South Africa boasts an impressive collection of over 850 recorded bird species, making it a paradise for birding enthusiasts. These elegant creatures grace our skies from sunrise to sunset, with some being more elusive and mysterious, adding excitement to the pursuit of being a South African birder. In 2021, the Widdows family, a passionate family of four, took on a remarkable challenge. Their unwavering dedication to learning, tracking, and photographing South Africa’s breathtaking birds led them on an extraordinary adventure—a year-long quest to observe 700 of the country’s bird species. Armed with their camera, binoculars, field guides, and a reliable Suzuki Jimny, they set off on winding roads, eagerly aiming to accomplish what no other birder had done before. We caught up with the Widdows family to delve into their exhilarating journey known as the South African Birding Big Year. Get ready to be captivated by their stories, inspired by their commitment, and amazed by the beauty they encountered along the way.
Please provide a brief introduction about yourselves. We are the Widdows, a family of four based in Durban. We are an adventurous bunch with a deep love for nature, wildlife, and birding! Craig, the dad and the man behind the camera, is an ecologist dedicated to biodiversity. Christine, the mom and creative mind behind our socials, is an Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatric special needs. We have two wonderful children who share our passion for nature. Wren, our 6-year-old, finds solace and joy in nature, while Finn, our 4-year-old, is a fearless explorer who thrives on our adventures.
Have you always been avid bird lovers who enjoy travel and adventure? Absolutely! Craig developed his passion for birding at the age of five. Yes, he was that kid who carried around a large poster of South African birds in his tiny backpack. Christine’s love for birding was sparked when we got married nearly ten years ago while living on a small farm in Northern KZN. We have always felt most like ourselves when surrounded by the wilderness and frequently sought refuge in the wild. In 2020, we realized the vital importance of a nature-centered lifestyle for our family, which led us to consciously make adventure a focal point in our lives.
Are your children also enthusiastic about birds? Definitely! We have been astounded by how much knowledge they have acquired through birding as a family. As parents, we made a deliberate choice to give our children a childhood immersed in nature. Both of them have accompanied us on birding trips and adventures since a very young age (Wren was already sitting in her first bird hide when she was just a few weeks old!). By involving them in our passion, they have developed a deep interest in this incredible hobby, and the availability of birding books and materials tailored for young children has certainly aided their learning.
Could you provide some information about the South African Birding Big Year? What inspired you to pursue it, what were your goals, and did you achieve them? Wow, where do we begin? The concept of a birding big year, a year devoted to spotting as many bird species as possible within a specific region, had always been Craig’s dream. In 2021, we embarked on our own South African Big Year as a family. The inspiration behind this adventure came from an innate desire to connect with our roots in this beautiful country. And what better way to do so than through birding, which takes you to some of the most untouched places? As far as we know, no one had ever documented 700 bird species in South Africa in a single year, so we made it our audacious target. With our Suzuki Jimny packed to the brim, along with our 2 and 4-year-olds, we gave it everything we had. After 365 days, 45,000 kilometers traveled, and the incredible support we received from our fellow South Africans, we celebrated the sighting of 702 bird species in 2021! We also used this year to fundraise for BirdLife South Africa’s remarkable community bird guide initiative.
How much planning went into such an adventure? Planning this adventure required countless hours of effort. We actually began planning seven months before the journey even began. Organizing a birding big year is an interesting task because you have to plan your travels around the birds and where they can be found, some of which reside in remote areas of South Africa. For example, the elusive Barlow’s Lark can only be found in isolated regions north of Port Nolloth on the west coast. So, if you want to add this bird to your big year list, you have to make your way to Port Nolloth. Planning is further complicated by migratory birds that breed outside the country and the captivating rarity that shows up a few hundred kilometers away from your current location. Despite all the planning, we are definitely the kind of people who say ‘yes’ and often find ourselves deviating from our original route, following unexpected invitations and advice on a must-see attraction. We simply embrace the fullness of the travel experience.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time on the road? Oh, we had countless incredible moments. It’s hard to choose just a few. Some of our favorite memories include the thrilling expeditions known as “twitches,” such as the time we took a detour of 1185 kilometers from the Kgalagadi on the Namibian border to Port Elizabeth on the coastline, just to see a Lesser Noddy (a rare bird, indeed, but still just a bird). We spent a month camping along the length of Kruger National Park, raced down the sand dunes of Witsand in the Northern Cape, sipped drinks on the banks of the Limpopo River while being serenaded by hyenas in the adjacent Tuli Block, paddled up rivers, trailed trawlers near the continental shelf as albatrosses soared above, scanned the towering peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, and called our tent home for three months at a time. We were also fortunate to receive invitations from some of South Africa’s top lodges and enjoy home-cooked meals from the extensive network of South African birders who cheered us on.
In your opinion, what makes a great birding photograph? This is a subjective question, and everyone may have a different answer. However, for us, a great birding photograph is one that transports the viewer to the exact moment it was captured, evoking memories of the sounds, smells, and emotions of that particular instance. It’s true magic when a photograph goes beyond the equipment used or the technical prowess of the camera. It’s about capturing the intimacy of the moment between the photographer and the subject and sharing that intimacy with others.
What are some common mistakes aspiring birding photographers often make? Many people fall into the “zoom” trap, always trying to fill the frame or get extremely close-up shots. While there are advantages to this approach, we have discovered that leaving space and capturing the bird within its habitat can create a more authentic and captivating image. Another common mistake, which we are all guilty of at times, is impatience and rushing the photography process. It is through patience and waiting that we can witness natural and unique behaviors that lead to stunning images.
What camera do you use for birding photography? We use the mirrorless Canon EOS R for our birding photography.
What are some of your favorite lenses for birding photography? Currently, we rely on two dependable lenses that accompany us on all our adventures. The Canon 50mm 1.8 (commonly known as the nifty-fifty) helps us capture beautiful family and lifestyle shots while we travel. The Sigma 150-600mm contemporary lens allows us to get up close to our avian subjects. We absolutely love the durability and affordability of both these versatile lenses.
What is your next big adventure? As birdwatchers, the location and timing of our next adventure often unfold unexpectedly. Recently, the sighting of South Africa’s first Red-tailed Shrike prompted us to pack up our Jimny within minutes of a family meeting and embark on an impromptu family adventure. Having said that, Botswana is definitely calling for our attention!
What advice would you give to aspiring birding photographers? In our opinion, truly knowing and understanding your subject is crucial, especially when photographing birds. You can have all the best equipment, but if you don’t understand the behavior and habits of the birds you’re photographing, you may struggle to capture their essence. Additionally, patience is key. By being patient and observing, you can witness unique behaviors and capture extraordinary moments that make for stunning images.