Page 12 - 07 November 2025

PAGE 12 · THE REPORTER 7 NOVEMBER 2025

young. It is recommended
that artificial light be used
sparingly and with discretion
during filming and photo-
graphy. The responsible use
o f l a z e r p o i n t e r s i s
mandatory and guides/
leaders should never point
directly at the bird. Using the
We still have not been able to
get out for a birding outing lazer to guide birdwatchers
into beautiful Barkly district. to the correct general area is
The birds in town and on the acceptable but if the use of
outskirts of town are the device has a noticeable
extremely busy trying to impact on the behaviour of
attract mates, establish the bird the lazer should be
territories and many are switched off immediately.
already nesting. W ith climate change
threatening biodiversity
The swallows are back and around the globe, birders are Has anyone seen if the African Paradise Flycatchers The African Pipits (Gewone Koester) are extremely vocal at
we are waiting to hear the advised to consider the (Paradys Vlieëvanger) has arrived back in the area? this time.
first cuckoo of the season.
carbon footprint their travel
I wonder if anyone has seen arrangements will leave
any African Paradise before they set off on a
Flycatchers (Paradysvlieë- “twitch”, and should try to
vanger) as yet. counteract such an impact
The swallows have been by, for example, using the
enjoying the puddles after “twitch” as a way to raise
the rain. I love watching money for a local reserve or
them collecting mud from conservation project. With
the edges of the puddles, for the proliferation of smart
nest building. phones, most birders can
I can’t wait for the arrival of all now share their sightings
the rest of the summer birds. instantly. Before doing so,
consider the potential
BirdLife SA has opened
entries for teams to their impact of spreading the
BirdLife South Africa’s news on the landowner /
Birding Big Day (BBD) 2025 manager on who’s property
which will take place on 06 the bird has been observed It may still be a bit early for the arrival of the Amur Falcons (Oostelike Rooipootvalk) .
December 2025. and on the species. Female left and the male on the right.
Revealing the location of rare
It is fun to take part even if it breeding birds especially
is not as an official team.
could potentially expose the
An extra incentive to officially species to egg-collectors
participate this year is that and other forms of trade and
when you registered, you persecution. BirdLife South
receive and entry into a lucky Africa promotes ethical
draw with an incredible prize. birding that will enhance the
R E T U R N A f r i c a i s image of the birding
sponsoring a four-night community in the eyes of the
stay for four people (worth public. The privacy of
R64 000) at their Pafuri landowners should be
Camp as the grand prize in respected, and permission
the Birding Big Day 2025 should be obtained before
Lucky Draw. This is one of private property is accessed.
South Africa’s top birding Groups should be limited to
spots. sizes that do not threaten the White-throated Swallow
Unfortunately Birding Big environment or the peace (Witkeelswael)
Day can bring out the worst and tranquillity of others. Greater Striped Swallow (with a A pair of Greater Striped Swallows
in the more competitive Birders are advised to be mouth full of fluff) (Grootstreepswael)
birders and teams. cognisant of their own safety
It is a good time to read at all times, and to
through Bird Life’s “Birding investigate and judge the
Code of Ethics”, which reads safety risk associated with
as follows: certain birding localities
before setting off. Birders are
“Whilst BirdLife South Africa
a c k n o w l e d g e s t h e in an ideal position to add to
our knowledge of South
excitement that arises from Africa’s birds, and should
spotting birds that are rare or consider contributing
difficult to find in their
natural environments, we towards conservation efforts
advise birders to put the by submitting data to various
atlasing/citizen science
interests of the birds first at p r o j e c t s . Fo r m o r e
all times. Depending on the information on how you can
species, location and time of
year, birds will respond to the become a citizen scientist,
p l e a s e v i s i t h t t p : / /
presence of people in b i r d l i f e . o r g . z a / g e t -
different ways. Birders involved/birdlasser. “
should avoid chasing and Cape Weaver (Kaapse Wewer) building a nest. Southern Red Bishop (Rooivink)
repeatedly flushing birds, It is fun to make up a team
w h i l e m a i n t a i n i n g and see how many species
appropriate distances from you can identify in a 24 hour
nests and nesting colonies period. It is good to always
without disturbing them or put the welfare of birds or
exposing them to danger. wildlife first. We as people
BirdLife South Africa who enjoy photographing
recommends that the use of birds and wildlife can easily
playbacks be avoided to cross this “line” in the
attract any species, in excitement of getting the
particular those regarded as “shot”. On the other hand
Critically Endangered, all birders and wildlife
Endangered, Vulnerable or enthusiasts can play a very
Near Threatened by the important role in being
IUCN, especially during the “watchdogs”. We have
breeding season when unfortunately found that it is
playbacks will divert not always easy to report
territorial birds from more a b u s e , e s p e c i a l l y i n
important duties such as municipal areas. I have still not heard a Diederik Cuckoo (Diederikkie) this The Melodious Lark (Spotlewerik) have just started their
feeding or protecting their Till next time. year breeding rituals at the Golf Club.