Western Cape Raptor Research Programme – Northern Cape Black Harrier Survey by Rob Simmons

The Cape Bird Club

Western Cape Raptor Research Programme

Northern Cape – BLACK HARRIER SURVEY REPORT

December 2008

(Simon Todd) Black Harriers "all over the Knersvlakte" - the Succulent Karoo in coastal regions.
(Colleen Rust) Black Harrier nest at Papkuilsfontein just hatched mid Nov.
Oorlogs 2 pairs about to lay,
Lockenberg 1 pair with 3 young flying
Van Rhynsdorp - 4 nests all with flying young
Groen Rivier - 1 nest, since failed (Zanne McDonald)
Spoeg River -1 nest brood of 3
Buffels River - 1 nest brood 3

Thanks to all correspondents and to Brain vanderwalt for continued monitoring and sightings from the Tankwa Karoo.

In all, the early birds were relatively successful, middle of season catastrophic, and many birds are relaying very late.
If harriers have been successful you will see brown birds with shorter tails on the wing. This is a good guide to nest areas so please report any sightings to me.

Contact;

Rob Simmons tel 021 650 3310 or fax 021 650 3295 harrier@botzoo.uct.ac.za