On Saturday 8th February 2020, a limited bird ringing session was arranged at the Umhlanga Water Works for six SATIB staff members so they could bring their kids and spouses to experience our wonderful birds up close and personal.
Some of the kids had attended a previous session a couple of years ago and had thoroughly enjoyed the activity. Needless to say, with their previous experience, the kids were self-declared experts and enthusiastic assistants throughout the morning.
James Rawdon and partner, Lara Mansfield, started early opening the mist nets at 4am after having set them up the evening before. Productivity is highest if the mist nets are opened before first light, so the birds are unaware of the almost invisible mist nets as they set about their day. Fortunately, the rain held off and we managed to capture 37 birds of 23 different species all of which the kids, and some parents, happily released after we had fitted a uniquely numbered ring, measured, weighed and photographed each bird.
Three of the birds already had rings fitted from previous ringing sessions. The oldest of which was a Yellow Weaver first ringed in November 2012 – over 7 years ago! All the data is uploaded to the University of Cape Town website for use in various research projects.
So as not to stress the birds more than necessary, the group was kept small. Another limited session will be arranged for other staff members to bring their kids along to share in this amazing outdoor experience. A lovely way to expose our youth to the wonders of our natural heritage and perhaps ignite an interest going forward.
Article by James Rawdon, SATIB Insurance Brokers Brokers
James obtained his bird ringing license in 2012 through SAFRING following 18 months of training with several licensed ringers. He has ringed over 7 000 birds of 300+ different species.
South African Bird Ringing Unit
Tel & Fax: (021) 650 3434
Email: safring@adu.org.za