Eco Articles

Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre + Raptor-friendly Rodent-control.

2010-07-05T11:40:00.001-07:00

Article and photographs by Denni Raubenheimer

This Verreaux's Eagle is one of the Centre's many feathered residents.

The Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre is located just outside of Dullstroom and had its beginnings in 1999. Initially focused on educating the public on raptors and their conservation, the Centre gradually developed its capacity for rehabilitating birds and is today recognised as a rehabilitation centre by Mpumalanga’s Nature Conservation body. The Centre is equipped with a more than capable hospital and manages to successfully rehabilitate and release about 30% of the damaged birds that get brought to the centre. Furthermore, offspring of survivors that cannot be released are released into the wild if the situation allows it.

Mark Holder, one of the owners of the Centre, was kind enough to answer some questions regarding the centre and bird-friendly rodent control methods.

Mark, what do most of the birds that get brought to the Centre suffer from?
Most of the birds that come in are orphans, victims of car collisions, or poison, were hooked up on barbed wire, or are bigger birds that collided with over head cables.

What are the most common sources of poisoning that you deal with at the centre?
Owls poisoned by people putting out rat poison. This occurs when an owl eats a poisoned rat.

Rat poison is a widely used means of controlling mice and rat populations around homes etc.. What birds and wildlife are rodenticides likely to harm? Is any group of raptors particularly vulnerable to rodenticides?
Predominantly owls.

Are all rodenticides harmful to birds that sometimes prey on poisoned rodents?
“All” poisons are harmful, “bird-friendly” poisons just take longer if the owl persists on feeding on the poisoned rodents.

What would you suggest as a means of controlling rodent populations around homes etc.?
Electric Rat Zapper, rat traps and owl boxes (to encourage owls to come and live in your vicinity).

How can the public contribute to the Centre’s success?
They can visit us and then send their family and friends. They can adopt a bird. If they don’t want to do any of the above they can simply donate money :)

Owls are more common in urban environments than most would think. This Spotted Eagle-Owl was photographed just outside of Scheerpoort, near the Gauteng-Northwest border.

When I visited the Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre roughly two months ago I was impressed with the large aviaries and thoroughly enjoyed the educational demonstration. In these demonstrations, birds that were made dependant on humans by uninformed members of public are kept fit in the process of giving an aerial show to the attending visitors. I was also impressed by much of the Centre’s philosophy. For instance, they put an emphasis on first making sure that a bird is fit before releasing it – a procedure that a study proved capable of making the difference between survival and death.

This Peregrin Falcon became dependant on human care and is a permanant resident at the centre. Members of the public should never raise rescued, or found, birds of prey, as prolonged human interaction, especially with juvenile birds, can render raptors unable to survive in the wild.

Regarding rat poisons: Though owl boxes and rat traps are by far more raptor-friendly means of controlling rodents, there are people that insist on using rat poison. Such people would do good in rather using raptor-friendly rodenticides, such as Racumin, that have a very much smaller chance of killing owls and raptors feeding on poisoned rats.

It is encouraging that establishments like the Dullstroom Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre save a large number of birds that would otherwise have died due to human influence. May the Centre and all other such establishments be prospered.

Shakati Private Game Reserve

2010-06-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Article by Denni Raubenheimer
Photos by Yolande van Niekerk & Denni Raubenheimer

Nestled in the Waterberg Plateau lies the little known Shakati Private Nature Reserve. Adorned with plants and trees typical of the Waterberg biome, Shakati’s 700 ha of semi-wilderness is home to an array of mammals, birds and reptiles. Within three hours drive from Pretoria, Shakati is ideal for couples, families and larger groups wishing for relaxation and quality time mixed with the African Bush.

Shakati's largest residents are its Giraffes. When visiting keep an eye out for Red-billed Oxpeckers servicing Shakati's herbivores.

Biodiversity:

Visitors to Shakati would do well to book themselves on a game drive to fully experience the faunal diversity of the Reserve. Whether your preference is mammals, birds, or reptiles - Shakati has plenty. Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Nyala, Common Reedbuck, Impala, Zebra and Wildebeest represent the bulk of the large herbivores. Mammalian carnivores include Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, various Mongoose species, Genets, African Civet, Caracal and Leopard, though the likelihood of seeing the latter two is slim. Day and night drives are good for Black-backed Jackal, night drives are good for South African Lesser Bushbaby, Springhare and Bat-eared Fox.

If names such as African Hawk-Eagle and African Pygmy-Kingfisher make your ears prick, then the Reserve could easily entertain you for more than a weekend. Over 220 species of birds have been recorded on Shakati, which is not surprising as it contains prospering indigenous woodland and is largely bordered by the Moloko River. During a visit one is likely to encounter Fork-tailed Drongo, Black-headed Oriole, African Paradise Flycatcher, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Namaqua Dove, Emereld-spotted Wood-Dove, Kingfishers (Pied, Brown-hooded, Striped and Woodland) Woodpeckers (e.g. Bennets, Cardinal and Golden-tailed), Bee-eaters (e.g. White-throated and Little), Groundscraper Thrush, Violet-backed Starling, White-crested Helmet-Shrike and many more. “Special” species, requiring a bit more luck, are Goliath-, African Pygmy-, and Malachite Kingfishers, Common Scimitarbill, Red-crested Korhaan, African Hawk-Eagle (a pair annually breeds in an large Boekenhout near the entrance gate), Barn Owl and Spotted Eagle-Owl to name a few.

Though Pied Kingfishers are most common along the Mokolo River, they sometimes inspect the main waterhole.

Shakati is also rich in reptiles of various types. Nile Monitor, Veld Monitor, Tree Agama, Rock Agama and Leopard Tortoise might all be seen by luck, or a sharp eye. Finally, for those with appreciation for snakes, there is no shortage – Cobras, Puff Adders and Black Mambas representing some of the residents that that should be well respected..

Accommodation:

Visitors to Shakati have the privilege to make themselves home in one of three chalets. Each chalet can comfortably accommodate six adults and contains a kitchen, a single bathroom, an outdoor shower, a porch and an outdoor braai. The chalets are all situated within a camp of roughly 100×70 m dimensions and are widely separated to ensure privacy. The camp’s garden has a distinct Bushveld-feel. It is largely covered with green lawns, which are interspersed with trees, and even has rocky portions that blend well with the surrounding bush. The camp also contains a large communal braai area, a communal kitchen and -lounge and a swimming pool.

Facilities and Activities:

Apart from general relaxation visitors can entertain themselves by hiking, bird watching, exploring the Mokolo River on foot (enquire for keys from reserve manager), or by taking a day- or night game drive with the friendly reserve manager. A waterhole with adjacent hide is within easy walking distance from the camp and is frequented by the whole variety of Shakati’s antelope, as well as numerous bird species.

Tree Agamas, or "Bloukopkoggelmanders", are possibly Shakati's most colourful common reptile.

Personal Experience:

When I think of visiting Shakati, much beauty and many possibilities are stirred-up in my mind. Possibilities of seeing bird species I have not seen before, of maybe catching a glimpse of the deadly Black Mamba, or possibly coming across the resident African Rock Python. Of photographing an African Paradise Flycatcher at its nest, Woodpeckers in the camp, or an Owl during a night drive. Sure as rain I’m reminded of the sweet and earthy smell of the Waterberg Plateau’s bush, and of the abundance of Nile Monitors around the Moloko River. I think of the snorting of Wildebeest and Zebra, of the somewhat elusive Rooihartebeest and their hides – a very similar red as many of the sandstone formations in Shakati. I daydream of the place and wish I was there – amongst the hundreds of bird species, the huge Eland and other antelope, the profusion of wildlife - big and small, seen and unseen, heard and silent.

My first sightings of the beautiful African Pygmy-Kingfisher was at Shakati's main waterhole. This is also where this photo was taken.

Contact Details:

For more information on Shakati Private Game Reserve, or to make a booking, visit http://www.shakati.co.za/, or contact Gideon at 082 410 1808. Otherwise, e-mail your queries to reservations@shakati.co.za.

Kruger National Park: Interview with Kruger Field Guide

2010-05-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Article by Denni Raubenheimer
Photos by Yolande van Niekerk

The Kruger National Park is arguably the most prolific non-private nature reserve
in South Africa for encountering the fabled Big 5, such as the Lion.

Margaux Mathey-Le Roux is a registered free-lance Field Guide that often leads open vehicle safaris through the World renowned Kruger National Park. She has been conducting tours for over 3 years and has a deep love for the Park and its wildlife. I am happy that she has obliged us in answering a series of question about her experience of the Kruger.

Margaux, please tell us why you got into the nature-tourism industry?

It’s actually quite strange- ever since I was a little girl my parents would always take us into wild and remote wilderness areas for holidays, be it Kruger, the Kalahari or Mapelane (Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park.) My dad, being a passionate nature lover, traveller and adventurer would always try to expose us to various bush experiences, and so the seed was sown.

It was however much later in life that I decided to take up field guiding as a career, as this was the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for people and nature, showing the general public how wonderfully everything in the natural World has been assembled and how everything is interconnected and interdependent, and that we are responsible for maintaining this vulnerable balance.

I did my fist Field Guiding course in 2003, but I soon decided to get a proper university qualification, and decided to study Eco-tourism Management at Tshwane University of Technology. I did the 3 years Diploma course, and went on to do my B-Tech (Post grad studies), and I plan on doing my M-Tech in the near future.
In a few words how would you describe your experience of the Kruger as a safari guide?

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Kruger, and even though I can travel the same road a million times things are constantly changing, and just when you think you’ve seen it all nature always ends up surprising you. I love the unexpected thrill of it all!

It seems a general opinion that game- and tourist densities in the Kruger are highest in the southern portions of the Park. Has this been your experience?

I have to agree with this statement. Animal densities tend to be higher in the Southern parts, where the various ecotypes and vegetation types allow various plant species to flourish- giving rise to a greater mammal species diversity.

Access to the Southern Parts are also fairly easy, with major gates being found in close proximity to the N4 highway, and to easily accessible towns such as White River and Hazyview, so its natural for most tourists to make use of these access points in the South. Unfortunately during peak tourist seasons the roads can become quite congested, and the animals in general move away to find some peace and quite.

Between the southern, middle and northern portions of the Kruger, which do you prefer and why?

I prefer the North. It’s more remote, and although animal numbers tend to be a bit lower than in other parts of the Park, all of the Big 5 can be found in the area. It’s also a brilliant place for bird watching, and the scenery is magnificent. It just feels ‘wilder”, as a day can go by without seeing any other tourist- something that never happens in the South of the Park.
If you had to choose three favourite Kruger camps, excluding the more expensive private camps, which would they be and why?

Punda Maria: It’s far, remote and very hot, and very few people are willing to trek to this area, as this is not known to be an ideal area for Big 5 spotting. On the contrary, all of your Big 5 can be seen here, but I love the place for it lacks the mass influx of tourists who are only there to find the hairy scary animals. Punda is also known for its bird diversity, and any true birder would miss out if they have never been to this area of the Kruger. A true wilderness experience!

For some tourists the abundance and diversity of birds in the Kruger
are its main attraction. Various birds, such as the Saddle-billed Stork,
have their South African stronghold in the Kruger.

Serenhi Bush Camp: This is a private bush camp, and it can be seen as being a little more expensive, but I think it’s worth every penny. It’s remote location and the small number of people that it can accommodate makes this an ideal camp if you want to get away from the masses. I’ve seen amazing things in this area- a leopard chasing buffalo, cheetahs and more seldom seen animals such as tsessebe and roan antelope. I might go so far as to say this is my favourite camp in the whole of Kruger.

Lower Sabie: For the average person who can only stay for a couple of nights, I can recommend Lower Sabie. This is a much more commercial camp than the others I mentioned, but its location on the banks of the Sabie River makes it an ideal place to do game viewing from. A drive next to the river is bound to deliver hordes of elephants, and further north one has a good opportunity to see cheetahs on the open plains. I like the camp for its diversity.

Apart from the Big 5, Cheetah and Wild Dog, what Kruger animals do you particularly enjoy encountering?

Well yes, after the African Wild Dog, I would have to say that my all time favourite animal is the Dwarf Mongoose! They are so curious, and if you were to switch your vehicle’s engine off they would actually come out of the bush in most cases and inspect your vehicle- very brave and often overlooked little creatures!

The Dwarf Mongoose is truly an inquisitive and brave member of the Kruger mammals.

As a guide and as someone staying close to the Kruger you’ve probably witnessed some amazing happenings in the Park. Please share one or two with us.

This is quite a tricky question!

I think one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had was when I was fortunate enough to stumble into a group five black rhinos whilst I was out doing a morning drive. For anybody who knows a little about these animals will know its not only endangered and scarce to find, but to see five together all at once was absolutely amazing and very rare. I was the only vehicle with them, and I urged my guests to keep as quite as possible, because these animals in particular have quite a notorious reputation for charging without provocation. We sat and watched them for several minutes, and then something extraordinary happened: two of them started to mate! This was a very rare and sacred moment- one that I doubt I will ever experience again in my lifetime.

Another moment that will always stay with me happened in 2007, during my first week of working as a guide. At that time I worked at one of the 5 star private lodges, and I was living on-site in the Kruger Park. In the middle of the afternoon I was asked to assist some of the housekeepers with preparing a room for the new arriving guests. I heard an alarm call of some of the resident bushbuck as I walked to the furthest suite, but I thought nothing of it, as it was hot and I thought that no predator would be active during this time of the day. I had managed to get to the door, when all of a sudden I saw three bushbuck dashing past us, followed in close pursuit by a rather ‘odd looking baboon’. It happened so quickly, yet it took my brain several seconds to register that this was not a baboon, but a leopard whom had just run past us and killed one of the bushbuck, less than 15 meters from where we were standing. What made the moment even more memorable is that we were standing in an unfenced area, and for the first time I was taught a very important lesson: always respect nature and the warnings she gives, and be ready to expect the unexpected!
Would you say visiting the Kruger on a regular basis has had an emotional or spiritual impact on your life? If so, please elaborate.

For sure it’s had both an emotional and spiritual impact on my life. Unfortunately there are days when the guests just want to chase after the Big 5, and in the process one loses a bit of the magic of the natural environment, but some days you are fortunate enough to come across like-minded souls who are keen to sit quietly and absorb the beauties of the wilderness. It’s in these quite moments that one can become so absorbed in the splendour and grandeur of it all and you cannot go without acknowledging the Awesomeness of our Creator.
If any readers were planning a visit to the Kruger National Park and wished to go on a guided vehicle safari, how could they contact you? And where do you meet-up with your tourists?

They could either email me at margauxmat@mweb.co.za, or they could phone me on 072 146 2716. I don’t have set safari rates, as I ensure each Safari experience is tailor-made to suit the group’s requirements, and I will then discuss all of these details with the party involved.

I do pick-ups at most hotels and lodges in the areas surrounding Southern Kruger, and it can even be arranged that I meet people inside the Kruger itself in the rest camps like Skukuza and Pretoriuskop.

Many people have a deeply emotional and even spiritual experience

of places of such natural beauty as is found in the Kruger National Park.

Much thanks to Margaux Mathey-Le Roux for the time and effort she took which made this article possible.

Falling in love with birds

2010-04-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

By Denni Raubenheimer

My wife has often teased me about the answer I gave when three years ago she asked me whether or not I like birds. My answer was basically - “No, with exception of Fish Eagles and stuff”. The irony and her reason for teasing me is that in the past year and a half or so I’ve fallen in love with them.

Years ago I didn’t care much for most birds, though I did have an appreciation for eagles, such as these majestic African Fish Eagles.

For me, as is the case for quite a number of South Africans, the Kruger National Park (KNP) played a major role in the development of my passion for birds. My first visit to the Kruger was at the end of my honeymoon. My wife and I had flown to Zanzibar and after about a week on the island backpacked through portions of mainland Tanzania and Malawi. We had really wanted to visit one of Tanzania’s great parks, but we realized that for the price of 2 days and one game drive in the Serengeti Game Reserve we could camp in the Kruger for about ten days, plus do our own game drives. We thus opted for the Kruger. Our expectation was mainly for lions, elephants and other large mammals and throughout our visit we saw mammals galore. What also happened is that we were constantly admiring feathered creatures – constantly getting to know new bird species and raving about their beauty. Some species that stood out for me during that first visit were Lilac-breasted and European Rollers, Carmine and European Bee-eaters, Woodland and Giant Kingfishers, Marabou and Yellow-billed Storks, as well as African Scops-Owl.

During my first visit to the Kruger one of my most memorable experiences was observing an African Scops-Owl at close quarters with a headlamp as it scanned its surroundings for prey. I kept thinking “It’s exactly like a miniature version of a larger Owl.”.

The relatively well known African Jacana has long toes that enable it to spread it’s body weight and walk on floating plants such as water lilies. Though omnivorous it feeds largely on insects and crustaceans that have aquatic habits.

After that first visit to the Kruger, whenever I found myself away from the city I would be more attentive to the birds around me. I also picked up bird books more often, so my knowledge was growing. Probably about four months after our honeymoon my wife and I bought a box full of fifty or so past issues of Africa Birds and Birding. Having a tendency for collecting information and having had developed a passion for wildlife photography I saturated my brain with each issue. My knowledge of South African birds quadrupled in a short time and as it tends to go with most fields of knowledge - the more you know about a study field, the more interesting you find it.

My wife and I are quite lucky to have one or more pairs of Klaas’s Cuckoos visit our garden on regularly intervals each summer. I was lucky enough to take this photo of a male out of one of our windows.

Although learning about birds and becoming familiar with more species was pivotal in the growth of my admiration for them, it was the realization of their beauty and variety that truly enamoured me. I came to realize that birds are arguably as morphologically diverse as mammals and on average much more colourful. They might not be as fierce as big cats, but can be just as majestic. They are probably more often overlooked than wild mammals, but their variety, in terms of numbers of species, far exceed those of mammals. In South Africa, for instance, more than 900 species of birds occur, compared to only about 300 species of mammals. Take that into account, plus the fact that birds are relatively geographically uninhibited, then there is no surprise that no matter where you live you should have a multitude of birds to admire. Take Pretoria for example. I used to just notice doves and other “boring” species in my home city, but since I’ve started to look at birds and keep my eyes open for them, I constantly have the opportunity to muse at the beauty of one or other of the approximately 400 species that have been recorded here.

This White-backed Vulture, along with numerous other vultures, came swooping down to earth shortly after a Zebra had given birth. My wife and I were both amazed at how rapidly the vultures responded and at how they seemed to appear out of nowhere.

With my eyes open to the abundance of birds wherever I find myself, I am indebted to them for making nature’s beauty and diversity a much greater part of my daily experience. More than that, having developed a love and appreciation for birds, I have found yet another diamond in the treasury of the natural world.

Lilac-breasted Rollers have an affinity for bushveld, savannah and woodland vegetation zones. Can one help but admire their colourful plumage?

My first experience with African Wild Dogs

2010-02-17T01:12:00.000-08:00

My first experience with African Wild Dogs

Most of my 30 years on earth I have spend on this continent called Africa, and last month was the first time that I happen to stumble upon a pack of wild dogs. Spending some time in a nature reserve in the Mpumalanga area my husband and I came upon a pack of wild dogs hanging out on a gravel road after a meal. Being called wild dogs, I some how didn’t think that a ‘wild dog’ would actually be so dog like. (I don’t know what I was thinking?). They did absolutely everything exactly like a dog would. They scratched like dogs, growled like dogs, played like dogs, pounced upon one another like dogs, turned their heads slightly to the side and tilted their ears - like dogs. But, on the other hand they where more fit and unpredictable than any dog I’ve encountered.

What also surprised me was that all their teeth where so strong and white and their coats where fluffy and shiny. I don’t know how good it would be to try this at home, but it seems a diet consisting mostly of fresh impala meat goes down very well with dogs.

The other thing that amazed me was how fearless they where. While we were watching the Wild dogs at a water hole, we saw a pack of three nervous zebras chasing down upon the them. A dog would be singled out for attack by the zebras and it would stand its ground until the last minute before fleeing. As the zebras would chase the ‘unfortunate’ dog the other dogs would assemble from behind and chase the Zebras! It was just one big game for the wild dogs, but the zebras seemed pretty out of it.

Something about wild dogs that I find very interesting is their ability to share - which is definitely not a main characteristic of most carnivores in Africa. The pack is run by an Alfa male and female which are the only ones that get to mate. The babies born form the Alfas are taken care of by the whole pack. So every time after a hunt the dogs will assemble and through-up a little ‘fresh’ food into the babies’ mouths. The wild dogs that stay behind to take care of the babies will also receive some take always…

Wild dogs are also known for the fact that they are nomadic and babies are moved on a regular basis. Can’t help to think that it might contribute to the fact that they come across so incredibly fit and slender.

While spending time with the wild dogs I also made a new discovery. I was allergic to them! At one stage we spend some time quite close to a few wild dogs lying under a tree. At first I was captivated being so close to them, but then I got exactly the same allergic reaction I get form being close to normal dogs… I couldn’t keep my sneezes in and startled the wild dogs every timed it happened. So unfortunately we had to leave…

Even though the mannerisms of wild dogs are very similar to those of your pooch at home, I will under no circumstances suggest that you climb out of your car and try and hang out with them. Unlike your pooch these dogs kill for a living, and it seems like they quite enjoy it too. You might think you have your eye on the dog in front of you, just to be taken down form behind by 15 other dogs. Oh, and if you think that you are a pretty big guy, think again, your might have size but they’ve got the numbers.

There was something quite mesmerizing about these animals. They represented a sense of freedom, a wild secret that they carry with them. One you would only know if you had run with the pack and felt the excitement of a kill… It always makes me sad to think of how endangered they are.

Tswaing Meteorite Crater

2009-11-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

Tswaing Meteorite Crater as seen from the crater's rim.

On a recent visit to the Tswaing Meteorite Crater (also known as Saltpan) my wife and I were pleasantly surprised at all it has to offer nature lovers. Located approximately 40 km north-northwest of Pretoria (4), the impact crater is anomalously well preserved and home to a wide range of prolific fauna and flora. Due to its value to science and tourism the crater and its immediate surrounds form a protected area open to the public at a small entrance fee.

Impact, Geology and Archaeology:

Roughly 220 000 years ago a moderately sized meteorite hit Southern Africa forming the Tswaing Meteorite Crater. Like many meteorites the ‘Tswaing Meteorite’ was vaporised on impact. It is believed to have been 30-50 m in diameter as it sped to the Earth’s surface at 72000-108000 km/hour (2). The energy released by the impact was roughly equal to that of 1000 nuclear bomb explosions (2). Most, if not all, non-primitive life forms within a radius of about 20 km of the impact site was obliterated (2).

The Meteorite impacted the Nebo granite of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, overturning and tilting various portions of granite. Apart from the crater and structural geology of Tswaing, rapidly deformed quartz and feldspar crystals, as well as melt-breccias formed from the granite bear witness to the colossal impact event (4).

The rim of the crater has an altitude roughly 60 m higher than the surrounding country, while the crater floor lies roughly 120 m below the highest portion of the rim (1). The crater’s basin (i.e. floor) lies below the regional watertable (3). This resulted in the formation of a semi-permanent lake inside the crater, as ground- and rain water tend to flow into the crater basin (3). Due to a higher average rate of evaporation from the lake than the average rate of rain water addition to it, the lake has been saline for many millennia.

The saline character of the lake is responsible for much of the crater’s archaeological significance. Stone Age artefacts have shown that people hunted, gathered and collected salts at Tswaing from roughly 150 000 to 30 000 years before present. In historical times, between 1912 an1956, salt and soda was mined commercially at Tswaing by SA Alkali Ltd..

Biodiversity:

Black-winged Stilt is one of the bird species one is likely to encounter at the crater lake.

In terms of nature, Tswaing arguably has most to offer birders, though various mammals and numerous trees and plants occur in it. Roughly 260 bird species have been documented within the conservancy (2). This large array of birds can be attributed to the mixture of bio zones within Tswaing. They are Acacia woodland, mixed woodland (crater rim), river and wetland (wetland occurs in the north-eastern sector of the conservancy), areas where grasses dominate and the crater lake with its shores (2). The Acacia and mixed woodland attract species such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Red-chested Cuckoo (in summer), Burchell’s Coucal, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Cardinal Woodpecker, Fork-tailed Drongo, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Pearl-spotted Owlet (2) and Acacia Pied Barbet (2). At the saline crater lake one can expect to see species such as Black-winged Stilt, Cape Teal, Little Grebe, Black-smith Lapwing, Pied Avocet (2) and Three-banded Plover. The wetland in the northeast of the conservancy hosts various Warblers (Willow, Icterine, Garden, Marsh, Great Reed and River), African Rail and African Purple Swamphen, to name a few (2). After high rainfall Harlequin Quail and Dwarf Bittern may visit the wetland (2). A final birding highlight I wish to mention is the African Hawk-Eagle pair that breed within the crater every year (2). The public is strongly urged not to approach the eagle’s nest, as this might interfere with the raptors’ breeding success.

Various small mammals such as rodents, mongoose, hares, genets and Vervet Monkey (2) occur at Tswaing. Larger mammals include Chacma Baboon and introduced antelope such as Impala.

Finally, for those with a passion for botany – many trees in the Tswaing have been tagged with numbers. Lists with the corresponding tree species names can be obtained at the Tswaing Museum (2).

Personal experience:

Upon entering Tswaing the first two birds we saw were Brown-hooded kingfishers...

I’ve only visited the Tswaing Crater once, but the experience has definitely motivated me to want to go again. Upon entering Tswaing the first two birds we saw were Brown-hooded kingfishers, the third species, I believe, was a White-winged Widowbird – both of which you would rarely see in Pretoria. The most prominent birdcall, evident throughout our visit, was that of the Red-chested Cuckoo, which we spotted in flight a handful of times. Other prominent vocals were those of Burchell’s Coucals and Arrow-marked Babblers.

The environment within Tswaing, especially near the crater, seemed healthy and thriving. Walking in-and-around the crater evoked a feeling of being in a remote part of Africa. This feeling was probably due to elevated humidity, pristine woodland, and the strange geomorphology of the crater.

One thing I want to do differently if I visit Tswaing again in summer – is to take lots of mosquito repellent. As soon as we started descending into the crater, we started loosing blood!

Access, facilities and costs:

The Tswaing Crater is open to the public from 07:30-16:00 everyday (2). Entrance costs R15 per adult and R20 per car (optional) and is payable at the Tswaing Museum. One may leave one’s car at the museum and enter Tswaing on foot. The entrance to Tswaing is located roughly 200 m north of the museum along the M35. Obtaining a permit for one’s car gives one access to a limited portion of the conservancies’ road network - enabling one to drive up to near the crater’s rim. A clearly marked hiking trail exists, for which a map is given on the information brochure obtained at the museum. The full length of the trail is 7.2 km (2). Day visitors can make use of the picnic area which includes braai facilities and toilets (2). Finally, camping and chalets are available at Kgotla Camp (2). For more information phone 012 790 2302.

Conclusions:

The Tswaing Crater is a must-see for Gauteng nature lovers, especially to those that enjoy birdwatching. Being only about 40 km from Pretoria – visitors from our Capital City could easily do just a morning- or afternoon visit. Visitors from further a field would probably do best to make a day-visit of Tswaing, or to sleep over at Kgotla Camp.

Denni Raubenheimer

info@wildlifestockimage.com

References:

1) Brandt, D. and Reimold, W.U. (1995). The geology of the Pretoria Saltpan impact structure and the surrounding area. South African Journal of Geology, 98 (3), 287-304.

2) Marias, E. and Peacock, F. (2008). The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng. Mirafra Publishing, Cape Town. – 384pp.

3) McCaffrey, L.P. and Harris, C. (1996). Hydrological impact of the Pretoria Salt Pan crater, South Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 23 (2), 205-212.

4) Partridge, T. C., Demenocal, P. B., Lorentz, S. A., Paiker, M. J. and Vogel, J. C. (1997). Orbital forcing of climate over South Africa: a 200,000-year rainfall record from the Pretoria Saltpan. Quarternary Science Reviews, 16, 1125-1133.

Gauteng Nature: Austen Roberts and Pretoria Botanical Gardens

2009-10-20T01:20:00.000-07:00

Nature oases within large cities’ limits might be prone to unnatural elements, but, as is the case with the Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary and the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, may offer a wealth of natural beauty. And though the fauna in such havens might be aware of human activity around them, they often continue with their required daily activities as if we were not there.

1) Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary

This White-faced Duck was photographed through one of the viewing holes in the wall built along the path leading to the Sasol Hadeda Hide.

The Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary is located on the site of an old clay quarry in the suburb of Nieuw Muckleneuk and was established in 1958. Though it apparently took a while for a wide variety of birds to start roosting and/or abiding in the sanctuary, it soon became a refuge and prime foraging site to a large number of bird species.

Biodiversity:
More than 160 species have been recorded in the sanctuary and in addition to birds some antelope (Common Duiker and Blesbok) and Leopard Tortoises call the sanctuary home. Slender Mongoose, though not confined to the sanctuary, is also often seen. Some of the birds one is likely to encounter are Blue Crane, Sacred Ibis, White-faced Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Egyptian Goose, Little Grebe, Reed Cormorant, African Darter, Black Crake, Warblers (Lesser Swamp, Little Rush and Willow), Southern Masked Weaver, Thick-billed Weaver and Village Weaver. Kingfishers are common (Pied, Giant and Brown-hooded) and various elusive species, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Bittern, might also be seen.

This female Giant Kingfisher took a breather on a tree adjacent to the Sanctuary’s main dam and next to the walkway leading to the Sasol Hadeda Hide.

Access and facilities:
The general public may not venture into the sanctuary itself, but can view it either from the walkways that follow the sanctuary’s fence, from the Blue Crane Restaurant, which borders and overlooks much of the sanctuary and from the Sasol Hadeda Hide. The walk around the fence may sound dull, but a number of small dams are located close to the fence and one is sure to see a good number of bird species and some antelope if one walks around the whole perimeter. The Blue Crane Restaurant allows a good view over the sanctuary’s main dam, especially from its top deck. With a pair of binoculars one can utilize the restaurant’s vantage point to the full, although the view itself is scenic and many birds should be well within range to observe without optical aid. If one is a birder then a visit to Austen Roberts is not complete without making use of the Sasol Hadeda Hide. This hide is well designed with a walkway leading to the hide that largely conceals the visitor from birds. Furthermore, this walkway also has eye-level gaps in its concealing wall that allow for intimate close-up views of a number of ducks and other birds. The hide itself looks out onto a small stream on side, an embayment fringed by reeds and much of the sanctuary’s main dam. Look out for Warblers and Black Crake around the hide and upon entering and leaving the hide scan the nearby trees that fringe the dam for Kingfishers. Another feature of the sanctuary is the small museum located between the restaurant and hide. It features displays of a number of birds preserved by taxidermy and would be enjoyed by most children, though adults (like myself) are not exempt.

The birds, and certain antelope like the Common Duiker, in the reserve are quite habituated to humans, which allows for close views and many photo opportunities. Whether one is a serious birder and/or nature photographer or just a nature lover, the Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary has something to offer. Its tranquillity and beauty allow the mind to escape from the hustle and bustle of surrounding suburban Pretoria.

2) Pretoria National Botanical Gardens
Apart from being a nice picnic spot, the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens offers access to patches of bush of pristine flora and a healthy diversity of birdlife. Situated near the N1-N4 interchange, the gardens were established in 1946 and span a large area of 76 hectares. A quartzite ridge runs through the gardens and separates its southern and northern portions. Apart from the woodland biozone defined by the ridge, portions of natural grassland occur, while the remainder of the gardens is composed of a mosaic of mini-gardens, all having different themes, and lawns that are interspersed with trees.

When the fig trees that grow on the quartzite ridge that runs through the gardens develop ripe figs one is likely to find the beautiful African Green Pigeon along with various other frugivores gorging themselves on these fruit.

Biodiversity:
The botanical gardens are home to a wide spectrum of life, from plants and trees to reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Roughly 200 species of birds have been recorded and one may well be surprised to encounter species you might not expect well within Pretoria such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Acacia Pied Barbet, African Green Pigeon and in summer Grey-headed Kingfisher. A mammal rather ubiquitous on the quartzite ridge is the Rock Hyrax (Dassie) and if you’ve never seen these large rodents in a tree – this is a common spectacle in the gardens. I have not seen any, but I’m sure mongoose, genets and various snakes are also resident in the gardens. Finally, I wouldn’t be doing the gardens due honour by neglecting to mention its floral diversity. More or less 1000 and 500 species of flowering plants and trees occur in the gardens, respectively. The gardens’ diversity in trees is impressive considering that it accounts for more than half of our indigenous tree species. Furthermore, many of the trees occurring in the gardens are labelled - displaying their common and scientific names.

As well as lawns interspersed with threes and woodland area, the gardens contain large patches of grassland that provide ideal conditions for many flowering plants, as well as prime foraging grounds for Spotted Thick-knee and the like.

Access & facilities:
The botanical gardens are open year-round from 08:00-18:00. Adults pay R18.00 for a day’s entrance, students R10 and children under ?? R??. Facilities include a visitor’s centre, an environmental education centre, a restaurant overlooking a small dam and ablution facilities. Note that the restaurant’s entrance is outside the gardens - fringing the gardens’ main parking area. Finally, the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s head office is located inside the gardens and has a commended bookstore.

So, whether one is in the mood for a picnic, a short hike, birding or just nature, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens offers a wide spectrum of natural beauty and diversity at an affordable price.

Denni Raubenheimer

PS: In writing this article I consulted ‘The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng’, a desirable book to any Gauteng birder.

Gauteng Nature: Pretoria, Rietvlei Nature Reserve (Entry 2)

2009-10-09T04:11:00.000-07:00

Photo: Denni Raubenheimer www.wildlifestockimage.com

The first three places in Pretoria that I would recommend for nature lovers are Rietvlei Nature Reserve, the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary. It must be noted though, that the latter two cater more for bird lovers and bird photography. Also worth note, and by no means inferior, except arguably to Rietvlei, are Roodeplaatdam Nature Reserve and the Magaliesberg Mountain Range. Finally, for those seeking a relaxing walk through nature or to do some birdwatching in Pretoria East, the Fearie Glen Nature Reserve is a very affordable option. Please note that the series of articles I am writing on the nature areas in and around Gauteng will be limited to ones I have personally visited.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is situated on the eastern outskirts of Pretoria adjacent to, and southwest of, the R50 to Delmas. One of the features of this roughly 4000 ha reserve is its wide range of mammals, ranging from mice and mongoose to black wildebeest, white rhino and a pair of cheetahs. The reserve also boasts a wide range of birds (roughly 280 species have been observed), including water-affinite species like African Fish Eagle, Kingfishers (Giant, Malachite, Pied and Half-collared are common) and Goliath Heron, a whole host of water birds and grassland species such as Korhaans (Northern Black, Barrows and Blue), Orange-throated Longclaw and African Grass Owl.

Grasslands, marshes, gently undulating hills and two dams dominate the landscape. Luckily the network of roads and 4 hides allow visitors excess to almost every nook and cranny of the reserve. Until recently there were only three hides, one at each of the dams and the other along the Vlei Route downstream of Marais Dam. The reserve’s new hide is situated on the eastern side of the Rietvlei Dam, roughly southeast of the camping area. In my opinion it is by far the best hide. It looks out onto a small island which hosts breeding colonies of Reed- and White-breasted Cormorant and allows the visitor a 270º viewing range. Grey-headed gulls, Reed-knobbed Coots, Little Grebes and African Darters are some species usually within sight. Furthermore, there are reedbeds on both sides of the hide that together with a half-drowned dead tree a few metres from the hide attract a number of birds, and offer Kingfishers desirable perches.

Another birding and photography hotspot is at the small bridge just downstream of the Marais Dam along the Vlei Route. Here my wife and I have had the opportunity to photograph Black-shouldered Kite and Malachite Kingfisher and I have read in more than one source that it is prolific for sightings of not only Malachite Kingfishers but also Pied-, Giant-, and Half-collared Kingfishers.

Visitors may enter the reserve between 05:30 and 17:00 in summer (Sept.-Mar.) and between 06:00 and 16:00 in winter. Entrance is R35.00 per person, but no fee is charged for children under the age of 12. The reserve offers accommodation in the form of two overnight huts, as well as camping in a separate portion of the reserve. Please note that the camping fee does not include entrance to the other part of Rietvlei. Finally, guided hikes and game drives are also available to the public.

All in all Rietvlei is a jewel of Pretoria that is well maintained and managed. It offers a wide variety of fauna and natural beauty in close range of the Pretoria CBD at prices affordable to the average Joe.

In my next entry I will be discussing the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and Austen Roberts Bird Sanctuary.

Denni Raubenheimer
info@wildlifestockimage.com

PS: In writing this article I consulted ‘The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng’, a desirable book to any Gauteng birder.

Gauteng Nature: In and Around (Entry 1)

2009-10-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

Photo: Denni Raubenheimer www.wildlifestockimage.com

Gauteng. Economic and industrial hub of South Africa. Probably the Province most synonymous with the rat race. With all the development and industry associated with this region, what does it still have to offer nature lovers? In my opinion, still quite a lot.

In my next entrees I will be focused on the nature reserves, wilderness areas and nature oases in and close to Gauteng. Being based in Pretoria I will start off with “Jacaranda Stad” and her surrounds and by the end I hope I will have done justice to a still beautiful Province.

Please feel free to suggest locations in and nearby Gauteng that you would like to be discussed, or to comment on your experience of such places.

Denni Raubenheimer
info@wildlifestockimage.com

Dubbelsnip Gallinago media (great snipe) op die plaas Doornfontein.Verskyn in ‘Laniarius’: nr. 101, winter 2006.

2009-10-09T03:57:00.000-07:00

‘n Dubbelsnip Gallinago media (Great Snipe) op die plaas Doornfontein 374 tussen Modimolle (Nylstroom) en Vaalwater

Willem Boshoff

Op 26 Desember 2005 het ek die plaas Doornfontein besoek en ek was verstom oor hoe droog dit op die plaas was. Die normaalweg standhoudende spruit, die Sandrivier, was gereduseer tot ‘n baie klein lopie waaroor ‘n mens met redelike gemak kon spring. Weerskante van die stroom was daar plekke waar dit goed modderig was en hier en daar was daar klein modderige pannetjies met byna geen water nie. Hierdie deel van die spruit is tans onder die vlak van ‘n damwal, sowat 100 meter verder stroomaf, maar die dam was waarskynlik nie meer as 5% vol nie. Daar was net ‘n klein poel water digby die wal.

Met die afstap dam toe het ‘n snip naby die spruit uit die kort oewerplante reg voor my opgevlieg. Drie kenmerke het my onmiddellik opgeval: eerstens was die buitestertvere spierwit en besonder opvallend, tweedens het die snip met ‘n redelik stadige vlerkklap, byna moeisaam of rustig, gevlieg, derdens het die snip slegs ‘n kort entjie met ‘n boog direk van my af weggevlieg, gaan sit en tussen die plantegroei in verdwyn. Ek het om twee redes onmiddellik gedink dat dit nie ‘n Afrikaanse Snip (Gallinago nigripennis, African Snipe) kon wees nie: die vliegpatroon was heeltemal verkeerd en die snawel het vir my te kort gelyk. Kenmerkend van die Afrikaanse Snip is juis dat hy gewoonlik nie reguit nie, maar met ‘n sigsag-patroon, ver wegvlieg voordat hy weer gaan sit. Dikwels kan ‘n mens hom weer vind in die omgewing waar hy gaan sit het. Voorts is sy opvallende lang snawel vir my ‘n kenmerk in vlug.

Die klein illustrasie van Newman se veldgidse (1984:105, 1996:105) het dadelik by my opgekom. Daar dui hy ‘n slingerende vliegpatroon vir die Afrikaanse Snip en ‘n direkte boogvlug vir die Dubbelsnip aan. Nadat ek die veldgidse van Newman (1984:104-5, 1996:104-5) en Sasol (2002:186-7) geraadpleeg het, het ek geen twyfel gehad oor die uitkenning nie. Alhoewel Newman nie in die teks gewag maak van die helder wit aan weerskante van die stert nie, beeld sy klein illustrasie van die Dubbelsnip in vlug dit wel uit. Albei se beskrywing van die Dubbelsnip as “’n seldsame somerbesoeker” het my egter huiwerig gemaak om te opgewonde te raak. ‘n Opmerking in die Transvaalse atlas, wat deur Viljoen geëggo word, het my egter agter die boeke laat inskuif toe ek later by die huis kom: “Any future Transvaal reports of this species should be carefully documented and verified” (Tarboton et al 1987:100) en “Enige moontlike waarnemings moet aangemeld word” (Viljoen 2005:204). Ek het die waarneming ook telefonies met Mostert Kriek en Peter Milstein bespreek en hulle het albei gemeen dat die kenmerke op ‘n Dubbelsnip dui. Peter Milstein het ook sonder meer twee foto’s beskikbaar gestel wat hy op 11/9/1971 tydens beringing by die Chualemeer in Mosambiek van ‘n Dubbelsnip geneem het. Die foto’s word hier met sy toestemming gepubliseer.

Op 30 Desember 2005 is ek saam met Koos Pauw en Ray en Helen Biran terug plaas toe om te gaan kyk of ons die snip weer kon opspoor. Byna onmiddellik nadat ons by die dam aangekom het, het ‘n Afrikaanse Snip voor ons opgevlieg en al die kenmerkende Afrikaanse Snip dinge gedoen: hy het vinnig, slingerend en laag vir omtrent 60 meter weggevlieg en gaan sit waar ons hom ‘n rukkie later weer opgejaag het en hy dieselfde weer in die teenoorgestelde rigting gedoen het. Ons het hom drie kere gesien en kon die kenmerkende wit onder die pens duidelik sien, terwyl die spierwit buitestertvere van die Dubbelsnip ooglopend ontbreek het. Daarby was sy lang snawel elke keer in vlug opvallend. Hierdie kenmerke en gedrag het bevestig dat die ander snip nié ‘n Afrikaanse Snip was nie.

Toe ons in die gebied kom waar die rivier normaalweg in die dam invloei, het Koos Pauw en Helen Biran ‘n snip gesien wat van die modder af op ‘n dooie boomstomp geklim het. Toe ons beweeg het hy opgevlieg en skaars vyf meter weg buite sig op die modderoewer gaan sit. Ek het nader beweeg en net toe ek naby kom het hy met ‘n direkte boogvlug dwars voor ons verby in die lang riete in gevlieg en omtrent tien meter verder gaan sit en verdwyn. Die spierwit buitestertvere was duidelik uitkenbaar en die relatief korter snawel Ons het genoeg gesien om te bevestig dat dit ‘n snip was en dat die vliegpatroon totaal anders was as die Afrikaanse Snip wat ons toe reeds verskeie kere dopgehou het. Die belangrikste kenmerke (wit buitestertvere en direkte en kort boogvlug) was baie duidelik te sien en ek het geen twyfel oor die uitkenning van die Dubbelsnip nie. ‘n Besoek aan die plaas tydens die daaropvolgende naweek deur Trevor Hardaker het niks opgelewer nie.

‘n Oorsig oor die literatuur

Die beste beskrywings en illustrasies van die Dubbelsnip het ek in drie boeke oor waad- en jagvoëls (Viljoen 2005:203-4; Hockey & Douie 1995:247-8; Richards 1988:123-4) en in Lars Jonsson (1993:252-3) se Europese veldgids gevind. Veral Jonsson en Hockey & Douie se illustrasies was van baie groot hulp.

Hockey & Douie (1995: 247) vestig die aandag op die feit die Dubbelsnip nat toestande nodig het om te wei, maar dat hulle nie afhanklik is van oop water, soos damme of panne nie. Hulle verkies moerasagtige plekke soos vloedvlaktes en tydelik oorspoelde gebiede en hulle kom dikwels in dieselfde habitat as die Afrikaanse Snip voor. Clancey (1996:91) meld dat hulle in suidelike Mosambiek ook langs dreineringskanale, langs bewerkte lande voorkom. In sy veldgids vir Botswana meld Newman (1989:64) na ‘n uitstekende beskrywing dat die Dubbelsnip uiters sporadies in die Linyanti-Okavangostreek voorkom en dat hulle kort gras rondom alkaliese panne en droeër grond as die Afrikaanse Snip verkies.

Dis duidelik dat getalle van die Dubbelsnip gedurende die Twintigste Eeu dramaties afgeneem het. Richards (1988:123) dui die suidelike oorwinteringsgebied in Suider-Afrika aan as ‘n groot halfmaan wat van noordelike Namibië ooswaarts tot in Mosambiek sterk en dan suidwaarts tot in die Weskaap. Dit is grootliks onakkuraat. Meer akkuraat is die kaart in Sinclair & Ryan (2003:170) wat klaarblyklik van die resultate van die SABAP gebruikgemaak het en wat aandui dat die verspreidingsgebied nie ver suid van die Okavango- en Zambesiriviere sterek nie.
Hockey & Douie (1995:247) meld dat Dubbelsnip gedurende die tweede helfte van die Negentiende Eeu nie skaars was in die Transvaal, Natal en Oos-Kaap nie, maar die laaste rekord van die voël in Suid-Afrika is een wat tussen 1904 en 1907 in Pondoland geskiet is, totdat een weer in 1984 by die St Luciameer gevind is.
• Cyrus & Robson (1980:13) vermeld ‘n verdere waarneming gedurende September 1970, maar oordeel dat dit bevestig moet word en lys die Dubbelsnip onder die voëls van Natal waarvan die verspreiding merkbaar afgeneem het (1980:25).
• Tarboton et al (1987:100) dui dieselfde tendens vir die Transvaal aan en meld dat Ayers tussen 1876 en 1885 ten minste 15 Dubbelsnippe by Potchefstroom versamel het.
• In die Weskaap is ‘n Dubbelsnip gedurende die Negentiende Eeu op die Kaapse Vlakte versamel en onbevestigde berigte lui dat die voël ook by die Olifantsrivier en by Porterville waargeneem is (Hockey et al 1989:94).
• Wat die Ooskaap betref is die volgende inligting uit die Transkei ter sake: Die welbekende kunstenaar CG Finch-Davies was van 1893 tot 1914 in die Transkei gestasioneer. Quickelberge (1989: 57) meld dat Rev R Godfrey rapporteer het dat Finch-Davies die Dubbelsnip dikwels in vleilande by Lisikisiki en Bizana gevind het, maar dat dit nie so algemeen by Matatiele was nie.

Dit is interessant om te sien hoe Roberts en ander standaard studies, soos die SAOS Checklists traag was om die afnemende getalle van Dubbelsnip in Suid-Afrika te reflekteer:
• Gill (1940:143) meld dat uitsonderlike voorbeelde van Dubbelsnip omtrent op enige plek kan opduik, dikwels op redelik droë grond en gewoonlik, maar nie altyd nie, in die somer.
• Roberts (1940:104) beskryf die voël bloot as ‘n besoeker wat slegs gedurende die somermaande in Suid-Afrika verskyn (Roberts I).
• McLachlan & Liversidge (1957:135) beskryf die verspreidingsgebied soos volg: Aangeteken in die Oos-Londen distrik en van Potchefstroom af noordwaarts, met ‘n ou aantekening uit die Kaapse Afdeling (Roberts II; dit bly die beskrywing tot by Roberts IV, 1978).
• Die eerste Checklist of the Birds of South Africa (Winterbottom 1969:87) beskryf die Dubbelsnip as ‘n palearktiese besoeker aan Oos- en Suid-Afrika wat skaarser word hoe verder suid ‘n mens gaan.
• Die tweede SAOS Checklist of Southern African Birds (Clancey 1980:73) beskryf die Dubbelsnip as ‘n besoeker, veral aan die Ooskaap, Natal en Zululand en noordwaarts in die ooste. Dit is ook gelys in Namibië en is na bewering in die Suidweskaap versamel.
• Maclean (1984:254) sê die Dubbelsnip in suidelike Afrika is wydverspreid in noordelike Zimbabwe, suidelike Mosambiek, Transvaal; asook Owamboland; met geen onlangse rekords vir Natal tot by die Ooskaap nie. Hy meld dat die getalle oënskynlik afneem (Roberts V; dit bly so in Roberts VI, 1993).
• Hockey et al (2005:342-343) bied ‘n goeie oorsig van die historiese en meer onlangse waarnemings (Roberts VII).

‘n Unieke patroon van veranderde verspreiding oor die afgelope eeu geld vir die Dubbelsnip.
• Waar daar vóór 1920 geen rekords van Dubbelsnip in Zimbabwe was nie, is die meerderheid van die veertig waarnemings sedert 1955, asook die grootste konsentrasie (van vier), juis in Zimbabwe aangeteken (Hockey & Douie 1995:247; Hockey 1997:770). Dit is veel minder as die groep van meer as twintig Dubbelsnippe wat in 1899 by Durban saam gesien is. Die veranderde verspreidingspatroon mag die resultaat wees van landbou-aktiwiteite in Suid-Afrika (waar vleilande drooggelê is) en Zimbabwe (waar vleilande oënskynlik beskikbaar gekom het) (Hockey & Douie 1995:247).
• Penry (1994:292) vermeld vyf waarnemings van Dubbelsnip in Botswana tussen 1967 en 1989. Hy meen die voël word maklik misgekyk en dat dit moontlik ‘n gereelde jaarlikse besoeker aan die noordelike vleilande kan wees.
• Underhill et al (1999: 85) meen dat die Dubbelsnip moontlik steeds ‘n skaars besoeker aan noordoos Namibië mag wees. Winterbottom (1971: 96) verwys na rekords uit Ondangwa, Namakunde en Omaruru. Brown (s.a.:26) dui die verspreidingsgebied aan as Ovamboland en Caprivi. ‘n Geringde voël is in Julie 1967 in Ondangwa, Namibië herwin. Die voël is tien maande tevore in Finland bering en die herwinningsdatum van 15 Julie is moontlik eerder die datum van aanmelding as die datum waarop dit werklik gevind is (Underhill et al 1999: 85).
• ‘n Verdere Dubbelsnip is op 11 September 1971 by die Chualemeer in Mosambiek (25° 01´ S, 32° 55´ O) deur P le S Milstein bering (persoonlike mededeling, sien meegaande foto’s) en Clancey (1996:91) meld ‘n waarneming by Marracuene, net noord van Maputo en verder verskeie waarnemings noord van die Saverivier. (Vir geografiese besonderhede: Clancey 1996:304, National Geographic Maps 2003:109).
• In suidelike Malawi word die Dubbelsnip aangedui as “seisoenaal redelik algemeen” by die Chilwameer, oos van Zomba en op die Mosambiekse grens (Newman et al 1992:55, National Geographic Maps 2003:140,149).
• In Zambië kan die Dubbelsnip in die somermaande op enige plek in nat grasveld opduik, maar dit kom voor in klein getalle en word min aangeteken (Aspinwall & Beel 1998:78).

Die Dubbelsnip is nie ‘n alledaagse verskynsel nie. Die waarneming op die plaas Doornfontein het my op ‘n ontdekkingstog in die literatuur geneem wat ek graag met ander voëlkykers deel. Ek vertrou dit sal iemand interesseer. Daarmee het ek ook probeer om iets te doen aan die versoek dat waarnemings van die Dubbelsnip sorgvuldig rapporteer moet word.

Geraadpleegde bronne

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Clancey, PA (ed) 1980. S.A.O.S. Checklist of Southern African birds. S.l.: South African Ornithological Society.
Clancey, PA 1996. The birds of southern Mozambique. Westville: African Bird Book Publishing
Cyrus, D & Robson, N 1980. Bird Atlas of Natal. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press.
Gill, EL 1940. A first guide to South African birds. (Second Edition). Cape Town: Maskew Miller.
Hockey, PAR 1997. Great Snipe, Dubbelsnip, Gallinago media. In: Harrison, JA, Allen, DG, Underhill, LG, Herremans, M, Tree, AJ, Parker, V, Brown, CJ (eds), The atlas of southern African birds. Vol. 1: Non-passerines. p. 770. Johannesburg: BirdLife South Africa.
Hockey, PAR, Dean, WRJ, Ryan PG (eds) 2005 Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa. (Seventh edition). Cape Town: The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.
Hockey, PAR & Douie, C 1995. Waders of southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Winchester.
Hockey, PAR, Underhill, LG, Neatherway, M, Ryan, PG 1989. Atlas of the Birds of the Southwestern Cape. Cape Town: Cape Bird Club.
Jonsson, L 1994. Vogels van Europa, Noord-Afrika en het Midden-Oosten. Baarn: Tirion.
Maclean, GL 1985. Roberts’ Birds of Southern Africa. (Fifth Edition). Cape Town: The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.
Maclean, GL 1993. Roberts’ Birds of Southern Africa. (Sixth Edition). Cape Town: The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.
McLachlan, GR & Liversidge, R 1957. Roberts Birds of South Africa. (Revised Edition). S.l.: The Trustees of the South African Bird Book Fund.
McLachlan, GR & Liversidge, R 1978. Roberts Birds of South Africa. (Fourth Edition). Cape Town: The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.
National Geographic Maps 2003. African adventure atlas. S.l.: Maps International, National Geographic Maps.
Newman, K 1989. Newman’s Birds of Botswana. Johannesburg: Southern Book Publishers.
Newman, K 1984. Newman se voëls van Suider-Afrika. Johannesburg: Macmillan.
Newman, K 1996. Newman se voëls van Suider-Afrika. (Die Groen Uitgawe). Johannesburg: Southern Boekuitgewers.
Newman, K, Johnston-Stewart, N, Medland, Bob 1992. Birds of Malawi: A supplement to Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa. Lilongwe: The Wildlife Society of Malawi.
Penry, H 1994. Bird atlas of Botswana. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press.
Quickelberge, CD 1989. Birds of the Transkei: An ornithological history and annotated catalogue of all recorded species. Durban: Natural History Museum.
Richards, A 1988. Shorebirds: A complete guide to their behavior and migration. New York City: Gallery Books.
Sinclair, I, Hockey, PAR, Tarboton, WR 2002. Sasol voëls van Suider-Afrika. (Derde uitgawe). Kaapstad: Struik.
Sinclair, I & Ryan, PG 2003. Birds of Africa south of the Sahara: A comprehensive illustrated field guide. Cape Town: Struik.
Tarboton, WR, Kemp, MI, Kemp, AC 1987. Birds of the Tranvaal. Pretoria: Transvaal Museum.
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