BDI Bird Ringing Course, 1-7 Sept 2022

The first BDI ringing course at the Karoo Gariep NR has been completed. Eight attendees plus leader Dieter had an exciting week of ringing new species, going on night drives, and enjoying excellent meals!

Attendees included ringers and trainees from the USA, UK, Namibia and South Africa.

Catching techniques were mostly mist-netting and spring traps baited with bacon. In addition to ringing most of the time, there were opportunities to discuss various aspects of ringing, and trainees had practice at putting up nets on their own.

The total number of birds caught was 246 birds of an amazing 31 species. The top species caught was the Cape Sparrow (52), followed by Southern Masked-Weaver (45) and Southern Red Bishop (41). Starlings featured well with Pied Starling (26) and Wattled Starling (15). Wader nets on the shore line produced a few Kittlitz’s Plover and Little Stint, and also unexpected birds like Capped Wheatear. Ringing in the Karoo shrub gave the best species like Rufous-eared Warbler, Grey-backed Cisticola, Black-chested Prinia, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Long-billed Crombec, African Pipit and Lark-like Bunting. A highlight for me was spot-lighting and catching a Double-banded Courser (after an unsuccessful attempt!).

To join a ringing course, see dates here.

Table of ringing totals, Karoo Gariep NR, 1-7 Sept 2022

Thanks to all the staff at New Holme for hosting us so well!