E-Newsletter 2026
The Flufftail Festival on World Wetlands Day
In celebration of World Wetlands Day, BirdLife South Africa has hosted the Flufftail Festival every year since 2015. The event uses the plight of the highly threatened White-winged Flufftail, a wetland specialist, to raise awareness about water resources. This has taken many different forms, from field outings to puppet shows. This year, the Flufftail Festival was held in Dullstroom, in the Steenkampsberg of northern Mpumalanga, where the first confirmed breeding record of the bird in South Africa was observed.
The Steenkampsberg plateau has a vast network of high-elevation wetlands that are home to many plant and animal species found nowhere else in the country. The wetlands also provide numerous ecosystem services to local communities, particularly in supporting agriculture.
This year, in order to reach both children and adults in the community, the Flufftail Festival comprised two school events and a public presentation. At the school events we talked to 58 learners in Grades 4–7 at Dullstroom Primary School and another 16 in the same grades at The Best Montessori Centre about the ecology of wetlands and about their biodiversity.
We explored questions about what a wetland is, why wetlands are important and why they are threatened. The White-winged Flufftail provided a real-life example of how the destruction and degradation of our wetlands are threatening the rich diversity of these precious ecosystems. Most importantly, we looked at ways in which we can help protect our wetlands. Each talk was accompanied by a practical activity to consolidate the lessons learnt. One activity compared the conditions needed for the formation of a wetland as opposed to a river, while the other matched bird bill shapes to the food groups eaten by wetland birds.
Learners also received the Wetlands Warrior Activity Book, which contains several exercises about flufftails and wetlands. Finally, they each received a copy of BirdLife South Africa’s recently published children’s storybooks, Run Until You Can Fly and Piffy and Zenzy Go Birding, with bookmarks linked to the audio books. The books are aimed at different age groups and can be purchased from our Shop for the Birds!
The day concluded with an evening public presentation and light meal sponsored by Walkersons Hotel and Spa. The event was fully booked by 40 guests, which raised R6630 for White-winged Flufftail conservation. Guests were both local and from afar, and of various ages, including students from the Outpost Wildlife Academy. BirdLife South Africa’s Wetland Conservation Project gave a presentation about how the White-winged Flufftail acts as a flagship species for wetland conservation, with a focus on the work being done in the Steenkampsberg.
Nandi and Thandulwazi of the Empowering People Programme described how the flufftail was a catalyst for the Ntsikeni Sustainable Livelihoods Community Project in southern KwaZulu-Natal to improve communal rangeland management and, ultimately, rural livelihoods. Guests also enjoyed beautiful artwork displayed by Atelier Asteria, a gallery based in Dullstroom.
BirdLife South Africa is immensely grateful for the support of Walkersons Hotel and Spa, Atelier Asteria, Dullstroom Primary School and The Best Montessori Centre. Walkersons Hotel and Spa is a Recommended Accommodation on the GoBirding website. We hope to host the Flufftail Festival in Dullstroom again with our supporters and continue the momentum for wetland conservation.
DR KYLE LLOYD, WETLAND CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGER; DR MARLIZE MULLER, STEENKAMPSBERG CONSERVATION OFFICER; NANDI THOBELA, EMPOWERING PEOPLE PROGRAMME MANAGER; THANDULWAZI NDABA, EMPOWERING PEOPLE PROGRAMME INTERN; & KURT MARTIN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Klein Karoo CAR counts
On route WU02, conducted with Eric Herrmann, one of South Africa’s leading SABAP2 contributors, we reached kilometre six without recording a single Cape Crow. Staring at a blank datasheet can challenge even the most experienced observers, and we jokingly coined the term ‘blikniks’ to describe counts where birds seem conspicuously scarce. As we progressed along the 55km route, stopping every 2km as per the CAR protocol, we’d use the term more often than polite company would like.
The scarcity of birds was probably linked to the prevailing environmental conditions. Many typically conspicuous species, including Ludwig’s Bustard, appear to have shifted eastwards following rainfall elsewhere in the region. We did, however, record one pair, as well as an unexpected sighting of a Giant Kingfisher flying overhead. Although the kingfisher is not a CAR target species, the record contributed valuable distribution information for the pentad and highlighted the ecological insights that can still emerge under challenging survey conditions.
Recent rainfall patterns have been highly variable across South Africa. Whereas parts of the country experienced significant flooding, the Klein Karoo north of Uniondale has remained exceptionally dry since April 2025. These contrasts emphasise the importance of sustained monitoring, particularly in semi-arid ecosystems where bird populations can fluctuate markedly in response to rainfall.
A second route, WU01, traverses the southern slopes of the Swartberg. Although species richness here was only marginally higher than on WU02, the route offers spectacular scenery and reinforced the importance of maintaining consistent coverage across the CAR network, regardless of seasonal variation in bird abundance.
CAR was originally designed as a synchronised national monitoring effort, relying on volunteer participation to conduct counts simultaneously across numerous routes. As for many long-running citizen science programmes, volunteer availability has fluctuated over time, so some precincts now require counts over several days to maintain coverage.
The Uniondale precinct benefits from the dedication of several long-standing contributors. Pat Nurse continues to play a key role in coordinating local efforts, and the Lakes Bird Club can be proud of her ongoing leadership. It has also been encouraging to see new participants, including the Mullers in Klaarstroom, helping to revive a previously inactive route. Nationally, the CAR programme continues to benefit from the tireless coordination efforts of volunteers and organisers working behind the scenes.
My final route, WU08, north of the Baviaansberg, was conducted with family members and my brother-in-law, John. Family CAR counts have become a valued tradition, combining monitoring work with time spent outdoors. Here again, bird numbers were relatively low. The route ends at a large farm dam that previously supported more than 100 Blue Cranes during winter counts. But the dam is currently dry and only two cranes were recorded. Observations such as these illustrate how long-term datasets enable us to track environmental change and its influence on bird populations.
On our return journey we encountered Charles Moore and colleagues completing the EP01 route, one of several that have recently been revived thanks to renewed volunteer engagement. Such efforts are vital in ensuring the continued success of the CAR programme.
Although some surveys may produce relatively low bird numbers, these data remain extremely valuable. Monitoring in difficult environmental conditions provides critical insights into population trends, habitat use and ecosystem health. Birds are widely recognised as indicators of environmental change, and the CAR programme provides one of the longest-running and most consistent datasets for tracking large terrestrial bird species in South Africa. As we speak, the Blue Korhaan is about to appear on the global Red List, thanks in part to insights from the CAR project. ‘Knowing’ is the first part of the ‘saving’ work that BirdLife South Africa engages in.
To strengthen and expand the programme, a CAR Working Group comprising representatives from the public, BirdLife South Africa, the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the FitzPatrick Institute was established in 2024. It is working to revitalise participation, improve coordination and ensure the long-term sustainability of this important monitoring initiative.
Volunteers remain central to the success of CAR. Birders are encouraged to explore available routes and consider adopting an inactive route in their area. Many routes, particularly in the Karoo, would benefit greatly from renewed participation. Every completed survey contributes valuable information that supports conservation planning and helps track changes in South Africa’s bird populations.
CAR routes and species information can be explored at car.birdmap.africa/. For enquiries or to become involved, please contact Tania Anderson at tania.anderson@uct.ac.za
DR ALAN LEE, SCIENCE & INNOVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER
Monitoring the world’s largest African Penguin colony
The African Penguin is facing an unprecedented conservation crisis. Breeding pairs declined from approximately 44 000 in 1993 to fewer than 10 000 in 2023, resulting in the species being uplisted to globally Critically Endangered. At the current rate of decline, extinction in the wild could occur by 2035.
In response, a new Automated Penguin Monitoring System (APMS) was installed on Dassen Island this month, strengthening near real-time monitoring at the world’s largest African Penguin colony. Dassen Island is one of South Africa’s most important breeding sites for the species, and its population, like that of Bird Island, has shown signs of recovery in recent years. Installing an APMS at this site significantly expands the monitoring network along South Africa’s west coast and provides a means for understanding how penguins respond to changing marine conditions in a highly fished area.
Each APMS is a fully autonomous field station in which multiple components are integrated, including dual scales to record penguin mass on departure and return, an RFID antenna and reader to identify PIT-tagged individuals, a Raspberry Pi processing unit with wireless data transmission, and a solar power supply for off-grid operation.
As penguins move across the system, time stamps, mass measurements and individual identification (RFID) numbers are recorded. These data enable us to calculate how long a foraging trip lasts, how much mass the penguin gains or loses per trip, and arrival and departure rates at the colony – information that provides direct insight into how long penguins forage at sea to find sufficient food to feed their chicks. Data are transmitted daily to BirdLife South Africa’s central database, where they are automatically processed, cleaned and visualised via a web-based dashboard, delivering near real-time indicators of penguin foraging performance and local marine conditions.
As we continue to refine and expand this technology, we aim to deploy additional APMS units and integrate these data with fine-scale fish surveys to better understand the drivers of African Penguin population dynamics.
Waddle we do next? Stay tuned for further conservation technology updates.
PHILIP FAURE, COASTAL SEABIRDS PROJECT MANAGER & DR ALISTAIR McINNES, SEABIRD CONSERVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER
Reading aloud about White-winged Flufftails
On 4 February 2026 – World Read Aloud Day – junior primary learners at Atholton Primary, Umhlanga, were treated to a reading of the book Run Until You Can Fly by local author Brenda Daniels. In addition, the school’s senior primary and junior primary teachers were given free copies of Run Until You Can Fly and Piffy and Zenzi Go Birding for their libraries.
World Read Aloud Day, celebrated on the first Wednesday of February, promotes reading books aloud because of the activity’s intrinsic relational and literary pleasures. Run Until You Can Fly is a fun children’s book that uses lyrical language accompanied by watercolour illustrations to tell the story of a young bird who, with the help of his friends, learns to fly. Commissioned by BirdLife South Africa, the book has a strong educational aspect and aims to create awareness about the threatened White-winged Flufftail and its wetland home.
Piffy and Zenzi Go Birding, which has the same core message, extends its learning aspects to identifying a variety of bird species in wetland habitats. These elements are couched in the delightful story of two poodles who go birdwatching with their owner and, against all odds, see one of the rarest birds in the world. Both books expose young readers to some of the major threats to wetlands and why it is important for us to protect them.
The two books can be purchased from BirdLife South Africa’s online store (shop.birdlife.org.za/)
and can be incorporated into school curricula (sustainableschools.natureconnect.earth/resources/). Audio books are available on BirdLife South Africa’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/watch?v=AsZquMdMzxM and youtube.com/watch?v=bGUCv7JqE-4). All proceeds from book sales support BirdLife South Africa’s efforts to conserve birds and their habitats.
BRENDA DANIELS, AUTHOR, & DR KYLE LLOYD, WETLAND CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGER
A busy breeding season for Secretarybirds – and monitors!
The 2025–2026 Secretarybird breeding season has been one of the most productive and data-rich seasons monitored to date. Over its course, more than 75 nesting sites were checked across the study area covering the Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Of these, 29 were confirmed active and monitored closely. Eighteen of these 29 were located in the Free State, reaffirming the province’s continued importance for the species.
Of the active nests, five failed during incubation or early nestling stages, 16 have successfully fledged young, and eight are still active at the time of writing. This translates to a current confirmed fledging success of 55%, with the potential for this to increase before the season comes to an end. The failures were most likely due to predation by avian or ground-based nest raiders, such as crows or caracals.
Data about clutch size were obtained from 20 nests, which yielded 48 eggs. Twelve nests contained two-egg clutches and eight contained three eggs. Hatching data were also available for 20 nests (not necessarily the same nests as those with confirmed clutch size), totalling 34 chicks. At active nests for which clutch size was known, 27 eggs hatched, yielding an estimated hatching success of approximately 56% for monitored clutches.
Brood sizes varied: eight nests produced a single chick, 10 produced two chicks and two nests produced three chicks. However, in both instances where three chicks hatched, only two nestlings survived to fledging, suggesting density-dependent mortality within larger broods.
Fledging data are currently available for 16 nests, from which 25 young have successfully fledged. These figures will be updated as the remaining nests are visited and the breeding season concludes.
Ringing efforts focused on 18 nests, from which 33 nestlings were safely ringed and measured. Sexing results revealed a near-even split: 14 males and 13 females. Brood sex composition varied, with four nests producing two males, four producing two females, four producing mixed broods, two producing single males, and one producing a single female. Several additional nests still require visits to ring and collect biological samples, and final ringing and sexing totals are therefore expected to increase and change.
Although the season’s productivity is encouraging, we are not certain what has driven this apparent upswing. In comparison, 2022 yielded three active nests, while both 2023 and 2024 recorded five each, substantially lower than this season’s 29. We are currently examining regional climate data to better understand the environmental conditions preceding and during the breeding season. A working hypothesis is that favourable rainfall resulted in increased prey availability, thereby supporting more widespread and successful breeding attempts. Ongoing analysis will help determine whether this season represents an anomaly or the beginning of a broader recovery trend.
With eight nests still active, the final figures for this breeding season may yet improve. But whatever the outcome, it has already made a significant contribution to our understanding of Secretarybird breeding performance and strengthens the long-term demographic dataset for the species.
If you know of a Secretarybird nest in your area, please report the details to me at cassie.carstens@birdlife.org.za or on our website.
CASSIE CARSTENS, SECRETARYBIRD PROJECT MANAGER
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GoBirding! at Gartmore Guest Farm
Lying in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Gartmore Guest Farm is a natural gem that deserves a place on every birder’s travel itinerary. It is here that farmlands, rivers, wetlands and natural floodplains create a landscape teeming with avian specialities.
The farm holds an important place in conservation history, having played a key role in protecting the remarkable biodiversity of the Karkloof region through the establishment of the Karkloof Conservancy. Today, Gartmore remains an example of how agriculture can co-exist harmoniously with birds and wildlife, as well as the rich frog and insect life that helps sustain this delicate ecosystem.
The Yarrow and Karkloof rivers, along with their associated wetlands and floodplains, provide exceptional habitat for waterbirds. Gartmore is also one of the rare locations where visitors can sit quietly and observe all three crane species found in South Africa – Wattled, Blue and Grey Crowned – often from a single vantage point.
Time spent in the well-equipped bird hides or exploring the farm on foot offers opportunities for birders to encounter a remarkable diversity of species. Notable sightings include Southern Bald Ibis, African Spoonbill, Buff-spotted and Red-chested flufftails, Black-winged Lapwing, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Fish Eagle, Denham’s Bustard, Secretarybird, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Lesser Moorhen, Baillon’s Crake and, in wetter years, Lesser Jacana.
Guests can choose from a range of thoughtfully appointed accommodation options, from cosy, romantic cottages to spacious, family-friendly farmhouses. Each comfortably equipped unit is privately positioned to maximise the sense of tranquillity, with beautiful views across the farm’s wetlands and grasslands and the rolling Midlands countryside.
Whether visiting for a dedicated birding trip or a relaxing countryside escape, there is an option to suit every guest, be they birders or not.
Come birding at Gartmore and experience the wonder of the Midlands!
gartmoreguestfarm.com │ WhatsApp/call Bron 082 210 0165│Instagram @gartmore_guestfarmkzn │ Facebook @gartmoreguestfarm
JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER
Travelling to connect birding and conservation
For passionate birders, travel is becoming far more than simply ticking another species off a list. It’s about immersion, learning and connection – and contributing to the conservation of the very birds we are able to admire. That philosophy sits at the core of Birding Ecotours, a specialist birding tour company founded in South Africa that operates globally. Importantly, it has built up a reputation in the industry for exceptional guiding, thoughtfully designed itineraries and a meaningful commitment to conservation.
Birding Ecotours offers small-group birding tours across all seven continents, from the fynbos and grasslands of southern Africa to the rainforests of South America, the islands of South-East Asia and the outback of Australia. Each tour is carefully curated to balance high-quality birding with comfortable travel, local expertise and authentic experiences.
The company’s small-group model ensures personalised attention, flexibility in the field and a relaxed pace that allows participants to truly appreciate each sighting. Tours are led by highly experienced guides who combine deep field knowledge and years of developing skills with a genuine passion for sharing birds, habitats and conservation stories with others.
And then there’s the conservation element. As a company, Birding Ecotours pledges to donate 10% of its profits directly to bird conservation initiatives. This contribution supports projects that protect threatened species, restore habitats and empower local communities to become stewards of their natural heritage. One such project is BirdLife South Africa’s crucial work to save the Critically Endangered Botha’s Lark. Birders who have travelled with the company have thus enabled it to fund the ‘Birding Ecotours Fellow of Grasslands Conservation’, a position held by my colleague Matthew Orolowitz.
Biodiversity is under increasing pressure, and responsible avitourism has the power to make a difference. Choosing the correct service provider is important, but opting for one that re-invests in conservation, supports sustainable avitourism practices and adheres to legislative guiding and qualification requirements enables you to become an active participant in safeguarding the future of the very birds you are travelling to enjoy – and in supporting the healthy development of a bustling industry.
In amplification of this, Birding Ecotours works closely with BirdLife South Africa Accredited (Community) Bird Guides, with our network of Recommended Establishments and Lodges, and with communities, ensuring that tourism revenue supports local economies. The result is that travel is not only rewarding for participants, but also beneficial for the landscapes and communities that host them.
For birders seeking expertly guided adventures with purpose, Birding Ecotours offers more than a tour; it offers the opportunity to explore the world’s most remarkable birdlife while contributing to its safekeeping.
Discover more. Travel with impact. Bird with purpose.
JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER
A workshop for leaders of bird club outings
Bird club leadership plays a vital role in shaping ethical, inspiring and conservation-focused birding communities. To support and strengthen this role, BirdLife South Africa, in partnership with the Northern Regions Bird Club Forum, invites bird club leaders – current and aspiring – club members and committee members to attend the Bird Club Leaders Training & Activation Workshop.
Date : 14 March 2026
Time : 09h00–16h30
Venue : Random Harvest Nursery, Johannesburg
This full-day workshop aims to:
- Equip outing leaders with practical tools to enhance their leadership abilities;
- Inspire fresh ideas in leaders and advise how to coordinate their outings;
- Provide first-hand insights into the ecotourism industry and an overview of legislative requirements from qualified legal and tourism professionals;
- Encourage improved communication and first-aid practices among club structures;
- Activate meaningful and sustainable birding practices within the club’s area of operation.
So whether you’re newly appointed or have years of experience, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another, tap into the experience of industry specialists and re-energise your club’s vision and impact. We encourage all bird club leaders, members and committee members to attend and help shape the future of responsible, sustainable and ethical birding in South Africa.
To book, please contact the NRBC Forum chairperson at dennis.townsend4@gmail.com; 083 625 4136
JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER
Stranded on St Helena
BirdLife South Africa has spent the past 15 years cleverly developing fundraising initiatives, and one of the most popular has been its series of ‘Flocks’. There is an immense amount of critical bird conservation work to do and resources are essential. While traditional fundraising methods, such as applications to corporations, foundations and international institutions, remain important, BirdLife South Africa also uses innovative approaches to raise unrestricted funds. These funds are vital for urgent conservation interventions and to keep the organisation’s core – its ‘engine room’ – running smoothly.
The four ‘Flocks’ in 2013, 2017, 2022 and 2025 were particularly successful, and Flock to Marion AGAIN! in January 2025 has become one of the country’s most talked-about birding events, leaving an unforgettable impression on all passengers. We also recently chartered a Rovos Rail train, taking 72 guests on a five-night birding-by-rail adventure.
In late January 2026, BirdLife South Africa embarked on an even more ambitious fundraiser: Flock to St Helena Island. Around 60 birders were divided into three groups for a journey to this remote Atlantic Ocean island. The event was meticulously planned, thanks largely to Clare Neall, BirdLife South Africa’s experienced Events Manager. Clare worked closely with Tarryn McKechnie, our Philanthropy Officer, and the highly recommended Aaron’s Adventure Tours to organise several days of exploration and learning on St Helena.
Everything was carefully arranged, from bird checklists and branded water bottles and golf shirts to pre-arranged meals with the hospitable ‘Saints’. Despite knowing that flights to and from St Helena can be affected by the island’s occasional low clouds and strong winds, we were confident that the trip would run smoothly.
We were, however, in for a surprise! Group 2’s planned four-night stay extended to two weeks, while Group 3 never arrived. The reason? Technical issues with the airport’s fire-fighting equipment forced a closure to commercial flights. Ironically, on the very morning we received the news, Group 2 guests had been hoping to extend their stay because they’d enjoyed the island so much!
Parts for the fire-fighting equipment were hastily manufactured in Germany, flown to South Africa and then sent to St Helena on a chartered flight. Technicians worked around the clock to complete repairs. Though mixed emotions surfaced when we had to plan our return to South Africa, we had thoroughly enjoyed the island, its birds, the warm, crystal-clear ocean, snorkelling, delicious food and, most importantly, the warmth and hospitality of the ‘Saints’.
Highlights of the trip included observing the island’s only extant endemic terrestrial bird, the Wirebird, guided by the eccentric Eddy Duff. We saw all 10 commonly observed species, including Masked and Brown boobies, Black and Brown noddies, Fairy Terns (I still prefer their old name) and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Among introduced species, we spotted all except the Chukar Partridge.
Our adventures weren’t limited to birds. We explored historical sites, including Napoleon’s residence and tomb, the Boer cemetery and numerous coastal fortifications. Sadly, the whale sharks, although present, remained elusive, so there was no opportunity to swim with these large fish. Most guests couldn’t resist climbing the 699 steps of the famous Jacob’s Ladder. My wife Tania and I ascended it 16 times, improving our time with each climb!
St Helena is a truly remarkable destination and there may well be opportunities for another Flock to St Helena Island next year – and perhaps in the years beyond.
MARK D. ANDERSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The 7th LAB & the 97th AGM
BirdLife South Africa, in partnership with the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, invites you to one of South Africa’s premier birding destinations for the 7th Learn About Birds Conference, hosted at the beautiful Bonamanzi Game Reserve.
Nestled within spectacular sand forest and moist savanna, Bonamanzi offers exceptional birding opportunities, including the chance to encounter some of South Africa’s rarest and most sought-after species, such as the Green Malkoha and African Broadbill. Whether you are a researcher or a seasoned twitcher, or you’re just beginning your birding journey, this conference promises inspiration, learning and meaningful connection for all.
Conference rates include a welcome function on Wednesday evening, as well as lunches and dinners on Thursday and Friday. To ensure an immersive and engaging experience, space is limited to 180 delegates. Registration closes in mid-April, so early booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
When registering, please ensure that all required fields are completed. If you experience difficulty accessing the payment portal, double-check your information (particularly the Country selection) and resubmit your registration.
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an inspiring and memorable gathering of South Africa’s vibrant birding community.
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