A bird-ringing demonstration, organised as part of the annual Bird Life South Africa Bird of the Year celebrations, will be held at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein.
On Saturday, 10 May, Dawie de Swardt, head of the Ornithology Department at the National Museum, will lead the bird-ringing demonstration. The event will take place between 07:00 and 11:00 and provides a unique opportunity to witness bird ringing in action and to earn more about birds, birding, and conservation.
The Ornithology Department has hosted a bird-ringing demonstration at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum every May for several years. Bird ringing at the koppie area of Oliewenhuis began in 1988, making it a long-established and ideal location for both ringing birds. It also provides training for prospective bird ringers. The site also serves as a venue to gather valuable data through the recapture of earlier ringed birds.
This demonstration will offer visitors insight into the bird-ringing process, showcasing the techniques used to track and study bird populations. The event is open to the public, and no prior experience is needed to attend.
As part of the demonstration, the event will also highlight the 2025 Bird of the Year – the Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus). Known locally as the Rooibekrenostervoël in Afrikaans, Ihlalankomo in isiZulu, and Ihlalanyathi in isiXhosa, these birds are commonly linked to large herbivores such as buffalo, rhinoceros and cattle, feeding on ticks and other parasites found on them.
Admission to the event is free of charge, with secure parking available at R10 per car, payable in cash only.
For more information, contact De Swardt on 083 638 1604 or via email at dawie@nasmus.co.za. For inquiries about the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, contact the museum at 078 968 4300 or via email at oliewen@nasmus.co.za.
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