And so it begins. FGASA Safari Guide of the Year 2019

By
David Batzofin
-
2329
These three sponsors have also come on board…
Lalalala Wilderness: Track and sign winner
Livingstones Supply Company: Guided walk winner
Anderson Wildlife Properties: Game drive winner
Our arrival at the NJ More College was met with clear blue skies.
I have visited this camp for the past three years and on every occasion
I have seen changes as it ‘settles’ into its surroundings.
There was not much time for wandering around!
A quick lunch for all and it was down to work for the
  FGASA Safari Guide of the Year 2019 nominees.
The birding Challenge…
Identifying birds of Southern Africa by sight and sound.
Bird identification is not easy at the best of times.
This task was no different…
60 species by sight and 60 by audio only.
Certainly not easy, but a challenge that all 5 rose to.
Under the watchful eye of FGASA Standards Director Brian Serrao,
the nominees were put through their paces.
Pen to paper…
Nominee Anthony Collett
Nominee Rassie Jacobs looking rather pensive
as he tries to identify what is on the screen
Nominee Julius Mkize looking thoughtful

 

“What is that bird”,
is what Margaux Le Roux seems to be thinking
Concentrating intensely…
Nominee Riaan Fourie.

 

“All work and no play”, as the saying goes.
With the first task complete, it was off to spend some time on Miss Mara.
A great way to end off a long day.
A sundowner cruise on this quiet stretch of water.
Not really quiet as we enjoyed some great sightings.
A few of the birds that we saw on the cruise had ‘featured’ in the test earlier.
This is a Jacana, also know as a Lily-trotter.

 

A couple of Reed Cormorants.

 

A Green-backed Heron skulking in the reeds.
A Little Bee-eater catching some rays from the setting sun
It is mating season for the Wildebeest,
hence this male looking as if he has been to the gym!
A perfect ending to yet another day in Africa.
Reed Cormorants in the setting sun.
Tomorrow will be another exciting day
 for both the nominees and the media contingent.

All the sponsor information
supplied by FGASA.

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