Zandvlei Trust

CWAC (Co-ordinated Waterbird Count) at Zandvlei.

Zandvlei looking from the north of the waterbody towards Muizenberg and Simons Town in the south.

We need.

More volunteers as this is a large area to cover. (see the photo above).

When.

The counts take place quarterly in January, April, July and October each year.
We start at 08h00 and finish by the latest 11h00.

 

2012	2013
Next   Saturday 21st January	Saturday 19th January
Saturday 21st April	-
Saturday 21st July	-
Saturday 20th October	-

What we do.

We count and record the species and number of water birds. You will need a pair of binoculars, a spotting scope is very useful, if you have one. You do not need to know too much about birds as you will be given guidance and if you have an interest you should learn quickly. If you are knowledgable about birds we need you too.
It will only take 3 hours of your time.

Zandvlei is divided into 3 areas;

• Westlake Wetlands

• Zandvlei upper, includes the Marina canals

• Zandvlei lower, includes the Marina canals.

Why.

This is part of the national census of all water bodies in South Africa. The information is collated by the ADU (Animal Demographic Unit) at the University of Cape Town. See the ADU website for more.

The information helps scientists study the movement and distibution of water birds throughout the Southern African wetlands, dams, vleis, estuaries, rivers and all the seasons.
This information is also used to determine and forecast what possible effects climate change will have for all living organisms, humans included.

A few dedicated people have been recording the data since 1995. 

Come and help and you will learn more and become more knowledgable about the area you live in.

See the monthly counts done by the Nature Reserve staff in the northern section of Zandvlei.

Contact Gavin Lawson on glawson@xsinet.co.za  or 021 705 5224.

photograph by Greg Morgan

Whitebacked Duck.