Bird lovers will flock together at fair
Enter to stand a chance to win tickets to the country's biggest bird fair.
The Sasol Bird Fair, southern Africa’s largest annual bird fair, promises birding enthusiasts and families alike a fun-filled weekend on 7 and 8 June.
The fair, hosted in partnership with BirdLife South Africa and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) will be held at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
Entrance is R35 per person, with discounted rates for scholars, children and pensioners. Entrance is free for Botanical Society of South Africa (Botsoc) members. The fair has something for the entire family, ranging from interactive and educational activities for children to photography courses for the adults.
Moreover, there will be interesting activities such as bird identification courses, competitions and guided bird walks at various venues in the garden.
This year’s theme for the Sasol Bird Fair is Going Inland to Save our Seabirds. BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2014 is the seabird, Tristan Albatross (Diomedea dabbenena), one of only two critically endangered species that occur in South Africa.
Dr Ross Wanless, BirdLife South Africa’s Seabird Programme Manager says, “Seabirds, particularly albatrosses, are becoming threatened at a faster rate globally than any other group of birds.
“Through the Sasol Bird Fair we create much-needed awareness about the importance of conserving birds and bird habitats. We need to heighten public interest towards protecting bird life and their habitats to improve the quality of life for not just birds, but for other wildlife and ultimately people too,” he says.
Richard Hughes, Sponsorship Manager at Sasol says, “The Sasol Bird Fair is an interactive experience around birds and birding, and a celebration of our country’s magnificent bird life. We are excited to be involved in raising awareness of conservation issues while at the same time enticing South Africans to experience our marvellous feathered friends. The Sasol Bird Fair is a unique opportunity to combine a fun family outing with an opportunity to learn more about the birds that share our gardens and parks with us.”
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden’s Curator, Thompson Mutshinyalo says, “We are excited about the Sasol Bird Fair, which will enhance our quest for preserving our biodiversity in the botanical reserve and help us educate the public further about the need to take care of the environment and the living organisms it harbours. The public can support this venture by attending the fair in great numbers.”
To stand a chance to win one of three family tickets (one family ticket provide entry to two adults and two children) answer the following question and leave your details in the entry boxes provided below:
Which bird is BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2014?
For more information about the Sasol Bird Fair, contact Nikki McCartney on 083 636 1060 or events@birdlife.org.za.
