A race against time for Black Harriers

With fewer than 1300 individuals remaining, the Black Harrier is now rarer than the black rhino – and vanishing fast. Without intervention, this striking raptor could disappear from South African skies within just 75 years.

The Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust (ORCT), led by Odette, has joined forces with harrier expert Rob (CEO of Birds and Bats Unlimited and an honorary research affiliate at the University of Cape Town), Dr Megan Murgatroyd of HawkWatch International, Prof. Arjun Amar of the FitzPatrick Institute, BirdLife South Africa and the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Their aim is to discover the movements and breeding ecology of this enigmatic species and the conservation challenges facing it.

In its bid to halt the decline of the Black Harrier, the ORCT has adopted a two-pronged approach: to protect the species’ breeding grounds by partnering with landowners to secure key renosterveld habitat; and to track the harriers’ movements by fitting breeding adults with satellite trackers. This latter activity is providing insight into the birds’ foraging ranges and flight paths and helps to identify zones of conflict with wind farms and develop mitigation measures.

The situation is urgent. Renosterveld is one of the world’s most biodiverse yet endangered ecosystems and it has already lost 95% of its original extent to agriculture. In addition, the Overberg wheatbelt, a Black Harrier stronghold, has been earmarked as a renewable energy development zone, putting these birds at even greater risk from wind turbines.

In a major conservation breakthrough, the ORCT, with support from the World Land Trust and Mapula Trust, recently acquired 270ha of critical renosterveld habitat at Goereesoe, between Bredasdorp and Swellendam. The site supports the highest known density of Black Harrier nests and up to 20 of the fewer than 500 breeding pairs that remain.

This acquisition is a major step forward in protecting a vital stronghold for the species and increasing the Haarwegskloof Cluster, which now encompasses more than 1300ha and is the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld. With only 5% of this habitat remaining in the Overberg, this patch is vital not only for rare and endemic plants, but also for the wildlife that depends on it.

Through its Conservation Easement Programme, the ORCT is linking patches of renosterveld to allow wildlife – from pollinators to raptors – to move freely across fragmented habitat in a highly transformed landscape. By collaborating with neighbouring landowners, the ORCT is also strengthening ecological resilience to changes in land use and climate, with the ultimate goal of protecting as much of the remaining biodiversity as possible. Its work centres on instilling a sense of pride among landowners who have renosterveld on their farms, as it is they who literally hold the future of this endangered vegetation type in their hands.

The acquisition of the Goereesoe land forms part of a broader Black Harrier study, tracking the birds’ migrations across South Africa, Lesotho and occasionally Namibia, and assessing risks from wind farms.

This project shows what can be achieved when local expertise is matched with international support, such as that of the World Land Trust. As the trust’s CEO, Dr Catherine Barnard, noted, ‘This acquisition will play an important role in renosterveld conservation. Protecting this site means safeguarding one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth and the species that depend on it. It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work from Odette and the ORT team.’

Odette adds, ‘We are incredibly grateful to our partners, including the World Land Trust, and the supportive landowners for helping to make this happen. This is a positive step for renosterveld and the species that call this ecosystem home. And it only comes to fruition when fantastic partners work together.’

For more information, visit the ORCT web page: overbergrenosterveld.org.za. You can also watch our latest Conservation Conversation for an update on our work: youtube.com/watch?v=tPbeMqoaOaY.

For more background, view an earlier Conservation Conversation with Sam Ralston and Rob, in which they discussed how Black Harrier tracking research is guiding wind farm placement: youtube.com/watch?v=V814mMZAcIA&list=PLNC61qX8pr_XIEXy3ceee3p9xK4l3jE18&index=10&t=7s&pp=iAQB

DR ROB SIMMONS & DR ODETTE CURTIS-SCOTT, SPECIES GUARDIAN PROGRAMME: BLACK HARRIER

Celebrating birds, birding and conservation

The 2025 South African Bird Fair took place on Saturday, 6 September, at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. Blessed with clear skies and the lush backdrop of the garden’s spring blooms, the event brought together birders, families, conservationists and nature lovers for a day of learning, celebration and community.

Hosted in partnership with Chamberlain Hardware, the Bird Fair offered something for everyone. More than 50 exhibitors filled the grounds, each one engaging with the birding and conservation community. From high-end optics and photography gear to bird art and books, bird feeders and eco-friendly innovations, the stalls created a lively marketplace that highlighted the strength and diversity of the birding world in South Africa.

The day began at dawn with guided bird walks led by experienced experts. Participants enjoyed a wealth of sightings and insights, with many relishing the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned birders. A highlight of the morning was an up-close encounter with various bird species, hosted by BirdLife Northern Gauteng’s bird-ringing team. This rare glimpse into an important scientific practice enabled visitors to watch wild birds being carefully measured, ringed and released, and proved to be both educational and inspiring.

Throughout the day, the garden was alive with activity. Families were drawn to the children’s programme, which featured book readings, craft sessions and scavenger hunts designed to foster curiosity and a love for nature. For those eager to expand their knowledge, the lecture series provided a line-up of thought-provoking talks from leading conservationists. Subjects ranged from habitat restoration and gardening for birds, bees and butterflies to an introduction to South Africa’s most endangered bird, Botha’s Lark. The sessions were well attended, reflecting the public’s growing engagement with environmental issues.

This year’s Bird Fair also marked the launch of our new logo. This new plumage for BirdLife South Africa re-emphasises what we stand for: to conserve our region’s birdlife and habitat. The unveiling of the new logo was warmly received and we were helped in making a splash by Brand Monster. The banners and flags featuring our new logo were designed and produced with much professionalism by this company, whose efforts helped to bring a cohesive and contemporary feel to the day.

Celebration and recognition were central themes. The announcement of the winners of the 2025 Photography Competition drew much excitement. The exhibition of winning entries showcased breathtaking images that captured the beauty and diversity of South Africa’s birdlife, reminding visitors of the importance of protecting these species and their habitats.

As the sun began to set on the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, visitors departed with fresh inspiration, many carrying new books, equipment and, above all, a renewed commitment to conservation. The 2025 South African Bird Fair succeeded in bringing people together, celebrating the wonders of birdlife and strengthening the resolve to protect them.

We are grateful to all the exhibitors and sponsors of the South African Bird Fair and extend special thanks to our partner, Chamberlain Hardware – and, of course, to our members, members of affiliated bird clubs and all other attendees. Together, we lend our voices to our country’s birds and tell the world that we are here to conserve our precious birdlife and their habitat for many generations to come!

KURT MARTIN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The Owl Awards

On 6 September, at the South African Bird Fair, the prestigious Owl Awards were presented to worthy recipients. These awards recognise outstanding contributions to bird conservation and this year’s winners were celebrated for their dedication, innovation and impact. Their achievements serve as a powerful reminder that individuals and organisations alike can create meaningful change through persistence and passion. You can view all the winners and read their citations here.

Win a birding adventure of a lifetime

BirdLife South Africa, together with Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures, is excited to bring you the annual Jackpot Birding Raffle. One lucky winner will enjoy a 7-day/6-night birding escape for two to the spectacular Eastern Andes of Ecuador, valued at R150 000.

From snow-capped volcanoes to misty cloud forests, this unforgettable journey will be guided by experts to help you find some of Ecuador’s most iconic and elusive birds.

Entries close: 12h00 on 17 October 2025 (or when sold out).

Trip dates: 15–21 February 2026

Includes: Return flights from Johannesburg

Trip highlights:

• Spotting the dazzling Sword-billed Hummingbird, the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-rock and the mysterious San Isidro Owl;
• Searching for rarities like the Crescent-faced Antpitta and Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant;
• Immersing yourself in breathtaking scenery, incredible biodiversity, fine dining and warm hospitality.

Only 1 000 tickets are available, at R650 each.

Draw date: 24 October 2025 at BirdLife South Africa’s head office, Isdell House.

All proceeds directly support BirdLife South Africa’s vital conservation work.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Buy your ticket today before they sell out.

TARRYN McKECHNIE, PHILANTHROPY OFFICER

Penguins on a mission!

It’s late afternoon and as the seabird colony on Dyer Island is beginning to settle into its evening rhythm, we are just getting started. The air is thick with the sounds of seabirds – Hartlaub’s Gulls and Greater Crested Terns wheeling overhead and African Oystercatchers calling in the distance – and the ever-present crash of waves against the shore. Amid the bustle, we are carrying out the important task of attaching biologgers to African Penguins. No larger than a matchbox, these hydrodynamic devices capture the birds’ movements and foraging patterns.

Biologgers are lightweight devices that record where a bird travels, how long it spends at sea, and even how deep it dives in search of food. In a place like Dyer Island, home to globally important seabird colonies (including Cape Cormorants and Roseate Terns as well as African Penguins), this information is gold. It helps us answer critical conservation questions: where do these birds feed? How far do they travel? Are changes in the ocean putting their survival at risk?

We deploy biologgers with precision and care, selecting birds with small chicks so that we know they will return to the island within a few days and we’ll be able to remove the device. Each bird is carefully handled by trained experts and fitted with a device using a temporary attachment method that ensures its safety and comfort. It is then released back into the colony. We minimise the handling time to ensure as little stress is put on the bird as possible.

Once we have retrieved the biologger, we get a glimpse into the life of a penguin on Dyer Island. In total we recorded 10 tracks for seven birds in June and five tracks from five birds in July (see diagrams). The data show different core foraging areas between the two periods with the average maximum distance travelled (straight line from the island to the furthest GPS point) being 27km for June and 28km for July. The average trip lengths were 79km (June) and 106km (July), and the average time spent at sea was 17 hours (June) and 33 hours (July).

This information shows how the Dyer Island penguins had to expend almost double the amount of energy at sea in July compared to June.

The results from these devices will guide conservation efforts to safeguard African Penguins and the feeding areas important to their breeding success. The data will also be used to calibrate Automated Penguin Monitoring Systems currently installed at four major colonies, including Dyer Island.

The project wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our field team, our conservation partners and our funders, as well as the ongoing support from our community. Together, we are working towards ensuring that these seabirds continue to thrive in an ocean that is changing fast. Stay tuned for more updates.

PHILIP FAURE, COASTAL SEABIRD PROJECT MANAGER, AND ALISTAIR McINNES, SEABIRD CONSERVATION PROGRAMME MANAGER

Nestflix now showing

Nestflix is footage from a camera trained on a Bearded Vulture nest at an elevation of about 2000m in the Drakensberg. Check it out at youtube.com/@BVRecoveryProgramme and get a glimpse into the breeding activities of a raptor that is Critically Endangered in southern Africa.

The subregion’s Bearded Vulture population consists of about 350 individuals that occur in the Maloti–Drakensberg mountains of Lesotho and South Africa. Isolated, genetically distinct and declining, it faces threats that include poisoning, persecution, the degradation and loss of breeding and foraging habitat, and collisions with energy infrastructure. Bearded Vultures have cultural and ecotourism value and play an important ecological role by providing essential ecosystem services that have economic and human health benefits. Their presence in the ecosystem is vital!

The bilateral Bearded Vulture Recovery Programme was established to bring back the southern African Bearded Vulture population from the brink of extinction. Conservation measures focus on reducing mortality and increasing productivity in the wild and establishing a breeding programme for future reintroductions into the wild.

Current news: The first-laid egg did not hatch. The second egg hatched on 17 August and the chick is growing rapidly. It is expected to fledge in early to mid-December.

A fishy tale…

Many bird species have a close – and predatory – connection with fish and, aside from Sean Thackwray’s examination of the sardine question, it’s a connection that is highlighted in several articles in the September/October issue of African Birdlife. The Chobe, for example, provides fishy sustenance for a Black Heron – and visual sustenance for birders and bird photographers – while over in Malawi, its famous lake is a source of food for humans as well as many birds.

In addition, veteran photographer Richard du Toit is a thrilled convert to mirrorless cameras; Peter Ryan introduces the ultimate global bird list; and running legend Bruce Fordyce reveals his passion for birding.

Looking forward to 2026!

BirdLife South Africa’s 2026 calendar is now on sale! All the photographs featured in this large-format wall calendar were submitted to our 2025 Photography Competition, and the wide variety of species ensures that each month will bring a new and delightful photograph to brighten your wall and lift your spirits.

Buy your 2026 calendar while stocks last! shop.birdlife.org.za/product/calendar/

Our bird, our heritage

This Heritage Month, as we celebrate our cultures, histories and languages, we are also reminded of another treasure deeply woven into our national identity – our natural heritage. South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth, home to some 870 bird species. Only 18 of these are found nowhere else in the world, and one of them is Botha’s Lark (Vaalrivierlewerik in Afrikaans and Unontilontaka) in isiZulu.

Recently uplisted to Critically Endangered in the latest Regional Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Botha’s Lark is the only endemic bird species to receive this highest threat status. Although this classification highlights the urgent risks facing the species, the story is far from over because we are delighted to share our story of hope.

In recent months, dedicated field surveys have yielded encouraging discoveries. After nearly 18 months without any confirmed sightings of Botha’s Lark, we are delighted to report that the species has been found once again. Even more exciting, several active nests have been located, and they have produced chicks that have fledged. These breeding successes offer hope that this rare species can thrive again with continued care and protection.

Our highveld grasslands, the only home of Botha’s Lark, are more than just beautiful open spaces. They sustain livestock farming, protect our water sources, store carbon and provide vital ecosystem services that millions of South Africans rely on. Protecting these grasslands benefits wildlife and people alike.

It is important to remember that four other threatened species – the Wattled Crane, White-winged Flufftail, Cape Vulture and Southern Bald Ibis – have recently been downlisted to lower threat categories. The common thread? Every one of them has benefited from focused, long-term conservation action.

This September, Heritage Month takes on a special meaning. We are declaring it #BothasLarkMonth – a time to celebrate this unique bird, share its story and take action to ensure its survival. This is our bird. This is our heritage. Together, we can save Botha’s Lark.

By sharing this message, supporting conservation work and reporting confirmed sightings to matthew.orolowitz@birdlife.org.za, you can be part of the effort to protect one of South Africa’s most endangered birds. In addition, make your voice heard by voting for Botha’s Lark as BirdLife South Africa’s 2026 Bird of the Year. Cast your vote at birdlife.org.za/vote-boty-2026/

This Heritage Month let’s celebrate what makes our country extraordinary and ensure that these treasures endure for generations to come.

Proudly supported by Birding Ecotours (birdingecotours.com).

MATTHEW OROLOWITZ, BIRDING ECOTOURS FELLOW OF GRASSLANDS CONSERVATION

White-backed Vultures and lead

Working under the red beams of our headlamps before dawn, we carefully laid our traps and retreated to the tree line more than 400m away. It was day four of our attempt to capture vultures in Dronfield Nature Reserve to fit them with tracking devices. Time was running out.

The previous three days had been a test of patience – waiting for vultures to descend on the bait and scrambling into action during the few moments they did. Our aim was to capture 10 adult White-backed Vultures, collect blood samples, fit tracking devices and monitor their movements during the breeding season. By following their foraging patterns, we hope to identify supplementary feeding sites where adults find food for their chicks.

This research focus developed from observations in the field that lead levels in White-backed Vulture chicks at Dronfield Nature Reserve increased by 15% in 2023–2024. We suspect this rise is linked to scavenging on carcasses contaminated with lead fragments from lead-based ammunition.

Increased levels of lead pose a persistent threat to the health of this Critically Endangered species, making it urgent to pinpoint where the birds are exposed to lead. Identifying potential hotspots enables us to take targeted action, such as removing contaminated carcasses, which can directly reduce the risk of poisoning.

By the end of the trip we had successfully captured three adult males. Blood tests revealed that all three had elevated lead levels, and each was fitted with a tracking device. Plans are already under way to return next month to continue our efforts to deploy tracking units on 10 vultures.

Having spent more than three hours watching a single White-backed Vulture before it was finally captured, we found the moment of success deeply rewarding. Knowing that this bird will now help shed light on the hidden dangers of lead strengthens our resolve to combat a poison that threatens vultures across the region.

JUSTIN HENRY, VULTURE PROJECT MANAGER

Safer skies require a SMART approach

The requirement for wind farms in South Africa to monitor and report their impacts on birds provides a valuable opportunity to learn from existing facilities, identify things that are not going as well as they should, and fix them. Lessons learnt can be applied to mitigate impacts during the operational phase but, more importantly, they help us to ensure that projects still in the pipeline have adequate safeguards in place to protect biodiversity in the long term.

One of the key challenges BirdLife South Africa identified in a summary of monitoring reports from wind energy facilities released earlier this year is that requirements for mitigation measures during the operational phase of a wind energy facility are often vague and open-ended. This introduces risks and uncertainty for the operator (and their lenders, who may face unexpected costs), not to mention birds that risk being displaced, maimed or killed over the 20 or so years of a facility’s lifespan.

To find solutions to this challenge, I teamed up with Barry Weisner, of environmental consultants Amathemba, to facilitate a workshop at the International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa Conference in the Drakensberg last month. This provided an opportunity to tap into the collective expertise of more than 50 environmental assessment practitioners and related professionals.

The group agreed that there was a need for environmental management programmes to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely), by including precise and legally binding requirements that specify how a development must address environmental impacts.

Workshop participants also agreed that environmental management programmes need to be standardised to a degree – but not so much that site-specific and responsive measures are inhibited. Although it is important to set a minimum standard, we do not want to stifle innovation and should encourage the implementation of the best available solutions at the time. Finding a balance will be key, and BirdLife South Africa and the South African Wind Energy Association are working together to achieve this.

SAMANTHA RALSTON-PATON, BIRDS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT MANAGER

Make a difference with Woolworths MyDifference

Woolworths has merged its MySchool and WRewards into a new, all-in-one loyalty programme called Woolworths MyDifference. This programme is designed to continue supporting the causes you care about, while offering enhanced rewards and better insight into the difference your contributions make.

As part of this transition, existing MySchool or WRewards cards will soon be deactivated. To keep supporting BirdLife South Africa, please switch to MyDifference by 31 December 2025.

It’s easy! Just follow these steps to help protect our country’s birds:

1. Open the Woolworths app
2. At the bottom bar, tap ‘Loyalty’
3. Under the heading ‘Explore Loyalty’, click ‘Causes’
4. Search for ‘BirdLife South Africa’ and click ‘Add Cause’
5. Remember to scan your virtual MyDifference card at the till.

You can support up to three causes through the programme.

By selecting BirdLife South Africa as one of your causes, a portion of your spend will contribute directly to our bird conservation work across the country, at no cost to you.

Thank you for choosing to make a difference.

TARRYN McKECHNIE, PHILANTHROPY OFFICER

Learn About Birds at Bonamanzi

BirdLife South Africa’s 7th Learn About Birds (LAB) conference is heading to KwaZulu-Natal. Taking place from 20 to 23 May 2026 at Bonamanzi Game Reserve, this premier birding and conservation event combines cutting-edge science with engaging talks for birders of all levels, set against the backdrop of one of South Africa’s most biodiverse reserves. Offering more than 400 bird species to see in the reserve, immersive field activities and opportunities to connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts, LAB 2026 promises an unforgettable celebration of birds and conservation.

LAB is South Africa’s premier conference for birders, researchers, conservationists and anyone passionate about the country’s birdlife. Held over two days, it offers attendees two exciting streams. At the Science LAB, researchers and conservation professionals present their work on the platform of a traditional academic conference. The General LAB, on the other hand, features engaging, accessible talks designed for a wider audience, much like BirdLife South Africa’s popular Conservation Conversations webinars. Guests can move between the streams to suit their preferences. The two streams ensure that LAB offers something for everyone, including experienced academics, dedicated birders or simply anyone curious about the wonders of birds.

LAB 2026 will be held at Bonamanzi Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, 7km from Hluhluwe and bordering iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. The 4000ha reserve is a birding mecca, with rarities such as Neergaard’s Sunbird and Pink-throated Twinspot. Its intact sand forest, a highly threatened vegetation type rich in biodiversity, harbours sought-after species like Lemon-breasted Canary, Rudd’s Apalis and African Broadbill.

If you plan to fly to the conference, shuttles will run from King Shaka International Airport. If you prefer to drive from Johannesburg, the journey is 540km long. The route is busy and the road surface poor in places, so schedule 7–8 hours if travelling from Gauteng. Guests are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday afternoon for registration and a cocktail evening before the conference begins on Thursday morning. A potjie evening on Thursday and a boma braai on Friday night will provide perfect settings to reflect on the day’s proceedings.

Attendees will have access to a number of activities, such as guided bird walks and game drives designed for birders of all levels. These activities will get you out and about in this beautiful part of the country. Accommodation is available in the reserve, and there are also lodges and guesthouses nearby.

BirdLife South Africa’s 97th AGM will be held on the Friday afternoon after the conclusion of the LAB conference. All members are encouraged to attend.

Beyond the talks and birding, LAB provides a unique chance to connect with people who share a love of birds. It’s a space to meet experts, exchange knowledge and be part of the vibrant birding and conservation community that drives BirdLife South Africa’s mission forward.

Save the date and join us for Learn About Birds 2026 at Bonamanzi Game Reserve – a celebration of science, passion and the incredible birds that enrich our world.

JUSTIN HENRY, VULTURE PROJECT MANAGER

Through a Leica lens

At the South African Bird Fair on 6 September, a group of 10 Conservation League Donors enjoyed a guided bird walk led by fellow donor Trevor Hardaker. The highlight of the walk was an opportunity – made possible by Leica Sport Optics – for each participant to test a pair of premium Leica binoculars.

This iconic brand was brought to life in the most fitting setting: outdoors, immersed in nature. More than 60 bird species were recorded on the walk, including highlights such as the Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and Brown-backed Honeyguide, and the participants enjoyed spectacular views of a Red-throated Wryneck. One donor, Alex Jennings, summed up the experience perfectly: ‘It was great to have a guided walk with a superb pair of binoculars.’

The Conservation League Donors reached a new milestone in 2024, collectively raising more than R1-million for BirdLife South Africa! By contributing a minimum annual donation of R3000, you too can become part of this special donor community and help make a meaningful impact.

Learn more at birdlife.org.za/support-us/conservation-league-donors/ or contact me at tarryn.mckechnie@birdlife.org.za

TARRYN McKECHNIE, PHILANTHROPY OFFICER

Call for nominations

BirdLife South Africa regularly honours those who make remarkable scientific and conservation contributions to the well-being of the country’s birdlife.

The prestigious Gill Memorial Medal Award is presented for outstanding lifetime contributions to ornithology in southern Africa. The inaugural award was presented to Jack Winterbottom in 1960 and the most recent recipient was Colleen Downs in 2023. The list of recipients includes distinguished ornithologists such as David Allan, Richard Brooke, Phillip Clancey, John Cooper, Adrian Craig, Richard Dean, Peter Ryan, Roy Siegfried, Claire Spottiswoode and Warwick Tarboton.

The Austin Roberts Memorial Medal Award was established to recognise people who have contributed significantly to bird conservation in South Africa. The inaugural award was presented to John Ledger in 2014, followed by David Chamberlain in 2015, Bruce Dyer in 2019 and Pamela Isdell in 2025.

If bestowed, both awards will be presented at BirdLife South Africa’s AGM, which will take place at Bonamanzi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal on 22 May 2026.

Nominations can only be made by members of BirdLife South Africa and should include a detailed motivation and a short CV or biography of the nominee. A nomination for the Gill Memorial Medal Award should also include a list of the nominee’s relevant achievements, especially publications.

For information about the criteria and procedures, please visit birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/awards/gill-memorial-medal-award/ and birdlife.org.za/who-we-are/awards/austin-roberts-memorial-medal-award/

Please send your nominations to isabel.human@birdlife.org.za by 27 February 2026.