There is something special about waking up at Doornkop to the sound of birdsong.
Set across 2,000 hectares of unspoilt wilderness near Carolina in Mpumalanga, the reserve is home to more than 200 recorded bird species. With dams, rivers, open grasslands, rocky hillsides and bushveld all within the reserve, there is always something new to look out for.
Whether you are an experienced birder with a checklist in hand or simply enjoy seeing what appears outside your chalet in the morning, birdwatching is another wonderful way to experience Doornkop.
Different Habitats, Different Birds
One of the reasons Doornkop supports such a variety of birdlife is its diverse landscape. Open grasslands stretch towards hillsides and bushveld, while mountain streams feed the Komati and Swartwaterspruit rivers. Eight dams add another important habitat, particularly for water birds.
This means you don’t necessarily need to venture far to enjoy a good sighting. A walk around the reserve can take you through several different habitats, each attracting its own species.
Protecting these natural spaces is important too. Doornkop’s ongoing Silver Wattle removal project along rivers and watercourses is helping to protect the environment that local wildlife depends on.
Life Around the Water
Doornkop’s dams and rivers are a good place to start exploring.
The unmistakable call of an African Fish Eagle may be heard across the water, while Grey and Purple Herons can often be found around quieter stretches. Hamerkops, Reed Cormorants, Darters, Egyptian Geese and several species of ducks are also included on Doornkop’s bird list.
Then there are the kingfishers. Six species appear on the list, including Pied, Giant, Half-collared, Pygmy, Brown-hooded and Striped Kingfishers.
Some sightings require a little more patience. The shy African Finfoot is also recorded on the list, making it an exciting species to keep an eye out for.
Look Beyond the Dams
The birding doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
Across the grasslands, visitors may spot Blue Cranes, Secretarybirds, Crowned and Blacksmith Plovers and Helmeted Guineafowl. Head towards the rockier areas and you could encounter Buff-streaked Chats, Cape Rock Thrushes and Bald Ibis, while larger birds such as Black and Martial Eagles and Cape Vultures may be seen overhead.
Doornkop’s hiking trails, lookout points and mountain biking routes offer plenty of opportunities to explore these different environments at your own pace.
And sometimes, you don’t need to explore at all.
Bokmakieries, Southern Boubous, Speckled Mousebirds, Cape Weavers and Cape Robin-Chats are all included on the reserve’s list. Your morning coffee on the chalet patio could easily turn into an unexpected birdwatching session.
Something Different With Every Season
Birdwatching at Doornkop can be enjoyed throughout the year, with the changing seasons bringing different visitors to the reserve.
Summer migrants include European Rollers, swallows and the Red-chested Cuckoo, whose familiar Piet-my-vrou call is one of the sounds many South Africans associate with summer.
For the best chance of spotting more species, head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon, walk slowly and take the time to stop and listen. A pair of binoculars and the Doornkop bird list are useful companions too.
See How Many You Can Spot
Part of the joy of birdwatching is that you never quite know what you are going to find.
It could be an African Fish Eagle calling across a dam, a kingfisher perched near the water or a Cape Robin-Chat visiting your chalet. With more than 200 species recorded at Doornkop, there is always another reason to look up.
Pack your binoculars and book your next Doornkop getaway now:
https://bit.ly/bookdoornkop