KZN YBK sighting update, Barn Swallows at Mt. Moreland & Steven Piper's passing.

It has been a great morning with allot of emails coming in regarding sightings of YBK's throughout KZN. It seems like they were seen from Weenen, Highflats, Durban, Toti, Glenwood, Mt. Edgecombe through to Richards Bay. Reports are still coming in from Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park which might indicate birds heading north and in transit.

Interestingly no one has yet to report any sightings of YBK's today. I did not see any myself and perhaps the last remnants are migrating out. Lets see what unfolds this week.

On a slightly separate note and different migrant. Clare and I spent a wonderful late afternoon at the Mt. Moreland Barn Swallow roosting site yesterday. The experience was of epic proportions and just absolutely humbling to see. I must compliment and congratulate the Barn Swallow site conservancy and rate payers association and the local custodians of the site for a well-organised experience. They are a testament to how an important bird area (IBA) can be conserved and utilised sustainably. Their booklet on the entire history, current challenges with the La Mercy/King Shaka airport, ringing activities and visitors statistics is of really high quality and very informative. Using the ringing certificates is also a really innovative idea and I sincerely hope that more support can be garnered for this programme and depth of this wonderful community-conservation-bird partnership.

On a truly sad note, the world renown Professor Steven Piper passed away yesterday. Acclaimed Ornithologist, conservation champion and educator of note. His impact and legacy will be felt for yours to come. His influence at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is Zoology department will not be forgotten. I suspect that many bird-watchers and nature lovers across South Africa and further afield will miss his charm, humour and passion for birds. His role in supporting the Mt.Moreland roost site for the Barn Swallows was a recent achievement not easily underated. He assisted in providing a framework for a successful relationship and scientifically-based solution to the conservation and mitigation of the La Mercy/King Shaka airport operations. Rest well Steven. We shall truly miss your presence and fellowship.