Expert Ornithologist David Allan to give talk on Raptors at Crocworld Conservation Centre

Expert Ornithologist David Allan to give talk on Raptors at Crocworld Conservation Centre

Fans of Crocworld Conservation Centre’s monthly environmental talks are in for a treat on May 14th, when renowned ornithologist David Allan will become the latest in the park’s long line of influential speakers. Entitled ‘Birds of Prey – New Frontiers in our Knowledge and Identification”, Allan’s talk promises to carry on the series’ tradition of celebrating the fascinating flora and fauna of Southern Africa.

In his talk, Allan will give guests an insight into two of his most recent field trips. On the first of these trips, Allan helped several esteemed ornithologists from overseas to document the presence of a bird of prey only recently recorded for the first time in Southern Africa. On the second, he joined a team investigating the status of a rare bird of prey in Zululand – and it is tales of these fascinating exploits that will form the core of his talk on May 14th.

Allan will also explore the new developments that have allowed scientists to better understand the status of southern African raptors, and to more easily identify one species from the next. In particular, he will go into detail regarding the Bateleur Eagle, Zululand’s Southern Banded Snake Eagles, and the identification of buzzard species throughout the region. With several decades of birding experience under his belt, no-one is more qualified to talk on this subject than Allan.

Allan’s illustrious career in ornithology began whilst working for the Percy FitzPatrick Institute for African Ornithology and the Avian Demography Unit, both at the University of Cape Town. After moving to Durban over 20 years ago, he joined the Durban Natural Science Museum – where he now works as the Curator of Birds. Allan has authored and co-authored several books on birds of prey, the most recent of which is entitled Geographical Variation of Southern African Birds.

Crocworld Conservation Centre General Manager Martin Rodrigues is excited to welcome Allan to the park, saying “David Allan is a fantastic speaker and a real expert in ornithology. It is always such an honour and a privilege to have an individual of his calibre speak as part of our conservation talk program”. Rodrigues goes on to encourage guests to book swiftly for Allan’s talk, which promises to be one of the most popular yet.

The talk will begin at 9:00am on May 14th, although guests are asked to arrive at 8:30am for registration. Allan will speak for approximately one hour, after which there will be time for questions before tea and coffee are served. Tickets for the talk are priced at R75 per adult, and R35 for pensioners and scholars. All tickets include entrance into the Centre, and guests are warmly invited to stay after the talk and explore the park’s amazing reptile and bird displays.

Those that wish to make a day of it may purchase lunch from on-site restaurant Le Rendez-Vous, while Inzinyoni Indigenous Nursery is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in horticulture. The nursery is located on the grounds of Crocworld Conservation Centre and open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 08h00 until 13h00. To ensure a place for Allan’s talk, guests are kindly asked to confirm bookings in advance.

To make your reservation contact: Nolean Allun, Crocworld Conservation Centre on (039) 976 1103/ (083) 654 9651 or e-mail crocworld@cbl.co.za.

Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111. Please fax the proof of payment to (039) 978 3279.

For more information about Crocworld Conservation Centre visit www.crocworld.co.za @CrocworldCC on twitter and Crocworld Conservation Centre on Facebook. To find out more about the Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery visit www.izinyoni-nursery.co.za