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LIFESTYLE

BIRDING EQUIPMENT FOR

THE NOVICE

By Albert Roos

European Bee-eater

ood news!! We are now in Level 2 of Field guide: from R270 to R380 One of the most up-to-date field guide
lockdown. This means we are able books released recently is the Sasol Birds
th
Gto visit friends and family, and to There is nothing more frustrating for both of Southern Africa – the 5 revised edition.
leave our provinces and go on holidays novice or experienced birders than seeing This book also contains barcodes that you
or short trips. The timing is perfect as we a bird and not being able to identify it. can scan with your phone and play the
are now slowly coming out of the winter Therefore, a good field guide is essential. bird calls... if you have the app on your
months and heading into springtime.
Soon our migratory birds will be back.
This means we can get bookings ready for
our favorite birding destinations and get
our bird books and binoculars out. One
of the great things about birding is its
simplicity. With no set rules for birding and
no minimum requirements of knowledge
- or gear, it is simply an opportunity to be
out in nature, and to enjoy some time with
birds on your own or in the company of
your friends.
This article is aimed to assist our novice
birders. You do not require expensive
equipment to get started (as is often
the case with other hobbies). The most
basic equipment will see you through as
you start along your path in the field of
ornithology. The following is a basic list of
things that you may require to get started.
Binoculars: from R2 000 to R8 000

While it is possible to go birding without
binoculars, it is not advisable to do so. We
cannot always get close to the birds but
we can bring them closer to us with the aid
of a good pair of binoculars. Some birds
look so remarkably similar that you will
need to study them carefully with a pair of
binoculars to tell them apart.

12 INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2020