Twitchers pulled on their boots and wrapped around their scarves for the annual winter bird count at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve Saturday, June 6.
A number of enthusiasts spent the night camping, while others left home early Saturday morning to meet for coffee and rusks at the crack of dawn. About 20 birders split up in two groups to cover different parts of the reserve.
The birds were a little shy on Saturday, mostly due to the cold weather and also as a result of the prevailing drought.
Nonetheless, 89 species were counted on the day with highlights being eight crowned eagles, 12 spoon bills and a purple heron that is not normally found in the reserve.
Honorary ranger Wayne Johnston’s day was made when he spotted a sought-after Narina Trogon for the first time in his life.
This exquisite bird with its red chest and green back, is highly elusive because the moment it realises it is being watched, it turns its green back and blends in with its surroundings, making them near impossible to see. Johnston said he caught a glimpse of the bird flying and was able to identify it before landing.
The reserve is popular for its 85 tree species (five more species than found in all of Europe) that attract 185 different birds and about 225 species of butterfly.
The next bird count takes place on the second Saturday in November and those interested are invited to join in.
Contact Wayne Johnston at JohnstWN@eskom.co.za
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