The contents of the course have been changed dramatically at the end of 2013. In 2014 the 10th anniversary of the course is being celebrated and some of the country's birds will be celebrated with photographs of some of the top wildlife photographers in South Africa. Much stronger emphasis is also being placed on conservation issues, in line with the MOU signed between the Overberg division of CapeNature and BirdLife Overberg.
A new addition to the course is a section focusing on the differences between the various families of LBJ's (little brown jobs) and other confusing species, as well as birds of prey, and how this applies to the region where the course is being presented.
The costs include the course manual and a certificate endorsed by BirdLife South Africa - roughly 1 600 slides and drawings will be used. In many cases images of similar and potentially confusing species have been combined on the same slide in order to illustrate differences. The development of an infrastructure for birding tourists in local areas will also be highlighted. In the vast majority of the slides English and Afrikaans names of species are printed onto the slide.
The course focuses on basic steps in the identification of birds, places heavy emphasis on where to find the rare and often endemic birds in Southern Africa and illustrates how ordinary bird-watchers could become involved in the conservation of birds and their habitats.
Participants should take along:
- One of the more recent bird guide books (Newman's, SASOL or Robert's), preferably one that one is prepared to make notes in to illustrate key identification features of species,
- Notebook and pen,
- Binoculars,
- Comfortable walking shoes (only on second day),
- Hat and sunscreen (only on second day),
- Lunch picnic basket.
Costs are R500 which includes the course manual and certificate. To register contact Elaine at mwjasser@mweb.co.za or 082 455 8402.
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