[vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1655545929659{background-color: #2568b3 !important;}”][vc_row][vc_column][smartslider3 slider=”18″][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][vc_column_text css=””]
MARCH
[/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”30″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951458883{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story0″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327058″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”img_link_large” css=”.vc_custom_1774397456871{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” el_class=”lessspace”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]The Bird Fair is back!
Where do you want to be on Saturday, 5 September? At the South African Bird Fair in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, for sure!
Be there and you can expect a day of birding excitement in serene settings. Guided birding walks throughout the day, fascinating talks, exhibitors and more await you.
More information to follow soon![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951477262{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story1″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”317974″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”.vc_custom_1774397262833{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}” el_class=”lessspace” link=”https://www.birdingecotours.com”][vc_column_text css=””]A share in BioSCape’s NASA award
The Biodiversity Survey of the Cape (BioSCape) has been awarded the 2025 NASA Group Achievement Award, one of NASA’s highest honours for team-based scientific achievement.
NASA’s first biodiversity-focused airborne and field campaign, BioSCape was conducted in South Africa’s Greater Cape Floristic Region and brought together more than 150 scientists from over 40 institutions to capture near-simultaneous data on ecosystem structure, function and composition using four NASA instruments on two aircraft. The award recognises scientific excellence, as well as the scale of collaboration, innovation and coordination required to deliver a project of this ambition.
For BirdLife South Africa, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the value of our contributions to both the field campaign and the science that followed. We played an important role in on-the-ground biodiversity surveys, helping to generate the bird data through point counts and acoustic surveys that added ecological depth to this remarkable initiative. Our work involved coordinating a considerable team of volunteers and CapeNature rangers, including training on Audiomoth deployments – and it didn’t end in the field. The subsequent interpretation and use of BioSCape outputs have also benefited from BirdLife
South Africa’s scientific input, helping to ensure that these products speak directly to real conservation questions and management needs.
The BioSCape award citation highlights how the campaign created a novel dataset to support biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem management and future satellite missions, while also strengthening partnerships among South African and international institutions. It further notes that BioSCape aligned with South African conservation priorities and helped to build an ethical model for international collaboration, including strong benefit-sharing principles and a commitment to avoiding parachute science.
This award is therefore a celebration of a successful international campaign, and also a reminder that careful field work, trusted partnerships and strong local scientific contribution matter deeply in global biodiversity science.
BirdLife South Africa is proud to have been part of a project that has helped put our country’s biodiversity research on a global stage, while generating knowledge and tools that can support conservation action here at home. Read more about it at bioscape.io/award.
DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE & INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951505407{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story2″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”327055″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Lost in the city
In February and March 2026, two unusual sightings of Secretarybirds were reported from urban Johannesburg, an environment far removed from the species’ typical open grassland habitat.
The first sighting occurred during the first week of February at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, where what appeared to be a young bird was observed moving across the open fairways. A second sighting followed on 8 March in Greenside East, where another young individual was found on a residential driveway. While the proximity of these records raises the question, it is unlikely that they involved the same bird.
These observations are most likely linked to juvenile dispersal behaviour. After leaving the nest, young Secretarybirds can travel considerable distances as they search for suitable habitat and establish new territories. In highly transformed landscapes such as Gauteng, however, this process becomes significantly more challenging. Since much of the natural grassland has been replaced by urban and peri-urban development, dispersing birds may struggle to find appropriate habitat, increasing the likelihood of them appearing in unusual locations.
Open green spaces such as golf courses can provide temporary refuge, offering some of the structural characteristics of natural habitat. However, these areas are often isolated and may not provide sufficient food resources to sustain birds for long. Fatigue and limited foraging opportunities may therefore force individuals to land in suboptimal or unexpected environments, including residential areas.
While such sightings are rare, they provide valuable insight into the challenges faced by dispersing Secretarybirds in increasingly fragmented landscapes. They also highlight the importance of maintaining connected grassland habitats to support the species’ long-term survival.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any unusual sightings via platforms such as BirdLasser, as these records contribute meaningfully to ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.
CASSIE CARSTENS, SECRETARYBIRD PROJECT MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951608364{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story3″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327053″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327054″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”” el_id=”roller”]CAR is speeding up
The latest issue of the Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR) newsletter reveals encouraging progress across the programme. The summer 2026 survey period built on recent gains, with increased route coverage and strong participation from volunteers across the country.
Notably, the reactivation of the north-eastern Free State precinct marks an important step in rebuilding long-term monitoring capacity in previously inactive areas. The newsletter also highlights the broader value of CAR data, including its emerging application in wider biodiversity research.
The CAR newsletter is available on the websites of CAR and BirdLife South Africa, and has been distributed to the CAR mailing list. This year’s winter count is provisionally scheduled for 25 July 2026.
CASSIE CARSTENS, SECRETARYBIRD PROJECT MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951621362{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story4″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327052″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Building birding skills in the community
Eighteen Eco-rangers from the Ntsikeni Farmers’ Association have been given basic training in bird identification as part of BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism and Sustainable Livelihood programmes. The aim is to strengthen local conservation capacity while building practical skills in bird identification, biodiversity monitoring and citizen science.
The training was facilitated by Lance Robinson and John Kinghorn, with translation support provided by Nandi Thobela, Dalu Ngcobo and myself. Our combined efforts ensured that communication was effective and participation inclusive throughout both classroom and in-the-field sessions.
Participants were introduced to key topics, including bird classification, the seven steps of bird identification and the major bird habitats in southern Africa, with a strong emphasis on wetland, grassland and forest ecosystems. Practical field walks in the Ntsikeni Community allowed Eco-rangers to apply their learning in real time using binoculars and guided observation techniques.
A key highlight of the training was the strong enthusiasm shown by participants, who actively engaged in identifying bird species and understanding their ecological significance. This hands-on approach reinforced learning and strengthened confidence in field-based biodiversity monitoring.
All 18 participants received attendance certificates, which recognised their commitment to developing conservation skills and contributing to community-based environmental stewardship. The training marks an important step in linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods and avitourism opportunities within the Ntsikeni landscape, while strengthening the collaboration between BirdLife South Africa programmes and local communities.
NTUTHUKO MATHE, NTSIKENI COMMUNITY CONSERVATION OFFICER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”327049″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”327050″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”327048″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”327051″ img_size=”full” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]
Maps showing the home range of a tracked Secretarybird adult, Nico, at different stages of his breeding cycle.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”signup”][vc_column][vc_row_inner content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1668171482666{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”center”][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Sign up for our informative monthly newsletter”][/ultimate_heading][ultimate_spacer height=”20″]
Oops! We could not locate your form.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951641597{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story5″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327047″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]A community behind conservationBecome a Conservation League Donor and you will play an essential part in protecting South Africa’s birds and biodiversity. Every year, a remarkable group of nature lovers goes beyond simply membership of BirdLife South Africa; they become Conservation League Donors, contributing a minimum of R3000 annually to support our important work. While each gift is meaningful on its own, together this community makes an extraordinary impact. In 2025, Conservation League Donors contributed more than R1.4-million!
These generous contributions provide unrestricted funding, which means they can be directed where the need is greatest. This enables BirdLife South Africa to respond quickly to urgent conservation challenges, support and retain our dedicated team, maintain essential infrastructure and invest in emerging opportunities that advance our mission.
As a heartfelt thank you, all new and current donors as of 30 June 2026 will be entered into a lucky draw to win a two-night stay for two in an Eco-Pod at Melozhori Private Game Reserve, valued at R9000.
Just under two hours from Cape Town and at the gateway to the Garden Route, Melozhori Private Game Reserve offers complete privacy and an immersive wilderness experience. With only a select few accommodations, the reserve promises true seclusion, allowing you to pause, breathe and reconnect with the wild.
The Eco-Pods, thoughtfully positioned across the landscape, blend contemporary design with natural beauty, offering sweeping valley views, wood-fired hot tubs, outdoor pizza ovens and generous hammocks for uninterrupted time in nature. Designed for space, serenity and comfort, Melozhori invites you to slow down, soak in the surroundings and let the natural world restore your senses.
Join us and become part of a community that loves, protects and celebrates South Africa’s birds. Together we can protect our natural heritage.
To sign up as a Conservation League Donor, visit birdlife.org.za/support-us/conservation-league-donors/ or contact me at [email protected]
TARRYN McKECHNIE, PHILANTHROPY OFFICER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776951663828{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story6″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327047″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Saving Botha’s Lark: a story of hope
There is something profoundly moving about seeing a species on the brink of extinction and realising that its future is still unwritten. Saving Botha’s Lark is not just a documentary; it is a powerful reminder of what is at stake and what can still be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
Botha’s Lark is a bird few people have heard of and even fewer have seen. Endemic to South Africa’s high-altitude grasslands, it persists in a landscape under increasing pressure from habitat transformation, shifting land-use practices and climate change. The documentary draws viewers into this world – into mist-covered hills, working farms and fragile ecosystems, where every sighting matters and every bird counts. It captures not only the ecological challenges, but also the human story behind science: the early mornings, the uncertainty, the setbacks – and the quiet determination to ensure that this species does not disappear.
Produced by Tread Films in collaboration with BirdLife South Africa and supported by Birding Ecotours (birdingecotours.com), the documentary reflects a growing and deeply meaningful partnership between key stakeholders. It highlights the network of relationships that underpins conservation, the collaboration between landowners, scientists, conservationists, communities and the supporters who make the work possible.
In a special moment for the project, an exclusive premiere of the film was held for supporters at Isdell House, the headquarters of BirdLife South Africa in Johannesburg, last month. The evening brought together conservationists, collaborators and champions of the species. The message that resonated throughout the evening was simple yet powerful: this is our bird, this is our heritage, and together we can save Botha’s Lark.
The Saving Botha’s Lark documentary is now available to watch online at youtube.com/watch?v=Yw-Gl-l4u8o&t=71s.
Saving Botha’s Lark is not just a film title, it is a shared commitment as well as an invitation to be part of a story that is still being written.
Alongside the film sits the ‘Be One of 340’ campaign, which highlights the urgent plight of Botha’s Lark, with fewer than 340 individuals remaining in the wild. The campaign invites supporters to ‘own a dot’ in a unique artwork made up of exactly 340 dots, each one representing a remaining lark. For R500, a name of your choice is added to one of these dots in a 2×2 m installation at the BirdLife South Africa Grasslands Conservation Centre in Wakkerstroom, with all funds going directly to conservation efforts for the species. This initiative provides a tangible way for birders and supporters to contribute to the species’ survival while raising awareness of the urgent conservation action needed, including research, monitoring and targeted interventions.
MATTHEW OROLOWITZ, BIRDING ECOTOURS FELLOW OF GRASSLANDS CONSERVATION[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1719817004516{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story7″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327088″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=””][vc_single_image image=”327045″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=””][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327046″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=””]Celebrating the African Penguin on World Penguin Day
Ten of the 18 penguin species worldwide are threatened with extinction, with the Emperor Penguin the most recently assessed species that has been added to the Endangered list. Sadly, the African Penguin has the worst conservation status of all the species, having been uplisted to Critically Endangered in 2024. The population is continuing to decline and is predicted to go extinct by 2035 if its current trajectory persists.
But rather than just sharing the bad news this World Penguin Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to share two of the exciting conservation projects that BirdLife South Africa and our partners are working on to turn the tide for African Penguins.
The first relates to monitoring the foraging performance of African Penguins around colonies with no-take purse-seine fishing zones, which were significantly improved (in extent) after a successful court settlement in 2025. We have been working hard to ensure that we can monitor the impacts of these closures on the penguins. One of the most important tools we have is the Automated Penguin Monitoring System (APMS) that has been installed at five of the seven major colonies. These automated systems allow us to weigh the penguins – without disturbing them – as they arrive at and leave the colony. They walk, unknowingly, over two scales, which enable us to determine the direction they’re walking in (to or from the colony) and provide accurate weights and estimates of the duration of their foraging trips. If the penguin has also previously been fitted with a small microchip, we can identify it individually and can tell how successful the foraging trip was by how much weight it gained at sea.
Another phase of the project, hydro-acoustic fine-scale fish surveys around the colonies, will start soon and enable us to link the penguins’ body condition with the availability of their preferred prey, anchovy and sardine. By combining that with information gathered from GPS trackers attached to the backs of penguins we will be able to calibrate the data from the APMSs, making it possible to use these systems for real-time input into the management of the colonies and the fishery. With the breeding season just starting, it has been a busy time for our staff to make sure the APMSs are up and running correctly to provide accurate data.
The second project is the re-establishment of the penguin colony at De Hoop Nature Reserve. Thanks to our efforts firstly to protect the area from predators and secondly to make it look and sound like a penguin colony through the use of decoys and call playback, penguins started settling at the colony in 2022, for the first time in 15 years! Despite a devastating setback in 2024, when a honey badger killed 11 birds, the penguins have still been active at the colony. One pair bred in 2024 and three in 2025. As the 2026 breeding season is starting, we’ve seen increasing penguin activity there. Excitingly, it looks like three pairs of penguins have started staking out nest sites. This is a good sign of things to come, so watch this space!
CHRISTINA HAGEN, PAMELA ISDELL FELLOW OF PENGUIN CONSERVATION[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950459148{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story7a”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Get the latest issue!
From birds on the menu (literally!) in the Middle Stone Age to the 20-year anniversary of the Albatross Task Force in 2026, you’ll find much to inform and entertain you in the latest issue of African Birdlife. You can follow research into how climate change influences cognitive development in birds – and has knock-on effects for the wider environment – and tag along too on a visit to the north-eastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal. And for pure visual pleasure, check out how Thinus van Staden’s bird photography is evolving…
Be sure to subscribe to the magazine or purchase a copy of the May/June issue. To find your nearest retail outlet, visit birdlife.org.za/media-and-resources/blsa-african-birdlife/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950478357{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story8″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Advancing the transition to non-lead ammunition
A Lead Ammunition Awareness Day for landowners, hunters and conservation stakeholders was held at Eswatini’s Mbuluzi Game Reserve in partnership with the Eswatini Game Ranchers Association. This followed presentations delivered to the association last year about the risks of lead poisoning in vultures and transitioning to non-lead alternatives.
Eswatini is an important country for White-backed Vultures, both as a breeding ground and as a corridor as birds move between northern KwaZulu-Natal and Eswatini along the Lebombo mountain range. Reducing the vultures’ exposure to lead in this landscape is important for the health of the population in the region.
Using gelatine blocks in a ballistic demonstration to compare the terminal performance of lead-based and non-lead ammunition, I was able to highlight the merits of non-lead bullets across a range of calibres. The influence of nose shape and bullet construction was clearly seen, but the most compelling aspect of the demonstration was the extensive fragmentation from lead-based bullets upon impact with the targets.
The event was highly successful, and most members of the association committed to switching to non-lead ammunition. Seeing at first hand how bullets perform, combined with learning about our research on the impacts of lead poisoning, proved highly convincing. Engagements with the country’s only gun shop to improve the availability of non-lead alternative ammunition are under way, while consultations with members to identify the most suitable options for their operations continue.
This comes at a key moment, as Eswatini’s hunting season reopens following a moratorium on all hunting activities between 2022 and 2025. Increased access to non-lead ammunition will play an important role in reducing risks to vultures and other scavengers across this shared landscape.
JUSTIN HENRY, VULTURE PROJECT MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950493682{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story9″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]A remarkable contribution to conservation
At its AGM in March 2026, BirdLife eThekwini KZN announced a generous once-off donation of R550 000 in support of bird conservation. Of this, R150 000 has been allocated to the Mouse-Free Marion Project, while a further R400 000 has been contributed to BirdLife South Africa. Of this amount, R200 000 is in unrestricted funding and R200 000 is in support of the Albatross Task Force, a particularly fitting programme for this coastal club whose logo proudly features the albatross.
This remarkable contribution reflects years of dedication, fundraising and the collective passion of the club’s members. It is also a testament to the leadership of the club’s Chair and committee, whose commitment and careful stewardship have ensured these funds could be directed to making meaningful conservation impact.
We are deeply grateful for BirdLife eThekwini KZN’s support and proud to count the club as one of a community that truly stands behind conservation. Its members can take great pride in knowing that their enthusiasm and commitment are helping to secure a future for South Africa’s birds.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950508176{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story10″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]A sugarbird for the Sugarbird Library
John Cooper, the volunteer news correspondent for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, has donated a framed print of a Cape Sugarbird to BirdLife South Africa and presented it to the CEO, Mark Anderson. The watercolour was painted by John’s son-in-law, Steve Erwin of Stencilworx. It will be mounted in the Cape Sugarbird Library in BirdLife South Africa’s Cape Town office in Claremont.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950526743{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story11″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Among the Titans of Tuli
The Tuli Block is one of those magical places in southern Africa. Located immediately across the Limpopo River from South Africa, it forms a narrow fringe along the south-eastern border of Botswana and abuts a remote corner of Zimbabwe. This is a region of exquisite natural beauty, where dense riverine forest lines the confluences of once-mighty rivers and hosts a diversity of wildlife. Its long history stretches from the Stone Age through Mapungubwe (the earliest city-state in southern Africa) to the Rhodesian Pioneer Column and the Anglo-Boer War, and to efforts to turn the region into a tri-nation transfrontier conservation park. Today it’s a region more fragile than you might expect, increasingly vulnerable to the consequences of increasing water extraction, human occupation, wildlife populations and climate change.
No one knows the region better than Clive Walker, author, artist, conservationist, former trails guide and educator, who first visited and worked in the north-eastern Tuli Block in 1966. He has been returning regularly over the past 60 years, leading nature trails, documenting the flora and fauna with pen, brush and camera, and advocating passionately for its long-term conservation.
With the assistance of his colleague Richard Wadley, Clive has written a memoir that describes not only his own exciting and diverse experiences in the wild bush of the Tuli, but also those of others fortunate enough to have known, worked in and written about this enigmatic place. The text is supported by contributions from experts in diverse but relevant fields, and grounded in Clive’s own copious diary records.
Lavishly illustrated with maps, sketches and colour and monochrome photographs, including many of historical eastern Tuli Block characters, the book contains more than 380 pages, incorporating a selected bibliography and comprehensive index.
Anyone associated with the magical Tuli Block or with an interest in our region’s history or in the role of environmental conservation in our rapidly changing world should read this important book.
It is now available at Shop for the Birds! for R475 (including VAT). To place your order, visit Shop for the Birds! at shop.birdlife.org.za/product/among-the-titans-of-tuli/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950541378{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story12″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Where floodplain and birding meet
In the birding community, certain places have quietly earned a reputation, not because of luxury, marketing or convenience, but because when birders go there they see birds – and have a good time while doing so.
Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary & Lodge, situated in the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain between Pretoria and Bela-Bela, is one of those places. The floodplain is widely regarded as one of the most productive birding areas in South Africa, with an exceptionally high bird density per square kilometre. Wetland, seasonal pans, floodplain grassland and surrounding bushveld create a mosaic of habitats where bird activity is constant and varied. It is an area where a single morning in the field can produce an extraordinary diversity of species, from warblers and cisticolas to crakes, rails, herons, raptors and grassland specialists. In fact, in summer it’s not uncommon to record upward of 180 species in a single day!
Positioned within the core of this floodplain system, Zaagkuilsdrift has been developed as a dedicated birding destination with a clear and deliberate focus: to create a lodge designed first and foremost for birders, while protecting the ecological integrity of the floodplain. Over the past two years, under energetic new owner management, the emphasis has increasingly been on custodianship of the floodplain and the long-term protection of this important wetland system. The aim has not been to change what makes the area special, but to protect and refine it so that the floodplain will remain productive and accessible for birders for many years to come.
A network of carefully designed and strategically positioned bird hides allows visitors to spend time in some of the most productive areas of the floodplain, causing minimal disturbance to birds or habitat. These hides are known for consistently close, high-quality sightings of floodplain specials, and for photographers they offer exceptional opportunities in good light and at close range. The approach has been to create a space where birders can experience the floodplain quietly, slowly and responsibly.
Zaagkuilsdrift is perhaps best known for its diversity of warblers and other ‘little brown jobs’, and over time has become something of a hub for bird identification courses, particularly in late summer when migrant species are present. These courses and workshops, presented by experienced guides and trainers, have helped many birders refine their field skills in one of the most challenging and rewarding groups of birds.
Beyond birding, the floodplain itself is an ecosystem of significant ecological importance. Wetlands such as Kgomo-Kgomo play a critical role in supporting both resident and migratory species, and the area has hosted a number of research and ringing projects in recent years. By working with researchers, guides and conservation organisations, Zaagkuilsdrift Lodge contributes directly to the understanding and long-term conservation of this important floodplain system.
The lodge is also actively involved in local community and environmental awareness initiatives, particularly with schools in the surrounding area. Through educational visits and outreach programmes, younger generations are introduced to birds, wetlands and the broader value of conservation. In this way, the importance of the floodplain extends beyond tourism into education and long-term stewardship.
Citizen science platforms such as eBird and SABAP2 have further highlighted the value of the area. Consistent data submitted by visiting birders continue to reinforce the productivity and ecological importance of the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain, and the site features regularly on serious birders’ year lists and target itineraries.
In 2026, Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary & Lodge was voted Southern Africa’s Best Birding Accommodation in the inaugural Birding Life Awards, a recognition of its consistent delivery of what birders value most: productive habitat, reliable sightings, knowledgeable guidance and an environment where birds come first.
Zaagkuilsdrift is not a resort, and it does not try to be. As a bird sanctuary and lodge, it is built around a very specific idea: that if you protect the habitat, keep things simple and focus on the birds, birders will come – and will return.
For those looking for a place where the emphasis is firmly on the birds and the experience of being in a living wetland system, Zaagkuilsdrift is one of South Africa’s most rewarding birding destinations. And it continues to be shaped by a long-term commitment to the protection and custodianship of the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain.
JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950561400{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story13″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Short-tailed Pipits at Doornkop
From rolling grasslands to tranquil waterways, nature has always been at the heart of Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve in Mpumalanga. Excitingly, this month, we were pleased to receive this update from the Doornkop team about a particularly rare sighting they were privileged to enjoy.
‘We are elated to share this rare and incredible sighting with the BirdLife South Africa community: a Short-tailed Pipit nesting close to one of our waterfalls. The Short-tailed Pipit is a small, ground-dwelling bird characterised by muted brown and buff plumage that blends into its grassland surroundings. Its understated colouring and low, creeping movements make it exceptionally difficult to spot, and it often gives itself away only by its soft calls or brief, fluttering flights just above the grass. Its presence at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve is both rare and significant, a strong indicator of a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
What makes this sighting even more remarkable is the choice of nesting site. The area around our waterfall, with its mix of moisture, natural cover and open grassland, seems to have provided the perfect microhabitat for this shy species to settle and breed.
The nesting of these Short-tailed Pipits speaks volumes about the conservation value of reserves like Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve. As grassland habitats across South Africa face increasing pressure from development and environmental change, sightings like this highlight the importance of preserving natural spaces. Ground-nesting birds such as pipits are particularly sensitive to disturbance. Their presence suggests that our ongoing efforts to maintain low-impact land use and protect biodiversity are making a meaningful difference.
While we celebrate this exciting sighting, it also comes with responsibility. The nesting area near the waterfall is carefully monitored and protected to ensure minimal disturbance. We encourage visitors and bird enthusiasts to enjoy the broader beauty of Doornkop while respecting designated conservation areas.
The presence of these pipits reinforces our commitment to preserving Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve as a sanctuary not just for guests, but for wildlife too. We look forward to working alongside the BirdLife South Africa community to continue protecting and celebrating species like the Short-tailed Pipit.’
Experience Doornkop
While moments like this remind us of the importance of conservation, they also highlight what makes Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve such a special destination. Surrounded by unspoilt grassland and natural beauty, guests can immerse themselves in a slower, more intentional way of experiencing the outdoors.
From peaceful birding walks to exploring scenic trails and discovering hidden corners of the reserve, Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve offers a space to reconnect with nature, quietly and respectfully. Whether you’re a passionate birder eager to explore a productive habitat or are simply looking for a tranquil countryside escape, Doornkop provides an authentic nature-led experience.
We invite you to experience the beauty of Doornkop for yourself. Book your stay today and discover a place where nature is not just preserved, but celebrated.
JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1776950584895{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}” el_id=”story14″][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]A birder’s paradise in Wakkerstroom
There are few places where the pace of life slows quite as beautifully as it does in the rolling grasslands of Wakkerstroom, and fewer still where each quiet moment is underscored by the thrill of exceptional birding. At Forellenhof Guest Farm, the day begins with the soft calls of the grassland. Step outside and you may find a Secretarybird striding purposefully through the grass or enjoy the evocative calls of Grey Crowned Cranes carried across the landscape – a reminder that this is one of South Africa’s most rewarding birding regions.
Forellenhof is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway into a rich and diverse avian landscape. Birders can now deepen their experience with guided walks along the farm’s Induku Trail. Designed for groups of six or more, these outings offer a chance to explore the area’s habitats in a far more intimate manner, unlocking sightings and insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.
After a day in the field, return to the understated comfort of the farm, where good food and the quiet of the countryside round off a day well spent.
Special discount: by using the reference ‘Birder’ when booking via the Forellenhof website, BirdLife South Africa members will receive an exclusive 20% discount on their stay.
JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1763632181982{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]Honouring an eco-warrior
As many of you may have read in the news, recent tragic events have led to the unavoidable liquidation and closure of Ekapa Mine in Kimberley. The loss of employment, and other contributions the mine made, will weigh heavily on this city, which has long built its reputation on diamonds and diamond mining. Although many people may associate Ekapa Minerals Group with mining, fewer will be aware that the company was a significant contributor to, and supporter of, a number of conservation projects in the region. Significant among these was Kamfers Dam, which is recognised as one of only four breeding sites for Lesser Flamingos in Africa.
At the forefront of Ekapa’s conservation efforts was a true eco-warrior: Ester van der Westhuizen-Coetzer. Ester is one of the rare in-company environmental specialists who did not believe in allocating funds from behind a desk. Instead, she positioned herself on the front line of conservation during her decade-long tenure with Ekapa. With skills in bird identification and water chemistry, Ester was, more often than not, the first responder in many situations that threatened Kimberley’s birds and their habitats. She campaigned relentlessly against development threats to the many important environmental sites in the region and never hesitated to be available to the many people who relied on her valuable advice, guidance, determination and passion for doing the right thing.
Ester will be sorely missed by many of us who had the privilege of working with her. BirdLife South Africa owes a great debt of thanks to Ester and her team, and we extend condolences to all those who, directly and indirectly, have been affected by the recent tragic events and the closure of Ekapa.
Ekapa Minerals sponsored the Science & Spatial Planning position at BirdLife South Africa from 2017 to 2025.
DR KIRSTEN DAY, POLICY & ADVOCACY PROGRAMME MANAGER, AND DR DAVID EHLERS SMITH, SCIENCE & SPATIAL PLANNING MANAGER[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”327043″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”link_image” css=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”5″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][vc_column_text css=””]You can access previous newsletters from 2024/5 using the buttons below
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”February 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fjanuary-2025-newsletter-2%2F|title:February%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”March 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fmarch-2025-newsletter%2F|title:March%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”April 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fapril-newsletter-2025%2F|title:April%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”May 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fmay-newsletter-2025%2F|title:May%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”June 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fjune-newsletter-2025%2F|title:June%20Newsletter%202025″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”July 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fjuly-newsletter-2025%2F|title:July%20Newsletter%202025″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”August 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Faugust-newsletter-2025%2F|title:August%20Newsletter%202025″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”September 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fseptember-newsletter-2025%2F|title:September%20Newsletter%202025″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”October 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Foctober-newsletter-2025%2F|title:October%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”November 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fnovember-newsletter-2025%2F|title:November%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”December 2025″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fdecember-newsletter-2025%2F|title:December%202025%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_btn title=”January 2026″ color=”primary” align=”center” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.birdlife.org.za%2Fjanuary-newsletter-2025%2F|title:January%202026%20Newsletter”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]If you’d like to read our archive, you can visit our e-newsletter archive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
