Members Murmurings

Roger Hogg tells us what is so great about birding using a story about his experience in search of the White Wagtail

I had the privilege of growing up on a dairy farm at the base of the Sani Pass. From an early age I was exposed to nature at it’s best and ran wild in two magnificent farming districts, Underberg and Kokstad.

It is only in the last decade however, that our family have been captivated and captured by all things bird and the photographic opportunities that it has brought. I admittedly have contracted the more infectious variety of the bird bug, but my wonderful daughters and long suffering bride have also felt touched by the magic.

In the company of an equally infected group of friends from Mtunzini and broader KZN, we compete, inspire and learn from each other with a camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere, and impossible to beat. It is the basis of so many adventures and memorable moments.

So it’s not just about the birds, it’s also about the journey, the unexpected experiences that never grow old. An age-old connection with nature at its best. There are rules to this exclusive bird loving club. We do not believe the long stories of the fishermen about the one that got away. We aim for proof, confirmation of every new record or sighting with solid, enviably well-shot photographs to seal the deal.

With advances in photographic equipment this is now in reach of all of us. So it was with great excitement that we heard about the rare and elusive White Wagtail on a rainy Sunday morning, less than an hours drive from home. My mate Liam and I locked and loaded the car and set off with high hopes. Little did we know our birding expedition would start with a three-hour trial-by-mud as the car sank up to its axels in thick black mud on the edge of the sugar cane field. Maybe the worst of road conditions to find yourself in. A very slow, very long, very smelly job to try and dig and lift and slowly ease the car forward meter by meter.

Meanwhile the wagtails movements are being broadcast far and wide and we feel like the only ones who cannot get there. A burst tyre and a final tow from a farming friend and we were on the road again and back in pursuit, caked with mud but enthusiasm undimmed. We were rewarded by the most amazing sighting, not only a White Wagtail but also a Western Yellow Wagtail as a bonus.

Everything else was forgotten - if you don’t make an effort how can you appreciate the prize! It’s why we bird, the challenges, the journey, the friendship. Always another bridge to cross, magnificent habitats to explore, complex behaviour to understand and, of course, brighter, sharper, and more evocative images to capture.