Mel Tripp (left) and Stefan Theron with the battle maps. There was no excuse for getting lost on this atlas bash, thanks to the detailed maps for the entire survey domain supplied by Stefan. For beautiful views, just climb a Karoo koppie! A few moments previously, a Cinnamon-breasted Warbler was enjoying this view before it…
Shop for the Birds! As the year-end holiday approaches, BirdLife South Africa is inviting to readers to visit Shop for the Birds! at its headquarters (Isdell House, 17 Hume Road, Dunkeld West) in Gauteng, where they will find a wide range of birding-related items that make perfect gifts for the holiday season. From field guides…
Cape Gannet in Ostrich BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2022 is the Cape Gannet. In a fortuitous turn of events, the most recent issue of Ostrich features three articles on this species, as well as a perspective commenting on its precarious conservation status. We are grateful to the publishers NISC and Taylor…
Participants in the Kruger Birding & Wildlife Challenge are advised to check any African buffalo they see for an attendant Red-billed Oxpecker. Credit Chris van Rooyen Kruger Challenge 2023 From 12 to 19 February 2023 the Kruger Birding & Wildlife Challenge is on: see how many bird and other wildlife species you and your team…
July 2022 Newsletter Ostrich on a roll BirdLife South Africa’s scientific journal Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology has attained the highest-ever CiteScore (2.3) and the second-highest impact factor score (1.09) in its 90-year history. And crucially, the impact factor remains above the critical psychological barrier of 1. According to the Academic Accelerator website, Ostrich is…
June 2022 Newsletter Harrier expert Dr Rob Simmons releases a tagged Black Harrier. An example of tracking data acquired from a free-flying Black Harrier. Fundraising for Black Harriers Black Harriers are in deep trouble. Fewer than 1300 mature individuals now remain, making the species one of southern Africa’s most endangered raptors. Its population is estimated…
May 2022 Newsletter The African Bird Fair is back! Join BirdLife South Africa in The African Bird Fair 2022, which will be held on 22 and 23 July. This year we’re hosting a hybrid event: the entire programme will be available virtually, but you’re also welcome to join us in person at Isdell House in…
April 2022 Newsletter BirdLife South Africa AGM 2022 BirdLife South Africa is pleased to invite you to its 93rd Annual General Meeting, which will take place on 28 May 2022 via Zoom. At the meeting, some of the important work undertaken by BirdLife South Africa staff in 2021 will be highlighted and the Gill Memorial…
March 2022 Newsletter Happy OVAPD members, including the head of the centre, Deborah Gonsalves, with Andrea Angel of the Albatross Task Force on the left. Credit Reason Nyengera A flow chart showing the project’s activities. Credit Reason Nyengera A bird-scaring line preventing birds from colliding with the fishing gear. Credit ATF South Africa Making bird-scaring…
Flock to Marion guests bid Cape Town farewell. Credit Andy Wassung Peter Harrison MBE, as inspiring a guide on deck as he is a storyteller on stage. Credit Andy Wassung Fellow ‘Flockers’ scan the wake for petrels, prions and penguins. Credit Andy Wassung Community bird guide David Letsoalo and Peter Harrison MBE brave the cold…