Nocturnal Birds of Southern Africa

by John Carlyon (John Carlyon)

I must say at the outset that I am a novice bird enthusiast. Since a chance encounter with a friendly blue ring neck parakeet two years ago, I have become fascinated and more aware of the birds around me. I find myself captivated by their call sounds, often losing track of the time while I try to pinpoint their location.

To fuel my new-found interest, I have stocked up with the recommended birding books and trawled the internet, bookmarking worthwhile sites on birds which live and migrate to KwaZulu-Natal and our region in Africa.

While there is a host of literary resources available on diurnal birds, most only fleetingly touch on the nocturnal or partially nocturnal ones which grace the evening and night skies.

So when I saw that the books editor had received a copy of Nocturnal Birds of Southern Africa, I jumped at the opportunity to get my hands on it before another birder beat me to it.

Author John Carlyon is a veterinarian with a lifelong interest in ornithology. His addiction for nocturnal birds is evident in this masterpiece he has lovingly created and dedicated to his parents who inspired him.

Unlike many other books that merely document species of birds, Carlyon shares his personal experiences, frustrations, humour, facts and even his scars in this delightful read.

His partner and “soul-mate”, Penny Meakin, is an artist of note who shares his passion and is credited for her immense contribution to the photography and illustrations in the book.

Those in birding circles may also recognise the names of other well-known contributors and leading photographers like Hugh Chittenden, Warwick Tarboton and Johann Grobbelaar.

Packed between its hard covers are 290 pages of glorious high-quality photographs of some of the most elusive and mysterious birds around.

Nocturnal Birds of Southern Africa covers species of owls, nightjars, the Bat Hawk, night herons, coursers and thick-knees, to name a few.

Many of the unique photographs have been published for the first time. Carlyon’s historic photograph of an “East Cape” Barred Owlet, which had not been recorded in almost 150 years, is among those which make this book a treasure.

Being a night owl myself, I often encounter owls out hunting and bats on my journey home after my grave-yard shift at work. They are truly enchanting.

However, I’ve taken note of the author’s warning that birds are not to be underestimated. He speaks from experience, having been struck on the head, by a nest owner and tasted the talons of another.

“Many species of Owl and the Bat Hawk vigorously defend their nests” writes Carlyon. So snakes aren’t the only thing to watch out for as you stomp around bird territory, especially at night.

There’s even a section on owl nesting and how to build nest boxes to attract Barn Owls and Spotted Eagle Owls on to your property.

Carlyon also emphasises the ethics of watching night birds which anyone who values nature will identify with.

Armed with a high-school level biology, I found the information on bird species, identification, behaviour and habitats easy to read. The book is also peppered with fast facts.

This is an authoritative photographic guide and a valuable resource for ornithology students, photographic and bird enthusiasts.

It makes an elegant coffee table book, but has also proved to be a hardy companion which travels well, as my copy has done these past three weeks. – Nalane Walker

* For more information on the book see the book’s website www.nocturnalbirds.co.za or e-mail [email protected] –