Each year, as many feathered species bid Sabi Sabi farewell to warmer climates, our curiosity follows their journey into the unknown. Among them, the European Rollers return home, but where exactly is this destination? What landscapes do they pass, and what challenges lie ahead? Will we see them again?

Earlier this year, Birdlife SA launched a groundbreaking project to decipher these mysteries. Equipped with a solar-powered, ultra-lightweight tracking device (weighing a mere 3.2 grams) sponsored by the Sabi Sabi Foundation, a European Roller named Hera began her journey in March. Since then, she has travelled over 10 000 km.

From the sun-drenched Africa plains to the rugged terrains of South-Central Asia, Hera's flight path so far paints a picture of diverse landscapes. Towering mountains, winding rivers and deserts punctuate her route, each presenting its own set of obstacles and opportunities. 

Along the way, she has skirted coastal regions in eastern Africa, stopped over in Somalia for 26 days, crossed the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman, journeyed through Pakistan, paused for a week in Afghanistan and preceded her flight to Uzbekistan, where she currently finds herself, presumably to breed. 

How does Hera navigate such varied terrain, particularly in regions where sustenance is scarce? Will she return to our region later this year? We certainly hope so. Whilst some answers elude us, and perhaps rightfully so; nature's mysteries are its charm, offering us mere glimpses into the world of Mother Nature. 

Part of the mission of the Sabi Sabi Foundation is its commitment to expanding the reach of conservation efforts for all threatened fauna and flora in the region. European Rollers are significantly declining in numbers and is one of the main reasons they were chosen for this project. We aim to protect our wildlife and preserve our natural heritage for future generations through projects like this one.  

Follow Hera's extraordinary journey on Instagram @birdlife_sa