Hey there everyone,

I hope you all had a good Christmas and are making good use of the holidays to get out into the wilderness and spot some new birds.  The latest programme is ready but we haven't been able to post it yet so here is a quick taste of what is coming up in January.  I will also be updating our club website with the full January to April 2012 programme later today.

SATURDAY 7th JANUARY - GROENKLOOF - 03h45

One of the outings we really want to encourage this year is the general club members joining up on the ringing outings.  This is truly a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with the birds and speaking from personal experience having the ability to look into a bird's eye, see the rings, the markings and the subtleties that make him unique, is a privilege.  Don't miss this if you haven't done it before.
First ringing outing is to Groenkloof Nature Reserve and you need to book with Johan Snyman for details and entrance times.  Johan can be contacted on 082 451-3305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TUESDAY 10th JANUARY - SCI-ENZA CENTRE - 19h00

Our first evening meeting of the year kicks off with something very close to home for most of us.  The Verreaux Eagles of Wonderboom.  Pieter Saunders is one of the project managers for this critical project and will share unique information with us regarding their urbanisation, breeding and survival in the capital city.  
Directions to Sci-Enza Centre are in all of our programmes and on our website.

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY - WONDERBOOM NATURE RESERVE - 07h00

This outing is a follow-on from the evening meeting talk on the previous Tuesday.  Pieter and Natasja Saunders will take us up the koppie to get a first hand view of the eagles on their nest and share personal information that they have gathered over the past few years of diligently monitoring these wonderful eagles.
Numbers are unfortunately limited so you must book a place is you wish to attend this intimate outing.  You need to contact Pieter directly on 083 339-6773 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Directions are in the programme but please make sure you book and don't just arrive.

WEEKEND CAMP - NYLSVLEY NATURE RESERVE - 20-22nd JANUARY

Our most favourite January camp is on!  Nylsvley is at its best at the end of January and we are going to be there.  This important IBA offers fantastic wetland birding and specials include Slaty Egret, Dwarf Bittern, African Pigmy Goose and Lesser Moorhen.  One is free to walk throughout the reserve to also enjoy the wonderful Bushveld and Woodlands the reserve has to offer.  The hides overlooking the wetlands are scattered throughout the reserve and offer great viewing points at all times of the day.
Accommodation will be in the usual group camp dormitories and will only cost R250 per person which includes entrance and car fees.  To book, please contact Rita on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SATURDAY 28th JANUARY - SOUTHDOWNS - 07h00

Another great venue close to home.  BLNG are involved in an ongoing monitoring project at Southdowns and we need your help!  All you have to do is join us on the outing :-)  We regularly update the estate's bird list and by keeping track of the various birds spotted on outings, we can keep an eye on the bird populations.  The estate is set in a beautiful area adjacent to the Irene Dairy Farm and the birdlife is quite prolific.  Join Gerrie on a walk and drive through the estate (when else will you get a chance to see how the other half live!).
Directions are in the programme and on the website - meeting time is 07h00 at the main entrance gate just down the Agricultural Research Centre road.

Well that's enough for now.  Hope you enjoy your New Year (please hold off on the fireworks) and see you in January!