South African Birding: Events Diary - 1 April 2024
- Adam Cruickshank
- Apr 1, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 2, 2024
We have scoured the web to find the best birding events around South Africa. The Events Diary is a free service for Bird Clubs and conservation organizations in South Africa. If you would like to ensure that your events are listed, please send the details to info@thebirdinglife.com. Please make sure to send the events for the week by the preceding Friday to ensure their inclusion.
Please note, we do our best to ensure that information provided is correct. However, we do encourage you to get in touch with the contact person for the event to ensure details are correct.
This events diary is and will always be free, but if you find value in the work we do, we ask you to make a R10 donation to BirdLife South Africa using the link below. We are not in any way affiliated with BirdLife South Africa; however, we believe in the important work they do and encourage you to support them.
EASTERN CAPE
BirdLife Border
Event: Monthly Meeting
Guest Speaker: "The Life of a Museum Ornithologist" by Phil Whittington
Date: Tuesday, 2nd April
Time: 19:30
Venue: Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve Enviro Centre
Info: Maurice Durrheim 083 650 9723
Date: 13th April (Saturday)
Location: Horseshoe Game Reserve, Beacon Bay
Meeting Time: 06:30 AM
Meeting Point: Beacon Bay Library
Info: Maurice Durrheim 083 650 9723
BirdLife Eastern Cape
Event: Saturday Morning Bird Walk
Date: 6th April
Time: 8:00 am
Venue: Settlers Park
Meeting Point: How Avenue Car Park
Description: Join us for a public bird walk at Settlers Park. Security is arranged, and the meeting point is the How Avenue Car Park. Please invite non-birders to join us on the day.
Cost: R20 per person for security guard
Info: Leslie Blandy -082 388 8877
Event: Club Night
Date: 9th April (Tuesday evening)
Speaker: Lloyd Edward from Raggy Charters (to be confirmed)
Meeting Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: St Johns Anglican Church, 8th Ave, Walmer
Cost: Please remember money for the car guard.
FREE STATE
GAUTENG
BirdLife Northern Gauteng
Event: Bird Ringing at Voortrekker Monument
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Description: Join us for a morning of extreme close-up birding without binoculars at the Voortrekker Monument. Bring your chair, hat, refreshments, and birding books along. Please book your place directly with the ringing leader, Reinhardt Fowler, by WhatsApp before Friday 12:00. This will allow the leader to notify you if the outing needs to be cancelled due to a sudden change in weather like rain or strong wind. The handling of nets and birds can only be done by a qualified ringer.
Meet: To be confirmed at RSVP
Info: Reinhardt Fowler - Contact: 083 407 4588
Event: BLNG Evening Meeting
Date: April 9
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Description: Andy Featherstone will present "Georgia: Mountains, History & Iconic Birds". Andy’s talk will be an exploration of the undiscovered gem of Georgia. Georgia was until the early 1990’s part of the Russian Federation and has remained economically constrained. The country is however rich in history and beautiful scenery, and he will include aspects of this with his talk as well as showing you some of the amazing birds that they encountered.
Meeting Time: 19:00
Location: Greek Orthodox Church on the corner of Lynnwood Road and Roper Street. Secure parking is available by first turning left into Roper Street, left into Brooks Street, and then entering the entrance of the church on your left.
Zoom Meeting: The meeting will also be made available on Zoom. Details will be shared via BLNG Alert WhatsApp group.
Date: April 14th (Sunday)
Time: 6:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Event: Wilge River Valley incl. Hephzibah
Leader: Philip Calinikos
SABAP2 Pentads: 2535_2855; 2535_2900
Description: According to Birding in Gauteng, this scenic drive traverses some of the most diverse birding habitats in the region, including prime Highveld grassland, only a stone’s throw away from an impressive gorge cloaked with moist woodland. The Wilge River Valley is accessed along the Zusterstroom road, which descends down into Trichardspoort with its spectacular red cliffs towering above forest-like riverine woodland. This region offers several species not easily found elsewhere near Gauteng. The kloof has a distinct sub-tropical flavour, which is reinforced by the presence of African Goshawk, Spectacled Weaver, and Ashy Flycatcher.
Directions: From the N1-N4 Junction, travel 50 km east towards Bronkhorstspruit and take the R25 off-ramp. Turn left (north) towards Groblersdal. After 25km turn right towards Zusterstroom (also sign posted ‘Amanzintaba’). We meet here! (Most of the route is on good gravel roads).
Note: Maximum of six (6) cars.
Bookings: Via GOOGLE form
BirdLife Inkwazi
Date: April 16th (Tuesday)
Event: Evening Meeting
Venue: Bryanston Country Club, Johannesburg
Speaker: John Kinghorn on "Indonesian Odyssey - Birding Sulawesi and West Papua"
Time: 7:00 PM for 7:30 PM
Visitors' Fee: R50
Booking: Essential in order to arrange access to the Country Club. Email pennyabbott@mweb.co.za
Northern Region Bird Club Forum Event
Birding Basic Course, Presented by Lance Robinson
Venue: Theory 13th April.2024. Time 08h30 for 09h00 to 13h00.
Fiddlewoods Restaurant & Conference Centre, Inside Ryan Nurseries.
Corner Hawley & Kings Road, Bedfordview
Venue: Theory 13th April.2024. Time 08h30 for 09h00 to 13h00.
Fiddlewoods Restaurant & Conference Centre, Inside Ryan Nurseries.
Corner Hawley & Kings Road, Bedfordview
Venue: Practical 14th April, Time, and place to be confirmed
Cost per person: R600.00
Birding Basics Course: If you are keen on learning more about birds and the birding hobby and have always wanted to develop the correct habits of identifying a bird, or perhaps need a refresher, then this Birding Basics Course is just what you have been looking for. The Birding Basics Course will be held over two sessions (approx 90 minutes each) and a practical outing to develop your newly acquired skills will be arranged.
Course content includes: Reviewing the essential tools (binoculars, field guides, and how to navigate them); knowing the parts of a bird and an introduction to plumage patterns, bills/beaks, and the different avian foot structures.
The 7-habits methodology to develop in identifying birds and an overview of the key habitats where one can find different birds.
Bio: Lance Robinson is an enthusiastic observer of nature with a keen interest in birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. He is reading for a Masters in Science and currently works as an avifaunal field specialist and freelance bird guide. He's currently the Honorary President, a former chairman of the Witwatersrand Bird Club, and a past ExCo member of BirdLIfe South Africa. Lance is keen to share his birding passion with others and presents beginner’s bird courses and other birding-related presentations to bird clubs and at the annual BirdLife South Africa African Bird Fair. Lance is an active citizen scientist and an invited part-time lecturer for bird identification and bird ecology for Bushveld Experience Skills and Training (BEST).
Booking: Email: dennis.townsend4@gmail.com Please send proof of payment
Payment details: PLEASE USE FOLLOWING REFERENCE WHEN PAYING (NF Course & Surname)
BirdLife South Africa bank details:
Account Name: BirdLife South Africa
Bank: First National Bank, Randburg
Branch Code: 254005
Account Number: 6206 750 6281
KWAZULU NATAL
BirdLife Ethekwini KZN Events
Event: BeKZN Walks - Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project
Date: Saturday, 6th April
Time: 06:30 am
Location: Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project, Verulam
Host: Errol Douwes
Leader: Monica
Description: Join us for a double bill to a new area! Explore the Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project in the Verulam area, hosted by Errol Douwes and led by Monica. This area has undergone reforestation, and it's an opportunity to discover what birds have found new homes in this environment. Please note that there is a limit of 15 people per day, so it's on a first-come-first-served basis. Please only register for the day that suits you.
Attendance at activities is FREE for paid up club members. Non-members R 50.00 p/p per outdoor activity / webinar. For information activities@bekzn.org
Event: Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project
Date: Sunday, 7th April
Time: 06:30 am
Location: Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project, Verulam
Host: Errol Douwes
Leader: Monica
Description: Join us for a visit to the Buffelsdraai Reforestation Project hosted by Errol Douwes and led by Monica. This area in the Verulam region has undergone reforestation, offering new habitats for various bird species. Discover what birds have found new homes in this area. Please note that there is a limit of 15 people per day, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Attendance at activities is FREE for paid up club members. Non-members R 50.00 p/p per outdoor activity / webinar. For information activities@bekzn.org
Date: April 14th (Sunday)
Event: BeKZN Atlas
Time: 06:30 AM
Host: Dave Rimmer
Description: Complete a Pentad hosted by Dave Rimmer. Help towards bird information by being a citizen scientist. Join Dave in atlassing a pentad or two off the beaten track and find new places to bird while giving back to the birds and having fun. Register for this activity by joining the WhatsApp group when it is created – it will have a green tick. EACH person attending MUST register using the WhatsApp sub-group for this activity.
Attendance at activities is FREE for paid up club members. Non-members R 50.00 p/p per outdoor activity / webinar. For information activities@bekzn.org
LIMPOPO
Download the BirdLife Polokwane Newsletter to find out more about their events https://www.birdlifepolokwane.co.za/index.php?action=Newsletters%20View&rid=120
MPUMALANGA
Wakkerstroom Bird Club
NORTH WEST
WESTERN CAPE
Cape Bird Club Events
Event: OUTING – Wildevoëlvlei and Kommetjie
Date: April 4
Time: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Leaders: Gillian Barnes and Marilyn Metcalfe
Location: Kommetjie Lighthouse Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: Join us for an outing to Wildevoëlvlei and Kommetjie led by Gillian Barnes and Marilyn Metcalfe. It is essential that you book your place with Gillian in the week before this outing. We will meet at 08:30 am.
Description: We will spend about an hour at the Wildevoëlvlei Waste Water Treatment Works, where we should see Water Thick-knee, Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Teal, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Little Grebe, Levaillant’s Cisticola, African Marsh Harrier, Reed and White-breasted Cormorant. It is not a very large area and is an easy walk. From here, we will proceed to the boat launching parking area at The Kom (Kommetjie). Marilyn will guide us on a walk around the island and then along the boardwalk.
Info - Gillian Barnes 021 782 5429
Event: Edith Stephens Nature Reserve Monthly Count
Date: April 5
Time: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: Edith Stephens Nature Reserve, Govan Mbeki Road, Philippi, Cape Town, Western Province, South Africa
Details: Meet at 08:30 am at the Reserve gates in Govan Mbeki Road.
Cost: Free
Info: Gerhard Bothma 074 320 0813
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Event: OUTING – Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Date: April 6
Time: 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Leader: Merle Chalton
Location: Rondevlei Nature Reserve, Perth Rd & Fishermens Walk, Zeekoei Vlei, Cape Town, South Africa
Details: Meet at 08:00. These regular monthly outings are for all Rondevlei enthusiasts and beginners are especially welcome. Duration 2 1⁄2 hours, but you can stay as long as you like. Bring a warm anorak even if it is a hot day as it can get cold in the hides. Entrance is free. Remember to bring your ID, driver’s licence, or passport in order to obtain an entry permit at the gate.
Info: Merle Chalton 079 343 1047
Event: Paarl Bird Sanctuary CWAC and Monthly Count
Date: April 6
Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: Paarl Bird Sanctuary, Drommedaris Road, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: Please note; the 30 March 2024 count has been changed to 06 April 2024. PBS will be open 09h00-11h00. No access after 11h00. Considerable damage was caused during last year’s winter floods, but there are always interesting birds to be seen and counted. Do come along and assist if you can.
Cost: Free
Info: Gilbert Reinhardt 079 130 7876
Date: April 9
Event: Kirstenbosch Bird Walk
Time: 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: Visitors are requested to bring binoculars with them to be able to see the smaller birds. The walks are free of charge, but the entrance fee for Kirstenbosch is payable. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather. Your leader today is Daryl de Beer. We meet at the Information desk at Gate 1. Organiser is Linda Hibbin.
Info: Linda Hibbin 021 788 1528
Date: April 11
Event: Wildevoëlvlei CWAC Count
Time: 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Wildevoelvlei, Imhoffs Gift, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: Free event.
Info: Gillian Barnes 021 782 5429
Date: April 11
Event: Evening Meeting: The Search for the 17 Endemic Birds of Western Australia – Speaker: Garret Skead
Time: 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Nassau Centre, Groote Schuur High School, 77 Palmyra Road, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: Meet at 19:30. Garret Skead tells us about his travels to Perth and surrounds and his adventures looking for the 17 localized endemic birds that are restricted to the south-western corner of Australia.
Cost: Free
Info: Mike Buckham 083 462 9220 mikebuckham3@gmail.com
Date: April 13
Event: Zandvlei Hack
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve, corner of Derwent Crescent and Coniston Avenue, Steenberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: The Cape Bird Club members have been helping the City of Cape Town by clearing invasive alien vegetation since 1974, when Alan Morris started this activity in the Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, now the Zandvlei Nature Reserve. Come and help our core group, clear seedlings, saplings and cut down trees too. Small school groups or individuals who need to do their social responsibility projects are welcome too. See this link for more of what we do.
Info: Gavin Lawson 021 705 5224 glawson@axxess.co.za
Date: April 14
Event: Strandfontein Count
Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Strandfontein Birding Area, False Bay Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Details: Come and help count the birds, it is a large area and teams are required for the various areas. See the bird count data for this RAMSAR and IBA site.
Cost: Free
Info: Graham Pringle 083 707 1339 gdpringle@mweb.co.za
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