Ringing at Klipbokkop, 3-6 Oct 2022

From 3-6 October some 23 students from Imperial College, London, staying at Klipbokkop, Worcester, South Africa, underwent basic training in bird ringing skills. Every morning started with a beautiful sunrise.

Ringing was conducted in the mountain-side fynbos around the comfortable accommodation. This provided low numbers as expected, but great diversity of fynbos specials including a iridescent male Malachite Sunbird and a charming Bar-throated Apalis (below – photo of apalis before flying into the net)..

Three mornings were spent ringing next to the reeds of the Modder River, on the plain below Klipbokkop. Ringing was conducted for a short time to reduce disturbance at the colony of breeding Southern Red Bishops and weavers. As in 2019, all female bishops had clear brood patches, indicating that breeding was synchronised in this colony, and at the incubation stage. A large number of males displayed in the dense colony.

A list of birds was also kept. It was special to hear the dawn chorus, including Cape Clapper Larks displaying, and Freckled Nightjars calling from the hilly slopes. Click on the triangle below to play the lark sonogram!

Table. Ringing totals at Klipbokkop in two habitats, 3-6 October 2022

The ringing totals were similar to the previous field course in 2019, with several more birds ringed but 2 species less. There were 4 Red Bishop recaptures but all within a day or two of ringing.

Thanks to the staff of Klipbokkop who provided comfortable accommodation and amazing meals every day!

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