The Cape Bird Club

Background information

photograph Morne Carstens

Johan Coetzer – Student Conservation Officer

Background
My interest in nature began about ten years ago when I joined the Tygerberg Bird Club as a keen birdwatcher, here I discovered that birdwatchers are generally a friendly group of people, keen to share their knowledge.
My other interests are in strategy games, on the computer or a tabletop. I also research the history of the Second World War and build models relating to this period. Usually, they are A.F.V.’s (Armoured Fighting Vehicles).

In 2002, I matriculated from President High, and started my studies through UNISA and chose the National Diploma – Nature Conservation. Then I was given an opportunity to do my practical year at Strandfontein in December 2006.
I regularly work with the staff of Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei when they need an extra hand. From this I have learnt a variety of skills and picked up information regarding conservation. Some of the activities include basic building skills, administration, alien eradication, environmental education and even bird ringing.

Activities at Strandfontein
My work at Strandfontein is primarily aimed at the conservation of birds. The pans’ water levels are constantly checked, so that the largest variety of waterbirds can be maintained. By doing this, birds that prefer shallower water can be catered for just as well as for those which desire deeper water. Thus, each group can obtain its particular chosen source of food.
The alien invasive plants are eradicated as quickly and effectively as possible. Rooikrans and Port Jackson are particularly problematic here. By eradicating them, it encourages the biodiversity of indigenous species plants, animals and insects.

Currently, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we also do bird counts at pans  P2 and S8 to determine how many species and how many individuals of each species occur here. By compiling these lists, we can see how the species fluctuate. We are also busy with maintenance work on the two heron nesting platforms on P6. This involves stabilizing the anchor poles and putting in thicker branches in the inside of the platforms to encourage bigger birds to utilize these facilities.

My wish for the future is to be more involved in bird studies on a professional basis and, if possible, make it my profession one day. By doing this I feel that I will be able to make a contribution to conservation.
In this way we will also be able to show the next generation the natural heritage that we have come to know and respect, and hopefully inspire them to do the same.