Alan McLennan-Smith

Christine Wakfer sent this image, taken in 2001, showing both Alan and Kathy. It must bring back happy memories!

It is with great sadness that we must report the passing of Alan. He was a founder member of the HBC and its first Chairman. We all owe him a great deal in terms of what he created and the joy that it has brought to so many of us. He will be greatly missed and out thoughts and condolences go out to Carol and the rest of his family and friends at this sad time.

I am sure that once we are again able to meet and conduct our business, we will all want to have a moment’s silence to remember this wonderful gentleman, as well as other members of our society who have recently passed away. Rest in peace, kind friend!

Guineafowl in my Garden

roncorylus

Three adult Helmeted Guineafowl and their fifteen young chicks are frequent visitors to our garden in Prestwick Village. There were originally 21 little chicks, but many succumb to various predators and it is unlikely that most will survive. Amongst them is a very small white chick, obviously the runt of the litter and it has a hard time keeping up and getting food amongst all its stronger siblings.

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Kathy Dolpire

It was with great sadness that we learned, today, of the passing of Kathy Dolpire, another victim of the rampant Coronavirus. Kathy was a founder member of the Hermanus Bird Club and will be remembered by her friends for her happy, outgoing love of nature, and birds in particular.

The club and all it’s members extend their heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this sad time. She will be greatly missed by the many people who knew and loved her.

Walking on the Hermanus Golf Course

roncorylus

Most mornings find us going for a brisk walk around the Golf course. Of course, we are privileged to be able to do this – it is one of the perks of living in the Fernkloof Golf Estate. We normally set off at around 6 a.m. as we are not allowed to interfere with the golfers. Needless to say we are often alone at this time – except for the wildlife!

As we leave home we hear the Speckled Pigeons cooing and billing on the rooftops. We could do without them, but there have every right to be here. Of course, there are also Laughing and Red-eyed Doves. Perhaps a Cape Wagtail or two are on our lawn, strutting around looking for insects in the grass. As we leave Prestwick Village, we normally see the resident herd of Springbok, comprising around 75 of these graceful animals. Mostly they are just…

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From Ed’s Garden

Ed sent me this beautiful image that he took of a fledgling Spotted Eagle Owl in his garden this morning

Subs Now Due

John says,

1. The Bird Club membership fee for 2021 is now due, at R150 per single member and R250 per couple, unchanged from 2020

HBC banking details (use your Surname as reference.)

BANK :-   First National Bank,   Hermanus,   Branch Code  200 412

Account Holder :-  Hermanus Bird Club,  Ac. No. 6210 7045 892

Please send completed application form (which is available under ‘About the Club’ on this site) and confirmation of payment to the Clubs treasurer Johan Groenwald –  jjg5025@gmail.com and, if possible, a separate email to Club Chair John Saunders –  antares@hermanus.co.za

calendarDownload

2. I have one spare copy of the superb Tygerberg Calendar for sale at R100

Anyone interested please contact John Saunders either on 078 955 9785 or via email to             antares@hermanus.co.za