BirdLife Wesvaal hosted a memorable Birding Festival at the Elgro River Lodge on March 21-23. The event brought enthusiastic birdwatchers together, fostering great company and lasting friendships.

The festival included engaging presentations and valuable learning opportunities for all attendees. The guest speakers included:

• Stephan Terblanche: “Swifts and Swallows” as well as “Birdlasser and SABAP2”
• Reinier Terblanche: “Importance of Habitat Mosaics for Butterfly and Avifaunal Diversity of the Vredefort Dome”
• Nick Newman: “Birding in Colour”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Kobus Fourie and his staff at the Elgro River Lodge for their exceptional hospitality and generosity, exceeding all expectations,” said Pieter Labuschagne, chairman for BirdLife Wesvaal.

“Our sincere thanks to our top-class guest speakers for their contributions. BirdLife Wesvaal appreciates Nick Newman’s generous donation of a print of his father, Ken Newman’s, painting. This print was raffled and won by Alet Steyn. The proceeds will support a worthwhile BirdLife South Africa project.”

Pieter continues to say they acknowledge the tireless efforts of their planning committee including Kobus Fourie, Lawren Oelofse, Roy Byers, Alet Steyn, and Lounell White.

“We would like to thank Ian Mackenzie and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, Bankenveld Region, for participating and exhibiting at the birding festival. Your contribution added to the event’s success, and we appreciate your involvement with BirdLife Wesvaal.”

If you missed this year’s festival, mark your calendars for 2026, when BirdLife Wesvaal will host another exciting event! Save the date!