Join us for a range of activities about everything birds!
2023 is going to be a great year to be birding…
ATTENTION: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
2023
Walks are restricted to 15 participants per leader on a first come first served basis. If a second leader makes themselves available additional bookings will be accepted
Attendance at activities is FREE for paid up club members.
Non-members R 50.00 p/p per outdoor activity / webinar.
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 –
- 2. Each person attending must fill in a separate form to comply with indemnity requirements.
- 3. The activity leader will set up a TEMPORARY WhatsApp group for the outdoor activity to provide details and directions.
- 4. Some events allow us to picnic and socialise after the walk 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 Jenny Norman 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 walk/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.
DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
Saturday 7 October @ 06h30
BeKZN Walks… | Palmiet Nature Reserve hosted by Terry Walls
Situated on a gorge of the Palmiet River. With well marked trails 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 Waxbill and all three mannikins. This is where the late Prof Steve Piper did over 26 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 activity using this link: https://forms.gle/YiLfH9FBxVqhRJzSA
Thursday 12 October @ 18h00
BeKZN Talks! | Alaska took me by surprise by guest speaker Nicolette Forbes
A voyage up the inner passage with Alaskan birds, scenery, and lots more along the way. It is a wilderness area of unparalleled beauty and enchantment and it sneaks up on you and captivates your soul with majestic landscapes and ethereal magic. This rugged wilderness unveils a symphony of natural wonders, where towering mountains reach the sky and crystalline glaciers whisper tales of time. The graceful dance of bald eagles soaring against a backdrop of glaciers, crisp air and fascinating birds and flowers, puffins, ravens, and pitcher plants and mushrooms.
Register for this activity using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ldOirpzguE9FrVu82grmwfnfawoAYu8gl
Sunday 15 October @ 06h00
BeKZN Atlas | Colour Me Green eThekwini hosted by Dave Rimmer
We will be atlassing an area and pentads to be advised by Dave Rimmer. This is a great opportunity to learn birds by repetition using sight and sound. Identification is reinforced because it is done over an extended time (4 hours). The last atlas event managed to get Common Quail and Orange-breasted Waxbill. Anyone wishing to join and learn about atlassing or joining to increase the atlassing effort contributing to conservation please
Register for this activity using this link: https://forms.gle/j3cms9CytEwoKR359
Thursday 19 October @ 07H30
BeKZN Sit-in | Amanzimtoti Bird Park hosted by Jenny Norman
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 Sombre Greenbul, Dark-backed Weaver, Collared Sunbird and many more. Previous sightings have been recorded of Grey Waxbill, Green Malkoha and Black-throated Wattle-eye and Half-collared Kingfisher has made an appearance on many occasions.
Register for this activity using this link:: https://forms.gle/nPcUfkeEBUGW7UU99
Saturday 28 October @ 06h00
BeKZN Walks…| Umbogavango Nature Reserve hosted by Adam Cruickshank
Following the now famous walk last month when the BeKZN club walk confirmed a new bird for KZN (a Thrush Nightingale) we have decided to do a repeat. A popular venue with very good birding. It has coastal forest alongside a couple of dams with a few hides. Last year a Rufous-bellied Heron was there for quite a few months. This reserve has a good mix of waterbird, wetland, grassland, and forest. Striated Heron is also seen there along with Narina Trogon and a recent Green Malkoha.
Register for this activity using this link: https://forms.gle/4iAjWheqtdZTGT5w9
SEPTEMBER
BEKZN Walks…
SATURDAY 02 SEPTEMBER @ 06h30
WOODSIDE CONSERVANCY | hosted by CARA CHRISTENSEN
A small, forested conservancy in Cowies Hill that shows up some interesting birds.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/kXbFEUbsXUkLgHm69
BeKZN Theme 2023
Wednesday 6 SEPTEMBER @18h30
WINTER IN OUR BACKYARDS | Hosted by Nicolette Forbes
We will chat first about winter in our backyards. We want to hear about your observations, sightings and thoughts. We will then start chatting about our next subject under the theme activities and roll out the September task.
IT IS NOT TOO LATE for anyone TO REGISTER FOR THE THEME ACTIVITIES!!!
THEME PRESENTATIONs AND TASKs rolled out over the 12 months.
PRIZE GIVEAWays.
Registered participants will receive a link via the dedicated whatsap group and/or emails
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 07 SEPTEMBER @ 07h30
jubilee park, WESTVILLE | hosted by Jenny Norman
A forested reserve in Westville that is maintained by Marion Spence (in the past assisted by the late John Hinck). This is a very good reserve to see all three mannikin species.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/s1HVoVYxppv1sgLJ7
BEKZN Walks…
Saturday 09 SEPTEMBER @ 06H30
UMBOGOVANGO NATURE RESERVE | hosted by ADAM CRUICKSHANK
A popular venue with very good birding. It has coastal forest alongside a couple of dams with a few hides. Last year a Rufous-bellied Heron was there for quite a few months. This reserve has a good mix of waterbird, wetland, grassland, and fStriated Heron is also seen there along with Narina Trogans and a recent Green Malkohaorest
Register for this Walk using this link: https://forms.gle/iMvqqLN5nrbFGQBF8
BEKZN TALKS!
WEDNESDAY 13 SeptembeR @ 18H00
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | Dr Lucy KEMP
A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO CONSERVE THE SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL
Dr Lucy Kemp is the Project Manager IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group Co-chair (Africa). Raised in a family of biologists and trained with an MSc in Marine Biology, yet most happy when in the bush, Lucy Kemp was an unlikely candidate to take over a ground-hornbill conservation project, given she spent her whole life avoiding birds, and ground-hornbills in particular, as these where her parents’ ‘thing’. But a childhood of spending time in close proximity to ongoing groundhornbill research, combined with her growing love of ‘the bush’ and a strong personal need to conserve wild places, set her on course for a career in conservation. Come and listen to the fascinating story of the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, which established a wild group of birds on the Mabula Private Game Reserve, and showed that a harvested and hand-reared chick could grow up to become a breeding adult.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88650525320?pwd=MFh2NWNxU1hSeEd1aDNpaG9JZko1Zz09
BEKZN Walks…
SUNDAY 17 SEptember @ 06h30
IPITHI NATURE RESERVE | hosted by EJ BARTLETT
A hidden gem in the Gillitts area comprising of Riverine bush, a large reed wetland and a dam. Known spot for Holub’s Golden Weaver. Grey-headed Bushshrike can be found here and Red-chested Flufftail occurs in the reeds. A conservancy fee is to be paid.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/yfJ7zXhvHjShzm5e9
BirdLife KZN FORUM | LONG WEEKEND AWAY
THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER – TUESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
BIRDLIFE KZN FORUM CHAIR NICOLETTE FORBES will host the event with BirdLife eThekwini KZN
BOOKINGS ARE OPEN TO REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ONLY! LINK TO REGISTER IS INCLUDED BELOW.
Following the extremely successful BirdLife KZN Forum weekend held in Ingula Nature Reserve, Ladysmith and surrounds see below the SAVE THE DATE notice for the September BirdLife KZN Forum in Zululand. This is going to be a super mix of birding, talks and identification courses so please don’t miss it. If you missed March don’t miss out again.
Everyone is welcome but please register using the QR code on the poster or use this link: https://forms.gle/As6hG8DV9U9zHwUZ8
We will be announcing accommodation options as the plans progress. At the moment do not try to book your accommodation in Bonamanzi. The reserve is currently block booked for the Forum. You will be able to book ACCOMMODATION ONLY IF YOU ARE REGISTERED. Loads of bird specials and a great atlas challenge will be run. We are sure this will produce a number of lifers for many birders!
AUGUST
BEKZN Walks…
SUNDAY 6 August @ 07h00
Westville Nature trail | hosted by Stewart Clarke
There is a good variety of habitat diversity with grassland, forest and riparian with the associated bird species. The paths are well kept so walking is easy and fairly safe. Plenty of safe parking is available and also picnic tables. Some interesting bird species turn up here and hopefully we should get all three mannikins.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/9mnLJjTxj4csYMXX9
BEKZN Walks…
WEDNESDAY 9 August @ 07h00
UMDONI TRAIL | hosted by ADAM CRUICKSHANK
A public holiday outing – Umdoni Park in Pennington is a fantastic coastal forest birding location. This outing will cater both to those that want to walk the trails, as well as to those that would prefer to sit at the beautiful conservation center and take things a little slower. Some possible species that we could see include Spotted Ground-Thrush, Green Malkoha, White-starred Robin, Lemon Dove, Narina Trogon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Brown Scrub-Robin, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, and Green Twinspot.
Register for this Walk using this link: https://forms.gle/aQWuZmCuiUapRXo59
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 17 AUGUST @ 07h30
UMBILO PONDS | hosted by Jenny Norman
A coastal forest reserve around a large wetland. 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. We can later move to the picnic area for a view of different birds where Black-throated Wattle-eye has been seen.
Register for this outing using this link:
BEKZN Walks…
SUNDAY 20 AUGUST @ 07h30
KENNETH STAINBANK NATURE RESERVE | hosted by ROB MCLENNAN-SMITH
A popular venue with very good birding. It has good grasslands, coastal forests, and a wetland alongside the small dam. Test your skills on winter LBJ’s or look for charismatic birds such as Green Twinspot and Narina Trogan. Bring a picnic for afterwards and socialise.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/cLqjtMMogeTiTXFr8
BEKZN TALKS!
THURSDAY 24 AUGUST @ 18H00
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | CASSIE CARSTENS
THE SOUTH AFRICAN BIRD ATLAS PROGRAMME
The project aims to map the distribution and relative abundance of birds in southern Africa and includes: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia. To gather data, volunteers select a geographical ‘pentad’ on a map and record all the bird species seen within a set time frame, in order of species seen. This information is uploaded to the SABAP2 database and is used for research and analysis by several different agencies, including the South African National Biodiversity Institute, BirdLife South Africa, as well as academics and students at various universities. Atlasing is fun and gives your birding a purpose! COME AND GET AN UNDERSTANDING OF THIS IMPROTANT CIITIZEN SCIENCE CONTRIBUTION
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88015097607?pwd=WmZET2NTS293dFFSQk93d01YVDNBdz09
JULY
BEKZN Walks…
Saturday 8 July @ 07h00
GRASS ROOTS | hosted by Ronnie Herr
Grass Roots is situated in Cato Ridge on a farm that grows instant instant lawn, and it has two big ponds on the property with is flat and so easy to walk. There are lots of water birds including African Swamp Hen and African Black Duck. There are also Black-winged Lapwing and Bald Ibis in the grass.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/HfFHqeJ5Nm79mrhq9
BEKZN OUTREACH…
TUESDAY 11 July @ 18h30
BALLITO PHOTO CLUB | GUEST SPEAKER | NICOLETTE FORBES
Ballito Photo Club has secured Nikki Forbes to be their guest speaker at the club meeting Tuesday 11 July. Nikki will talk on ‘all things bird photography’. We meet at Simbithi Club House Tuesday 11th July at 18.30 (Chaka’s Rock offramp). If there are any keen photographer members of BeKZN who would like to attend the meeting as visitors, please let me know. Depending on the response, we may be forced to limit the number of visitors, these will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
PLEASE CONTACT Rung Button 083 2896806 to book and attend.
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 13 July @ 07h30
Bluff Nature Reserve hosted by Jenny Norman
A coastal forest reserve around a large wetland. 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. We can later move to the picnic area for a view of different birds where Black-throated Wattle-eye has been seen.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/V5Uwe39uqMKViSGV8
BeKZN Weekend Away uMkhuze Game Reserve & Zimanga Aloes
Friday-Sunday | 14- 16 July
A special day setup for birders at the Zimanga Aloe Garden on Saturday 15th July.
Avoid the crowds of the public open day. Make a weekend of it and join other club members staying over at uMkhuze Game Reserve in the iSimangaliso World heritage Site.
Register to be added to the contact group which will allow participants to help each other with directions, report on sightings and stay in contact generally during the weekend and in the lead up.
A specific Atlas challenge will be set up for the weekend for registered participants only. use the registration link belo. Note you must make your own accommodation and food but we will have a communual braai on the Saturday night after the aloes.
BEKZN TALKS!
THURSDAY 20 JULY @ 18H00
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | Richard Flack
Why do birders make such good photographers?
Richard is no stranger to those who follow bird photography. Richard says “After 13 years as professional photographer I am now more intrigued by different perspectives, interesting uses of light, unique compositions and magical landscapes and moments. My foray into “habitat shots” or “birds in their environment” images some seven years ago was completely accidental, but it is an area that continues to excite my heart and holds so much room for creativity and future developments. Consequently, I am currently focused on pushing the boundaries in this genre and am looking to combine iconic African landscapes with the birds that call them home in a new series called Iconic African Birdscapes’.”
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtdeyqqTssHNR7TatbLfE4S4Z_1XxxLJar
BeKZN Conservation
SUNDAY 23 July @ 09h00
Winter CWAC Count | hosted by Steve Davis
Do your bit for conservation (and learn from the best)! Join the CWAC Count starting at the Green Hub @ uMngeni Estuary mouth, then moving onto Durban Bay in the Bayhead area afterwards. Bring binoculars, hat, water, tea and snacks for afterwards.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/KrdSnCGoDXbFW4ZJ6
BeKZN Atlas
Sunday 23 July @ 07h00
Colour Me Green eThekwini Atlas Challenge 2023 hosted by Dave Rimmer
We will be atlassing an area and pentads to be advised. 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 contributing to conservation.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/A1x1nSQpqGQkmHCZA
BeKZN CONSERVATION
Sunday 29 July @ 07h00
BeKZN Conservation Van Riebeek Wetland hosted by Steve Davis
A relatively new wetland reserve on the Bluff which is being monitored by Steve for BeKZN and the Municipality. Join him to see the changes and improvements that come with time. This is an important conservation input that the club provides so please give it some support.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/HHJzNhQ3MkP4uiDZA
JUNE
BeKZN WALK…
Saturday 3 June @ 07h30
Pigeon Valley| Hosted by Mark Williams-Wynn
The coastal forest of Pigeon Valley in winter is well known for Spotted Ground Thrush and if we’re lucky, Green Twinspot. This is a remnant of the forest that once covered the whole of the Berea. There is also a breeding pair of Black Sparrowhawk
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/werPk7Bk9wHrtgoT8
BeKZN Theme 2023
Wednesday 7 June @18h30
BIRD HABITATS and the importance of birds | Hosted by Nicolette Forbes
We will chat first about your important backyard plants submitted as last months task and a bit about the birds seen and heard during May by all of you. We will then start chatting about our next subject under the theme activities and roll out the June task.
Birds improve ousr quality of life. Watching them flit around a backyard or hop through the grass can be an entertaining diversion, a mood booster, and a window into animal behaviour. Ecosystem services include all of the positive benefits that natural systems provide. The term includes everything from the basic provisioning of food and oxygen, to more subtle perks such as the ways wetlands reduce storm and flood damage. In this session we will delve deeper into this aspect of your birding to foster a greater understanding of our birding world.
Registered participants will receive the zoom link closer to the date.
IT IS NOT TOO LATE for anyone TO REGISTER FOR THE THEME ACTIVITIES!!!
ONE THEME PRESENTATION AND ONE TASK PER MONTH.
PRIZE GIVEAWays after each task.
More detail here – just click – BeKZN Theme 2023 | In my own Backyard
BEKZN TALKS!
THURSDAY 15 JUNE @ 18H00
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | Cassie Carstens
SECRETARYBIRDS, THE ICONIC AFRICAN GRASSLAND WANDERERS
Secretarybirds, the iconic African grassland wanderers, have experienced a dramatic decline in population over the past few decades. They are now considered endangered in South Africa with habitat loss and collisions with powerlines and fences being the main threats.
Join Cassie Carstens, BirdLife South Africa’s Secretarybird Conservation Officer, for a talk about the journeys of these amazing birds, the challenges they face, and what a dedicated team is doing to conserve them.
Register to receive a link to join this online talk | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAldO2grDMqGNde68CLLYvLsySPxyFQ28lH
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
BeKZN Walk…
Sunday 18 June @ 07h00
Molweni Trail | hosted by Elton-John Bartlett
This 5km forest walk in the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve , Kloof can be very rewarding. Look out for Narina Trogan, Blue-mantled Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Knysna Turaco.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/hZw4pEFUJvLVEeKV6
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 22 June @ 14h00
Durban Botanical Gardens | Hosted by Jenny Norman
An afternoon sit-in which will be centred around the pond at the Durban Botanical Garden. We will observe what comes into roost and keep an eye out at what is in the trees nearby.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/NuyoDV1vHeF5Dxi28
Be KZN Atlas
Saturday 24 June @ 07h00
BIRDING A Pentad in the uMkhomazi Valley | Hosted by adam cruickshank
This atlassing focussed will allow us to range a bit more widely explore the best spots that the area has for birding. We will explore forests, rivers, water treatment works, grasslands, beaches, and even scan the seas for pelagic species. Around 280 species have been recorded in the pentad that covers the area, so the area promises some fantastic birding. We will move in a car convoy and stop at various points to allow us to bird the area extensively. Species that could be seen include Spotted-ground Thrush, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Half-collared Kingfisher, Magpie Mannikin, Wood Owl, Red-billed Quelea, and African Black Oystercatcher.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/xFAAnLihP6uRkCKHA
BeKZN EVENT
A WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY AT BEACHWOOD MANGROVES
Sunday 25 June @ 06h30
Not that we need an excuse for a party but June will end with a splash! Our winter solstice party has become something of a tradition.
In addition we would like to get together to celebrate our new Honorary President, Steve Davis taking the reins. We get fewer opportunities to get together as a whole club these days with the rise in online activities and this is one of the facilities where we can do this with a large group.
We will start with Hot Chocolate, muffins and other pastries, guided walks, followed by a live quiz an then LUNCH. Braai fires will be provided and the club will provide rolls, salads, paper plates and serviettes.
Please register so we know to cater for you (A conservation fine will be levied if you just show up)
MAY
BEKZN TALKS!
Wednesday 3 MAY @ 18H00
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | Nandi Thobela
Ntsikeni Vlei
Nandi Thobela from BirdLife South Africa will be talking about Ntsikeni Vlei and giving the background and future projects of the reseve and the special birds found there. Nandi Thobela is the Empowering People Programme Manager and engages with the community surrounding Ntsikeni Nature Reserve and the management authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Nandi and her team are primarily focussed on eco-tourism development and creating incentives for the community to graze cattle outside of the reserve through the Herding4Health Programme. Ntsikeni Nature Reserve will form part of the Drakensberg Birding Route that is being developed by BirdLife South Africa, thus directing both national and international interest to the area. Tourists who enjoy hiking, walking, bird watching, and photography can have these experiences at Ntsikeni Nature Reserve given the absence of dangerous game. This is a project supported by BeKZN so is extremely important for members to understand.
ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM | Use this link to register for the talk and receive entrance codes. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkcuihqjwuEtN5vR7BkQu-XEbWYU95VkFo
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
BEKZN Walks
Saturday 6 MAY @ 07h30
New germany nature reserve with terry walls
This lovely little grassland / forest reserve can be very rewarding. The grasslands can produce Zitting Cisticolas, African Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Little Bee-eaters, Robins and Flycatchers are found in the forest and if you are lucky an African Goshawk will show.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/GLxMd7K69r5zqq257
Be KZN OUTREACH
Tuesday 9 MAY 2023 @ Le Domaine 10h00
Le Domaine is hosting this popular bird talk by the chair of BeKZN Nicolette Forbes
Gardens of Birds, Gardens for Birds and Garden Birds | this talk will cover the importance of your garden in the greater Durban and KZN habitat mosaic, talk about Nicolette’s personal garden journey and philosophy and run throgh the types of urban and garden birds you should be seeing and getting to know.
All welcome – to book please contact Bill Braine on 083 207 9283
BEKZN THEME 2023 | IN MY BACKYARD #2
WEDNESDAY 10 MAY @ 18H30
ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM WITH NICOLETTE FORBES
DAWN CHORUS AND BIRDSONG – LISTENING AND LEARNING TECHNIQUES
This is the discussion and workshop around Task 2 of the In your Backyard theme event. Remember to submit your short recordings of morning choruses with identifications. We will talk about techniquess for recognising calls the signficance of song versus call and ways to try to memorise and reinforce.
Registered members will be sent a link. Information on joining this event here www.blpn.org/theme
Be KZN OUTREACH
THURSDAY 11 MAY 2023 @ Mount Edgecombe Country Club | Sandpiper Room | 18h00
MOUNT EDGECOMBE BIRD AND ENVIRONMENT CLUB
is hosting a bird talk by the chair of BeKZN Nicolette Forbes
KGALAGADI KALEIDOSCOPES The talk will be held at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club there will be a R35.00 charge per head for all attending. Visitors are welcome. Access through the main gate to the Country Club. Those who wish to dine at the Club after the talk, will be able to do so.
BEKZN Walks
Saturday 13 MAY @ 07h00
AMANZIMTOTI SPORTS CLUB with ADAM CRUICKSHANK
The Amanzimtoti Sports Centre offers birders a 4-kilometre trail that winds along the banks of the Manzimtoti River. Even though the Sports Centre is right in the middle of the town, once you walk onto the trails it feels like you are far away from any urban location. The trails host many birds including Cardinal and Golden-Tailed Woodpecker, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Mountain Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, and if we are lucky Spotted Ground Thrush.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/JLg972WreU2iuw35A
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 18 MAY @ 07h30
pIGEON VALLEY nature reserve hosted by Jenny Norman
The coastal forest of Pigeon Valley in winter is well known for Spotted Ground Thrush and if we’re lucky, Green Twinspot. Buff-spotted Flufftail with their chicks have been seen recently at one of the bird baths and we may be lucky to see these elusive birds as well. We will sit just inside the reserve near the sign board and a bird bath while we watch, listen and wait.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/C1NmVpKki3QaUbF57
BEKZN MEMORIAL GATHERING – DEREK SPENCER
BEKZN WALK WITH CASSIE CARSTEN
20 may 2023 @ 07h30
SPRINGSIDE NATURE RESERVE
A memorial bench donated by BeKZN and dedicated to Derek Spencer will be put in place with hopefully as many members as possible in attendance. Refreshments will be available. A walk through this conservancy reserve nestled in the heart of suburbia will be led by Cassie Carstens BEFORE the bench dedication. A range of habitats this reserve comprises wetland, sourveld grassland, scarp and swamp forest. This varied habitat has had over 170 species of birds recorded over time. Note that the walks begins at 07h30 and the bench dedication proceedings will begin around 09h45 (we will wait for the walkers to return).
07h30 Walk
09h45 Gather at the Sundial for bench dedication and snacks.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/KKHZD23RuKUj68KW9
APRIL
BeKZN WALKS
SUNDAY 2 APRIL (TIME TBC)
Krantskloof nature reserve hosted by mark liptrot
Special permission has been given for us to go into the closed Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. The leader will inform you of time and which entrance. It is a beautiful area with cliffs, grassland and bush where there a large variety of birds to be seen from cisticolas through to raptors.
Register for this outing using this link: https://forms.gle/KtwT7NP2pfu7tiKV8
BeKZN theme learn
wednesday 5 APRIL @18h30
in my backyard 2023 hosted by nicolette forbes
BeKZN Theme 2023 | In your Backyard | BeKZN ZOOM ROOM
A powerpoint presentation about things we see in our backyard and also some discussion around the In My Backyard 2023 Theme and the winner of the first month giveaway.
Repeating the pep talk sent by email: The March task has been released – please make sure you register to be in line for the March give-away. It will also keep you up-to-date with the monthly tasks so you don’t have to do catchup. Surely out of a club of 600 members there can be a better response than eleven or twelve members, two of whom are ones that live furthest away. This is a well-intentioned, easy-access, make-a-difference club initiative which you can do in your own time at home…
Disappointing…
You have to sign up for the challenge to receive a link to this diary item – an online discussion about garden birds, plants that make a difference and a comparison of what we are all seeing – birds, butterflies and mammals.
BeKZN WALKS
SATURDAY 8 APRIL @07h00
VAMBUKA hosted by ADAM CRUICKSHANK
A small reserve within the AECI area in Amamzintoti. 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.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/nQc2g6QpCfmt2KdJ9
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 13 april @ 07h30
palmiet nature reserve hosted by Jenny Norman
Back to the popular Palmiet Nature Reserve to sit by the pond. Will we get Half-collared Kingfisher there again? Maybe even see the Mountain Wagtail or Giant Kingfisher on the river. What will be on the cliff?
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/fG3tCbUf5KRwF9nb8
BEKZN ATLAS
Sunday 16 april @ 06h00
Colour Me Green eThekwini Atlas Challenge 2023 hosted by Dave Rimmer
We will be atlassing an area and pentads to be advised. 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 contributing to conservation
Please register using this link: https://forms.gle/CKaSHTfLx6eQc1239
BEKZN OUTREACH
BirdLIFE SANI AGM guest presentation
the restoration of Lake St Lucia | an estuary reimagined
TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2023 @ 18H00
NICOLETTE FORBES will be the guest presenter for BirdLife Sani’s AGM to be held at the Underberg Country Club for the BirdLife Sani Annual General Meeting.
BeKZN walks
SUNDAY 23 april @06h30
SIMBITHI ECO-ESTATE hosted by BRIAN ROBERTS
A private reserve within the Simbithi Estate. 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.
Register for this outing using this link:https://forms.gle/bUf1cLuC3teL2HoG8
MARCH
BeKZN Weekend Away…
Saturday-Sunday 3-5 MARCH @ 07h00
ZULULAND snake-eagle big weekend
BirdLife South Africa has launched a new citizen science initiative in support of their Southern Banded Snake Eagle conservation project, the Zululand Snake Eagle Big Weekend. It is important for bird clubs in KZN to support this initiative.
To more accurately gauge the population size and distribution of Southern-banded Snake-eagle in South Africa, we want to get as many people as possible into the field looking for them over the same weekend (3-5 March 2023).
BLSA’s project project page (Zululand Snake Eagle Big Weekend), has provided a link to a map that will help identify areas that need to be searched and to help guide participants in planning their trip. This map shows the output from a habitat suitability model with areas predicted as having over a 30% probability of being suitable for Southern-banded Snake-eagle occurrence shown in light purple and those with over 50% chance shown in darker purple.
This provides only a rough guide and participants will have to find forest patches within these areas (this is where local knowledge could be handy!), which are the preferred habitat for this species. The easiest way to find these birds is to survey the forest edges that neighbour open areas where prey could be found, these eagles hunt from perches in these areas in the early mornings and late afternoons.
If you are planning to participate in this event please let me know and if willing send me the rough area (coordinates) which you plan to survey.
Please let Christiaan Brink <christiaan.brink@birdlife.org.za> know if you are wanting to participate.
Note that it is up to individuals to form groups, choose areas and liaise with BLSA. If someone would like to co-ordinate a BeKZN group to go to a particular area please contact Jenny Norman (activities@bekzn.org) or Nicolette Forbes (chair@bekzn.org) to discuss this.
BeKZN DAY TRIPPING
SATURDAY 11 MARCH@06h30
TC ROBERTSON NATURE RESERVE hosted by HAZEL NEVIN
A small reserve on the bank of the Mpambanyoni Estuary. With a high diversity of habitats including reedbeds, grassland and coastal forest many species can be seen with waterbirds such as African Swamphen, African Rail and Great Reed Warbler. Orange-breasted Waxbills are also a possibility. The wooded areas can host Tambourine dove and Greater Honeyguide along with Gorgeous Bush Shrike.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/nQc2g6QpCfmt2KdJ9
BeKZN Chair presentation
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GARDEN
tuesday 14 march @ 10h00
ROLLING HILLS UMHLANGA with UMHLANGA GARDEN CLUB
The BeKZN Chair Nicolette Forbes has been asked to talk birds and gardens at the Umhlanga Garden Club. Her talk will focus on what makes a good garden for birds and highlight the importance of the collective efforts of gardeners over large areas.
Visitors are welcome.
Please email Chairperson: Laurelle Barnett Email: kandlbarnett@telkomsa.net to make arrangements to attend.
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 16 march @ 15h00
memorial park with Jenny Norman
This will be our 2nd afternoon outing. It is a park in the Kloof area that was donated to the community by two farmers in memory of their son’s killed in the 2nd World War. It has a nice reedbed for bishops and weavers and plenty of mature trees around. We will sit near the reed bed in the shade of one of the trees and see what puts in an appearance. Last time we had a diversity of species from African Crowned Eagle through a flock of Woolly-necked Stork to Violet-backed Starling and even a sighting of Red-chested Cuckoo.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/y7iKmHdg7UkNLQN99
BEKZN FORUM | LONG WEEKEND AWAY
FRIDAY 17 MARCH – TUESDAY 21 MARCH
CLUB HOST AND BIRDLIFE KZN FORUM CHAIR NICOLETTE FORBES WITH THE LOCAL BIRD CLUB LADYSMITH BIRDERS
Hosted by the local bird club, Ladysmith Birders, the programme which is still in development promises to show us the highlights of the local area including the Ingula Nature Reserve, birding the local district roads for grassland birds with locals and guides, Spionkop, and more. Delegates should be able to add significant birds to their lists.
This is long weekend has been selected to allow people to travel from further afield and spend longer doing what we love, talking, learning about and looking at birds. We hope to see as many birders and club members there as possible!
Come for five days or just Saturday and Sunday to attend the main events.
Register your interest by filling in this short form to receive further information directly to your inbox as the programme is updated
BeKZN EVENING SPECIAL
THURSDAY 23 March @17h30
MOUNT MORELAND BARN SWALLOWS hosted by nicolette and ticky forbes
A special outing to see the swallows come into roost. This will be a late afternoon / evening outing. Find some raptors trying to catch them! Enjoy an evening picnic or a few sundowners at the Lake Victoria Conservancy in Mount Moreland while watching the spectacle of the Mount Moreland Swallows, the Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica.
Every evening from mid October to mid April, millions of these tiny birds gather for about half an hour before sunset and fly in vast numbers over the Lake Victoria Wetlands. As dusk falls, the swallows drop down in the reeds and are gone … until dawn the next day! The Wetland is one of the largest roost sites for these Barn Swallows during their summer migration to South Africa. Bring your binoculars, mozzie repellant (lotions not spray please), chairs, drinks and snacks.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/UGo6iMLULbPc7TN69
BEKZN EVENT!
saturday 25 – sunday 26 march
KLOOF INDIGENOUS OPEN GARDENS
Volunteer to assist at the stand or simply support the event and come and visit us and look for and photograph birds. BeKZN will be situated in close proximity to a wetland so use the opportuniaty to come and chat indigenous gardening for birds, bird identification, bird photography or find out more about the club.
FEBRUARY
BEKZN JUNIORS…
Saturday 4 February @ 07h00
Durban Botanic Gardens with Marco Franchini
An outing especially for our up-and-coming birders. This will be held at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Situated in the city of Durban it is one of the oldest public institutions and Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens. The gardens cover an area of 15 hectares where breeding birds can be seen as well as some forest birds. African Spoonbills, Pink-backed Pelican, Black-throated Wattle-eye and more.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/SNf264ZVyQb2U2pj6
BeKZN DAY TRIPPING
SUNDAY 5 February @06h00
SAPPI Wetlands hosted by nicolette and ticky forbes
Postponed from end January due to rain
Starting early to catch the early morning bird calls before moving to the wetland birds. A return visit to an excellent waterbird venue with the possibility of rarities and specials being seen from the hide or the platforms along the road. The last outing there had Greater Painted Snipe and Brown-throated Weaver. There is also a chance of special species such as African Snipe, African Rail, Baillon’s Crake and Lesser Moorhen. There is usually a great variety of waterfowl and waders. We will be taking time to assist beginner birders to get lifers and also allow some slow birding for photographers. This birding venue is very rewarding and time at the hide can produce a good list of 80 – 90 species.
We will have our refreshments at the picnic site (ablutions are available) and go through the lists and aspects of the ID. For those interested we will travel back to Durban via the back roads and continue the list and atlassing through some interesting areas including a traverse of the UPL affected area.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/xVrw4wVSXN1Ti12z6
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 16 February @ 07h00
Westville Scout Bowl with Jenny Norman
Back to a place that we haven’t been to for a while. All three mannikins (Bronze, Red-backed and Magpie) can be seen here along with a variety of breeding weavers and many other bush birds.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/mX6dr34mVL8h2Fhs5
BEKZN ATLAS
Sunday 19 February @ 06h00
Colour Me Green eThekwini Atlas Challenge 2023 with Dave Rimmer
We will be atlassing an area and pentads to be advised by Dave Rimmer. 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 contributing to conservation please register using this link:
https://forms.gle/Zgr7kxw38onQmaa88
BeKZN EVENING SPECIAL
wednesday 22 FEbruary @1730
MOUNT MORELAND BARN SWALLOWS hosted by nicolette and ticky forbes
A special outing to see the swallows come into roost. This will be a late afternoon / evening outing. Find some raptors trying to catch them! Enjoy an evening picnic or a few sundowners at the Lake Victoria Conservancy in Mount Moreland while watching the spectacle of the Mount Moreland Swallows, the Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica.
Every evening from mid October to mid April, millions of these tiny birds gather for about half an hour before sunset and fly in vast numbers over the Lake Victoria Wetlands. As dusk falls, the swallows drop down in the reeds and are gone … until dawn the next day! The Wetland is one of the largest roost sites for these Barn Swallows during their summer migration to South Africa. Bring your binoculars, mozzie repellant (lotions not spray please), chairs, drinks and snacks.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/fb18yPiDp5bPHXn5A
BEKZN’s 74th agm!
saturday 25 february @ 09h00 for 09h30
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | james hendry
Our Annual General Meeting will be an occasion! A fantastic guest who is an entertainer par excellence, awards and club theme for 2023. Note that only club members who are not in arrears can attend. Lunch will be served. Bird of the Year 2023 – the Cape Parrot pins and fluffier will be on sale.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://forms.gle/N8dT7fJSWks3yDdXA R50 per person.
JANUARY
BEKZN WALKS…
Saturday 14 January @ time to be confirmed by Steve with walk participants
Bird Survey at Van Riebeek Wetland with Steve Davis
A relatively new wetland reserve on the Bluff which is being monitored by Steve. Join him to see the changes and improvements that come with time. This is an important conservation input that the club provides so please give it some support.
Register for this walk using this link: https://forms.gle/VMoU2GjTEKcNgZMa9
BeKZN Sit-in
Thursday 19 January @ 07h30
Amanzimtoti Bird Park with Jenny Norman
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 Sombre Greenbul, Dark-backed Weaver, Collared Sunbird and many more. Previous sightings have been recorded of Grey Waxbill and Black-throated Wattle-eye and the Half-collared Kingfisher has made an appearance on many occasions. Jenny is extremely knowledgeable and you can learn a lot from spending time birding with her.
Register using this link:
https://forms.gle/VfGK8m53WvrtWyANA
BEKZN CONSERVATION
Sunday 22 January @ 08h00
CWAC COUNTS: uMngeni Estuary with Steve Davis
Do your bit for conservation (and learn from the best)! Join the CWAC Count starting at the Green Hub @ uMngeni Estuary mouth, then moving onto Durban Bay in the Bayhead area afterwards. Bring binoculars, hat, water, tea and snacks for afterwards.
Register using this link: https://forms.gle/rFkZ42a1pMtYLyZW8
BEKZN TALKS!
wednesday 25 January @ 18H30
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER | DR GERHARD VERDOORN
A LONG FLIGHT TO FREEDOM
ONLINE BEKZN ZOOM ROOM
Dr Gerhard Verdoorn of the Griffon Poison Information Centre who has a passion for natural things will talk to the club about the migration of the birds from South Africa, over Africa into Israel. Dr Verdoorn will talk about the bird journeys, taking in the beautiful landscapes of Israel which the birds fly over in their migration, the different species, how they fly, how they survive and then also talk about his experiences in Eretz Israel (the land of Israel). He will reflect on the Golan, Gamla, Ein Avdad, Ein Gedi where David cut a piece off Shaul’s tunic, and lots of interesting things around the migration
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcu6tqTIuG9Ut0-F2TTw-wMaw_AFHqwV5
2023 is going to be a great year to be birding…