AIM OF THE CHALLENGE

The aim of the challenge is that we are able to update the knowledge of birds in our area, as well as that of our birding sites, and that we are able to make a significant scientific contribution to existing structures that utilize this info. Hopefully we will unearth great new birding spots and discover meaningful populations of bird species unrecorded in our area.

This Pretoria Conservation Birding Challenge runs from Jan 1 2002 to December 31 2002. You can however join at any time, but remember that extra points are awarded for the first six lists from each locality.

How to take part in the challenge.

Choose a site that is listed on the List of sites. Download and install the customized listing program, which includes a list of all birds in the area.

Contact the person who can give permission to go to the area. If it is a public area, don't bother. Print a list from the web site. Get a 1:50 000 map, so that you can see where you are! Go birding and fill in the list electronically. When you are there note any other information on the site, which is not already on the spreadsheet, and send this to the organizers for additional points! Send in your list to [email protected] Note that the first 6 lists for each locality earn extra points, and the date taken for this is date of submission!

The list of sites above, will give you and indication of which sites have not been monitored, and more points are awarded for the first 6 lists submitted for any site, than those submitted later on. There are a number of good resources which one can consult on birding spots, including the Pretoria Bird Club Web-site (www.birding.co.za/pbc/) and Guy Gibbons birding spots at www.sabirding.co.za.

How to sign up?

Sign up using the online form here, or call Pieter van Zyl on 012-808-3532. A List of all participants will be published on this Web-site, and we encourage people to get in touch with each other, share information and go birding together!