Past Activities 2022

Join us for a range of activities about everything birds!

2022 is going to be a great year to be birding…

ATTENTION: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Walks are restricted to 15 participants per leader first come first served basis.
Attendance at activities FREE for paid up club members.
Non-members R 50.00 p/p per outdoor activity and Webinars.

Note the following:
1. Booking to be done using our online forms – there is a link at the end of each activity description which you can just click on to link to the form – and each person attending must fill in a separate form to comply with COVID requirements.
2. The activity leader will set up a TEMPORARY WhatsApp for the outdoor activity to provide details and directions.
3. Some events allow us to picnic and socialise after so please look out for details regarding this.

If you are not able to attend a walk for whatever reason once you have booked
PLEASE
email activities@bekzn.org as soon as possible
so you can be removed from the list and give others a chance to take your place.

A reminder to use the link below each event to register before the talk to receive details

REMEMBER: All members attend everything FREE – easy to join just go to our online application form which takes less than 5 mins to complete.

2022

DECEMBER 2022

BeKZN Walks…
Saturday 3 december @06h00
SAPPI Wetlands hosted by Mike O’Donoghue

A return visit to an excellent waterbird venue with the possibility of rarities and specials being seen from the hide or the road. The last outing there had Greater Painted Snipe and Brown-throated Weaver. There is also a chance of unusual species such as African snipe, African rail, Baillon’s crake and Lesser Moorhen. There is usually a great variety of waterfowl and waders, that are starting to arrive back on our shores from their northern breeding grounds.This birding venue is very rewarding and time at the hide can produce a good list with good changes at times for more unusual species such as African and Painted snipe, African rail, Baillon’s crake, Lesser Moorhen. There is usually a great variety of waterfowl and waders, that are starting to arrive back on our shores from their northern breeding grounds.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/stZtdVsw581zXw8r7

1/12

BEKZN SIT-IN
THURSDAY 8 December @07h30
Portman PARK hosted by JENNY NORMAN

A visit to a new venue on our schedule, this is a small park in a suburb of Westville that local people look after. They’ve invited us to come and view their beautiful birds. These include Purple-crested Turaco, Green Woodhoopoe, African Hoopoe and three species of barbet. A property nearby has recorded Blue Waxbill so we will keep our eyes peeled.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/YB4v4yVELhGT9jM58

2/12

BeKZN END OF YEAR PARTY
sunday 11 December @09h00
hosted by STEVE DAVIS

To celebrate the end of the year and all the good things that have happened, an End of Year event will be held on Sunday 11 December starting at 09h00 at Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve in Yellowwood Park. First of all, there will be a fun event with prizes at an outdoor venue. There will be several rounds of different types so everyone will have a chance. For this, you will need to bring binoculars and a pen or pencil. Answer sheets will be provided.

After the fun and games, there will be a communal braai for all to relax and socialize. The club will be providing the fire, salads and rolls. You need to bring your meat of choice, drinks, cutlery, plates and chairs (and folding table if you like).

People are also welcome to do birding in the reserve before or after, but no guided walks will be arranged (you are not likely to get lost).

In order to facilitate catering and the fun event, please register at the link provided. Numbers will be limited so please book early. Bookings will close on 4 December 2022. Please note that there is a small entrance fee to the reserve.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/agNuubzNS3yuR44HA

3/12

NOVEMBER 2022

BeKZN Walks…
Saturday 5 Nov @06h00
SAPPI Wetlands hosted by RONNIE HERR

This birding venue is very rewarding and time at the hide can produce a good list with good changes at times for more unusual species such as African and Painted snipe, African rail, Baillon’s crake, Lesser Moorhen. There is usually a great variety of waterfowl and waders, that are starting to arrive back on our shores from their northern breeding grounds.

Read a previous trip report with photos here:
https://blpn.org/2020/02/09/mbozambo-wetlands-at-sappi-stanger/

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/Ji7vzsg6okpLEoh67

1/11

BeKZN Atlas
Sunday 6 Nov @06h00
Atlas Adventure osted Dave Rimmer

A chance to atlas a pentad that is not well covered.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/eyke8kteMm7eZJsEA

2/11

BEKZN SIT-IN
THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER @07h30
BRIDGEVALE PARK hosted by JENNY NORMAN

Bridgevale Park, Durban North is a wonderful place for new birders to learn the calls and identification of our urban birds. Please bring your chairs and refreshments. We will sit and observe and also walk to encounter new species.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/cxWB1o4WKrzWwqucA

3/11

THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER @18H00
KGALAGADI KALEIDOSCOPE – DURING THE RAINS BY NICOLETTE FORBES
ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM

Our guest speaker this month needs no introduction – Nicolette Forbes is the Chair of BirdLife eThekwini KZN, Chair of KZN Forum and a Director of BirdLife South Africa. Nicoette is a professional biologist that has lectured ecology, botany and zoology and now runs a private ecological consulting company specialising in coastal research.

Following Nicolette’s popular presentation on the Kruger National Park entitled “Kruger After the Rains” this sequel presentation will profile the Kgalagadi National Park. The talk will profile stunning photographs of the birds, mammals and scenery of this other flagship park in the country’s stable. Interesting aspects of the park, the conditions experienced in January 2022 and the accommodation types will be included

This talk on the Kglagadi Transfrontier Park, the other leading iconic park in the SANPARKS stable, follows her highly popular talk on the Kruger National Park. Nicky will take us through the route to the park, and bird oppportunities en route, as well as the accommodation options and the wonderful sightings of birds, reptiles and mammals which this part offers. Come and plan your trip, armchair tick the birds seen or just sit back and enjoy the photographic kaliedosocope of this talk. The desert with water has to be seen to be believed.al consulting company specialising in coastal research.

Pease note that only BeKZN members can attend this talk FREE- visitors are welcome with a payment to BeKZN of R50 conservation fee

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

4/11

BeKZN WALKS…
SATURDAY 12 Nov @ 06h30
Burman Bush hosted by Carryn Smith

Good coastal forest birds. Safety enhancements here with a new fence, security patrols and you can park.

Register for this outing using the link: https://forms.gle/XpD7TZ1oyg19y8gB6

5/11

BeKZN DAY TRIPPING
SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER @ 06h00
Riverglen Farm (Ballito) with Johnny de Beer

A private farm in Umhlali, Ballito. A wide range of KZN coastal belt birds including Narina Trogan, woodpeckers, barbets, hornbills, bee-eaters with forests and riverine habitats.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/KGDBy16HQABdJahu5

6/11

BeKZN Weekend Away
24-27 November 2022
Wakkerstroom hosted by Rob McLennan-Smith

Book using this link: https://forms.gle/uek3cNdY9Qg6QHCV9

7/11

OCTOBER 2022

BeKZN Bird Walks…
Saturday 1 OCTOBER
07h00
PALMIET NATURE RESERVE

with Terry Walls

Situated on the gorge of the Palmiet River. With well marked trailes the reserve boasts a new bridge built since the floods. The main trail winds along the river through climax coastal scarp forest and adjacent to sandstone cliffs. The river has large clumps of grasses suitable for hosting Green Twinspot, Grey Wabill and all three mannikins. This is where the late Prof Steve Piper did many years of research on the Mountain Wagtail so this is a good place to spot this species. The walk is led by Terry who knows the reserve well. A potentially good place for Half-collared Kingfisher too.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/RUTpNXZqjLQSE6XX7

#1/10

BEKZN BIRD LEARN ONLINE
WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER
LEARN ABOUT BIRD ATLASSING AND SABAP2
ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM

with Nicolette Forbes

This will be an interactive online session for people to understand what atlassing is, how important the information is and what the correct proptocols are. SABAPS2 is a citizen science project that is driven by the energy of several hundred birding volunteers who are mapping the distribution of birds across several southern African countries. Since 2007, more than 17 million records have been collected with about 2 million more being added each year. This valuable dataset is key to determining the conservation status of bird species, correctly assigning red-list status and establishing Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, as well as forming the basis for informing environmental impact assessments.

Please register for this if you are new to atlassing and want to find out more – this is even more addictive than just birding – its birding with a purpose.

#2/10

BEKZN TALKS!
wednesday 12 OCTOBER @ 18H00
DR GERHARD VERDOORN – VULTURES OF THE WORLD – GODS CLOWNS
ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM

Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of the Griffin Poison Centre who has a passion for natural things and has worked particularly closely with the poisoning issues being faced by our vultures will speak to us about the world’s vultures – both old and new world species. He gives a taster here of the topics to be covered in this talk – a not to be missed presentation.

His presentation is titled “Vultures of the World – God’s Clowns”. It covers the New World and Old World vultures, the dichotomy in their evolution, taxonomic status, distribution, feeding behaviour, social behaviour, interaction with humankind, some anecdotes of my own experiences with vultures and threats to the birds. Gerhard will give a talk full of pictures to illustrate the subject.

Gerhard started his journey with vultures in 1986 when he joined the Vulture Study Group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust after which he established the Vulture Monitoring Project in the Magaliesberg. Gerhard conducted a lot of work out on their conservation, rehabilitated hundreds of injured, orphaned and poisoned vultures, established the vulture unit at the De Wildt Cheetah Centre and managed to successfully breed Egyptian vultures, Cape griffon vultures and African white-backed vultures. In 2003 he handed the projects over the Kerri Wolter of Vulpro which has taken the projects to great heights. Gerhard still gets involved now and then when vultures are poisoned but leaves the rest to the younger generation. He now works fulltime for CropLife South Africa but also manages the Griffon Poison Information Centre and is also associated with the Stellenbosch University Department of Clinal Pharmacology and the Chair in Plant Health where he teachespost-graduate courses in toxicology and plant sciences. Early work involved collaboration with the Israelis, Italians and French on vulture conservation in my younger days and published many scientific and popular articles about vultures. My Hebrew name is Nesher Ben-Negev (Vulture Son of the Negev Desert).

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcuurrDwqHNIhmV5GzJZJZDX7aULGeXz-

#3/10

BEKZN sit-in.
thursday 13 OCTOBER @ 07h30
CROWNED EAGLE CONSERVANCY

with Jenny Norman

This is being held at a private estate overlooking a river with a waterfall. Good forest birds should be seen here.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/n9Dq5aPL6MgLUDtk8

#4/10

A WEEKEND DOUBLE BILL – EXCITING!!

BeKZN Bird Walks…
SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER
06H30
UMBOGAVANGO NATURE RESERVE with adam cruickshank

A popular venue with very good birding. It has coastal forest alongside a couple of dams with hides. This is where the long staying Rufous-bellied Heron has been recently seen.

Register for this outing using the link: https://forms.gle/Q4DsJgCF9dMDrmB38

#5/10

BeKZN Bird Walks…
SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER
06H30
UMBOGAVANGO NATURE RESERVE with steve davis

A popular venue with very good birding. It has coastal forest alongside a couple of dams with hides. This is where the long staying Rufous-bellied Heron has been recently seen.

Register for this outing using the link: https://forms.gle/EEija7m5eJFPYCJ66

#6/10

BeKZN Let’s Chat Birds & Birding
WEDNESDAY 26 October 2022
Go Birding and South african listers club with Andrew de Blocq

Join us as Andrew de Blocq, BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Manager, as he takes us through the Go Birding portal which is acting as the one stop shop for birding information, with birding sites, local guides and tour operators, accommodations, bird blogs, and more.

Andrew will also tell us about the SA Listers’ Club which welcomes all birders – whether South African or foreign – to embrace the challenge of birding in South Africa, and we call upon you to submit your own South African Bird List

#7/10

BEKZN FLEDGLINGS
Saturday 29 OCTOBER @ 07h00
Springside Nature Reserve

with Marco Franchini

Join us for a family focused birding walk at Springside Nature Reserve, Kloof. Bring the kids/grandkids and let them learn more about birds around us. The spring flowers should be showing up in the grasslands adding other interest. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/4Ujha1XVUWmpZaSn8

#8/10

SEPTEMBER 2022

BeKZN Event!

Saturday and Sunday 3 & 4 September
09h00-15h00 both days!
Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve

Bird walks will be offered at 09h00 through the mangroves and 14h00 by Prof Ticky Forbes. Club table with membership info, Buffs, Fluffies, Pins, Books, bird feeders and insect hotels, bird seed and other grub for birds on sale. Please come to visit and chat.

BEKZN BIRD WALK…

Sunday 4 September @ 07h30
Danville Park Nature Reserve with Carryn Smith

A Reserve that we haven’t visited for many years with lots of bird species to be seen. Ground favouring species and tree dwellers. It has a small pond. Bring refreshments and a chair for a picnic afterwards and then visit the BeKZN Stand at the Indigenous Plant Fair at Beachwood Mangroves just down the road.

BEKZN SIT IN

Thursday 8 September @ 14h00
Palmiet Nature Reserve with Jenny Norman

Please note that this is an AFTERNOON sit-in. This is to allow people that can’t make mornings to join in. We will sit near the pond as normal but allowing for the afternoon sun.

BeKZN EVENT! BirdLife KZN Regional Forum

Saturday 10 September @ 08h00-16h30

Venue: Simbithi Conference Centre

The BirdLife KZN Regional Forum is to take place on the 10 September 2022 at Simbithi Conference Centre in Ballito. This is a gathering of birdwatchers, birders, conservation managers and scientists which takes place twice a year. Nature lovers and birders of KZN are invited to get together to meet, listen to interesting talks on a variety of bird and nature-oriented topics, network and be part of a stimulating discussion.

The day’s program begins with a short early morning bird walk led by experienced guides on the estate, a great venue for seeing coastal forest birds. This should serve as an informative taster to our KZN birds for anybody with a growing interest in learning bird identification and bird calls. The talks cover a range of topics from vultures, rewilding of two large and important reserves in KZN – Babanango and Ukuwela, Cape Parrots, estuaries, rare bird recording, BirdLife South Africa’s important People Empowerment Programme and regional conservation programmes like the South African Bird Atlas Programme and the Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC).

The KZN bird clubs from across KZN will all be represented at the event so come and chat with them and see what membership of one of these clubs can offer. Attendance at the Simbithi Spring Forum is completely free and tea/coffee will be provided. There are restaurant facilities available on-site serving snacks or full meals.

Note that space is limited at the venue so you need to register to reserve your place – bring along a few friends and make a day of it.

Sunday 11 September @ 06h30
BeKZN BIRD WALK…Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve with Rob McLennan-Smith

A popular venue with very good birding. It has good grasslands, coastal forests, and a wetland alongside the small dam. Bring a picnic for afterwards and socialise.

THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER @ 18H00

BeKZN TALKS! INTERNATIONAL GUEST – DAVID LINDO – The Urban Birder

A guest speaker all the way from London! Definitely a talk not to be missed by a very entertaining man.

From his website and by his own description …David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder is a broadcaster, writer, naturalist, photographer, public speaker, tour leader and has been known to do the odd bit of birding! Born and raised in London, I love anything natural, but for as long as I can remember birds have been my particular obsession. When I was three I went missing during a family party and caused my mum great panic. The police were called and a search party dispatched and I was eventually found standing outside a graveyard watching some Magpies.

I never switch off when it comes to urban birding, I’m forever on the lookout. If you saw me strolling down a street you’d think I was in Manhattan for the first time, gazing up in wonderment. The sky is my canvas and it’s amazing what you can see when you look up; birds of prey, swirling swifts, migrating thrushes, raucous crows. It’s a beautiful world up there. #Lookup

Two hectares of Marion Island will be sponsored by BeKZN as part of the Mouse Free Marion Project as part of David’s appearance in the name of the Urban Birder NDM Foundation. This foundation is being launched by David to help children in deprived urban Areas connect with Nature.

Register for this meeting using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtd-qppj0tHdWliY6-gsFLEyqB50vZZVwG

Sunday 18 September @ 07h00

BeKZN EVENT in collaboration with Kloof Conservancy – Memorial Park

Back to Nature Bird Day – Kloof Scout Hall at Memorial Park. A fun morning run in conjunction with the Kloof Conservancy. This will have special kids events too with BeKZN Fledglings. There is an entrance fee payable at the door to Kloof Conservancy to raise funds for the Scout Hall revamp.

AUGUST 2022

Saturday 06 August @ 07h30
BEKZN BIRD WALKS…
Durban Botanical Gardens with Ismail Vahed
The Botanical Gardens is always a favourite venue with lots of bird species to be seen in the trees and Robin-chats and Thrushes on the ground. The pond has turned up some interesting birds in the past. Bring refreshments and a chair for a picnic afterwards.

Wednesday 10 August @ 18h30
BEKZN TALKS!
In search of Taita Falcon at Niassa Special Reserve northern Mozambique With special guest speaker David Allan

BeKZN’s Honorary President, David Allan, will be talking on his trip searching for Taita Falcons at Niassa Special Reserve in Northern Mozambique as part of a BirdLife South Africa team. The landscapes and biodiversity, including the birdlife, of this unique area are truly mesmerizing. The towering granite inselbergs rearing out of the surrounding miombo woodlands were the key target of the searches for the Taitas – Africa’s rarest falcon. Join David as he tells us of this bucket-list adventure and its exciting outcome.

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcOyvqTsuH9P42CrydphnAaSPAGh-r6P-
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Thursday 11 Aug @ 07h30
BEKZN SIT IN
North Park Nature Reserve with Jenny Norman
We will be sitting in the picnic site which is a short distance from the parking area at North Park. There is a lovely open glade surrounded by well-established trees with a view onto the edge of a superb example of coastal lowland forest. There is an entrance fee of R 40.00p/p or use a EKZNW Golden Rhino card.

Sunday 21 August @ 06h30
BEKZN DAYTRIPPING
Inanda Dam with Steve Davis

It is a long time since the club did a trip to Inanda Dam with its mixture of bushveld and water. Just a couple of kilometres beyond the Durban suburb of Hillcrest, within the Valley of a Thousand Hills, you can drive straight into South Africa sporting and viewing history at Inanda Dam. Inanda Dam, formerly known as Mahlabathini Park is a 30 ha park situated along the Southern shores of Inanda Dam in the Kwangcolosi area. The Resort has a nature trail that meanders through 25 ha’s of natural bush veldt consisting of woodlands & grasslands. Zebra & grey duiker can be seen as well as many species of bird life. Listen to the sound of the Fish Eagle early in the morning or late in the evening. Take a scenic drive up to the top of Nanda hill where you can get a kaleidoscope view of the whole dam. Please note that there is an entrance fee, Wild Card is accepted.

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Saturday 27 August @ 07h00
BEKZN FLEDGLINGS
Bridgevale Park with Marco Franchini

BeKZN are very proud to launch
BeKZN Fledglings
a special junior birding section of the club

The inaugural outing for the newly reformed junior section of the club. Join us for a family focused birding walk at Bridgevale Park, Durban North. Bring the kids/grandkids and let them learn more about the more common birds around us. We will include a small checklist of the birds to expect and activities to keep the young ones entertained. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

JULY 2022

Saturday 2 July @ 07h00
BEKZN WALKS…aManzimtoti Bird Park with Hazel Nevin
A visit to the aManzimtoti Bird Park is always exciting. There are lovely birds to be seen and one can expect to see a range of different birds. Some of the species we hope to see are Malachite sunbird, Grey-headed sparrow, Sombre Greenbul, Dark-backed Weaver. Previous sightings have been recorded of Grey Waxbill and Black-throated wattle-eye and the Half-collared kingfisher has made an appearance before.

Saturday and Sunday
2 & 3 July KLOOF INDIGENOUS OPEN GARDENS
Special Event

BeKZN Stall at Garden #1 – meet the committee and other member volunteers Visit four stunning gardens in the Upper Highway area. Gardens open at 09:00 and close at 16:00 each day. BirdLife eThekwini KZN will be stationed at Garden #1 owned by Karen and John Galt and will have information on the activities of the club and committee will be available to answer your questions on birds and gardening for birds. We will have lots of items for sale and will have a competition running so come and see how well you know birds. This is a new and exciting garden which has not previously been on show. It is a forest garden spread over two acres and includes natural waterfalls, a haven for birds and some stunning views of Durban and the coast! Please do come through and see us – we can check your membership details, provide you with a snuggly buff for winter, Birds of the Year badges and fluffies and lots of books.
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Wednesday 6 July @ 18h30
BEKZN TALKS! with special guest speaker James Hendry
Please note this date may change but we will advise.
IN THE WILDERNESS WITH JAMES HENDRY (OF WILD EARTH and OTHER FAME)
Author of the bestselling books ‘A Year in the Wild’ and ‘Back to the Bush’ James Hendry talks to us about what we all love ‘Touching the Wild’. James is currently a wildlife television presenter, who has hosted the prime-time TV series safariLIVE for Nat Geo Wild, the SABC and international internet audiences. He has worked as a guide, ranger, teacher, ecologist, lodge manager, researcher and entertainer. James has a Masters in Development Studies and speaks IsiZulu and XiTsonga conversationally.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkd-ugqjMjEtX1fEuuO15JwDJvnFZSxwxy
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Saturday 9 July @ 06h30
BEKZN BIRD WALKS… Van Riebeek Wetland Park With Tim Wiggill
A new wetland reserve on the Bluff with boardwalk access to be led by one of the eThekwini scientists working with the restoration programme. Grey crowned crane, Little Bittern and other waterfowl have been seen here already. Come and learn about this new area and add some bird data. This will be followed by a visit to the grasslands of Treasure Beach

Thursday 14 July @ 07h30
BEKZN SIT IN: Pigeon Valley with Jenny Norman
Pigeon Valley in winter is well known for Spotted Ground Thrush and if we’re lucky, Green Twinspot. We will sit just inside the reserve near the sign board and a bird bath while we watch and wait.

Saturday 16 July @ 07h30
BEKZN DAYTRIPPING OR WEEKEND AWAY (15 – 19 July)
KZN Bird Clubs’ Rendezvous
Zimanga Senekal Private Homestead – Camping, Chalet or Luxury accommodation.

Elize Senekal’s Homestead has an indigenous aloe garden planted with nearly every species of South African aloes and other indigenous plants. Of course with winter on the way, the aloes are expected to be looking spectacular with the garden attracting amazing birds. We have been given a special day for the KZN club’s to visit this amazing garden so come and network with BeKZN members and also with some of our neighbouring KZN Clubs – Midlands, Sisonke, Ladysmith, Zululand…

Some people usually stayover the night before to start early at the garden but wander through at any time and also take the opportunity to join birders at uMkhuze Game Reserve to have some special winter birding and hide views. Please make sure you book so we are aware of numbers and also provide you with information on the stayover arrangements.

Sunday 31 July @ 09h00
BEKZN BIRD LEARN in FIELD CWAC Counts at uMngeni estuary and Durban Bay with Steve Davis
Co-ordinated Waterbird Count – Come and help count the birds for this important conservation effort. Steve Davis is extremely good at identifying and counting the birds and you are able to learn a lot during this exercise. Come and give back to the birds by helping the club to collect data.

2022 is going to be a great year to be birding…

Join the club to attend free
click here

JUNE 2022

Sunday 5 June @ 06h30
BEKZN BIRD LEARN in FIELD: HAWAAN FOREST with Nicolette Forbes
Birding with your Eyes Closed #2 – Being in a forest during the early morning chorus can be a daunting experience for any birder. Thick foliage and invisible birds with a bewildering array of sounds. It can be difficult to pick out individual songs and calls, let alone to work out the species responsible. Come and enjoy the overall orchestra of sounds as well as learn to tune into the different calls of individual birds. Learn a few calls of some of our resident birds, whilst taking in parts of a nature reserve not open to the public.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/pTz46p5rXe5oX6Sj7

Thursday 9 June @ 07h30
BEKZN SIT IN Monarch Rd, Westville with Jenny Norman
A new venue in Westville on a private property next to the Palmiet River, there is a flat area next to dense bush where we can sit.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/WhWAhxVXuHaL84rB8 

Saturday 11 June @ 07h00
BEKZN BIRD WALKS… Sappi Stanger / uMbozamba Wetlands with Ronnie Herr
A walk at the popular site in KwaDukuza. With winter on its way there should be African Yellow Warblers around as well as many of the resident water birds. You never know what will show up at this site. The viewing platforms and

Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/oJPKLuL7r8CvV8ky5

Wednesday 15 June @ 18h30
BEKZN TALKS!
Birds and Birding in the Western Cape with special guest speaker Trevor Hardaker

The Western Cape Province of South Africa is internationally renowned as a tourist destination. the Cape hosts a diverse range of sought after and often endemic bird species, such as the African Penguin, Protea Seedeater, Cape Rock-jumper, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler and many more. Trevor will be giving a talk on the best birding areas of the Western Cape and the birds that one could expect to see there.

Sunday 19 June @ 07h00
BEKZN WALKS…Giba Gorge with Rob McLennan-Smith
This walk was postponed due to the rains. People previously booked are still on the list. Giba Gorge is a forested gorge with a beautiful waterfall. Birds seen could be Grey Cuckooshrike, Barratt’s Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Starred Robin.

Sunday 26 June @ 07h00
BEKZN WALKS…Simbithi Eco-estate with Brian Roberts
An old favourite, a good birding area in a secure estate with coastal bush and ponds.
Simbithi has become a unique, eco-friendly residential community that co-exists harmoniously with wildlife and nature. Recent sightings include Little Bittern, African Pygmy Goose and Southern Banded Snake-Eagle.

APRIL 2022

Saturday 2 April @ 06h00
BEKZN BIRD WALKS… BRIDGEVALE PARK with Mark Williams-Wynn
Bridgevale Park and Nature Reserve falls under the auspices of the Durban North Conservancy. It is maintained by the local community. Right in the heart of suburbia this wonderful little tranquil reserve offers a wide variety of birds.

Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/Sgiv9937JTHkousw5

Wednesday 6 April @ 18h30
BEKZN BIRD LEARN ONLINE with Nicolette Forbes Birding with your Eyes Closed #1
Differences between calls and song. How do birds sing, why do they sing – is it learnt or instinct? How to set about learning calls. Join this discussion and learn about this essential birding tool – call recognition. We will pair this with a field Bird Learn where we practice what we have learned. As our understanding gets deeper the learning gets easier.

Register for this zoom session using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMuf-6vrj0sGtJ32r8HRkCJFJbVhaCh1RVU

Sunday 10 April @ 06h00
BEKZN BIRD LEARN in FIELD in the HAWAAN FOREST with Nicolette Forbes
Birding with your Eyes Closed #2
Being in a forest during the early morning chorus can be a daunting experience for any birder. Thick foliage and invisible birds with a bewildering array of sounds. It can be difficult to pick out individual songs and calls, let alone to work out the species responsible. Come and enjoy the overall orchestra of sounds as well as learn to tune into the different calls of individual birds. Learn a few calls of some of our resident birds, whilst taking in parts of a nature reserve not open to the public.

Sunday 17 April @ 06h30
BEKZN BIRD WALKS… JOHNNY’S FARM, Umhlali Hosted by Johnny de Beer & walk led by Ticky Forbes
Exploring Johnny’s Farm Johnny de Beer has offered to host us at his Umhlali farm which has been yielding a diversity of birds. Come and explore a new destination and see what is on offer. We will be birding by sight, ear and atlassing so come and join in with whichever aspect of birding excites you.

Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/62mCg2c2TnbpzUwc9

Wednesday 20 April @ 18h30
BEKZN TALKS! IN THE WILDERNESS with special guest speaker James Hendry

IN THE WILDERNESS WITH JAMES HENDRY (OF WILD EARTH and OTHER FAME)
Author of the bestselling books ‘A Year in the Wild’ and ‘Back to the Bush’ James Hendry talks to us about what we all love ‘Touching the Wild’. James is currently a wildlife television presenter, who has hosted the prime-time TV series safariLIVE for Nat Geo Wild, the SABC and international internet audiences. He has worked as a guide, ranger, teacher, ecologist, lodge manager, researcher and entertainer. James has a Masters in Development Studies and speaks IsiZulu and XiTsonga conversationally.

Register for this online meeting (zoom) using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtde-prTksHd3dLSaQpeXki4ZouT8AIt9B

Friday 22 April @ 06h30
BEKZN WALKS…VUMBUKA AECI NATURE RESERVE with Adam Cruickshank
The Vumbuka Nature Reserve is an area that has been reclaimed by AECI, and birding here and next door at uMbogavango has recently produced some special species. On previous BEKZN visits birds seen include Southern Boubou, Terrestrial Brownbul, Sombre and Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Bar-throated Apalis, Chinspot and Cape Batis as well as a variety of flycatchers and sunbirds. We hope to possibly also see Rufous-naped Lark, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Blue-Mantled Crested-flycatcher.

Sunday 24th April @ 06h30
BEKZN DAYTRIPPING -CUMBERLAND NATURE RESERVE with Garth Aiston
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a birder’s paradise. The habitat consists of beautiful bushveld and grassy plains and of course, the Umgeni River Gorge. The facilities are spotless. There is a large diversity of birds that you might expect to see there but it is home to specials such as Striped Pipit, Narina Trogon, African Finfoot, Southern White-faced Owl, African Wood-owl, and you can always be sure of seeing a number of different raptors. There is an entrance fee to be paid on entering.

Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/Y1erdqFhwpeAS6q86

Thursday 28 April @ 07h30
BEKZN SIT IN at UMBILO PONDS with Jenny Norman
Umbilo Ponds, situated in Umbilo Park in Durban’s Southern Suburbs, offers an abundance of water birds. Sightings on previous visits have been Black- Crowned Night Herons, Sacred Ibis, Western Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, Green-backed Heron, African Darters, Reed and White-breasted Cormorant, Pied Kingfishers, Yellow-Billed Ducks, Black Heron, and Malachite Kingfishers to mention a few.

Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/cNhXcyByChzp8zXf8

MARCH 2022

Saturday 5 March @07h00
BEKZN WALKS! PALMIET NATURE RESERVE with Terry Walls

A delightful reserve comprising coastal grassland, bush clumps mosaic, riparian forest and wetland. This diverse habitat has over the years has produced several special birds. Some of the species we hope to see are Rufous-naped Lark, Yellow-Throated Longclaw, Blue-Mantled Crested Flycatcher. A Spotted Eagle Owl has even been seen here in the past.

Saturday 12 March @08h30 BLSA KZN FORUM
KZN FORUM at the Amber Auditorium in Howick. All members, their friends and any visitors are encouraged to attend. The BirdLife KZN forum is our regional assembly where KZN bird clubs/NGOs get together to share information and keep the birders in the province connected. This is always a great day of talks about all things birding and conservation but also facilitates communication between clubs at a provincial level and feedback from our National body, BLSA as representatives are always in attendance. There are some great birding spots nearby and so it is a lovely area and opportunity to bird in the KZN midlands.

Sunday 13th March @06h30
BEKZN DAY TRIPPING! BLUFF NATURE RESERVE/ UMLAZI CANAL with Dave Rimmer

The Bluff Nature Reserve has a good range of vegetation and birdlife. Some of the birds on previous visits are Swamp Hen, African Jacana, Reed Cormorant, Spur-wing Geese, Malachite Kingfisher. The Umlazi Canal can be very rewarding. There is usually a large number and variety of waterbirds to be seen here. We would expect Black-winged Stilts, Blacksmith Lapwings and White-faced Ducks, Three Banded Plovers, and a real highlight would be a Greater Painted Snipe.

Thursday 17 March @07h00 BEKZN SIT IN
NEW GERMANY NATURE RESERVE with Jenny Norman

We will sit at one of picnic sites at the top of the reserve and observe calls and birds that show up. Some of the birds we might see are Tawny-flanked Prinia, Terrestrial Brownbul, Collared Sunbird, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Crested Barbet and Tambourine Dove.

Saturday 19 March @10h30 for 11h00 BEKZN’s 73rd AGM

Venue : Breakers Hotel, Umhlanga BeKZN’s 73rd AGM 2022 The day will start with some bird walks in the local area between 6-9am. Be at the venue by 10h30 for 11h00. The usual AGM business as well as the wrap up of the BeKZN Photographic Competition and the draw for the Swarovski binoculars. Please can we request members support this event. Please watch for the Invitation notice with all the details. If there is not enough support this will be changed to an online event.

RSVP by email essential to agm@bekzn.org

Saturday 27 March @06h00 BEKZN WALKS!
uMBOGOVANGO NATURE RESERVE with Sithembiso Blessing Majoka

The uMbogovango Nature Reserve is a popular venue with good forest and water birds. The trails go around a couple of dams with a few hides to visit along the way. A recent sighting there has been an out of range Rufous-bellied Heron. Mountain Wagtails are often seen from the picnic area.

Wednesday 30 March @18h00 BE KZN’s Let’s Chat–Birds and Birding online
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION #2 iSimangaliso World Heritage Site by Nicolette Forbes

iSimangaliso World Heritage Site – the Greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park This is the second session in a series that will profile great birding locations around KZN. We will have different people profile their favourite birding spots near and far – their location, how to get there, what they look like, facilities available, birds you can see there and specials.

FEBRUARY 2022

Saturday 5 February @ 06h00
BEKZN BIRD WALK! PALMIET NATURE RESERVE with Terry Walls
Palmiet Nature Reserve a little gem located in Westville. The reserve is made up of a wide variety of natural habitats ranging from forests to grassland, riverine and rocky cliffs. Specials that we have seen on previous visits are Mountain Wagtails and Half-collared Kingfisher and Pygmy Kingfisher.

Wednesday 9 February @ 18h30
OUR BIRDING BIG YEAR 2021
An online meeting and presentation with The Widdows Family, that spent 2021 travelling South Africa to find as many bird species as possible.

Register using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIoc-mpqTkuHNJ6zx-yNlf3Ci6va50CKK25

Sunday 13 February @ 06h00
BEKZN BIRD WALK: TANGLEWOOD NATURE RESERVE with Angie Walker
Hidden below the cliffs alongside the Kloof Country Club area is a nature sanctuary called Tanglewood Farm. 160 acres of grassland and pristine forest between Kloof and the factories of Westmead. An impressive variety of birds can be found here, the specials will hopefully include, Narina Trogon, Crowned Eagle, Knysna Turaco, African Golden Weaver, Green Wood-hoopoe, Olive Woodpecker, Common Square Tailed Drongo, Lazy Cisticola, Croaking Cisticola.

Registe using this link: https://forms.gle/28wMTiACksycNnRD6

Thursday 17 February @ 07h00
BEKZN SIT IN: BLUFF NATURE RESERVE with Jenny Norman
We will sit in the hide and have a view of the wetland and patch of coastal lowland forest. The reserve has a good range of vegetation and birdlife. Some of the birds we have seen on previous visits are African Swamp Hen, African Jacana, Reed Cormorant, Spur-winged Geese, Malachite Kingfisher.

Saturday 26 February @ 06h00 BEKZN ATLAS 2022 with Nicolette and Ticky Forbes
We will be atlassing the Sappi Stanger wetlands and surrounds through to the Mount Moreland area on the backroads. This is a great opportunity to learn birds by repetition by sight and sound reinforced because it is done over an extended time (2-4 hours). Anyone wishing to join and learn about atlassing or joining to increase the atlassing effort please

Sunday 27 February @ 18h00 FLOCK to MARION 2022 with the Flockers
Meet the Flockers!
Come and listen to the group of members that attended the Flock To Marion 2022 expedition to hear them share their experiences, thoughts, highlights and favourite photographs in an online get together.  Have a drink in hand and enjoy the spectacle and sensations of this once in a lifetime voyage

Join us for a range of activities about everything birds!

BeKZN Walks…Saturday 3 december @06h00 SAPPI Wetlands hosted by Mike O’Donoghue

BEKZN SIT-INTHURSDAY 8 December @07h30Portman PARK hosted by JENNY NORMAN

BeKZN END OF YEAR PARTY sunday 11 December @09h00hosted by STEVE DAVIS

BeKZN Walks…Saturday 5 Nov @06h00SAPPI Wetlands hosted by RONNIE HERR

BeKZN AtlasSunday 6 Nov @06h00Atlas Adventure osted Dave Rimmer

BEKZN SIT-INTHURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER @07h30BRIDGEVALE PARK hosted by JENNY NORMAN

THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER @18H00KGALAGADI KALEIDOSCOPE – DURING THE RAINS BY NICOLETTE FORBESONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM

BeKZN WALKS…SATURDAY 12 Nov @ 06h30Burman Bush hosted by Carryn Smith

BeKZN DAY TRIPPINGSUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER @ 06h00Riverglen Farm (Ballito) with Johnny de Beer

BeKZN Weekend Away 24-27 November 2022 Wakkerstroom hosted by Rob McLennan-Smith

BeKZN Bird Walks…Saturday 1 OCTOBER07h00PALMIET NATURE RESERVE

BEKZN BIRD LEARN ONLINEWEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBERLEARN ABOUT BIRD ATLASSING AND SABAP2ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM

BEKZN TALKS!wednesday 12 OCTOBER @ 18H00DR GERHARD VERDOORN – VULTURES OF THE WORLD – GODS CLOWNSONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM

BEKZN sit-in.thursday 13 OCTOBER @ 07h30CROWNED EAGLE CONSERVANCY

BeKZN Bird Walks…SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER06H30UMBOGAVANGO NATURE RESERVE with adam cruickshank

BeKZN Bird Walks…SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER06H30UMBOGAVANGO NATURE RESERVE with steve davis

BeKZN Let’s Chat Birds & BirdingWEDNESDAY 26 October 2022Go Birding and South african listers club with Andrew de Blocq

BEKZN FLEDGLINGSSaturday 29 OCTOBER @ 07h00Springside Nature Reserve