Birds of the Magaliesberg 2023

Valleys Narrow valleys are found between the Magaliesberg and the hills mainly on the Northern side of the mountain and provide many unique habitats, ranging from dense woodland, open Wild Syringa woodland, grass slopes, wetlands, interspersed with the tall Aloe marlothii, and large stands of the Euphorbia ingens (Candelabra tree). Many of these areas have been invaded by Bug Weed, which also provides an excellent food source for many fruit eating birds and a favourite of African Olive Pigeon. Similar valleys occur throughout the Cradle area.

Views east down the valleys, Kgaswane nature reserve

Cliffs The sheer high cliffs are found on the Southern side of the mountain overlooking the Moot Valley bushveld below. They have typical deep cracks and holes making ideal habitats for mountain nesting birds of prey, as well as swifts etc. These cliffs are the home of two of the regions Cape Vulture colonies, the largest of which at Skeerpoort, has around 280 breeding pairs. The other

Looking down into the Moot valley

Wooded areas Kgaswane game reserve

one is at Nooitgedacht in the Buffelspoort area, where they are in a protected area and safe from interference. Roberts Farm colony close to Rustenburg no longer has any birds present. The Skeerpoort colony also has a number of Black Storks roosting and breeding there.

Valleys around Olifantsnek dam

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