Being an ornithologist literally in the middle of the country, with a museum at his disposal, he is very well connected to all the other established ornithologists in South Africa, and his field of influence extends overseas too. A crown for Dawie’s nearly 35 years at the National Museum in Bloemfontein is that he will write the Gurney’s Sugarbird and African Rock Pipit texts for the new, online edition of Roberts 8 that will be uploaded to the Birds of the World platform.
This also isn’t the first time Dawie has featured in a media article. One of the first things he showed me at his home were features about him in Huisgenoot magazine and Die Volksblad newspaper. These articles showcase his ringing and public engagement, and he is certainly well known in the Afrikaans community.
I had the privilege of spending a day with Dawie, who kindly hosted me at his home in Bloemfontein. Our ‘day’ consisted of atlasing and counting birds on his favourite route, between Jagersfontein and Tierpoort Dam, as well as a tour of the National Museum.
This story is from the July/August 2023 edition of African Birdlife.
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This story is from the July/August 2023 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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