It had been several harrowing days of wildfires across the Overstrand area and the two-hour drive for many of us, to Nuwejaars, was characterised by a charred landscape and hazy, smoke-stained skies.
Lee and I decided to have a mini break before the ‘Christmas rush’ engulfed us, so we booked into one of the riverside chalets at Bontebok National Park for a few days. We are no strangers to this local beautiful reserve, and always find the trails and walks relaxing and well maintained.
The Big Day finally arrived, and the teams and individuals set about covering the Overberg in search of as many bird species they could record in a 24 hour period. The challenge was centred on either a 6km radius or, for the more adventurous, a 50km radius.
It was going to be a windy morning on the river. Regardless, the enthusiasm was high. All the birders were on the boat thirty minutes before the planned departure time. The skipper had not yet arrived, and the boat still needed fuelling! Despite the blustery conditions, all the birders appeared to be in a good mood after an outstanding outing.
It was with trepidation that twelve birders in four vehicles left the Eastcliff SPAR parking area en route to the African Marsh Harrier trail on the Zoetendal Vinyards & River Estate. The weather forecast was for strong winds with the possibility of rain. Despite the inclement weather, everyone agreed that it was a very enjoyable outing to a stunning venue. A total of 77 birds were logged on the day.
The Big Day finally arrived, and the teams and individuals set about covering the Overberg in search of as many bird species they could record in a 24 hour period. The challenge was centred on either a 6km radius or, for the more adventurous, a 50km radius.
Facebook Email Print 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… Read more: Changing Overberg bird profiles
The birding potential of the Napier region particularly as far as overseas birders are concerned was well illustrated through species such as Cape Clapper and Agulhas Long-billed larks, Cape Grassbird, Cape Longclaw and many more.
BirdLife South Africa recently announced that the Bateleur is Bird of the Year 2024. “Surely a Bateleur soaring high above the African bushveld, with its rocking, gliding motion, is one of the most iconic sights of our country and indeed our continent?”
Since its inauguration in London by the World Parrot Trust in 2004, World Parrot Day highlights the threat to wild and captive parrots throughout the world.
BirdLife South Africa announced that the Bird of the Year for 2023 will be the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus). The usual educational resources will once again be released throughout the year.
We reacted to the COVID19 lockdown period by requesting members, collaborators and friends to report bird species recorded in the Overberg each month. n the end we managed to record more than 350 species in the Overberg region since March 2020.
A total of 285 species have been identified during December. Most of the species on this list were recorded on Birding Big Day on 3 December. Maybe 300 species in one month could be attainable in future?
It had been several harrowing days of wildfires across the Overstrand area and the two-hour drive for many of us, to Nuwejaars, was characterised by a charred landscape and hazy, smoke-stained skies.
Lee and I decided to have a mini break before the ‘Christmas rush’ engulfed us, so we booked into one of the riverside chalets at Bontebok National Park for a few days. We are no strangers to this local beautiful reserve, and always find the trails and walks relaxing and well maintained.
The Big Day finally arrived, and the teams and individuals set about covering the Overberg in search of as many bird species they could record in a 24 hour period. The challenge was centred on either a 6km radius or, for the more adventurous, a 50km radius.
It was going to be a windy morning on the river. Regardless, the enthusiasm was high. All the birders were on the boat thirty minutes before the planned departure time. The skipper had not yet arrived, and the boat still needed fuelling! Despite the blustery conditions, all the birders appeared to be in a good mood after an outstanding outing.
It was with trepidation that twelve birders in four vehicles left the Eastcliff SPAR parking area en route to the African Marsh Harrier trail on the Zoetendal Vinyards & River Estate. The weather forecast was for strong winds with the possibility of rain. Despite the inclement weather, everyone agreed that it was a very enjoyable outing to a stunning venue. A total of 77 birds were logged on the day.
Facebook Email Print 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… Read more: Changing Overberg bird profiles
At BirdLife Overberg’s year-end function fifteen members each showcased their five favourite photographs taken during the year.
The birding potential of the Napier region particularly as far as overseas birders are concerned was well illustrated through species such as Cape Clapper and Agulhas Long-billed larks, Cape Grassbird, Cape Longclaw and many more.
BirdLife South Africa recently announced that the Bateleur is Bird of the Year 2024. “Surely a Bateleur soaring high above the African bushveld, with its rocking, gliding motion, is one of the most iconic sights of our country and indeed our continent?”
Since its inauguration in London by the World Parrot Trust in 2004, World Parrot Day highlights the threat to wild and captive parrots throughout the world.
BirdLife South Africa announced that the Bird of the Year for 2023 will be the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus). The usual educational resources will once again be released throughout the year.
We reacted to the COVID19 lockdown period by requesting members, collaborators and friends to report bird species recorded in the Overberg each month. n the end we managed to record more than 350 species in the Overberg region since March 2020.
A total of 285 species have been identified during December. Most of the species on this list were recorded on Birding Big Day on 3 December. Maybe 300 species in one month could be attainable in future?
This impressive list of species was recorded in the Overberg region on Birding Big Day. A total of 252.
A total of 233 species were seen by members and friends of BirdLife Overberg during November 2022.