Birds of the Magaliesberg 2023

Rivers and dams The region has three main dams namely Hartbeespoort, Buffelspoort and Olifantsnek with the new segment of the Magaliesburg Biosphere added covering Vaalkop and Rooikoppies dams to the North. All have areas where one can gain access to the waters edge or open water. (See info on specific areas). Hartbeespoort is the only one that is heavily polluted Hyacinth is found on the dam in large tracts of water, which has increased the presence of a number of species that utilise this habitat, either to feed on or search for food i.e. Black Crake, African Jacana, African Purple Swamphen. To either explore on foot or boat will reveal a number of exciting species. A group of Greater Flamingo used to occur on the Southern side of Hartbeespoort dam when the water level is not to high and floating vegetation is absent. Key rivers for the dams are the Crocodile, Magalies, Skeerpoort, Elands and Apies. All provide ideal habitats for bird species, especially when the rivers are low and sand banks appear in summer. This is where a considerable number of migrant species can be found. Finally, there are several pans in the Koster area which often plays host to several unique species (see Rustenburg area).

Note: In Africa, the Acacia species have been renamed Vachellia or Senegalia to fit in with the global tree identification protocol.

Early morning Magalies river in Skeerpoort

Series of weirs along the Crocodile in the Cradle area

When the dam level drops ideal wader habitats appear

Continuing efforts to keep shorline clean by resort owners

Leopard Lodge view across dam

Reeds and water hyacinth on the efdges provide the ideal habitat for a wide range of waterbirds

Day break on the Magalies river

Rockwall dam near Rustenburg

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