On Thursday 21 March at 07h00 seven eager teams received their cryptic clues and quickly dispersed into the morning mist. Strategies varied with some teams choosing to crack the clues en-route to their first birding site while others sped to the nearest internet base for assistance.

Once solved, the cryptic clues revealed 11 bird species including Sacred Ibis, Fork-tailed Drongo, Blacksmith Lapwing, Common Fiscal and Grey Go-away-Bird. Fairly common birds you may think, but finding and photographing them with the pressure of the clock ticking is a bit of a challenging assignment.

The line of attack of at least two teams worked perfectly with the Katlagters and Barbarians clocking in within the first hour and a half.... even before the winning line was in place! By 11h30 all seven teams had arrived at the General Piet Joubert School Lapa.

For the second year running the Katlagters team claimed first position while the Barbarians pipped the 4-vinkies into second place. The scores of the remaining teams where very close with the White Rhinos, Tweeters, Konkoits and Withelmlaksmanne all finishing within a single point of each other.

After a very amusing prize giving the teams settled down to a bit of social banter over their braai fires. Once again this club activity proved very successful and most enjoyable. The leader of the Katlagters was overheard saying that they need stiffer competition. Lets hope they get it in 2014 on Human Rights Day!

Photo of the winners of the 2013 Birdlife Polokwane Photographic Bird Race admiring their trophy.
From left to right San3 de Wet, Susan Dippenaar, Annamarie Wilson and Koos du Plessis.