I visit Gauteng approximately four times a year. When I do, I try to make a point of visiting Rietvlei Nature Reserve near Pretoria. The reserve has a good number of larger game, including rhino and buffalo. But the grassland birding is also very good.
One of the regular LBJs is the very vocal Rufous-naped Lark. I found one displaying in a small shrub, singing while doing its characteristic wing flutter. On my way out a couple of hours later it was still displaying at the same spot.
One of the advantages of going in summer is that the bishops and widowbirds are in the breeding plumage making identification much easier. I got good views of Red-collared, White-winged and Long-tailed Widowbirds.
The picnic spots are good locations to do some birding on foot. At the coffee shop, situated centrally in the reserve, I encountered Red-throated Wryneck, Yellow-fronted Canary and a flock of European Bee-eaters overhead. In the past, I’ve also encountered Crimson-breasted Shrike here. Another picnic spot worth exploring on foot is at the Marias Dam. This has two bird hides, one at either end. Here I encountered Arrow-marked Babblers and Willow Warblers. A mixed flock of swallows, swifts and martins were flying low over the water.
Although the site is surrounded by suburbia and power lines are visible almost everywhere, this little reserve is a gem in the Gauteng landscape.
