Some interesting species considered a regional rarity in the Northern Cape were encountered during a recent waterbird count near Kimberley.
Counts like these form part of a national waterbird monitoring programme, the Coordinated Waterbird Counts (CWAC, pronounced “quack”) and the data is sent to the Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where it is stored and curated. The information goes towards trying to better understand how waterbirds use wetlands, while also monitoring their population numbers.
Five members of the Gariep Bird Club set out on 6 August to the farm Springbokkamp, near the Modder River. Two sites were counted: a natural marsh with open water on the western side, and a large salt pan towards the eastern side of the farm. Overall, 1 048 birds were counted from both sites, which is a fairly good winter count for these wetlands.
Some interesting species that were encountered include 11 knob-billed duck (“knobbeleend”), which are considered a regional rarity in the Northern Cape.
The warbler, not really known from the Northern Cape, is not counted as part of the waterbird survey, but is recorded as part of the Southern African Bird Atlas project (SABAP2), for which lists of birds are recorded from 9 x 8 km grids. Seeing the warbler created great excitement amongst the CWACers (as they like to be called), as it is a great feeling to tick a “lifer”.
The Gariep Bird Club, involved with a number of CWAC sites, is always looking for extra members to help with counts. To become involved, send email to Dr Doug Harebottle, chairperson, at birdclubgariep@gmail.com or join the Facebook group Gariep Bird Club.
