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Newsletter |
September 2002 |
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From the Hide |
Birding around the Hide
is ideal at the moment, as water levels have not yet peaked,
so it's a great time to see the large flock of Flamingos.
The hide is still easy to reach as no flooding of the
pathways has yet happened. All the Lesser Flamingos seem to
have moved on and the flock consists of only Greater
Flamingos. The Shelduck are still around, and the first
waders such as Greenshank and Marsh Sandpipers have started
arriving. I've not had much time to visit the hide recently,
so can't report on much, but if any of our members see
anything they would like to share, do let us know, and we
will put it in the newsletter.
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Evening Talk |
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Have you visited Bird Island in
Lamberts Bay recently? Thousands of Cape Gannets breed on
Bird Island and an innovative hide has been constructed on
the edge of the breeding colony. There have been other major
changes over the past few years to this special area, and
Tony Williams of Cape Nature Conservation has been very
involved in making some of these changes. He will be telling
us about the area at our next meeting. |
Date Thursday 26th September 2002
Time: 7.30p.m for 8p.m
Venue: MAC clubhhouse, off Pentz Drive, Table View
Topic: 'A Visit to Bird Island' by Tony Williams |
Please do make an effort to join us, as our very interesting
talk during August on the responsibilities of an
Environmental Site Officer, was very poorly attended.
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Two Spring Outings! |
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We have arranged two outings for Spring, and are telling you
about both now, as the October newsletter might be a little
late. |
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Blouvlei (Intaka Island) |
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First, we have arranged a visit to Blouvlei (Intaka Island)
for Sunday 29th September. Some of our members will have
been on our previous visit, but there have been many
improvements that are worth seeing. The Heronry has been
redesigned and at the moment hosts about 50 nests, including
that of Grey Heron and Reed Cormorant. In late September,
there should be even more nests and many plants will still
be flowering. We meet at 2.30p.m. at the parking area
adjacent to the bridge. Drive all the way up Montague Drive,
(past Makro), cross over Bosmansdam Road, through the
security boom to the traffic circle. Go around the circle
and through the gates, and along the sand road to the
parking area. Phone Pat on 557-3748 for further directions. |
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Food Chains in Wetlands |
Our second outing will be on Saturday 19th October at 2p.m.
We will be visiting the West Coast Field Study Centre in the
grounds of the Brooklyn Chest Hospital. Frank Wygold
recently resigned from our Committee to devote more time to
this centre which he started last year. He has stocked it
with equipment such as microscopes and tanks containing
frogs and other organisms so bring the children and let them
get involved. Frank will be taking us on a walk to the
Paarden Eiland wetlands (wear comfortable shoes) and then
help us discover what the birds eat with the help of his
equipment. To get there, turn off Koeberg Rd into Stanberry
Rd (there is a Moth Hall on the corner). Drive down to the
Hospital gates and inform the gateman of your destination.
Once through the gate, drive to the end of the road, turn
right, and then follow the left turn to the building on the
left hand side. The entrance is on the vlei side, and the
field study centre is on the first floor. You may bring
refreshments for later. Phone Pat on 557-3748 for further
directions.
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Coastal Clean Up |
We will be joining Friends of the Liesbeeck in a beach clean
up on Saturday 14 September. We meet at 3.30p.m. in the car
park south of the Lagoon mouth. To get there turn towards
the sea at Otto du Plessis/Boundary Rds. If it rains, it
will be held over the to Sunday. Please phone Liz Wheeler on
671-4553 if you would like to join in.
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Report Back |
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Our bush planting and walk to the hide on 1st September was
held in wonderful weather, and about 10 members enjoyed both
activities. Visitors to the hide saw Flamingos and Glossy
Ibis and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all. |
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| This newsletter comes to you with the kind
assistance of Caltex. |
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