Zandvlei Trust

Western Cape Raptor Research Programme – Ann Koeslag

30 May 2007– Ann Koeslag reports" The Diep River female has teamed up with a young black male in the Plumstead area. They have built a nest and intend producing offspring".

photographs by Ann Koeslag

Female Black Sparrowhawk                                      Male Black Sparrowhawk

photograph by Ann Koeslag

The pair mating near a nest they have built

photograph by Ann Koeslag                                                 photograph by Ann Koeslag

 Ann Koeslag.                                                  Nick climbing to a nest in Oct 2006

Ann Koeslag with great energy, keeping a constant eye on a series of nests mainly on the Constantiaberg. Her substantial contribution towards the success of the Raptor Programme all started with the idea that "getting involved" in the Black Sparrowhawk project, because it would add an interest in her daily trudges around the Tokai Forest with her dogs. Little did she know how much time she would end up spending in the forests or how fascinating she would find the project.

There are currently 26 Black Sparrowhawk nests. This current breeding season - 2004, finds the Black Sparrowhawks doing reasonably well, but there are real concerns about the impact the Egyptian Geese are making by parasitizing their nests. Fifteen chicks have fledged so far, with one confirmed death of a fledgling. Black Sparrowhawk adults are trapped and ringed. Four chicks have been ringed and there was great excitement, when one of those ringed, successfully raised a chick in one of the Constantia green belts this year.

photographs by Ann Koeslag

The ringed ckicks back in the nest.

 There are many anecdotes: 

Sparrowhawks definitely recognize individual humans. We tried and failed many times to trap one particular female. It is very frustrating to sit, in winter, in the early hours of the day, waiting in vain at a baited trap. This particular bird would fly around, looking at the bait, but refusing to oblige. Her male companion, was more easily misled and was caught three times. Another member of the Raptor Programme, after observing the bird's behaviour, pointed out that the bird really disliked one of us. They planned for her to walk away as though leaving the area. The bird fell for the trick, was caught at last and is now, much to her disgust, wearing rings!

Ann has on one occasion sat for hours waiting for a particular bird to pitch, see the baited trap and do the necessary. Eventually they gave up and packed up to go. Turning around to leave they saw much to their amusement the intended victim sitting quietly behind them in a tree. Who were the victims this time round?

photograph by Ann Koeslag                                                                     photograph by Ann Koeslag

This Black Sparrowhawk was caught peering into the        Much excitement this juvenile Black
"Zandvlei Fish Eagles Nest".                                           Sparrowhawk in Diep River, found in Feb 2005.

The 35 meter high gum trees nesting site, have been cut down on the Rathfelder Development, Diep River in Sept 2006.

Perhaps what is most endearing about Black Sparrowhawks is they get used to their observers. This means with a bit of patience all the intimate behaviour between the birds can be seen. A female gently feeding her chicks and when that was done, come over all dreamy as they snuggled down underneath her. Watching a tiny ball of fluff negotiate its way to the edge of a nest, turn round and squirt over the side! Too comical for words.

 Contact:  Ann Koeslag,    072 357 0909     annkoeslag@cybersmart.co.za