Not many gardens boast Karoo specials like European Bee-eater, Namaqua Warbler, and Lark-like Bunting. All these were ringed in a long weekend, as well as many other special species, by Dieter, Salome, Les, Karis and Itxaso.
Top numbers ringed by species were Cape Weaver, Cape Sparrow and Southern Masked-Weaver, birds that breed in the garden. A Namaqua Warbler pair also breed in the garden, and daily they were heard calling their pleasant and unique call.
European Bee-eaters perched on the telephone wires, and a fine net was put high – this net failed to catch any, but it did catch a Rock Martin and other birds. Unexpectedly, another net caught 10 European Bee-eaters – three adults and seven juveniles. Karoo Scrub-Robins were only caught in spring-traps.
The total birds caught was 229 birds (215 ringed) of 26 species. Recaptures were relatively low at 14, indicating a large number of birds present overall. As to be expected at this time of year, many birds were in primary moult.
Table. Birds ringed and recaptured in Vanrhynsdorp garden, January 2020
| TOTAL | 229 |
Thanks to Salome for hosting us at Botuin!
Would you like to learn about bird ringing? Upcoming dates of ringing courses are available here.
