The largest bird fair of its kind in southern Africa, the Sasol Birds and Birding Fair will be held at the Joburg Zoo on the 26th and 27th May 2012. Birding and outdoor enthusiasts are set to come through in their thousands over the weekend. Both days promise to be fun-filled with loads of free activities, exhibitions, workshops and guided bird walks for the entire family.

 
The entrance fee is reduced for the weekend, at R35 per person. The aim of the fair is to educate and excite the public about birding conservation, and create a love for nature. The Sasol Birds and Birding Fair is a project of Birdlife South Africa, sponsored by Sasol and is held annually at the Joburg Zoo. Africa Birds and Birding magazine is also a partner to the fair.
 
The focus is on birds of prey and this year, the fair celebrates the iconic wetland specialist, the African Fish-Eagle. With its distinctive plumage and evocative cry, the African Fish-Eagle is the ideal ambassador for all raptors across the country. Its distinctive call is often referred to as ‘the voice of Africa’. The African Fish-Eagle is considered a vulnerable species in some countries, due to its sparse population.
 
Richard Hughes, sponsorship manager at Sasol says that our country has one of the most diverse bird populations in the world and this should be relished. “We are excited to be involved in raising awareness of conservation issues, showcasing South Africa’s bird population and promoting birding as a past time, while at the same time, enticing South Africans to experience these feathered friends,” he adds.
 
According to Louise Gordon, Executive Manager: Marketing and Education at Joburg Zoo, the Sasol Bird Fair is a unique opportunity to combine a fun family outing at the Zoo, with an opportunity to learn more about birds that share our gardens and parks with us. “We look forward to an exciting and busy weekend as the Zoo will have more on offer than usual,” she adds.
 
For Mark D. Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at BirdLife South Africa, the Sasol Birds and Birding Fair is an important annual event for them, as it raises awareness of the organisation and its bird and bird habitat conservation projects.
 
There will be a wide variety of exhibitors displaying their wares on the Centenary Lawn of the Zoo including binoculars, camera equipment, bird books, bird feeders, indigenous plants as well as a number of conservation organisations, such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Johannesburg Zoo and FreeMe Rehabilitation Centre. There will also be a children’s activity area on the lawn.
 
Other highlights include:
 
A full day photography workshop
Bird of Prey identification course
Free lectures on a variety of interesting topics relating to birds of prey
Animal contact sessions
Special back-of house tours to experience the life of a bird zoo keeper
For further information about the Sasol Birds and Birding Fair, contact Nikki McCartney on +27 (0)83 636 1060 or e-mail events@birdlife.org.za

The iconic wetland specialist, the African Fish-Eagle is the 2012 Sasol Birds and Birding Fair bird of the year (Photographer: Warwick Tarboton)