Amanzimtoti birders delighted as sought-after birds spotted

AMANZIMTOTI Bird Park has been a hive of activity for KZN birders in the last week, after local birder Ansie Coetser discovered a mangrove kingfisher in the park.

Speaking of the discovery, Ansie was unaware when she photographed the bird that it was this exact species.

“I didn’t know it was the mangrove kingfisher at the time I took the photos, as I would never, in my wildest dreams, expect to find it at our little gem (the bird park),” she said. “I thought it was the brown-headed kingfisher and it was only when I downloaded the photos that I saw to my delight that it was, in fact the mangrove kingfisher.”

The mangrove kingfisher is a beautiful, uncommon bird which is a highly sought by birders. Birders from all over the province arrived at the park to see the bird, which led to the discovery of another uncommon bird which is even more sought-after – the white-backed night heron. This difficult-to-spot bird was first discovered at the park by Mark Hardouin, which led to an email being shared nationwide on the Rare Birds Network.

“Last week has once again highlighted the importance of the bird park in our area,” explained avid birder, Adam Cruikshank. “Over the years this little eco-pocket has often been resident to some very special birds. This local spot is one of the best places in the Durban area to see the spotted ground thrush during the winter months.”

Adam invited those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, to visit Amanzimtoti Bird Park as it might be the perfect spot to recharge for a few hours.

Sapphire Coast Tourism, in conjunction with Birdlasser, is hosting the Sapphire Coast Birding Challenge throughout this year, which all participants stand the chance of winning bird books from Bargain Books, including the latest edition of the ‘Roberts Bird Guide’. To register go to birdlasser.com.

Sapphire Coast Tourism and the South Coast Sun are also hosting a monthly bird photography competition with a monthly prize of R1,000. The theme for March is ‘wet and wild’, wand there are many great spots along the Sapphire Coast to snap pics of water birds, the bird park being just one of these spots.

The walk will be led by locals who know the park and its birds well. Oasis Water Amanzimtoti has sponsored bottled water (which will be given on a ‘first come first serve’ basis).

The morning will also consist of a book give-away, compliments of the official book partner of Sapphire Coast Birding Route, Bargain Books SA.

For more information contact Adam Cruikshank on 061-485-3625.

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