The 2012 Stanford Bird Fair

Flock to this family-friendly event for three-days of bird watching, gin tasting and more

Bird watchers, avian photographers and general winged-creature enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Stanford Stretton’s Bird Fair is once again happening in the picturesque town of Stanford (two hours away from Cape Town) from Friday, 28 September until Sunday, 30 September 2012.

High calibre talks, outings and presentations lead by esteemed industry experts will be the order of the weekend; however,  the family-friendly affair promises to be a unique and entertaining experience whether or not you’re there for the birds. The nature festival boasts lots of non-birding, fun and exciting activities for children, and even fun and exciting gin tasting for adults. Not to mention, This charming, little Overberg village certainly makes for an ideal getaway.

What to expect at the Stanford Bird Fair 2012

• A clutch of top-class birding experts including Vernon Head (chairman of BirdLife South Africa and the Cape Bird Club) to provide high calibre talks and presentations (These are all Free)
• Some non-birding events of an ecologically-important nature.
• Eagle Encounters (live display of raptors at the Stanford Community Centre)
• Field outings to track down the rich abundance of local birdlife headed by Dave de Beer and Brummer Olivier (both recognised Overberg bird experts).
• Guided birding trips along the Kleinrivier at different times during the fair.
• The Apex Predator (a hi-tech, custom-built catamaran) will be in action from Kleinbaai on the morning of the 28 September – weather permitting.
• Gin tasting courtesy of the bird fair’s sponsors (Edward Snell & Co, Stretton’s London Dry Gin)
• The results and prize-giving for the annual photographic competition
• The Stanford Farmers Market in the Village Green from 6pm on 28 September
• Stanford’s Saturday market (held, as usual, outside the Stanford Art Gallery from 10am – 12pm on Saturday, 29 September)
• The NG Kerk Bazaar (which also incorporates a wildflower show, potkiekos competition and kiddies activities)

Stanford is one of the Western Cape’s best kept secrets, and is one of the region’s best preserved villages, proudly boasting Cape Victorian and Edwardian architecture throughout. Although, it is probably most esteemed for its spectacular birding, as Stanford’s varied terrain supports a rich diversity of bird and plant-life, there is even more on offer in this piece of the Overberg district.

Visitors can choose from a range of activities, including horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing or, for those looking more to relax, there are sunset cruises and village eateries in which to enjoy local wines and local fresh produce.

Accommodation ranges from five-star lodges to family-run B&B’s and self-catering cottages.

Tickets to the Stanford Bird Fair:

There is no overall ticket to the bird fair, and costs will be subject to each individual activity. Some of the activities are FREE, while others have a specific ticket cost. However, advanced booking is advised for ALL events so please use the contact details provided and reserve your ticket.

Just around the corner from Stanford, the Hermanuspietersfontein’s charming farm cottages allow you to leave civilisation behind and enjoy a weekend away.

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By Aisling Holmes