BirdLife Rustenburg’s owl evening

Rustenburg – BirdLife Rustenburg held its ever popular, annual owl evening at Kgaswane Nature Reserve on 19 March.

“This was probably our most successful ever evening outing!” said Geoff Finney of the club. Thirty-one members and visitors attended the event. They were accompanied by four Kgaswane rangers: Tabane, Lorraine, Tomas and Simon.

A big thanks goes to Idah Maroo, reserve manager, for affording the club the opportunity to once again access the reserve after hours. “We also thank the reserve for providing the rangers to accompany and assist us,” said Shaun McGillewie, chairperson of the club. 

Great sightings of four owls were had by everyone; they were: 

• Pearl Spotted Owlet
• African Scops Owl (the smallest Owl in the region)
• Southern White-Faced Owl
• Marsh Owl

In addition, a Spotted Thick Knee and an unidentified Nightjar were seen. A Fiery-necked Nightjar was heard but not seen. 

Bill McGill, Rustenburg’s premier artist and an old friend of the club, donated a beautiful painting of an Owl which will be raffled at a later stage. 

Should you have an interest in birds, you will be made very welcome at the club’s meetings or on the outings. Of course, they would also love to have you as a member. No prior knowledge whatsoever is necessary, so come along, have a look and learn more about the wonderful world of birding.

If you have any birding topics to report or need help with identification of a bird (a picture will help), please feel free to contact BirdLife Rustenburg’s chairperson, Shaun McGillewie, on 083-702 1462.