In big news for the birding community, Michael Mason has spotted his 900th bird in Southern Africa, thanks to a special sighting in Blouberg.
Blouberg, South Africa (03 March 2025) — Avid birders know that there are few things more thrilling than adding a new bird sighting to your personal tally. For one Michael Mason, that tally has added up significantly to the point where Michael has officially spotted his 900th bird in Southern Africa!
Thanks to a sighting in Blouberg that saw Michael add the mega Macaroni Penguin to his list, he has become one of the few people to reach this milestone, as Trevor Hardeker of the SA Birds, Birders and Birding group shares.
Trevor adds that to the best of his knowledge, Michael is now the 24th person to have ever reached this number in Southern Africa. This puts into perspective just how much time, effort and patience Michael has lent to his searches!
“It’s all been somewhat overwhelming and I realise how privileged I’ve been, not only to reach this milestone, but also to share the journey with a community of people who not only care about nature, but who are rich in human kindness too,” Michael shared in thanking the many people who congratulated him.
A passionate photographer and digital creator, Michael has taken his followers along on his birding adventures by sharing fantastic photographs of his many finds, often adding interesting facts about the many species he has spotted.
Meanwhile in other positive news from the world of birds, SANCCOB, have taken in over 100,000 seabirds to date; rescuing and releasing hundreds of African Penguins and chicks last year alone! You can read more about this good news, here.
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