Starting at the Salt River Trail on the R102, join NVT for a fun opportunity to witness bird ringing in the heart of the Cape fynbos, a biodiversity hotspot and haven for endemic birdlife, adjacent to the magnificent coastal area of Natures Valley, and the Salt River mouth. This interactive session forms part of NVT's long-term bird monitoring programme and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists study birds to better understand their movements, lifespans, and habitat needs.
Participants will get up close (but not too close!) to the mist netting and handling process, and learn how ringing contributes to avian conservation in the region. Expect to see a variety of fynbos bird species, from sunbirds and sugarbirds to canaries and white-eyes. However, as with all wild bird monitoring, ringing is dependent on weather conditions and natural movement patterns, so while we hope for a productive session, there's always a chance that few or no birds may be caught on the day. Whether you’re a birding enthusiast, budding conservationist, or simply curious, this experience offers a rare chance to engage with real field science in action — all in support of future research.
Don’t forget your camera, water, and walking shoes.
ABOUT NVT
NVT is a dynamic, innovative and community-driven NPC working at the cutting edge of integrated conservation in South Africa. They operate in four main arenas, namely conservation, education, community engagement and applied research. Taking a holistic view of people and the environment, NVT uses seven programmes to help shape how people live, how they view the world around them, and how they as individuals can contribute to conserving the natural world.
Nestled in the magnificent Garden Route, and situated in world-renowned Nature’s Valley, they are a passionate group of conservationists that aim to make a practical difference with the work they do.
7.45 am - 10.00 am