Pennington Conservancy Logo - Protecting KZN South Coast Nature

Pennington Bird Club

Observation • Photography • Conservation

Our Origins

From Bird Counts to Community

What began as a simple initiative to conduct a bird count at our local Nkomba Bird Sanctuary has blossomed into a vibrant community. As interest in birding and wildlife photography grew within Pennington, we realized the need to expand our horizons.

Today, the club boasts over 130 members. We conduct weekly birding walks in most of the reserves in our region, exploring the rich biodiversity of the KZN South Coast. While our membership is large, we keep our walks intimate and educational, typically limiting groups to no more than 10 participants at a time.

Meet Some of Our Members

Hover to see names.

Why Bird in Pennington?

Umdoni Park Forest

We frequently visit Umdoni Park, one of the largest natural endemic forest areas in South Africa. It acts as a vital refuge for species migrating to warmer areas during winter.

240+ Species

Our region boasts an impressive count of approximately 240 bird species. A single leisurely three-hour stroll often yields a count of over 50 unique species.

Photography Experts

Our club is fortunate to have many talented bird photographers. Beginners often benefit from their expertise on capturing that perfect shot during our walks.

Meet the Founder

Allan McLennan, founder of the Pennington Bird Club

Allan McLennan

"While I am not an ornithologist, my passion for birds has spanned over 40 years."

Allan is the driving force behind the club. An artist at heart, he enjoys photography and painting, which naturally leads him to spend hours observing the intricate details of birds in our area.

He has authored numerous articles about local South African birds and species from around the world. Under his guidance, the club occasionally ventures further from home in search of new birding opportunities.