Budding birding business learns to fly
Meet one of the winners of the 2017 ILembe Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Competition.
His infectious enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge and drive to share his feathery passion are the qualities that made his business stand out and achieve third place at the recent Ilembe Chamber’s 2017 Entrepreneur Competition.
Birding KZN with Junior Gabela is an unique enterprise that is built from the heart, with the future in mind.
“Educating and cultivating a love for nature and an interest in environmental research in people, especially the youth, is my goal. If the youth grow up with that passion they will change the future of our environment for the better. I also want to show people the incredible ecotourism potential we have on the North Coast,” said Gabela, a bird guru who was born in Amatikulu and grew up going fishing with his dad, Richard.
“Unlike most kids in my community, I spent my time swimming in the estuary and looking at birds. I later met a bird guide from Birdlife SA, Sakhamuzi Mhlongo, who inspired me to start birding.
“He recommended I go for training and helped me write a letter to Birdlife South Africa. They accepted me and I became a Birdlife SA accredited guide in 2005. I cannot afford to be a twitcher yet, but I am bird crazy.”
Professor Adrian Koopman from UKZN about
the cultural stories behind the Zulu names of
birds.
Gabela’s interest in understanding the different habitats in coastal KwaZulu-Natal grew and he became an environmental educator for WESSA at their Mtunzini Twin-Streams facility. He also assists Marine and Estuarine Research (MER) with research sampling and teaches tertiary level ecological courses. His main love is taking people on birding tours.
“I have met fascinating people from all over the world through my guided birding day trips. I offer a variety of packages, from half day trips on foot to long stay backpacker opportunities combined with canoeing and cultural tours. Some of the best places to go birding are at the SAPPI Stanger mill or at Nyoni forrest.”
While most birders have an app to call birds, Gabela has a more natural instrument.
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“I identify the bird by hearing who is calling and I imitate them. Many birders spot them, but I call them. They are very curious, so when you make a sound, they come to see who is talking.”
He is also the proud owner of 723 ticks on the prestigious bird list.
“There are 960 known bird species in Southern Africa and about 70 percent of them are found on the East Coast. We have a bird list and whenever you see a bird, you record it. It is a life-long list. Once you reach 700, you need to start travelling to spot new birds. My next goal is to go to Mozambique to see the African Pitta bird – that is a mega tick on the list. “
Contact Birding KZN with Junior Gabela on 082 667 3704 for bookings and more information.
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