October 2024 Newsletter

African Penguins take centre stage

Against the backdrop of the sun setting over Signal Hill, BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB staff welcomed guests from Cape Town and beyond to the launch of the campaign to raise public awareness about the African Penguin and its plight. The event was hosted by the well-known free diver Zandile Ndhlovu, also known as the Black Mermaid. Zandile is our penguin ambassador and the narrator for the newly released short film, produced by Blue Marine, which highlights the African Penguin’s struggle against extinction.

Please watch and share the African Penguin movie youtube.com/watch?v=04S2fdhs2lc&t=66s.

We are grateful to both Blue Marine and the UK-based PR agency, The Prophets, for organising the event, which was attended by more than 100 journalists, business owners, influencers, researchers and many others who have a stake in the future of the African Penguin and the conservation of our marine ecosystems.

Speakers at the event were Nicky Stander, the head of conservation at SANCCOB, and our own Dr Alistair McInnes, chief penguinologist and the manager of the Seabird Conservation Programme. Addressing the guests before and after the screening of the film, Nicky and Alistair highlighted the threats faced by African Penguins and some of the important conservation interventions being championed by BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB to secure adequate food availability and reduce competition with the purse-seine fishing industry, among other protection measures.

The event also provided an opportunity to promote the petition only.one/act/save-african-penguins launched on 20 September. Within just a few weeks we have close to 15 000 signatories. Please support our campaign to save the African Penguin by signing and sharing the petition, and donating to our Penguin Conservation Programme birdlife.org.za/penguins.

DR KIRSTEN DAY, POLICY AND ADVOCACY PROGRAMME MANAGER

Pick your poison

Deciding on a ‘catchy’ title for a newsletter can be challenging for a scientist used to crunching numbers and pushing facts. Still, these are the instructions given by our talented media team. Luckily for me, manager of the Birds and Agrochemicals Project, English has the perfect idiom: ‘Pick your poison’. While this can be about selecting an alcoholic beverage, it also means ‘to choose between two unpleasant choices’. These two meanings do occasionally overlap, but for the purposes of this article I will focus on the latter.

I have always considered myself conservation-minded, but I found myself challenged in a new area of my life regarding household pesticides. I had never given them much thought beyond being careful not to spray poison where my children or pets play. I used weed killer, sprayed cockroaches and sprinkled a neat strip of powder along the wall where ants marched. Then I started reading the labels, researching the active ingredients and challenging my perceptions.

Now I find myself with these facts: pesticides are designed to kill, they rarely discriminate and most of them do not reach the target but can spread into the environment. And so, in the words of a much better author than I, Maya Angelou: ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’ It dawned on me that I had a third choice, a better choice. I do not need to ‘pick my poison’; I choose neither.

DR LORINDA HART, BIRDS AND AGROCHEMICALS PROJECT MANAGER

Protecting insects to help migratory birds

More than 10 000km in two months – that was Hera’s journey from South Africa to Uzbekistan. Hera, a European Roller tagged by BirdLife South Africa in March this year, has become a symbol of incredible resilience. Over the Easter weekend, she embarked on a 10 000km journey along eastern Africa’s Eurasian Flyway that took her to her breeding ground in Uzbekistan. After spending several months there, she’s now south-bound in India, gaining strength for the arduous ocean crossing ahead.

A tiny 160g bird traversing a vast ocean – it’s a feat that’s hard to comprehend. We often overlook the incredible distances these migratory birds travel. How can we not feel compelled to protect these extraordinary birds and the ecosystems they depend on?

With the World Migratory Bird Day theme ‘Protect insects, protect birds’, BirdLife South Africa is shining a light on the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems. Insects are a critical food source for many migratory birds, including European Rollers like Hera. As insect populations decline due to habitat destruction, pesticide use and climate change, birds face even greater challenges in completing their long migrations.

Hera’s journey is not just about survival. It’s a story of resilience, hope and the incredible natural processes that sustain life across borders. Thanks to satellite technology, we can track her flight and discover more about the migration routes, stopover points and challenges she encounters. In the coming weeks, we’ll watch what route she takes from India back to South Africa and gain crucial knowledge for designing effective conservation strategies to protect migratory birds and the ecosystems they rely on.

BirdLife South Africa’s European Roller monitoring project is just one of the ways we are working to protect migratory species. The data we collect from satellite tags enable us to map the full migration cycle of these birds and help us identify critical habitats and potential threats along their flyways. But protecting migratory birds goes beyond research – it’s about creating lasting change by raising awareness, advocating for policies that preserve biodiversity and fostering international cooperation. Please join us in this mission. Migratory birds like Hera connect ecosystems across continents and their survival depends on the actions we take today.

How to get involved

• Support our research: your donations help fund satellite tags that enable us to track birds like Hera, providing the data we need to safeguard their migration routes.




• Create insect-friendly spaces: you can help protect insects by reducing pesticide use, planting native species and creating habitats that support a diverse insect population.




• Spread the word: share Hera’s story and the importance of migratory birds with your community. Join local birdwatching events, support conservation initiatives and raise awareness on social media using #WorldMigratoryBirdDay.

Hera’s journey is a testament to the importance of global cooperation in conserving migratory birds. These birds cross national borders, connecting countries and communities through their migrations. To protect them, we need to work together – locally, nationally and internationally. By working together, we can ensure that migratory birds continue to thrive for generations to come.

JESSICA WILMOT, FLYWAY AND MIGRANTS PROJECT MANAGER

Learning to CWAC

In September, BirdLife South Africa hosted a two-day training event on Coordinated Waterbird Count (CWAC) monitoring and waterbird identification at Papendorp, on the beautiful Olifants River estuary. Participants included local community members, CapeNature staff and Expanded Public Work Programme (EPWP) teams from West Coast District Municipality.

The training covered CWAC best practices for waterbird counts, from planning and execution to reporting. Many of the participants were new to birding, so on the first day we focused on the basics of waterbird identification, starting with familiar groups common to the area, like herons and egrets, grebes, ducks and geese, and kingfishers. On day two the focus shifted to more challenging species such as cormorants, terns and, of course, shorebirds. Everyone put their skills to the test on field excursions to the estuary and the group ended the event with a substantial bird list.

CWAC, one of Africa’s largest citizen science initiatives, delivers crucial data for global waterbird conservation. A key goal of BirdLife South Africa’s Estuaries Conservation Project is empowering local communities to take ownership of monitoring and managing these vital sites, ensuring the sustained protection of priority estuaries in the Western Cape.

Special thanks go to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for generously donating binoculars to the local CWAC teams in the West Coast District Municipality. This valuable contribution will help strengthen community involvement in waterbird conservation.

DR GISELLE MURISON, WESTERN CAPE ESTUARIES CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGER

Greening schools by planting trees

Last month was Arbor Month, an initiative led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to promote the value of indigenous and fruit trees, which play a vital role in sustainable development and communities’ livelihoods.

This year, as BirdLife South Africa’s Ingula Conservation and Education Officer, I led Arbor activities at three KwaZulu-Natal schools near the Ingula Nature Reserve, involving more than 150 learners. Seven trees were planted thanks to the support of Ian Gracie, and the students were shown the importance of saving water and how indigenous trees are an integral part of the environment.

Planting trees helps build a sense of responsibility among learners, and it is hoped that these lessons will spread to their communities, fostering a broader awareness of the environment and action against climate change.

STEVEN SEGANG, INGULA CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION OFFICER

AI tools to help penguins

BirdLife South Africa, CapeNature and SANCCOB have partnered to create a new African Penguin colony at De Hoop Nature Reserve on South Africa’s southern coast. This initiative aims to bridge the 600km gap between the existing penguin colonies on the west and east coasts, providing a crucial refuge for this Endangered species.

Cameras have been installed to keep watch over the colony, monitoring the penguins’ breeding and identifying any potential threats to them. To ensure the safety and success of the new penguin colony, we have partnered with DeepAlert, a leading provider of AI-powered surveillance and monitoring solutions. DeepAlert has sponsored the software used on the cameras in the area to send alerts about the presence of both people and wild animals in or around the penguins’ protected area, providing crucial real-time information to the conservation team.

The DeepAlert system uses advanced computer vision and deep learning algorithms to detect and classify various objects, including humans and wildlife, within the designated monitoring zone. This enables the team to respond quickly to any potential threats, such as predators or unauthorised human activity, and take appropriate action to protect the penguins. The system has provided much-needed assistance to cut down on false triggers from the cameras caused vegetation moving in the wind.

While this has been an effective strategy, not having enough cameras to monitor the site does limit this effort to a certain degree. We plan to install additional cameras that will eradicate blind spots.

The progress of the De Hoop penguin colony is being closely monitored and has seen some encouraging signs of success. The first successful breeding pair was observed here in 2022 and by 2023 a total of four pairs of African Penguins had bred in the colony.

The creation of a new penguin colony at De Hoop is crucial and will help secure the future of the African Penguin in South Africa. With the support of DeepAlert’s cutting-edge technology and the dedication of our partners, we are confident that we can protect the penguins and monitor their progress as they establish a self-sustaining colony.

CHRISTINA HAGEN, PAMELA ISDELL FELLOW OF PENGUIN CONSERVATION

CHARLENE BECHARD, MARKETING COORDINATOR, DEEPALERT

Our 2025 calendar is out now

We are thrilled to announce that the much-anticipated 2025 Birds of Southern Africa calendar is now on sale! Featuring breathtaking photographs from our 2024 Photography Competition, this stunning calendar showcases the vibrant birdlife of our region.

As the festive season approaches, this calendar makes the perfect gift for the bird lovers in your life. Whether it’s for a friend, family member or even a special treat for yourself, the calendar is a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of southern Africa’s birds throughout the year.

To purchase your copy, head over to our website: birdlife.org.za/support-us/2025-calendar/.

Happy birding!

MPHO MAGIDI, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Avitourism on the road

The Avitourism Roadshow hit the trail to Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the first week of October to meet birding guides trained under the auspices of BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project. The team, comprising Nandi Thobela (Empowering People Programme Manager), Thandulwazi Ndaba (Empowering People Programme Intern) and myself, met seven of the guides during what was a highly successful event.

Some of the guides have been providing many birders in South Africa with treasured birding memories, not to mention an array of lifers, for more than 20 years. It was heart-warming to hear from these experts about the impact BirdLife South Africa has had, and continues to have, on their lives. Excitedly, we exchanged ideas as to how BirdLife South Africa can further support them (and how they can support one another), the importance of marketing in the age of social media, and how they could broaden their birding knowledge to make themselves more relevant in nearby areas and birding hotspots and thus increase their marketability.

Ultimately, this was an extremely beneficial event for not only all the guides, but also the Avitourism team as the project strives to achieve new levels of inclusivity. We also took the opportunity to hand over brand-new uniforms generously sponsored by Jonsson Workwear. This forms part of the Avitourism Project’s efforts to enhance the professional appearance of all the guides it trains, ensuring that they meet the standards expected of guides operating within South Africa’s extremely competitive tourism industry.

Despite adversity, these guides’ love for birds, birding and sharing their local birds with others has made them the inspirational birding legends they are today. Even when faced with a global pandemic and fluctuations in the availability of work, every one of these guides refuses to give up on their passion for birding.

So the next time you’re in Kaapsehoop, Hoedspruit, Tzaneen, Magoebaskloof, Venda or Polokwane, make sure to check our GoBirding platform to see which of our almost 50 active birding guides can help you see birds differently.

JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER

Secretarybirds: is any tree a nest tree?

Over the past few years, BirdLife South Africa’s Secretarybird Project has been collecting details about Secretarybird nests and has recorded more than 230 sites. Spanning the length and breadth of the country, the nest trees and bushes come in all shapes and sizes. One thing is certain: Secretarybirds will nest in any tree or bush provided a few key requirements are met. The nest must be at least 2.5–3m off the ground in a tree or bush that preferably has some thorns. And the tree or bush needs to have a relatively flat top. That’s it!

The selection of a nest tree or bush depends to a great extent on what’s available in the environment, and regional preferences have been noted. In the eastern Free State, the exotic Formosa firethorn is preferred. In the Hantam Karoo of the Northern Cape, common wild currant seems to be the ideal choice, whereas sweet thorn is widely used around the country. But strange selections do pop up: an exotic West Indian lantana on a reserve in Mpumalanga, a giant cat thorn in the Albany District of the Eastern Cape, a huge Mediterranean cypress near the Lesotho border, and a spindly real yellowwood on a high plateau in the Kamberg, KwaZulu-Natal.

As long as they can see what’s happening around them and their precious broods are safe from ground predators, Secretarybirds will nest just about anywhere!

Do you know of any Secretarybird nests in your area? Don’t hesitate to send me the details at cassie.carstens@birdlife.org.za.

CASSIE CARSTENS, SECRETARYBIRD PROJECT MANAGER

Trees and bushes that host Secretarybird nests come in many shapes and sizes.

Ostrich special issue honours Richard Dean

A special issue of Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology has been produced in memory of Richard Dean, a towering figure in African ornithology who died just before his 82nd birthday in 2022. Guest edited by Peter Ryan and Colleen Seymour, this issue brings together articles that reflect Richard’s diverse and impactful contributions to our knowledge of birds.

Richard Dean was an ornithologist whose curiosity and dedication to natural systems led him to produce more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and six books, even though he had no formal undergraduate education. His career began in the 1970s when he was appointed field ornithologist for the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University. This role took him to remote areas in Africa and he became a leading authority on Angola’s birds. Among the birding community, he is perhaps best known for Roberts 7, which he co-edited with Peter Ryan and Phil Hockey.

Richard’s contributions to ornithology are vast and varied, from his work on Karoo ecosystems to his studies on bird species in the Kalahari and coastal regions. He was known for his meticulous research, which has informed conservation practices and our understanding of bird ecology in arid environments. Richard also played a key role in mentoring the next generation of ornithologists, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide future research.

This special issue is free to access for a limited time only at tandfonline.com/toc/tost20/95/2

Its articles are:

• In memoriam: Richard Dean; Peter Ryan and Colleen Seymour reflect on Richard’s life and contributions to ornithology. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2366098




• Avian species assemblages in African mangrove forests; one of Richard’s last works, completed by his wife Sue Milton, explores the diversity and ecology of birdlife in African mangrove forests. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2263171




• South African birds in a Canadian museum: the legacy of colonial service by Lionel E. Taylor; Adrian Craig and Richard Dean discuss the legacy of South African bird specimens housed in Canadian museums. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2326604




• Twenty-three new bird species for Angola, including Mayombe National Park in Cabinda Province, and other noteworthy records; Michael Mills, Rogério Ferreira and Pedro Vaz Pinto report the discovery of 23 new bird species in Angola. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2237686




• Living together, feeding apart: the comparative foraging ecology of two African flycatcher species; Peter Frost and Suzanne Frost examine the foraging behaviour of Pallid and Marico flycatchers in the Nylsvlei Nature Reserve. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2349875




• A taxonomic revision of Arnot’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti (family Muscicapidae); Robert Dowsett, Sylke Frahnert and Françoise Dowsett-Lemaire offer a taxonomic revision of Arnot’s Chat. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2366097




• Anton Reichenow and the birds of Africa; Adrian Craig reviews Reichenow’s contributions to African ornithology, drawing connections to Richard’s own work. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2263165




• A conservation assessment of birds in the Karoo region of South Africa: densities, populations, ranges, and trend estimates; Alan Lee and Dale Wright assess the status of bird species in the Karoo, an area where Richard conducted extensive research. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2331162




• Population status of the range-restricted Red Lark Calendulauda burra in a conservation area stronghold; Ryno Kemp, Robin Colyn, Marc Freeman and Andrew McKechnie revise population estimates for the Red Lark, updating Richard’s earlier work. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2368502




• Highly variable breeding phenology in an arid region colonial cooperative breeder, the Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius; Pietro D’Amelio, Nicolas Silva, Liliana Silva, André Ferreira, Franck Theron, Claire Doutrelant and Rita Covas document the breeding variability of Sociable Weavers in arid environments. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2328654




• Lack of evasive behaviour by a Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus on impact with a turbine blade at a South African wind farm: causes and mitigations; Rob Simmons and Marlei Martins examine the causes and potential mitigations for bird collisions with wind turbines. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2325673




• Long-term changes in petrel populations on Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, inferred from the diet of Brown Skuas Stercorarius antarcticus; Peter Ryan investigates long-term changes in petrel populations. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2023.2269479




• Bibliography: Publication list of Richard Dean, compiled by Janine Dunlop, Suzanne Milton and Peter Ryan. com/doi/abs/10.2989/00306525.2024.2380189

This special issue of Ostrich is a fitting tribute to Richard Dean’s legacy, bringing together articles that not only honour his memory, but also advance our understanding of bird ecology and conservation. We encourage you to explore these articles and reflect on the remarkable contributions of a man who dedicated his life to the study of birds and their habitats.

DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER & OSTRICH DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A Guinness World Record!

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) was recently recognised as the largest volunteer conservation science network in the world, with an incredible 10 072 members as of 1 May 2024. It is an achievement that acknowledges the dedication and commitment of conservationists worldwide, and BirdLife South Africa is proud to have our staff among those who made this possible.

Our involvement in the SSC is a key part of our Regional Red Listing efforts, which are crucial for informing conservation strategies across South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. The work we do within the SSC not only contributes to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but also helps shape effective conservation action and policy on a global scale. For instance, my involvement with the SSC Climate Change Specialist Group focuses on thinking about mitigation strategies for species that are vulnerable to climate change. This collaborative effort, drawing on the expertise of scientists from 186 countries, ensures that the most vulnerable species receive the attention and protection they need.

The SSC, established in 1949 by the IUCN, has grown into a formidable network of volunteer scientists whose collective knowledge and passion drive the conservation agenda forward. The current cohort, which began its work in 2021, has been instrumental in this record-breaking achievement, and BirdLife South Africa is honoured to be part of this global community.

As we continue our work with the SSC, we remain committed to using our expertise to contribute to the ongoing assessment of species and the protection of biodiversity. This Guinness World Record represents the combined efforts of thousands of conservationists who are making a real difference in the world. We look forward to continuing our contribution to this vital work, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the rich biodiversity of our planet and the birds of South Africa.

Thanks go to AFRIT, Ekapa Minerals, ESKOM, the IDC, FirstRand Foundation and the Italtile and Ceramic Foundation Trust for supporting the work of the Science and Innovation Programme.

You can read more about the award at guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/770290-largest-volunteer-conservation-science-network

DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER

Fynbos Forum 2024

The 2024 Fynbos Forum, held from 6 to 8 August in Stellenbosch, brought together conservationists, researchers and stakeholders committed to the preservation of fynbos. With the theme ‘Rooted Resilience: Navigating the Future of Fynbos Conservation’, this year’s forum was particularly encouraging and had a strong focus on the threats posed by invasive alien vegetation.

As part of the forum, I had the privilege of presenting findings from the BioSoundSCapes project, which focuses on avian monitoring within the Cape Floristic Region. My presentation followed a plenary by Jasper Slingsby, who secured the contract with NASA that brought BioSCapes to South Africa. Jasper set the stage by discussing the broader BioSCape initiative, of which our work forms a part.

The BioSoundSCapes project has revealed concerning trends. Our recent surveys indicate lower density estimates for endemic fynbos bird species compared to assessments in 2012. In addition, our data highlight the alarming disappearance of species such as the Knysna Warbler and Victorin’s Warbler from the Cape Peninsula – a clear indication of the growing pressure on their habitats there.

The forum provided an excellent platform for discussing these findings in the context of other ongoing conservation efforts. Presentations on invasive species control, land-use changes and the impacts of climate change underscored the complex challenges facing the fynbos biome. In particular, the strategies for managing alien vegetation, which is currently the greatest threat to fynbos integrity, were both innovative and encouraging. For instance, Annelise Schutte-Vlok talked about the use of drones to spray targeted herbicide on alien vegetation along the Kammanassie River.

Beyond the presentations, the forum featured workshops and field trips that enabled participants to engage directly with the practical aspects of fynbos conservation. I attended the SAEON-led expedition to Jonkershoek to inspect its monitoring equipment there, including long-term weather and river monitoring, and a state-of-the-art tower that measures carbon dioxide. I also attended a workshop on citizen science, where Tony Rebelo introduced the iNaturalist project.

One of the stand-out sessions at the forum was the workshop led by Giselle Murison of BirdLife South Africa and Sarah Hulley of Conservation Outcomes. Titled ‘Uniting Stakeholders for the Future of the Cape Floristic Region’, this workshop focused on fostering collaboration among the diverse range of stakeholders involved in the conservation of this region.

Given the ongoing struggles biodiversity faces, it was heartening to see such a strong commitment to preserving one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. I was particularly encouraged by the new generation of students, who gave impressive presentations and provide hope for the future. As we move forward, the insights gained from the Fynbos Forum will be crucial in shaping our conservation strategies. The challenges are significant, but with continued collaboration and innovation we can ensure the survival of fynbos and its remarkable birdlife.

DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE AND INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER

Bird of the Year: Bateleur

Here are some fascinating facts about the Bateleur:

• Striking appearance: easily recognised by its distinctive black and chestnut plumage, striking facial features and short tail, the Bateleur is also graceful in flight, making it a breathtaking sight in the sky.




• Incredible hunter: with keen eyesight and impressive agility, Bateleurs are skilled predators and often use their sharp talons to catch birds in mid-air. They also feed on reptiles and small mammals.




• Unique behaviour: unlike many other eagles, the Bateleur is known for its unusual flying style. These graceful birds often perform acrobatic displays, including rolling and soaring, which makes them a delight to observe.




• Social dynamics: although generally solitary, Bateleurs are sometimes seen in pairs or small groups. They are known for their strong pair bonds, which last for life.




• Conservation status: the Bateleur faces a number of threats, including habitat loss and poisoning by rodenticides. Education about the species is vital; the more people who know about it and the dangers it faces, the more likely conservation efforts will be effective.

To learn more about the Bateleur and access a wealth of new educational material, visit the Bird of the Year 2024 website at birdlife.org.za/bird-of-the-year-2024/, where you’ll find engaging resources about the life and habits of this remarkable species, as well as ways you can help protect it.

Join us in celebrating the Bateleur and raising awareness about its conservation. Your support can make a significant difference in safeguarding our avian treasures for future generations!

MPHO MAGIDI , COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER