Hamerkops in Aberdeen attracts attention

ABERDEEN NEWS— The garden of Pagel House in Aberdeen is a bird lovers’delight, and many guests are attracted to stay in the guest house because of an interest in birds.

There are three hamerkop (scopus umbretta) nests in willow trees in the garden. One of the nests is tenanted by barn owls, another by bees and the third occupied by a pair of hamerkops. According to owner Lyn Dugmore, there have been hamerkop nests in the garden since 2010, in various sites. The nest of the hamerkop is unique, as no other bird species builds such a structure. It is a mass of sticks and debris up to 2m tall and 2m wide placed atop a chamber which is entered from below-the chamber is like a wicker-work basket.

A cousin of Dugmore was visiting last October, and took photos of the hamerkop nests, which she showed to an ornithologist friend in East London. This friend, Carl Vernon, then made a point of staying at Pagel House on his travels in November, as he has made a study of this unusual bird. Dugmore has kept in regular contact with him, updating him on the progress of the hamerkops.

The nest is in the middle of the lush garden, and guests having breakfast and dinner on the verandah have been fascinated by the young fledglings. First one was seen, then a few days later, two more, and another two - it was thought initially that there were five young birds, a large numbers as there are usually only three or four. When studying photographs sent by guests Dugmore realised that there were actually six young fledglings, which is a record for South Africa, according to research done by Vernon.

It is thought that there may be other breeding pairs of hamerkops in Aberdeen, as there are many large trees suitable for these birds. As part of his research, Vernon is anxious to find out if there are any other pairs, and would be grateful for any information. He can be contacted by email at carl@bonzabay.co.za, or through Lyn Dugmore at Pagel House 049 846 061.

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