March 2025 Newsletter

The court order signifying hope for African Penguins. BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB staff with our incredible legal team on the steps of the High Court. Hope for African Penguin In a last-minute bid to avoid litigation that could have lasted for years, BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB, represented by the Biodiversity Law Centre, have…

February 2025 Newsletter

African Birdlife online BirdLife South Africa is delighted to bring you African Birdlife online, the brand-new digital companion to African Birdlife magazine. Whether you’re a seasoned birder, a nature enthusiast or just discovering the joy of birds, this website is your go-to source for up-to-date birding news, stunning photography daily, trip reports, reviews, interviews with the bird…

January 2025 Newsletter

There’s an excellent chance that Wandering Albatrosses will grace the voyage with their presence. Credit Jody de Bruyn Participants of Flock to Marion 2022 congregated on the ship’s pool deck to show their support for the Mouse-Free Marion Project. Credit Mark D. Anderson Flock to Marion AGAIN! For those who may be new to the…

October 2024 Newsletter

The BirdLife South Africa team at the awareness-raising event in Cape Town. Dr Alistair McInnes (bottom right) was one of the speakers. The event was well attended by journalists, influencers, researchers and others who have a stake in the future of African Penguins and marine ecosystems. Nicky Stander, of SANCCOB, spoke eloquently about saving this…

September 2024 Newsletter

Two large Secretarybird nestlings on a nest platform. Credit Cassie Carstens A Secretarybird feather near a nest is a clue to whether the nest is being used. Credit Cassie Carstens Looking for Secretarybird nests? Eyes down! Spring is here and Secretarybirds are beginning to breed in earnest. But finding their nests is no easy task.…

August 2024 Newsletter

A chick uses its egg tooth to carefully carve its way out of its egg. Many species lay a single egg, which makes that egg a precious investment for the species’ survival. Credit Lorinda Hart Eggsamining the risk of pesticides Perfected in birds, the egg comprises a hard and protective, yet breathable shell formed around…

July 2024 Newsletter

An AI-generated image illustrating the use of AI, BirdNET and remote acoustic monitoring devices for monitoring birds. AI and BirdNET insights We are excited to provide an update on the BioSoundSCapes project, a key component of the broader BioSCape initiative that aims to understand and preserve the unique ecosystems of the Cape Floristic Region. As…

June 2024 Newsletter

This photo of a Secretarybird pair on a large firethorn bush near Memel in the Free State was sent in by local farmer Danie Swanepoel. Hanlie Michau, a local birder, captured this Secretarybird flushing from a possible nest tree near Marblehall on the Springbokvlakte in Limpopo. A Secretarybird on a potential nest tree near Van…

May 2024 Newsletter

Birds of the Karoo Surveying the birds of the Karoo in 2017 and 2018 was one of the more memorable chapters of my life. The surveys were conducted on a shoestring budget, camping and biking to keep costs down and maximise effort, with long stints away from family. Most took place on private land and…