Derek sets sights on another decade of birding walks
The monthly Springisde bird walks are on the second Wednesday each month and last approximately two hours.
NOT many people can say they have seen, heard and identified more than 50 species of bird, all before sitting down for lunch.
Avid birder and birdwalk leader, Derek Spencer, is one such man.
His passion for the hobby began in 1983 when he joined the Natal Bird Club, which later became knows as Birdlife Port Natal.
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Due to his substantial birding knowledge, the organising committee hand-picked him as a bird guide for the 22nd International Ornithological Congress in August 1998.
This was later followed by an invitation by the then Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, Brian Mckelvin, to lead walks through the reserve.
Since 13 July 2008, Derek has been hosting insightful and captivating walks through the Springside Nature reserve.
“I have led numerous bird walks and field outings in the past,” said a proud Derek. “I am a registered observer with the Birds in Reserves Project and also the South African Bird Atlas Project 2.”
Five years later he was bestowed honourary life membership at Birdlife Port Natal.
“I remember when I started learning and appreciate anyone who could pass on information. I have continued to try and do the same for those that join in on my walks,” said a humbled Derek.
Even during his travels abroad to the United Kingdom and Sweden, he has continued to be impressed by South Africa’s abundance of bird life.
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“South Africa’s checklist has more than 950 species and I have been lucky enough to see 800 species in a space of over 35 years. It is a hobby that the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.”
The bird checklist in the 1992 Springside Nature Reserve listed 71 species, but he said that with an increase in popularity in birdwatching, this list has now reached 190 species.
Copies of this list can be found in the resource centre at the reserve.
“A feature of this reserve is its compact size (20 hectares), well-maintained footpaths, resource centre and visitor safety. The habitats comprise of coastal forest, grassland, two small converging streams and an associated wetland,” he said.
The monthly Springisde bird walks are on the second Wednesday each month and last approximately two hours.
The walks begin at 7.30am from October to March and from 8.30am from April to September. Tea, coffee and home-made snacks are provided in the resource centre after the walk.
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