A good news environmental story –

now doesn’t that make a nice change?

The cover story of the latest issue of Africa – Birds & Birding focuses on the success of the endemic African Black Oystercatcher, a species which, until relatively recently, was considered endangered. Fortuitously finding a long-term food source in an alien European mussel species in Saldanha Bay some 25 years ago, the net result has seen a steady increase in Oystercatcher populations throughout its range. This shore-breeding species’ chicks are at their most vulnerable in the 10 days after hatching, so do spare them a thought as the holidaymaking hordes head for the coast this summer.

In addition, the issue features the first in a Birding in Gauteng series by local birding guru Faansie Peacock, as well as an outstanding visual essay on the Galápagos Islands.

Visit the Africa – Birds & Birding magazine page at www.africageographic.com or look for the December/January issue, packed with all the usual delights to be expected from the continent’s premier birding magazine.

On sale in all good bookstores now.