Twitchers called to attend bird talk

CROCWORLD Conservation Centre will continue its monthly lecture series with a talk by renowned ornithologists Graham Grieve and David Ehlers-Smith on September 10. The talk, entitled Long-Distance and Intra-African Bird Migration, offers birders and nature-lovers alike the opportunity to gain an expert insight into the lives of some of Africa’s most fascinating migratory birds.

The talk will be delivered in two parts, with each speaker focusing on his particular areas of expertise. Mr Grieve, a qualified bird ringer, will reflect on his experiences ringing birds as part of an international project in Tsavo West Game Reserve, Kenya. In doing so, he will explain the life histories of some of the continent’s rarest palearctic migrant species. These are the northern hemisphere birds that travel long distances each year to spend the summer here in southern Africa.

Mr Ehlers-Smith, on the other hand, will look at the species that inhabit the Indian Ocean coastal forest belt. In particular, he will focus on resident migratory species and those that travel from other areas to spend the winter in the coastal forests. Part of his talk will be dedicated to the issues threatening these forest habitats, including habitat degradation and the land-use pressures triggered by increasing agriculture and urbanisation.

With so many anecdotes and experiences for them to draw from, the guests’ talk on September 10 promises to be an unmissable event. Guests should arrive in time for registration and welcoming at 8.30am, ready for the talk to begin at 9am. There will be plenty of time for questions before complimentary tea and coffee are served. Tickets will include entry into the park and cost R75 per adult and R35 for pensioners and schoolchildren.

To ensure availability, tickets for the talk must be reserved in advance. To book your place, contact: Nolean Allun, Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 9761103/ 083 6549651 or email crocworld@cbl.co.za.