I Spy (Birding on the Move)

Birds of the Feathered Variety

For me birding is the best way to relax, no matter where you are. I was introduced to it while serving on the WESSA (Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa) Board. We spent many a strategic session away in the bush, so the atmosphere was conducive to creative thinking.

Looking at the game in their natural environment is always great and we’ve been to some incredible reserves. However, once you’ve seen all the big, medium, and small five, the birds are definitely where the interest seems to go. The variety in Africa is incredible and I’m sure the great man upstairs in the sky gave all the three year olds in the world at the time pens and paper and said ‘draw me every colour, shape and size bird you can imagine, and I’ll make them all!’

By the time we started on this journey, I had just surpassed seeing my 600^th ‘lifer’, and as we refine our birding on the move skills, my mission is to get to 1,000.

Where to go Birding?

Most places we’ve been provided great birding spots without needing to go too far off the beaten track. Even in the UAE desert there are some great spots and, if you happen to be there during the north/south migration (or vice versa), there’s a lot to see as they drop down to refuel and recharge before carrying on.

Other than in the mega cities where native birds can be scarce, there’s usually a nearby walking path through bush that provides a perfect spot to get in both some steps for the day, and some relaxing birding sounds to tempt one down a path.

I’m not yet into the bird photography, perhaps that’ll come next. For now, I pack binos and usually buy a local bird book. They’re heavy and bulky items to carry, but I wouldn’t be without them. A decent cross body bag, or a backpack is also good. All you then need is some water and a packet of home-made trail mix, a good rock or log to perch on and then the patience to wait until the birds get used to your presence.

I don’t feed birds, but I have used my blue tooth speaker from time to time to call a particular bird in, if I’m only in their territory for a short time. I know it seems to be cheating a bit, but provided you don’t over call, it can be the only way to see something special.

What Binoculars do I Use?

The binos I travel with are Inpro FieldTracker 8×42’s. They’re waterproof and have served me very well. My dream binos are either the Zeiss or Swarovski 10×42’s but, well I obviously wasn’t a good girl this year as Santa didn’t bring them!

I don’t put them in my checked luggage as I worry the’ll get bounced around too much. I take them carry on, they’re pretty good for bird watching from the departure lounge as well, although one tends to only find the common culprits fighting it out for airspace with the big jets.

I’m yet to find a global bird tracking app so have downloaded one in most places I’ve been. I’d love someone to come up with a consolidated global bird tracker and, if you’re reading this and know of one, please let me know. It would save a lot of manual lists 😉

We haven’t yet got to the point of arranging our travels around bird locations, but no doubt that’ll come at some point in the future. Watch this space!

When to go Birding

For any of you that have done some birding you’ll know that the early morning and late afternoon (sundown) are the best times to look for birds (unless they are nocturnal of course).

I tend to switch between both times, depending on what I’m wanting to see and how I’m feeling. The early morning is gorgeous and I often find I see more then. However, the late afternoon is perfect for multi-tasking with sun downers. It’s also a good time, if you can convince your partner to join you, to catch up on the day, discuss the day and solve the world’s problems.

Keith is used to me calling ‘stop’ as we drive along and will know that I’ve spied something I want a closer look at. He doesn’t tend to mind if we’re on the by-ways, but on the highways he tends to get a bit grumpy – not sure why!

Need Help?

We often go looking for birds by ourselves. However, Keith gave me a couple of birding big days out, which have been really great. The three South African birding guides I have benefitted from trips with are: Rick Nuttall, Stuart McLean and Dave Hoddinott. They offer 1:1 tailored trips, as well as small group tours.

All these gents are not only well-respected birders in their own right, they are excellent (and patient) teachers, willingly sharing their knowledge and experiences to encourage immersion in the hobby.

Along with my dream of great quality binos, I also have a dream to do a Rockjumper Birding Tour one day. Founded by an accountant who decided having his eyes up looking for birds was way more fun than having eyes in other people’s book, the company is a global legend. If you’d prefer to be with a group of like-minded twitchers, check them out

Need a New Interest That Can Take You Places?

Truly, I really rate birding as a great travel hobby. You can do it anywhere, you get to meet interesting people, and it keeps you active (enjoyably!)

I’d really love to hear about your local birding spots. As we migrate north-south, south-north, east-west, west-east and even diagonally (shout out to Harry Potter fans everywhere!) I’d love to be able to add your local hidden gem to our list of ‘must bird’ places.