Groenvlei Primary School Visit to Paarl Bird Sanctuary

150 pupils of the Groenheuwel Primary School visited the Paarl Bird Sanctuary in four groups on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 February. The fact that these were probably the hottest days in February did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm.

There was great excitement at close up views of Greater Flamingos from the bird viewing platform through telescopes manned by volunteers and through binoculars on loan from Cape Bird Club.

On arrival each group was given a brief talk on the function of the Drakenstein Waste Water Works. Bird ID sheets were then distributed to the children who were taken on a circular tour of the bird sanctuary by bus, stopping at intervals to identify some of the birds.

Transport was sponsored by the Drakenstein Municipality whose staff went out of their way to make the visit a success. John Fincham, Jo Hobbs and Skhumbuzo were present on both days. We must also thank Antoinette le Roux (TBC), Priscilla Beeton and Penny Dichmont (CBC) and Pikkie Rousseau (PBS monitor and Wellington resident) who assisted us on Wednesday.

On Thursday we were ably supported by Dick Barnes (CBC) and Lucia Rodrigues (well known to us for her work on the WC Black Eagle Project and Birds of Prey Programme). Lucia was particularly delighted to spot a Marsh Harrier flying over the reeds.

Many thanks to all these volunteers, as we couldn’t have managed without you!