Steven Langley

President

Steven has been President of Birds SA since 2021 and takes the lead engaging with State and Federal Governments to adopt improved policies that impact birds and their environment. He also leads our engagement with the media and other environmental NGOs.

Steven is a lifelong birder originally from the UK when he was actively involved in raptor protection schemes in England, Scotland and Northern France.

Jeff Groves

1st Vice-President

Jeff grew up in the northern rivers region of NSW, surrounded with wonderfully diverse birdlife. Retirement from a working life in engineering has provided the opportunity to pursue his passion for wildlife photography. Birdlife photography has been a priority, allowing him to appreciate the diverse range of bird species in South Australia, many within reasonably easy reach. Since joining the Conservation Sub-Committee of Birds SA in 2012, Jeff has come to realise the important role of Birds SA in the conservation of Australian birds and their habitats.

Jeff has been a member of the Committee since 2017. He leads the governance and policies of Birds SA, makes formal representations to the SA Government and politicians, conservation partners, the media, coordinates the speakers for the general meetings listed in the Events page and Member Jungle app, and helps to manage the images in the Photo Gallery of the website.

Ray Nias

2nd Vice-President

A South Australian, Ray moved to New South Wales in 1982 and studied cooperative breeding in the Superb Fairy-wren for his PhD thesis. Returning, he was funded by the South Australian Ornithological Association to conduct surveys of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos on Eyre Peninsula. In 1988 he took up the position of Conservation Director for WWF Australia in Sydney until 2009. From 2011-18, he was the South-west Pacific Director for Island Conservation, a US-based  conservation group that specialises in the problem of invasive species on islands. In 2020, he returned to South Australia and is currently a Director of the environmental organisation TierraMar.

Ray has been a member of the Committee since 2020. He chairs the Conservation Sub-Committee, makes formal representations to the SA Government, birdlife and conservation partners, directs conservation policies and statements of Birds SA.
 

Roger Bourne

Secretary

Originally from a small Welsh mining town, Roger developed an early passion for birdwatching, spotting ravens, buzzards, and sparrowhawks in the local woods and cliffs. His interest grew into photography, capturing birds on weekend trips and holidays. After emigrating to Australia in 1979, he was captivated by the vibrant colours of local species like honeyeaters and cockatoos. After retiring and settling in Adelaide, Roger's birdwatching interest deepened, leading him to join Birds SA in 2018. He became Secretary in December 2021, helping with secretarial duties and expanding his birding knowledge.

Roger has been a member of the Committee since 2021. He implements governance procedures, manages room bookings, equipment storage, monitors the Birds SA information emails, other secretarial activities and coordinates images in the Photo Gallery with Jeff Groves. 
 

Anita Smyth

Acting Treasurer

Anita is currently an Ordinary Member (see below) and has been on the Management Committee since 2020. She previously served as Treasurer (2020-2024), coordinated the implementation of the Member Jungle membership software (2021-2022), the build of the new website (2024-2025), IT and the Conservation Fund Committee's secretarial activities and grant reviews. 

As Acting Treasurer, she manages Birds SA's accounting, budget, monthly transactions and the Treasurer's Report. 
 

Chris Bates-Brownsword

Managing Editor - The Birder

Chris has had a lifelong passion for birds and nature, growing up in the Adelaide Hills in the 1950s, where she developed a particular love for Aussie bush birds. She started working at the SA Museum’s Department of Entomology at age 17, where she gained exposure to the natural world. After a career in medical administration, including as Secretary for the University of Adelaide's Department of Surgery, she retired in 2007. A dedicated environmentalist, Chris has supported organisations like Trees for Life and FAME for 30 years. In 2023, she became Editor of The Birder, further expanding her bird knowledge with the help of her team, striving to provide informative and engaging content for members. 

Chris does not formally attend Management Committee meetings but keeps in touch with the Committee by reporting about The Birder operations on a monthly basis. She is supported by Julie-Anne Harris in the role of Assistant Editor and Ingrid Grigg, the Digital Designer.
 

Philippa Horton

Editor - SA Ornithologist

Philippa's passion for birds began in 1970 during a family holiday on the Hawkesbury River, when she became curious about the birds she was seeing. After borrowing Leach’s An Australian Bird Book, she identified a White-faced Heron, sparking her lifelong interest. She joined the SAOA in 1972 and later studied Zoology and Botany at the University of Adelaide. After a Ph.D. in zoology, Philippa spent 34½ years at the SA Museum, primarily as Senior Collection Manager, Ornithology. Retiring in 2019, she remains an Honorary Research Associate, working on collection-related projects. She volunteered as a nature walks leader for 30 years and has served in various roles with Birds SA.

Philippa has been a member of the Committee since 2020. You can learn more about publishing an article in the SA Ornithologist by reading the Advice to Contributors page.   
 

Alan Burns

Ordinary Committee Member

Alan has always had a deep love for the southern Australian bush. Growing up in Adelaide's western suburbs, he frequently visited relatives in regional towns, where his passion for birds began. Dedicated to conservation, Alan has been a member of Trees for Life for over 20 years and has worked to preserve local woodlands. In 1996, he joined efforts to save 208 hectares at O'Halloran Hill, sparking his commitment to save Glenthorne Farm from housing. A member of Birds SA since 2005, Alan is passionate about environmental conservation. He’s currently the Treasurer of the Friends of Glenthorne National Park Inc, having served as President for a year and over 20 years as Secretary / Treasurer. 

Alan has been a member of the Management Committee since 2017. He supports the events team and has a lead role in the Birds SA Hartley Native Seed Orchard.

Ali Ben Kahn

Ordinary Committee Member

My career began with a focus on arid and semi-arid zone vegetation, leading me to participate in extensive biological plant surveys across South Australia’s deserts through the 1980s and 90s. This experience led to roles as a Planning Officer for the Arid Areas Catchment Water Management Board and a Pastoral Assessment Officer. I also advised on minimizing environmental impacts for seismic exploration projects.

Throughout this time, I was heavily involved with the Nature Conservation Society of SA and represented the Conservation Council of SA on numerous boards and committees.

Eventually, my lifelong interest in birds became my professional focus. I joined the Mt Lofty Ranges Woodland Bird Monitoring Program, first as a surveyor and later as its Coordinator, a position I held until retiring in 2023. I remain active in the community as an excursion leader for Birds SA, where I also serve on the Conservation Sub-Committee and Management Committee.

Anita Smyth

Ordinary Committee Member

Anita began birdwatching as a young girl in western Queensland and joined the Queensland Ornithological Society (now Birds Queensland) in the early 70s. She later pursued a science career, studying the foraging and nesting behaviours of species including Silvereye, Black-breasted Button-quail, and Powerful Owl. Anita has also worked on birds and other biodiversity in central Australia with CSIRO and wildlife databases at TERN, University of Adelaide. She served as President of Birds Queensland in 1989 and was on the RAOU Rarities Committee in the 90s. Since retiring, Anita has focused on birding and volunteering with Birds SA.

Anita has been on the Management Committee since 2020. She previously served as Treasurer (2020-2024), coordinated the implementation of the Member Jungle membership software (2021-2022), the build of the new website (2024-2025), IT and the Conservation Fund Committee's secretarial activities and grant reviews. 

Claire Bourne

Ordinary Committee Member

Claire was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, and one of her earliest birding memories is watching a Tui in a Kowhai tree as a child. After moving to Australia in her 20s, she travelled extensively, always keeping an eye out for birds. She enjoys birding holidays overseas visiting such countries as the UK, Africa, the Arctic, South America and Antarctica.  She is a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. After retiring from medical science, Claire was a guide at the Adelaide Zoo for over a decade.

Claire has been a Management Committee member since 2022.  She coordinates the community events team, leads new member walks, and supports the membership team by welcoming new members.

Graham Carpenter

Ordinary Committee Member

Graham has been an Honorary Member of Birds SA since 2010. He is a highly regarded and respected bird expert. He also manages the Birds SA bird reports and sightings records, collected by our members over the years, which are then published in The Birder newsletter and the SA Ornithologist journal.

Graham has been a member of the Management Committee since early 2011. He is the Chair of the SA Bird Records Sub-Committee.
 

John Gitsham

Ordinary Committee Member

John recently retired as Ranger in Charge of the Coorong National Park after over 25 years in the conservation industry, working in both government and private sectors. A dedicated conservationist, naturalist, and birder for over 40 years, John has held roles including Head Ranger, Wildlife Manager, and Wetlands Manager for the Murraylands NRM in South Australia. He has a Bachelor's degree in Ecotourism (Conservation Biology) and a Grad. Dip in Photography. A past President of Birds SA and a committee member for over 20 years, John has a history of involvement with BirdLife Australia’s Gluepot Bird Reserve. An accomplished nature photographer, he has led bird walks, courses and nature tours in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

John has been a member of the Management Committee since 2013.  During his time as President, John managed the affiliation of Birds SA with Birdlife Australia. He currently helps coordinate the speakers for general meetings and is one of the Birds SA members delivering the WEA introduction to birding program.

Lynton Huxley

Ordinary Committee Member

Lynton’s interest in birds began over 50 years ago when he started keeping and breeding budgies. He and his wife Karen expanded into breeding King, Princess, and Scarlet-chested parrots for 12 years before shifting focus to remote area travel after the birth of their son Michael. The family has been fortunate to film and photograph many of Australia’s birds and reptiles during their travels. Lynton, Karen and Michael joined Birds SA about 18 years ago, enjoying the support and camaraderie of fellow members. Field trips and campouts have greatly enhanced their birding knowledge. In retirement, Lynton stays busy planning expeditions, maintaining their home and 80 Series Land Cruiser.

Lynton has been a member of the Management Committee since 2013. He organises Birds SA field outings and campouts. You can learn more about these on the Events page.
 

Sue Winwood

Ordinary Committee Member

Sue has always been fascinated by the natural world and its creatures. Her passion for birdlife grew 25 years ago after attending Joan Paton’s Little Brown Birds WEA course, leading her to join Birds SA. She values the interaction with fellow members and the Management Committee, connecting with others dedicated to bird conservation. With a 40-year career in education, Sue worked in Home Economics, Community Services, and Community Health in the University sector and TAFE SA, co-authoring the curriculum for Community Services Certificates. Sue’s favourite birds are the bush birds of the Murray Mallee and waders migrating from the northern hemisphere.

She has been a Management Committee member since 2021 and serves as the Memberships Officer. 
 

Conservation Fund Committee

This Committee assesses applications for research grant funding, and reports to the Management Committee. 

You can find out more about applications for grants at  Applying For A Grant page.

The members are Jody Gates (SA Government and Chair), Charles Moore (MIPAA-SA, C Moore Solutions Australia), Beatrice Rogers (SA Government), Dr Anita Smyth (Secretary and Acting Treasurer, Management Committee) and Brian Walker (MCAANZ). David Paton (University of Adelaide) participates when conflicts of interest arise.

Conservation Sub-Committee

This Sub-Committee considers all issues impacting the conservation of birds that it identifies or which are brought to its attention. Responses are developed for those important issues where Birds SA can make a positive contribution. Our responses include submissions to State and Federal Governments, participation in joint campaigns with like-minded organisations and a range of other initiatives to raise public awareness of matters affecting bird conservation. 

You can learn more about the Conservation Sub-Committee's activities at the Conservation page.

The members are Ray Nias (Chair), David Andrewartha, Rodney Attwood, Bill Breed, Jeff Groves, Greg Johnston, David Hansman, Karen Hunt, Ali Ben Kahn, Fran Solly and Jean Turner.

SA Bird Records Sub-Committee

This Sub-Committee documents distributional bird records for SA and reviews reports of bird records in the State. These are basic functions for authoritative regional bird groups in many parts of the world. It was formerly part of the SA Rarities and Distribution Sub-Committee (SARDS).

The members are Graham Carpenter (Chair), Andrew Black, John Gitsham, Bob Green, Philippa Horton, Lyn Pedler and Julian Reid. 

SA Rarities Sub-Committee

This Sub-Committee (SARC) documents bird records and reviews SA reports of rare bird sightings in the State. These are basic functions for authoritative regional bird groups in many parts of the world. This Sub-committee was formerly part of the SA Rarities and Distribution Sub-Committee (SARDS).

The members are Colin Rogers (Chair), Graham Carpenter, John Fennell, John Hatch, Bob Green, David Harper, Sam Gordon, Merilyn Browne and Miles Ramm.