STANFORD –The HEART of BIRDING in the STANFORD –The HEART of BIRDING in the OVERBERGOVERBERG

by Brummer Olivier

WHAT MAKES A BIRDING WHAT MAKES A BIRDING HOTSPOT?HOTSPOT?

• SPECIALS. (Local endemics and rare birds)• INFRASTRUCTURE. (Bird lists, Routes, Guides)• ACCOMMODATION. (BLSA Birder Friendly)• RESIDENT AND BUSINESS INTEREST.• ACCESSABILITY.• AN AREA WITH GOOD HABITAT DIVERSITY

AND SCENERY.

Similarities between Stanford and Similarities between Stanford and Wakkerstroom.Wakkerstroom.

• Both are popular rural towns with a rich history.

• Both are easily accessible from major cities.

• Both offer good accommodation facilities and good infrastructure.

• Both have good birding possibilities and are rich in endemics.

So what makes Wakkerstroom So what makes Wakkerstroom different?different?

• BLSA offices.

• Trained guides who almost guarantee sightings of sought after birds.

• Birding routes and info compiled in a booklet.

• Bird hides.

• Birder Friendly Accommodation and businesses.

What do we have and what do we What do we have and what do we need to make Stanford a Birding need to make Stanford a Birding

Hotspot?Hotspot?

BIRDFAIR EXISTING AND POTENTIALINFRASTRUCTURE

POPULAR BIRDINGHOTSPOT

ENDEMISMENDEMISM

Of the 68 ENDEMIC bird species Of the 68 ENDEMIC bird species in South Africa, 30 occur within in South Africa, 30 occur within

close proximity of Stanford!close proximity of Stanford!

STANFORD SPECIALSSTANFORD SPECIALS

Southern Double-collared SunbirdForest BuzzardJackal BuzzardCloud CisticolaFiscal FlycatcherCape GrassbirdLarge-billed LarkKaroo PriniaPied StarlingCape WeaverCape White-eye

Grey-winged FrancolinSentinel Rock-thrushCape Rock-thrushSouthern TchagraCape BulbulBlack HarrierSwee WaxbillCape Spurfowl Cape SugarbirdGround WoodpeckerSouthern Black KorhaanOrange-breasted Sunbird

Cape Clapper LarkHottentot ButtonquailAgulhas Long-billed LarkCape RockjumperCape SiskinVictorin’s WarblerKnysna Woodpecker

INFRASTRUCTUREINFRASTRUCTURE• An information guide containing a

complete list of the birds of the area as well as a detailed map with routes on where to locate the specials.

• Trained BLSA guides.• Special activities eg cycling routes, wine

farms, river trips etc.• Bird hides.• Accessible birding destinations in the area.

ACCOMMODATIONACCOMMODATION

• All interested accommodation establishments should be geared for birders in terms of meal times, birding media and general interest.

• Becoming a Birder Friendly establishment through BLSA requires the above and is good for marketing

RESIDENT AND BUSINESS RESIDENT AND BUSINESS INTERESTINTEREST

• Gardens and the layout thereof attract lots of birds.

• Businesses selling bird books and other related items.

• Art and craft relating to birds of the area.

• Welcoming to birders.

ACCESSIBILITYACCESSIBILITY

• Stanford is ideally situated for birders arriving in Cape Town and who would like to explore a wider area.

• The surrounding farm roads are easily accessible for normal sedan cars.

• Existing operations offer river and ocean trips

AREA WITH GOOD HABITAT DIVERSITY AND SCENERYAREA WITH GOOD HABITAT DIVERSITY AND SCENERY

BIRDFAIR: What do we have?BIRDFAIR: What do we have?

• Talks and Slideshows

• Photographic Competition

• Outings

• Market

• Gin Tasting

• Kids activities and Shows

What can we add to this to make it What can we add to this to make it attractive to birders from all over attractive to birders from all over

the country?the country?

• A good chance to see the special Endemics of the area!

• Outings with a difference.

• Good hospitality.

• Low carbon footprint.

• Social responsibility.

Suggested Bird outings for the FairSuggested Bird outings for the Fair• Kleinrivier boat trip. Late afternoon sundowners.

(Gin tasting)• Guided birding tour through town on bicycle.• Tafelberg endemics trip. (Salmonsdam)• Farmland loops for wheat field specials.• Danger Point. (I&J)• Cheese Farm and Wine farms. • Exciting activities for the children eg Feather

hunt, Waterbird ID, colouring competition.

MARKETINGMARKETING

• Marketing for the Bird Fair should be done over the whole of S.A. through the various Bird clubs.

• Stanford Birding Website.

• Birds and Birding magazine.

• Newspaper articles.

• WORD OF MOUTH.

What to do from here?What to do from here?

• Set priorities for the establishment of above mentioned needs and infrastructure.

• Identify the potential role players. • Identify accessible areas where the specials

occur eg nesting sites.• Incorporate potential activities into monthly

outings. • Establish working relationship with BLSA for the

training of guides and registering of birder friendly accommodation.

Thank you very much.Thank you very much.

Now for YOUR input!Now for YOUR input!