Calling people with a passion for birds
Birdlife Polokwane, in association with Tembele Ecological Services, will present a two-day bird identification course from June 28 to 29.
POLOKWANE – Birdlife Polokwane, in association with Tembele Ecological Services, will present a two-day bird identification course from June 28 to 29.
According to Birdlife Polokwane chairperson, Joe Grosel, who will be presenting the course, although established bird watchers are welcome to do the course, the course is actually aimed at people who would like to take up bird watching as a hobby.
Grosel believes birds are the most beautiful and accessible creatures on earth. He said Southern Africa was richly blessed with over 950 bird species, making up about 10% of the world’s total.
“This great diversity of species, the wide variety of habitats they occur in, and their fascinating behaviour and ecology, makes bird watching a wonderful pastime. It’s no wonder that bird watching has become one of the fastest growing pastimes in Europe, the US and South Africa,” he said.
“This two-day course is aimed at anyone who intends to start birding as a hobby, as well as those who simply enjoy an interest in birds and wish to learn more. The course is also ideal for established bird watchers who feel they need to sharpen their bird identification skills,” Grosel said.
Grosel further explained that the goal of the course was to introduce participants to a practical system whereby birds could be identified and enjoyed. Subjects that would be covered during the course included the required equipment needed, important terminology, the morphology of birds, how to get the most out of your bird field-guide, southern African bird families and a practical bird identification system, he said.
The course will take place at the Ons Tuiste/Our Home retirement village’s hall, which is situated at the corner of Suid and Dorp Street.
The cost of the course is R850 per person or R1 400 per couple. Students, scholars and members of Birdlife Polokwane pay R650. This fee includes park entrance fees, guided excursions, colour notes, literature and stationary. Light lunches for both days, as well as tea and coffee will be served.
People wishing should bring along their own bird field guide (Newman’s, Roberts or Sasol), although books can be loaned on the day.
Binoculars, hats, sunscreen, and suitable clothing as well as comfortable shoes will also come in useful.
To confirm participation, an e-mail can be sent to Lisa Grosel at edenroutes@telkomsa.net before June 23. The full course is payable by June 25. Lisa can also be contacted at 083 380 2322 for further enquiries.
