An ADU Citizen Scientist Day was held at the Education Centre, Free State National Botanical Garden, Bloemfontein on 23 April. It was preceded by a bird ringing demonstration by Dawie de Swardt. There were 8 presentations and after lunch there was a BirdLasser workshop run by Henk Nel with support from Ernst Retief from BLSA.

To get to Bloemfontein, I flew with Blue Crane, but they changed the flight to Kimberley and used a shuttle to Bloem. I used the opportunity to count the White-browed Sparrow-weaver colonies. I counted 26 colonies along the N8 but had to stop 17 km before Bloemfontein as it was too dark.

On Saturday afternoon, Dawie and others set up nets at Bishop's Glen farm to catch birds that afternoon and the next morning.

After the ringing Dawie and I found some more White-browed Sparrow-weaver colonies to add to PHOWN.

Ringing totals for the FS National Botanic Gardens, 7-9am

There were 3 recaptures: 2 cape Robins (both ringed in 2013), and a Karoo Thrush (ringed in 2006, see ring 4A35376).

Ringing totals for the Bishop's Glen farm, Sat pm and Sunday morning

Thanks to Louise Coetzee for organising the event, to the speakers, and to all the citizen scientists! Thanks to Dawie for hosting me. Thanks to the Free State National Botanical Garden for the use of the Education Centre and gardens!