| Ringing course, 31 Oct – 6 Nov 2022 New Holme Guest Farm, Northern Cape/ Karoo Gariep NR [coords for turn-off]BDI ringing event for ringers and trainees Previous ringing – – email megan@thebdi.org if you are interested in attending |
In April 2022 a short trip was undertaken to Karoo Gariep NR to look for potential ringing subsites, in preparation for the ringing course to be held later this year.
In autumn berry bushes attract fruit eaters like Red-eyed Bulbuls, White-backed Mousebirds, Wattled Starlings and others.
There is a patch of reeds near the research station, hosting warblers and breeding Southern Masked Weavers and some Southern Red Bishops in summer.
Extensive gardens with lawns and large trees host Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Robin-chat, Karoo Thrush and others. Seeds on the lawn attract large numbers of Cape Sparrows, with some doves, weavers, queleas, bishops, and Red-headed Finches.
At the farm house Greater Striped Swallow, Rock Martin and possibly White-rumped Swifts breed under the roof eaves, so high nets can be used here.
In the karoo veldt we can try to catch specials like Spike-heeled Lark and other larks, prinias, Rufous-eared Warbler, chats and wheatears.
Birds seen on the trip (at birding stops along the way as well as at the farm) may be seen here.
