If effort is a function of Time over Energy then, by all account, we're in a state of timeless dysfunction! January has virtually hobbled into history & we're nowhere closer to where we wanted to be yesterday, today. We have a fistful of excuses, most impressive, none relevant..
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| Gauteng Province - South Africa |
In Vol I we penned a short-list of what we wanted to accomplish this year. We mentioned that the list was subject to change & so it has.
A bucket-load of opinion dominates the social media sites apropos the regional birding challenges & more specifically, the associated rules of engagement. If a challenge isn't a personal fist-shake at the gods but rather a competition between hobbyists of similar interest, then by all means, clear the field & paint some lines. Our tastes are more maverick in recipe & it's precisely the freedom we pursue vicariously through birds that makes us bird. Whether we do so with both eyes tightly shut; from the comfort of a chair; bottom-side up, in the air or on one leg, is, for us, an introspective decision. Even so, I concede the point under debate but will never accede to a list of rules imposed by opinion. Increasing complexities of regulation ...
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| Fork-tailed Drongo |
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| Common Fiscal |
We've abandoned our regional ambitions [per Vol I] for a more retro-styled challenge. In fact, like a modern mini cooper, the challenge is a fresh take on an old favourite. We'll bird GAUTENG ie: within its gazetted lines & we'll aim for 400 species AND we'll use our ears & our eyes. We'll only add a species to the list if it's on a full protocol card for SABAP2.
Bizarrely we'll use our other senses too. We intend to have-in-hand, by year's end, at least 3000 individuals which we'll handle; ie: measure, mark, ring & note. Inevitably we'll feel their wrath. Some will bite, others will scratch & claw. The laundry basket will prove the stain, an unwelcome assault on our olfactory sensibilities. That's the nature of the beast; sense & sensibility is subjectively common; always equal and intrinsically interrelated.
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| Marsh Warbler - 1st yr |
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| Amethyst Sunbird - juv. |
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| Willow Warbler |
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| Bloody nuisance |
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| Zitting Cisticola |
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