International Fellowship of Birdwatching Rotarians

06/06/2026

Want to know what the International Fellowship of Birdwatching Rotarians is about? Have a look at our 2026-presentation: https://youtu.be/QQqCyGyeHjw
Please visit our booth at the House of Friendship in Taipei.

The International Fellowship of Birding Rotarians (IFBR.org), is an...

05/30/2026

This morning, I was allowed to watch the ringing of a nest of young Eurasian Kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) near my hometown in the Netherlands. Seven young and healthy birds were checked, measured, weighed, and ringed, after which the nest was placed back into a specially designed artificial nest. They will fledge in two or three days. An impressive experience! (Made by our member Pieter Schut).

05/21/2026

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is in our logo because this bird – just like Rotary International – is found on all continents. Our member Bjorn Nordwall recently took these photos during the IFBR BirdTrip to the Netherlands.
Remarkably, a television broadcast about this location followed shortly afterwards. The voice-over is in Dutch, but the images clearly show how the breeding season for the ospreys began here on this spot in Sint Philipsland, the Netherlands: https://www.bnnvara.nl/vroegevogels/artikelen/op-pad-met-menno-bentveld-paal-nest-vis-rust . Have a look.

05/16/2026

The International Fellowship of Birdwatching Rotarians hosted a very interesting BirdTalk by Kung-Kuo Arthur Chiang about birdlife in Taiwan. Much attention was given to the Chinese Crested Tern (Thalasseus bernsteini), which is nearly extinct. It is estimated that only about two hundred individuals remain, a number of which is found on an island in the Matsu Archipelago near Taiwan. The birds breed there together with the Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii).

The Chinese Crested Tern has one natural enemy: the Pelegrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), but human factors also threaten this rare bird: Fishermen try to drive the birds away by stealing their eggs, and because China claims militairy control over the Matsu Islands, little human assistance is available.

You can meet Kung-Kuo Arthur Chiang on June 18 after the Rotary Convention in Taipei during our BirdWalk at Guandu Nature Park, which he will lead. More details will be available at The House of Friendship during the convention in Taipei.

05/14/2026

On the left a Chinese crested tern (Thalasseus bernsteini), on the right a Greater crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii). See the differences? Specialist Arthur Chiang will tell about this endangered species during our next BirdTalk about the birds of Taiwan. Be there online, this Saturday May 16, 11AM ET.

Arthur Chiang is deputy secretary-general of the Wild Bird Society of Taipei and he will give us an introduction on birds of Taiwan and of the Guandu Nature Park, were IFBR will host a trip on Thursday, June 18th, the day after the Rotary International Convention in Taipei.

In this session, Arthur will introduce Guandu Nature Park—sharing its history, ecological importance, and the diverse bird species that call it home. As Guandu Nature Park is the location for the next BirdWalk, this talk offers a sneak peek of the birds you might spot during the event.

BirdWalk is organized by IFBR and takes place at the end of Rotary International conventions. This year, the Taipei BirdWalk is scheduled for Thursday, June 18th. To learn more about participating, visit the IFBR booth at the House of Friendship.

What to Expect?
Arthur’s presentation will cover:
· An introduction to birdwatching in Taiwan — Explore the island’s diverse habitats and top birdwatching locations.
· Bird conservation in Taiwan — Learn about current challenges, ongoing conservation efforts, and ways the community is making a difference.
· Insights into the Wild Bird Society of Taipei — Discover the organization behind Taiwan’s bird conservation initiatives.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about Taiwan’s feathered friends, this talk promises fascinating insights and inspiration for your next BirdWalk adventure.
Zoom Information
Date & Time: 16th May. 2026 at 11AM ET
Location: Online. To join the talk, either use the Zoom link or Meeting ID / Passcode.
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7229232260...
Meeting ID / Passcode:
Meeting ID: 722 923 2260 Passcode: IFBR

05/13/2026

Today our IFBR-trip in the Netherlands came to an end. We visited a lot mainly seacoastal areas and viewed and heard 126 species. Thanks to our president Fred Dijkers for the organisation.

Here are a few highlights shot by our member/photographer Bjorn Nordwall:
Ruff(Calidris pugnax)
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and
Eurasian Kestrel (Falco subbuteo).

Next activity for IFBR is our BirdTalk about the birds of Taiwan, this Saturday May 16. For more details please have a look at our Facebookpage. You are wellcome!

05/11/2026

Our Birdtrip to the Netherlands is now on the island of Texel. Shoveler (Spatula clypeata). Shellduck (Tadorna tadorna), Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) and Sandwich tern (Thallaseus sandvicensis) are among the many birds seen on this birders paradise.

01/24/2026

This is the Taiwan Blue Magpie, which we hope to spot during our excursion in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 18th. Magpies (and a lot of other birds) from various continents will be featured in our next BirdTalk by IFBR board member Pieter Schut on February 7th.

In "From Calgary to Taipei" he reflects on our activities at the previous international Rotary convention and looks ahead to the next one in Taiwan. Pieter links this to his fascination with observing birds on different continents.
Everyone is welcome to attend this digital BirdTalk. It's a great way to get acquainted with the International Fellowship of Birdwatching Rotarians. Please use the information below:

Date & Time: 7th Feb. 2026 at 11AM ET.
Location: Online. Either use the Zoom link or Meeting ID / Passcode.
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7229232260?pwd=PlKLc65BKciHNAaOzS8TZboSf6xrdp.1&omn=89722837012
Meeting ID / Passcode:
Meeting ID: 722 923 2260
Passcode: IFBR