Bitou Birding Festival

Name: Bitou Birding Festival
Address: Plettenberg Bay, 6603, ZA
Telephone: +27725543995

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Bitou Birding Festival

Immerse Yourself in the rich tapestry of birdlife of Plettenberg Bay at the Bitou Birding Festival. Sept 27th - Oct 6th, 2024

*Immerse Yourself in the rich tapestry of birdlife of Plettenberg Bay at the Bitou Birding Festival*
September 27th - October 6th, 2024

Calling all birding enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned twitchers! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into exploring the rich diversity of birdlife across the many varied habitats of the Garden Route. Nestled in the scenic coastal region of Bitou, wh

ich includes Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley, Wittedrift and Keurboomstrand along the picturesque Garden Route of the Western Cape, South Africa – the Bitou Birding Festival is bound to offer an unforgettable birding experience. Discover the Rich Avian Diversity of South Africa

South Africa boasts an impressive array of approximately 900 bird species, representing about 8% of the world’s avian diversity. Within the greater Plettenberg Bay area alone, our local birding club has documented almost 300 bird species, including 27 endemic or near-endemic treasures. This abundance of birdlife and the breath-taking landscape creates the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary birding exploration during the Bitou Birding Festival. Highlights of the Festival:

• Engaging expert talks on birding-related topics
• Navigate at your own pace on the self-drive birding route which will take you through diverse habitats.
• Join one of the various expert guided bird walks across various locations and habitats
• Wheelchair- friendly routes with universal accessibility.
• Experience unique birding activities such as netting, ringing, and recording with Dr. Mark Brown
• Embark on a birding canoe adventure along the Bitou River
• Venture into the open sea on pelagic birding excursions along the breath-taking coastline
• Rejuvenate with birding-centred wellness activities blending morning yoga and meditation with birdwatching
• Various children’s birding activities
• Admire stunning bird-inspired art and photography exhibitions
• Participate in fun-filled events including photo competitions, lucky draws, and social media contests
• Support our fine dining fundraiser dinner

Explore Diverse Habitats:
• Wetlands, rivers, and estuaries
• Fynbos habitats
• Afromontane forest biomes
• Urban areas and grasslands
• Coastal areas and pelagic zones

Build your own Birding adventure today! View our website for more information, to book your favourite birding activities, a list of local guides and a self drive route map with birding hot-spots to build your own birding adventure! Website: www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za

Instagram: .birdingfest

14/10/2024

There was a nice article about the Bitou Birding Festival in last week's Knysna-Plett Herald - give it a read. :-)

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The first Bitou...

13/10/2024

After wrapping up all the post-event admin for the Birding Festival we’re very excited to share that we raised an impressive R15,920 for Raptor Rescue Plett ! This wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible generosity of our community.

A heartfelt thank you to the talented artists and businesses who generously donated items for our auction:
• Sally Jean Rush for the beautiful watercolour of a Long Crested Eagle
• Ingrid Nuss Fine Art Gallery for the signed “Open Heart” canvas print
• Guy Thesen for “Contact with material realist” Carved Relief Acrylic on Wood
• Igor Sturmheit his framed watercolour artwork
• Ocean Sailing Charters for offering a magical sunset cruise
• DenBosch Cottages for the wonderful weekend getaway for two
• And the signed copy of The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa Book made available by Raptor Rescue for the auction.

Special thanks also to everyone who attended the Raptor Rescue Tour and Display. Your ticket purchases also contributed significantly to this total, directly supporting Raptor Rescue Plett's rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

Your kindness and support make a real difference in helping Raptor Rescue care for and protect these magnificent birds!

12/10/2024

Such a privilege to have had so many passionate people and venues being part of the inaugural Bitou Birding Festival this year!

09/10/2024

What an amazing pelagic trip to end off the Bitou Birding Festival. Thanks Mark Brown and Conserve Eden for putting it together and for sharing your knowledge so freely.

05/10/2024

What a fantastic morning! Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge Mark Brown and the Conserve Eden team!

04/10/2024

Here’s some photos of the Bird and Breakfast yesterday at Kwendalo. 🦉

04/10/2024

The Raptor Rescue Plett tour and display was a great success! Everybody loved the informative tour of the facility but the highlight was definitely the impressive free-flying display! Thanks to everybody who came out to support this great cause!

03/10/2024

There are still a few places available at the bird ringing experience by Dr. Mark Brown from a Conserve Eden this Saturday morning at Kwendalo. See our website for more info and to book. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about bird ringing and why it is important for collecting scientific data for bird conservation.

03/10/2024

What a great start to the day! BIG THANKS to everybody involved!

02/10/2024

There are still a few spots available on a few of the walks and talks. Don't forget to book! :-)

02/10/2024

Thanks so much for the feature Plettenberg Bay Tourism - and don't forget the great art exhibition at the Harmony Centre at Kwendalo too!

02/10/2024

MEET THE ARTIST
Sally Jean Rush’s work captures the beauty of wildlife with remarkable precision, focusing primarily on birds. Using watercolour and ink, her vibrant, lifelike illustrations are rich in detail, with each feather and feature brought to life through delicate, intricate strokes. Her technique not only showcases the physical beauty of her subjects but also evokes a sense of connection to the natural world. By highlighting the subtle textures and colours of each bird, Rush offers viewers an immersive experience, inviting them to appreciate the grace and complexity of wildlife in vivid detail.

Catch Sally at the Harmony Centre at Kwendalo 's gallery space today if you would like to meet the artist.

Plettenberg Bay Tourism Wesgro Discoverctwc Kwendalo

01/10/2024

DON'T MISS OUR BEAUTIFUL BIRD INSPIRED EXHIBITION at Kwendalo featuring works by Ingrid Nuss, Guy Thesen, Xolani Sibaya, Igor Sturmheit, Sally Jean Rush, Robert Leggat, Sandy Rosin, Terry Zoelle, René Gomes, Jack and Desiree Cohen.

30/09/2024

Thanks for sharing Plettenberg Bay Tourism!

Address

Plettenberg Bay
6603

Telephone

+27725543995

Website

http://www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za/

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DINNER PRESENTATION - LAST CHANCE TO BOOK TODAY! We will be raising funds for Raptor Rescue Plett at the Dinner presentation by Dr. Mark Brown this Saturday at Belle Balance inside the Plett Game Reserve. Today is your last chance to book - ticket cut-off time is today at 15:00 - there are still a few spots left. There will be a fundraising auction on the night with amazing artworks generously donated by Ingrid Nuss, Sally Jean Rush, Guy Thesen and Igor Sturmheit. Also up for auction is a signed copy of the beautiful coffee table book "The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa" by Peter Ginn and Geoff McIlleron, a 2 night self-catering stay at DenBosch Cottages and an unforgettable Yacht cruise with Ocean Sailing Charters. Don't hesitate - book now at the link below: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/268408-bitou-birding-festival-2024#/tickets

New life on the Bitou! 1 Day old Blue Crane chick!

What fantastic news! There's a new Blue Crane chick on the Bitou Vlei! Welcome to the world little one! Hatched yesterday 21st September 2024! Thanks for the heads-up Bitou River Lodge!

There are only a few more spots left on the Bitou Birding Festival Canoe Birding Experiences on the Keurbooms and Bitou Rivers with Wild Compass Experiences. Book your birding adventure on the river today! Click on the link below: https://www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za/bitou-and-keurbooms-river-canoe-birding-experience/ #BitouBirdingFestival #BirdingAdventures #PlettItsAFeeling #Discoverctwc Plettenberg Bay Tourism Wesgro Discoverctwc Wild Compass Experiences Bitou River Lodge Biocamps CapeNature Birdlife Plettenberg Bay

INTRODUCING KWENDALO - THE FESTIVAL HUB Kwendalo, meaning “place of nature” in isiXhosa, embodies natural living and holistic wellness. Nestled within a 16-hectare estate in Plettenberg Bay, this serene venue is the perfect setting for the Bitou Birding Festival. Talks will take place in the Harmony Centre, a tranquil space designed for learning and connection, creating a meaningful experience for festival-goers. Visitors can enjoy delicious meals, coffee, and tea at the Green Café, an ideal spot to relax and recharge. Kwendalo offers fantastic birding opportunities, including a bird hide overlooking the river, where participants can peacefully observe birdlife as well as walks across the beautiful estate grounds. Kwendalo will also host a variety of bird-inspired wellness activities, such as Qi gong, breath work and nature connection on the lawn, yoga, and the “Bird and Breakfast” experience with Dr. Matthew Zylstra. All wellness activities can be booked directly with Kwendalo. The festival will officially kick off on 27 September with the opening of a bird-themed group art exhibition. Read more about all the activities taking place at Kwendalo at the link below: https://www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za/bitou-birding-festival-hub/ #BitouBirdingFestival #BirdingExpert #GardenRoute #BirdConservation Wesgro Discoverctwc #discoverctwc #PlettItsAFeeling Plettenberg Bay Tourism GoBirding South Africa #wellness Kwendalo #BirdingAdventure

INTRODUCING BITOU RIVER LODGE Bitou River Lodge is one of Plettenberg Bay's most idyllic accommodation destinations for birding. Located on the banks of the Bitou River and right on the edge of the Bitou vlei, it offers an exciting variety of birding opportunities literally from your stoep. It is not only the launch site for the popular Bitou Birding Canoe adventure guided by Wild Compass Experiences, but it will also host the Bird Ringing and release facilitated by Dr. Mark Brown from Conserve Eden Each spacious, tranquil bedroom has its own private entrance and patio for enjoying sunsets. The rooms are all en-suite, with both a bath and shower. Two rooms have twin beds, and three have king-sized beds. Each room has an overhead fan, underfloor heating, and a TV. All the rooms lead into the garden and down to the river, with its water lilies and birds. The guest lounge has comfy sofas and lots of books and magazines, as well as chess and solitaire. The breakfast room opens out onto the garden and river. In summer, the scent of honeysuckle drifts in to mingle with the smell of fresh coffee. They are running a special rate during the Bitou Birding Festival of R2 800 p/n per two people sharing. Please get in touch with Kerry at [email protected] to make a booking.

Tickets for the Bitou Birding Festival activities are flying, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone! Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy guided bird walks through breathtaking landscapes, engaging talks by local experts, canoe birding trips, a special Raptor Rescue tour and display fundraiser, a thrilling pelagic expedition and much more! Check out our website for all the details and take advantage of special festival rates at uniquely curated accommodation spots. Don’t miss out—book now and prepare for an unforgettable birding adventure! #BitouBirdingFestival #BirdingAdventures #PlettItsAFeeling #Discoverctwc Plettenberg Bay Tourism Wesgro Discoverctwc Wild Compass Experiences Discover Eden Conserve Eden Bitou River Lodge NVT Biocamps Kwendalo Raptor Rescue Plett Belle Balance CapeNature Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre

Tickets for the Pelagic trips are selling out fast. There are only a few more places left - so please don't hesitate to book if you want to participate in the special expedition. Book your ticket here: https://www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za/pelagic-birding-expedition/ Conserve Eden invites you to take part on a pelagic birding trip! The trip will be guided by CapeNature Senior Marine Ranger Channel Visser, and ornithologist Mark Brown. Spring is a great time to see pelagic birds in Plett, and we will do our best to find a range of species for participants to enjoy. Chances are good we could see an Albatross or two, Gannets, Cormorants, Terns, some Shearwaters, Petrels, and maybe even a Storm-petrel! Launching at Central Beach in Plett, we will head out into the Bay for a few km out to sea to try encounter some pelagic friends. A portion of the funds will be used to cover costs incurred by members of the Plett Stranding Network, a group of passionate professionals and volunteers who do their best to assist and rescue stranded marine animals, including cetaceans, seals, birds and turtles when reported on our beaches. Conserve Eden is a small conservation-focused NPO based in Plettenberg Bay along the picturesque Garden Route of South Africa. They are a catalytic group of passionate individuals who support various local research and conservation initiatives in addition to developing their own portfolio of projects! #PelagicBirding #BitouBirdingFestival #BirdingAdventure #GardenRoute #ExploreNature #Birdwatching Wesgro Discoverctwc, #discoverctwc #PlettItsAFeeling Plettenberg Bay Tourism Untamed Birding with John Kinghorn Birdlife Plettenberg Bay

Welcome to the Bitou Vlei. Take a moment to enjoy the view. How many species can you identify in the video? #BitouBirdingFestival #BirdingAdventure #GardenRoute #ExploreNature #Birdwatching Wesgro Discoverctwc , #discoverctwc #PlettItsAFeeling Plettenberg Bay Tourism