African Birdlife - September/October 2021

In this issue

European Honey Buzzard • Luangwa • Mbombela • Penguin update • Zaagkuildrift

Hope For Penguins

The De Hoop Nature Reserve on the south-western coast of South Africa is one of CapeNature’s flagship conservation areas. The associated marine protected area is home to a vast array of marine species, from whales to fish and turtles. And for a short time in the mid-2000s it was home to African Penguins too. A small colony established itself there naturally and was first found on a small headland on the eastern side of the reserve in 2003. Increasing to 18 breeding pairs by 2006, with about 100 other penguins roosting there regularly, the colony seemed off to a promising start. However, penguins are particularly vulnerable to predators when on land. A local caracal soon learnt that there were easy meals to be had and the colony was abandoned by 2008.

4 mins

Sightings In The Subregion

Winter is never an optimal time from a rarities point of view, but in the past some of our most exciting ‘finds’ have occurred during this season. The latest review period was no different, producing a mega first bird for the subregion as well as several other good species to keep twitchers entertained.

3 mins

The Enigma Buzzard

The late Leslie Brown, doyen of African raptorphiles, remarks in his African Birds of Prey (1970) that he found the status of the European Honey Buzzard in Africa puzzling. In his own experience he never saw one in Kenya during his 25 years’ residence there. He correctly surmised that birds from Western Europe disappeared into the forests of West Africa and the Congo Basin. This has been recently authenticated by several birds from Germany being tracked with telemetry. But what about the eastern population that crosses into Africa via Eilat? For example, in May 2015 as many as 450 000 individuals were recorded in two days. Any birds seen in southern Africa would be derived from this source.

4 mins

Specials Overload

Photographing birds between Zaagkuildrift and Kgomo-Kgomo

6 mins

Birding MBOMBELA

The heart of the Lowveld

8 mins

Freeze Frame

I derive great pleasure from being able to share the beauty of the natural world as seen through my lens. As long as I can remember I have loved the outdoors, but it was only in 2015 that I became truly passionate about wildlife photography. I enjoy spending as much time as I can in the bush and over the years I have visited many of the great national parks in southern Africa. Animal and bird behaviour fascinates me and I often try to capture an image that tells a story.

2 mins

Living In Luangwa

Zambia’s South Luangwa national park is well known in safari circles for its stunning scenery and abundance of big game. Herds of elephants drink and bathe along the riverbanks, giraffes feed from acacias in the riparian strip and lions pursue vast, dusty buffalo herds through the thickets.

9 mins

Twitter Feed

The aloes flowering in our gar­den have proved to be a popu­lar attraction for the many birds on the wildlife estate in which we live. We planted the aloes spe­cifically to attract birds and the fact that they are water­wise is an added bonus, especially in the dry winter months here in the Lowveld.

2 mins

Journey To The End Of The Earth

After being thrown from my bed for the third time, I decided to get up and find a vantage point to better enjoy the storm. As I walked down the swaying corridor and up the stairs with the gait of a drunken sailor, I began to reconsider my decision to go outside. It was a doubt quickly stubbed as I jumped through the heavy metal door leading outside moments before it smashed closed behind me with a deep roll of the ship.

5 mins

Owl Awards 2021

BirdLife South Africa presents worthy recipients with Owl Awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts to help ‘give conservation wings’.

6 mins

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African Birdlife Magazine Description:

African Birdlife is a world-class bi-monthly magazine about birds and birdwatching in Africa. It includes informative articles and stunning photographs of Africa's birds. Features include: The latest news on bird conservation and behaviour; equipment reviews; photographic tips; competitions to win great prizes. It serves as an important mouthpiece for BirdLife South Africa to create awareness about bird research and conservation.