McKenzie D, 2011. Reporting rate comparisons for birds in the Nelspruit area – SABAP1 vs SABAP2. Ornithological Observations 2:22-31

The author compares reporting rates of birds from the first (1987-91) and second (2007-) Southern African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP1 & 2) for the Nelspruit quarter degree grid cell (2530BD) in Mpumalanga. At the time of writing 215 cards had been submitted for this grid cell for both projects. Of the 15 Ploceidae species, all but three show an increase in reporting rate, often a dramatic increase. The exceptions are: Yellow-crowned and Yellow Bishops have not been recorded during SABAP2, and the Red-headed Weaver has a lower reporting rate in SABAP2. The author notes that generally wetland and grassland species show significantly lower reporting rates now, and forest and woodland birds are reflecting large increases in reporting rates in SABAP2. While many of the weavers use wetlands, they are adaptable and can cope with rivers that are overgrown with weeds and exotics, as well as using wooded areas and gardens. To read the paper, click on the journal reference above.

The weaver with the highest reporting rate is Spectacled Weaver (93%, SABAP2), placing it ninth of the most common birds in Nelspruit, where the Dark-capped Bulbul is first (99%). Nine of the Nelspruit weaver species were ringed in a recent visit - see here.
Right: adult male Spectacled Weaver, ringed in Nelspruit Nature Reserve.