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Program: January to April 2005

General information on the programme

January

Sat 8 Groenkloof: Bird Ringing
Leader: Johan Snyman; 082 451 3305
Contact the leader for more information.
Skakel asb. die leier vir meer besonderhede.

Sun 9 Mdala: Day
Meet at 07:00
Leader: Greg Lock; 082 389 5464; gregl@korbitec.com
Mdala is an interesting reserve offering broadleaf and acacia bushveld and some excellent birding. An entrance fee is payable.
Directions: From the N1 north take the Zambezi Drive turn-off east towards Cullinan on the R513. After about 500 m turn left onto the R573 to KwaMhlanga. Follow this road for about 50 km through Moloto to KwaMhlanga. Turn left onto the R568 to Libangeni. Follow this road for about 31 km until the Mdala Nature Reserve sign is reached on the left after passing through a cutting. Follow the access road to the entrance and meet there. Total distance from Pretoria is about 90 km.
Mdala is 'n interessante reservaat wat breëblaar- en akasiabosveld met puik voëlkykgeleentheid bied. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar.
Aanwysings: Vanaf die N1 noord neem die Zambezi-afrit na Cullinan op die R513. Na ongeveer 500 m, draai links op die R573 na KwaMhlanga. Volg hierdie pad vir ongeveer 50 km deur Moloto tot by KwaMhlanga. Draai links op die R568 na Libangeni. Volg hierdie pad vir ongeveer 31 km tot by die Mdala Natuurreservaat-teken aan die linkerkant. Volg die toegangspad na die ingang en ontmoet hier. Totale afstand van Pretoria is omtrent 90 km.

Sun 16 Wolfhuiskraal: Day
Meet at 06:30
Leader: Pauline Leinberger; 012 807-6898; pauline.l@absamail.co.za
Directions: Take the N1 to the Rust de Winter/Pienaarsrivier offramp and turn left to Pienaarsrivier. At the T-junction with the old Warmbaths road (R101) turn right. After passing over the bridge turn left at the Zaagkuildrift sign. Cross the railway tracks and turn right at the next Zaagkuildrift sign. Drive along this road till you see the Wolfhuiskraal gate on the right which is opposite the 13 km milestone on the left. Meet here. Total distance from Pretoria is about 65 km. An entrance fee is payable.
Aanwysings: Ry met die N1 tot by die Rust de Winter/Pienaarsrivier afrit en draai links na Pienaarsrivier. Draai regs by die T-aansluiting met die ou Warmbadpad (R101). Ry oor die brug en draai links by die Zaagkuildrift-teken. Ry met hierdie pad tot by die Wolfhuiskraal-ingang aan die regterkant, oorkant die 13-km-teken. Ontmoet hier. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 65 km. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar.

Tue 18 Evening Meeting
Alan Carr: Forest Birds of the Eastern Cape
Meet at 19:00
Alan Carr, formerly a regular on our programme, is back once again to share his birding knowledge with us. Alan will give a multimedia presentation on the forest birds of the Eastern Cape.

Fri 21 - Sun 23 Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve: Weekend Camp
Leader: Greg Lock; 082 389 5464; gregl@korbitec.com
Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve is situated north of Marble Hall adjacent to the Arabie Dam. A wide variety of water and bushveld birds are to be seen. Accommodation and camping is available.
Please contact the leader for further information and bookings - e-mail preferred.
Schuinsdraai Natuurreservaat is noord van Marble Hall langs die Arabiedam geleë. 'n Wye verskeidenheid water- en bosveldvoëls is hier te siene. Akkommodasie en kampering is beskikbaar. Kontak asb. die leier vir verdure inligting en bespreking - e-pos word verkies.

Sun 30 Ezemvelo: Day
Meet at 07:00
Leader: Ernst Retief; 012 332 3323; 072 223 2160; efretief@absamail.co.za
Ezemvelo consists of an interesting transitional zone between highveld and bushveld. Braai and picnic facilities are available. An entrance fee is payable.
Directions: Take the N4 east from Pretoria. At the Bronkhorstspruit/Groblersdal offramp turn left onto the R25 to Gorblersdal. After 4,5 km turn right at the first Ezemvelo sign. From here follow the Ezemvelo signs for about 20 km on a dirt road to the gate. Meet at Reception. Total distance from Pretoria is about 80 km.
This outing is part of a bird monitoring weekend at Ezemvelo. Anyone wishing to stay overninght at Ezemvelo prior to the outing is welcome to independently arrange accommodation by contacting Ezemvelo reservations on 013 932 2211.
Ezemvelo bestaan uit 'n interessante oorgangsone tussen hoëveld en bosveld. Braai- en piekniekfasiliteite is beskikbaar. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar.
Aanwysings: Neem die N4 oos vanaf Pretoria. By die Bronkhorstspruit/Groblersdal afrit, draai links op die R25 na Groblersdal. Draai regs na 4,5 km by die eerste Ezemvelo-teken. Volg die Ezemvelo-tekens vir ongeveer 20 km op 'n grondpad tot by die hek. Ontmoet by Ontvangs. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 80 km.

Februarie

Sat 5 Buffelsdrif: Voëlberinging
Leier: Colin de Kock; 012 233-5318; 083 250 5217; coldek@icon.co.za
Contact the leader for more information.
Skakel asb. die leier vir meer besonderhede.

Son 6 Ditholo: Dag
Ontmoet 06:30
Leier: Erik de Villiers; 012 329 3895
A return visit after a long absence from the programme. Ditholo is one of the most productive birding areas close to Pretoria. With acacia bushveld, dams and frontage on the Pienaars River, it always produces a wide variety and large number of bird species. Braai facilities are available. An entrance fee is payable.
Directions: Take the N1 north to Hammanskraal/ Boekenhoutkloof offramp. Turn right over the highway and then immediately left to Rust de Winter. After about 3 km turn left to De Witskraal. The road ends after 4,5 km at the entrance gate. Meet here. Total distance from Pretoria is about 45 km.
'n Herbesoek na 'n lang afwesigheid van die program. Ditholo is een van die mees produktiewe voëlkykgebiede naby Pretoria. Met akasiabosveld, damme en die feit dat dit front aan die Pienaarsrivier, word 'n wye verskeidenheid en 'n groot aantal spesies hier aangetref. Braaifasiliteite is beskikbaar. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar.
Aanwysings: Neem die N1 noord tot by die Hammanskraal/Boekenhoutkloof afrit. Draai regs oor die snelweg en dan onmiddelik links na Rust de Winter. Draai links na De Witskraal na ongeveer 3 km. Die pad eindig na 4,5 km by die ingangshek. Ontmoet hier. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 45 km.

Dins 8 Aandbyeenkoms
AJG en Greg Lock: Birds of the Falkland Islands
Ontmoet 19:00
Notice of the AGM and minutes of the 2004 AGM have been distributed with Laniarius. After the AGM Greg Lock will be giving a multimedia presentation on the birds of the Falkland Islands, ranging from penguins and albatrosses to the endemic Cobb's Wren.

Vry 11 - Son 13 Dinokeng Bird Bash
The Bird Bash takes place in the Dinokeng area north-west of Pretoria. Join a weekend of fun birding while contributing to the development of this exciting conservation and birding area.
For more details visit www.africainaday.org.za or contact Tionette Geddes on 012 335 0548 during office hours or 083 390 1061 for registration and reservations.

Vry 18 - Son 20 Dullstroom: Naweek-kamp
The Dullstroom area is well known for some of the grassland and higher altitude specials such as Wattled Cranes and the Yellow-breasted Pipit. We will be staying at Impangele Ikhaya on the Tonteldoos road.
Accommodation and camping (once the accommodation is filled) is available. Please contact Adele van Vuuren (012 347 7932; frans_v_vuuren@absamail.co.za) for bookings - e-mail bookings preferred. Full payment will be required to secure your booking.
Die Dullstroomgebied is bekend vir sommige grasveldspesies wat op hoë vlakke bo seespieël voorkom soos Lelkraanvoëls en die Geelborskoester. Ons gaan by Impangele Ikhaya op die Tonteldoos-pad bly. Akkommodasie en kampering is beskikbaar (kampering slegs as die akkommodasie gevul is). Kontak asb vir Adele van Vuuren (012 347 7932; frans_v_vuuren@absamail.co.za) vir bespreking - e-pos word verkies. Volle betaling nodig om bespreking te bevestig.

Son 27 Seringveld: Oggend
Ontmoet 07:00
Leier: Pete Irons; 012 808-5432; peteirons@eject.co.za
Andre - can you write some blurb here.
Directions: From the N1 north take the Zambezi road turn-off east towards Cullinan on the R513. Travel 6 km, then turn left on the Kameelfontein road, also signposted Sable Hills etc. Travel 11 km and turn right onto the Bynespoort road. Wait on the left at the big trees. Total distance from Pretoria about 20 km.
Aanwysings: Vanaf die N1 noord, neem die Zambeziweg-afrit oos, na Cullinan se kant toe op die R513. Ry 6 km. draai dan links op die Kameelfonteinpad, met borde waarop ook Sable Hill ens. staan. Ry 11 km en draai regs op die Bynespoortpad. Wag aan die linkerkant by die groot bome. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria ongeveer 20 km.

March

Sat 5 Rietvlei Dam: Bird Ringing
Leader: Rihann Geyser; 082 440 7230
Contact the leader for more information.
Skakel asb. die leier vir meer besonderhede.

Sun 6 Elandsvlei: Morning
Meet at 06:30
Leader: André Marx; 011 465-5387; flufftail@telkomsa.net
Elandsvlei is in the Bapsfontein area and is normally well populated with a variety of waterbirds. The surrounding grassland provides suitable habitat for a number of interesting species.
Directions: From Hans Strydom Drive cross the N1 and turn right at the second robot onto the R50 Delmas road. Travel past Rietvlei Dam on your right. Carry on straight until you reach the four-way stop with the R25 at Bapsfontein. Meet at the Caltex garage at the four-way stop. Please be prompt as we will leave together from here. Total distance from Pretoria is about 30 km.
Elandsvlei is in die Bapsfontein-gebied en normaalweg is daar 'n wye verskeidenheid watervoëls wat voorkom. Die pan is omring deur hoëveld-grasveld met heelwat interessante spesies.
Aanwysings: Van Hans Strydomlaan gaan oor die N1, en draai regs by die tweede robot op die R50 Delmaspad. Gaan verby Rietvleidam aan die regterkant. Gaan reguit aan tot by die vierrigting-stop met die R25 by Bapsfontein. Ontmoet by die Caltex motorhawe by die vierrigtin-stop. Wees asseblief betyds aangesien ons van hier af saamry. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 30 km.

Tue 8 Evening Meeting
Ulrich Oberprieler: Birds of Nylsvley
Meet at 19:00
Why is Nylsvley one of the top birding spots in South Africa? Ulrich will explore the diversity of birds you can see in the different habitats of Nylsvley. Ulrich is a regular speaker at evening meetings, a presenter of bird courses and an author of a num
Ulrich is a regular speaker at evening meetings, a presenter of bird courses and an author of a number of bird books.

Sun 13 Castle Gorge: Morning
Meet at 07:00
Leader: Philip Calinikos; 012 430 2168; pc@gtpta.co.za
Castle Gorge is located in the Magaliesberg and offers a kloof for some climbing by the adventurous, while the rest can bird around the garden amongst the cabins. Braai facilities available.
Directions: From the 4 way stop 1 km from the Hartbeespoort Dam wall, go straight (past the market) for 35 km on the road to Mooinooi. At a wooden sign to Maretlwane/PBHS Bushveld School, turn right on a dirt road. Meet at the big gate. Total distance from Pretoria is about 75 km.
Castle Gorge is in die Magaliesberg. Daar is 'n kloof vir die avontuurlustiges, terwyl die ander in die tuin om die hutte kan voëls soek. Braaigeriewe beskikbaar.
Aanwysings: Vanaf die 4-rigting stop 1 km van die Hartbeespoortdamwal (verby die mark), ry vir 35 km reguit op die pad na Mooinooi. By 'n houtbord wat sê Maretlwane/ PBHS Bushveld School, draai regs op 'n grondpad. Ontmoet by die groot hek. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 75 km.

Fri 18 - Mon 21 BirdLife AGM - Kwalata
Meet at 07:00
BLNG will be co-hosting the 2005 BirdLife AGM at Kwalata (near Ditholo) and other venues in the area. Please support the AGM and the full programme of activities that has been arranged.
Details and booking information have been included in Indaba Inyoni and Laniarius.

Thu 24 - Mon 28 Grootegeluk: Weekend Camp
Meet at 07:00
This is a return to an old favourite! We have unrestricted access to this 16 000ha reserve to the west of Lephalale (Ellisras). Past Easter camps to this dry western bushveld have produced Burchell's Sandgrouse, Bronze-winged Courser and a wide variety of night birds. Accommodation and camping is available. Please contact Greg Lock (082 389 5464; gregl@korbitec.com) for further information and bookings - e-mail preferred.

April

Sat 2 Botanical Gardens: Voëlberinging
Leier: Neels Jackson; 012 662-0071
Contact the leader for more information.
Skakel asb. die leier vir meer besonderhede.

Son 3 Ezemvelo: Dag
Ontmoet 07:00
Leier: Ernst Retief; 012 332 3323; 072 223 2160; efretief@absamail.co.za
Ezemvelo consists of an interesting transitional zone between highveld and bushveld. Braai and picnic facilities are available. An entrance fee is payable.
Directions: Take the N4 east from Pretoria. At the Bronkhorstspruit/Groblersdal offramp turn left onto the R25 to Gorblersdal. After 4,5 km turn right at the first Ezemvelo sign. From here follow the Ezemvelo signs for about 20 km on a dirt road to the gate. Meet at Reception. Total distance from Pretoria is about 80 km.
Ezemvelo bestaan uit 'n interessante oorgangssone tussen hoëveld en bosveld. Braai- en pikniekfasiliteite is beskikbaar. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar.
Aanwysings: Neem die N4 oos vanaf Pretoria. By die Bronkhorstspruit/Groblersdal afrit, draai links op die R25 na Groblersdal. Draai regs na 4,5 km by die eerste Ezemvelo-teken. Volg die Ezemvelo-tekens vir ongeveer 20 km op 'n grondpad tot by die hek. Ontmoet by Ontvangs. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 80 km.

Son 10 Onderstepoort Natuurreservaat: Oggend
Ontmoet 07:00
Leier: Erik de Villiers; 012 329 3895
Please bring your own picnic lunches and chairs. No braai facilities available.
Directions: Take the old Warmbaths road (R101) north from the Wonderboom Nature Reserve for about 3 km. Turn left at the Onderstepoort/Rosslyn sign. After about 500 m turn right towards Onderstepoort. The entrance to Kaalplaas is about 2,8 km further on the left. Meet here.
Bring asb. u eie stoele en piekniekmandjies. Geen braaifasiliteite is beskikbaar nie.
Aanwysings: Van die Wonderboom Natuurreservaat, ry met die ou Warmbad-pad, die R101, vir ongeveer 3 km. Draai links by die Onderstepoort/Rosslyn teken. Na ongeveer 500 m draai regs na Onderstepoort. Die ingang na Kaalplaas is ongeveer 2,8 km verder aan die linkerkant. Ontmoet by die ingang.

Dins 12 Aandbyeenkoms
Dave Deighton: Seabirds, Pelagic Birding & Seabirding
Ontmoet 19:00
Dave Deighton will talk on seabirds, pelagic birding & seabird conservation in Southern African waters. From a Cape Town pelagic it is possible to see more than 25 species of seabirds, including thousand of Black-browed Albatross and Pintado Petrels in the winter months. Dave has a passion for seabirds and is involved with Samantha Petersen in the Seabird Conservation Programme under BLSA.

Son 17 Borakalalo: Dag
Ontmoet 07:00
Leier: Dave Sole; 012 998-5611; 083 586 4124; alethe@icon.co.za
Borakalalo offers a large variety of bushveld birds and has yielded many interesting sightings over the years. Klipvoor Dam provides additional habitat for many waterbirds. Braai facilities available. An entrance fee is payable. There is a camp site for those who want to make their own arrangements to spend the weekend.
Directions: Take the R566 from Rosslyn to Brits. Drive about 25 to 27 km from the Mabopane high-way to a turn-off to the right to Lethlabile. Turn right and drive straight for about 38 km to a T-junction. Turn right to Jericho and after 1 km left to Legonyane. Drive through Legonyane and follow the signs to Borakalalo (look out for turn off to left about 8 km from park). Meet in the parking area on the left hand side just inside the main gate. Total distance from Pretoria is about 120 km.
Borakalalo huisves 'n groot verskeidenheid bosveldvoëls en het baie interessante waarnemings oor die jare opgelewer. Klipvoordam bied addisionele habitat vir baie watervoëls. Braaifasiliteite beskikbaar. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar. Daar is ook kampeerplek vir diegene wat hulle eie reëllings wil tref om vir die naweek oor te bly.
Aanwysings: Neem die R566 vanaf Rosslyn na Brits. Ry 25-27 km vanaf die Mabopane pad na 'n afdraai regs na Lethlabile. Draai regs en ry omtrent 38 km reguit tot by 'n T-aansluiting. Draai regs na Jericho en na 1 km links na Legonyane. Ry deur Legonyane en volg die aanwysings na Borakalalo (moenie die afdraai na links mis sowat 8 km van die reservaat nie). Ontmoet in die parkeerterrein aan die linkerkant net na die hoofingang. Totale afstand vanaf Pretoria is ongeveer 120 km.

Sun 24 Walter Sisulu Botaniese Tuine: Oggend
Ontmoet 07:00
Leier: André Marx; 011 465-5387; flufftail@telkomsa.net
Formerly the Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens are known for the Black eagles that breed there. An entrance fee is payable.
Directions: Take the N14 Krugersdorp highway to the four-way stop at Muldersdrift, approximately 41 km from the N1-N14 interchange. Turn left onto the R47. After about 3,5 km turn right into Handicap street. After about 1,5 km turn right into Malcolm street which will take you directly to the entrance to the gardens. Meet at the entrance. Total distance from the N1-N14 interchange is about 46 km.
Voorheen die Witwatersrand Botaniese Tuine. Die Botaniese Tuine is bekend vir die Witkruisarende wat daar broei. Toegangsfooie is betaalbaar.
Aanwysings: Ry met die N14 Krugersdorp snelweg tot die vierrigting stop by Muldersdrift, ongeveer 41 km van die N1-N14 wisselaar. Draai links op die R47. Na ongeveer 3,5 km draai regs in Handicapstraat. Na ongeveer 1,5 km draai regs in Malcolmstraat wat direk na die ingang van die tuine lei. Ontmoet hier. Totale afstand vanaf die N1-N14 wisselaar is ongeveer 46 km.

Wed 27 Apr - Mon 2 May Kalahari Expedition: Weekend Camp
Ontmoet 07:00
We will take advantage of this extra long weekend to explore the Kalahari area south of Upington. Birds that we will be looking out for are the lark specials and the famed Kalahari raptors. We will be staying at the Kalahari Gasteplaas.
Please contact Andre Marx (011 465 5387; flufftail@telkomsa.net) for further information and bookings - e-mail preferred. Full payment will be required to secure your booking.

We have arranged all of the weekend camps for 2005 in advance. We have tried to cover a wide range of habitats with a spread of close and distant places and a mix of camping and accommodation. There should be something to appeal to everyone. Please diarise these dates now and keep them in mind when planning your year.

January 21-23 Schuinsdraai
Accommodation and camping
Bushveld and waterbirds
February 18-20 Dullstroom
Accommodatin and camping
Grassland and high altitude specials
March 24-28 Grootegeluk - an old favourite
Accommodation and camping
Drier west
April 27 to May 2 Kalahari Expedition
Accommodation
Kalahari specials
May 27 to 29 Zandrivier (Waterberg near Bela Bela)
Accommodation and camping
Bushveld and mountains
June 15 to 19 Ratho or Dongola
Next to Vembe - another of our old favourites
Camping
Bushveld and riverine forest
July 15 to 19 Doorndraai Dam
Camping
Bushveld and waterbirds
August 5 to 9 Blouberg
Camping
Bushveld and vulture colony
September 16 to 18 Rankin's Pass (Waterberg)
Camping
Bushveld and mountains
October 14 to 16 Rooi-Ivoor (near Steelpoort)
Accommodation and camping
Mountains
November 11 to 13 Magoebaskloof
Accommodation and camping
Forests
December 15 to 18 Wakkerstroom
Accommodation and camping
Grassland, water and forest birds

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