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SASOL BIRDS & BIRDING FAIR – START
BIRDING 4 – 6TH MAY 2007
Few people are aware the Birdwatching is the fastest growing
outdoor pastime in the world – second only to gardening. In an
effort to introduce this delightful activity to everyone,
BirdLife South Africa, Sasol, Africa Birds & Birding magazine
and the Johannesburg Zoo have collaborated to mount the Sasol
Birds & Birding Fair with the theme “Start Birding”, to be held
at the Zoo on the weekend of 4 to 6th May 2007. The objective of
this exciting three-day event is to attract new birding
enthusiasts and promote an interest in birds and birding. The
Fair will form an important component of Sasol BirdLife SA
National Bird Week, with this year’s focus being marine, estuary
and freshwater ecology.
The African Penguin is the 2007 Bird of the Year and many of the
activities during the Fair will highlight its status.
For the duration of the Sasol Birds & Birding Fair – the
Johannesburg Zoo will reduce its entrance fee to R20.00 for
everyone. (Normally R34 for Adults and R20 for children)
Some of the Fair activities include FREE Lectures by leading
Birders on Saturday and Sunday. Bookings can be made on the day
at the Zoo. Some of the scheduled talks are as follows:-
• Flight for Beginners – Two Day course by Anton Odendal
• KZN Birding Routes - Mathew Drew
• Limpopo Birding Routes – Ben de Beer
• Western Cape Birding Routes – Anton Odendal
• Introduction to Bird Photography – Chris van Rooyen
• My 12 favourite Birding Spots in Southern Africa – Peter
Lawson
• Birding in Madagascar – Fraser Gear
Daily Bird Walks with Bird Guides at the Zoo during the Fair.
Photographic Competition with great prize for the best Birding
picture taken at the Zoo on Saturday. Chris van Rooyen, lecturer
on “Introduction to Bird Photography” will judge entries.
March for the Penguins supported by Run/Walk for Life will take
place on Saturday 5th May from 7.30am – 9.30am. Bruce Fordyce
will lead this walk decked out like a Penguin in his tuxedo and
flippers! Participating children will be asked to dress up as
Penguins and adults to carry a slogan. Fabulous prizes will be
awarded for the best Penguins.
Dinner Tours
A top Birder will give an introductory talk followed by an hours
night walk though the Zoo and a leisurely dinner at Café Fino
within the Zoo. Children are welcome. Costs R100, book at the
Zoo.
Fun of the Fair
To keep everyone entertained there will be bands, a film
festival, a flea market, a food court, the Farmyard,
demonstrations, live birds, workshops as well as a host of
exhibition stands displaying equipment, vehicles, clothing for
the birder and outdoor enthusiast to purchase. Birding
destinations, lodges, bed & breakfast and self-catering venues
will also be well represented.
Competition
Attend the Fair and you will automatically be entered into the
competition where you and a partner will win a trip to Dyer
Island in the Cape. This prize includes flights, spending money,
accommodation at Grootbos Nature Reserve, a cruise to Dyer
Island to see the Penguins, and a host of consolation prizes
will also be handed out. Additional tickets will be available
for sale at the Fair with proceeds going to BirdLife SA for
Penguin rehabilitation on Dyer Island.
For further information about the Sasol Birds & Birding Fair
Contact Susie Fairweather, Communications Consultant
Phone (011) 447-2476, Fax (011) 44207692, Cell 083-676-3560
susiepr@global.co.za
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