Near Middelfontein turn left towards Naboomspruit. Take the R101 and turn right to the Boekenhout station.

OR: Travel on the N1 and take the Mookopong / Naboomspruit turnoff. Turn left and follow the road until meeting up with the old road. Turn left towards Nylstroom and proceed about 10km southwards until Boekenhout station turnoff.

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THEN Continue on the dirt road over the N1 and then the railway line. Continue straight for about 2km. Nylsvley is well signposted and the gate is on your left.


GPS: main gate S24°38’50.8”, E28°39’49.0”

Meet: 07h00 on Saturday

Leader: Barbi Forsyth


21-22 JULY 2018 / EAST RAND CWAC EAST RAND PANS

Korsman Bird Sanctuary, Rolfe’s Pan, Blaauwpan, Elandsvlei, Clearwater Pans, Varkfontein and Bullfrog Pan.

Book: Werner van Goethem (082 462 7108) as attendance is limited to a few participants.

Meet: 07h00

Leader: Werner van Goethem and Peter Huggins

25 JULY 2018 / WEDNESDAY OUTING KALKHEUWEL CONSERVANCY, CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

Join us at this wonderful venue, less than 1 hours’ drive from Randburg, in a mixed habitat of rocky outcrops, savannah and bushveld. The Conservancy is about 8km from the main tar road and it is recommended that you get there as early as possible to do some birding en-route. Some of the birds previously seen were Cut-throat Finch, Mocking Cliff-Chat and Verreaux’s Eagle.

Route: Take the R512, towards Broederstroom. 16.5 km from the crossing over the N14 (Pretoria/Krugersdorp) turn left onto a sand road sign-posted Kalkheuwel West (if you reach the entrance to Lesedi, you have gone too far). There is a manned security boom 200m up the sand road, where we will meet and continue in convoy. Late-comers may follow these directions: after the boom, the road reverts to tar. Continue along the tar road for about 2.9km. There is a tall white figure statue and a road-sign: North View Road. Turn right from the tar road onto concrete strips which are rather narrow and bumpy. Keep left on the concrete strips along Jackal Drive. Do not branch right into Kudu Close, the sand road. Keep the statue of the harp on your right and you will be on the correct road. Eventually, the strips end (another statue of a kneeling flute player) and the road continues as sand. Proceed slowly, after ±1km on sand, you will pass Donnan and follow Reedbuck Ridge to the right (at a thatched cottage), pass a green boom which should be open, up a steep hill with concrete strips, a bit of tar then a short piece of gravel which brings you back to the crest of the ridge, continue on more concrete strips (800m). Carry on down to a green gate straight ahead.

Coffee will be served at the entrance boom (funds in aid of conservation)


GPS: S25° 50’ 45.8” E27° 52’ 53.0”

Meet: 08:00 at the entrance boom

Cost: Entrance fee R10.00

Leader: Christo Venter (083 655 1912)


Target Bird: Mocking Cliff-Chat

29 JULY 2018 / EAST RAND CWAC MARIEVALE BIRD SANCTUARY (IBA SA021)

Marievale has recently been added to the East Rand’s CWAC portfolio and always produces a good array of water birds. As this is a large area to cover for a CWAC count volunteers are welcomed.

Book: Werner van Goethem (082 462 7108)

Meet: 07h00


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4 AUGUST 2018 / SATURDAY BIRDING BASICS COURSE WITH LANCE ROBINSON ZEISS SOUTH AFRICA HEAD OFFICE, RANDBURG

If you are keen on learning more about birds and birding and have always wanted to develop one of the correct habits of looking at a bird, or need a refresher, then this Birding Basics Course is just what you have been looking for. The course will be presented by Lance Robinson. The theory will be covered on Saturday followed by a practical session will be held at a local birding spot on Sunday 5th August.

Venue: Zeiss South Africa, 363 Oak Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg.


Time: 09h00 on Saturday

Cost: R350 per person

Your payment confirms your booking.

5 AUGUST 2018 / SUNDAY OUTING JOHANNESBURG BOTANICAL GARDENS

The 81-hectare Botanical Garden forms one of Johannesburg’s vital green lungs. The land for the gardens was set aside in 1969 – at the time it was a sports field and golf driving range consisting of bare veld and no trees. Now it consists of large, grassy, open spaces scattered with trees. The gardens contain an attractive mix of bunched indigenous and exotics surrounded by lawns, overlooking the 7,5-hectare Emmarentia Dam, which dates back to the turn of the century.

Route: From Beyers Naude Drive: From the North turn left into Thomas Bowler Street. From the South turn right into Thomas Bowler Street. Follow this street to Olifants Road. (Go past the ‘North West’ entrance to the gardens on your right). Turn right into Olifants Road, follow this road until you see the North Gate sign and turn right into the Botanical Gardens. If you miss this entrance you will cross the dam wall and you should turn back.


GPS: S26° 09’ 04.5” E28° 00’ 09.6”

Meet: Meet in the parking area 08:00

Leader: Hennie Bornman (083 321 0690)


Target Bird: Amethyst Sunbird

9-12 AUGUST 2018 / LONG WEEKEND OUTING WITSAND NATURE RESERVE, KALAHARI

Flowing white dunes are cradled by contrasting red Kalahari sand. This is the home of the famous Roaring Sands (Brulsand) of the Kalahari and over 150 bird species. In addition to resident mammal species such as Gemsbok, Red Hartebeest, Springbok, Duiker and Steenbok, Witsand is an ideal area to find some of the Kalahari special birds. These include the apartment dwelling Sociable Weaver, Pygmy Falcon, Kori Bustard and three species of sandgrouse: Namaqua, Burchell’s and Double-banded.

Route: Travel to Kuruman via Vryburg on the (N14). Travel 45km to Kathu and from Kathu 27km to the Olifantshoek turnoff to your right. 4km outside of Olifantshoek on your way to Upington (N14) turn left towards Witsand (well sign posted). Travel for another 75km to Witsand on gravel road. Do not turn off at Postmasburg signpost - the road is clearly sign-posted. Estimated driving time from Johannesburg is 8 hours.


GPS: Entrance S28°34’09.90”, E22°29’40.14”

Cost: 3 Bedroom chalets – R2,100 per person Camping – R560 per person

Leader: Janice Isom (083 267 4273)


Target Bird: Pygmy Falcon

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15 AUGUST 2018 / WEDNESDAY OUTING RANDOM HARVEST INDIGENOUS NURSERY

Linda de Luca’s love of nature, and dedication to all things natural has led to the farm becoming a haven for a multitude of birds and other wildlife. The nursery is laid out on meandering paths. After the walk why not treat yourself to a range of freshly prepared cakes and tea, or coffee, at the tea garden?

Optional Buffet breakfast with early morning drink included for R155.00 pp. Please book for the breakfast separately as there is limited kitchen staff on duty.

Route: From the N1 take Beyers Naude off-ramp and travel north along Beyers Naude Drive for 9.4km. Signpost for Random Harvest: turn right into Valley Road for 950m and then left into Lake View Drive for 2km. Random Harvest will be on your right.


GPS: S26° 01’ 48” E27° 53’ 40”

Meet: Meet in the parking area 08:00



Target Bird: Amethyst Sunbird

25 AUGUST 2018 / SATURDAY OUTING RIETVLEI NATURE RESERVE

Rietvlei Nature Reserve comprises 3 800 ha of Highveld grassland with occasional patches of Acacia woodland. The Rietvlei Dam and the Marais Dam are linked by the Grootvlei Spruit and there is an extensive network of roads around the Reserve. As the reserve now contains the Big Five visitors are only allowed to alight from their vehicles at designated picnic spots. African Finfoot has been observed from the bridge over the spruit and the grasslands are a prime area for larks and cisticolas.

Route: Travel north on the N1 towards Pretoria/Polokwane, take the M9 Rigel Avenue off-ramp (junction 136) and turn right onto the R50 Delmas Road. Drive for 5.1 km then turn right onto the M31 Nellmapius Drive towards Rietvlei and Irene along the boundary of the reserve for 3.2 km to the junction with the M57 and turn left. After 1.7 km (crossing the Sesmyl Spruit) turn left onto the entrance road to the reserve.


GPS: S25°52'58.7", E28°15'47.5"

Meet: 07h30 at entrance




Target Bird: Orange-breasted Waxbill

1 SEPTEMBER 2018 / SATURDAY OUTING MEYER’S FARM, ALBERTON

The farm boasts the only artificial nesting platform in Africa which is also central to the breeding pair of eagles, known as the Klipriviersberg Verreaux’s Eagles, a project under the auspices of the club. This very historic farm and farmhouse, built in 1881, was also featured as one of JH Pierneef‘s old Johannesburg station panels, featuring Alberton, in the 1930s.

Route: Head east on the N12 southern bypass. Take the 404 for Voortrekker Road toward Alberton on the R103. Keep left at the fork and merge onto Voortrekker Road (M31). Turn right onto Ring Road. Turn right onto Fore Street. At the roundabout, proceed (through the boom gate to Reading Golf course) and continue along Fore Street, under the highway and meet at the parking lot for the stables


GPS: S26°16'02.5", E28°05'01.6"

Meet: 08h00 at the parking lot for stables

Leader: Christo Venter (083 655 1912)


Target Bird: Acacia Pied Barbet

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8-9 SEPTEMBER 2018 / AFRICAN BIRD FAIR

WALTER SISULU BOTANICAL GARDEN

The African Bird Fair provides a superb opportunity to create awareness about birds, bird research and conservation, and the bird conservation organisations, like BirdLife South Africa, who work tirelessly to conserve our country's birds. Should you wish to exhibit at the African Bird Fair 2018, or if you require more information, please contact the Events & Marketing Manager at [email protected]. Wits Bird Club will have a stand at the fair and we would welcome your assistance. Should you be willing to help out, please contact Lauraine at the office on either [email protected] or, (011) 782-7267

19 SEPTEMBER 2018 / WEDNESDAY OUTING NORTHERN FARM

Northern Farm has a wide range of habitats with a number of dams and large expanses of grassland. The reserve is particularly good for raptors with Black Sparrowhawk, African Fish-Eagle and Long-crested Eagle regularly seen. Northern Farm is also an excellent area for Orange-breasted Waxbill as well as the many waterfowl that frequent the dams.

Route: From Randburg take the R512 Malibongwe Drive past Cosmo City and Cosmo City shopping centre. At the traffic lights at the top of the hill turn right onto the R114 towards Diepsloot. After 9km the entrance is a white gateway on the left with a “City of Johannesburg Northern Farm” sign. Once through the gate meet at the parking area.


GPS: S25°56'15.41", E27°59’19.74"

Meet: 08h00 at the parking area

Cost: There is a R50 entrance fee payable to the leader on arrival.



Target Bird: Black Sparrowhawk

22-24 SEPTEMBER 2018 / LONG WEEKEND OUTING WAKKERSTROOM

Still need some of the Wakkerstroom specials? Well if you want to get lucky we will be hiring local guide Lucky to find them for you! Wakkerstroom is a major grassland area well known for exciting species such as Yellow-breasted Pipit, Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark, Ground Woodpecker and Pale-crowned Cisticola. Accommodation is still to be finalized but we will be looking at a range of options to suit all pockets from camping and nearby cottages.

Route: Take the N3 South and take the Balfour off-ramp (just past Heidelberg). Turn left onto the R23 towards Standerton, go through Standerton and carry on to Volksrust. As you get close to Volksrust, take the very first road to the left (there is a B&B on your left) and wind your way through the suburb till you reach a traffic light after about 1 km. Go straight at the traffic light, this is the R543 to Wakkerstroom which is 27km further along.


GPS: S27°21'34.53", E30°06'47.31" (entrance to BirdLife centre)

Cost: TBC

Coordinator: Andy Featherstone (083 259 0231)

SABAP2: Pentads 2720_3005+

Target Bird: Rudd’s Lark

Programme Planning: Fiona van Zyl – Conservation Activities: Lance Robinson

Courses: Janice Isom - Evening Meetings: Lia Steen

Atlasing: Andy Featherstone

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SABAP2/ BIRDMapping

Calling all BIRDMAPPERS! Andy Featherstone, Wits Bird Club SABAP2 coordinator, has organised the following exclusive atlas days that all members can participate in:

Sunday 13th May 2018 Sunday 5th August

Sunday 3rd June Saturday 1st September

Saturday 28th July

Please e-mail [email protected] with your contact details and Observer number (if you are a registered Observer). If you are interested in becoming an Observer, send your details to Andy and he will assist with the process of getting you started. You do not have to be a registered observer to take part, anyone keen to participate can join in and act as a “spotter”. Atlasing/ BirdMAPPING adds a whole new dimension to your birding and is a contribution, through citizen science, to a better understanding of our bird life!

GLOSSARY:

BBD – BIRDING BIG DAY: The annual BirdLife South Africa Birding Big Day is a fun, yet competitive day for South Africa’s birdwatchers, both beginners and competitive twitchers, while at the same time raising much- needed funds for the organisation’s important bird conservation and bird species monitoring work. Anyone can take part, anywhere in South Africa. Get a group of fellow birders together and visit your favourite birding spot; get the family together for a day out or just enjoy the birds in your garden. Let’s put the BIG back into Birding Big Day.

CAR - COORDINATED AVIFAUNAL ROADCOUNT: Large, conspicuous birds offer the opportunity to monitor their populations by using the road count technique where observations are made from vehicles covering fixed routes. The counts take place twice a year, once in midsummer and once in midwinter. Comparisons can then be made.

CWAC - COORDINATED WATERBIRD COUNT: a programme of regular mid-summer and mid-winter censuses at a large number of South African wetlands. All the counts are conducted by volunteers; people and organisations with a passion for waterbird conservation. It is one of the largest and most successful citizen science programmes in Africa, providing much-needed data for waterbird conservation around the world.

IBA - IMPORTANT BIRD AREA: The designation of a locality as an IBA means that it satisfies at least one of a set of strict criteria that define it as a site of importance for birds, thus providing scientific backing for the conservation argument and facilitating legal protection.

SABAP2 –SECOND SOUTHERN AFRICAN BIRD ATLAS PROJECT: the follow-up on the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (for which the acronym was SABAP, and which is now referred to as SABAP1). The first atlas project took place from 1987-1991. The current project is a joint venture between the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town, BirdLife South Africa and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The project aims to map the distribution and relative abundance of birds in southern Africa and the atlas area includes South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SABAP2 was launched in Namibia in May 2012. The second atlas project started on 1 July 2007 and plans to run indefinitely. The field work for this project is done by more than a thousand volunteers, known as citizen scientists - they collect the data from the field at their own cost and in their own time and as such, they make a huge contribution to the conservation of birds and their habitat. The unit of data collection is the pentad, five minutes of latitude by five minutes of longitude, squares with sides of roughly 9 km. There are 17000 pentads in the original atlas area of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, and a further 10000 in Namibia.

mailto:[email protected]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_African_Bird_Atlas_Project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_African_Bird_Atlas_Project

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Demography_Unit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Demography_Unit

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Cape_Town

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BirdLife_South_Africa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SANBI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swaziland

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_scientists

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NOTES

1. Always consult a map before leaving home or the AA for routes, toll gate costs and road works. GPS coordinates (where applicable) have been sourced from the internet or from the venue and it should be noted that accuracy, completeness, reliability, usability or suitability cannot be guaranteed. WBC assumes no responsibility for incorrect results or damages resulting from the use of the data.

2. Entrance fees may apply at some venues and these may have been revised by the time of publication. 3. Before the walk please advise your leader of any medical problems. 4. If you have booked for a weekend away/ outing/ event requiring payment, but you are unable to attend

and if you haven’t cancelled before the due date, you are still liable to pay the Club. We have to pay the venues very shortly after the due date mentioned in the programme. Too many losses are incurred because members are neither cancelling nor paying for their bookings. If your payment is not received by the due date, we will have to cancel your booking/ reservation.

5. PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR WEEKENDS AWAY AND OUTINGS You may make your payments for weekends away and other outings in any of the following ways:

a. Preferably pay directly into the Wits Bird Club Bank account and email deposit slip to [email protected] Banking details as follows:

BANK – NEDBANK CRESTA BRANCH CODE: 191-305 ACCOUNT NO: 1913 257 789 NAME OF ACCOUNT: WITS BIRD CLUB

b. Bring your cheque or cash to the WBC office between 09h00 and 15h00 on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

c. Please note NO CREDIT CARD FACILITY. d. Please assist the Club to minimise exorbitant banking fees by paying by Electronic Funds

Transfer (EFT) wherever possible.

RULES REGARDING BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS OF OUTINGS:

A booking for an outing or weekend away will only be confirmed once a deposit has been received; If the cost is below R1000, payment in full must be paid on booking; If the cost of the outing/weekend is over R1000 a 50% deposit must be paid on booking; In all cases 25% will be non-refundable to cover costs; The final 50% must be paid one week prior to the closing date; Non-members accompanied by members are welcome. For weekend outings and courses, an

additional administration fee of 20% may be payable.

NB: Grading of outings - distance to be walked or steepness of terrain Most outings are grade we will therefore only show grades and on the programme Please note the following:

An easy stroll suitable for people of all ages and abilities A comfortable but slightly challenging walk (e.g. uneven terrain with some gradient) A strenuous / challenging walk (fairly long distances covered, or steep gradients, or difficult terrain)

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT:

Lauraine Leigh, Wits Bird Club Office, Delta Park Environmental Centre Office Hours: 09h00-15h00 Tuesdays and Wednesdays

PHONE: 011 782 7267 • FAX: 086 512 7696 • EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.witsbirdclub.org.za

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.witsbirdclub.org.za/

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