South Africa is a birding destination with no comparison. The total number of bird species south of the Zambesi-river, viz. 945, makes it the most desirable bird watching area on the continent. Likewise, Treeferns Trout Lodge and immediate environment boast a bird paradise. It is therefore no surprise that it on 27 - 29 November 2009 the West Rand Birding Club (WRBC), 19 members of which were hosted by Treeferns Trout Lodge, whilst enjoying a most delightful weekend in perfect birding weather, identified and confirmed 88 different species of birds at Treeferns, and another 40 more species on the surrounding farms, i.e. a total of 128 .

Our sincere thanks to John Burtenshaw, Member( above left), a much esteemed and regular customer at Treeferns, who started it all, Hennie Bornman, Chairman (WRBC)(right), and members who contributed.

The WRBC is a satellite of the Witwatersrand Birding Club and has 30 active members.

Here is a list of the names of the birds identified and confirmed by members of the Club. Peter Greaves, also a member of the WRBC, captured the sightings of the birds at Treeferns and surroundings onto a database that he built himself, using the Roberts Six (Old) and Roberts Seven (New) names. The lists here-under are the New names.

Thank you , Peter!

Peter will be happy to respond to any enquiries/comments. His contact details are :

Watch the birds :