Birding Big Day

This years Birding Big Day was another success: 265 species where seen this year (2009 = 271 species) - combined species for the past two years is 316.

51 species identified last year were not on this year's lists but this year there were 45 species which were not picked up last year.

The Brown Throated Weaver and Olive Thrush were both identified at Sabi River Sun - neither should occur there normally but there is no reason to question their identification. Should both species be identified again the findings will be submitted to the Southern African Bird Atlassing Project to record their presence in the area.

A few interesting general observations:

1. Crowned Lapwing (usually a common species in the Kruger) has not been counted in the past two years.
2. There were a lot more waders, storks, etc., last year, probably water levels in dams and rivers were lower last year.
3. A lot more eagle species picked up last year.
4. Nearly every team picked up the Olive Woodpecker this year, yet no one identified it last year.

Let`s see if a Conservancy team can top the 200 species next year!

For more information and the list of birds, contact us or the Hazyview-Kiepersol Conservancy.

Birding Big Day 26/27.Nov

The Hazyview-Kiepersol Conservancy is once again organising the popular Birding Big Day to coincide with National Big Birding Day.

The purpose of this event is to not only to raise funds for the organisation; but also to get a rough idea of the species which occur within our area; educate non birders on the joys of birding as well as have fun.
This year, it will again follow the 50km radius rule as set out by Birdlife SA, with Dreamfields Guesthouse being close to the centre point. In order for participants to cover a full 24 hour period of birding it was decided to start the event at 17h00 on Friday 26 November and will be ending at 17h00 on Saturday 27 November.

The results – how many different species have been seen – will be published after the event.

Hazyview – Kiepersol Conservancy

Since 2009 Dreamfields Guesthouse is a member of the Hazyview-Kiepersol Conservancy. The mission is to
-promote the protection of indigenous flora and fauna, to rehabilitate and protect the soil and manage fires within the boundaries of the conservancy
- promote the principle of nature conservation in the area and areas bordering the conservancy
- monitor commercial development in the area in the interest of the conservancy and its members.
The Conservancy runs a few important projects including an alien plant control project with “Working for Water” as well as the anti poaching patrols which run in the Conservancy area a few times a year. Dreamfields Guesthouse is happy to support the Conservancy by being a member.