A summary of the monthly meeting presented by Anton Odendal on 14 October 2024.
Anton presented an illustrated talk at the BirdLife Overberg monthly talk in October. He reviewed species recorded in the Overberg during 2024 that had not been included in the first checklist of the birds of the region that was published in 2004. The Overberg is known for its high levels of avian endemism – for such a small area to have 56 endemic and 30 near-endemic bird species of southern Africa is simply remarkable. This confirms the vast birding tourism potential of the region. The regular monthly bird counts being done by members and other collaborators have contributed ‘new species’ being added to our regional bird list. This is improving the region’s reputation as a top birding destination, besides having direct impacts on the area’s biodiversity.
Several species usually associated with the drier western half of the country were discussed. Here the Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Namaqua Sandgrouse and Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark serve as examples. Various forest species associated with the Garden Route and further north were also noted. Think of Lemon Dove, Terrestrial Brownbul, Black and Grey cuckooshrikes, African Wood Owl, Narina Trogon and others. Species from the north of the country and even into Africa were also highlighted. Allen’s Gallinule, Black, Goliath and Squacco herons, Little Sparrowhawk and Yellow-billed Stork were mentioned.
As far as Intra-African migrants are concerned species such as Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, African Emerald Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher and Abdim’s Stork were surprising additions to the region’s bird list. Some fantastic palearctic migrants also started visiting our region: Amur Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, European Roller, Lesser Grey Shrike and Lesser Whitethroat. The full list of species discussed during the talk will be posted on the club’s Facebook page and website – In total 68 species were added to the Overberg bird list during 2024 and 97 species were added since we started keeping monthly lists after the Covid 19 pandemic.
Several possible explanations for this dramatic increase in avian biodiversity in the Overberg region were put forward. It is evident however that the citizen science contributions of members and collaborators by recording birds on a regular basis play a crucial role in improving our knowledge of birds found in our region. More birders should be encouraged to participate particularly by using the BirdLasser App and contributing to SABAP2. Our efforts are certainly creating a wealth of critical information for the conservation of birds and their habitats in our region. The possibility of getting a post-graduate student to do further in-depth research into these changing Overberg bird profiles have been suggested and is currently being investigated.