KZN Birds | Issue 70 | #1/23

Vagrants and rarities in KZN were many and varied, some with significant meaning

An Exciting Summer , Ntsikeni

New collaborations bring new hope

Mark Liptrot tells us about an intense bird finding trip

Editorial Team

Prof Anthony Forbes (Ticky) | Editor

Nicolette Forbes | Layout and Design

Tony Coetzer |Advertising

Contributors

Hugh Chittenden

Tony Coetzer

Steve Davis

Ticky Forbes

Nicolette Forbes

Sean Glynn

Mark Liptrot

Published by the BirdLife KZN Forum proudly affiliated with BirdLife South Afria

Full page photo opposite | Half-collared Kingfisher by Roger Hogg

KZN Birds is the quarterly digital magazine of the regional BirdLife KZN Forum and also acts as the communication tool of the KZN bird clubs.

If you would like to contribute to future issues of KZN Birds please send photos, short articles or feature articles to the editor@birdlifekznforum.org following the guidelines and timelines below.

Deadline for article and photo submission during 2023

Issue #71: 22 May 2023

Issue #72: 21 August 2023

Issue #73: 20 November 2023

Submission guidelines

Photos:

• Images must be submit ted with captions via email to editor@birdlifekznforum

• Width: 1920 pixels max

• Height : 1080 pixels max

• File Size: must not exceed 2MB

• No borders or watermarks - photograph credits will be included with the caption

Articles: if you would like to submit short or feature articles please send a title and three line paragraph indicating the contents and the editor will respond.

Cover Photo | European Nightjar by Nicolette Forbes Taken at Simbithi Eco-Estate, Ballito, KZN with thanks to Brian Roberts for providing access to see the bird.

FEATURES

Thank you Crystelle

A goodbye and thank you to the previous Editor of KZN Birds who stepped down in 2022 after fourteen years

A Summer to Remember

KZN had a bumper crop of rarities and great birds during the summer of 22/23

20 Ntsikeni Collaborations

Hopeful and moving forward. Ntsikeni Nature Reserve a Beacon of Hope for Conservation in KZN

18 Diving deep into Zululand

A trip into Zululand to look for missing specials as told by Mark Liptrot

REGULAR ITEMS

6 From the Editor & From the Chair

14 Members Meanderings

Roger Hogg describes his thoughts and experience on his trip to see the White Wagtail

16 Birds Up-close | Oxpeckers

Steve Davis tells us more about Oxpeckers

22 Hugh’s Views | Interesting

Bird Observations Hugh describes the foraging of road kill by a Bateleur

28 Birds in Focus

Photos sent in from birders showcasing birds seen in KZN and beyond.

32 CHAIRS CHIRPS

News from the BirdLife affiliated bird clubs around KZN

32 BirdLife Sani

18 Adventure Series BLSA Photo Competition

27 BeKZN Events and Challenge 2023 In my Backyard

33 BirdLife eThekwini KZN

32 BirdLife KZN Midlands

35 Ladysmith Birders

UPCOMING NEWS AND EVENTS FROM BLSA

Roger Hogg

Flock to the Wilderness

From the Editor

Dear readers,

Welcome to the first issue of KZN Birds for 2023, which is under a new editorial team. We are thrilled to introduce our Layout and Design Editor, Nicolette Forbes, who brings her significant artistic and computing skills to the table to provide a fresh new look as we start this exciting year. KZN Birds issues will now be going out quarterly again. The dates for article and photo submission are included on page 2 so please take note of these and send us your articles, photos and short stories.

This issue features some bird-linked advertisers, a new development for KZN Birds and one which we hope highlights the services, accommodation and other bird related services to KZN birders. Tony Coetzer has joined our editorial team to coordinate this aspect, and we are confident that these advertisements will add value to our readers. This issue is packed with exciting stories, including contributions from our members and fact-filled specialist

contributions. Our members have also shared their stunning photographs of bird sightings from around the province, providing a wonderful overview of our feathered friends. As a publication dedicated to the study and appreciation of birds, we hope to continue to inspire and inform our readers with the latest news and developments in the world of birdwatching. We invite you to send in your articles, short stories, and photographs with captions to be featured in upcoming issues.

We look forward to your continued support and contributions.

Ticky Forbes Editor-in-Chief KZN Birds

From the Chair | BL KZN Forum

KZN. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who made this event possible.

As Chair of the BirdLife KZN Forum I am very pleased to welcome you to a year of birding with the KZN affiliated bird clubs and the celebration of KZN in this first edition of KZN Birds for 2023. We are also thrilled to announce that we are back to a quarterly release of our magazine, KZN Birds, which focuses on birds and birding in KZN. Our team is working diligently to bring you the latest news, events, and features on our feathered friends.

We are also excited to reflect on our recent March Forum meeting in Ladysmith, which was a huge success. A full article will be inlcluded in the next issue #71. It was a pleasure to see so many passionate members of our community come together to share their experiences and knowledge of birds in

Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating our upcoming September Forum in Zululand, where we will be based at Bonamanzi. We are confident that this event will be just as successful and informative as our March meeting. We can’t wait to explore the avian wonders of this region with our fellow bird enthusiasts.

While we are always sad to see committee members resign we thank Doug Bell and Crystelle Wilson for their work on the KZN Forum Committee. The March meeting saw the appointment of the 2023 committee and we are proud to introduce the committee, which consists of the Chairs of the BirdLife Affiliated Clubs - Peter Nelson (Ladysmith Birders), Tony Coetzer (BirdLife Sani), Sean Glynn (BirdLife KZN Midlands), and Nicky Forbes (BirdLife eThekwini KZN), who will work under the dedicated office bearers; Secretary Carron Dove, Treasurer Tony Coetzer, and Editor of KZN Birds Ticky Forbes. I am thrilled

to have been voted back as Chair of BirdLife KZN Forum and I look forward to working with this wonderful team for what is ramping up to be an exciting year.

We are also joined at the committee meetings by representatives of a number of relevant organisations, namely the KZN Rarities Committee, KZN Ornithological Trust, and the SABAP2 KZN representative. Their expertise and dedication to our cause will undoubtedly contribute to our success.

We are excited for what this year has in store and we hope to see you at our upcoming events.

Happy birding!

Nicolette Forbes Chair BirdLife KZN Forum / BirdLife eThekwini KZN

A Goodbye and Thank You to Crystelle Wilson, Editor of KZN Birds (2009-2022)

constituting a minimum of 1 600 hours of continuous bird monitoring.

Crystelle Wilson advised the BirdLife KZN Forum committee in November 2022 after producing KZN Birds Issue #69 that she was retiring as editor of this fabulous e-mag. She has done an absolutely sterling job acting as editor for an amazing 14 years, taking over from David Allan. During that time Crystelle produced an incredible 48 issues. This effort was recognised by BLSA in 2022 with an Owl Award.

Crystelle has been birding for more than 45 years and is a longstanding member of BirdLife South Africa, having joined BirdLife eThekwini KZN when it was BirdLife Port Natal in 2008. On moving to Howick in 2016, she also joined the KZN Midlands branch. She became involved in the first Southern Africa Bird Atlas Project in her mid-twenties. Birding then took a back seat while she worked as a journalist, got married and became involved in other projects. She was delighted when the second atlas project kicked off in 2007, which gave her hobby a new focus again. She is a committed atlasser and her contribution has been a sterling effort. She was actively involved in SABAP1which ran from 19871991 and, subsequently, with SABAP2 commencing in October 2007 and continuing until the present time.

In summary she has contributed 845 full protocol cards across 168 pentads spread across RSA

Crystelle is perhaps most widely known as the editor of KZN Birds, the official magazine of the KwaZuluNatal bird clubs affiliated to BirdLife South Africa, a position she took up in 2009. “KZN Birds” is the official magazine of the KZN bird clubs affiliated to BirdLife South Africa. This magazine was at that time a printed publication for which Crystelle sought authors and photographers for interesting and informative articles and good quality photographs which she then compiled into the final publication. The publication has regular articles on conservation, projects, bird notes and observations, club news and activities, honorary recorders report on rarities, notices, advertisements and other informative content. KZN Birds is eagerly looked forward to by club members and others. She was responsible for arranging the printing and distribution of the hard copy magazine with assistance from club members. Crystelle was concerned when the decision was made to go digital from a hard copy format to an electronic format, but she rose to the occasion and the transition was smooth.

In 2012 she was a recipient of Birdlife South Africa’s Owl award recognising these efforts and in particular her coordination and work to ensure that KZN Birds continued successfully.

On behalf of the BirdLife KZN Forum committee we extend our sincere thanks to Crystelle for her years of hard work as Editor of this magazine and we hope that she enjoys having more time for birding.

Sean Glynn and Nicolette Forbes Chair BirdLife KZN Midlands and Chair BirdLife KZN Forum

Last three issues of KZN Birds by Crystelle

Crystelle photographing birds

A Summer to Remember for KZN

First a little bit about beautiful KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as we have readers from all over the world reading this magazine.

KwaZulu-Natal is the best!

KwaZulu-Natal is a province on South Africa’s east coast. With the Indian Ocean forming its shoreline it is graced with a warm, subtropical climate with high levels of humidity throughout the year. Only two distinct seasons make up the beautiful mild climate with a dry, cooler season from May to August and a hot, wet season from November to March. During the wet season, thunderstorms are common and accompanied by heavy rainfall.

Diversity of habitat

KZN has a varied topography, ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions forming one of the steepest gradient coastlines in the world. It moves from the eastern coastal areas bordered by the warm Indian Ocean in the east and the Drakensberg mountains in the West.

The coastal plains are characterised by sandy beaches, dunes and wetlands. The inland areas of the province have grasslands and mountains, with the Drakensberg Mountains forming the western border of the province.

The vegetation is diverse and includes subtropical coastal forests and mistbelt higher altitude forests, savannas, grasslands, and wetlands. The province is also home to a number of unique and endemic plant species.

The coastal region is characterised by dense coastal forests, estuaries with mangroves, wetlands and salt-marsh, while the inland areas are dominated by savannas and grasslands.

KwaZulu-Natal a birdwatchers paradise

KZN is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 600 bird species recorded in the province (South Africa has a total of

just over 850). This is attributable to the diverse range of habitats, climate and topography. Some of the iconic bird species found in KZN include the Southern Ground Hornbill, Blue Crane, and African Fish Eagle. The province is also home to a number of localised bird species, including Pink-throated Twinspot, Woodward’s Batis and Rudd’s Apalis to name a few.

The Summer of 22/23

The summer of 22/23, stretching from November to March, has brought a wide range of vagrants, migrants and bird species some of which have never been recorded in South Africa before.

November 2022 saw a flurry of bird sightings across the province, as the migrants started arriving in full force offering exciting opportunities for bird enthusiasts to start their summer birding exploring the region’s diverse habitats.

Highlights in early November 2022 were the sightings of two Green Sandpiper, one in Underberg, near Castleburn Resort, and another on the uMfolozi estuary.

A Rufous-bellied Heron (see photo overleaf) returned to the uMbogavango Nature Reserve in Amanzimtoti, while a male Pennantwinged Nightjar was reported to have been seen at Southbroom Bowling Club. However, subsequent searches did not manage to relocate this bird again.

The sighting reports started coming in fast as the summer kicked in with Broad-billed Roller seen just south of Mtunzini, and a Sooty Falcon reported flying up Riverhorse Valley, in the northern Durban suburbs.

At Mpempe Pan as many as six Caspian Plovers remained and a Rufous-bellied Heron was still present at Amazibu hide in the Eastern Shores Section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Coastal Forest

Rivers and Riverine Forest

Estuaries and Mangroves

Coast and Sea

Montane

Later in November, a Woodland Kingfisher was spotted in a garden in Wartburg and remained there for several days while an African Crake was reported on a farm in New Hanover.

The end of November, however delivered a megatwitch to KZN when a rare sighting of White Wagtail was reported from a sludge deposit alongside the Sappi Stanger factory in Stanger. This sighting drew them in and many local twitchers as well as a few from further afield flocked to see this rare visitor. Roger Hogg sent in his personal account of this sightings - see his experience described at the end of this article. A Western Yellow Wagtail was also found in the same area, adding to incentive to visit the site.

The excitment continued through December and we were only into the second month of summer. This saw the reports starting with the second sighting of White Wagtail in Stanger’s Sappi wetlands. The bird was spotted on Tuesday and entertained many twitchers before it disappeared overnight and was not seen again. At the same location, twitchers also spotted at least one Lesser Jacana.

A female Golden Pipit turned up again for the summer at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Zululand and a Sooty Falcon was reported from the Eucalyptus trees in Mbazwana in northern KZN and another individual near Mtunzini.

Excitement levels ramped up with the reports of an immature Crab Plover discovered on the banks of the lower uMlalazi Estuary, Mtunzini, where it drew the attention of many birdwatchers.

Also noteworthy were two sightings of three Yellow-billed Oxpecker on the Munyawana Conservancy before and after Christmas.

As December and the year started drawing to a close, the Crab Plover was still present at the uMlalazi Estuary, with the addition of a Eurasian Oystercatcher. The four Caspian Plover remained at Mpempe Pan and further west two Lesser Moorhen were reported from Nambiti Private Game Reserve.

The last few days of December showed that 2022 wasn’t yet finished with the twitchers. An excellent sighting and record of a Thick-billed Cuckoo seen on the Sand Forest walk at Ndumo Game Reserve on the 29 December 2022 had people hopping, while a juvenile Capped Wheatear was seen just off the boardwalk at the Lake St Lucia Estuary mouth - the first of what would be some extraordinary sightings in the iSimangaliso Park.

Northern Zululand, specifically Muzi and Mpempe Pans, continued to deliver specials with Caspian Plover, Allen’s Gallinule, Western Marsh Harrier, and an Ayres’s Hawk Eagle reported from these areas.

White Wagtail | Roger Hogg

Rufous-bellied Heron at uMbogovango Nature Reserve | Annelie Mynhardt

Crab plover at Mtunzini | Roger Hogg

Juvenile Capped Wheatear at the Lake St Lucia Estuary in January 2023| Nicolette Forbes

The next three months from January to March 2023 provided a smorgasbord of new ticks for many birders with one of these records being a highly significant and emotional one for the author.

The reports and specials came through from all over KZN at quite a pace. The species over this time included Dwarf Bittern at Waterford Farm in Gingindlovu, as well as in uMkhuze Game Reserve and while the upland birders were treated to regular Red-footed Falcon along the Bushmansnek road near Underberg.

A Bronze-winged Courser in rural Uvongo and one in Nambiti Private Game Reserve added this species to their list. Pearl-breasted Swallow at Saxony Wildlife and an immature Lesser Grey Shrike at Lake Eland started providing excitement in other areas of KZN beyond the Zululand specials that we kicked off with.

A slew of waterbirds west of Pietermaritzburg with Lark-like Bunting on Sani Pass, Black Heron south of Mooi River, Blacknecked Grebe at Luthuli Sanctuary Dam in Nambiti Private Game Reserve (Ladysmith area) and a Lesser Moorhen on a farm dam in Nottingham Road. It wasnt long before Zululand started competing

again with records of two Blacknecked Grebe at Sutton Dam on the Munyawana Conservancy providing a rare record - only six previous records for KZN - a Hooded Vulture at Sungulwana Game Lodge and a Bulwer’s Petrel in poor condition found alongside the Ngoboseleni Estuary at Sodwana Bay in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The bird was picked up and taken into care at a rehab center in Durban.

Not a dull moment so far and March had more to give. Lesser Moorhen

continued to be picked up at a number of locations including Simbithi Ecoestate in Ballito, Nottingham Road, and in the Western Shores section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

A Temmincks courser was reported from Fig Tree Farm in Hillcrest and then even more surprisingly turned up at the old airport site in iSiphingo. But there is one of the rarities and specials not yet discussed ...

Temmincks Courser in Isipingo Durban, in February 2023 | Nicolette Forbes

European Nightjar at Simbithi Eco-estate in January 2023 | Nicolette Forbes

Thick-billed Cuckoo in Ndumo Nature Reserve | Roger Hogg

African Crake | Roger Hogg

Keeping the best for last, the one sighting not mentioned, came four days into January 2023 and stayed.

The incredible news of the sighting of three African Skimmer at the mouth of the Lake St Lucia estuary produced a very visceral reaction in the lead author. This species has been considered to be extinct as a breeding bird in South Africa and was last recorded breeding in the mouth area of the Lake St Lucia estuary in 1943.

Although there have been scattered records of mostly singletons over the years, particularly from northern South Africa, this species is still considered a national rarity in the country.

The significance of this record and the delight which their prolonged stay has continued to evoke requires further explanation. I was for almost a decade from 2010 contracted by the iSimangaliso Authority to manage the component of the GEF-funded iSimangaliso World Heritage Site programme that dealt with the restoration of the Lake St Lucia estuary. Part of the project

involved supervisory missions from the administratorys of the fund, the World Bank and one of the people involved was their ecologist Dr George Ledec. George like me is a demented twitcher who has a world bird list in excess of 6 500 (all seen).

Restoration of the Lake St Lucia estuary often had George and I discussing how we would recognise when the restoration goals had been achieved. During these discussions George kept pushing for an indicator, a difficult in an estuarine context because these systems and particularly Lake St Lucia naturally fluctuate through a variety of statesfrom fresh, to brackish to hypersaline depending on rainfall and river flows.

Eventually, given George’s bird obsession and knowing that African Skimmer had bred at Lake St Lucia before the intense manipulation of the estuary began, I volunteered tongue-in-cheek that “when the African Skimmers come back we will have got there”.

This became the oft-repeated aspirational ending of my many

presentations (165 in all), on the restoration of the Lake St Lucia estuary. It was there as a hope and and dream ending which people who have heard my presentation might remember.

The presence of these three skimmers in the Lake St Lucia Estuary area over the last few months generated a YES! At last! heartful response to an incredibly challenging, rewarding but stressful period. And the three birds are still there voting with their wings and beaks...

These sightings are just a teaser of the variety of bird species that can be observed in KZN. From the rarities seen this past summer, Green Sandpiper to the White Wagtail, and with the huge complement of resident species KZN is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a casual observer, KZN’s diverse habitats offer something for everyone. So pack your binoculars and head out to explore the natural beauty of KZN, you never know what feathered friends you might find.

Text | Nicolette Forbes

African Skimmer at the Lake St Lucia Estuary | Paul Goslin

The beautiful Lake St Lucia Estuary in the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site which hosts so many KZN specials | Nicolette Forbes

The bird-busy mouth area of the Lake St Lucia Estuary can keep birders and photographers amused for hours | Nicolette Forbes

African Cuckoo Hawk, Eastern Shores section of Lake St Lucia Estuary, iSimangaliso World Heritage Site | Nicolette Forbes

Members Murmurings

Roger Hogg tells us what is so great about birding using a story about his experience in search of the White Wagtail

I had the privilege of growing up on a dairy farm at the base of the Sani Pass. From an early age I was exposed to nature at it’s best and ran wild in two magnificent farming districts, Underberg and Kokstad.

It is only in the last decade however, that our family have been captivated and captured by all things bird and the photographic opportunities that it has brought. I admittedly have contracted the more infectious variety of the bird bug, but my wonderful daughters and long suffering bride have also felt touched by the magic.

In the company of an equally infected group of friends from Mtunzini and broader KZN, we compete, inspire and learn from each other with a camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere, and impossible to beat. It is the basis of so many adventures and memorable moments.

So it’s not just about the birds, it’s also about the journey, the unexpected experiences that never grow old. An age-old connection with nature at its best. There are rules to this exclusive bird loving club. We do not believe the long stories of the fishermen about the one that got away. We aim for proof, confirmation of every new record or sighting with solid, enviably well-shot photographs to seal the deal.

With advances in photographic equipment this is now in reach of all of us. So it was with great excitement

that we heard about the rare and elusive White Wagtail on a rainy Sunday morning, less than an hours drive from home. My mate Liam and I locked and loaded the car and set off with high hopes. Little did we know our birding expedition would start with a three-hour trial-by-mud as the car sank up to its axels in thick black mud on the edge of the sugar cane field. Maybe the worst of road conditions to find yourself in. A very slow, very long, very smelly job to try and dig and lift and slowly ease the car forward meter by meter.

Meanwhile the wagtails movements are being broadcast far and wide and we feel like the only ones who cannot get there. A burst tyre and a final tow from a farming friend and we were on the road again and back in pursuit, caked with mud but enthusiasm undimmed. We were rewarded by the most amazing sighting, not only a White Wagtail but also a Western Yellow Wagtail as a bonus.

Everything else was forgotten - if you don’t make an effort how can you appreciate the prize! It’s why we bird, the challenges, the journey, the friendship. Always another bridge to cross, magnificent habitats to explore, complex behaviour to understand and, of course, brighter, sharper, and more evocative images to capture.

Text and photos Roger Hogg

“So it’s not just about the birds, it’s also about the journey, and the unexpected experiences that never grow old.”

Roger Hogg

Stuck in the mud (left)

Rescue mission underway, incrementally (right)

Muddy but on our way again (left)

Finally joining the mob to bird the specials (right)

Got it - the White Wagtail captured!

Western Yellow Wagtail adds to the bonus

Something to peck about...

but also the large number of cattle combined with the more responsible use (or diminished use) of cattle dips to kill ticks. The previous use of arsenicbased dips was to blame for the near extermination of oxpeckers in South Africa.

During the last four years of our birding travels, we have been fortunate to encounter on several occasions members of one of the several bird families unique to Africa, namely the oxpeckers (Buphagidae). Sadly, we have not yet encountered Yellowbilled Oxpeckers, as our birding trips have not yet extended as far as the Kruger National Park, and, although they were reintroduced to the Umfolozi Game Reserve in 1986, they appear not to have survived.

They were not recorded in the “Bird Atlas of Natal” by Cyrus and Robson during the period 1970-1979, some records appear in the SABAP 1 records from Umfolozi and

Hluhluwe (1987-1992) post reintroduction, but the SABAP2 database has no records for KZN since its commencement in July 2007.

By contrast, the Red-billed Oxpecker is far more widespread, and indeed, appears to be increasing its range and numbers. It has been recorded in almost all provinces of South Africa, as far west as Cape Town, widely in the Addo Elephant National Park, and throughout KZN. We have a resident population in the Tala Game Reserve near Eston and have even recorded them in Durban from time to time. Their wide distribution could be due to many game farms in KZN,

A wide variety of “host” mammals has been recorded, namely giraffe, kudu, sable, white and black rhino, Burchell’s zebra, Cape buffalo, impala and warthog, as well as domestic animals such as donkeys and cattle. Interestingly, elephant and waterbuck seem not to tolerate oxpeckers, and, despite seeing hundreds of elephant during our December 2022 Zululand holiday, we could not find any picture of an oxpecker on an elephant, nor any on blue wildebeest. However, we did manage to find pictures of Red-billed Oxpeckers on ten species of mammal, some of which are illustrated here.

The most frequent hosts appeared to be impala and giraffe, with buffalo also commonly used. There were a few instances of white rhinos, warthog or kudu being cleaned, and we did come across one nyala with oxpeckers, which is not mentioned in Roberts VII. We would welcome club members letting us know of any other mammals that they have seen oxpeckers on, especially if they have been photographed.

Text and photos Steve Davis

BirdLife eThekwini KZN | Conservation Co-ordinator Honorary President and KZN Honorary Recorder

An adult and juvenile Red-billed oxpecker

Two adult Red-billed Oxpeckers shout the odds on the back of a Cape Buffalo

Various mammals benefit from the oxpeckers with Nyala (above), Kudu (top right) and Warthog (bottom right) included here..

A white rhinoceros tolerates a Redbilled Oxpecker digging in his ear (above)

Events and News from BLSA

BirdLife South Africa, with the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology (University of Cape Town) will host the 6th Learn About Birds (LAB) Conference during BirdLife South Africa’s Flock to Wilderness at The Wilderness Hotel, Wilderness from 24-28 May 2023. The LAB Conference was originally established to provide a platform for laymen and scientists to present their research, share their knowledge and network with ornithologically inclined people and birding enthusiasts from across South Africa and the world.

LAB is hosted in conjunction with the Fitz and the event hosts two parallel sessions directed at slightly different audiences. The Science LAB is run as a typical scientific conference with 20-minute slots for scientific presentations as well as the additional posters and/or speed talk sessions. In parallel to the Science LAB is the Layman’s LAB, which hosts longer format talks of approximately 45 minutes, and is pitched at a non-scientifically inclined audience, a similar format to those of our current Conservation Conversations webinars. LABs are typically joined to a BirdLife South Africa Flock AGM event and assist with bringing delegates to a venue and offering them interesting talks, birding excursions and entertainment to try and secure the needed quorum for the AGM meeting.

NESTLED AWAY ALONG THE SANI PASS ROAD IS THE IDEAL GETAWAY SPOT, OFFERING AN: OFF-GRID SOLAR-POWERED TWO-BEDROOM EIGHT-SLEEPER COTTAGE BOASTING THE PERFECT VIEW NEAR A LOCAL DAM. DIEU DONNE IS ALSO: PET-FRIENDLY & OFFERS KAYAKING.

FOR THE AVID BIRDWATCHERS AND FISHING ENTHUSIASTS, DIEU DONNE COTTAGE HUMBLY PROVIDES: A GREAT ASSORTMENT OF WATER FOWL WADERS AND RAPTORS. NOT TO MENTION, BASS- AND TROUT-FISHING. COME AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY THAT IS THE SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG.

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve Collaborations

A Beacon of Hope for Conservation in KwaZulu-Natal

Monitor at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve as of 1st December 2022.

With Dalu’s appointment, there is hope for significant progress towards conservation at the reserve. He will work closely with BirdLife South Africa’s White-winged Flufftail Project Manager on trialling methods to show the White-winged Flufftail to the public at the reserve, assist with biosecurity enforcement, and provide additional support to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife with the management of the wetland within the reserve. Additionally, he will be involved as a bird guide to all birders visiting Ntsikeni Nature Reserve and play an important role in the lodge.

Nestled in the lush hills of KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is a unique and biodiverse ecosystem that is home to a wealth of plant and animal species, including the critically endangered White-winged Flufftail. However, despite its ecological significance, the reserve has been facing several challenges that have hindered its effective conservation.

One of the biggest issues at the reserve has been severe understaffing and underfunding, resulting in annual uncontrolled fires, poor law enforcement, and invasive alien species encroachment. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure and marketing support has hampered tourism, which could potentially contribute to the reserve’s funding and conservation efforts.

However, there is hope for the future of Ntsikeni Nature Reserve. BirdLife South Africa, a partner of BirdLife International, has developed an action plan for the reserve and established working relationships with local traditional organizations, Ezemvelo Wildlife, and surrounding farmers to prioritize the conservation of the White-winged Flufftail.

Recognizing the importance of Ntsikeni’s biodiversity and the need for urgent action, BirdLife Sani and BirdLife eThekwini KZN stepped in with significant donations. The two organizations donated R25,000 each including a further R3 000 from BirdLife eThekwini KZN which they raised from book sales at the last BirdLife KZN Forum to support the employment of an on-site manager, with BirdLife South Africa aiming to contract Dalu Ngcobo for an initial 12-month period. Dalu, who has previously acted in this role with the support of Malcolm and Gail Gemmell, has been appointed as a Community Bird Guide and Environmental

The donation and appointment of Dalu is a gamechanger, generating much-needed momentum for further funding and action towards conserving the vital wetland. It is hoped that this seed funding backed with a workable action plan with all-round support will go a long way in changing the longterm future of the reserve. BirdLife South Africa is committed to providing regular updates on Dalu’s involvement and progress towards conservation efforts at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve.

In conclusion, Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is a critical site for the conservation of several endangered species, and the recent donations and appointment of Dalu Ngcobo are significant steps towards addressing the challenges facing the reserve. By working together and taking action, we can make a real difference in the protection and preservation of the natural world.

Tony Coetzer Chair|BirdLife Sani and Treasurer|BirdLife KZN Forum

Dalu Ngcobo guiding a birder around the reserve

Dalu Ngcobo working in the beautiful Ntsikeni Vlei

BirdLife South Africa’s been proudly

Africa’s Ntsikeni Project has proudly sponsored by:

Flyer reproduced by kind permission of BLSA

Hugh’s Views | Bird Observations

Juvenile Bateleur feeding on roadkill

In early March 2023, a juvenile bateleur swoops down onto a puffadder roadkill on a gravel road in the KNP.

The young bateleur assesses weight and size!

It then pulls the puffadder closer and stands on it!

Interestingly, the young raptor then decides to dismember the snake by pulling the head off! Note the head-section of the snake clenched in the Bateleur’s talons.

Then, with the head of the snake still clenched in the Bateleur’s right foot (marked), it starts to swallow the puffadder.

A close-up of the snake’s head below the eagle’s right foot (arrow).

The final photograph in the series was taken immediately after the Bateleur had picked up and swallowed the head.

So, the intriguing question is, why did the bateleur pull the head off in the first place? It ended up swallowing the small head section anyway!

Snake-eagles usually swallow snakes whole, and head-first!

Text and Photos | Hugh Chittenden

Diving Deep into some Zululand Hot-spots

From 16-19 December, a group of avid birders visited various birding sites in Zululand, South Africa. Led by experienced guide, Dave Rimmer of Kingdom Birding Ecotours, we visited several birding sites, including Emoyeni, Mtunzini, Manyoni Game Reserve, the Lake St Lucia False Bay section of the iSimangaliso World Heritage Site, and Pongola Nature Reserve. The weather was a mix of bright sun, cloudy and cool, and pouring rain, but we were prepared for all conditions. Our primary goal was to spot new bird species, and we were fortunate enough to get both bird and butterfly lifers. In total, we visited eleven different birding sites over the course of four days.

Our first day began with a visit to Emoyeni grasslands, inland of Fairbreeze mine near Mtunzini on the lookout for Black Coucal, a lifer

species for most of us in the group. The bird obliged by sitting in plain sight, albeit at a distance. We also spotted two swallow species, Redbreasted and White-throated. Following our coucal sighting, a visit to uMlalazi Nature Reserve in Mtunzini to see if we could find the visiting juvenile Crab-plover. To see this uncommon KZN visitor required an endurance walk - a hard one hour march through soft sand at mid-tide, which some in the group chose to do barefoot, resulting in blisters. The reward was the sight of the plover at close range, and this made up for any hardship. We also observed a Palm-nut Vulture foraging on the sandbank, as well as a few Grey Plover and Sanderling. After three hours on the hot beach, we retired to the semi-forested estuary fringe, where we were entertained by several Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters.

Black coucal (below top left)

Palmnut Vulture (below bottom left)

The evening night drive in Manyoni Game Reserve yielded several owl species, including Wood, Barn, Scops, and Southern Whitefaced, and some Spotted Thickknee. A Southern Foam-nest Frog and Flap-necked Chameleon added interest to the evening. Unfortunately, nightjars were scarce. We finally returned to our accomodation around Mkhuze for the evening.

Our second day had us motoring in our own vehicles to Pongola Game Reserve (a stone’s throw from the Golela border post with eSwatini), where we boarded the Manyoni game drive vehicle. The weather was gloomy with a

few scattered showers, but this did not deter us from enjoying this spectacular reserve. A variety of bird species was seen despite the unfavourable weather conditions. On our return to our accommodation, which we managed to do just before the heavens opened, we were delighted to encounter (by nearly running over) a 2m-long Black Mamba, a lifer for Dave Rimmer!

The third day was the busiest, driving to six different birding sites with the reward of some fantastic sightings. We began by visiting the False Bay section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which is situated on the

Sanderling doing what they do (right)

Crab Plover (above)

The group of avid birders (above)

north-western shores of the Lake St Lucia Estuary, The target bird here was Neergard’s Sunbird, which was found, although I was unable to get a decent shot. A Purple-banded Sunbird was discovered occupying a nest just above head-height, and a couple of the Zululand special African Yellow White-eyes were found. The weather then turned for the worse, but cleared up somewhat when we reached our next stop, the pans on the Nibela Peninsula. The birdlife was fantastic, with pelicans, pratincoles, and plovers in abundance. This was one of those times when you put your camera down and just enjoy the spectacle…a top birding site!

From Nibela, we moved on to Mpempe Pan where we were able to spot a Caspian Plover, a summer visitor that had temporarily taken up residence in the area. We were also able to spot the smaller Kittlitz’s Plover and the more localised Senegal Lapwing, as well as plenty of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. Our next stop was at Muzi Pan, where I took a detour from the group to

focus on my interest in butterflies, a pity in a way as I missed great sightings of Allen’s Gallinule.

In our quest to find a Sooty Falcon, we took a detour to Mbazwana, but unfortunately came away empty-handed. However, we were able to spot many butterflies including Boisduval’s Tree-nymphs and Dancing Telchinias.

On our way back to Bayala, we were lucky enough to spot a Broad-billed Roller on the gated and fenced public road through Phinda GR, which was a lifer for most of our group. Although we were not able to alight from our vehicle between the gates due to the threat of the “Big 5,” the sight of the Broad-billed Roller made the trip worthwhile.

On day 4, we started early and arrived at Manyoni by 5am, where we were greeted by the sight of an adult and two young Black-backed Jackals. We also encountered a belligerent large mammal that blocked our path

for several minutes before veering off into the undergrowth. Despite spending the rest of the morning searching for African Broadbill, we were unable to to find one.

Purple-banded sunbird (female) peering out of the nest (left)

Caspian Plover and Kittlitz Plover in the foreground providing a nice size comparison opportunity (below)

Senegal Lapwing (top) and Pinkthroated Twinspot (below)

Red-headed Weaver one of the more unusual species that can be seen in this area.

road-rage fueled roadhogs. However, the recounting of all the wildlife we had seen, particularly the memorable lifers, made the return journey bearable.

Overall, it was a truly worthwhile trip, made even better by the company of like-minded individuals who shared a passion for nature. Thanks to Dave our guide for providing us with the opportunity to witness all these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Text and Photos Mark Liptrot Black-bellied Bustard (male)

Send your interesting sightings, rare bird photos or just great pics of birds seen while you are out and about birding. Send any contributions in following the guidelines and deadline dates on page 2.

Birds in Focus

African Finfoot getting going | Roger Hogg

South African Shelduck (female) enjoys some sunshine at the flooded shale quarry in Nambiti Nature Reserve | Noleen Turner

Bronze-winged Courser in Nambiti Game Reserve | Noleen Turner

An exquisite capture of Whitefaced ducks against a water rainbox | Brandon Gould

Orange Ground-thrush | Brandon Gould

Lesser Jacana at Mpempe Pan during January 2023 | Roger Hogg

Plain-backed Sunbird | Roger Hogg

Green Twinspot (below left) and African Crake (right) during March 2023 |Roger Hogg

Lesser Spotted Eagle at Tala Game Reserve in December 2022 | Jenny Norman

Dwarf Bittern at uMkhuze Game Reserve | Annelie Mynhardt

Red-crested Korhaan hunkers down in Kruger National Park but those diagnostic white chevrons clearly show its identity | Geoff Peatling

Breeding Pink-backed Pelicans making house in the Durban Botanic Gardens | Geoff Peatling

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Chair’s Chirps

BirdLife Sani

I am delighted to share some exciting news with you all - our club BirdLife Sisonke has undergone a name and Logo change! We are now known as BirdLife Sani, a name that more accurately reflects our focus on birds and conservation in the Sani Pass region. This change was approved at our recent committee meeting and sent out to our members to vote on with the change being well received. We are thrilled to move forward under this new banner.

We are also proud to report that our membership continues to grow steadily, and we now have 56 members. This is a testament to the hard work of our committee and

the dedication of our members to promoting birding and conservation in our area.

I am also pleased to announce that we recently made a donation to BirdLife South Africa for the placement of Dalu as an environmental monitor and bird guide at Ntsikeni Vlei. Dalu was appointed on 1 December 2022 and will play a crucial role in preserving the vlei and its inhabitants, including the critically endangered white-winged flufftail.

This donation was made possible through the generous support of our members and a contribution from BirdLife eThekwini KZN. We

are thrilled to have secured Dalu an initial 12-month contract and look forward to seeing the impact of his work on the conservation of Ntsikeni Vlei.

We look forward to continuing our efforts to promote birding and conservation in the Sani Pass region and beyond. Thank you for your continued support of BirdLife Sani.

Tony Coetzer Chairman, BirdLife Sani

BirdLife KZN Midlands

Welcome to the new editorial team for KZN Birds and many thanks to Crystelle Wilson who ran the magazine for the last 14 years. As one of our members we will find her something else to do now that she has lots of spare time!

Sadly, our former membership Secretary and Honorary Life Member who retired in 2022, Pam Nicol, passed away on 1 February this year at the age of 92. She will be greatly missed.

We held our AGM on 18th February 2023 and Mike Spain completed his 4 year term as Honorary President and Drummond Densham was elected to the post. Thanks to Mike for his term and a welcome to Drummond, who does much for the club, to his new role

We held a course on basic Raptor Identification, presented by Tammy Caine from FreeMe Wildlife with the proceeds of R 4 800 in aid of Free Me this course clearly demonstrated the need for such types of education as the many of attendees were non-members or

newer birders. Consequently, we will be arranging for more courses later this year.

Midlands club is in effect now a member of the Karloof Conservation Centre- this entitles members to visit the hides at Gartmore as often as they like for a R 10 donation instead of the usual R 40. We plan to work with the Conservation Center to encourage people to join the club

Sean Glynn Chairperson BirdLife KZN Midlands

BirdLife eThekwini KZN

I am very pleased to report on the activities of our club since the last KZN Birds issue #69. The club held our 74th AGM on the 25 February 2023 at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club, and I am happy to say that it was a great success. In the words on the Welcome signs at the entrance it was a Flocking Fabulous affair. The club managed a bumper turnout with 153 members attending in person and a few visitors who immediately joined the club after the event. The flamingo theme was a hit, with everyone wearing a ‘touch of pink’ giving the room a lovely glow. It was wonderful to see so many members come together to celebrate our shared love of birds and nature.

Our guest speaker was James Hendry who did what he does so well - entertain and educate about the natural, wild world. James, Kirsten and their new daughter Ridley were given club membership as a thank you along with a Cape Parrot for Ridley and gift for James. A full report with all the prize winners is on our website (https://blpn.org/newstrip-reports/).

Flocking Fabulous

Welcome to BeKZN’s 74th AGM have some fun, Let’s get it done, en eat, drink & flamingle

The pink flamingos gracing either side of the stage (left) and the sign welcoming people to the event (right).

The room looked lovely with a definite pink glow from the decor and the members (below)

Jenny Norman was awarded an Honorary Life Membership. Ticky Forbes handing her the certificate and gift (above left). Saying goodbye to the members we lost in 2022 (above right)

Nicky led those present, in a toast to the birds and members past and present (above).

James Hendry, our guest speaker receives his Cape Parrot, the 2023 BLSA Bird of the Year fluffy

Our junior club members were also acknowledged - Up and Coming Birders, Aj Morris and Lucca Morris (top) receive their gifts and certificates from Zach Simpson and Most Outstanding birders Matthew and Nathan van der Meulen (right) receive their awards from junior co-ordinator Marco Franchini.

David Allan stepped down as Honorary President at the AGM and we welcomed Steve Davis into the post in absentia as he was attending a work trip in India.

Membership continues to grow, and we now have just over 600 members. This is a testament to the hard work of our committee and the dedication of our members. I am proud to say that the new committee has already met twice since the AGM, and the portfolios are being grown, building on the work done last year.Our monthly birding diary continues to produce around 6-8 activities per month for members to choose from, with different themes providing a range of different activities. This allows our members to explore and discover new bird species while also enjoying the outdoors with choices between walks of various difficulties, Sitins, Weekends-Away and online talks, identification courses and other discussions.

The club also continues to participate in outreach events, and two committee members, Nicolette and Ticky Forbes, provided a filmed interview to a communications expert from one of our BirdLife partners, Nature Conservation Egypt. This is a great example of how we are collaborating with other organizations to spread the message of our club and its activities for birders and bird conservation. The club also had a stand at the Kloof Conservancy Open Gardens event and many

of our club members attended the BirdLife KZN Forum in Ladysmith where a lot of fun, learning and birding was had by all. The club organised a BeKZN Bird Bus to assist members to get to the Forum and have a hassle free trip with transfers and lunches included.

The club continues to contribute to conservation in many ways, under Steve Davis’ co-ordination including regular bird counts conducted within the club calendar such as SABAP and CWAC, as well as other data collection and monitoring projects like Van Riebeek Park in partnership with eThekwini Municipality. We are also very proud of the financial contributions made to conservation this past year with a total of R85 000 being distributed to a range of projects, mainly those of BirdLife South Africa (Mouse Free Marion, Blue Swallow, Ntsikeni) but also to The Bateleurs and Westville Conservancy in support of Jubilee Park.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all our members for their continued support and participation in our club's activities. We look forward to another year of birding and conservation, and we invite all members to get involved and contribute to our shared mission.

Nicolette Forbes

Chair BirdLife eThekwini KZN and Chair BirdLife KZN Forum

The BeKZN bus all packed and ready to leave Durban.

Ticky and Nicolette Forbes led the bus trip and the group attended the talks, committee meeting and then birded and atlassed throughout the remainder of the weekend. The bus was lucky enough to be the only group to spot a serval in Ingula

(Above) A number of prizes were handed out to members for services to the club and conservation - here Marion Spence and John Hinck receive an award for their significant work in Jubilee Park, Westville.

Ladysmith Birders

The Ladysmith Birders were privileged to welcome the KZN Forum to our district during the weekend of 17-21 March 2023. More than 50 birders attended the Forum held at Ingula Nature Reserve and took the opportunity to visit some of the local birding hotspots. Ingula Nature Reserve proved to be a favourite with keen birders spending Saturday and Sunday on the site. A bouncy trip along the Free State roads and down Collins Pass also proved popular as did the water birds of Elandslagte.

Steve Davis’s talk on cisticolas larks and pipits proved extremely useful in the grasslands of Ingula, where LBJs lurk on every grass stalk, tempting birders into guessing identities. His descriptive and vocal presentation made a big difference.

A total of 256 species was recorded in the challenge area within 50km of Ladysmith by the 20 birders who recorded sightings on BirdLasser. This list included a few special additions, including Lesser Moorhen (Two sightings <Jenny and the BeKZN Bird Bus! 50km apart!) and even Red Billed Oxpecker which was subject of Ian King's descriptive talk on Saturday.

The birding focus moved to Spionkop and Winterton on Monday, with a spectacular display at the local Amur Falcon roost being a highlight. Birders returned to their home roosts on Tuesday, some stopping at Weenen Nature Reserve.

Big thanks to Ian Gracie for sponsoring and running the Braai at the Ladysmith Country Club on Saturday night, and to Mike, Lynn, Graham, Judy and Charles for being magnificent hosts. Big thanks also to Rob Irons and Mark Prinsloo for guiding in Spionkop, Winterton and Weenen Nature Reserve.

At the Ladysmith Birders, we hope that everyone enjoyed the visit as much as we did, and that we have done justice to the excellent birding in our district. You are all welcome to come back at any time and visit the many other areas not covered over the weekend.

Peter Nelson Chairperson Ladysmith Birders

N. Forbes

Serval spotted in Ingula by the BeKZN Bus guide, Nicolette Forbes.

N. Forbes

BirdLife KZN Forum 2023 Committee

Office Bearers

Chair | Nicolette Forbes (BirdLife eThekwini KZN)

Secretary | Carron Dove (BirdLife eThekwini KZN)

Treasurer | Tony Coetzer (BirdLife Sani)

Editor KZN Birds | Ticky Forbes (BirdLife eThekwini KZN)

BirdLife Affiliated Club Chairs (voting members)

Sean Glynn (BirdLife KZN Midlands)

Peter Nelson (Ladysmith Birders)

Otto Nel (BirdLife Northern KZN)

Nicolette Forbes (BirdLife eThekwini KZN)

Non-voting representatives invited to attend the BirdLife KZN Forum committee meeting:

Representatives from relevant KZN bird-related organisations invited to attend the committee meeting

KZN Rarities Committee | Chair/Secretary (TBA)

Natal Ornithological Trust | Steve Davis (BirdLife eThekwini KZN)

SABAP2 KZN representative | Cassie Carstens (BirdLife eThekwini KZN)

John Voelcker Bird Book Trust | ??

Bird Club Chairs from non-affiliated clubs always invited to attend the committee meeting

Chris MacDonald (Dolphin Coast Bird Club)

Carole Hills (Birdlife Zululand)

Harry Voorma (Mount Edgecombe Bird and Environment Club)

We hope you have enjoyed the birds and birding news from around the province in this issue of KZN Birds

Next Issue #71 will be published in mid-June please look at page 2 for deadlines and submission guidelines

It was a summer of plenty ...

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater feeding (as it should) on a bee

Photo | Roger Hogg