Bird watching in Rustenburg
Although one would usually associate Rustenburg with wild four-legged animals like lion, kudu or crocodile, the area of Rustenburg offers a variety of over 300 bird species from the coloured sunbirds to the brown-snake eagle.
Rustenburg will fill any birder with great delight – from beginner to expert twitcher. Tick off hundreds of birds including raptors, waterbirds, bushveld birds and LBJs (little brown jobs) in a superb variety of habitats ranging from mountains, bushveld and grasslands to huge dams.
Birdwatching in Rustenburg: Grab your binoculars and see the different species Rustenburg has to offer. Photos: (left to right) The Bataleur Eagle by Paul Friel; Looking for those birds by Gerlos and the Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias Caudata by Yaaay
Mention the name of Rustenburg to locals and they’ll think of Sun City, platinum mining and farming. They probably won’t think of birdwatching in Rustenburg. But Rustenburg is encircled by some of South Africa’s best birding destinations: from Kgaswane Mountain Reserve and the huge Pilanesberg and Madikwe Game Reserves to Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve and Barberspan Bird Sanctuary. That’s why birding in Rustenburg is so richly rewarding.
The 4 000ha Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve northeast of Rustenburg is a great attraction for birders. Over 340 bird species have been recorded here, and if it’s water birds you’re after, then this is the place to spot them. Look out for waders of all kinds, storks, ducks, geese and grebes. There’s also a special 800ha bird sanctuary here, but if you want to visit this you must book in advance.
The RAMSAR-accredited Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, a huge 2 000ha body of water between Delareyville and Sannieshof, is one of South Africa’s largest sanctuaries for waterfowl and migratory birds and is a pioneer in ornithological research.
At Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, famous for its breeding herd of sable antelope, look for nesting pairs of martial and Verreaux eagles, and a breeding colony of Cape vultures.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve is excellent for bush birds, including the dazzling crimson-breasted shrike. At Madikwe Game Reserve there are up to 300 resident and migrant bird species, including ostrich and secretarybirds, three kinds of vultures and the highly sought-after African finfoot.
A good central place to stay for birding in Rustenburg is Kedar Country Hotel Conference Centre and Spa located on Paul Kruger’s historic farm of Boekenhoutfontein. A National Monument, it covers 1 200 acres of bushveld with plentiful game and birds galore.
Article taken from www.southafrica.net
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