Sasol’s birding weekends have proved to be a real treat for bird enthusiasts across the country, as rare bird sightings seem to be on the increase. The number of birders attending Sasol’s birding weekends has grown significantly over the last few years.

At the recent Sasol West Coast birding weekend, guests spotted; the Yellow-Billed Kite, Osprey, Cardinal Woodpecker, Great White Egret, Sand Martin, Martial Eagle, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Red Shank and the Terek Sandpiper – all of which are rare sightings for the South African West Coast.

The prize for the best ‘rarity’ spotting was awarded to Charmaine Oosthuizen for an African Paradise-Flycatcher, which is the rarest bird sited at any West Coast National Park Bird Count.

“The weekend catered for all levels of birding expertise and provided a unique opportunity to experience the abundant bird life of the Langebaan Ramsar classified Lagoon. This year’s birding weekend was attended by 73 bird lovers, some from as far as Pietermaritzburg,” said Noeline van der Berg, SANParks Honorary Rangers: West Rand Region.

The Flaming-Ingo’s from Curro Private School in Langebaan, under the guidance of Mell Tripp, were crowned the winning school team with 68 species identified. 

In the adult division, the Sociable Weavers, guided by Otto Schmidt identified the second highest bird species of 115, while Vernon Head’s team, Birding Babblers were crowned the winners with 127 species identified.

“Sasol’s involvement in bird wildlife is about conservation and promoting birding as a pastime. Having one of the most diverse bird populations in the world, we aim to encourage participation by all bird lovers and the general public through citizen science,” says Sasol’s Sponsorship Manager, Richard Hughes.

Citizen science is a way for enthusiasts to learn about birds, science and conservation by participating in real scientific studies. Anyone who watches birds, from backyards to city streets to remote forests, can help researchers better understand birds and their habits.

Sasol sponsors birding weekends throughout out the year at various venues across the country. These venues include the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, Mountain Zebra National Park in the Eastern Cape, Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo and the Karoo National Park in the Western Cape.

Each weekend offers birders the unique opportunity to intact with our countries abundant bird life in their natural habitat. Register for a birding weekend near you to be a part of the action.

Spotting sea birds at Tsaarsbank From left to right:  Jean-Maré Huysamen, Janrie Tallie, Jeanique Kotzee and Annika Vorster (sitting) of Curro Langebaan with team Flaming-Ingo’s guide, Mel Tripp

The Flaming-Ingo’s of Curro Langebaan taking a break Front from left: Janri Tallie and Jean-Maré Huysamen

The Sociable Weavers which identified 115 bird species with Pat Bopape (Manager: West Coast National Park)