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LIFESTYLE

Helmeted Guineafowl

BIRDING IN THE WINTER

By Albert Roos

inter is upon us in all its glory. It While we have fewer birds around, it is On another positive note, we were finally
is the time of year that we have still rewarding to be able to get out of able to place benches on the walking trails
Wfewer birds around, since the the house and into the veld to do some in the game park. This provides you with
summer migrant birds have left to take bird watching, especially during this the opportunity to sit quietly and wait
advantage of warmer climates and more difficult time in which we find ourselves. for the birds to come closer to you. Soon
food. It is also the time of year when our Birding during winter, however, brings its we will have information boards placed
resident birds are more difficult to identify, own challenges: it is especially difficult on pedestals at these benches that will
as they no longer show their breeding to get up at the crack of dawn with 1°C indicate what birds you may expect to see
colors. temperatures. in a specific area. All the pathways have
been cleared and a lot of smaller birds can
It is also, however, a rewarding time for be found feeding along these pathways.
birders. As the abundance of the food In recent weeks, several raptors have been
supply starts to disappear, it forces the spotted in the game park, making for
birds to flock to whatever is available. In some interesting birdwatching.
some cases, we start to see birds in our
gardens that we normally do not find. Remember that your garden will still offer
This is the time that bird feeders start you ample opportunity for birdwatching,
to pay off and you might just get one of especially if you have been feeding for a
those special visitors. I most recently got to while and if you have a fresh, clean source
see an African Harrier Hawk on one of my of water available for drinking and bathing.
morning walks in our own game park! You will be amazed how habituated birds
become to your presence: I have several
When birding in winter, it is best to make birds so accustomed to me that they feed
use of various “hotspots”. This includes a mere three meters away from me.
trees that are bearing fruit, like the
Buffalo Thorn or the Karee. The latter Dress warmly and get out there early
bears small yellow flowers and on female or enjoy the birds in your garden with a
trees these are followed by bunches of warm cup of coffee. Remember to join the
small, yellow-green, flattish fruits which Silver Lakes Bird Club Facebook page and
are relished by birds. Another good spot share your sightings with us. https://web.
to go birding is close to water sources or facebook.com/groups/280288052897697/
on the banks of these. Many birds can be
found hiding in the reeds or looking for
food. Regrettably, the reeds are cut every
year on the golf course during the winter
months. A small concession, however,
has been made to leave 20 to 30% of
these reeds in all the dams for the birdlife.
African Fish Eagle

16 INTRA MUROS JULY 2020