Grew up on a Karoo farm and there developed an deep interest in birds. Travelled over most of South Africa just to see birds. First got interested in "Citizen Science" with the Blue Crane survey that was done many years ago. Was actively involved in South African Bird Atlas (Part 1) and was a referee for the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In more recent years have been involved in SABAP 2 and the CAR counts -- Have done 17 years of counting in the Aberdeen District in the Karoo. Since 1967 I have been a member of BirdLife Eastern Cape (and its predecessor) and, by extension, a member of BirdLife South Africa.