THE BIRDS: March 2016

SOUTH COAST, KZN

The South Coast of KwaZulu Natal is a popular ‘endless summer for all’ strip of coastland that trails down from the holiday mecca of Amanzimtoti, the beach playground just outside of Durban, all the way to Port Edward.

The South Coast is a collection of golden beaches, lagoons, rocky coves, grassy slopes, warm Indian Ocean waters, perpetually sunny weather, sub-tropical forests, and vegetation that draws the crowds, particularly during the festive season.

The South Coast, which includes the Hibiscus Coast, named such for the perpetual Hibiscus trees in evidence along the coast, is also strewn with numerous nature reserves, hiking trails, snorkelling and diving locations, and some excellent golf courses, including two of the country’s top ten.

Often compared to the state of Florida in the US, the South Coast is strewn with river inlets that cut inland from the coast, and provide wonderful birdlife as well as opportunities to paddle upstream along estuaries and lagoons. Aliwal Shoal (near Umkomaas) is a diving destination of note, while Protea Banks, but a little way further south, is deemed one of the world’s top shark dives.

The South Coast also has plenty of blue-flag status beaches - Hibberdene, Margate Main beach, San Lameer and Ramsgate - all meet pre-requisites for water quality, environmental education and information, safety and services.

Even winter has its share of highlights with the sardine run - followed as it is by dolphins, other large fish and thousands of sea birds – it is a spectacle to behold.

ELYSIUM, SOUTH COAST KZN, MARKWELL

ALL PICS BELOW FROM UNKNOWN

PHOTOGRAPHERS, WILL REPLACE AS WE GET THEM..

UMDONI GOLF RESORT, PENNINGTON

Umdoni Park

One of South Africa’s best kept birding secrets; Umdoni (name of the large water-berry trees found along the estate’s watercourses and swampy areas) affords truly outstanding coastal forest birding opportunities. Situated in Pennington, just south of Scottburgh. Indigenous forest covers approximately 0.25 % of the land in south Africa, and coast lowlands forest is represented by only 9.6% of the total area covered by forest in Kwazulu-Natal. Over 90% of this forest type has been lost. Eleven small, privately owned forests of this type have been recognised as important conservation sites, with Umdoni Park being the second largest of these. A long term study of the birds of Umdoni Park was initiated in 1999 which consists of monthly species presence data collection and frequent bird ringing outings.

Our current list for Umdoni Park and it’s surrounding areas stands at an impressive 245 species. The variety of habitats on offer and the good quality of the habitat present, most probably accounts for the high bird diversity. Umdoni Park is not currently an Important Bird Area (IBA). This is mainly because it was not thoroughly censused in the past and may have been overlooked as an IBA. The reserve has, in the last 4 years, yielded sightings of 12 Red Data Book species. In addition to the red listed species, the reserve also holds 3 restricted range and 9 biome restricted species, highlighting it’s important conservation status.

The consistent presence of Spotted Ground-Thrush in the area on a seasonal basis over the last few years is promising. This species is listed as endangered in the Red Data Book. The bird is commonly seen at Umdoni Park in winter, which is obviously an important area for the bird. Indigenous coastal and scarp forest is the only viable habitat for the Spotted Ground-Thrush, and large forests should be afforded legal protection. Assessing the population at Umdoni Park will definitely aid in getting priority conservation status for this important coastal reserve.The species likely to be encountered are the Spotted Ground-Thrush, White-starred Robin, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Lemon Dove, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Brown Scrub-Robin, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Southern Tchagra, Black-bellied Starling, Grey Sunbird, Green Twinspot and White-eared Barbet. Access is via the golf club and is free. There are small areas of dense coastal forest which are literally teaming with bidlife. Knowing which direction to look is the toughest part. There were several hear only's and a handful of birds i couldnt identify 100% so they have been left out. Nonetheless we got a few more ticks. The walk is easy and cool under the canopy and the area is as safe as can be. The odd stray golf ball may be the only real danger here. Photography is only for the talented and experienced, its super tricky. All in all - Good spot.

DARK-BACKED WEAVER, MARKWELL

SOUTHERN BLACK FLYCATCHER ? MARKWELL

SOUTHERN BOUBOU, MARKWELL

CAPE BATIS, MARKWELL

WHITE EARED BARBET, MARKWELL

SCOTTBURGH

Scottburgh is a coastal resort town situated on the mouth of the Mpambanyoni River (confuser of birds), 58 km south of Durban on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast in South Africa. Neighbouring towns include Pennington, Renishaw, Freeland Park, Umkomaas, Sezela, Bazley, Amahlongwa, Clansthal, Park Rynie and Dududu

Named after Natal Colony Governor John Scott and in 1860 it became the first township to be laid out south of Durban, but was initially known as Devonport. Scottburgh then became a very promising port as well as a new attractive location for sugar farms and sugar mills. In about 1850 the town started to attract immigrants especially from the United Kingdom, known as the Byrne Settlers. They came to take advantage of the good harbours, both locally and at Durban, and to export their sugar both internally and externally. Scottburgh became a municipality in 1964.

Scottburgh Main beach along with Pennington and Park Rynie have been awarded blue flag status as of the 2014/15 summer season. Scottburgh and Pennington are both very popular for tourists to make their way to the beach. Scottburgh is relatively closr to Durban, about a 40 minute drive and is at the beginning of the South Coast birding route. There are a lot of smaller nature reserves as well as attractions such as Crocworld which was actually why we went down this time. Its a great spot of kids and adults and offers pretty abundant birdlife as well as snakes, crocs, tortoises etc.. There are some birds which are kept on site in large, well maintained cages however the open nature of the park allows for movement of wild birds.