Amanzimtoti avian expert takes flight
Bruce had the opportunity to share his wisdom with SUN readers five years ago.
His weekly birding column is so popular that teachers cut it out and use it to teacher their learners. “I get great joy that learners and teachers are using my bird column to further their education and love of birds. Many senior citizens compliment me, saying the first thing they look for in the weekly edition is bird of the week,” said Bruce Munro, 70.
The avian expert was born in Johannesburg and moved to Toti 12 years ago. He attended Townsview Primary School and matriculated at Damelin College High School.
Not a birding expert by trade, his chosen career in aviation does have a link to his expertise. “I progressed from charter pilot to fly for corporates and retired as captain from the airline service. I also operated as a national tour guide for the last 25 years, taking international travellers to the national parks of Southern Africa. This is mainly to teach them about our animals and birds.
“I was able to fly company directors to private game lodges, where I learned a lot about birds from the rangers. I once had the opportunity to work with the famous birder Geoff Lockwood. Bird watching in the 1980s was the fastest growing hobby for professional people.”
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Bruce then had the opportunity to share his wisdom with SUN readers five years ago. “It came about after discussions with the previous editor the provision being that the photographs must be my own.
The biggest problem in our area is destruction of bird species by monkeys and cats. The monkey population has increased due to the eradication of their natural predators like leopards, caracals, eagles, pythons and cats brought in by human settlements.
There are so many beautiful birds that to have a favourite is difficult, although vultures are amazing and eagles very regal. I am not enthusiastic about caged birds, but would prefer people get bird feeders in the gardens. To improve my bird knowledge, I find regular scanning of bird manuals is valuable and there are many fine publications available. We are fortunate here in KZN to have the highest number of bird species available. The Zululand region is a rich source for good sightings, so too are places like the Kruger Park, Northern Botswana and Namibia.”
Bruce is married to Diann, who he describes as his better half. They have a daughter Barbara, 42, who live in United Kingdom with their grandchildren. They tragically lost their son Gavin last June in Howick. “I am a member of Amanzimtoti Country Club and have done astrology for over 50 years, writing several columns for national publications.
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Diann and I both love cooking, so we don’t miss the pubs and restaurants too much with the lockdown. Listening to music like classic FM and good old LM Radio and watching ‘golden oldie’ movies passes the time. And having thousands of photos to edit, as photography is a pleasurable hobby and my camera is my favourite toy.”
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