Dear Members,

As we gather for this Annual General Meeting, I am pleased to reflect on the developments and achievements of our Bird Club over the past year. It has been a remarkable journey filled with exploration, education, and a deepening appreciation for our feathered friends.

Membership Growth:

We have seen a steady increase in our membership, welcoming several new enthusiasts into our community. This diverse group has brought fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our club activities.  We manage the numbers at outings as well as Talks/dinners. Our Team put a lot of time into training and finding additional guides for walks to try an accommodate the needs of the attending members.

Conservation Efforts:

This year, we focused our efforts on bird conservation and rehabilitation in our local area. Through our continued partnerships with and support of Robberg Veterinary Clinic, NVT, Cape Nature, Tenikwa Rehabilitation Centre, Marine Stranding, and Raptor Rescue, which not only benefited local birds but also fostered membership involvement.

Events and Activities:

Our calendar was packed with exciting events, including bird-watching walks and away trips, guest speakers and the launch of the Kwendalo Bird Hide and the Bitou Birding Festival. The feedback from these activities has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our commitment to education and shared experiences.

26 Years of Bird Count and Data Collection: 

Our CWAC (Coordinated Waterbird count) showed an increase in certain species and a decrease in others, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and the importance of ongoing monitoring. The data collected is submitted to national databases for analysis to aid broader conservation strategies.

Acknowledgments:

I would like to express my gratitude to the committee members for their dedication and hard work in organizing events and promoting our club. A special thank you to our volunteers whose passion has been instrumental in making this year a success.

In conclusion, I am excited about what the future holds for our Bird Club. Together, we can continue to conserve and protect our avian neighbors. Thank you all for your support and commitment to our mission.

Sincerely,

Ann K Mawer

Chairman

BirdLife Plettenberg Bay