On Sunday a small group of PBC members visited Leeuwfontein reserve, situated north of Moloto on Gauteng's border with Mphumulanga. It has been developed by Gauteng's Directorate of Nature Conservation to serve as a starting point for the envisaged "big 5" reserve. The plan is to make outings to this reserve a regular part of our calendar as a means of assisting in the process and to gather data for the Birds in the Reserves Project (BIRP).

In contrast to the roads, however, birding was good. We ticked 82 species. Migrants were still much in evidence, with lesser (3) and eastern redfooted kestrels, European bee-eater (a flock), European (few) and redbreasted (1) swallows, spotted flycatchers (many), lesser grey (2) and redbacked (1) shrikes and willow warblers (several) all present. A good mixture of broadleafed and thornveld species was found, although it was obvious that things were winding down for the winter. Besides the above raptors, greater kestrel and blackbreasted snake eagle were also seen.

Having dipped on several important species due to our having left our ropes and dogs at home, and having missed out on an excellent opportunity to sample the culinary delights of Adams Country Arms along the way, we will just have to go back before long. Watch the PBC program for dates.