Discover the Excitement of Birding
When I first learned about birding, I was baffled. I mean, who gets excited about watching birds? Little did I know that I was about to enter a whole new world of adventure.
As it turns out, birding is a thrilling hobby that offers so much more than just observing our feathered friends. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature, challenge your senses, and embark on an exciting quest to discover unique species.
Not only does birding provide an escape from our bustling modern lives, but it also opens our eyes to the beauty that surrounds us. Picture this: you’re walking through a peaceful forest, the sun gently filtering through the leaves, when suddenly you hear a melodious symphony of bird calls. You stop in your tracks, straining your ears to identify each unique sound. It’s an enchanting experience, a moment of connection with the natural world.
What’s more, birding is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or physical abilities. Whether you’re a curious kid or a seasoned explorer, there’s no limit to the wonders you can discover. You just need a keen eye, a pair of binoculars, and a little bit of patience.
So, why should you consider taking up birding?
- Adventure: Every birding trip is an adventure waiting to unfold. You never know what you might encounter – a rare migratory bird, a majestic bird of prey, or even a dazzlingly colorful tropical bird. The element of surprise keeps you on your toes and makes each outing an adrenaline-filled escapade.
- Education: Birding is like attending a never-ending school of nature. As you become more familiar with different bird species, you’ll learn about their habitats, behaviors, and migration patterns. It’s a continuous learning experience that expands your knowledge and appreciation for the diverse world of avian creatures.
- Connection: Birding is a gateway to connecting with like-minded individuals. Joining a local birding group or participating in birding events allows you to share your passion and exchange stories and tips with fellow enthusiasts. It’s a community that welcomes everyone and provides a sense of belonging.
- Well-being: Engaging in birding has numerous benefits for your well-being. It’s a great way to relieve stress, as it immerses you in nature and encourages mindfulness. The fresh air, exercise, and exposure to natural beauty have a positive impact on your physical and mental health.
Still not convinced? Consider this: birding has the power to turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. It invites you to slow down, tune in to the world around you, and appreciate the small miracles that nature has to offer. So, why not grab your binoculars, step outside, and let the enchantment of birding sweep you away?
Hey there! You know, the internet can be a pretty incredible place. We’ve got access to all sorts of information right at our fingertips. But have you ever stopped to think about how all of that information gets to us? That’s where web browsers come in. They’re the software programs that we use to access and view websites.
Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly is a web browser?” Well, think of it like a virtual window into the world of the internet. When you type in a web address or click on a link, the browser goes out and fetches the necessary files and data from the web server where the website is hosted. It then takes all of that information and displays it on your screen in a way that you can easily navigate and interact with.
You might be thinking, “Okay, but what makes one web browser better than another?” That’s a great question! There are actually a few factors to consider when choosing a web browser.
First, you’ll want to think about speed. How quickly does the browser load web pages? Nobody likes waiting around for a website to load, so a fast browser is definitely a must-have.
Next up is security. You want a browser that can keep you safe from malware and other online threats. Look for features like built-in pop-up blockers and anti-phishing technology.
User-friendliness is another important factor. A good web browser should be easy to navigate and have an intuitive interface. After all, nobody wants to spend hours trying to figure out how to use a complicated program.
Compatibility is something else to consider. You’ll want a browser that works well on your operating system and can handle all of the websites you want to visit. Some browsers even offer handy features like syncing across devices, so you can easily access your bookmarks and browsing history no matter where you are.
And lastly, you might want to think about customization options. Some browsers allow you to personalize your browsing experience with themes, extensions, and other add-ons. If you like to make things your own, this could be a deciding factor for you.
So, now that you know a little bit more about web browsers, you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the one that’s right for you. Happy browsing!
So, I had this interview with a super-famous bird scientist from South Africa. And you won’t believe it, but during our talk, something amazing happened – I got to see one of South Africa’s rarest birds!
A rare black coucal is about to deliver a Hyperolius frog to its third brood of the season. (Photo by Hugh Chittenden)
Sorry, I can’t see you this morning. I’m busy keeping an eye on a breeding black coucal. How about coming this afternoon?
The voice on the other end of the phone sounded brisk – Hugh Chittenden, co-author of the first (2007) and updated Roberts bird guides and other birding books.
‘Something incredible has happened,’ Hugh exclaimed, cheerfully welcoming me to his home in the lush seaside town of Mtunzini later that day. ‘We’ve had three consecutive black coucal broods from the same pair this season.’ According to Hugh, black coucals are among the 20 rarest breeding birds in South Africa. Plus, they practice polyandry. The female simply lays her eggs and then sets off to find a new mate. It’s the males who take care of incubating and raising the chicks. Hmm, maybe she’s onto something…?
When I saw that there were no other potential mates around, I couldn’t believe my luck. It was just the two of us, and we made the best of it. I spent three whole months documenting and photographing this incredible breeding behavior that I witnessed. I was so amazed by the male’s dedication to providing for his family that I wrote a detailed article about it in the May/June issue of African BirdLife.
I’m in my happy place – behind the camera lens, hidden away in the tall grasslands of Mtunzini, one of my favorite birdwatching spots in the country (Photo by Annette Gerber).
For the past 50 years, I’ve been studying and photographing birds. It’s been a passion of mine that I’ve taught myself over the years. Before I retired, I used to own a nursery in Eshowe. I’ve found that having knowledge about plants and trees gives me a deeper understanding of bird behavior. So you could say I’m a retired horticulturist with a birding hobby.
But back in 2012, the University of KwaZulu-Natal honored me with an honorary doctorate for my contribution to the field of ornithology. They described my knowledge as ‘encyclopedic’. And it truly is.
In his office, Hugh proudly showed me an old book called “Birds of South Africa” by Austen Roberts, which he got when he turned 12. I wondered if that’s what sparked his interest in birds. “Yes, probably,” Hugh replied. “But birding was much harder back in the ’60s and ’70s. Nowadays, there are so many informative books to choose from, and you can even use apps on your phone to identify bird songs and calls.”
I was impressed by Hugh’s achievements. He has received an honorary doctorate, published five books on birds, and his papers and photos have been featured both locally and internationally. On top of all that, he currently serves as the chairman of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, which oversees the publication of the ongoing “Roberts bird book” series.
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for arrived. Hugh asked me, “Would you like to see the coucal?”
So there I was, bouncing along the bumpy river road in Hugh’s truck, headed to his secret spot in the grasslands near Mtunzini. As we made our way through the tall, damp grass, we caught sight of ‘super dad’ – a black coucal. It was amazing to see this bird up close, especially with one of South Africa’s best birdwatchers by my side. It was definitely a bird I had never seen before, and it made me really excited.
Behold the Mighty Eye
The eye is a fascinating and mysterious organ. It allows us to perceive the world around us in brilliant and vivid detail. Its intricate structure and remarkable function make it a true wonder of the human body. The eye is like a camera, capturing light and transforming it into electric signals that our brain interprets as visual information. It is a delicate and precise instrument that deserves our awe and appreciation.
Just think about it – with your eyes, you can gaze upon the beauty of a sunset, watch the graceful flight of a butterfly, or read a captivating story. You can see the vibrant colors of a field of flowers, the intricate patterns on a butterfly’s wing, or the tiny details of a painting. Your eyes allow you to navigate the world with confidence and experience the world in all its wonder.
But it’s not just about what we can see. Our eyes also play a crucial role in how we communicate with others. They are often referred to as the “windows to the soul” because they can convey our emotions and feelings without the need for words. The expression in our eyes can speak volumes, conveying joy, sadness, surprise, or love. They are a powerful tool for connecting with others and forming meaningful connections.
However, our eyes are not invincible. They require care and attention to stay healthy and function optimally. Regular eye exams are essential to identify and address any issues before they escalate. Protecting our eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays by wearing sunglasses and taking breaks from screens can also help maintain their well-being. By nurturing and looking after our eyes, we can ensure they continue to serve us well throughout our lives.
So, the next time you gaze upon a dazzling landscape or find yourself captivated by a work of art, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable gift of sight. Our eyes are a gateway to the world, allowing us to explore, connect, and marvel at all the wonders that surround us. Let us cherish and care for this incredible organ that allows us to spy the beauty of life with our enormous eyes.
Did you know that the ostrich has the biggest eyes of any animal that lives on land? It’s true! In fact, an ostrich’s eye is even bigger than its own brain. Can you believe it?
Hey, who do you think you’re calling a rooinek?
Did you know that bearded vultures have a unique way of expressing themselves? They intentionally stain their feathers by immersing themselves in red soil or mud. Some people think they do this to assert their dominance over other birds. Others believe that the iron oxides found in red soil have antibacterial properties that help protect them from bacteria they encounter while scavenging.
Unforgettable Observations
An Astonishing Encounter: The Grey-headed Albatross
Guess where I spotted it: The seas near Cape Point, South Africa
The last time anyone in Southern Africa reported seeing a grey-headed Albatross was off Cape St Francis in July 2017. Before that, there were only a handful of sightings in the past decade, all of them in the waters southwest of Cape Point. In fact, since 2010, there have been sightings in June 2016, June 2012, August 2011, and May 2010. So, you can imagine how rare this latest sighting is, making it the sixth grey-headed Albatross sighting in Southern Africa in the past ten years! These majestic creatures are truly captivating, and if you have any interest in birds, I highly recommend trying to spot one of these graceful creatures as they effortlessly glide through the open seas. It’s no wonder that the great ornithologist, Robert Cushman Murphy, once said, “I now belong to a higher cult of mortals for I have seen the albatross.”
What about the Lesser Jacana?
Location: Swartberg region, Western Cape
I was incredibly lucky to come across this lesser jacana near Swartberg in the Kokstad area of KwaZulu-Natal. This bird is not commonly found in KZN, which makes the sighting even more extraordinary, especially in the southern part of the province.
Zach Simpson
An Uncommon Moorhen
Seen At: Mondi Canal, Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu Natal. I was lucky enough to witness a truly unforgettable sight. It’s not every day that we spot these magnificent creatures in our region, especially during the winter. At first glance, this bird may be mistaken for a young common moorhen. But upon closer inspection, you’ll see it’s something much more extraordinary. Karen Diederiks
A Fascinating Bird – The Palm-nut Vulture
I Spotted a Pair of Palm Nut Vultures!
Seen At: Komga composting facility, Eastern Cape
Guess what happened to me on my way back from Collywobbles in the Eastern Cape? I had an incredible encounter with a pair of palm nut vultures at the Komga Organic Fertilizer site! I couldn’t believe my luck!
The Komga composting facility is known for its diverse range of bird sightings, and these palm nut vultures are a testament to that. But they are not the only impressive birds you can find here. The site has also been home to black kites, lesser spotted eagles, tawny eagles, steppe eagles, and even Wahlberg’s eagles. It’s truly a birdwatcher’s paradise!
I feel so fortunate to have seen these majestic palm nut vultures. Nature never fails to amaze me with its beauty and the wonders it holds. Each bird sighting is a reminder of the incredible diversity and richness of our natural world.
Stewart MacLachlan
