This blog is a summary of bird ringing at Botuin, Vanrhynsdrop. Over our first three bird ringing visits to Botuin, we have caught 748 birds of 57 species! Botuin is situated on the outskirts of Vanrhynsdorp and accessible with a normal car. Compared with the surrounding countryside, it is a bit of an oasis and has an amazing variety of birds. There are resident Namaqua Warblers, Karoo Scrub Robins, Fiscal Flycatchers, sparrows and weavers, and other species in the garden area. Some other special birds caught here include European Bee-eater, Pearl-breasted Swallow and Red-headed Finch. We never know which species will surprise us next!
Not far away are the sewage works where we have caught a variety of waterbirds in special nets, including Cape Teal, Common Moorhen and several wader species. In future we will also try other trapping methods here.
In the nearby karoo veld we have caught four lark species, Rufous-eared Warblers, various canaries, and other species. The ringing rate is slower here, but worth it for the exciting birds we catch. And while waiting for birds, we enjoy the amazing Karoo scenery, and walk around to birdwatch.
Blogs about the visits summarized here: 23-26 Jan 2020, 27 Nov-1 Dec 2021, 1-7 Feb 2023 [blog].
