Since we started studying Secretarybirds, I’ve been asked several times, “Why is HawkWatch International focusing on this species so much?” It surprised me at first; I can think of countless reasons to care about this charismatic raptor.
Besides being an Endangered species experiencing significant population declines across its range, there are also significant knowledge gaps for the species. Where do they migrate? What causes breeding failures? How are these large birds being impacted by a changing climate and renewable energy infrastructure, like wind turbines, being installed across the continent?
We’ve learned a lot about Secretarybirds since we started studying them in 2023, but we still have lots to learn. Let’s meet the crew who are working to conserve this charismatic species this season in South Africa.
Vanessa Stephen
Vanessa is back for another season of Secretarybirds, having been part of the team in 2025. Vanessa shared thatthere’s still so much to find out about these raptors and having gained some insight into their behaviour and environments, it will be great to discover more so that we can work towards conserving them effectively.
Vanessa holds an MSc in Conservation Biology and has extensive experience working across Africa and the Southern Ocean. She spent 14 months on sub-Antarctic Marion Island, researching effects of a warming climate on ground-nesting seabirds. She has worked on numerous landscape-scale conservation initiatives in Southern and East Africa; documented Anti-Poaching Units across Africa, and sailed to Antarctica as a bird observer.
As someone who tries to understand ecosystem functioning, Vanessa finds Secretarybirds fascinating research subjects, being scarce but also a key predator in the landscape. In her spare time, she likes to hike, read, and paint.
Kevin Shaw
Kevin majored in forest plantation management and conservation in undergrad, and years later obtained his Master’s in Conservation Biology. He became hooked on birds during his last year in undergrad when assigned to do bird surveys in grasslands and natural forests for a major forest plantation company.
It took Kevin just over ten years to acquire the position of ornithologist for a provincial conservation agency, a position he held for 25 years. The post gave him freedom to explore many species and aspects of their biology, including the Blue Crane, Crowned Eagle, and Cape Vulture—a species he is still involved in surveys for after 30 years.
Kevin has tentatively dipped his toes into Secretarybird conservation during his tenure as an ornithologist and is very keen to get more involved with the species. He spends his free time fishing, photographing nature, motorbike riding, and woodworking.
Roelf Daling
Roelf began his career as a new-media artist, exploring a broad range of creative technologies before gradually moving into conservation. This varied path equipped him with a diverse and versatile skill set. He holds an Honours degree in Fine Arts and a postgraduate diploma in Interactive Media Design, alongside several years of hands-on experience in conservation. Roelf is looking forward to expanding the Secretarybird work on several fronts, following his initial involvement in the program in 2024. Beyond growing our data collection efforts, Roelf hopes to strengthen public awareness and outreach, build relationships with landowners, and increase their involvement and engagement with the project. In his free time, Roelf enjoys photography, calisthenics, programming, growing vegetables, and fermenting things. Roelf’s favorite raptors are the Secretarybird and the Griffin.
We can’t wait to see what this crew spots this season as they continue to search for Secretarybird nests across the Western and Northern Cape. You can support their work by sporting your very own Secretarybird tank or sticker. Click here to shop.
This blog was written by Kirsten Elliott, our Development & Communications Director. You can learn more about Kirsten here.
