Be a Thoughtful Birder!
Nicolette Forbes

In a world where the natural environment faces growing pressure, belonging to a bird club is no longer just about ticking lifers and enjoying Saturday morning walks. It’s about community, conservation, and being part of something that truly matters. When you join BirdLife eThekwini KZN (local) and BirdLife South Africa (national) – do both if you care – you’re not only connecting with fellow local birders—you’re also supporting the national conservation powerhouse that is BirdLife South Africa.

1. A Local Club That Feels Like Home

BirdLife eThekwini KZN (fondly known as Be KZN) is more than a birding group—it’s a dynamic, welcoming community of bird enthusiasts at every stage of their birding journey. Whether you’re a beginner still figuring out how to use binoculars or a seasoned twitcher chasing rarities, you’ll find activities, friendships, and opportunities to grow.

• Monthly Activities: From guided bird walks in beautiful reserves to weekend trips and stake-outs for special sightings, there’s something for every schedule and interest.
• Learn and Share: Educational talks, bird ID workshops, and citizen science projects help members deepen their knowledge while giving back.
• Photography and Fun: Photo competitions, themed outings, and social events like the Solstice Party make birding even more engaging.

Be KZN also runs a vibrant WhatsApp network to stay in touch, share sightings, and coordinate events—bringing the community together at the tap of a button.

2. Your Membership Supports Real Conservation

When you join BeKZN you are strongly encouraged to add BirdLife South Africa to your membership. By doing this you’re also helping to fund the vital work of BirdLife South Africa, our national non-governmental partner in bird conservation. BLSA works tirelessly to protect South Africa’s bird species and their habitats—and your membership fees play a direct role in making that happen.

BirdLife South Africa’s impact includes:

• Species Conservation: Targeted programs for threatened species like the White-winged Flufftail, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Blue Swallow, and African Penguin.
• Important Bird Areas (IBAs): Identifying and protecting critical habitats through the IBA and Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) programmes.
• Policy and Advocacy: Working at the highest levels to influence environmental policy, safeguard protected areas, and oppose harmful developments.
• Marine and Estuarine Conservation: From reducing seabird bycatch to safeguarding estuarine ecosystems, BLSA is a leader in science-based, on-the-ground conservation.
• Community Outreach: Collaborating with local communities to create bird-friendly, sustainable livelihoods through projects like avitourism and stewardship.

3. Strength in Numbers – A National Network

Being part of both these organisations links you to the wider network of bird clubs and conservationists across the country. This community is diverse, passionate, and committed—and it’s growing every day. You get access to national events, citizen science platforms like SABAP2, and the chance to make your voice heard in national conservation efforts.

4. Giving Birds a Future

Birds are often the first indicators of environmental change. By helping birds, we help ecosystems—and ourselves. Supporting BirdLife South Africa and its affiliated clubs through your membership means that you are actively involved in securing a future for birds, biodiversity, and people.

So Why Belong?

Because it’s fun. Because it’s meaningful. Because birds can’t speak for themselves, and they need us now more than ever. Belonging to BirdLife eThekwini KZN and BirdLife South Africa is one of the easiest—and most rewarding—ways to turn your love for birds into action. Whether you’re here for the joy of birding, the friendships, the learning, or the conservation impact, there’s a place for you in our flock.