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I have been fortunate to make three trips to the EC of South Africa for plains game. Next summer my hunting partner and I will be flying to Zimbabwe for leopard hunts with Mbalabala Safaris. Being a biology teacher, I have always been interested in the flora and fauna of any location I visit with a special emphases on birds since I have always had a special fascination for them. Spending hours with my southern Africa bird book resulted in me basically memorizing each species that occurred in the EC. My PH, Larry McGillewie, was extremely impressed with my avian knowledge as he is a naturalist himself who knows his birds too. There is no doubt in my mind that we not only bonded well because of the mutual interest in birds, but he worked very hard for me as he understood that I was there to do more than just shoot animals. Therefore, I was just wondering how many other Accurate Reloading members carry birds books with them when they travel to Africa or any other location for hunts or vacations. Also, I am curious to hear from all the PHs that frequent this site in regards to how often their hunters know or are interested in the birds of their area. | ||
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Always try and get some "trophy" pictures of birds, especially in flight. Roberts or Sasol are good guide books. There are close to 1000 birds in the area. watch also the birds when stalking buffalo when looking for snakes. | |||
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This is a great help for identifying birds in your area that you hunt in. On several of my trips, the PH sat with a birding book while we identified species and discussed particulars about them. http://www.africanbirdclub.org/countries/Africa/books | |||
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I always carry a pocket camera with a long zoom while hunting. And the PH I hunt with is a walking encyclopedia on anything in the bush. Be it animals, bird, tree, flower or grass! | |||
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Good morning Saeed and all, Greetings from Scotland. Could you remind me of the details of your pocket camera.jc | |||
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I've done the same everytime. Love watching birds. All the PH's I hunted with were very knowledgeable about birds. This is pretty funny, but I crack up everytime I hear honeymoon bedsprings calling. " Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins. When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar. Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move... Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies... Only fools hope to live forever “ Hávamál” | |||
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I've always had a deep and abiding interest in birds, insects, trees & grasses etc and was fortunate enough to have had a VERY good teacher in the late Kay Hiscocks..... I've carried the relevant books on my most of my safaris over the years for my own reference as well as for the client. I'd say about 20-25% of clients have a keen interest and maybe 10% have a good knowledge on arrival and I usually did my best to improve on that figure by the time they departed!  the thing I enjoy most about Saeed's videos is that he spends time to enjoy the small things like birds and beetles etc along the way.  | |||
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I have been a lifelong birder in addition to a love of hunting. My normal binoculars for my 8 trips to Zimbabwe were Swarovski 10x50's. I quite probably spent as much time birding as hunting and even hunting I stopped to watch any unusual bird. Was extremely fortunate to have a friend,outfitter,PH who was totally knowledgable of Zimbabwe birds. I also carried at the least 2 books with me for camp. I usually carried a Sinclair's bird guide to Southern Africa and a Collins guide to larger mammels. They gave me good service and fairly complete coverage. I think I can truthfully say I derived as much pleasure from birding as I did from hunting. SCI Life Member NRA Patron Life Member DRSS | |||
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I guess I should probably have added that about 5-10% have no interest whatsoever. | |||
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Good morning John, I have been using cameras from Panasonic and Canon for this purpose for a number of years, and tend to upgrade them every6 year. Currently I am using a Canon SX 260 HS and a Panasonic TZ30. Both are exceptional good for their size. The other manufacturers, like Sony, Nikon etc do make similar cameras. But sadly they do not compare in either quality or usability with these two. Whatever you buy, buy an extra battery or two and a few high speed high capacity SD cards. Steve above mentioned that we take photos and videos of everything of interest on the safari. I just like to mention that the credit goes to several people, not just me. Every year, I take several of these small pocket cameras, and give them to those with us on the hunt - except Walter. Walter normally has his own half a dozen or so cameras, but they never get use. Roy says Walter uses his cameras as often as he uses his brains  Anyway, I ask everyone to take as many pictures and video clips as they wish. At the end of the day, I empty all the memory cards onto my computer. At the end of the safari, I make copies of everything for everyone one to enjoy later on. The past few years we have been taking about 15,000-17,000 photos on a 21 day safari!  We do get a lot of duplicates, as when several people are at the same place at the same time, everyone takes photo. | |||
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One of the things that really impressed me about one of the videos is some cameraman had taken the trouble to stop and film some Christmas beetles that look like they've all been dressed in bright red velvet........ whoever it was is the only person I've ever come across except myself who has taken the trouble to stop and enjoy these little chaps! | |||
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Steve, We stop even for a single flower! We were told we were mad as we stopped the truck to follow a black mamba. Alan taking a video and me taking photos! "Stop following that snake you stupid boys" was all we could hear! | |||
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If you take the time to look up and around, you might see other strange stuffers doing likewise.  There is one old bugger I see most mornings, is known to have driven clients and companions nuts with his habit of stopping to collect seeds, cuttings and slips to the extent he starts asking folk to carry cameras, water bottles etc., as his pockets are full.  | |||
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Saeed & Scriptus, We're obviously 3 of a kind! | |||
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Scriptus, I seem to remember an old guy who needs a bigger garden he keeps bringing new planets home that mysteriously appear in the back of his bakki i think i have a pic of on of the mystery plants  | |||
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You are my kind of hunter!! I carry a field guide to every country I go and have worn out a couple. I am hunting with Matupula next week in Zim and will have my Birds of Southern Africa in my pack all the time. I recorded by 500th life list bird in Zim in 2005, a Saddle-bill Stork with a PH, Dean Kendall, who is a remarkable birder. As we hunted, we stopped the truck many times each day to look at a Ground Hornbill or Fish Eagle or whatever. It was a blast! I remember the birds as well as shooting my first buffalo. I take pictures when I can but frequently get mesmorized looking at them I forget to. | |||
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I'm the same but have to say it's a pity more hunters don't take pleasure in the small things like that....... and it often pays off because once stopped, you often see other things......... I once paused to enjoy the sight of a wild orchid of some kind beside a river in the SGR and we suddenly spotted a new born bushbuck standing under tree and a martial eagle that was in the top of the same tree suddenly dropped down & nailed it. | |||
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That's great to hear! I'm a avid Birder, and love to stop and show birds to clients, but seems (unfortunately) many clients could not care less about birds. I always have a bird book in the car, and last year one of my trackers begged me for the book, so I gave it to him as a gift. I was hunting in masailand block Feb & March, and it was, without doubt, the best place I ever seen for birdwatching! | |||
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I agree it's great for birds but I reckon the Tuli Block & the Delta in Botswana are even better. | |||
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Ssssccchhh! For sucks fake, the "Green Scorpians " will be after me!   | |||
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I use the Roberts VII Multi media birds of southern africa app on my Iphone. Gerhard FFF Safaris Capture Your African Moments Hunting Outfitter (MP&LP) Proffesional Hunter (MP&LP) History guide Wildlife Photographer www.fffsafaris.co.za | |||
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The bird life always seems a big part of the texture of the place, as much the sounds as the sight of them. The Zambezi Valley would be much the poorer without the almost constant songs of the green spotted doves and the cape turtledoves. Hearing the boom booming of the ground hornbills from camp is as cool and African as hippos grunting or lions roaring. SDSpink- are you in Spink County? We might be neighbors. | |||
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Thank you Saeed, I lost the scrap of paper I noted the details on last time you told us. This time I shall buy one and hopefully show the results on AR. All your results are excellent. jc | |||
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Its my grandmothers fault realy. She taught me about nature while we were roaming all over the mountains looking for fish to catch. She taught me to enjoy even the smallest creature or flower. I carry a bird book on every trip i go on. Most guides or PHs ive met have an extra measure of respect for a hunter who is interested in more than just the next shot. I have walked in the foot prints of the elephant, listened to lion roar and met the buffalo on his turf. I shall never be the same. | |||
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Love the birds. I am often bowhunting from a hide and always have a bird guide book with me. I record each new type of bird spotted in my daily journal, take photos, and even sketch pictures of various birds (& animals) in the journal. -------------------------------------------- National Rifle Association - Life Member National Wild Turkey Federation - Diamond Life Sponsor Pope & Young Club - Associate Member | |||
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I can't really call myself a birder but whenever I go hunting, here in the US or anywhere else, I like to know what I'm looking at and hearing. One of the things I like best about spring turkey hunting is being able to see so many different types of songbird that are rarely visible after all the foliage has come out. On the trips I have made to Africa, I have been very appreciative of the times I have a had a PH who is knowledgeable of the various species of bird. There is so much more to a hunting trip/outing than trying to shoot game. There are flowers, birds, trees, insects, small animals. I feel kind of sorry for those who go afield blind to everything but the animal they want to shoot. | |||
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I"ll tell you funny story. First time in Africa I spotted big bird and I asked my PH what it is. He said Corey Bustard, but not being used to south African accent, I thought I heard Horny Bastard so I repeated " Horny Bastard? He just started laughing, of course then I got it and we laughed about it for rest of my hunt besides me giggling about " honeymoon bed springs " call. I had hard time stay quiet and not giggle in leopard blind when one of them called close by. " Until the day breaks and the nights shadows flee away " Big ivory for my pillow and 2.5% of Neanderthal DNA flowing thru my veins. When I'm ready to go, pack a bag of gunpowder up my ass and strike a fire to my pecker, until I squeal like a boar. Yours truly , Milan The Boarkiller - World according to Milan PS I have big boar on my floor...but it ain't dead, just scared to move... Man should be happy and in good humor until the day he dies... Only fools hope to live forever “ Hávamál” | |||
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I bug my PH's to death about every bird, tree, bush, flower, bug. They usually get sick of my questions. I have the reference books, but I'd need another duffle to carry them. Masailand in March is fantastic for birds. Nothing compares to Northeastern Namibia for birds, though -- looking at birds alone. | |||
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I heard the Grey Lourie's call the first morning of my first safari, long before anyone else was up. (I was about a mile or so from camp. I'm sure Fanie, my PH, was highly alarmed to find me gone.) I named it the honeymoon bird because of the similarity to creaking bedsprings. These are experiences never forgotten. | |||
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Given my past experience as a professional biologist, my outfitter, Mike Birch, with Hunt the Sun Safaris made sure I had my Birds of Southern Africa by Kenneth Newman when I asked if a birding guide might be available on my first morning in camp. Mike is a really knowledgable biologist and loves to talk about life history, habitat, and species whenever a client expresses interest. I'm afraid I was a bit too focused on hunting to really say that we stopped and did in depth birding but I've added 60+ birds to my list which isn't too bad. That field guide was in my pack every day and I carried it back on my second trip and will be taking it on my third one in a few months. There is so much more to South Africa than just shooting game. The spiders and snakes were also fascinating but I guess that is a topic for another thread. | |||
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+1 My buddy Nigel Theisen and I do exactly like y'all...we look at everything that lives in the bush. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J. Lane Easter, DVM A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991. | |||
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I've always considered the list of birds that I see on a hunting trip to be one of the trophies of the hunt. I've only ever hunted with two PH's, and both impressed me with their knowledge and bird identification skills. One even said that he had, on occasion, guided groups of birders on photo/birding safaris. I always feel a little bit sorry for those who don't extract the added bit of enjoyment from their travel that birding can provide. Adding a "lifer" can be very satisfying, and the potential to do so adds spice to any trip, whether domestic or exotic. | |||
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Truly an excellent app and wonderfull to have the big and heavy Roberts desk reference with you in the bush. | |||
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I echo what many have said and love the birdlife , as well as all the other small things – sadly as mentioned not a high percentage of hunters want to stop and do the same …rainy season in Masailand when the transition occurs while you are there is stunning you start the hunt in the dust and by the end it’s a green carpet full of fast blooming flowers butterflies and birds ! until a couple of years ago I used a canon with a 35-350 lens and also a 100-400mm lens , recently I have taken to using a leica and actually even though I have missed some opportunity because of the autofocus , its compact nature and a great built in lens means I have captured more than I have missed , here are a few snaps of birds from literally behind the kitchen – all common birds but when seen up close spectacular ! lilac breasted roller  fish eagle  pied kingfisher  glossy starling  golden weaver  crested barbet  black eyed bulbul  arrow marked babbler  "The greatest threat to our wildlife is the thought that someone else will save it” www.facebook.com/ivancartersafrica www.ivancarterwca.org www.ivancarter.com ivan@ivancarter.com | |||
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Spectacular photos Ivan, thanks for sharing! I keep a pocket camera on me every minute I'm outdoors, simply because you don't know what I may chance upon. I agree with others- sometimes the most minute things are the most fascinating. I use an inexpensive Nikon L26 so I don't feel as bad if it's lost or ruined. If (when) I travel to Africa, my camera will be out often. "If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." | |||
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Ivan' I am amazed that a "pocket camera" could take they kinds of photos you took. All these birds photos show your keen eye for the litle details that really do make the subject "pop". Thanks and keep it up! Don Life Member SCI &, NRA | |||
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Ivan, thank you for posting your photographs as they are spectacular. I also purchased a "bridge camera" (Canon SX50) after reading Ivan's post earlier this year about his Leica. Bird photography, or any photography for that matter, has a definate learning curve, and I am currently in that curve as my photos do not compare with the quality Ivan posted. Ivan, have you ever considered a show primarily about the extentions of the hunt like bird watching, photography, etc.? | |||
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With you and all on the birds, SD. Once you've seen 1,000 Cape Buffalo and 5,000 impala the birds get more interesting... Roberts and Newman are the best, although I haven't seen the app mentioned. A very useful small book to go with Roberts is Maclean, Aid to Bird Identification in Southern Africa. It helps key out the birds that aren't so well known such as the ones Ivan depicted so nicely. Regards, Tim | |||
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Wonderful pictures, Ivan. And good luck on the Bongo. | |||
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Ivan: Thanks for posting and sharing a few of your fine bird pictures. Mighty colorful. George "Gun Control is NOT about Guns' "It's about Control!!" Join the NRA today!" LM: NRA, DAV, George L. Dwight | |||
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