With Subaru’s support, BirdLife South Africa continues its vital work to protect the European Roller’s incredible migration - from Africa to Asia and back again.
Every summer, a flash of turquoise graces South Africa’s skies. The European Roller begins an epic journey spanning more than 15 000 kilometres, crossing three continents and over a dozen countries. From the grasslands of southern Africa to the arid landscapes of the Middle East, across the vast expanse of Central Asia, and finally into the distant mountain ranges of China, this small yet resilient bird travels with unwavering precision, following ancient routes shaped by instinct and time.
Every summer, a flash of turquoise graces South Africa’s skies. The European Roller begins an epic journey spanning more than 15 000 kilometres, crossing three continents and over a dozen countries. From the grasslands of southern Africa to the arid landscapes of the Middle East, across the vast expanse of Central Asia, and finally into the distant mountain ranges of China, this small yet resilient bird travels with unwavering precision, following ancient routes shaped by instinct and time.
This season, BirdLife South Africa’s mission is to deploy five additional satellite trackers before the European Rollers begin their return migration in April 2026. Each one carries the promise of discovery, tracing thousands of kilometres across continents and revealing how these determined travellers connect our world, one voyage at a time.
It’s a quest that bridges worlds, linking ecosystems, cultures, and conservation efforts across continents. Now, through a partnership between Subaru and BirdLife South Africa, that journey is being protected, studied, and celebrated.
This season, BirdLife South Africa’s mission is to deploy five additional satellite trackers before the European Rollers begin their return migration in April 2026. Each one carries the promise of discovery, tracing thousands of kilometres across continents and revealing how these determined travellers connect our world, one voyage at a time.
It’s a quest that bridges worlds, linking ecosystems, cultures, and conservation efforts across continents. Now, through a partnership between Subaru and BirdLife South Africa, that journey is being protected, studied, and celebrated.
As the Flyway and Migrants Project Manager, Jessica works within BirdLife South Africa’s Regional Conservation Programme to support regional and global conservation initiatives that align with the strategies of BirdLife International and the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s East Atlantic Flyway Initiative. Her responsibilities encompass various tasks, such as identifying threats to key bird species and sites along the East Atlantic Flyway and providing assistance to BirdLife partners to ensure the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas important for migratory birds, monitoring European Rollers and wader species supporting the East Atlantic Flyway Coordination Group. Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management from Central European University.
As the Flyway and Migrants Project Manager, Jessica works within BirdLife South Africa’s Regional Conservation Programme to support regional and global conservation initiatives that align with the strategies of BirdLife International and the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird’s East Atlantic Flyway Initiative. Her responsibilities encompass various tasks, such as identifying threats to key bird species and sites along the East Atlantic Flyway and providing assistance to BirdLife partners to ensure the identification of Key Biodiversity Areas important for migratory birds, monitoring European Rollers and wader species supporting the East Atlantic Flyway Coordination Group. Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management from Central European University.
The BirdLife initiative invites you to rediscover the wonder in our own skies. Our national bird-spotting competition is now live. Capture your best bird photographs and stand a chance to win the use of a Subaru Forester for a week, the perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure. It’s a tribute to awareness, appreciation, and the wild spaces that make our world extraordinary.
Subaru’s support for BirdLife South Africa forms part of our commitment to initiatives that create lasting social and environmental impact.
By tracking and studying the European Roller, BirdLife South Africa’s Flyway and Migrants Project uncovers vital data on migratory routes, breeding grounds, and stopover sites. These insights help protect not just the Rollers, but the ecosystems that give life to countless species along their path.
The landscapes that host these migrations are as diverse as they are remote. From South Africa’s open savannas to mountain passes, wetlands, and farmlands, conservation work often begins where the road ends.
To support this effort, Subaru has provided a vehicle to help BirdLife South Africa’s field teams reach critical sites safely and efficiently. Each journey made possible by this partnership aids data collection, habitat protection, and the global effort to preserve migratory species.
This is exploration with intention. Every kilometre driven helps protect one of nature’s most breathtaking travellers, and ensures that its story continues to inspire generations to come.
At Subaru, adventure has always been rooted in respect. Through partnerships like this one, we champion initiatives that give back to communities, protect the environment, and build a more sustainable future.
Together with BirdLife South Africa, we’re helping to ensure that future generations can still look to the skies each summer and catch that brilliant blue flash: a European Roller on the wing, escaping the chill of the northern hemisphere and completing one of nature’s most remarkable journeys.
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