Stanford Glendower Bird Fair in Stanford

Stanford is preening itself for the Annual Bird Fair; this is again sponsored by Glendower Whisky and Overstrand Destination Marketing Organisation. Now in its 5th year, the focus is more bird related with additional festivities arranged by Stanford Tourism.

Avitourism, being the fastest growing outdoor activity worldwide, is also happening in South Africa. Birding Routes, Important Birding Areas and Birding Weekends are the order of the day and are occurring everywhere.

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 150th celebrations.

So, come to Stanford for a weekend and enjoy our natural beauty, our restaurants and cafés and our walks and talks. Some of the highlights are listed below and most are Free of charge.

Speakers
Peter Ryan – conservation biologist will talk on sea birds
Peter Chadwick – world renowned outdoor and nature photographer presents a talk on Cape Vultures and the Birds of De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Marijke Honig – plant ecologist, landscaper and regular contributor to African Birds & Birding magazine will tell us how to garden for birds. Her talk will be followed by a visit to a local garden.
Phil Hockey – overseer of the monumental production of the 7th edition of Roberts – Birds of Southern Africa, will present a talk entitled “Avian sex: honesty or deception”. He will be our guest speaker during the Saturday evening informal function.

Outings & Events
Glendower Whisky Tasting Friday night – snacks provided. Dave de Beer will do a short presentation on the officially recognised status of the Overberg as an Important Birding Area. (IBA)

Blue cranes - Bronwyn Botha of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) will inform us on the Western Cape Crane Conservation Project. The route covers farming areas between Hermanus and Caledon. She will highlight the need for cooperation between private land owners and nature conservators. Blue Cranes are common in and around the Overberg but the size of their national population is still low and unstable.

Flower Valley Farm - Phil Hockey will guide a walk on Flower Valley. A Trust was formed to conserve highly endangered lowland fynbos. Flower pickers are taught sustainable harvesting.

Live show - Eagle Encounters with live raptors.

Birding Photographic competition
All keen photographers please enter your photographs of birds taken anywhere. Your photograph of a bird could win you any one of these wonderful prizes.

Please Note: Dates for this event to be confirmed.