Birds of the Magaliesberg 2023

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS: JOHN WESSON HARTBEESPOORT DAM SNAKE & ANIMAL PARK

The Park was founded over 55 years ago by Jack Seale and now a family run business. It houses a wide variety of interesting animals, reptiles and birds including breeding Cape Vultures, lions, tigers and other big cats, chimpanzees and other primates, hyenas, wild dogs, and otters all kept in natural surroundings. The Cape Vultures have bred regularly on the artificial rock wall for the past 30 years. The park has one of the most comprehensive snake collections on display in Africa. Come stroll along the paths and gardens in this well wooded area that provides home for several bird species. In the Blue gum trees to the East of the park large numbers of White-breasted Cormorants nest with a few Grey and Black headed Herons as well.

For a view of the dam wall and a glimpse of the open waters the park also arranges ferry boat rides and a variety of other water sport activities. The Ferryboat ride is approximately a 25-minute cruise and can seat 100 people. They also cater for a variety of functions i.e., conferences, corporate functions, kitchen teas, sunset cruises, weddings, and birthday parties etc., from finger snacks to sit down meals and a cash bar is available. The Watersport Centre also features speedboat rides, water toys as well as Jet Ski rides.

To get some good views of birds on the dam it is often worthwhile to take the early morning or late afternoon cruise on the pleasure boat. Many of the open water species can be seen such as Great- crested Grebe, Cormorants,

Darters, and duck spp. If you are fortunate, you may witness the magnificent Fish Eagle doing some fishing. All their vessels and skippers are SAMSA registered ensuring your highest level of safety on the water. Jack Seale has been custodian of a few key conservation areas around the dam for a period of over 50 years including the Meerhof \Ifafi Conservancy Bird Sanctuary.

Cape Fur Seal

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