Month: March 2023

Karkloof Conservancy

Published on by Paul Bartho2 Comments

11th March 2023

View of the wetland area in front of the Wattled Crane Hide

Sally and I visited Karkloof Conservany (close to Howick, KZN) for an afternoon of birding from their Wattled Crane Hide.

We arrived at 16h00 and stayed till closing at 18h30. During that time we recorded 34 different bird species – mostly waterbirds. A pair of Grey Crowned Cranes did a flypast and not to be outdone a pair of Wattled Cranes also appeared as we were about to leave. They were feasting on a newly tilled field. Even a Blue Crane was heard calling overhead. White Storks and Bald Ibises were seen in the surrounding fields.

Also visible on an irrigation system in a distant field were a pair of Lanner Falcons. Notable waterbirds included White-backed Ducks, numerous Cape Shovelers, South African Shelducks to name a few.

Here are some bird photos taken during our time there.

African Darter shaking off
African Darter shaking off
Cape Shoveler
Cape Shoveler
Grey Crowned Crane
Grey Crowned Cranes
Grey Crowned Cranes
Grey Crowned Cranes
One of a pair of African Darters being attacked by Blacksmith Lapwings
Little Grebe
Purple Heron
Purple Heron
Red-billed Teal
A pair of Red-billed Teals
Red-knobbed Coot
Red-knobbed Coot
Red-knobbed Coot
South African Shelducks (female with white head, male grey-headed)
South African Shelducks
South African Shelducks
Grey Heron
Wattled Crane
Wattled Cranes
Wattled Cranes
Wattled Crane
African Darter drying off over the wetland
White Stork
Yellow-billed Duck with a greenish tinge to its bill
A distant pair of Lanner Falcons

Here is our list of birds recorded.

Karkloof Conservancy Bird ListDownload

Paul and Sally Bartho