Birding Spots - Bronhorstpruit Dam and Nature Reserve
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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.