BioSCapes comes to South Africa
From 22 to 26 May, the Houw Hoek Hotel in the mountains outside Cape Town hosted the first workshop of BioSCapes stakeholders. Sponsored by NASA, the event brought together experts from a large variety of conservation and research fields who are all committed to the common goal of conserving biodiversity.
The workshop was the first face-to-face meeting for several of the conservationists and scientists and provided some delegates with their first opportunity to visit South Africa. It was the culmination of efforts initiated in 2021, when Matt Clark from Sonoma State University in California first reached out to pitch the BioSoundSCapes proposal to BirdLife South Africa. The project will use remote recording devices to map the ‘soundscape’ of fynbos, including birds, frogs and insects.
After a year and a half of Zoom meetings, it was great to meet in person. Joining Matt was Rose Snyder from Point Blue (a US-based ecological consulting company), Andrew Turner from CapeNature and Johan Huisamen, the project’s field coordinator. Together with other collaborators we are part of the BioSoundSCapes project, a component of the broader BioSCapes initiative that includes other projects such as CyanoSCape and TraitSCape.
The primary objective of the workshop was to improve the application of BioSCapes data and scientific outcomes in the decisions made by practitioners every day. The group comprised members of the BioSCapes science team based in the USA and South Africa, as well as representatives of South African governmental and non-governmental organisations. The workshop aimed to foster relationship-building, networking and science communication and to facilitate the sharing of benefits.
One of the workshop’s standout features was a day dedicated to field trips, immersing participants in the local ecosystem. I joined Rose Snyder and other delegates on a visit to the African Penguin colony at Stony Point, Betty’s Bay, where we received informative presentations from CapeNature, SANCCOB and the local community.
The outing included a trip to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden to explore fynbos vegetation. Here, some participants experienced an unexpected encounter with lunch-stealing baboons, an incident that offered an amusing photo opportunity for the foreign delegates. However, the serious underlying message from our guides was clear: the fynbos biome, while beautiful, faces challenges that require concerted conservation efforts.
The success of the BioSCapes workshop is a testament to the dedicated members of the organising committee, who ensured that the event was impactful and an excellent platform for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. We look forward to a future where our natural habitats continue to flourish, guided by a shared vision of preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity by using cutting-edge science.
BirdLife South Africa has committed to contributing to the BioSCapes project through the field campaign starting in July 2023, when we will be deploying the recording devices and conducting point counts across the Western Cape in collaboration with CapeNature and volunteers. Stay tuned for further updates from the field as we embark on this exciting endeavour!
DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER
Welcome Jess!
Many of you would already have met Jessica Wilmot at LAB or the AGM at Flock to the Wilderness last month. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jess more formally to the Regional Conservation Programme team and BirdLife South Africa in her role as Flyway and Migrants Project Manager.
Jess holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management from the Central European University, Hungary, and has worked for the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Having also worked for Elephants Alive, South Africa, she has a profound appreciation for the importance of developing policy frameworks, mitigating human–elephant conflict and the implementing of multilateral environmental agreements by various stakeholders.
Jess will be joining the Regional Conservation Programme to contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and will support BirdLife partners along the East-Atlantic Flyway in their efforts to conserve birds and their habitats. In her own words, she is thrilled at the prospect of becoming an integral member of Birdlife South Africa’s Regional Conservation Programme and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to make a tangible difference in safeguarding invaluable natural habitats.
We wish Jess many happy and successful years at BirdLife South Africa!
DR SIMEON BEZENG, REGIONAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER
Get ready for Birding Big Day!
BirdLife South Africa’s 39th Birding Big Day (BBD) will get under way on Saturday, 2 December and you are invited to join hundreds of birders around the country who will be looking to record as many species as possible within a chosen time, be it the entire day or a few hours in the garden or a local park.
Two categories are offered: the 50-kilometre, where you choose a central point and can look for birds within a 50-kilometre radius of it; and the six-kilometre, which is designed for birders who prefer to atlas a pentad, enjoy birding while walking or cycling, or have limited time available. In both categories you can upload your sightings using the BirdLasser app, and a dedicated online map will be provided for the six-kilometre one.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a tally of 880 bird species on the checklist of birds in South Africa. During BBD our collective efforts usually result in recording approximately 650 of these species in just one day! For many avid birders, BBD is an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family outdoors, revelling in the wonders of our diverse avian population.
More than 400 teams – that’s over 1000 birders – took part in each of the last two BBD events and this year, we hope you will join us and help to make the 39th BBD the biggest ever! It promises to be an absolute blast. All you need to do is assemble your team of at least four birders, plan your route and then register for the event. You can log your sightings on the BirdLasser app or simply write them down on a piece of paper. For more information, go to https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/birding-big-day-2023/. Alternatively, feel free to contact me at ernst.retief@birdlife.org.za. To register, please go to https://www.birdlife.org.za/birding-big-day-2023-entry-form/
ERNST RETIEF, BIRDING BIG DAY ORGANISER
Serious fun in the fynbos
The great thing about sugarbirds and sunbirds is that they get so distracted by pretty flowers and their nectar that they don’t mind how close people get to them. Orange-breasted Sunbirds, especially, appear curious and seem to approach visitors to check whether they are edible, or possibly a threat. And most observers, in turn, will be distracted by just how cute these little birds are. This behaviour is ideal for teaching purposes and trying to connect people to nature.
This year at Blue Hill we were lucky: good rains brought a lovely display of flowering proteas and attendant wildlife attracted to the winter blooms and their rich supply of food. For several participants in the Advanced Nature Conservation Diploma hosted through Nelson Mandela University at the Saasveld campus in George, their visit earlier this month was the first time they had seen these entertaining interactions.
On the first day we were among the proteas and surrounded by birds. The students quickly learned that where there were fewer plants and flowers, there were fewer birds in a natural topographical gradient. On the second day we took students to a location where fire had been followed by drought six years earlier. The area’s proteas had been decimated and the landscape had become a grassy shrubland almost devoid of nectarivorous birds. This is what fynbos might end up looking like, with El Niño on the horizon and a warming world more prone to fire and drought. It is a recipe for a silent spring.
Understanding the resources available to birds is important for understanding their ecology and for conservation purposes. Knowing how the abundance of birds relates to the availability of resources will help us to understand the changes that will unfold over the coming years. This is what Anina Coetzee was aiming to impart to the students who came to Blue Hill. My involvement was to highlight the need for conservation and the value of organisations such as BirdLife South Africa.
The students of the conservation course are involved in several activities that strive to understand and conserve the natural world. Their research focuses on the various components of the environment, the interactions between them, and human interactions with the natural world, both direct (the introduction of alien plant species) and indirect (climate change).
For more information about the nature conservation course, you can visit https://conservation.mandela.ac.za/What-we-do
DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER
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New Chairperson and Honorary Treasurer
Elected to the positions of Chairperson and Honorary Treasurer, respectively, of BirdLife South Africa, Yvonne Pennington and Philip Calinikos have both played important roles in the fortunes of the organisation for a number of years.
Yvonne has made a sterling contribution, having been involved with Sandton Bird Club for 30 years, including in leadership positions, and served as a co-opted Board member of BirdLife South Africa from July 2015 to March 2019. From 2019, she was appointed to the Board as the representative for the Northern Regional Bird Club Forum. As well as now being Chairperson of the Board, she is Chairperson of the BirdLife South Africa Fundraising Committee. Yvonne has consulted extensively on strategy, leadership development and grant-making. She is a wildlife enthusiast and a keen and knowledgeable birder, and has travelled the world, including in her capacity as a social investment specialist and business consultant.
Philip is a chartered accountant by profession and advises on accounting and financial matters. He has previously served as Chairperson of the BirdLife South Africa Board and as Treasurer and Chairman of the Audit Committee of BirdLife South Africa. A passionate birder and citizen scientist, he served as Chairman and Treasurer of his local bird club BirdLife Northern Gauteng for many years. He has also served as Treasurer on the Council of the Hellenic Community of Pretoria for a number of years.
Yvonne and Philip will without doubt do exceptionally well in their positions and add much value to BirdLife South Africa, especially in their important governance roles on the Board of Directors.
Congratulations, Yvonne and Philip! We wish you all the best in your new roles.
MARK D. ANDERSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Art for sale
Artist Graeme Arnott was widely praised for the clarity and accuracy of his bird paintings that served as illustrations in no fewer than seven fine ornithological books, and his clear and uncluttered style won the admiration of many loyal followers. For an account of him as an artist and the publications he illustrated over the years, read Peter Steyn’s tribute to him in the September/October 2022 issue of African Birdlife.
The John Voelcker Bird Book Fund has a selection of Graeme’s work commissioned for Roberts 7 and Roberts Bird Guide (second edition), available for sale. Once again, BirdLife South Africa will benefit from 25% on each sale. Please visit http://www.robertsbirds.co.za/fieldguide-images/ to view images code-marked ‘GA’.
Who deserves an Owl Award?
BirdLife South Africa’s coveted Owl Awards recognise the valuable contributions made by people and organisations around the country to the conservation of birds and their habitats. This year the Owl Awards will be presented on 19 September and we are inviting you to nominate who you think deserves to receive one. There are three categories:
Owlet Award
One Owlet Award is presented each year in recognition of an outstanding contribution to BirdLife South Africa and/or bird conservation. Only individuals who are 18 years or younger will be considered for the award.
Owl Award
Up to nine Owl Awards are presented each year, also in recognition of an outstanding contribution to BirdLife South Africa and/or bird conservation. They may be won by individuals or organisations.
Eagle-Owl Award
A maximum of two Eagle-Owl Awards are presented each year to individuals or organisations for outstanding voluntary contributions to BirdLife South Africa and/or bird conservation. Such contributions should have been made over at least five years.
Nominations can be made only by BirdLife South Africa’s staff, Board members, bird clubs and general members. They should indicate the relevant category for which the person or organisation is being nominated. The nomination should be about 400 words long and should describe the contributions the nominee has made to bird conservation and/or BirdLife South Africa. Staff members of BirdLife South Africa are not eligible to receive an Owl Award.
Please submit nominations to me at isabel.human@birdlife.org.za by Friday, 28 July 2023.
DR ISABEL HUMAN, HR MANAGER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Where are Secretarybird nests in the Northern Cape?
In early June the Secretarybird team visited parts of the Northern Cape to meet landowners and researchers, and to survey some nest sites. Wesley Gush, a PhD student from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and I traversed large parts of the province over the course of a few days to lay the groundwork for Wesley’s doctorate, which will investigate the impact of a warming climate on the breeding biology of Secretarybirds.
From Kimberley we headed to Mokala National Park, where we enjoyed constructive discussions with staff and rangers about the locations of nests. Next up was the remote town of Van Zylsrus, where we made contact with the local farming community before continuing to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This park is an important area, with more than eight known nesting sites. Accompanied by staff from the park, we surveyed three of the nests. Spring rainfall will have a major impact on breeding behaviour this year, so please keep fingers crossed with the team for good rains in the region.
Do you know of any Secretarybird nests in your area? Please contact me with any details at cassie.carstens@birdlife.org.za
CASSIE CARSTENS, SECRETARYBIRD CONSERVATION OFFICER
Register for The African Bird Fair!
With registration for this year’s African Bird Fair now open, plans for another epic event are well under way. On 22 July 2023, you can once again enjoy a great line-up of speakers and exhibitors, early morning birding walks, kids’ talks and walks, displays and demonstrations of optics, book signings, a fun quiz and networking with like-minded nature lovers – all in the knowledge that your ticket fees are a much-needed contribution to bird conservation. We will also be announcing the winners of the Photography Competition and displaying their incredible images alongside the Canon stand.
The 2023 African Bird Fair will have two formats: the in-person event, which is being hosted at the Country Club Johannesburg (Woodmead); and the virtual event, which will live stream the talks from the in-person event, plus three special episodes of Conservation Conversations in the week before the fair.
Because space at the in-person event is limited, you must book and pay for your ticket in advance through our online ticketing platform Quicket. You will also need to book and pay via Quicket if you want to live stream the programme on 22 July. The three pan-African episodes of Conservation Conversations in the preceding week will, as usual, be free and you can register for them in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x1mH7OlASwq3gOuav3lj_Q#/registration
The colouring-in competition for 7–13-year-olds, in partnership with Faansie Peacock, is now also live and you can find all the details on the African Bird Fair website at https://www.birdlife.org.za/african-bird-fair-2023/
We look forward to seeing you in person or via Zoom in a month’s time! To view the programme, find out more and buy your tickets, visit https://www.birdlife.org.za/african-bird-fair-2023/
How to recognise a Cape Parrot
Did you know that the Cape Parrot, also known as isiKhwenene, Upholi, Hokwe, Dikgwapa and Woudpapegaai, is endemic to South Africa, that the female Cape Parrot is more colourful than the male or, sadly, that there are fewer than 1800 Cape Parrots remaining in the wild?
Learn all about these amazing green and gold gems of South Africa’s mist-belt forests from insightful and beautifully illustrated infographics, posters and fact sheets by Leigh Wolfaardt. You’ll find them at https://www.birdlife.org.za/bird-of-the-year-2023/
And don’t forget, there is also a range of Cape Parrot merchandise in store or online at Shop for the Birds!, including T-shirts, pin badges and soft toys. To order online, visit https://shop.birdlife.org.za/product-category/gifts/bird-of-the-year/
ANDY WASSUNG, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
And the Gill Memorial Medal goes to…
And the Gill Memorial Medal goes to … Prof. Colleen Downs!
The Gill Memorial Medal is BirdLife South Africa’s most prestigious award and is bestowed for outstanding lifetime contributions to ornithology in southern Africa. At the 2023 AGM last month, BirdLife South Africa took great pleasure in awarding this medal to Prof. Colleen T. Downs for her immense contributions over her career to date.
Prof. Downs (BSc Hons, MEd, PhD, Pr Nat Sci) has been at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) since 1994. She is a professor in the School of Life Sciences at the Pietermaritzburg campus and a university fellow who has written more than 400 papers and supervised more than 120 postgraduate students.
Prof. Downs has reached heights that few other southern African scientists (and indeed players in the international arena) have accomplished, and her research, her standing among her peers and her dedication to conservation and education make her a most deserving recipient of the Gill Memorial Medal.
To read the full citation about Prof. Downs or find out more about previous Gill Memorial medallists, go to https://www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/awards/gill-memorial-medal-award/
We’re hiring!
Would you like to join a dedicated team working to provide a better future for South Africa’s birdlife? If so, you may be the perfect fit for one of the three positions we’d like to fill.
Bookkeeper
BirdLife South Africa is looking for a competent, meticulous bookkeeper to assist the senior bookkeeper. The ideal candidate should be able to perform all bookkeeping duties, have the necessary computer skills and software knowledge, be able to work under pressure and take instruction, but also work independently. This is a full-time position, based in Dunkeld West, Johannesburg. The ideal candidate should have a driver’s licence. Please note that shortlisted candidates will be required to do a task that will test their relevant skills.
Assistant to the CEO and CFO
BirdLife South Africa is looking for a competent assistant to fulfil a variety of administrative tasks. The successful applicant will be required to assist in taking minutes and with meeting administration, and to provide support to the CEO and CFO. He or she should be able to accomplish diverse duties and handle pressure, should be prepared to use their initiative and should be meticulous in every respect. This is a 20-hour per week position.
Administration and Finance Officer (Mouse-Free Marion Project)
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is looking to appoint a competent administration and finance officer who will work closely with BirdLife South Africa’s bookkeeping team. The ideal candidate will have strong bookkeeping, administrative and customer relations skills, as well as experience in using bookkeeping software, preferably Pastel/Sage. Aside from these priority requirements, he or she should also be willing and able to help with other miscellaneous tasks, such as managing meetings, procurement, stakeholder engagement and customer relations. This is a two-year contract position with a possible extension, depending on the progress of the project. Applicants should be willing to work flexible hours to accommodate time differences due to the involvement of international staff members.
If you know someone who may be the ideal fit for any of these roles, please direct them to www.birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/vacancies to find out more.
DR ISABEL HUMAN, HR MANAGER AND EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
What do you think of Pied Crows?
As a South African, have you ever wondered how Pied Crows (Witborskraaie) impact the environment? Well, here’s some exciting news! I’m an MSc student at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology who is conducting a questionnaire survey as part of my research thesis – and I invite you to take part.
By participating in this survey, you can help me and my team to understand how these birds and the impacts they may have are perceived by people in South Africa. Just follow the links below to take part in the English or Afrikaans questionnaires.
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LZ8BCP
Afrikaans: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7RDHDTZ
If you have any questions about this research, feel free to contact Robert Thomson at the FitzPatrick Institute, University of Cape Town.
TEMITOPE REBECCA ADELOLA, FITZPATRICK INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGY
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