What started as a small group of Simbithi Eco Estate residents sharing their love and passion of birding through a small WhatsApp group, has blossomed into a 156-page “Birds of Simbithi” coffee table book.
The WhatsApp group, started by the estate’s environmental manager Ayanda Duma, is used to share sightings and images of the birds which call the area home – some of which are exclusive to the estate.
The idea of the book grew as a result of the group, with bird walk guide Dael Stojakovic, providing descriptions and insights to each bird snapped by residents, such as bird photographer, John Louw.
Once a plethora of photographs had been collected, the idea for the book was given the go ahead.
The book contains hundreds of high-quality photographs by Simbithi residents, all taken on the estate.
Each photograph is accompanied by an anecdotal piece detailing the bird’s appearance and facts about its life in Simbithi.
There is also a detailed map highlighting the prime bird watching locations along Simbithi’s 21 dams and ponds, five scenic walking trails and seven forest areas.
Plans are already underway to expand on this project, shining a spotlight on the eco-estate’s diverse fauna and flora.
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