AS one of the largest and oldest bird clubs in South Africa, Birdlife eThekwini KZN is home to 500 bird watchers, conservationists and enthusiasts.

The club, an affiliate club of Birdlife South Africa, promotes the enjoyment, understanding, study and conservation of birds and the environment.

The club, previously known as Birdlife Port Natal, has now changed its name to better reflect the area it serves and Northglen News recently caught up with Nicolette Forbes, chair of Birdlife eThekwini KZN who gave us insight into the name change, the club’s role and life during lockdown.

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“We have been Birdlife Port Natal for quite a while but there has been some concern since the name was voted in that it wasn’t representative of the area we live in. We felt it didn’t speak to the population of Durban. So in our voting to change the name our members put forward quite a few options we ended up with Birdlife eThekwini KZN. eThekwini as a region made sense to us as our club draws members from the municipality, although we do have a few members outside the eThekwini region and some around the world.

“For me, although Birdlife is a recreational club that facilitates bird watching walks, talks and other educational aspects of birds and their habitats, another important aspect is that we raise money for conservation. For example last year despite it being lockdown we raised R45 000 for various projects. Another important thing to consider is that as a member of our club, other local clubs or Birdlife South Africa, you immediately become a vote for conservation. It’s particularly important when government is proposing legislation or changing policy. Being a member of Birdlife eThekwini KZN is more about what you can give to conservation,” she said.

Forbes also urged residents to plant indigenous as this would bring a greater diversity of bird life to gardens.

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“We live in La Lucia and we had a bird list of 106 species, which I think is also down to indigenous plants. Durban and KZN have an amazing diversity of species, but sadly we’ve lost a large portion of habitat within the municipality. That’s why programmes like Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D’Moss) and planting indigenous trees and plants are vital. You are bound to be a haven for various species by planting indigenous which in turn helps the environment,” she said.

If you would like to become a member of the club, visit www.blpn.org to fill out a membership form.

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