South African Birding: Events Diary - 4 March 2024
- Adam Cruickshank
- Mar 4, 2024
- 1 min read
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 (also AGM)
Date: Tuesday, 5 March
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve Enviro Centre
Description: Join us for our monthly meeting, which also serves as the Annual General Meeting (AGM). There will be a presentation on the birding trip to Pafuri, Kruger National Park in November 2023 by Christiaan de Wet.
Info: Maurice Durrheim 083 650 9723
Event: Sutherland Seedlings Outing
Date: 9th March
Location: Sunrise On-Sea, Beacon Bay
Meet: Library at 6:00 am
Description: Join us for an outing to Sutherland Seedlings in Sunrise On-Sea, Beacon Bay. We will meet at the library at 6:00 am.
Info: Maurice Durrheim 083 650 9723
BirdLife Eastern Cape
Event: Morning Outing at Pabala Reserve
Date: March 7 (Thursday)
Time: 6:00 am
Location: Pabala Reserve
Leader: Leslie Blandy - Contact: 082 388 8877
Meeting Point: Pick and Pay 4th Ave Newton Park
Cost: R80.00 per passenger to cover petrol costs
Description: Join us for a morning outing at Pabala Reserve led by Leslie Blandy. We will meet at 6:00 am at the Pick and Pay 4th Ave Newton Park. Each passenger is required to contribute R80.00 to cover petrol costs.
Info: Leslie Blandy 082 388 8877
Event: Club Night
Date: 12th March
Time: Tuesday evening, 6:30 pm
Speaker: Graham Taylor
Topic: The Historical Importance of the Wetlands of Gqeberha
Location: St. John's Anglican Church, 8th Ave, Walmer
Cost: Please remember money for the car guard.
Description: Join us for an enlightening Club Night as Graham Taylor discusses the historical significance of the Wetlands of Gqeberha. The meeting will commence at 6:30 pm at St. John's Anglican Church. Don't forget to bring cash for the car guard.
Event: Morning Outing
Date: 14th March (Thursday Morning)
Venue: Geelkrans near Hankey
Meet: 6:00 am at Pick and Pay 4th Ave Newton Park
Cost: R80.00 per passenger to cover petrol costs
Description: Join us for a morning outing to Geelkrans near Hankey led by Barry Kurten. We will meet at 6:00 am at the Pick and Pay 4th Ave Newton Park. Each passenger is required to contribute R80.00 to cover petrol costs.
Info - Barry Kurten 084 779 3448
FREE STATE
BirdLife Free State
Event: BirdLife Free State AGM
Date: Thursday, 7th March
Time: 7:00 pm
Venue: Free State Archives, 29 Badenhorst Street, Universitas, Bloemfontein
Description: Join us for the BirdLife Free State Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Free State Archives. The meeting will be followed by a talk by Dr. Doug Harebottle of the Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, on the tracking of Lesser Flamingos. The talk is titled "I believe I can fly – What have we learned from tracking rescued Lesser Flamingos". Refreshments will be served afterwards. Visitors are welcome.
Info: Louise Coetzee 082 382 1341
Event: Day Outing
Date: Saturday, 9th March
Description: Join us for a day outing to a farm adjacent to Tierpoort Dam, located approximately 25 km out of town. Many very interesting sightings have recently been recorded from this farm. Visitors are welcome.
Info: Marelize Badenhorst 082 412 1211
GAUTENG
BirdLife Northern Gauteng
Event: Birding at Roodekopjes Dam
Date: Saturday, 9th March
Time: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm
Description: Join us for a birding expedition at Roodekopjes Dam, where excellent bird sightings are always expected. We anticipate a diverse range of bird species, including water birds, waders, and bushveld species found in patches of mixed woodland and acacia. Some species we hope to see include Black-crowned Night-heron, Goliath Heron, Black-winged Pratincole, Violet-eared Waxbill, Giant Kingfisher, as well as challenging species like Grey Tit-Flycatcher, African Crake, Great Reed-warbler, and various "thicket" Warblers. Remember to bring a camping chair, lunch, drinks, snacks, and friends who enjoy birding. Everyone is welcome!
Directions: From Pretoria, travel north on the N4 highway towards Rustenburg. After the second tollgate, take the R511 (Brits/Sandton) off-ramp and turn right (north). Continue through Brits town until you cross a railway line. After the rail, measure 8.5 km to the left turnoff marked 'Kameeldrift', beside large bluegum trees, leading to Roodekopjes Hengeloord. We'll meet at the Bridge crossing the Crocodile River, just off the R511, approximately 500m from the turn-off, on the road towards the Reserve's entrance (Roodekopjes Hengeloord). The bridge over the Crocodile River offers excellent scanning opportunities. The travel time from the inner city is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. An entrance fee of R60 per person per day is payable.
Booking: Please make bookings via the GOOGLE form.
Info: burgersza@gmail.com
Event: BLNG Evening Meeting
Date: Tuesday, March 12
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Description: Join us for the Evening Meeting on Tuesday, March 12th. Dr. Linda van der Heever will discuss lead poisoning in vultures. Linda will provide an update on her most recent research findings on this pressing issue, highlighting why the continued use of lead ammunition for hunting, culling, or game management purposes is detrimental to the health of our embattled vulture populations.
Meeting Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Greek Orthodox Church, corner of Lynnwood Road and Roper Street, Pretoria.
Directions: From the N1, travel west on Lynnwood Road. We will be meeting at the Greek Orthodox Church on the corner of Lynnwood Road and Roper Street. Secure parking is available by first turning left into Roper Street, then left into Brooks Street, and then entering the entrance of the church on your left.
Zoom Meeting: The meeting will also be available on Zoom. Details will be shared via the BLNG Alert WhatsApp group.
Event: Magaliesberg Hike (MBT)
Date: Wednesday, March 13
Time: 6:30 am – 11:30 am
Description: Come and hike together in the Magaliesberg from Wonderboom Lapa, behind Wonderboom High School. The route is maintained by "Friends of Magalies". There is a wide variety of hiking trails that can be undertaken, varying in difficulty. The hiking trail starts at Wonderboom Lapa where a stream flows past, attracting a wide variety of birds such as the purple indigobird, lesser honeyguide, greater honeyguide, orange-breasted bushshrike, cinnamon-breasted bunting, violet-backed starling, brown-backed honeybird, black cuckooshrike, shelley's francolin, and many more. Beautiful wild syringa adorn the ridge, creating an ambiance of being miles outside the city. Other species include Flappet Lark, White-throated Robin-chat, Green-winged Pytilia, Red-billed / Jameson Firefinches, various cuckoos, Black / Brown-crowned Tchagra, etc. Watch out for birds of prey and waterfowl flying overhead.
Meeting Time: 6:30 am
Leader: Ilse Muller
SABAP2 Pentad: 2540_2810
Bookings: Please make bookings via the GOOGLE form: Google Form
Directions: Wonderboom Lapa appears on Google Maps, so if entered into Google Maps there should not be any problem with finding the destination. The last section can perhaps feel a little strange, as one has to drive past Hoërskool Wonderboom’s main entrance and then past a boom that is usually open. The road forks, take the right-hand road and drive along the upper boundary of Hoërskool Wonderboom until the road ends at Wonderboom Lapa. Meet at the entrance.
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 SIT-IN
Date: Thursday, 14th March
Time: 07:30 am
Location: Memorial Park, Kloof
Host: Jenny Norman
Description: Join us for a sit-in at Memorial Park, hosted by Jenny Norman. This park in the Kloof area was donated to the community by two farmers in memory of their sons killed in the 2nd World War. It features a nice reed bed for bishops and weavers and plenty of mature trees. We will sit near the reed bed in the shade of one of the trees and see what wildlife appears. During our last sit-in, we observed a diverse range of species, including African Crowned Eagle, Woolly-necked Stork, Violet-backed Starling, Trumpeter Hornbill, and even a sighting of Red-chested Cuckoo. Register for this activity by joining the WhatsApp group when it is created – it will have a green tick.
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: BEKZN DAY-TRIPPING
Date: Saturday, 16th March
Time: 06:30 am
Location: Cumberland Nature Reserve, Pietermaritzburg
Host: Adam Cruickhank
Description: Join us for a day-trip to Cumberland Nature Reserve, hosted by Adam Cruickshank. This private nature reserve near Table Mountain by Pietermaritzburg features beautiful grassland with Acacia trees and a small river gorge. African Finfoot has been frequently spotted in the river, along with Striped Pipits on the cliff and various Bush Shrikes. The reserve can be excellent for raptors. Please note that there is an entry fee payable by cash. Register for this activity by joining the WhatsApp group when it is created – it will have a green tick.
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.orgCruickshank
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
BirdLife Wesvaal Events
WESTERN CAPE
Cape Bird Club Events
Event: Zandvlei Hack
Date: March 9
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
Description: The Cape Bird Club has been assisting the City of Cape Town in clearing invasive alien vegetation since 1974, starting with Alan Morris's initiative in the Wildwood Bird Sanctuary, now known as the Zandvlei Nature Reserve. Join our core group to clear seedlings, saplings, and cut down trees to help restore the natural habitat. Small school groups or individuals seeking to fulfill their social responsibility projects are also welcome to participate.
Info Gavin Lawson 021 705 5224 / glawson@axxess.co.za
Event: Kirstenbosch Bird Walk
Date: March 12
Time: 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Description: Join us for the Kirstenbosch Bird Walk led by Otto Schmidt. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars to enhance their birdwatching experience and observe smaller birds more closely. The walk is free of charge, but please note that the entrance fee for Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is payable. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. The group will meet at the Information desk at Gate 1. Organized by Linda Hibbin.
Info - Linda Hibbin 021 788 1528 / hibbins@telkomsa.net
Event: Wildevoëlvlei CWAC Count
Date: March 14
Time: 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Wildevoelvlei, Imhoffs Gift, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Description: Participate in the Wildevoëlvlei CWAC Count, where we will be conducting a waterbird count. This event is free of charge.
Info - Gillian Barnes 021 782 5429
Event: Evening Meeting: 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Cape Bird Club
Date: March 14
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Nassau Centre, Groote Schuur High School, 77 Palmyra Road, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Description: Join us for the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Cape Bird Club. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the Chairman’s Report, review the Financial Statements, and engage in discussions about the club’s activities over the previous year. Tonight's speakers include Mike Buckham, Joy Smith, and young birders from the Mentorship Program.
Info 021 674 2165
Event: Outing – Farewell the Waders at Langebaan Lagoon, West Coast National Park
Date: March 17
Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: West Coast National Park, Geelbek Car Park, West Coast National Park, Western Province, South Africa
Description: Join us for a special outing to bid farewell to the waders at Langebaan Lagoon. Led by Mel Tripp, we will meet at 7:15 am at the Geelbek Homestead car park. Remember to bring your Wild Card to avoid paying the entrance fee. Catching the tides at the right time is crucial for optimal viewing of waders at Langebaan Lagoon. We will begin with bush birding on the way to Seeberg Hide before returning to Geelbek by 1:00 pm. Optionally, Abrahamskraal or Tsaarsbank can be explored after lunch. We recommend carpooling and planning for a full day's outing. Don't forget to bring chairs and refreshments.
Info - Mel Tripp 083 461 4365 / trippmel3@gmail.com
OTHER
Commentaires