Exploring Pigeon Valley: Return of the Spotted Ground-Thrushes
The focus of this article will be on the Return of the Spotted Ground-Thrushes.
This is the 112th in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on the return of the Spotted Ground-Thrushes.
At this time of year I nervously anticipate the arrival of the Spotted Ground-Thrushes. Nervously, as a combination of habitat destruction and climate change is making their survival perilous, and I would love to maintain Pigeon Valley’s reputation as probably the best place in the world to view this endangered bird from autumn to spring. These are local migrants, who move up, in this case, from the Transkei coast and Southern Natal further North at this time of year.
So, this last week, I was encouraged by seeing a quick movement from the ground and, rounding the corner, encountered my first bird of the season.
Also read: Exploring Pigeon Valley: Dwarf Chameleon
This was a bit shy, but later in another part of the reserve I encountered one whose general swagger and willingness to hop towards me suggested that it knew the ropes and was back in familiar territory.
These birds are so well camouflaged that it’s easy to think you are seeing them among the leaves and patches of earth when you are not – or the other way round. Just as well, as otherwise they would be easy prey for the Goshawks and Black Sparrowhawks that frequent Pigeon Valley.
They are indeed very vulnerable, and many perish on their migration, hitting into buildings or even lost in city streets, or die just after arrival from exhaustion.
Also read: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Gaudy Commodore
I have found that some get very relaxed around bird-watchers; some years back one took to wandering behind one of the general workers in the reserve. There is actually no certainty that bird-watchers flocking to the reserve will see them where I suggest – I think these birds like exploring the area, so look out for one in any local leaf litter! Most people are not easy with leaf litter in their gardens, but mine earned me a three week visit from one of these treasured birds a few years back.
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