The 18,000 ha Sterkfontein Game Reserve is a birder's paradise, with a bird list of 195 species.
There have been excellent sightings of Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture. In short grassland areas Yellow-breasted Pipit and Amur Falcon have been observed.
Local waterbird species include Little Grebe, Goliath Heron, Egyptian Goose, South African Shelduck, Caspian Tern, African Fish-Eagle and Osprey. In the grassland and open bush areas Common Quail, Grey-winged Francolin, White-bellied Korhaan, Ground Woodpecker, Mountain Wheatear, Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Prinia and Yellow-crowned Bishop are spotted regularly.
The rocky slopes provide habitat for several species such as Red-winged Francolin, Cape Rock-Thrush and, during winter, Malachite Sunbird. Other raptors such as Verreauxs' Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Black Harrier and Rock Kestrel are common, while Southern Bald Ibis breeds on sandstone krantzes in the reserve and can be seen foraging in grassland. Look out for the rare Rudd's Lark which occurs in short grassland.
Smell ...
The fragrance of the earth
|
