News update: last bird ringing trip and Rebecca......

The bird-ringing group that visited in November 2010 - here with their table prepared for bird handling, measuring, recording.  They are led by Malcolm Wilson (on left) and supported by Rebecca, from the Park (employed by WWF). 

The twitcher's gaze!  A passing Bateleur Eagle is spotted

This was the third year of visiting - birds are caught in nets set up on regular transects along the forest ride below the house.  It requires a lot of experience and training to handle birds and carefully fit a small metal ring on one leg without stressing them.  These photos were taken very quickly before the birds are set free.

Nets are strung along the ride at dusk and checked at dawn

Bird names to be added ...help needed?

Note from Malcolm: 'the sunbird is Scarlet-chested, of the race 'gutteralis'! also the African Broadbill from the previous trips'

Cluster of C F Helmet Shrikes!

We have just learnt that Rebecca's contract was NOT renewed and she left the Park in January.  A great shock and loss for us.  She had worked for the Park developing specialist tourism for many years and is highly affective and respected.  And she encouraged Malcolm to visit... as well as being my friend and translator (as a fluent Portuguese speaking Brit).

It looks like Malcolm won't visit in the near future (his May visit has been cancelled) unless funding can be found for his travel. Just as we were gathering great data and welcoming all sorts of interesting bird-lovers to Mareja.  A really frustrating step backwards.