A Flock of Success: Bitou Birding Festival Takes Flight
The first-ever Bitou Birding Festival soared to new heights, exceeding our wildest expectations! What started as a dream to celebrate bird life and conservation blossomed into a well-supported event that drew in not only local enthusiasts but also birders from afar.
Visitors travelled from Gauteng and Plett even welcomed international guests from the Netherlands! This enthusiastic turnout underscored the growing interest in birding tourism and highlighted just how much people care about our feathered friends.
With over 460 tickets sold, we were thrilled to see more than 250 unique participants immersing themselves in all things bird-related. Some joined us for multiple events throughout the week, making the most of our wide array of birding activities. The birding walks were particularly popular, attracting many birders eager to explore the beautiful and diverse habitats of the Bitou region. Expert talks also captured attention, with topics like Birds and Raptors of the Bitou, Black Oystercatcher research, the Health Benefits of Birding, the success stories of our local conservation groups, and climate change’s impacts on bird populations.
For those looking to try something different, the canoe trips along the Bitou and Keurbooms rivers offered an unusual bird-watching experience complete with tranquil waters and stunning landscapes. Adventurous birders headed offshore for pelagic boat trips where they had the chance to observe pelagic seabirds in their oceanic habitat. And let’s not forget the bird-ringing demonstrations facilitated by Dr. Mark Brown from Conserve Eden, where attendees got a behind-the-scenes look at bird netting, ringing, recording, and release.
But the festival wasn’t just about fun—it was also about making a difference. One of the most rewarding aspects was our fundraising dinner and Raptor Rescue tour, which raised an impressive R15,920 for the Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre in Plett. It was a great reminder of how powerful community support can be when it comes to conservation efforts.
As for the future, we’re excited to announce that plans are already underway for next year’s festival! We’re taking notes on how to make the next event even better and are hoping to introduce new activities. We’re also exploring partnerships with more private landowners to uncover fresh birding routes and extend our exploration of the Bitou region’s natural beauty. Our aim is to make this an annual celebration that not only showcases birdlife but also fosters a deeper commitment to avian conservation within our community.
Lastly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this festival to life. From our dedicated BirdLife Plettenberg Bay volunteers, venue partners, and insightful speakers to the attendees and local conservation groups Conserve Eden and NVT, the support was truly invaluable. We can’t wait to see what the future holds as we build on this year’s success and look forward to creating even more meaningful birding experiences. So, whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, we hope to see you at next year’s Bitou Birding Festival!
All photos: Stephan van Wyk
