Birding stories Archives

June 11, 2024

From Swakopmund’s sands to Amsterdam’s canals: A Tern’s 8,429-kilometer Odyssey

Follow the remarkable journey of a Common Tern from the salt flats of Swakopmund, Namibia, to the coasts of Amsterdam, Netherlands. This in-depth exploration details the impressive 8,429-km migration and the terns’ annual 20,000-km flights between hemispheres. Through field notes and rare sightings, learn about the challenges, habitats, and conservation needs of these migratory seabirds. Discover the efforts of dedicated bird ringers and the global network tracking the lives of these avian travelers.

December 20, 2024

Special Olympics – bird storie

In the wake of the recent Olympics in Paris, it’s time to reflect on our Namibian athletes’ performances and plan for the next event in LA. The Namibian Birding Association is hosting a November workshop to dissect our journey, pinpoint our missteps, and strategise improvements.

March 10, 2025

Discover the Zambezi Region

This is Namibia’s Zambezi Region, formerly known as the Caprivi Strip – a verdant paradise tucked into the northeastern corner of the country. Unlike the arid deserts and rugged landscapes of Namibia’s south and west, the Zambezi Region is alive with rivers, wetlands and forests. It is a haven for wildlife and a crossroads of culture, where Namibia meets Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

March 25, 2025

Finding the fishermen of the sky

Located just 22 kilometres northwest of Mariental, Hardap Dam, which is fed by the Fish River, covers a sprawling 25 square kilometres. While it serves as a vital source of electricity and water for the region, it is also a sanctuary for certain wildlife species, drawing many nature enthusiasts to make a stop here while in the south of Namibia.

March 25, 2025

Birding in the Zambezi

One of the most common questions visitors to Namibia ask is: Where should they go for birding? As one of the most knowledgeable birders in Namibia and Southern Africa (self-proclaimed), I can confidently provide expert advice on where, when, and why to go birding in this incredible region.

March 26, 2025

Ferns turning in a dance of flight

As I drove down the coast, I stumbled upon a spectacle that felt like nature’s own aerial ballet. A huge group of terns, consisting mostly of Common Terns, their sharp black caps contrasting against the clear blue sky, flitted and dived in synchrony over the sand and surf. With their slender bodies, long, angular wings and graceful flight patterns, watching them was an absolute display of harmony.