Birds of feather flock at Melville Koppies
Entry fees are R80 for adults and R40 for children, while a season ticket for the year will cost R500 per adult, this is non-transferable.
A stroll on Melville Koppies can bring peace to walkers but up in the air, life is more pressured for the Koppies’ feathered friends.
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While on a walk in the area, Friends of Melville Koppies chairperson, Wendy Carstens recently saw a pied crow harass a black-winged kite.
Undaunted by the crow’s size, the kite turned on the crow.
“The chicken-hearted crow, cawing loudly, tried to get away from the determined kite,” said Wendy.
“Two marauding crows then heard the frantic cawing and swooped in for a combined three-crow attack.
“The canny kite quickly dropped down into the safety of the forest.”
Giving up their attack the crows left the kite to resume its static aerial hovering which was followed by a steep dive into the grassland after spotting its prey.
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Community members are invited to visit Melville Koppies on Sunday mornings between 08:00 and 11:30.
Take your binoculars and maybe you’ll also be able to witness the black-winged kite’s mastery of the air.
Besides birdwatching, the Koppies are home to a wide range of flora and offer a variety to do.
Walkers looking to challenge themselves can look forward to a 5km hike.
Alternatively, self-guide yourselves on the heritage trail or meander along the many different paths that criss-cross the Koppies.
To book your guided tour for your group phone 079 532 0083 or be there by 08:30 to join a tour.
Entry fees are R80 for adults and R40 for children, while a season ticket for the year will cost R500 per adult, this is non-transferable.
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The income generated is used for the maintenance of the Koppies.
Security on the Koppies is provided while secure parking is available opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 to book a tour and find out more.
Visit www.mk.org.za or the Melville Koppies Facebook page for more detailed information.
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