Diary of birding club: The whispering continues

The new Springs Birding Club promises unforgettable terrain and insight into the birdlife the town has to offer.

The aim is to provide an informative and fun look into birding for novice and professional birders. The founding chairperson, Sean Byrne, is writing about their excursions from a birder’s point of view.

Still, we continue cutting paths in thick patches. Fanie (van Deventer) is and has been assisting with his backing team in clearing bushes along the routes as decided.

There will be one or two features from the past converted into a bird hide. The historical value of note is being collated for the stables that were a predominant feature.

We will proceed accordingly in preserving that bit of heritage. On our first day out, we heard and followed the black sparrow hawk foraging and hunting, calling away from the perch.

A bit of magic to start the walk. Now for a little indulgence into what the hawk could have been trying to tell us.

ALSO CHECK:  Geduld Cemetery clean-up completed, community support needed 

Reading back through my bird-whispering notes, the following messages kept coming through:
• Just as the hawk stayed perched for a relatively long time enough to identify and savour the moment, take time to analyse and assess situations in detail.

• Read between all the lines you are faced with.

• Act quickly and decisively.

• Don’t try changing situations; let the situation unfold naturally – only take cover when needed.

• Remain steadfast in your approach to people and see things as they really are.

• Act opportunistically, just as the black sparrow hawk bites its time whilst foraging and hunting for food.

• Survival is key for all of us.

ALSO CHECK: Frans Swart neem kykNET kykers op ‘n nostalgiese reis met Hannes van Wyk

Hence, do what you need to achieve as if one’s life depends on it.

The sparrow hawk nests are nearby.

I know it and can feel it in my bones…now, just to find the nests.

Nice possibility for further exploration and birding bliss.

The whispering continues…

Lots more of what the birds and animals can teach us.

Yours sincerely in birding and ornithomancy.

For any information about the club or to join, call Byrne on 071 611 9441.