The Birding Blog

Right now, all the garden birding “action” seems to be coming from Knysna/Plettenberg Bay after the disastrous fires. This must be at least partly due to Rozanne Fleet and her birding friends who are helping to feed wild birds in a food-deprived zone (and getting immense pleasure in the process). It made me want to write a blog about Knysna. Contemplating the birds of the area, I believe that the most famous resident must be the Knysna Lourie. But for the sheer presence of the animal, my love is for the African (Black) Oystercatcher. For unknown reasons (has the name...

When it comes to red-winged starlings, tough is the only word that comes to mind! They are disparaged by the multitude who see them as being aggressive scavengers, who bully, dominate, and terrorise everyone who comes too close. Strange behaviour for such a beautiful animal. It is true that I have been dive-bombed many times! For years, my allocated parking bay was blessed by a breeding pair right above, and I ran the gauntlet. The hostile parents were quite willing to make contact with my head (although never actually pecked or caused any damage). My response has been special respect...

Some people believe that Saint Servan was the first person to feed wild birds about 1500 years ago. We certainly know that he had a pet robin. Undoubtedly, feeding of pets and commercial birds would be much older. Bird feeders are probably a much more modern concept. We receive queries from people asking for advice on the “best” feeder. This blog tries to put the pertinent considerations into perspective. Bird feeders have two characters; the utility (an engineering function), and aesthetic quality (an artistic function). Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, a brief discussion of the former...

It is amazing how often the first bird heard in the morning is the Cape robin-chat. It is not just the quality of the singing, but the joyfulness. There really is no better way to start the day. With spring coming we will see an increase of activity, and hopefully a boost in numbers. Bearing in mind that this creature is monogamous, you normally have a pair, and furthermore, they live a long life (Geoff Lockwood reports one of nearly 17 years old as at February 2017!) They actually do become part of the “family”. Everyone loves them, and everyone...

Who needs the team on Gough Island? We have our own weatherman in the form of this little weaver. We have been watching him for about 2 weeks now as he has started to change to his breeding colours. Whereas the national averages indicate that the coldest period in South Africa is early July, he seems to be telling a different story! In truth we have had a very mild winter. The days are already getting longer. Roll on spring!