Birds of the Magaliesberg 2023

There is an entry fee payable with reduced rate for members. Feeding takes place weekly on Saturday. There is no guarantee that the birds will come down. GPS co-ordinates: S 250 48.516 E 027 43.122 From here take the road opposite the cheese farm heading back East to the dam.

View across dam from southern shore towards Kosmos

OBERON You drive through mixed bushveld, riverine woodland and past grassy areas until you reach Oberon which is a picnic/camping resort called Eagle Waters. It is worth paying to go in a view the wide variety of birds in this area. Often large flocks of Egyptian geese are seen grazing on the shores. There are also magnificent views of the dam. Water Thick-knees have been recorded here. GPS co-ordinates: S 250 45.954 E 027 52.713 From here one turns left and over the mountain once again on the R512 heading South then East, continue until you see the Roos Se Oord sign on the left. This is an ideal spot to view large numbers of waders on the mud flats, such as Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and if lucky Greater or Lesser Flamingo depending on the height of the Crocodile River before it enters the dam. On exiting the resort turn left and a short way along you will find a road to Villa d Afrique, turn left here and follow the road to the estate gate. You will cross a small bridge before the estate that often has several duck species to view in the river habitats to the left and right. Finally continue back to the T-junction turning left and a short while later right onto the R511 and back to Johannesburg.

DE RUST FISHING AREA Before reaching the dam bridge intersection watch out for the Lakeland Estate turnoff on your left. Take this road which takes you under the bridge road and to the Northern Transvaal fishing camp. Watch out for resident White-fronted Bee eaters in the blue gums on the right. This area provides ideal wader and other water bird spotting opportunities having open level water edges that are ideal for water birds to feed. Some years the major Hyacinth growth covers all suitable habitats for water birds. This area has unfortunately become dilapidated and overgrown and at this stage could be a security risk to visit on your own. Watch this space for updates. GPS co-ordinates: S 250 45.924 E 027 49.154 After leaving the fishing camp head back to the main road and turn left. On passing Pecanwood Estate turn left before the shopping center and follow the road along the southern side of the dam.

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