A major breakthrough in global bird taxonomy has been announced with the launch of AviList, a unified checklist Containing 11,131 species, 19,879 subspecies, 2,376 genera, 252 families and 46 orders. Developed by leading institutions including BirdLife International, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the International Ornithologists’ Union, AviList brings together previously conflicting lists into a...
Close to 2,000 bird enthusiasts descended on Durban Harbour, excitement at fever pitch as they prepared to embark on a voyage to Marion Island — all eager to witness the magnificent albatrosses in their wild ocean domain. This voyage presented a wonderful opportunity for the JVBBF Trust (John Voelcker Bird Book Fund) to support a...
18 May 2025 – Mpumalanga, South Africa — In a devastating blow to vulture conservation, over 100 critically endangered vultures have been found dead from poisoning in Lionspruit Game Reserve, near Marloth Park, Mpumalanga. The victims include 92 White-backed Vultures, 9 Hooded Vultures, and a rare adult male White-headed Vulture — most of them breeding adults....
10 May, World Migratory Bird Day -The Berg River Estuary, a shimmering ribbon of life on South Africa’s west coast, is more than just a scenic wetland—it’s a lifeline for thousands of migratory birds and a critical engine for biodiversity. But this vital ecosystem, like many estuaries in the Western Cape, is under increasing pressure...
In one of the largest poisoning incidents in Kruger National Park, a total of 116 vultures were found dead in the Mahlangeni Section of the Park. the devastating event was detected by the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) wildlife poisoning surveillance and detection system, which triggered an alert at 06:05 on 6 May 2025, flagging suspicious activity...
Cape Vultures once soared in abundance across the skies of the Karoo, forming a vital part of the region’s natural heritage. Now, thanks to an ambitious collaboration between conservationists, farmers, and national parks, they may be on their way to reclaiming that legacy. The Karoo Vulture Safe Zone, launched in 2019 through a partnership with the...
During a trip to Kruger National Park in 2024, my wife and I spotted a Common Myna feeding what appeared to be a Great Spotted Cuckoo. We were so surprised we forgot to take a photo. I was reminded about the concern that this alien species invading KNP. I thought at least cuckoos were helping...
A small but interesting point when it comes to sunbird prey. Sunbirds, when feeding, always insert their bills right to the back of their chicks throats. Most birds with shortish bills simply ‘drop’ food items into the wide open gape of chicks – as seen below with this Eastern Nicator. …. and with this Sombre...
