Indicator Birding cc

Dinokeng Bird Bash attracts record turn-out

24/03/2001 - Dinokeng Bird Bash a big success

91 birders made up 29 teams which had the freedom of 6 conservancies plus Roodeplaat Dam NR.

312 species were recorded, this in a non-continuous area of approx. 40x30 km at it's widest points. The top team listed 187 species, with Buffelsdrift Conservancy topping the area scores with 227. Other area scores were Seringveld Conservancy on 222, De Tweedespruit Conservancy 195, Kudu Conservancy 171, Brandbach Conservancy 148, Leeuwkloof Valley Conservancy 139, and Roodeplaat NR 109.

Some of the notable birds were cuckoo finch, bully canary, dusky lark, dwarf bittern, honey buzzard, swee waxbill, malachite sunbird, bronzewinged and Temminck's coursers, olivetree warbler, yellow warbler and pygmy kingfisher. Final figures, including the few lists which were handed in late and a couple of non-competitors' lists, will be announced once they are verified.

A good time was had by all, and once again the common refrain was 'so much birding, so little time!'.

Our thanks to Sasol for sponsorhip, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. Bird Bash 2003 will be in mid-February again, and if this year is anything to go by birders will have to book early to secure a place.

Pete Irons
Organiser,
Dinokeng Bird Bash.