The U3A Still Bay Bird Group is committed to birdwatching, conservation, and environmental awareness. The Roland Rudd – Sunset Ponds Bird Hide Project, launched in 2023, aimed to upgrade the hide, improve bird habitats, and enhance visitor experiences and education.
A key focus was building a 3.5-meter wooden fence to minimise disturbances, funded in part by a R3,000 Friends Small Grant through GCBR’s Friends of the Biosphere Programme. Despite delays in materials, the fence was completed in January 2025, with an additional 1.5 meters added for greater effectiveness. Vehicle access was restricted, and security lights were installed after vandalism in December.
The impact has been significant. The January 2025 bird count recorded 25 more waterbirds than the previous year. Breeding pairs of Water Thick-knees, Blacksmith Plovers, and various ducks have returned. Previously scarce species, including Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, are now frequent visitors. The project has also attracted more birders and photographers, reinforcing its value as a key conservation site.
The U3A Still Bay Bird Group is grateful for the support received and looks forward to further improvements.
This project has shown us how small conservation efforts can yield significant results. The fence, combined with mindful visitor practices, has transformed the Roland Rudd Bird Hide into a thriving sanctuary for birds and an enriching space for birdwatchers.
We are immensely grateful for friends like these—without them, this project would not have been possible. Looking ahead, they are hoping to continue expanding and improving the site, ensuring that the Roland Rudd Bird Hide remains a vital refuge for birds and a premier birding destination in Still Bay.
For more on their incredible work, please visit their website: https://u3astilbaai.org/birdgroup/
Organiser: U3A Stilbaai Bird Group
Project Category: Conservation of Indigenous Species
Project Period: October 2024 – December 2024
Municipality: Hessequa
Small Grant Awarded: R3,000
