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