BIRDS

The town of Barberton and surrounds contains many differing habitats, which makes for a varied and interesting number of bird species for the bird-watcher to see and identify.

 

 

It has urban gardens with their exotic and indigenous plants, the open grass areas of the golf course and parks, the Mountainlands with the highland grassveld and rocky outcrops and the well-wooded kloofs. There are also the fields of crops, plantations and pockets of indigenous forest.

 

 

In September 2000 two knowledgeable resident birders led ±20 interested members of the community in a years survey of the birds occurring in the municipal area of Barberton (Emjindini). The area was divided into five distinct areas not only to make the monitoring easier, but also to prove that species occurring in one area do not necessarily occur in the adjoining one. Showing that the habitat and vegetation changes from area to area affect the birdlife. It also gives the birder an indication as to which part of town to visit to be most likely to see his/her target species.

 

 

African Crowned Eagle

Area 1. consisted mostly of well-established residential stands, but also includes the hills to the Northeast of the town. Rimer’s Creek, which is an area of riverine forest, is also included in this area. 172 species were recorded in this area.

 

 

Area 2. the sewage dams and the town cemetery as well as a large section of grassland fall into this area. 213 species were recorded here.

 

 

Area 3. this area encompassed the industrial site, the airport as well as Emjindini, the former ‘Black Township’. 94 species were seen in this part.

 

 

Area 4. a well-wooded residential area with hills forming the southern boundary. As with area one the old established trees in the gardens attract a wealth of birds. 120 species were recorded here.

 

 

Area 5. this area contains the golf course and the Barberton Environmental Education Centre. 113 species were seen here during the survey period.

 

 

Narina Trogon

At the end of the 1-year survey period a checklist booklet was produced. The whole survey produced some 250 different species of birds recorded and a number of ±30 species have been added since the survey period.

 

 

After this initial bird survey the two leaders together with the helpers/recorders decided to initiate a bird club and the Barberton Bird Club was formed. The Club is a satellite branch of BirdLife Lowveld, which is a full branch of BirdLife South Africa, the national bird club with international ties.

 

 

The Purple-crested Touraco (Lourie), which is a relatively common bird in the town, was taken as the Club’s logo.

 

 

The Club now numbers a full membership of ±45 members; about half of these are very active birders. It holds and evening meeting each month with the exception of January and February. At these meeting either prominent birders or local experts give illustrated talks. A format is loosely followed whereby the talks are about birds and birding one month and another general subject the next.

 

 

In addition to this it holds an outing once a month. This is either a Sunday visit to a good birding area or a weekend away camping.

 

 

Gorgeos Bush Shrike

The Club gets involved in projects.

 

1) The need for a "Birding Trail" was identified and the area chosen was along the Rimer’s Creek. This trail was hacked, signposted and maintained by the Club. (See further details under that heading.)

 

2) Involvement in the bi-annual waterfowl count at Chrissiesmeer this being part of the National Co-ordinated Waterfowl Count (CWACing) organised by the Avian Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town.

 

3) Compiling a checklist of the birds occurring in the Mountainlands Nature Reserve, Barberton. This is not only to provide a comprehensive check-list for visitors to that area, but also falls under the Birds in Reserves and Parks project (BIRPing) which also is being conducted by the Avian Demography Unit. (See further detail under separate heading.)

 

 

 

BIRDING SITES

 

 

Rimer’s Creek

 

 

Greyheaded Bush Shrike

This area behind the museum and starting at the historic house museum, "Fernlea House", is well worth a visit. The area was identified as a good birding spot during the initial bird survey. It was decided to develop this area to make it more interesting. With this in mind some Barberton Bird Club (BBC) members have opened up this trail. A circular route has been made. Some 500m along the trail is a resting point and a look out spot. If you continue and complete the trail you will have covered some 2km. There is an old wagon trail from the museum, and while parts of this have been utilised, it has been more than 80 years since this track was used and the bush had completely taken over.

 

 

A further plan is to eventually extend the trail further up the creek to the ruins of Barber’s Cottage (a pioneer gold miners’ home, who settled in the area and after whom the town is named.). This will make this walk not only a great birding experience, but also one of historic interest. It is also intended to get the local botanist to identify and label the trees to add further interest to the walk.

 

 

To date a number of 107 different species have been recorded in this area. Some of these are the African Emerald Cuckoo, Knysna Touraco (Lourie), Narina Trogon, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike and Eastern Nicator (Yellow-spotted Nicator).

 

 

Barberton Prison Farm

 

 

The various dams on this property often turn up a variety of water-related species. Yellow Wagtail, Abdim’s Stork, various heron, egret and kingfishers have been seen.

 

 

"Kearsney Farm" (Mr J. Visser’s Property – permission for visit required)

 

 

This is a sugar-cane farm – however, a dam on this property has turned up some unexpected birds, including Bald Ibis (which roosted overnight), Melba Finches and various Palaearctic migrants.

 

 

 

NTegwane Pool

 

 

Violet-Backed or Plumb Coloured Starling

Travelling past the Prison Farm on a dirt road for some ±20k through pine plantations one reaches the Queen’s River. Look along the way for the Long-crested Eagle in the plantations and the African Finfoot in the pools along the river. At the picnic site look up into the Eucalyptus trees and you will spot the Crowned Eagles’ nest. If you are lucky you may spot the bird and the chick.

 

 

Peddlars’ Bush or Pegglar’s Bush

 

 

There seems to be confusion over the correct name of this area! Some say its called "Peddlars" because the peddlers peddled their wares at this place to people on their way to and from Barberton gold mines from Swaziland. Others say it is "Pegglar’s" named after one of the pioneer gold miners. So you can take your pick which one you prefer!

 

 

This place is a small spot of indigenous forest located in the Twelo Bosbou area above Barberton, being particularly good for forest species. To get there, from Barberton take the Bulembo road to Havelock and Swaziland travelling along the Saddleback Pass. Pause to admire the spectacular views from the view spots and watch for Gurney’s Sugarbird, Cape Rock-thrush and Jackal Buzzard.

 

 

At the top of the pass, turn left onto a dirt road marked Shyalongubo Dam. Watch out for heavy logging trucks!

After about 10k along this dirt track one reaches the start of the indigenous forest, and for about two kilometres it is advisable to stop at frequent intervals and walk and listen for the various forest birds. One can usually pick up Knysna Touraco, Narina Trogon, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Olive-pigeon (Rameron Pigeon), various bush shrikes, robins and Olive Woodpecker. Bush Blackcap has been recorded as has the Emerald Cuckoo and Square-tailed Drongo

Orange-breasted Bush Shrike

 

 

Mountainlands Nature Reserve

 

 

This extensive area mainly covers a large portion of the mountains around two sides of Barberton town. The area is partly privately owned and partly Mpumalanga Parks Department. This reserve is not, as yet, open to the public and access is only by prior arrangement.

 

 

The BBC was asked to conduct a 5-year birding survey of the area. This was commenced in November 2005. Club members who are interested and have suitable vehicles, invade the reserve on the 2nd Sunday of each month and record whatever bird species they can find.

To date 220 species have been recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

L. John Bunning

Chairman,

Barberton Bird Club.