Robin Mountain 

I was extremely blessed growing up in South Africa on a large farm on the banks of the Rietvlei Dam,  surrounded by a nature reserve.  My parents introduced me to Birding at a very young age and we were members of the South African Wildlife Society.  We went on many birding outings and I had the privilege of being taught by some of South Africa's most renowned ornithologists.  I later became a member of The Vulture Study Group of South Africa.  I spent many hours watching the birds of the Highveld region.  I not only learnt their names but also learnt to imitate their calls.  I would be woken in the mornings by the call of Africa's most majestic eagle, the African Fish Eagle.  While eating breakfast I would hear the unmistakable call of the Crested Barbet going off like an alarm clock that had no snooze button.  On a typical day I would see flocks of Helmeted Guineafowl running in the open grasslands, and Yellow-Throated Longclaws perched precariously on large anthills.  Then there was the Fiscal Shrike - commonly called the "Jackie Hanger".  This name was derived from the fact that these birds impale their prey on anything with a sharp point to it.  Black Shouldered Kites, Forked-Tailed Drongos, just to mention a few of the wonderful endemic South African birds that we would see during the day light hours.  As the sun would set the Red-Chested Cuckoo would utter a loud often-repeated "weet-wee-weeoo", referred to by the Afrikaans speakers as saying "Piet my vrou".  At night we would have the Fiery-Necked Nightjar break the silence with its plaintive, descending,  six-syllabled "Good Lord deliiiiiiers us" call.

I have not even touched the tip of the iceberg so to speak but I hope that I have aroused a desire in those of you who have a passion for Birding to join me as I lead groups of American Birders to the country of my birth.  Southern Africa boasts a total bird list of more than 900 species, which exceeds 10% of the entire world's total.

I am aware that I will encounter many Birders whose knowledge and expertise in this field far exceeds my own.  However, as a South African now living in the USA and an avid birder, I understand the needs of "birders" and I appreciate the different techniques that need to be applied in organizing and conducting successful Birding Tours and Safaris in South Africa.  I am also very familiar with most of the game that we will encounter in the Game Reserves.  I speak several languages, namely English, Afrikaans, German, and Zulu.  This sure helps when getting around.

Ntaba Tours caters for the CASUAL BIRDERS - those who enjoy birding at a sedate pace, but also seek to experience the Natural History and further beauty and splendor of South Africa around them.  We also cater for the ARDENT BIRDERS - up before dawn and only Birds all day!

What is South Africa? - "A World in One Country" is what South Africa is described as.  At the southernmost tip of Africa lies a destination like no other.  It is a land of unmatched contrast and unequaled beauty.  Here you'll mix with a cultural mosaic of proud people who'll collectively welcome you with a warmth that matches the enviable climate of this sunny land.

I am a member of the National Audubon Society as well as the American Birding Association.