MANY EYES MAKE LIGHT WORK OF GAME COUNT

The Greater Ambers Natural Resources Club has organised nine annual Game
Counts for the management of Amber Valley since 2016. The 2024 count took place in pleasant conditions on Wednesday 12 June. Of the 115 people who participated in the count, most were members of the club, but anyone interested in participating was welcome to do so.

The count was followed by the traditional “bring & braai” at the Lakes where the preliminary results were announced. The convivial atmosphere bore testimony to the fact that people enjoyed themselves.

PUTTING THEIR BEST PAWS FORWARD

On Wednesday 17 April our talented Ambers furry friends took part in an exciting display for the residents of Amber Glades. After much training by Fran Hamilton and regular practice on the Wedge, everyone of them thoroughly enjoyed showing off their many tricks and talents to a very appreciative audience.

A Spotted-necked otter scratching its belly

During May some residents were fortunate to see Spotted-necked otters on several occasions at Robin Dam. Paul Bartho and Sydney Baillon have shared their delightful photographs on the Greater Ambers Natural Resources Facebook page.

LIVING IN CUCKOO LAND

All you need to do as a cuckoo is to dress brightly (if male), entice the female with a tasty caterpillar during courtship and loudly distract the host species from its nest while she slips in to deposit an egg. No nest building skills are required and no parental duties to carry out.

At least five species of cuckoo visit the Ambers in summer. The three most common are Red chested, Klaas’s and Diederik Cuckoos.