Skimmer still present in August 2001

The African Skimmer is still present. It has been seen as recently as 14 August and has been present for about three years according to those in the know!

See below for photo's by Neels Jackson

This is probably old hat to most of the Gauteng birders, but for the few who don't know--------On Sunday the 15 July the five of us, were given a Grandstand display by the (0nly?) African Skimmer at Roodekopjes (spelling?) Dam. ( Some 26/7k north of Britz, on the R511, signposted on the left side, at the Kameeldrift(?) turnoff.). To find the bird, turn right at the main Gate and proceed to the picnic spot, take a right hand shore walk, and you should find it flying over one of the inlets, (Hengelaars permitting)

Goeie dag aan al die voelkykers Twee ure Saterdagmiddag by Roodekoppies dam gespandeer, het my met n mooi waarneming van die Waterploeer beloon! Die voel is net n entjie anderkant die piekniek area waar Len Fish dit verlede week gesien het, waargeneem. Die Waterploeer het naby die oewer heen en weer gevlieg, terwyl dit aanhoudend geroep het, en op n stadium selfs op die wal kom sit het. Dit is die moeite werd om n uitstappie na hierdie dam te onderneem, aangesien ek oor die 60 spesies in die twee ure waargeneem het. Dit het onder andere n swerm Lelspreeus sowel as n Grootmossie by die piekniekterrein ingesluit. Dit lyk of die koue weer n ideale geleentheid bied om na die Waterploeer te gaan soek, omrede daar nie n hengelaar in sig was nie. Die Blouvisvanger, Watertrapper, Witrugnagreier en Visuile was ook ongelukkig afwesig!!