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Birding
in Zululand is a heady experience. Some of the finest birding spots in South
Africa are located within a few hours’ drive from each other, and Zululand
is a favourite haunt of both local and international bird watches. The
juxtaposition of so many diverse habitats – from bushveld and grassland to
waterways and seashore – offers are rare concentration of several hundred
species in the one area.
Mukuzi
Game Reserve rules the Zululand Birding roost with its range of habitats that
include the Lebombo Mountains, grassland savannah, riverine forest and flood
plain pans. Its bird count is an incredible 430 species. Birding paths can be
easily walked with a guide, and there are comfortable hides overlooking
numerous pans and waterholes, as well as self-guided walk through a primeval
fig forest. The mass take-off of a large flock of flamingos or a busy hunting
party of white pelicans is an unforgettable experience.
Further north, several areas
boast similar habitats and are well known for the winter water birds that in
large numbers along its pans and waterways. Species recorded number up to 420,
including occasional sightings of East African sub-species at the southernmost
limit of their migration. A waterside watch cloud lead to that once in a
lifetime sightings of the rate Pels Fising owl or the green Coucal, while time
spent in the sand forest hide might add the magnificent narina Trogan, seldom
sighted Rudd’s Apalis or the Flappet Lark to your birding list.
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