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LIFESTYLE

Tip: start with the ‘family’/genus and build up to the specific bird; draw a rough sketch of a bird and, if you cannot identify it
immediately, indicate on the sketch what you see, for example: eye, crown, breast, tail, wing, legs, colour and shape of beak, etc. This
allows you to sit and page through the book and identify the bird from your notes.

phone. There are many area-specific and get closer to the bird and wander into the
bird-specific field guides available for the bush, you will be thankful that you are
more experienced birder. wearing proper shoes.
Checklist: R40 Day backpack: from R350 to R650
Most birders have some form of a checklist. It is not essential, but it is very handy.
They are typically used to mark off birds Should you stay out for the whole day, you
that are seen on any specific trip and are can carry water and food as well as extra
used as a record of how many birds have clothing in the backpack. It is also handy
been identified by the birder. The checklist for extra equipment such as cameras,
might include information as to where the lenses and field guides.
bird was seen, as well as the date of the
sighting. Some birders will use their field This covers the most basic equipment that
guides and take notes next to the bird they a novice birder will need, but be warned
see, instead of a separate checklist. that when you get hooked, you will
want to get the fancier, more expensive
Hat: R250 equipment. This includes things like top
quality binoculars, a collection of field
It might sound silly, but a good old guide books, birding apps, spotting
fashioned wide brimmed hat is essential. scopes, tripods, window mounts for your
Spending hours out in the veld in the sun spotting scope and, in a lot of the cases,
could leave you with severe sunburn. a professional camera and lens to capture
the birds that you see.
Good shoes or boots: from R1 000 to
R2 500 One of the greatest advantages of birding
is that you can do it anywhere and thus
When you go birding, it is essential to build up your skills wherever you are.
have good shoes or boots. You will not
be on paved pathways and as you try to Enjoy the world of birding!

INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2020 13