Very unexpectedly a Eurasian Golden Oriole was found in a net at Botuin near a fig tree. This oriole is a migrant species, breeding in the northern hemisphere. The bird we caught was an immature bird that was overwintering in South Africa (caught in June!). They visit the southern coast of the Western Cape and have previously been recorded as far north as Citrusdal. This record was far from any previous sighting or record. This record would have been undetected if the bird had missed the nets!
Fact sheet:
Number ringed to date (SAFRING): 180 [1948-2024]
Longevities: <2 months
Trip report: bdi blog
Reason special: ringing lifer; new record for the area
