Save Bantamsklip Inaugural Meeting

Save Bantamsklip Inaugural Meeting

To be held at
Stanford Municipal Boardroom

On the Thursday 5th November 2009
Commencing 3pm

Deliberation on Constitution and association’s legal structure
Including overview of current activity and status of EIA processes

Agenda

1. Steering Committee Chairman’s Report – John Williams
2. Overview of Constitution
3. Adopting Constitution
4. Election of office bearers
5. EIA process update – Rob Fryer

Meeting ends 5.30

Tea/Coffee will be served

PLEASE email John Williams info@savebantamsklip.org for a copy of the constitution

BirdLife South Africa Owl Awards

Spotted Eagle Owl taken by Mr André van der Merwe at Oak Grove Farm, winter 2009.

BirdLife South Africa Owl Awards
Criteria and nomination process

Awards Committee • BirdLife South Africa Events Division Manager• BirdLife South Africa Business Division Manager• BirdLife South Africa Executive Director • Gauteng Forum representative• Western Cape Forum representative• KZN Forum representative • John Broodryk• Rosemary Girard

Owl Award categories

There are two categories for Owl Awards, namely:

1. BirdLife South Africa Owl Awards

2. BirdLife South Africa Eagle Owl Award Criteria for a BirdLife South Africa Owl Award

1. An Owl Award recognizes an outstanding contribution to BirdLife South Africa and bird conservation during the previous calendar year.

2. Owl Awards can be made to organizations or individuals.

3. Owl Awards recognize donations of finance, materials, time or expertise.

4. Commercial suppliers to BirdLife South Africa may be eligible for Owl Awards only under exceptional circumstances.

5. The Awards Committee will decide on who will receive an award and their decision is final.

6. A maximum of 11 awards will be presented each year.

7. Sponsors and partners will be recognized for their contributions to the organization for the previous financial year. They will only be eligible for the award once and continued support will receive verbal recognition during the ceremony as well as acknowledgement in Africa Birds & Birding and on BirdLife South Africa’s website.

8. The awards will be presented to the recipients at the annual Owl Awards ceremony, held on the first Friday of June in Johannesburg.

9. Each recipient will receive a statuette and framed certificate.

10. Winners’ names will be published in Africa Birds and Birding, BirdLife South Africa’s electronic newsletter and placed on BirdLife South Africa’s website.

Nomination process for a BirdLife South Africa Owl Award

1. Nominations can be made by BirdLife South Africa staff, council members, and members of the organization. Recommendations from partner organizations must be made via a BirdLife South Africa employee.

2. A nomination must comprise of the following:a. Name of the individual or organizationb. Which award they are being nominated forc. Contact details of the nominee.d. Contact details of the nominator.e. A citation motivating why they should receive an award (the citation must not exceed 400 words).

3. Citations must be accurate, researched and verified by the nominee.

4. Nominations must be submitted electronically to BirdLife South Africa’s Events Division Manager on events@birdlife.org.za. No faxed or posted nominations will be accepted.

5. Feedback about the status of nominations will be sent to the nominators after the Awards Committee has made its final decision.

Criteria for a BirdLife South Africa Eagle Owl Award

1. There will only be two Eagle Awards per year.

2. The Eagle Owl Award is divided into two categories:a. Outstanding voluntary contribution to BirdLife South Africa and bird conservation at a national level.b. Outstanding voluntary contribution to BirdLife South Africa at an organizational level for example donating time and expertise.

3. Nominations will only be accepted if the nominee was not employed by BirdLife South Africa during this period.

4. Only individuals (i.e. and not organizations or companies) will be considered for the award.

5. The Awards Committee will decide on who will receive the award and its decision is final.

6. The award will be presented to the recipient at the annual Owl Awards ceremony, held on the first Friday of June in Johannesburg.

7. The recipient will receive a statuette and framed certificate.

8. The winner will have an article profiling them and their achievements published in BirdLife South Africa’s section in Africa Birds and Birding, BirdLife South Africa’s electronic newsletter and placed on BirdLife South Africa website.

Nomination process for a BirdLife South Africa Eagle Owl Award

1. Nominations can be made by BirdLife South Africa staff, council members, and members of the organization. Recommendations from partner organizations must be made via a BirdLife South Africa employee.

2. A nomination must comprise of the following:

a. Name of the individual or organizationb.

b. Which award they are being nominated forc.

c. Contact details of the nominee.d. Contact details of the nominator.

e. A citation motivating why they should receive an award, the citation must not exceed 400 words.

3. Citations must be accurate, researched and verified by the nominee.

4. Nominations must be submitted electronically to BirdLife South Africa’s Events Division Manager on events@birdlife.org.za. No faxed or posted nominations will be accepted.

5. Feedback about the status of the nomination will be sent to the nominator after the Awards committee has made their final decision.

BirdLife South Africa Owl Awards Nomination form

Date:___________________________Nominated for (please tick appropriate box)

Owl Award  Eagle Owl Award Name of Individual or Organization nominated:

_______________________________________

Contact details of nominee:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name & contact details of nominator:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Motivation for award (please don’t exceed 400 words):

_______________________________

Blue Cranes by Philippa Castle at Oak Grove Farm 2008

2009 Stanford Glendower Bird Fair - Endangered Wildlife Trust - Crane Conservation

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: bronwyn botha

To: 'Royd Frith'

Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 10:48 AM

Subject: RE: 2009 Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

 

HI Royd and the committee

 

It was an absolute pleasure once again. The group was great and showed unwavering enthusiasm all trip long. We managed to see about 182 cranes and some of them really close. It was a great day and I feel there are a number of people that have walked away with a new found appreciation for our National Bird.

 

Kind regards

Bronwyn

 

********************************************
Western Cape Crane Conservation Project
Endangered Wildlife Trust – Crane Conservation
ICF/EWT Partnership for African Cranes
The Western Cape Crane Conservation Project is run in partnership with the Overberg Crane Group

16, 17th Avenue
Voelklip
Hermanus
7200
+27823200911
bronwynb@ewt.org.za
Skype: bronwyn.botha
URL:http://www.ewt.org.za
Blog: http://cranemania.wildlifedirect.org





 

 

 

---

From: Royd Frith [mailto:roydf@mweb.co.za]
Sent: 07 October 2009 12:59 PM
To: bronwynb@ewt.org.za
Subject: 2009 Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

Dear Bronwyn

 

A big thank you once again for leading the outing to see the blue cranes

and their habitat.  They are such very special birds and I know that all

who took part found the outing to be very interesting.

 

We were very pleased with the range of activities and the level of support
received for them and really feel that the fair was a success again this
year.

 

With thanks again and kind regards from all the committee,

 

Royd Frith

Chairman

BirdLife Walker Bay

 

Winners of Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2009

A great big thank you to all of you who sent in your stunning birding photographic entries into this year's Stanford Birding Photographic Competition.

The standard of entries was very high and it was with great pleasure we could announce the winners at the Stanford Glendower Bird Fair whiskey tasting function.

As the Stanford Birding Photographic Competition creator, head judge, and co-owner with Bruce Castle, of http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/ it is important that I ensure all entrants are aware that bird photos submitted for the competition are subject to the following rules, terms and conditions:

You keep copyright on all your images.

By submitting an image to the Stanford Birding Photographic Competition, you only grant rights for the image to be displayed on this blog and the associated Google, Picasa and marketing websites affiliated with the main website http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/ in perpetuity, and to be reproduced directly for promotion of the Stanford Birding Photographic Competition and the associated Stanford Glendower Bird Fair and/or Stanford/Overberg Nature Festival, as it may in future be named. Usage outside of these contexts will require your permission, and rights to your images will not be sold without your permission. The Stanford Birding Photographic Competition is a volunteer-run awareness initiative, not a profit-making concern.

The judging of the competition, with both professionals and amateur entrants, provided much debate. I wish to thank both Dave de Beer and Anton Odendaal for their invaluable contributions to the judging process.

Fabulous prizes were on offer and I wish to once again thank the following kind contributos:

1st prize: 1/2 hour flight for 2 with African Wings
2nd prize: pet friendly 3 star self catering accommodation for 5 guests at Oak Grove Farm
3rd prize: ultimate whale watching for 2 with Dyer Island Cruises
4th prize: guided walk through Platbos Africa's southernmost indigenous forest
5th prize: lunch for 2 at Stanford Art Cafe
6th prize: boat trip on Klein River with River Rat Boat Cruises
7th prize: 2 hour horse ride with African Horse Company

8th prize: 1 year subscription to Africa Birds and Birding
9th prize: breakfast for 2 at Madrés Country Kitchen & Grocer

Prizes awarded are as follows:

1st prize:

Basie van Zyl with his captivating Little Egret feeding

2nd Prize:

Mitchell Krog with his Juvenile Bearded Vulture3rd Prize:

John Davey with his Arrow Marked Babbler

4th Prize:

Mike Graham with his Ground Scraper Thrush

5th prize:

Don MacIver with his Sociable Weaver

6th prize:

Steven Swart with his Weaver Dive

7th prize:

Brummer Olivier with his photo entitled "Flower Marching" of a femaile Cape Sugarbird
8th prize:

Isobel de Gruchy with her Malachite Sunbird on Pink Flower 9th prize:
Valda Finch with her Blue Cranes with Guineafowl and John Finch with his Red Knobbed Coot

Announcement of 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenge

From: Mark Anderson
To: sabirdclubforum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 8:10 AM
Subject: [sabirdclubforum]
Urgent: Announcement of 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenge

Dear colleagues

I’m extremely pleased to extend an open invitation to all bird photographers in South Africa to join me in the just-launched 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenge. On 24 October volunteer bird photographers all over South Africa are going to photograph 350 species of birds within 24 hours and post the images on a website to promote birding, bird conservation and climate change awareness around the world.

The Challenge is a partnership between BirdLife South Africa, Birding Africa and PlusPlusMinus webdesign and will an innovative contribution by the South African birding community to the world’s biggest simultaneous environmental awareness action, 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action.On 24 October thousands of people in more than 140 countries will be doing a range of creative actions to raise awareness of one of the most critical issues of our time, climate change.

The President of the Maldives will be holding a cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the danger of rising sea levels, climbers at the Mount Everest Base Camp will be raising banners about glacial melting, and crowds of creative people will be doing all sorts of things on Table Mountain.

The Day of Action has the support of prominent scientists like NASA’s James Hansen, the world’s most famous climate researcher, and our own Nobel Prize-winning Archbishop Desmond Tutu.Since we’re about birds and conservation, and 350.org’s Day of Action is a magnificent opportunity to ride a wave of global environmental concern, we’ve decided to use the opportunity to raise the profile of South Africa’s amazing avifauna.

The Challenge will be as inclusive as possible – we aim to include photos by all contributors in the online mosaic of bird pictures that will result from the Challenge. Photographers will be given full credit for their images, and will be encouraged to promote the conservation of threatened species and highlight great birding destinations in the picture captions. We’re encouraging members of other conservation organisations to join in, and are inviting other countries to set up their own 350-24-24 Bird Photo Challenges.October 24 is just around the corner, so don’t delay in visiting the 350-24-24 Challenge website at http://350.birdingafrica.com to find out more and register your participation!

I’d like to thank Birding Africa, PlusPlusMinus and BirdLife South Africa’s Nikki McCartney for helping get this together at such short notice, and Adam Welz at 350.org, who’s idea this was in the first place. By working together we, and the birds, win.I’m going to be out with my camera on 24 October. Are you?

Regards,
Mark

P.S. Please circulate this open invitation to your networks as widely as possible.

STANFORD BIRD CLUB NEWS

STANFORD BIRD CLUB

The Stanford Bird Club, officially known as Birdlife Walkerbay, is about to host the 6th Stanford Glendower Bird Fair from 1st to 4th Oct 2009. Recognizing the potential that avian tourism (the world's most rapidly growing form of tourism) offers Stanford, we have joined with Birdlife Overberg in an endeavour to broaden the appeal of Bird Fair. We are optimistic that we shall achieve our objectives and to get a comprehensive view of our program go to www.stanfordbirding.co.za and hit the program button for full details of our Fair.

The club is fortunate to have an enthusiastic and cohesive committee who collectively put a great deal of effort in organizing the Bird Fair. In an endeavour to grow club membership the committee is planning to increase the club's activities through a range of talks, films and field outings. One of our planned initiatives is the presentation of the “Flight for Birders” bird identification course by Anton Odendal at a cost and venue to be advised in the Stanford area on or about 25th and 26th February 2010. The course includes a manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa – roughly 1,400 slides and drawings will be used. In the vast majority of cases, English and Afrikaans names are printed onto the slide. The course focuses on basic steps in the identification of birds, places heavy emphasis on where to find the rare and often endemic birds in southern Africa and illustrates how ordinary bird-watchers could become involved in the conservation of birds and their habitats. The development of an infrastructure for birding tourists in the Danger Point peninsula will also be highlighted. Note that we will not offer teas and lunches to keep costs down and participants should therefore bring along their own picnic baskets and refreshments.

The club is conscious of the need for funding of birding activities and makes donations whenever possible to needy initiatives such as the plight of the African Penguin, the Overberg Bird Route and various other areas. The current committee of six needs to expand to enable us to reach our objectives. Currently our members are :

Elsa Gebhard - Treasurer and membership secretary
Lindsay Frith - Secretary
Philippa Castle - marketing and website maintenance
David Dowie Dunn
Peter Hood
Royd Frith - Chairman
Dave McCarthy (absent in the UK for a year)

Please support our Fair this year and let us welcome as many new members as possible. The bird clubs will have a manned information centre at the back of the Stanford Art Galleries for the duration of the fair. All talks will take place in the Municipal Boardroom and are free. For more information please call Royd Frith on 083 676 2282.

Invitation; Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

From: Edwena Smith

Sent: 09 September 2009 09:42 AM
To: info@stanfordbirding.co.za
Subject: Invitation; Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

 

Dear Ms. Castle

 

By direction of Premier Helen Zille, I hereby acknowledge receipt your correspondence, the content of which has been noted.

 

Thank you for your kind invitation dated 28 August 2009 addressed to the Premier, Helen Zille to attend the above mentioned event on 01 October 2009. I regret to inform you that the Premier will not be able to attend, due to prior commitments.

 

The Premier would have loved to attend and wishes you every success with the event.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

 

 

 

 

Edwena Smith

Office Of The Premier

---

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The information contained in this message and its attachments may be confidential or privileged and is for the use of the named recipient only, except where the sender specifically states otherwise.

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Urgent Message BirdLife Overberg What's Happening.doc

Please visit our website: http://www.westerncapebirding.co.za/

$ Monday 14 September:

Anton's talk on South Africa's summer migrants has been postponed due to Vernon Head and Mell Trip having volunteered to do their talk on the birds of Tanzania. This illustrated talk on a recent birding expedition to Tanzania has taken bird clubs by storm and is highly recommended by birders who have seen it.

The ladies of the committee also decided to cater for this special event and will be preparing a nice meal. You are invited to come and listen to a great talk and enjoy supper with us at R 40-00 per head. Wine sponsored by the committee.

FOR CATERING PURPOSES PLEASE RSVP BEFORE FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER ( ELAINE 0824558402 OR EMAIL mwjasser@mweb.co.za

Venue: Fernkloof at 18h30 for 19h00

24 September: Heritage day

There is a great heritage day celebration at the Springfield guest farm in the Agulhas National Park. Read all about it in the “events” section of Overberg Birding Route under http://www.westerncapebirding.co.za/. Details of our participation will be released later.

NEW MEMBERS / NUWE LEDE

We extend a warm welcome to the following new members / Ons heet die volgende nuwe lede hartelik welkom:

Anza Oosthuizen

Frans Boot

Alet Louw

Johan Rothmann

Angels on Horseback

ANGELS ON HORSEBACK

AN UNMISSABLE NIGHT OF CABARET, WIT AND WISDOM

THIS CABARET SHOW FEATURES COUNTRY MUSIC BUT WITH A UNIQUELY SOUTH AFRICAN SPIN

· SEXY AND FUNNY. PROPER, GENUINE ENTERTAINMENT.

· THIS ORIGINAL SHOW IS A BLUES CHASER. IT'S FEEL GOOD.

· IT'S GOOD MOOD. AND IT'S WELL DONE.

· IT'S SAUCY, ENGAGING, STRANGELY MOVING AND FUNNY.

· PACKED WITH LAUGHTER, INSIGHT AND HILARIOUS MUSICAL NUMBERS.

ABOVE ARE JUST SOME REVIEWS OF THIS NOT TO BE MISSED EVENT

FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 7.30 pm CONFERENCE CENTRE @ STANFORD ARMS (formerly Hennie's Pub) R135pp INCL. LIGHT SUPPER & GLENDOWER WHISKY TASTING BOOK at STANFORD INFO 028-3410340 stanfordinfo@overberg.co.za

STANFORD HAS NOT YET SEEN A SHOW LIKE THIS…

• EARLY BOOKING ESSENTIAL • ONLY 100 TICKETS AVAILABLE

HOSTED BY BIRDLIFE WALKERBAY FOR STANFORD GLENDOWER BIRD FAIR

www.stanfordbirding.co.za

2009 Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

Hello Members,

Please be informed that the website for this year's Bird Fair is now up and
running at www.stanfordbirding.co.za! The entire programme is on the site
if you scroll down and click on "Here" just above the list of speakers and,
if you do this, you are also able to open the programme as a PDF file.

Booking is open at Stanfordinfo and you should please be aware that the
Spookhuis picnic on Sunday, 4th October, and the mini pelagic boat trip on
Saturday, 3rd are likely to be booked up quite quickly. There is limited
availability for both of these events and the boat trip particularly, @ R100
per head, is an absolute bargain at a "never-to-be-repeated" price.

The Angels on Horseback cabaret at Stanford Arms on the Friday evening is
also a treat and not to be missed - posters are going up all around town for
this, so look out!

Kind regards

Royd Frith

Kamfer Island talk

Kamfer Island talk

Good morning everyone

Just a final reminder that there is going to be a fascinating talk tomorrow
evening in Hermanus by Mark Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa on Kamfer
Island. If you go to www.westerncapebirding.co.za and click on the events
button, you can read all about it. There are still seats available and they
are hoping to attract a big crowd to support the project.

Hope to see you there,
Regards

Royd Frith

Stanford Birding Photographic Competion 2008 - lyrics and song by Johannes Basson

SAVE BANTAMSKLIP CAMPAIGN

Dear Interested & Affected Parties,

The newly established Save Bantamsklip campaign is a confederation of individuals, civic organizations and communities who are opposed to Eskom’s proposed nuclear power station on the farm "Groot Hagelkraal” at Bantamsklip in the South-Western Cape’s Overberg Region. Below, please find our Mission Statement which outlines the ideas and principles we stand for.

Mission Statement

SAVE BANTAMSKLIP

Save Bantamsklip is a confederation of individuals, civic organizations and communities united in the belief that the proposed siting of a nuclear power plant on the farm “Groot Hagelkraal” at Bantamsklip on the South-Western Cape’s Overberg coast is inappropriate.

We further believe that the Agulhas National Park and the protection of lowland and coastal fynbos, together with the Dyer Island Marine Sanctuary at the heart of the Cape Whale Route, are crucial provincial and national heritage resources and are the mainstay of the regional economy. We will therefore support only those economic activities that provide enhanced protection and sustainable utilization of these natural resources.

In the light of the above, Save Bantamsklip proposes that –

1. The site should be removed from the list of nuclear sites proposed by Eskom and the South African Government;

2. The farm, and all it adjoining sub-divisions presently owned by Eskom, should be donated and transferred to the Agulhas National Park;

3. All regional, provincial and national efforts and investment should be expended on renewable energy and technology;

4. Local efforts should be focused on the establishment of the Agulhas Biosphere Reserve.

The interim Steering Committee for Save Bantamsklip plans to formally register this organisation during August 2009, and we would like to submit a comprehensive database of supporters of the campaign when this registration takes place. In the event that you are part of an organisation (community based, ratepayers, conservation groups, clubs etc), we would appreciate it if we could get some feedback from you as to whether you and your membership is in support of our aims, and how many members your organisation consists of. We would appreciate it if you could reply before the 10th August 2009.

If you have any ideas, suggestions or services that you or your organisation could contribute to furthering the success of this campaign, please feel free to contact either of the interim Steering Committee members listed below. We have already had the benefit of the generous services of Gansbaai Graphics (Toni), Maxitec, the Hermanus-based company, who will be developing and hosting our website and Mr Allan Berry (Stanford) who will be attending to the legal registration of the Save Bantamsklip organisation, - we are truly indebted to these people and others who have offered time and effort to help get this campaign off the ground.

If you have not yet registered as an 'Interested & Affected Party' regarding the proposed Eskom nuclear development at Bantamsklip, please do so by providing Acer Africa - Ms Bongi Shinga - bongi.shinga@acerafrica.co.za (nuclear power station) and NMA - Ms Theo Hansford - TheoH@nma.org.za ( transmission line routes) with your name and contact details. Background information regarding the EIA's for the nuclear power station and the transmission lines can be obtained from www.eskom.co.za/eia or the Arcus Gibb website www.projects.gibb.co.za, project named Nuclear 1.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Amanda Jephson - Vice Chairperson and Treasurer - topiary@whalemail.co.za
Katrin Pobantz - Secretary - terraheim@ruens.co.za

www.savebantamsklip.org

DRAFT STANFORD GLENDOWER BIRD FAIR

As our sixth annual bird fair approaches, we are delighted to tell you that agreement has been reached whereby BirdLife Overberg will assist us in running this event. This will have a beneficial effect on the quality of the fair and enable us to reach a much wider cross-section of the Overberg birding population. We feel that the publication of the Overberg Bird Guide will be of great benefit to birders throughout the country and beyond.

The programme has been designed to increase the number of field outings as well, containing some interesting and enlightening presentations. For further information please contact Royd Frith, Chairman, BirdLife Walker Bay on roydf@mweb.co.za or 083 676 2282

Thursday, 1st October
15h00: African Tea Party, talk by Naas Terblanche on Overberg Amphibians and bird walk on Oak Grove Farm, followed by live entertainment featuring Johannes Basson – R30 per person

Friday, 2nd October
07h00 to 10h00: Guided outing (25 people maximum) led by Brummer Olivier to Danger Point and Kleinbaai followed by brunch & whale watching at Coffee on the Rocks in de Kelders; R 75-00 pp
07h00: Cape Rock-jumper outing to Rooiels led by Dave de Beer
07h30 onwards: Birding river trips (boat and/or canoe) from Stanford River Lodge. For price and bookings, contact Janice on 084 583 5389
12h00: Talk on bird photography by Dave de Beer, Chairman of BirdLife Overberg
14h00: Talk by Meidad Goren of BirdLife South Africa's Albatross Task Force, on the success achieved in reducing albatross by-catch by longline fishing
15h00 Talk by Odette Curtiss on Rhenosterveld Conservation and its effect on birdlife. This will include a focus on Black Harriers
17h00: Launch of Overberg Bird Guide by Anton Odendal

Saturday, 3rd October
07h00 to 11h00: Guided outing to find Blue Cranes with Bronwyn Botha, of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Crane Working Group
07h00 to 10h00: Boat trip from Gansbaai to see ocean birds – price to be finalised this week
07h30 onwards: Birding river cruises from Stanford River Lodge
11h00: Tractor ride through “Historical Stanford on Foot” – bookings through Stanford Info
15h00: Talk by Doug Newman on bird vocalisation
16h00: Talk by Mike Graham of BirdLife Overberg on birding in the Okavango Delta
19h00: Bird Fair dinner with free Glendower whisky tasting –- price and venue to be confirmed - check website for details at http://www.stanfordbirding.co.za/ (website currently being updated)

Sunday, 4th October
07h30: Walk on Flower Valley Farm with Brummer Olivier. R75 pp (booking essential)12h00: Gourmet picnic lunch and guided tour at the Spookhuis at Mosaic Farm. R100 pp (booking essential)

FLIGHT FOR BIRDERS, FERNKLOOF, HERMANUS 12 & 13 AUGUST 2009

                                       FLIGHT FOR BIRDERS

        A bird identification course for novice and intermediate birders at Fernkloof, Hermanus

                                        12 and 13 August 2009

 

The presentation of the “Flight for Birders” bird identification course by Anton Odendal  in at the environmental education centre in Fernkloof, Hermanus has been scheduled for 12 and 13 August 2009.  The costs will be R 300-00 per head.   The costs include the course manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa – roughly 1,400 slides and drawings will be used.   In the vast majority of the slides English and Afrikaans names are printed onto the slide.   The course focuses on basic steps in the identification of birds, places heavy emphasis on where to find the rare and often endemic birds in southern Africa and illustrates how ordinary bird-watchers could become involved in the conservation of birds and their habitats.  The development of an infrastructure for birding tourists in the Overstrand will also be highlighted. 

 

                                       PROGRAMME SCHEDULE

                       

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG:

·       One of the bird guide books (Newman's, SASOL or Robert's), preferably one that you are prepared to make notes in to illustrate key identification features of species

·       Notebook and pen

·       Binoculars

·       Comfortable walking shoes

·       Hat and sunscreen

·       Picnic basket and refreshments     

 

DAY 1: Wednesday 12 August

(Kindly note that short breaks will be taken on the hour).

07h30 to 08h00:  Registration

 

08h00 to 09h00:  The basic approach in Flight for Birders and what to look for when trying to identify a bird 

 

09h00 to 10h00:  The identification of garden birds

 

10h00 to 10h15:  Tea

 

10h15 to 11h00:  The identification of garden birds and how to plan your garden for birds and other wildlife – a focus on BLSA's theme of promoting garden birds during 2009

 

11h00 to 11h15:  An overview of some threatened birds in Southern Africa:  what is BLSA  trying to do about the problem through conservation programs and how can ordinary birders help?  The work of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust

 

11h15 to 11h45:  The special and endemic birds of the Western Cape province, used as a case-study on how to prepare when visiting a new area

 

11h45 to 12h15:   An overview of some threatened birds in Southern Africa:  what is BLSA  trying to do about the problem through conservation programs and how can ordinary birders help?  BLSA's Albatross Task Force and Mark Anderson's work on Lesser Flamingos at Kamfers dam near Kimberley

 

12h15 to 13h00:  Lunch

 

13h00 to 15h00:  An introduction to the identification of some difficult groups – Little Brown Jobs and Swallows

 

15h00 to 15h30:  A special section on some of the cuckoos of southern Africa and their host species

 

15h30 to 16h00:   Typical birds found along the highways and byways

 

16h00 onwards:  Practical outing in small groups applying the principles taught.  Those who want to may leave from 16h00.

 

DAY 2: Thursday 13 August

08h00 to 09h45:  The identification of raptors and birds of prey, with a special focus on the Owls of southern Africa

 

09h45 to 10h15:  How to prepare when visiting a new birding area:  Birding in the Kruger National Park as a brief case-study.

 

10h15 to 10h30:  Tea

 

10h30 to 12h30:  The identification of the fairly common water birds of southern Africa

 

12h30 to 13h00:  Short lunch

 

13h00 to 14h30:  Concluding integration:  a focus on the conservation of birds and birding tourism - the critical role that the Overstrand municipal area could play in this regard

 

14h30 to 15h00: The 101 species in southern Africa that every avid birder needs to be able to identify – how to distinguish between the various families of birds.  (An open-ended participatory discussion on photographs of the most common birds representing different families of birds).

 

15h00:  Fun bird identification quiz

 

15h00+:  Presentation of certificates endorsed by BLSA

 

DETAILS IN BRIEF:

DATES: 12 and 13 August 2009

VENUE: Environmental Education Centre in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus   

COSTS:  R 300-00, that includes the course manual and  certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa. 

TO REGISTER AND SECURE YOUR PLACE: 

Contact Elaine at mwjasser@mweb.co.za or 0824558402 or Tel and Fax: 028-3161105 of your intention to attend.  Your participation will be assured once you have deposited your payment for R 300-00 into the following account:

 

Account name: Anton Odendal

Bank: ABSA, Hermanus (Cheque account)

Account number: 4042585490

 

NB:  Kindly fax or e-mail the deposit slip to the above number or address to secure participation.

 

PRIZE - Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2009

STANFORD BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION:

PRIZE FROM PLATBOS

~ Guided walk for family of 4 at Platbos, Africa’s Southernmost Forest.

~ Our Reforestation and Forest Conservation Project: Trees for Tomorrow will sponsor the planting of a tree on the forest edge to help reduce the winner’s carbon / pollution miles created in visiting Stanford and Platbos Forest.

Value of gift (excl. VAT): Guided walk for 2 adults and 2 children: R440.00
1x Tree for Tomorrow: R50.00

Total Value: R490.00

PRIOR BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

CONTACT DETAILS:

082 4110448 / info@platbos.co.za / www.platbos.co.za

Draft Programme Stanford Glendower Bird Fair 1-4 October 2009

DRAFT STANFORD GLENDOWER BIRD FAIR

 

As our sixth annual bird fair approaches, we are delighted to tell you that agreement has been reached whereby BirdLife Overberg will assist us in running this event.  This will have a beneficial effect on the quality of the fair and enable us to reach a much wider cross-section of the Overberg birding population.  We feel that the publication of the Overberg Bird Guide will be of great benefit to birders throughout the country and beyond.

 

The programme has been designed to increase the number of field outings as well   containing some interesting and enlightening presentations.  For further information please contact Royd Frith, Chairman, BirdLife Walker Bay on roydf@mweb.co.za or 083 676 2282

 

Thursday, 1^st October  

15h00:   African Tea Party, talk by Naas Terblanche on Overberg Amphibians and bird walk on Oak Grove Farm, followed by live entertainment featuring Johannes Basson – R30 per person

                                  

Friday, 2^nd October       

07h00 to 10h00: Guided outing (25 people maximum) led by Brummer Olivier  to Danger Point and Kleinbaai followed by brunch & whale watching at Coffee on the Rocks in de Kelders; R 75-00 pp

07h00:  Cape Rock-jumper outing to Rooiels led by Dave de Beer

07h30 onwards: Birding river trips (boat and/or canoe) from Stanford River Lodge.  For price and bookings, contact Janice on 084 583 5389 

12h00:  Talk on bird photography by Dave de Beer, Chairman of BirdLife Overberg

14h00:  Talk by Meidad Goren of BirdLife South Africa's Albatross Task Force, on the success achieved in reducing albatross by-catch by longline fishing

15h00   Talk by Odette Curtiss on Rhenosterveld Conservation and its effect on birdlife.  This will include a focus on Black Harriers

17h00:   Launch of Overberg Bird Guide by Anton Odendal

                                        

Saturday, 3^rd October   

07h00 to 11h00: Guided outing to find Blue Cranes with Bronwyn Botha,  of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Crane Working Group 

07h00 to 10h00: Boat trip from Gansbaai to see ocean birds – price to be finalised this week                      

07h30 onwards: Birding river cruises from Stanford River Lodge

11h00:   Tractor ride through “Historical Stanford on Foot” – bookings through Stanford Info

15h00:   Talk by Doug Newman on bird vocalisation

16h00:   Talk by Mike Graham of BirdLife Overberg on birding in the Okavango Delta

19h00:   Bird Fair dinner with free Glendower whisky tasting –- price and venue to be confirmed - check website for details at www.stanfordbirding.co.za (website currently being updated)

                                                                      

Sunday, 4^th October       

07h30:   Walk on Flower Valley Farm with Brummer Olivier.  R75 pp (booking   essential)

12h00:   Gourmet picnic lunch and guided tour at the Spookhuis at Mosaic Farm. R100 pp   (booking essential)                          

 

 

 

 

               STANFORD BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

Birds and Birders in their South African habitats

You may enter as many photographs as you like.  Send each entry separately. 

Closing date for entries: 17h00 on Thursday, 30^th September.

This photographic competition is open to all and consideration will be given to young, aspiring bird photographers. To enter simply email each individual entry to info@stanfordbirding.co.za

All outings and activities to be booked.  Check www.stanfordinfo.co.za for detail

 

 

 

 

Fijn Bush Telegraph 4th edition - 26 June 2009

Click on the individual images to view the larger version.

Place your advert from as little as R10 per edition by emailing Philippa at Fijn Bush Telegraph ads@stanfordlocals.co.za
The Fijn Bush Telegraph is a free bi-monthly publication printed by Stanford Technology Centre and currently distributed in Stanford and Gansbaai.

Kingfishers in Stanford

Fijn Bush Telegraph Advertising Rates

send adverts to ads@stanfordlocals.co.za
Attention Philipps Castle

FLIGHT FOR BIRDERS A bird identification course

FLIGHT FOR BIRDERS
A bird identification course for novice and intermediate birders

The presentation of the “Flight for Birders” bird identification course by Anton Odendal at the new environmental education facility at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens has been scheduled for 14 and 15 May 2009. The costs will be R 300-00 per head. The costs include the course manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa – roughly 1,400 slides and drawings will be used. In the vast majority of the slides English and Afrikaans names are printed onto the slide. The course focuses on basic steps in the identification of birds, places heavy emphasis on where to find the rare and often endemic birds in southern Africa and illustrates how ordinary bird-watchers could become involved in the conservation of birds and their habitats. Note that we will not offer teas and lunches to keep costs down and participants should therefore bring along their own picnic baskets and refreshments.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG:
· One of the birdguide books (Newman's, SASOL or Robert's), preferably one that you are prepared to make notes in to illustrate key identification features of species
· Notebook and pen
· Binoculars
· Comfortable walking shoes
· Hat and sunscreen
· Picnic basket and refreshments
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
DAY 1: Thursday 14 May
(Kindly note that short breaks will be taken on the hour).
07h30 to 08h00: Registration

08h00 to 08h30: Introductory orientation and why we are part of BirdLife South Africa: a focus on birding tourism and the critical role that the region between Rooiels and Kleinmond could play in this regard

08h30 to 09h00: What to look for when trying to identify a bird

09h00 to 10h00: The identification of garden birds

10h00 to 10h15: Tea

10h15 to 11h00: The identification of garden birds and how to plan your garden for birds and other wildlife – a focus on BLSA's theme of promoting garden birds during 2009

11h00 to 11h45: The special and endemic birds of the Western Cape province, used as a case-study on how to prepare when visiting a new area

11h45 to 12h30: An overview of some threatened birds in Southern Africa: what is BLSA trying to do about the problem through conservation programs and how can ordinary birders help? We focus on the work of Dyer Island Conservation Trust and BLSA's Albatross Task Force

12h30 to 13h00: Lunch

13h00 to 15h00: An introduction to the identification of some difficult groups – Little Brown Jobs, Swallows, Terns and so on

15h00 to 16h00: Typical birds found along the highways and byways, with a special section on some of the cuckoos of southern Africa, their hosts species and interesting stories on brood parasitism

16h00 onwards: Practical outing in small groups applying the principles taught. Those who want to may leave from 16h00.

DAY 2: Friday 15 May
08h00 to 10h00: The identification of raptors and birds of prey, with a special focus on the Owls of southern Africa

10h00 to 10h45: How to prepare when visiting a new birding area: Birding in the Kruger National Park as a brief case-study.

10h45 to 11h00: Tea

11h00 to 12h30: The identification of the fairly common water birds of southern Africa

12h30 to 13h00: Short lunch

13h00 to 13h30: The identification of the fairly common water birds of southern Africa. (Continued)

13h30 to 14h00: The pink gems of Kimberley: the work of Mark Anderson, the Executive Director of BirdLife South Africa on the conservation of Lesser Flamingos at the Kamfers dam

14h00 to 15h00: The 101 species in southern Africa that every avid birder needs to be able to identify – how to distinguish between the various families of birds. (An open-ended participatory discussion on photographs of the most common birds representing different families of birds).

15h00: Fun bird identification quizz (Optional)

15h00+: Presentation of certificates endorsed by BLSA


DETAILS IN BRIEF:
DATES: 14 and 15 May 2009
VENUE: The Environmental Education Center at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Betty' Bay
COSTS: R300-00, that includes the course manual and certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa.
TO REGISTER AND SECURE YOUR PLACE:
Contact Elaine at:
Tel and fax: 028 – 3161105
Mobile: 0824558402
E-mail: mwjasser@mweb.co.za
REGISTRATION: Kindly inform Elaine of your intention to participate and deposit payment into the following account:

Account name: A.W. Odendal
Bank: ABSA, Hermanus (Cheque account)
Account number: 4042585490

NB: Kindly fax or e-mail the deposit slip to the above number or address to secure participation.

RE: while we're on the subject of electricty FREE events...

Hi all

 

Many of you are interested and affected parties to Eskom’s two proposals, I wish to share the following with you.

 

• Stanford Birding is a registered I&AP
• Tourism is the greatest contributor SA’s GDP
• Birding is the fastest growing form of International Tourism
• SA Tourism against Eskom/Govt nuclear proposal 4 Pearly Beach
• It seems apparent, the applicant in the case of the Nuclear Power Station, is Eskom backed by the current govt.
• Therefore, by association, the applicant in the case of the transmission lines is also Eskom backed by the current govt.  The irony, in this case, is that it is the current govt., albeit a different department, i.e., is the one who has final approval. [Makes me feel like a prawn in a game of Chinese Checkers! ]
• Everyone working at the PPP (Public Participation Process) is on the payroll for either Eskom or the Govt.

 

*Subject:* STANFORD PUBLIC MEETING on ESKOM POWER LINES

 

Hi everyone,

 

My observations of some of the points that were raised at the Stanford meeting of yesterday are as follows

 

    * On question of separate EIA’s for power station and power lines.

      This appears to be a very sensitive point for Eskom and they could

      not come up with acceptable answers except that the two projects

      are handled independently by two different entities; power station

      by Eskom Generation and the lines by Eskom Transmission. (These

      are however two divisions or companies in the Eskom Group.) *This

      is a point that we can further hammer them on* *during upcoming

      meetings.*

    * The question of the ABI alternative and community involvement in

      identifying alternative routes _before_ any draft scoping report

      can be put on the table. Arcus Gibb agreed that if we, as a

      community, can come up with other alternative corridors that

      should be considered we can do so. They also agreed that if we

      write to them they will suggest to Eskom and the DEAT that enough

      time is given to the community to do so. They said however that a

      final answer would only be forthcoming by middle April. They

      emphasized that the proposal must come from a broad based group

      (probably involving ABI and all the various action groups

      currently in the area) - I guess that this may be considered to be

      a concession on their side but will only be of use if they give us

      months rather than a few weeks to do so. Important to emphasize a

      few points on this subject at upcoming meetings (1) *that we

      should be given sufficient time* since we have asked for this

      since August last year without receiving acceptable responses. (2)

      That we require an *answer much sooner* than two weeks before the

      current deadline for comments on the draft report. Ask why rush

      into this thing since the building of a nuclear power station is

      now a project which has no doubt been delayed by a number of years

      if not more.

    * At the Villiersdorp meeting there appears to have been a

      misunderstanding. There is no decision to build three smaller

      nuclear plants at all three sites. The purpose of the power

      station EIA is still to identify the most suitable site for the

      first power station. However if one site is chosen, it does not

      mean that the other two will not be used in future since the

      government’s current long term strategy calls for the construction

      of at least three nuclear stations in the longer term, probably 20

      or more years.

    * NMA made the point that they engaged all the major strategic role

      players in our community during the process so far. Following a

      request they undertook to supply us with a list of all these

      organizations with details about the meetings/workshops they had

      so far.

    * I think there is still confusion about the feasibility of running

      all 6 the lines originating at the power station (the 4 to Kappa

      and the 2 to Bacchus) in one corridor until they are out of the

      Strandveld area. *Try to get clarity.*

    * The question of including the possibility of using of underground

      lines in the Scoping study. It appears that it is only a matter of

      economics. However the power station will cost about R300 billion

      excluding power lines (reasonably accurate figure) while power

      lines cost R1-2 million per kilometer (guess). Underground lines

      are ten times more expensive (Eskom figure). If it takes 30 or 40

      kilometers to get outside of the Strandveld/Agulhas plain area the

      incremental cost of the entire project will increase by R800

      million which represents only 0.3% of the cost of the entire

      project. In the books of Eskom Transmission the R800 million will

      off course be a much larger proportion of the cost of their

      transmission line project. This is therefore another reason they

      should adopt an integrated approach (power station and lines

      together). *My suggestion is that we hammer them further on this

      issue at upcoming meetings.***

 

* *

 

There was a lot more points raised and anybody with further suggestions of matters to be raised at the upcoming meetings please circulate them (or send them to me and I will circulate them)

 

Danie

 

Goedvertrouw,

 

Posbus 872,

 

_Stanford_, 7210

 

Tel 028 388 0275

 

Faks 028 388 0831 of 0866 07 1946

 

Sel 082 554 1762

 

epos daniemay@omail.co.za <mailto:daniemay@omail.co.za>

 

 

--

Bruce Castle

bruce@digividsa.co.za

Cell: 0721351687

Tel: 0283410570

 

 

 

Nuclear Power Station news from Platbos Forest Newsletter
ESKOM is forging ahead with its plan to build a Nuclear Power Station on one of three locations in the country. Bantamsklip near Pearly Beach is one of the sites. This unspoilt area is regarded as the world´s "hottest of hot spots" in terms of its biodiversity and number of endemic species. Environmental Impact Assessments are currently underway for the transmission lines: 80 metres high, four pylons abreast, they are to occupy large corridors of the Overberg landscape. One of the proposed routes cuts directly over the canopy of Platbos Forest! I appeal to communities in the Overberg area to contact ESKOM and find out whether or not they will be affected by the development and to duly register as an Interested and Affected Party. There are still many landowners who remain uninformed about this looming threat.
	You can register through NMA Effective Social Strategists: 011 447 9737 / email: theoh@nma.org.za. Shortly, we will post a link on our Global Warming Page which will provide updates, meetings, and environmental data around the proposed Bantamsklip Nuclear Power Station and its Transmission lines.

 

Interesting Links:

 

http://www.gaia.com/terms_of_use

 

http://www.nathab.com/about-us/wwf-nathab

 

Philippa Elaine Castle Throughly enjoyed her long walk with Lisa Lopion, 6 Whippets and a Jack Russel, along the Pearly Beach coastline to the proposed Nuclear Power Development site!

 

Wall Photos

March 22 at 11:09pm · Comment · LikeUnlike · Show Feedback (4)Hide Feedback (4)

 You and Francois Normandeau like this.

 Francois Normandeau likes this.

 Ester Quintana at 11:56pm March 22

Sorry to hear about the proposed Nuclear Power Development! but I am glad that you enjoyed your walk :-)

 Philippa Elaine Castle at 12:19am March 23

Don't be sorry, help me stop it... :-)

 Ester Quintana at 12:52am March 23

Oh Phillipa, I am dealing with my country's own environmental problems... this week I learned that local fishermen are harpooning dolphins and are using them for shark bites. I do research on wild dolphins and these findings are very disturbing. When I read your post, my first thought was that the planet needs lots of help! I need help to resolve this situation and I haven't figure out what to do...

 

Philippa Elaine Castle I am the self-proclaimed protector of the birdlife and their habitat conservation in our Internationally proclaimed Important Birding Area, home to the Blue Crane, South Africa's endangered National Bird.
I will dance, I will prance, I will even sing is push comes to shove, I will stamp my feet and I will beat my drum!
What else can I do to protect this most beautiful part of Southern Africa from destruction by power-hungry masses of humanity and the select few who profit substantially from selling such power?

Lighthouse Angel

Source: www.youtube.com

The song Angel, written and recorded by Johannes Basson, inspired me to put some of my own pictures together... some pictures were taken by Andre van der Merwe, some by Annalize Mouton, some by myself ...

March 22 at 8:54am · Comment · LikeUnlike · Share

 

Philippa Elaine Castle How the Dickens is Stanford's Twiggy going to get the support of SITES, WWF, Green Peace & the Prince of Wales to prevent Nuclear Development at Pearly Beach?

Mark's and Spencer Lighthouse Advert (2008)

Source: www.youtube.com

The New advert for Marks and Spencer in regards to their new season clothing collection. With Twiggy Lawson, Erin O'Connor, Noemie Lenoir, Elizabeth Jagger and Myleene Klass.

March 22 at 1:15am · Comment · LikeUnlike · Share

 

Philippa Elaine Castle is dancing on sunshine...
Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation
Kalil Gibran

 

Wall Photos

Yesterday at 9:56am · Comment · LikeUnlike · Show Feedback (1)Hide Feedback (1)

 You and Anina Stenvert like this.

 Anina Stenvert likes this.

 

Johannes Basson is happy to kick ass allot

March 17 at 12:25pm · Comment · LikeUnlike

 

 

Philippa Castle

Stanford Glendower Bird Fair Committee

Email info@stanfordbirding.co.za

Website www.stanfordbirding.co.za

Tel 028 341 0570

Mobile 082 943 4327

Blog www.stanfordbirds.blogspot.com

 

p.s. it does not matter which way the wind blows… any wind will do!

P Consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

 

---

From: Royd Frith [mailto:roydf@mweb.co.za]
Sent: 26 March 2009 06:09 PM
To: Royd Frith; peter hood; Elsa; dave mccarthy; Lindsay Frith; philippa castle
Cc: dave mccarthy; Allan Youens; Boet and Margaret Heese; David & Tessa Foreman; Deon Krige; Dick & Elspeth Ivey; Elaine Teague; Elzane Steynberg; Kathy Bullock; Lindsay Frith; Margaret Sommerville; Martin Ranger; Pamela Johansen; Peter and Sally Hood; Pierre & Gay du Toit; Tony Roper; Elsa Gebhard; Kathleen Sanders ; Royd Frith
Subject: Fw:

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: The Junk Shop

To: Royd Frith ; Hanli Allan ; Ansie ; Ena Booyse ; Kerry Brokensha ; Joan Carboni ; Philippa Castle ; Elsa Gebhard ; Sally & Peter Hood ; Cathy Hornby ; Ian & Elma Hunter ; Beryl Maxwell ; Annalize Mouton ; Nadia & Jan ; Robyn Nel ; Martin & Annie Ranger ; Alexandra ; Michael Thompson ; Maureen Wolters ; Peter Wolters

Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 4:20 PM

 

Spend EARTH HOUR

By Candle Light

 

Join 100 Million People

World wide

 

Saturday:  28th March 2009

Stanford Market Place

Bring: Picnic and Canldes in

            windfree holders.

Event: Lights off from 8:30 - 9:30

Music: Acoustic - bring your own

            and join up with others.

This is an Electricity free event !

 

Please grab all your Friends and Family and join us !!!

Thanks to Petronella for making this happen

Anka & Naja

                              

Flight for Birders

Further to our discussions about the possibility of doing a course in your area, I can now confirm the dates that have been reserved for courses:

Deneysville for BL Vaaldam, Henley-on-Klip, satelite branch of Wits & town of Sasolburg
14 & 15 March 2009
(Confirmed)
On our way to the AGM: Venue Deneysville
STATUS: All documents sent to Rosemary

Bontebok National Park & environs
18 & 19 April
(Confirmed)

West Coast
2 & 3 May (Confirmed)
Xola Mfeke & Andre and Anna.

Rooiels, Betty's Bay & Kleinmond (The Kogelberg region)
16 & 17 May
(confirmed) for Harold Porter

Northern W.Coast
Vredendal, Cederberg,Lambert's Bay & Olifants river region.
30 & 31 May
(confirmed) for Lambert's Bay
Sulandi Hunter: rat@kingsley.co.za
Nina McKenzie: nina3000@telkomsa.net
lambertsinfo@mweb.co.za

Wits Bird Club
15 & 16 Aug.
Contact: Lance Robinson

Further to this we will do 2 more courses in Gauteng in August and two courses in the Northern Cape in September.

It is therefore proposed that we look at the possibility of doing the course in your area in June or July and we would like like to propose more specifically that you look at 13 and 14 June if you are interested. With the close proximity we would also be prepared to consider two Saturdays, like 6 and 13 June. It would be appreciated if we could e-mail about this within the next few days as we are going to the Wader Bash and Kruger and will only be back home in April.

Great news is that we are forming BirdLife Strandveld at Agulhas on 10 March as a direct result of the course that we did there in January. At this early stage it seems as if they will sign up at least 50 members on that day,

Looking forward to your reaction.

Warm regards
Anton Odendal
birding@overberg.co.za

Picasa Web Albums - Philippa - Stanford Birding Photographic Competiton 2008

Picasa Web Albums - Philippa - Stanford Birding Photographic Competiton 2008

Stanford Housing & Dev Co-op NEWSLETTER

We say Flock to Stanford and do it with the Birds... the NATURE aspect of
this is critical and the birds are flapping with joy that the protection of
their environment is finally being taken seriously.

From: Elma Hunter [mailto:elmian@iafrica.com]
Sent: 28 January 2009 10:25 AM
To: philippa@digividsa.co.za
Cc: ciska@omail.co.za; carol@mud.co.za
Subject: Stanford Housing & Dev Co-op NEWSLETTER

T/a STANFORD DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATIVE
NEWSLETTER 1/09

The Stanford Housing & Development Co-Operative has been founded,
application has been submitted for registration through "RED DOOR" and we
await our registration notification from Cipro. At present there are 36
members with many others pending their membership on concrete
materialisation of Government and community partnership. Phase 1 has been
completed.

The task ahead is to increase administrative manpower through, where
possible, Government funded programmes and private sector input and then
undertake educational discussion sessions to increase awareness and
membership within the Stanford community.

Coupled with this, we are continuing involvement with Dutch architects Groos
& Co (www.groosco.com) on the possible designs of the village and the
structures therein. A number of different concepts for the village have been
made available through the work of Dutch architectural post graduate
students and we look forward to engaging Government in the future planning
phases.

AIMS OF THE STANFORD HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATIVE:

* To create a nature-based community development identity for
Stanford.
* To initiate, with government, the building of Stanford RDP Housing
in the form of an eco-village using community participation to drive skills
development programmes, a sense of self sufficiency, entrepreneurial
opportunities and real employment.
* To achieve these goals by maximizing the use of green technologies
and community based projects and become a model for social development in
South Africa,
* To develop the potential of the village as a tourism and lifestyle
destination and to ensure that the character of the surrounding landscape is
protected, enhanced and developed in the most suitable and beneficial manner
for its residents and Nature.

PHASE 2 - THE NEXT STEP

The project intends employing 1 Xhosa and 1 Afrikaans speaking person to
canvas and market the idea of the eco-village amongst the people of Stanford
with specific focus on those on the official housing list.
* Door to door discussions to ensure that the concept is correctly
understood.
* An office and information centre is in the process of being set up
in Stanford South in order to demonstrate practically, the benefits of green
technologies. Examples of solar water heaters, Bio-Digestion systems, adobe
bricks, sandbagging and alternative styles of design and building will be
made available through on-site application and access to the internet for
residents.
* The existing Social Compact for housing is to be engaged in working
in partnership through the current Waiting List for houses and helping to
mediate the problems that arise.
* Database to be set up together with relevant municipal & local
government to gather detailed information which will be required for the
projects eg. Skills base, aptitudes.
* Engage with the residents of Stanford North to ensure that their
ideas and co-operation is obtained.
* Continue to document the needs and desires of the householders who
will be occupying the houses, using researchers trained in Phase 1 by
Elemental Africa.
* Set up a food buying co-operative so that members benefit from
belonging to the co-operative before the housing project even begins.
* Initiate entrepreneurial community projects.
* Engage relevant Government, NGO and International role players.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

* We have received funding from Sprokies for Afrika to place
a Stanford resident, Khaya Potwana, on a Permaculture training programme
being run in Cape Town by SEED ( www.seed.org.za <http://www.seed.org.za/> )
* This is the first step in setting up a Permaculture
Training Centre in Stanford which will then train chosen individuals in
permaculture with a view to their employment and skilling in food production
projects.
* In order to provide local, unemployed and semi-skilled
people with an income, skills training will be sought in the building
industry so that when the first project of 88 houses to be built in Stanford
is begun, training will already have started and local artisans skills
upgraded.
* Discussions with the Elgin Learning Foundation
(www.elf1.co.za <http://www.elf1.co.za/> ) are well underway and an
application for government REAF (Rural Economic Assistance Fund) funding has
been sent in, in conjunction with the Municipality of Theewaterskloof, to
run sister projects in Stanford, Elgin and Greyton.
* In other spheres such as crafts, food production,
alternative energy technologies etc. training will also be sought so that
skills can be taught to those not in the building industry.
* Plans are being discussed for income generating projects
such as alien clearing, firewood sales, woodcraft as in timber screens and
furniture, baking using outdoor ovens, landscaping and tourism.

The Stanford Co-operative will be holding 4 discussion sessions around how
Stanford could be developed along "Green Principles"

An interesting international trend called Transition Towns
(www.transitiontowns.org <http://www.transitiontowns.org/> ) has been
picked up by Hout Bay and Kommetjie communities. As prospective green
communities, they are trying to make a difference to the way communities
structure themselves with specific focus on local economy. The concept of
Transition Towns & other possible approaches will be the topic of
discussion.

Come & have a glass of wine with us in the Municipal Boardroom at 6.30 pm on
one of the following Wednesdays and discuss the ideas.

The Co-op is a legal entity, which wishes to ensure that the Stanford
community is properly organised, to enter into developmental relationships
with government and the private sector.

Dates: Wednesdays- 4, 11, 18, 25, February 2009
It would be appreciated if those interested would RSVP as groups will be
kept to 15 participants each

We ask for all those interested in contributing voluntarily to contact us.
Your support in realizing this vision for Stanford will assist in
maintaining the character of the village. For anyone wishing to join the
Stanford Development Co-operative, membership fee is a once off R100 payment
and membership forms are available from contact people below.

If you wish to contribute financially, funds may be deposited into the
following account:

Banking Details: Stanford Village Forum
Standard Bank Branch Code:
050312
Cheque Account No: 384 916 422
Reference: Co-op
Sms confirmation to Richard Ivey 082 787 3069

CONTACT DETAILS:
Howard Krut 082 667 9232 Khaya Potwana
073 877 7451
Co Chairman Co Chairman
Jeudi Hunter 082 892 9185
Administrative Secretary/Co ordinator jeudi@stanfordco-op.co.za

FW: Platbos donation Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

Philippa Castle

Stanford Glendower Bird Fair Committee

Email mailto:info@stanfordbirding.co.za?subject=Stanford%20Glendower%20Bird%20Fair

Website www.stanfordbirding.co.za

Tel 028 341 0570

Mobile 082 943 4327

Blog www.stanfordbirds.blogspot.com

P Consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

---

From: Melissa Krige [mailto:platbos@orcawireless.co.za]
Sent: 22 January 2009 11:18 AM
To: 'BirdLife'
Cc: 'Oak Grove Farm'
Subject: RE: Platbos donation Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

Dear Elsa,

Many thanks to Birdlife for the donation of R1000.00 for a memorial tree in honour of the Stanford Glendower Bird Fair visit to Platbos in the 5^th Oct 2008. I have ordered the plaque and will be in touch as soon as this is ready. Please let me know if any members would like to take part in the planting of the tree ( a “white stinkwood” Celtis africana).

Kind regards,

Melissa Krige

PO Box 1438

Gansbaai

7220

Cell: 082 4110448

www.platbos.co.za

-----Original Message-----
From: BirdLife [mailto:birdlifewalkerbay@global.co.za]
Sent: 22 January 2009 10:42 AM
To: 'Melissa Krige'; info@oakgrovefarm.co.za
Subject: Platbos donation Stanford Glendower Bird Fair

Notification of payment R1000,00 made today.

Regards,

Elsa

FW: Bird Outing plus AGM dates

 

Hi all,

 

We wish everybody a happy and healthy 2009 and hope to see more of you on outings and events planned for this year.   

 

One event or outing is planned for every month this year starting with Saturday 07 February.    Until we have our own bird specialist, we will use the services of Brummer Olivier from Grootbos to accompany us on outings.    A nominal charge of R15 per person is payable as contribution towards his fee.   Please bring it along.

 

The AGM will take place on Tuesday 24 February in Stanford at 1900.    After the meeting we will show the film "Fly Away Home".   Details will be furnished later but please diarise the date.

 

Brummer Olivier has been booked for an outing of sea birds in the Kleinbaai/ Danger Point area as follows

 

Date Saturday 7/2/09

 

Rendezvous  Caltex Garage, Stanford @ 7am. Brummer feels an early start is better. We shall meet with him in Kleinbaai @ 7.30am.   Gansbaai area members can meet us in Kleinbaai at the Great White House, next to the petrol station.

 

R15,00 per head

 

Maximum 14 people.    Please RSVP

 

Bring own refreshments for breakfast.

 

Duration about 3/4 hours depending on birds.   Some short distance walking will be done, so dress appropriately.

 

Lindsay Frith has agreed to be our secretary so the next communication will come from her fresh mind and fingers.

 

Groete,

 

Elsa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birdwatching at home...

Kogelberg Bioshpere Reserve - A Celebration of Fynbos

Celebrating a South African First.

 

Just an hour or so out of Cape Town, stretching along one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives and up into the fertile valleys of the Elgin orchards, lies the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve…South Africa’s first UNESCO designated biosphere reserve.

 

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve was signed into being 10 years ago. Its claim to fame is not only its breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, with towering fold mountains tumbling into the ocean. No, it has a less obvious uniqueness…the greatest number of plant species for its size anywhere on earth!

 

A Celebration of Fynbos and the KBR!  For the last 4 years KOBIO, (the Kogelberg Biosphere Association) has staged a festival in Kleinmond to celebrate this special place. Each year the Fynbos Festival has grown…and now it’s become a 4 day celebration, each with its own theme!

 

Saturday 13 December has a ‘Fynbos & Food’ focus. There will be guided fynbos walks and talks, fynbos plant sales, plenty of delicious sea-food, wine-tasting of local wines, dried fruits and nuts plus food specials and live entertainment.    

 

Sunday 14 has an ‘Ecoscape’ focus; walks to see SA’s only wild horses, mountain bikes for hire in the core of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, sand-boarding on SA’s highest sand-dunes in Betty’s Bay, horse rides through the fynbos and other outdoor adventures.

 

Monday 15 December  is the ‘Kids Carnival’ with slippy slides, jumping castles, face painting and more.

 

On Tuesday 16 December, it is ‘Market Mania’ - the local animal welfare will hold its traditional ‘rarities and collectibles’ stall and every trader will have bargains to browse…  

 

And on each and every day, Kleinmond’s Harbour Road will be buzzing with crafts, stalls, indigenous plant sales, fynbos-friendly Christmas tree sales, live entertainment and the “Green and Holistic Living” expo.

 

Although the Harbour Road Waterfront (a year-round tourist favorite) remains the core of the Festival, other KBR villages will also be participating on the fringes.  There will be guided walks at the Stony Point Penguin breeding colony, Betty’s Bay, attend a talk at the beautiful Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay…or do a tour of the Green Mountain wine route and overnight at the coast ready to hit the “Green and Holistic Living Expo” at Harbour Road and the book fair and flower photography lecture at Mthimkhulu Eco-Village, Kleinmond.  For beach lovers, Pringle Bay’s ‘Windgat Festival’ kicks off on 16 December.

 

So for anyone with a love of nature, good food, books, bargains or adventure…this is the Festival for you! Keep in touch with the programme details on  http://www.ecoscape.co.za   or call the friendly Hangklip-Kleinmond Tourism Bureau (028) 271 5657…they also provide a free accommodation booking service.

 

Fiery-Necked Nightjar at Oak Grove Farm by Bruce

Fiery-Necked Nightjar Mother, with one baby in the background and one on the left.

Photos by Bruce Castle, 16 November 2008

Stanford Bird Fair outing to Flower Valley

BirdLife Overberg -day outing monthly meeting

11 October: Morning outing to Swartrivier road and the botanical gardens at Caledon and Greyton, ending in a lunch in the latter town. The flowers are great and the birds are extremely active, so this will be a great one. The weather prediction sounds very positive - let's get out into the sun! (We'll be back home for the rugby). Depart from Onrus 7/11 at 08h00

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE !!!!!!!!

( ELAINE ON 0824558402 TO CONFIRM

13 October: Monthly meeting at 18h30 for 19h00 at the EE centre at Fernkloof: Mike Graham will give an audio-visual presentation on their recent trip to Botswana. Remember that we will also organise the teams for our birding big day event on 15 November, so don't miss this one.

Our first quarterly e-newsletter should hit the web within the next week.

11 and 25 October: Anton is doing "Flight for Birders" in Grabouw in view of getting a birding group going there. The course has been upgraded to accommodate novices as well as more experienced birders wanting to become involved in BLSA's many conservation and tourism projects. Contact Carin Malan for details at egvv@mweb.co.za or 021-8591058 (mornings) or 0731722660

CARtoday.com Discussion Forums: Rally driver Paul Pfeiffer dies in Cpt Rally

On Saturday about 20 of us went on the Blue Crane Outing with Bronwyn. We saw dust in the distance and came accross a horde of spectators watching this rally in aid of the Blue Cranes. I spent many years horse-riding, partying and motorbike riding with Paul and Suzanne (Pfeiffer). My heart goes out to Suzanne and Fernando Rueda and their family. This is a tragic twist of fate and a completely bizarre coincidence.
CARtoday.com Discussion Forums: Rally driver Paul Pfeiffer dies in Cpt Rally
more at
http://www.supersport.co.za/Motorsport/article.aspx?id=273122&headline=Rueda%20withdraws%20from%20final%20event

PRIZEWINNERS - Stanford Birding Photographic Competition 2008

We wish to thank all these talented photographers who sent in stunning entries for this year's competition. Photographers were allowed to receive one prize each, considering amateurs were competing against professional photographers.

7 Judges gave votes for each photograph entry. The PRIZEWINNERS are as follows:

1st PRIZE ~ Basie van Zyl – Cape White Eye on Wilddagga

Commendations for Paradise-flycatcher Female in Paradise, My Tern to Sit and White-Faced Duck Launch

2nd PRIZE ~ John Deakin – Sharing Malachites

Commendations for Sunbirds, Cape Robin, Goliath Heron, African Marsh Harrier

3rd PRIZE ~ Kirsten Frost - Cattle Egret 3

Commendations for African Spoonbill, Pied Kingfisher

4th PRIZE ~ Charles Dagnall – African Pygmy Kingfisher “biting off more than he can chew”

5th PRIZE ~ John Macdonald – Acacia Pied Barbet with female Cape Weaver “Voetsek” – Cover of Stanford River Talk.

RUNNERS UP ~ Highly Commended

Brummer Olivier - Grassbird with Skink

Allan Youens - Spotted Dikkop (Thick-Kneed Plover) with chick, Cape Grassbird, Oyster Catchers

I wish to thank the following people for giving of their valuable time to judge the competition:

Royd Frith, Stanford Glendower Bird Fair committee Chairman

Elsa Gebhard, SGBF committee

David Dowie Dunn, SGBF committee

Peter Hood, SGBF committee

Nikki Miles, Stanford Galleries Art Café

Kerri Brokensha, Stanford River Talk

André van der Merwe, Stanford Technology Centre

Lastly, with many thanks and great appreciation of their support, we wish to thank the following sponsors for their generous donation of such fantastic prizes:

First Prize: Shark cage diving experience with Marine Dynamics
Second Prize: Flight of Giants with African Wings
Third Prize: self-catering accommodation at Oak Grove Farm
Fourth Prize: a meal at Stanford Gallery
Fifth Prize: a year’s subscription to Africa Birds & Birding

Runners Up: Raka wine

Stanford Sunset Market ~ Friday, 3 October from 6 - 8 pm

Don't miss Stanford's Sunset Market this Friday, 3 October from 6 - 8 pm - the first of many family affairs on the market square and this time part of the Stanford Birding Fair

For the adults:
Wine-tasting; beer tent...

For everyone:
Food on the square; take-aways for the weekend; salads; ginger beer; pancakes; organic vegetables; crafts; shwe-shwe fabric products; jams; fresh flowers; boerewors rolls; music ...

For the children:
Face paintings; tractor rides; cup cakes....

For the atmosphere:
Lanterns, music, straw bales...

So come on... Spoil yourself this Friday from 6 - 8 pm and be part of the REAL country goodness experience.

FW: Stanford Glendower Bird Fair - Friday October 03 - Sunday October 05 2008

Hi Philippa

This notice was sent out today.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cape Town news <ctneditor@adderleystreet.co.za>
Date: Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Subject: Stanford Glendower Bird Fair - Friday October 03 - Sunday October 05 2008
To: rrcatto@gmail.com

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STANFORD GLENDOWER BIRD FAIR
FRIDAY 3 ^rd UNTIL SUNDAY 5^th OCTOBER 2008

Stanford is preening itself for the Annual Bird Fair; this is again sponsored by Glendower Whisky and Overstrand Destination Marketing Organisation. Now in its 5th year, the focus is more bird related with additional festivities arranged by Stanford Tourism.

Avitourism, being the fastest growing outdoor activity worldwide, is also happening in South Africa. Birding Routes, Important Birding Areas and Birding Weekends are the order of the day and are occurring everywhere.

Outstanding speakers will enrich and educate us with their knowledge and expertise. Two special outings are also planned. Guided bird watching walks through Stanford are offered to those who do not wish to drive. There will be a guided Heritage Walk on Sunday, viewing some interesting buildings earmarked during Stanford's 150^th celebrations.

So, come to Stanford for a weekend and enjoy our natural beauty, our restaurants and cafés and our walks and talks. Some of the highlights are listed below and most are FREE of charge.

SPEAKERS

Peter Ryan - conservation biologist will talk on sea birds

Peter Chadwick - world renowned outdoor and nature photographer presents a talk on Cape Vultures and the Birds of De Hoop Nature Reserve

Marijke Honig - plant ecologist, landscaper and regular contributor to African Birds & Birding magazine will tell us how to garden for birds. Her talk will be followed by a visit to a local garden.

Phil Hockey - overseer of the monumental production of the 7th edition of Roberts - Birds of Southern Africa, will present a talk entitled "Avian sex: honesty or deception". He will be our guest speaker during the Saturday evening informal function.

BIRDING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

All keen photographers please enter your photographs of birds taken anywhere in South Africa. Your photograph of a bird could win you any one of these wonderful prizes:

• First Prize: Shark cage diving experience with Marine Dynamics
• Second Prize: Flight of Giants with African Wings
• Third Prize: self-catering accommodation at Oak Grove Farm
• Forth Prize: a meal at Stanford Gallery
• Fith Prize: a year's subscription to Africa Birds & Birding

OUTINGS AND EVENTS

Glendower Whisky Tasting Friday night - snacks provided. Dave de Beer will do a short presentation on the officially recognised status of the Overberg as an Important Birding Area (IBA).

Blue cranes - Bronwyn Botha of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) will inform us on the Western Cape Crane Conservation Project. The route covers farming areas between Hermanus and Caledon. She will highlight the need for cooperation between private land owners and nature conservators. Blue Cranes are common in and around the Overberg but the size of their national population is still low and unstable.

Flower Valley Farm - Phil Hockey will guide a walk on Flower Valley. A Trust was formed to conserve highly endangered lowland fynbos. Flower pickers are taught sustainable harvesting.

Live show - Eagle Encounters with live raptors.

STANFORD COUNTRY CARNIVAL

FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 2008

The ever popular Stanford Country Market will be in a Bedouin tent on the Market Square from 17:00 onwards and there will be lots of food on sale. The organisers are trying to organise a popular band to play from 19:00 until late, watch the press for further details on this.

SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2008

Last year Stanfordians celebrated Stanford 150^th anniversary with many events. One of the most enjoyable to many was the carnival, so much so that everyone will be able to enjoy another one this year on Saturday 4 October as part of the Stanford Glendower Bird Fair. It will take place on the Market Square and in the Okkie Smuts school hall.

Entertainment

Snakes & reptile demonstration

Stanford Klopse

Musician Terry Dean

School of Rock

Traditional Xhosa dancers

Postile 12 gospel choir

Ghetto Groove Dancers & entertainers

Die Bron drum majorettes

Line dancing

Boeresport contest

Scarecrow contest

Stalls

Traditional food and craft stalls

Car boot sale

Children's Used Toy Faire

Children's Entrepreneurs Market

Book a stall

The tariffs for the stalls are R5 (children faire & market); R20 (PBO organisations, schools & churches); R20 (car boot sale); R50 (outdoors around the main entertainment area); R100 (under the Bedouin tent); and R150 (in the hall). Electricity will be available (R10 normal usage, R30 heavy duty usage).

Contact

Your contact for all aspects of the carnival is the Stanford Tourism Bureau, 17 Queen Victoria Street Stanford (opposite Spar in the library building), phone 028-341 0340 or email: stanfordinfo@overberg.co.za

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Scare the Birds away beautifully - and win

Stanford Animal Welfare Society
Scarecrow Competition

Design and make THE most amazing, humorous, original scarecrow and win a
BOAT TRIP FOR 4 ON THE KLEIN RIVER.

Generously sponsored by The River Rat.

Come and dig in the Scarebox at the
Animal Welfare shop for SCARY clothing.

Bring your scarecrows to the Market Square.
10:00 on October 4th.

Annie Ranger – 028 341 0984 annie@reedcottage.co.za

DONATION : R10 (Proceeds to Stanford Animal Welfare)
Entry forms must be handed in at the Stanford Tourism offices.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ENTRY FORM

SCARECROW COMPETITION

NAME………………………………………………………………………………….

EMAIL…………………………………………………………………………………

PHONE…………………………………………………………………………………

Entry forms must be handed in at the Stanford Tourism offices.

BIRD FAIR AT RESTAURANT PAPRIKA

BIRD FAIR AT RESTAURANT PAPRIKA

30 Shortmarket Street, Stanford

Dinner on Saturday, 4^th October 2008

R 95.00 pp

Reservations essential.

Contact Dolla on (028) 341 0662

e-mail:paprika@omail.co.za

FEATHERED FOOD FROM AROUND THE WORLD

MENU

STARTER

Chicken Liver Pate with Homemade Melba Toast

OR

Double Cheese Souffle

MAIN COURSE

DUO OF QUAIL AND DUCK

Quail stuffed with grapes, tarragon and mascarpone on polenta

WITH

Beijing Duck, served with Mandarin pancakes, plum sauce, cucumber and spring onions

DESSERT

Portuguese Egg Tarts

Coffee/Tea

New Bird Species?

Dear Janeen ; Steph and others

Please can you help?

Considering the bird festival is looming I was wondering whether this was a new bird species flown into town for the festivities. I saw it the other day at our bird bath.

I am well aware that Bluemoon Community Farm aka Ouheerskraal has a reputation for harbouring drug-smokers but we definitely do not spike the bird baths!

Any ideas?

With regards

Craig

BIRDLIFE OVERBERG WHAT'S HAPPENING

 

 

 

$Monthly talk on Monday 1 September:   Anthony van Zyl, of the Bird of Prey  working group at the Endangered Wildlife Trust, will  talk on their Kestrel project in general and the plight of the Lesser Kestrel in particular.  Kindly note that this date is out of the ordinary (not the second Monday of the month) as this is the only date that Anthony could make it.  Venue:  Fernkloof EE Centre at 18h30 for 19h00.

Morning outing on Friday 5 September:  Neil Smith, the conservation manager of BLSA will lead a SABAP2 demonstration outing at Fernkloof.  We meet at the parking area at the educational centre at 08h00.  This is a great opportunity to see how you could become involved in the atlas project, so bring your interested friends along;

Please confirm with Elaine ( 0824558402

Day outing on Sunday 7 September:  We have been invited by the Cape Bird Club to participate in one of their Diamond anniversary outings on this day - a bird count with Delheim wines.  We recently drew up a bird checklist for Muratie, the neighboring farm and it should be interesting to compare these notes.

Please confirm with Elaine ( 0824558402 as we need to confirm numbers.

Flamingos unmonitored - suspension of 3 scientists 14-08-08

Northern Cape Region

 

PO Box 316, Kimberley, 8300                                 

Tel: 053 839 2713

Fax: 053 842 1433

 

E-mail: kmgbot@museumsnc.co.za

Website: www.wessa.org.za

 

 

Dear all                                                                                                                                    14 Aug 2008

 

Please publish this press release for us tomorrow if possible. Please don’t mention my name, only refer to the ‘spokesperson for WESSA:NC’ if you want to. 

 

FLAMINGOS AND KAMFERS DAM NOW UNMONITORED

WESSA:NC was dismayed to read about the suspension of three dedicated natural scientists, Mark Anderson, Julius Koen and Eric Hermann, of the Department of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Environment and Conservation’s scientific investigations section. Apparently their precautionary suspension is as a result of complaints received about their attempts to secure the future of the globally threatened Lesser Flamingo at Kamfers Dam for posterity. As dedicated and loyal scientists with conservation at heart, they have put in a massive effort to protect the Kamfers Dam ecosystem since 1991, and have established a successful breeding island for the flamingos through a productive partnership with Ekapa Mining.    

 

Over the years these three enthusiastic conservationists have voluntarily served on conservation committees and trusts and supported WESSA:NC and its projects in addition to their mandated task of investigating, monitoring and conserving our Province’s wildlife. This was without any financial gain, and WESSA:NC has for many years supported their department in return. Mark Anderson has also received several awards for his conservation action, both officially and in his private capacity. Any other conservation-orientated organisation would encourage their employees to be involved in committees and projects in their private capacity that promote the conservation of our natural heritage. Dedicated and experienced scientists like Mark, Eric and Julius are as scarce as flamingo teeth, especially in the Northern Cape.

 

WESSA:NC is now gravely concerned that while Mark Anderson and Eric Hermann are suspended, the dire situation at Kamfers Dam could deteriorate while they are not there to monitor changes, threats and the health of the flamingo chicks. We believe other national NGOs and the Save the Flamingo Association share our concerns. Is there anyone else in the scientific investigation section capable of doing this important monitoring in their absence? Who will be carrying out this critical task which could prevent a possible catastrophe at Kamfers Dam? The implications of their suspension have far-reaching consequences for conservation in our Province, which will increase if their suspensions are lengthy. Who will be providing scientific support services in their absence, recommending management actions, approving permits and providing specialist advice to the public?  

 

Another great concern is that they are also retained as scientists in the Department to provide expert scientific comment on environmental impact assessments. Who will fulfill this role in their absence and ensure that developments are environmentally sustainable and biodiversity is not lost? We are very concerned that the department’s critical task of conserving our Province’s wildlife and biodiversity is currently severely compromised. 

 

WESSA:NC

Farmer's workshop on Bird control

Agenda

Farmer's workshop on Bird control

Birkenhead Estate - Thursday 28th August 2008 17h00

17h00 drinks and informal chatting

17h15 Welcome and background – Andy Mitchell – Birkenhead Estate

17h20 Examples of bird management around vineyards (Biodiversity and Wine)

17h40 Bird management/control policy (Cape Nature – Kevin Shaw)

18h00 Local Authority (policy and vision for Stanford and surrounds – Leon Steyn or area manager)

18h20 S A Bird Control (Morne van der Bank - a company specialising in bird pest eradication)

18h30 Questions and comments

18h45 Way Forward - Pierre de Villiers

19h00 Close

Flight for Beginners - Hermanus June 2008

FLIGHT FOR BEGINNERS

An introductory bird identification course

VENUE: Educational Centre at Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus

DATES: 21 and 22 June 2008

Dear all,

At our previous monthly meeting roughly 25 people indicated that they would like to attend a “Flight for Beginners” course in Hermanus. We have now organised to present the course on the above dates and the costs will be R 250-00 per head. The costs include the course manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa – roughly 1,100 slides and drawings will be used during the course. In the vast majority of the slides English and Afrikaans names are printed onto the slide. Note that we will not offer teas and lunches as we had done in the past to keep costs down. The programme schedule and other information is included below.

Kindly register by e-mailing your intention to attend to Elaine at mwjasser@mweb.co.za or by calling her at 0824558402 during office hours. Your participation will be confirmed once you have deposited your money in the following account – kindly fax the deposit slip to 028- 3161105.

Account: BirdLife Overberg

Bank: ABSA Hermanus

Account number: 4056715843

Note: In the past we have often experienced problems due to big rugby games – those who want to watch a game on the Saturday afternoon (if any) do not have to participate in the practical outing.

Kindly register now and let's try to put a great group together.

Warm regards.

Anton and Elaine

FLIGHT FOR BEGINNERS

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG:

· One of the birdguide books (Newman's, SASOL or Robert's), preferably one that you are prepared to make notes in to illustrate key identification features of species

· Notebook and pen

· Binoculars

· Comportable walking shoes

· Picnic lunch and drinks for tea breaks

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE:

DAY 1 – SATURDAY 21 JUNE:

(Kindly note that short breaks will be taken on the hour).

07h30 to 08h00: Registration

08h00 to 08h30: Introductory orientation and why we are part of BirdLife South Africa

08h30 to 09h00: What to look for when trying to identify a bird

09h00 to 10h00: The identification of garden birds

10h00 to 10h30: Tea

10h30 to 11h00: The identification of garden birds (Continued)

11h00 to 11h45: BLSA's view of birding tourism: A case-study of the Western Cape Birding Routes

11h45 to 12h30: Some difficult stuff focussing on the specials of the Cape Floral Kingdom and an overview of some threatened birds in Southern Africa: what are we trying to do about the problem and how can ordinary birders help?

12h30 to 13h30: Lunch

13h30 to 15h30: An introduction to the identication of some difficult groups – Little Brown Jobs, Swallows, Terns and so on

15h30 onwards: Practical outing in small groups applying the principles taught. Those who want to may leave from 16h00.

DAY 2 – SUNDAY 22 JUNE:

08h00 to 10h00: The identification of raptors and birds of prey, with a special focus on the Owls of southern Africa

10h00 to 10h30: How to prepare when visiting a new birding area: Birding in the Kruger National Park as a brief case-study.

10h30 to 11h00: Tea

11h00 to 12h00: The identification of the fairly common water birds of southern Africa

12h00 to 12h30: Short lunch

12h30 to 14h00: The identification of the fairly common water birds of southern Africa. (Continued)

14h00 to 14h30: Informal evaluation: We undertake a fun birdquiz to verify whether you can use the technology at your disposal to identify birds. This is not a formal examination – the idea is to establish if you are able to improve your self-confidence by becoming increasingly involved in growing your own learning curve about birds

14h30: Presentation of certificates endorsed by BLSA

Thereafter: Practical outing applying the principles taught in small groups. Those who have to travel long distances could leave at this point if they so choose.

Owl evening - BirdLife Walkerbay

Good day members

As part of the Sasol BirdLife national bird week, Bird Life WalkerBay are hosting a talk on Owls as part of the year of the Owl celebration.

Every year our club participates in this event with the focus only on educating the youth. This year we have decided to have a public event in addition to the talk given to school goers at Okkie Shuts and Die Bron Schools in the morning. Details are as follows :

Speaker Elize Kemp from Tevrede Owl Rehabilitation Centre in Tulbagh

Venue Main hall Stanford House Centre cor. Queen Victoria and Church St.

Subject Rehab of South African Owls. Live owls will form part of the presentation.

Date 8/5/2008

Time 18h00 to 19h00

For more info please contact Royd Frith as below

028 3410 896

roydf@mweb.co.za

A cash bar and eating facilities available at Hennies pub. Friends and family are welcome.

Welcome to Stanford Birds

Dear Stanford Glendower Bird Fair Committee, Bird Life Walker Bay committee, members, the community of Stanford and friends of Stanford Birding.

Welcome to Stanford Birds, my new interactive blog for the Important Birding Area that is the greater Stanford/Overberg region.

This blog is for our online birding community, commencing in the heart of the Overberg at Oak Grove Farm.

You are free to leave your comments on any post. Should you wish to have your photo and story posted, please simply mention it and I'll see what I can do. Email me at info@stanfordbirding.co.za

You may also request to become a full member of this online blog and post your own photos and stories.

Philippa Castle
Stanford Glendower Committee
doing it with the birds...