Bronhorstpruit Dam and Nature Reserve

The Bronkhorstspruit Dam is a popular weekend destination. The reserve, on the southern fringes of a large dam, is good for waterbirds, and grassland species. The entrance is off the road between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas. The reserve is about 70 km from Pretoria. BIRDING Grassland areas are frequented by Longtailed Widow, Fantailed, Cloud and Ayres' Cisticola, Spikeheeled Lark and Redcapped Lark. Patches of Eucalyptus are home to Redthroated Wryneck and Bokmakierie. In winter, Marsh Owl should be looked for in the morning or evening, as they quarter over the grassland near the entrance gate. The bridge crossing the Bronkhorstspruit river is a good place to stop and spend some time birding: Hamerkop, Whitethroated Swallow and Pied Kingfisher are conspicuous. In summer, both Lesser Kestrel and Eastern Redfooted Kestrel (Amur Falcon) frequent the area - sometimes in numbers, along with the ever present Black-shouldered Kites. A good route is that along the reserve boundary, which offers the opportunity to see various larks and pipits. Grassveld (African) Pipit and Orange-throated Lark are common, while Chestnutbacked Finchlark and Larklike Bunting are recorded in dry periods. The dam itself holds a lot of White-breasted cormorant, and white winged tern are usually present. Reedbeds are host to Redchested Flufftail (hard to see!!), African sedge and Cape Reed Warbler. Lookout also for Purple Heron, Great Crested Grebe and various duck species. In lower vegetation as the water edges look-out for Quail Finch and Orange Breasted Waxbill. As with many grassland areas, birds change according to season. Orange River Francolin, and Blue Korhaan have been recorded. Plantations are home to various accipiters and one should be on the look-out for Ovambo Sparrowhawk. Uncommon visitors to the dam include Osprey and Caspian Tern. Take the N4 towards Bronkhorstspruit. Turn right onto the R25 towards Delmas/Bapsfontein. Turn left after 3.8 km to Delmas (R42). The road to the reserve is found on the right after 13.7 km.