Birdlovers Unite at the Glendower Bird Fair

They say the early bird catches the worm. Well, thanks to a personal inability to sleep in on the weekend, I recently heard on Cape Talk / Radio 702’s early Sunday morning wildlife and conservation hour that Avitourism is THE fastest growing outdoor recreational activity world wide.

This took me by surprise as I’d (ignorantly) assumed birding to be a pastime enjoyed by the nature-loving version of trainspotters – a handful of eccentrics with binoculars and anoraks, lurking in bushes and excitedly ticking off species in their ornithology notebooks with blunt pencils.

How wrong I was. One on-line report claims that by 1991, more than 76 million people in the USA were engaged in bird-related recreation. And they can’t all be anorak-wearing odd-balls! These bird appreciators were spending on average $2000 per year on their hobby. Both figures have continued to soar since then.

South Africa is definitely part of this global trend with ‘twitchers’ from abroad joining local birding enthusiasts in discovering this country’s unique birdlife.South African Birding Routes, protected birding areas and avitourism getaways are to be found around the country in increasing numbers.

If our fine feathered friends are your personal passion you have to get to the Glendower Bird Fair this year –happening from 3 – 5 October 2008.

Held in Stanford in the beautiful Overberg region of the Western Cape, just an hour from Cape Town, this annual event is in its 5^th year. The organisers have this to say about the event:

“Outstanding speakers will enrich and educate us with their knowledge and expertise. Two special outings are also planned.    Guided bird watching walks through Stanford are offered to those who do not wish to drive. There will be a guided Heritage Walk on Sunday, viewing some interesting buildings earmarked during Stanford’s 150^th celebrations.”

Stanford is a charming coastal village and even if your partner is less than enthusiastic about birds he / she can enjoy the cafes and restaurants, and the natural beauty of the area while you “nest-work” with fellow twitchers.

To see what all the fuss is about, and for more information, go to www.stanfordbirding.co.za  

Most of the events are free of charge.

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