BirdLife South Africa

21/08/2026

Happy Friday, everybody! 🐦

With the South African Bird Fair just around the corner, we’re excited to release the full programme for the exciting day ahead!

There’s plenty to look forward to, including expert talks, workshops, birding and photography walks, book signings, the Children’s Programme with Lessons In Conservation and the inaugural “Call of the Hadeda” competition. We’re also delighted to introduce a new Biomimicry Nature Walk with Jonathan Leeming.

Please note that advance booking is required for:

* Ford Wildlife Foundation Conservation Talks in the African Pride Conference Room and Coucal Room
* All birding walks
* Canon South Africa birding photography walks
* The new Biomimicry Nature Walk
* The Italtile Children’s Programme

Author appearances and book signings at the Jonathan Ball Authors' Corner do not require advance booking.

Spaces are limited, and the early-morning bird walk is already almost fully booked, so don’t wait to secure your place!

📅 Saturday, 5 September 2026
📍 Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Download the programme here (https://birdlife.org.za/event/south-african-bird-fair/) and start planning your day at the South African Bird Fair!

20/08/2026

How can science, communities and landowners work together to protect South Africa’s threatened high-altitude grasslands?

Join us for the next episode of Conservation Conversations on Tuesday 25 August, 19:00 SAST, where we’ll explore BirdLife South Africa’s work in the high-altitude grasslands of southern Mpumalanga.

Based at the Grasslands Conservation Centre in Wakkerstroom, this work combines biodiversity stewardship, community engagement and species conservation to protect important grassland habitats.

Zoleka will share her experience in community-based conservation, Matthew will discuss research and monitoring of Botha’s Lark and other species of conservation concern, and Roy will explore engagement with landowners and landscape-scale conservation to expand protected areas.

Together, they’ll show how science, communities, landowners and practical conservation action can work together to protect these threatened ecosystems.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x1mH7OlASwq3gOuav3lj_Q

17/08/2026

We have a dedicated birding and conservation workshop for young birders at the South African Bird Fair, coming up soon: September 5 at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden!

Book your tickets here: https://birdlife.glueup.com/event/south-african-bird-fair-2026-187238/

Take the kids birding at these seven family-friendly South African spots, with easy hides, wetlands and valuable conservation lessons.

17/08/2026

We're looking forward to seeing the Firefinch team and all of you at the South African Bird Fair, 5 September at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden - tickets available here: https://birdlife.glueup.com/event/south-african-bird-fair-2026-187238/

Firefinch Shop will be at the BirdFair on 5 September 2026!
We look forward to seeing you and have a few new designs that will be launched at the Fair.
Let us know if there are any specific birds you would like us to add to our clothing range by clicking on the link below.

Follow this link for more information about the BirdFair - https://birdlife.glueup.com/event/south-african-bird-fair-2026-187238/

13/08/2026

Meet bestselling author Tony Park at the South African Bird Fair!

We’re excited to have bestselling author Tony Park joining us at the South African Bird Fair on 5 September at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden!

Tony will be signing books at 12:30, giving all Bird Fair visitors the opportunity to meet him, have a favourite book signed, or purchase a copy of his latest novel, King of Beasts, on the day.

And there’s something extra special for our Conservation League Donors. At 14:00, Tony will present an exclusive talk: Writing thrillers – a novel way to help conservation

Hear how Tony’s passion for Africa, storytelling and conservation come together in his writing – and how his novels can help give conservation a voice.

Not yet a Conservation League Donor? Perhaps this is the perfect time to join!

Bird Fair tickets: tinyurl.com/BirdLifeSA

Become a Conservation League Donor: birdlife.org.za/support-us/conservation-league-donors/

12/08/2026

Bird Photography shouldn't be this difficult 📸
One flap and off flies your perfect shot...again.
Ready to learn how to nail it? Join us at the South African Bird Fair for a Canon South Africa Birding Photography Walk, and learn essential tips and tricks to up your photography game.
5 September 2026
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Learn more and get your tickets before they fly away at tinyurl.com/BirdLifeSA
We can’t wait to see you there! Spaces for guided walks, workshops and the presentation programme fill up fast, so pre-register early to secure your spot.
General entry tickets will also be available on the day.
https://tinyurl.com/BirdLifeSA

12/08/2026

Bird Photography shouldn't be this difficult 📸

One flap and off flies your perfect shot...again.

Ready to learn how to nail it? Join us at the South African Bird Fair for a Canon South Africa Birding Photography Walk, and learn essential tips and tricks to up your photography game.

5 September 2026
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Learn more and get your tickets before they fly away at tinyurl.com/BirdLifeSA

We can’t wait to see you there! Spaces for guided walks, workshops and the presentation programme fill up fast, so pre-register early to secure your spot.
General entry tickets will also be available on the day.
https://tinyurl.com/BirdLifeSA

07/08/2026

Are protected areas effectively conserving Africa’s birds?

Join us for the next episode of Conservation Conversations on 11 August, when Dr. Lerm will share findings from his doctoral research into bird diversity in and around Kruger National Park.

Despite Kruger being one of Africa’s largest and most studied protected areas, only a small proportion of research from the park has focused on birds – and much of it on individual species rather than entire bird communities. Dr. Lerm’s study investigated differences in bird diversity inside and outside the park, the effects of the severe 2015/2016 drought, and long-term changes among migrant bird groups.

Drawing on his experience in birdwatching, photography, falconry, ringing and ecological research, Dr. Lerm will also explore the opportunities and limitations of citizen science data, and its value in helping conservationists better understand and protect Africa’s birds.

Join us for this fascinating discussion; register for this and future talks here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x1mH7OlASwq3gOuav3lj_Q

06/08/2026

New at the South African Bird Fair!
5 September, Pretoria National Botanical Garden

Tickets available here: https://birdlife.glueup.com/event/south-african-bird-fair-2026-187238/

Lessons in Conservation (LiC) will host an interactive, playful introduction to the fascinating world of birds for curious minds aged 7 to 10, focusing on vultures through lessons developed alongside conservation experts.

Through play-based learning, your fledgling ornithologists will explore how birds are adapted to survive, how to identify them, and why often misunderstood species such as vultures are so important in nature. Learners will discover interesting facts about vultures, what threats they face, and how young people can take action to help protect them and the ecosystems they support.

The Children's Programme at the South African Bird Fair is supported by Italtile, with our thanks!

Book a spot for your young ones here: https://birdlife.glueup.com/event/south-african-bird-fair-2026-187238/

We can’t wait to see you there! Spaces for the Children's Programme, guided walks, workshops and the presentation programme fill up fast, so pre-register early to secure your spot.

General entry tickets will also be available on the day.

30/07/2026

South Africa has everything needed to become one of the world’s leading birding destinations, from remarkable bird diversity and endemic species to expert guides, excellent infrastructure and unforgettable wildlife and birding experiences.

With birdwatching participation in the UK growing by 47% over the past eight years, this presents an exciting opportunity to attract more international visitors while supporting local guides, tourism businesses, jobs and conservation.

BirdLife South Africa’s John Kinghorn and Nandi Thobela spoke to SA Tourism Update Online about the country’s avitourism potential and why birding deserves a more prominent place in South Africa’s international tourism marketing.

Read the article: https://www.tourismupdate.com/article/sa-eyes-growing-uk-birding-market

A spike in birdwatching in the UK has highlighted a potential growth market for South Africa’s tourism industry to attract more high-value internat…