SASOL Bird e-Guide FAQ:

1. What equipment do I need to go birding?

You do not need very much equipment to start out in birding. The most useful items are a pair of binoculars, a notebook and a field-guide. We recommend that you visit the BirdLife South Africa web-site for advice on how to choose binoculars. A useful start is this article. A notebook is very useful (and underrated) item for birding. You should use this to make notes of the birds that you see. See our step by step guide to identifying birds



2. Where do I find out about bird-clubs and birding organisations?

There are Bird-clubs in all major centres which are branches of BirdLife South Africa. Call 011-789-1122 for information and contact details of your local branch. You can also visit the branches section of BirdLife South Africa on the web. Here are some quicklinks:

Some Branch web-links:

Cape Bird Club (Cape Town)
Wits Bird Club (Johannesburg)
Pretoria Bird Club (Pretoria/Tshwane)
BirdLife Port Natal (Durban)
BirdLife Border
BirdLife Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth)
Free State Bird Club



3. I have seen a bird that is not in any of the fieldguides, what should I do?

The most important thing is to record as much detail on the bird as you possibly can. To be thorough, make use of our Bird ID template, which you can download here. Once you have done this, the best approach is to contact your local BirdLife South Africa branch. Call 011-789-1122 for information and contact details of your local branch. You can also visit the branches section of BirdLife South Africa on the web. Here are some quicklinks:

Some Branch web-links:

Cape Bird Club (Cape Town)
Pretoria Bird Club (Pretoria/Tshwane)
Wits Bird Club (Johannesburg)
BirdLife Port Natal (Durban)
BirdLife Border
BirdLife Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth)
Free State Bird Club



4. Where are some good places to go birding?

There are many excellent places to go birding in and around all the major centres. You can contact your local branch for information (see the FAQ above), or consult SA Birding's very useful online resource which is here. This has a comprehensive section on birding spots, including those in the major centres.

Need more help? Email your question(s) to Etienne Marais