Hwange on a high!
African Birdlife|September/October 2023
With more than 420 bird species, Zimbabwe's celebrated park is perfect to view migrants that don't make it all the way south. It's also buzzing with raptors and regional specials.
ANTON CRONE
Hwange on a high!

The act of looking for something that may or may not be there enables you to take in so much more. Such is the reward of birding.

When I was younger, I would associate the brochure' image of a destination as a guarantee I would see it 'just so, when actually the only guarantee was disappointment. The Kruger article by Richard Flack in the July/ August 2023 issue, particularly his stunning photo of the Racket-tailed Roller, reminded me of this. I have visited Pafuri and travelled up and down that heartbreaking road on four occasions to find that elusive bird, with no success. I know many birders can relate; on one of those trips I crossed paths with a forlorn-looking Phalaborwa businessman who, having heard of a sighting, had driven straight from the office. Still wearing his tie, he gazed out of his car window, scanning the trees. A 600mm lens lay across his lap, ready for action. But, like me, he was unsuccessful.

It relates to the joy of fishing. The act of dangling a line, not knowing if you'll catch anything, gives you the space and time to contemplate, to take in everything around you and be giddily happy with it. After a number of trips to the bush, I've come to enjoy this approach to travel.

Esta historia es de la edición September/October 2023 de African Birdlife.

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Esta historia es de la edición September/October 2023 de African Birdlife.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.

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