Birding

The large wetland, approximately 700ha, straddles the north-westerns side of Wakkerstroom deserves some of your attention. This is one of the large reed-marshes in South Africa and supports a diverse fauna and flora. The wetland is a registered Natural Heritage Site (no.220) with the land being leases from the local municipality by Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks association and is managed by the Wakkerstroom Heritage Association, controlling grazing, prescribed burning and public access. Wakkerstroom has long been known globally as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and is listed as such in the IBA directory as IBA SA020. It is a birding haven with marvels to entice both the experienced and newcomers to this rewarding pastime. A visit to Wakkerstroom, in the company of a BirdLife South Africa trained guide, will almost guarantee you the opportunity to see three endemic species which are restricted to Southern Africa’s high-altitude grasslands – Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark and Yellow-breasted Pipit. Other specials include Blue Korhaan and Southern Bald Ibis.

Wetland Species

· Grey Crowned Crane

· African Grass Owl

· African Snipe

· African Purple Swamphen

· African Marsh-Harrier

Grassland Species

· Rudd’s Lark

· Botha’s Lark

· Yellow-breasted Pipit

· Southern Bald Ibis

· Blue Korhaan

· Denham’s Bustard

· Buff-streaked Chat

· Ground Woodpecker

Forest Species

· Bush Blackcap

· Chorister Robin-Chat

· Olive Woodpecker

Various habitats in the region include grassland, mist belt, forests, gorges and cliffs and an extensive Wetland system.

Situated across the wetland from the village, BirdLife South Africa both owns and leases parts of the western perimeter of the wetland area totalling 114ha. This property is open to the public and offers nice grassland walks as well as superb views at different points long the wetland. Iain Drummond Hide can be reached from the Oude Stasie Road. There is parking next to the road 500m south of the Oude Stasie itself. From here you walk a few hundred metres down towards the wetland to the hide – a good spot to see Red-chested Flufftail. At sunset, at certain times of the year this part of the wetland also provides the interesting spectacle of thousands of birds flying into the wetland to roost – Pied Starling, Long-tailed and other Widowbird, Cattle Egret, Swallow and more. Crane Hide is reached by turning into the BirdLife South Africa Centre’s driveway. Please park at reception. The hide is approximately an 800m walk through the grassland. As its name suggests, this hide has some great views of Grey Crowned Cranes. Marsh and Grass Owls are also a possibility, especially at dusk in winter. The grassland surrounding this hide is perhaps the best place in the district to get the elusive, but common Pale-crowned Cisticola and in some summer months Corn Crake is a possibility. The best viewing opportunities of the wetland are from the raised road that heads north out of the village towards Amersfoort. You can pull off to the side of the road or park below in the Wetland Reserve itself. From here you will also be able to access both the WOW and Clive Beck Hides. Here the spectacle of hundreds of South African Cliff Swallows and White-rumped and Little Swifts wheeling in the air above the road bridge over the Utaga River provide a summer treat. There is also a good chance, especially early in the morning of spotting the Cape Clawless Otter in the river below the road. The much rarer Spotted-necked Otter has also been seen in some of the open pools close by.

Most of the roads in the surrounds are gravel and their condition is generally good enough for any vehicle to use. However, the condition will vary from month to month depending on when they were last graded. There are sections of the road that become quite rocky or severely corrugated at times. Also after heavy rains some sections can be slippery and even impassible for a short period, without a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle. Pull well off the road whenever you stop. These are public roads and some can carry quite a bit of traffic. Other road users may not be as interested in the rich fauna and flora. Do not climb over fences or enter farms without prior permission. Most landowners are obliging if permission is asked for before their property is entered. Take along warm clothing, a raincoat or anorak – no matter what the weather is like when you leave. It is bound to change before you get back.

Don’t head due east in the early morning and due west in the evening. This way, you won’t be looking directly into the sun. Early mornings are best for birding so make the effort to get out by sunrise.

There are several trained bird guides in Wakkerstroom, all of whom have completed their training at the BirdLife South Africa Centre. It makes for a memorable days birding to make use of the guides. They will almost guarantee you sightings of the area’s specials and they take great pride in their profession. Guests are asked to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The guides accompany you in your vehicle for the duration of the tour.

Contact details:

Kristi Garland 081 726 5282 / kristi.garland@birdlife.org.za