The Hamerkop nest

The Hamerkop nest

In Oct 2006 I saw first saw the beginnings of this nest of a Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) next to the road to Goedemoed in Aliwal district. It was interesting to observe this nest being built next to the road - quite a busy road in the countryside. I saw it grow from a few sticks balanced precariously on the rocky ledge to its current size. But I never saw the birds near the nest - sometimes saw a bird flying over a dam a little way off with nesting material, but never near or towards this particular spot.

The birds normally nest in suitable trees, but nests (like this one) are found on cliffs as well. The opening of the nest is well over the overhang of the cliff to prevent predators entering the nesting chamber. In his book, A guide to nests and eggs of Southern African Birds (Struik 2001), Warwick Tarboton mentions that a single nest can consist of up to 8000 individual pieces of material and can weigh anything from 25-50 kg. The nest may be used only for one season and occasionally a second season.

A few weeks ago (March 2008) while atlasing the pentad for SABAP2, I saw this Hamerkop perched on the rock just above the nest. The very first time I observed a bird near the nest. At closer inspection I realised the nest could be "active" as there were fresh droppings at the entrance and on the rocks below the entrance.

I visit the site at regular intervals, but cannot confirm any breeding activity, although fresh droppings are observed around the nesting area. A clutch is normally 4-5 eggs and takes between 28 and 32 days to incubate. I do not want to disturb any breeding activity that may occur, and the spot is quite inaccessible. I'll keep an eye open and report any findings on successful breeding. Since I first observed activity around the site and taking the time of incubation and nestling/fledging (44-50 days) into account, we may have a few young birds around (if any!).

What was of interest to me, was the fact that the site was still "active". Usually a nest is used only once, occasionally for a second season - this one seems to be active for a longer period. It even seems that fresh material was added to the dome. Apparently this type of nest "ranks as the largest domed nest built by a pair of birds" (Tarboton, 2001:32).