Birding Blogs

A brief description of the weather you can expect when visiting Magoebaskloof

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A concise description of the Magoebaskloof/Haenertsburg area could be “The Land of the Silver Mist”—a lush, high-altitude microclimate that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding dry bushveld of Limpopo.  Seasonal Weather Magoebaskloof Monthly Temperature Averages Magoebaskloof maintains a stable climate year-round with only subtle seasonal changes. Daytime highs typically peak at 27°C in February and dip … Read more

Mannikins in Magoebaskloof and District

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There are three Mannikin species in South Africa and all can be seen in our area. The Red-backed and Bronze Mannikins are common on our farm. The Magpie Mannikin can be seen in Tzaneen. David Letsoalo and Paul Nkhumane are whizzes at finding them. The maps below show that the Bronze Mannikin is widespread. The … Read more

New Agatha Bat Hawk Nest Site UPDATE

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A few weeks ago the most recent nest platform and its supporting branch fell down. Ruan Viljoen from the Warriors Academy volunteered to erect a new platorm. The only suitable branch we found is 10m up. We sincerely hope the Bat Hawks accept the new platform. These pictures show Ruan climbing the tree, attaching the … Read more

Roberts Bird books: History of the naming of the Cape Parrot.

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Using the Roberts bird books on my shelf I have tried to trace the emergence of the Cape Parrot name, as we know it today. I scanned the maps from the books. The caption on the map indicates which version of Roberts that the map comes from. I have also selected some of the information … Read more

Birding on Dragonwyck Farm.

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Swee Waxbill Hide

Walking and Birding on Dragonwyck Our cottages are surrounded by plants selected to attract birds. This is perfect for the birders who prefer the birds to come to them. Over the years we have developed many trails. Some follow the streams and pass through riverine bush. Others take you into our forest. Concrete benches have … Read more

Bird Guides recommended for Makgobaskloof/Woodbush Forest

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Are you looking for bird guides to help you tick more lifers or help you enjoy a days birdwatching in new and unknown surroundings. Marianne McKenzie of Ecotrips offers a wide range of guided half-day and full-day trips in the Magoebaskloof disrtrict. Provides 4×4 transport and freshly prepared refreshments. Further afield and longer trips also … Read more

Birders Cottage Bird Photographs: Conrad Visser

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Flycatcher

These excellent photographs were taken by Conrad Visser in the winter of 2021 in our Limpopo Escarpment Forest. The conditions were cold and mostly overcast. The Yellow-bellied Greenbul is a first for me on the farm. The other birds are typically seen when ever you go out birding. The SABAP2 pentad that covers the farm.

Black Sparrowhawk nesting in giant Eucalypt near Woodbush Forest

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This morning, 19 September, I took a drive to the tallest planted tree in the world. David Letsoalo a local bird guide had given me directions to a Black Sparrowhawk nest located just behind the tallest tree. I found the nest without any difficulty but there was no sign of the birds. According to Roberts … Read more

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