The third annual BirdLife Wesvaal Birding Festival, hosted from March 20 to 22, at Elgro River Lodge, once again delivered a memorable and well-supported gathering of birders from across the country. Building on the momentum of previous years, the event was fully booked even before formal advertising began. Clear evidence that this festival has firmly established itself on the local birding calendar.

From the outset, the weekend struck a balance between structured learning and time in the field. Guests enjoyed a full programme of expert presentations, guided activities, and informal moments of shared enthusiasm. Despite occasional weather interruptions, the spirit of the festival remained upbeat throughout.

Friday afternoon began with early arrivals and a quick adjustment to the schedule as rain threatened. Four vehicles headed out on bird game drives ahead of the weather, allowing participants to explore the reserve’s varied habitats and begin atlasing. The evening set the tone for the weekend, with Geoff Lockwood presenting on the life of owls, an engaging and richly illustrated talk that drew on decades of experience. Later, a night drive along the Vaal River rewarded guests with sightings of Western Barn Owl, Spotted Eagle Owl, and Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.

Saturday opened early with bird ringing and a guided walk along the river. The combination of misty conditions and active birdlife created ideal birding conditions before the group returned for breakfast and game drives. Rain once again reshaped the programme, bringing activities indoors and allowing a deeper focus on the educational component of the festival.

Cassie Carstens’ presentation on bird sounds and identification proved both practical and thought-provoking, particularly in its emphasis on ethical birding. This was followed by an insightful session from Dr. Kyle Lloyd and Dr. Marlize Muller, who highlighted the urgency of wetland conservation and the ongoing work to protect the critically endangered White-winged Flufftail. A consistent theme emerged that everyday birders play a meaningful role in conservation through data collection and observation.

Saturday evening’s spit-braai provided a relaxed and social highlight, with strong camaraderie among the 43 attendees. By then, the festival had already delivered on its promise of combining birding, learning, and community.

Sunday required a complete shift indoors due to wet conditions, but the programme adapted seamlessly. Geoff Lockwood returned with a presentation on bird migration, unpacking one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena. This was followed by a discussion on bird ringing led by Pieter du Plessis and Rita Marais, which brought a practical and often personal dimension to the science.
Pieter du Plessis, in particular, captured the room with a story that underscored both the unpredictability and intensity of fieldwork.

Reflecting on an experience in the Central Kalahari, he remarked that he had been “completely unaware that a large black-maned lion was feeding on a carcass just a few metres away” while ringing a Pale Chanting Goshawk. The anecdote drew both laughter and quiet appreciation for the realities of working in wild spaces. Despite the weather, the ringing effort over the weekend processed 25 birds across 13 species, while broader citizen science contributions were substantial. A total of 213 species were recorded on BirdLasser, generating over 2 800 records, and eight pentads were atlased to full protocol. These contributions reinforce the festival’s alignment with BirdLife South Africa’s mission, where birding and conservation intersect in practical ways.

The Giant Kingfisher, a standout sighting and ringing highlight, was deservedly voted bird of the weekend.

As the festival closed with a light lunch and informal farewells, it was clear that the event had once again achieved its purpose, creating a space where birders can connect, learn, and contribute. The success of the weekend is a testament to the planning committee, the dedication of the speakers, and the continued support of the birding community.