700 Birders in paradise in the Kruger National Park

The ninth annual Sasol birding weekend, hosted by the West Rand honorary rangers, had to be held over two weekends due to its popularity. More than 700 birders, twitchers and novices who found their way to Kruger for days filled with fun, feathers and food.“The birding weekend started in 1999 at Orpen gate with Gert Viljoen, the manager at the time, and Francois van Rooyen of the West Rand honorary rangers,” says Ziggi Hugo. “We were not serious birders then and were only adventurous to introduce such an event.”

He says the honorary rangers worked hard to secure a sponsor and to market the event and were grateful when Sasol ‘came to the party’ and “the Kruger assisted greatly with the accommodation and vehicle arrangements.”“The event is not only for serious birders, and this year a lot of novices joined us,” says Ziggi.“The passion is nature and the older 2 • kruger park times • april 2007700 Birders in paradiseserious birders help the newcomers with possible identification.”

The Kruger Park guide work long hours to assist and “over the two weekends 230 different species were identified.”“A lot of us even spotted ‘lifers!’” says Ziggy.A typical weekend comprises a briefing at dinner followed by a night drive in search of owls, night jars, coursers and lapwings. There is not time for much rest before the first drive at between 03h00 and 04h00. “We will cover as much habitat as possible to increase the species count and of course, you find your “little brown jobs” that are extremely difficult to identify”, says Ziggy.

“That’s the fun part… down there! No! To the left! To the back, No! The smaller bush! No! It’s gone! Stop! Listen…. No, man! Not the kingfisher, the bushshrike.”As the day progresses we will often confer with each other for confirmation about an identification.

We may stop for periods at locations that seem alive with movement. At breakfast, people will mill around with the hope of more species appearing.”The day ended with dinner, prize giving and many more friendships made and birding bonds renewed.