THE Hillcrest Conservancy is happy to be hosting their guided bird walks after three years – since they had been halted due to Covid. The guided walks take place at the Springside Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Conservancy, along with eThekwini Municipality providing assistance where necessary, and the next walk is set to be on April 12.
Explaining about the walks and the Nature Reserve, Sue Schonefeld of the Conservancy said: “Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Conservancy held monthly guided bird walks in the reserve. The various lockdowns, unfortunately, brought an end to the walks, which had proved very popular since they first began in 2008.”
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Schonefeld said that the walks aim to give the community an experience of the reserve’s abundance of birdlife with 210 species recorded on its bird list. Wildflowers and small mammals can also be seen. There are well-maintained walking trails and a picnic and braai area for visitors to enjoy.
“The walks are ideal for beginners and experienced birders alike, and the informal and friendly atmosphere in which they are held has become a special part of the morning. Refreshments, provided by Hillcrest Conservancy members, are served at the Kingfisher Resource Centre after the walks. There is no charge for the walks, but a minimum donation of R20 per person for the walk, including refreshments, is welcome. All donations go towards the Hillcrest Conservancy’s projects, especially the ongoing removal of invasive alien plants,” she said.
The community is invited to the walks that are held on the second Wednesday of each month, starting from the Kingfisher Resource Centre in the Springside Nature Reserve. The duration of each walk is approximately two and a half to three hours. The next walk will be held on Wednesday, April 12, starting at 07.30 in the morning. No booking is required.
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