THERE are certain creatures which have always been the victims of a bad press. They include snakes, hyenas and vultures, none of which really rate in the huggability stakes like, you know, baby cheetahs or koalas. This is a pity, because they are all rather special in their own unique way. Right now, however, I would like to talk about vultures, those much-maligned but essential maintenance units of the African veld.
I have often mentioned the new vulture viewing hide on the cliffs above the Oribi Gorge, well, I have finally had the opportunity to go there and enjoy the experience for myself. The hide, known as the Barry Porter Memorial Hide after Barry, a former chairman of the Birdlife Trogons Bird Club, a devoted conservationist and quite simply a great guy, overlooks a colony of approximately 120 Cape vultures. “It is,” says Andy Ruffle, chairman of the Birdlife Trogons, “a conservation project, a partnership between the club, the local landowner and Ugu South Coast Tourism.”
The big attraction for the birds is the restaurant, naturally, where donated carcasses are left for the vultures. “What?” I hear you say. “Feeding wildlife! You’re always telling us not to feed the wildlife!” Yes, I know, but vultures are a very special case. Their main function is to keep the veld clear of carcasses which would otherwise be a problem, but now that so much of their natural territory is farm land, where the farmers make sure there are no carcasses left lying around, the vultures have a problem. Their numbers are in decline, the Cape vulture’s official status is Threatened and there are just an estimated 8 000 of them left in their range, and that is south of the Kunene and the Zambezi Rivers.
But let’s get into the hide. We clambered into position at about seven in the morning and our first sighting through the viewing slot was a group of about 50 vultures just standing, for all the world as though they were waiting for us. The next two hours were pure magic. The welcoming party eventually took off and soared above us and the gorge, and in their place about 15 yellow-billed kites gathered to feed at the restaurant. We even had a Cape wagtail perched on a carcass, probably contemplating its breakfast options.
Andy says the colony is vital because it is a breeding colony that may well supply vultures for further colonies in the region, while the hide is very special because it is probably the only one in the country on a restaurant at a breeding colony. He also pointed out that white-backed vultures had been spotted here too and even the rare Rüppell’s vulture.
It was an unforgettable morning in the company of unforgettable birds (some interesting humans too) and if you want to share such a unique experience it is by special arrangement only and through Andy, call 039 695 0829. Cheers, from the vulture hide!
Sources: Birds of Africa South of the Sahara, Ian Sinclair & Peter Ryan, Struik, Cape Town, 2003 and The Vultures of Africa, Peter Mundy et al, Acorn & Russell Friedman Books, Gauteng, 1992.
