Smithfield Dam Bird Count

Setting up the spotting scope was the easy part for Brian Colahan, Principal Nature Conservation Scientist: Ornithology, Free State Tourism, Environment & Economic Affairs, as he prepared for an official bird count on the Smithfield dam. The clouds and slight wind did not deter the White Winged & Whiskered Terns; Spoonbills; Marsh Sandpipers; Black Necked, Greater Crested & Little Grebes; Cape Teals; Shovlers; Red Knobed Coots and many other birds from inclusion in the count.

Bird watchers take note – Smithfield is definitely a place to explore. Lynden Lund can be contacted on Cell 083 263 0613 to gain access to many areas around Smithfield, including private property where Kimberley Pipit’s have been seen.

Free State birding

by Crystelle Wilson

Not many people will put Free State at the top of their birding destination list. But the semi-arid grasslands in the south western parts are surprisingly rewarding.

The success of KZN Birding Routes in attracting visitors to an area has prompted my friend Carmel Rickard to initiate a similar project at Smithfield where she owns a guesthouse.

Rick Nuttall, president of BirdLife South Africa, agreed to lead the Bloemfontein Bird Club on an outing to the town in November last year. The preceding weekend he spent with Carmel and another local birding enthusiast, Lynden Lund, scouting suitable habitats.

Rich Prizes for a Bird-Friendly Smithfield

by Carmel Rickard

THE visit by BirdLife Free State last November was exactly what Smithfield needed. We increased the number of birds on the official village list from just over 100 to 200, among them some highly sought-after species. “Well,” I thought, “what more could we ask? Now Smithfield can boast that we are a good birding destination. We can start to market ourselves to visitors as an even more desirable place to spend time. Not only can we offer good beds, good food and good cycling – we can also spog with some fabulous birds.”