🌿 BeKZN Birding Diary Summary – January 2026

For details visit the BeKZN Diary page or the WhatsApp groups in the BeKZN community

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🟢 BeKZN Walk: Virginia Bush Nature Reserve
⏰  Medium terrain | 🌳 Hosted by Carryn Smith
A lush pocket of coastal forest in Durban North, ideal for early summer forest birding.
🔭 Expect sightings of Narina Trogon, Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbill, and Green Malkoha — elusive species that reward patience and quiet walking.
🎯 A must for forest bird lovers and photographers alike.

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🟢 BeKZN Stake-out: Msinsi Nature Reserve
⏰ 07h30 | Easy terrain | 🌿 Hosted by Jenny Norman
Part of UKZN’s natural heritage, this small forest reserve offers surprising diversity in a compact space.
🎯 Possible species: Black-bellied Starling, Brimstone Canary, Square-tailed Drongo, Thick-billed Weaver, and Large Rock Martin.
🧭 Excellent for a relaxed morning of urban-adjacent birding.

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🔵 BeKZN Talk: CWAC Counts & Citizen Science
⏰ Online (Zoom) | 🎤 Presented by David Ehlers Smith (BirdLife South Africa)
💬 Learn why Common Waterbird Counts (CWAC) are vital, how data helps conservation, and how YOU can get involved.
📣 This talk aims to prep participants for Saturday’s field count.
🧠 Bonus: tips on waterbird ID and counting techniques.

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🔴 BeKZN Conservation | CWAC Count: uMngeni Estuary & Bayhead
⏰ 09h00 | Easy terrain | 🌊 Led by Steve Davis
Join the BeKZN team for this national citizen science initiative.
🦆 Start at the Green Hub (uMngeni River mouth), then on to the Bayhead wetlands.
📋 Bring: binoculars, hat, water, snacks, clipboard (if you have one!)
🎯 All skill levels welcome — if you can count and spot a Grey Heron or Blacksmith Lapwing, you can contribute!