Wilderness ringing

It was recently South African National Parks (SANParks) week, and there was an expo at Wilderness Ebb-and-Flow Rest Camp where various organisations affiliated with SANParks had an information stand, including Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT). On top of this, Mark was asked to do a ringing demonstration and that’s where Shirley and I come in. When we arrived I was slightly concerned as to where we were going to put the nets, but we managed to find a spot beside some reeds to put up 4 nets, and a 5^th on a little pond island near a few weaver nests. I was dubious as to how many birds we would catch as it was already 2 in the afternoon and a school group was expected at 3. The first 15 minutes those nets were up we caught quite a few Cape Weavers, and a Malachite Kingfisher which was a treat! After that we had a steady flow of weavers until we started packing up to go home. Unfortunately the school groups were in general not very interested in the ringing which is a shame, but we had a variety of people from the organisations present very interested. The Malachite Kingfisher was especially popular!

Matome, Mula and Babalwa at the NVT stand. Photo by Mark Brown.

Members from the Lakes birdclub watching as I ring the Malachite Kingfisher. Photo by Mark Brown.

The kingfisher pales in comparison to my bright colours! Photo by Mark Brown.

A group of school kids watching a ringing demonstration.

It really is a beautiful place!