Birdwatching
If you’re passionate about birds, you’re in for a delightful experience. The farm's diverse habitats support a rich variety of birdlife.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise Awaits
If you have a passion for birdwatching, prepare to be captivated. The farm boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, each supporting its own array of birdlife, making it a prime destination for both amateur birders and seasoned ornithologists.
The vast, open grasslands are particularly rewarding, providing sanctuary to striking ground-dwelling species. Here, you may encounter the stately Grey Crowned Crane and Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird, both of which are a true spectacle in their natural environment. During the summer months, the elegant White Stork also makes an appearance, adding to the seasonal variety. Other notable sightings include the iconic Secretarybird, known for its dramatic strut and hunting prowess; the elusive Blue Korhaan; and, if you’re lucky, the rare Southern Bald Ibis, a vulnerable species occasionally seen in these open areas.
More commonly observed residents include the melodious African Pipit, the vividly colored Cape Longclaw, the robustly singing Rufous-naped Lark, the energetic Wing-snapping Cisticola, the unmistakable Spur-winged Goose, and the subtly patterned Red-winged Francolin. Of particular interest is the recent discovery of the Yellow-breasted Pipit in small numbers around the Cathcart region. This species, typically difficult to find, thrives in a specific and delicate microhabitat, making its presence here a notable highlight.
The farm’s wooded areas provide a contrasting environment teeming with forest species. Listen for the rhythmic tapping of the Olive Woodpecker and the more elusive Knysna Woodpecker. Keep an eye out for the dazzling Knysna Turaco with its vibrant plumage, and enjoy the melodic calls of the Olive Bush-shrike. Other forest dwellers include the African Olive Pigeon and the industrious Dark-backed Weaver, both of which contribute to the rich biodiversity of the woodland zones.
In the more rugged, rocky areas, the landscape changes again—here you might observe the charismatic Ground Woodpecker and the distinctive Buff-streaked Chat, both of which are well adapted to these stony outcrops. Towering cliffs provide ideal perches for raptors such as the majestic African Fish Eagle and the powerful Crowned Eagle, which can often be seen surveying their domain from high vantage points.
With such an impressive range of habitats and species, the farm offers an exceptional birding experience, promising new and exciting sightings around every corner.