Page 33 - SilverLakes_Issue 6_2022

ESTATE EVENT

BIRDLIFE TALK

QUOTE: “In order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” – Robert Wilson Lynd

here was a great turnout for the problems in South Africa and further Lance shared his passion for birding with a
birdlife talk, which took place on afield in Africa. She spoke of BirdLife marvellous visual presentation. He began
T4 June in the Park View Room. South Africa’s recent conservation by briefing the audience on the exciting
achievements, despite the challenges of birding venues that exist in Gauteng and
The audience found our two speakers, 2020 and 2021. proceeded to take us on a virtual birding
both experts in the field, informative and trip to these prime locations.
insightful. Hanneline further highlighted
the importance of conservation He showed us the top five birding spots
First up was Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, and its changing role in the 21st close to Silver Lakes: Dinokeng Game
head of BirdLife South Africa’s Terrestrial century. “Successful conservation Reserve, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, and the
Bird Conservation Programme. Her role interventions have to be dynamic to legendary Zaagkuilsdrift Road bordering
is to promote the conservation of South sustain human communities within the Pienaarsrivier – known as one of the
Africa’s threatened terrestrial bird species. resilient ecosystems,” she said. best birding routes around – which includes
“Such interventions are increasingly the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain, Mabusa
Hanneline began by providing an dependent on conservation finance, Nature Reserve, and the Wilge River Valley.
interesting overview of BirdLife South innovative approaches, collaboration,
Africa’s conservation work and five- partnerships, political will and individual These sites, along with many others within
year conservation strategy. The strategy (public) contributions.” a 100km radius of Pretoria, offer abundant
is informed by global and national bird life: we’re talking an incredible 400
conservation strategies and policies, as The second speaker was Lance species – or nearly 48% of all bird species
well as organisational strengths. BirdLife Robinson, honorary president of the found in South Africa!
South Africa also prioritises finding ways to Witwatersrand Bird Club. Established in
improve people’s livelihoods and facilitate 1947, this is the oldest bird club in South Lance brought along spectacular images
education work. Africa. It supports various conservation of some of these species, including rare
initiatives locally and abroad and its sightings of highly sought-after birds like
Hanneline’s presentation focused on how members are committed to raising the African Finfoot, River Warbler, Short-
best to tackle pertinent environmental awareness about our indigenous birds. tailed Pipit, and Narina Trogon.

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