ADAM CRUICKSHANK
I started my birding journey later in life during a difficult time in my life. Birding provided me with a great distraction to help take my focus off many of the challenges that I was facing. I started off with the birds that were around me and eventually ended up traveling to some amazing places to add more ‘ticks’ to my list.
I was born in Zimbabwe but moved to South Africa when I was 5 years old, I am based in Amanzimtoti on the Upper South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Most of my birding is done within my local patch and area which is called Sapphire Coast. I have been privileged to get to see some amazing birds in this area – on many mornings I am fortunate to have a small flock of Red-headed Quelea that feeds on my feeders in my garden. I enjoy finding areas that others may not have visited and discovering the birds there are.
I have a passion for bird photography. I don’t have the budget to travel to some of the places people travel to see and photograph birds, so I have tried to get photos not just of ‘special’ birds but of the normal birds that I get to see on a day to day basis.
I am passionate about conservation and look for ways to create awareness around various organizations that are making a difference in this area. I was part of the committee that organized the Wagtail Conservation Festival in Amanzimtoti. I am a proud member of Birdlife Port Natal and served on the club committee for just over 2 years.
Quick Facts:
Current life list for Southern Africa - 610 species.
Favourite species - African Black Oystercatcher
The bird I most want to see – African Pitta
Favourite birding spot – uMkhuze Game Reserve
Dream birding destination – Botswana
TYRON DALL
I have been keen on wildlife and birding since as far as I can remember. I was fortunate to grow up in a family where we would take annual trips to the Kruger National Park. In those days the wildlife was the main focus, but the birds were certainly not overlooked and I can remember seeing all the iconic bird species of the Park. When I got married to my wonderful wife in 2007, the Kruger was an obvious place to spend our honeymoon, and what made it more special is she had never been before. There is something very special about taking someone to the Kruger for their first time.
Speaking of holidays, I try to get away as often as I can. My wife and I have been fortunate to travel to many places around South Africa, as well as Europe, South East Asia and extensively in Australia. We had a beautiful daughter in 2017, and now we get to share the joy of showing her our countries magnificent wildlife. One of my goals as part of The Birding Life will be to promote ethical eco and avian tourism destinations and operators that offer high levels of service at a good value.
I have a BSc degree from the University of Natal and have been working for 17 years in the field of software development for Intelligent Transport Systems, Urban Traffic Control and SCADA systems.
Quick Facts:
Current life list for Southern Africa - 604 species.
Favourite species – Purple-crested Turaco
The bird I most want to see – Rose Robin
Favourite birding spot – Pafuri, Kruger National Park
Dream birding destination – Okavango Delta and Caprivi Strip.
ZACH SIMPSON
I am 20 years old, and passionate about wildlife in general. I really love traveling to new areas to see new species. I started birding just before high school, still remember the thrill of seeing a new species in their dozens on a signal days birding. Those days when a Black Crake, Black-backed Puff-back or a forest weaver was a super ‘rare bird’ and I would get so excited whenever I saw one. I remember fantasizing about Forest Weavers, now I see them often (they were there all along, just my skill has improved).
Fast forward 7 years and I have had the privilege of Traveling a bit in Mauritius, South Africa and 6 other African countries. Seen some amazing species. My birding ‘priority’ is now my KZN list, nothing better than twitching a KZN rarity. I would also like to see 2000 species of more within the African continent.
Besides birding, I grew up on a farm in Harding. I have 2 younger brothers and 2 amazing parents. They have supported me in my birding. Most importantly they have given their lives for me and have Showed me what it is to serve Jesus Christ. I am a Christian and I owe everything to the Lord. I endeavor to give my life for him in every way possible. Serving Jesus brings me more joy and peace than birding could ever. What a privilege for me to see the natural world around me, but also have an intimate relationship with the Creator of it All.
Quick Facts:
Southern African Life List – 680
Favorite Species – tough one. Probably one of the Rallids.
Species I Most want to see – Long-tailed Hawk
Dream Destination – Semuliki National Park, Uganda
Favorite Birding Spot – Northern Zululand in the Summer
Instagram – Birding_and__Beyond
VAUNEEN KERR WILSON
(Directory Agent)
My love of nature started early, having lived on the Serengeti from birth till 3 years old, and then in Swaziland before moving to South Africa.
I have a Diploma in Medical Technology ,as well as a Diploma in Agriculture from Cedara Agricultural College. I started birding seriously in 2014 via the photography route.
In 2017 I decided to do a qualification as a field guide from the Wilderness Leadership School.
After early retirement in July 2018 I became a Tour Manager for Golf and Game ,doing mainly Safari tours to Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Kruger Park.
Quick facts:
Current life list for Southern Africa - 587
Favourite species - Narina Trogon
The bird i most want to see - Pippin
Favourite birding spot - Nibela Lake Lodge
Dream birding destination - Colombia