Marievale Bird Sanctuary birding: Travel information, access and facilities
Marievale Bird Sanctuary birding: Marievale Bird Sanctuary in South Africa is a renowned birding destination located in the Gauteng province, near the town of Nigel. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of bird species and excellent birdwatching facilities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to birding at Marievale Bird Sanctuary:
Overview
Location: Marievale Bird Sanctuary is situated within the Blesbokspruit Ramsar wetland, about 50 kilometers southeast of Johannesburg. The sanctuary covers approximately 1,000 hectares of wetlands, reed beds, and grasslands.
Habitat: The sanctuary’s wetlands provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of waterbirds, waders, and other bird species, making it a top birding spot in South Africa.
Marievale Bird Sanctuary birding Species
Marievale Bird Sanctuary is home to over 280 bird species, including several rare and migratory birds. Some notable species include:
- Waterbirds:
- Greater Flamingo
- Lesser Flamingo
- African Spoonbill
- Black-winged Stilt
- Yellow-billed Duck
- White-faced Whistling Duck
- Purple Heron
- African Fish Eagle
- Waders:
- Common Sandpiper
- Marsh Sandpiper
- Pied Avocet
- Ruff
- African Snipe
- Wood Sandpiper
- Raptors:
- Marsh Harrier
- African Harrier-Hawk
- Long-crested Eagle
- Other Notable Birds:
- African Rail
- Purple Swamphen
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Lesser Swamp-Warbler
- Southern Red Bishop
- Levaillant’s Cisticola
Marievale Bird Sanctuary Birding Facilities
- Hides and Viewing Platforms:
- Marievale has several well-maintained bird hides strategically placed around the wetland. These hides provide excellent vantage points for observing and photographing birds.
- Trails and Boardwalks:
- There are various walking trails and boardwalks that allow birders to explore different parts of the sanctuary and access prime birdwatching spots.
- Observation Towers:
- Observation towers offer elevated views over the wetlands, providing a broader perspective and better chances to spot distant birds.
Marievale Bird Sanctuary birding best times
- Early Morning and Late Afternoon:
- Birds are most active during the cooler parts of the day. Plan your visits for early mornings and late afternoons for the best birdwatching experiences.
- Seasonal Considerations:
- Summer (October to March) is the best time for birding at Marievale, as many migratory species are present. The wetlands are also at their fullest, attracting a wide variety of waterbirds.
- Winter (May to August) still offers good birding, with many resident species remaining active.
Birding Tips
- Bring Binoculars and a Camera:
- Binoculars are essential for spotting and identifying birds from a distance. A camera with a good zoom lens will help capture the beautiful birdlife.
- Field Guide:
- A field guide to South African birds will be useful for identifying species and learning more about their behaviors and habitats.
- Quiet and Patience:
- Birds can be skittish. Move slowly, stay quiet, and be patient for the best chance of observing a variety of species.
- Weather Considerations:
- Check the weather forecast before your visit. Wetlands can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
Accommodation and Facilities
- Nearby Accommodation:
- Nigel and surrounding areas offer a range of accommodation options, from guesthouses to hotels, making it convenient for multi-day birding trips.
- Sanctuary Facilities:
- Marievale has basic facilities, including picnic areas and restrooms. Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no shops or restaurants within the sanctuary.
Additional Birding Opportunities
- Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve:
- Located nearby, Suikerbosrand offers additional birding opportunities with a different range of habitats and species.
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve:
- Another excellent birding destination within a reasonable driving distance from Marievale, offering a variety of bird species and habitats.
Conclusion
Marievale Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers in South Africa. Its rich diversity of bird species, excellent birdwatching facilities, and beautiful wetland habitat make it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced birders. Plan your trip, bring your birding gear, and enjoy the incredible avian diversity that Marievale has to offer.
My trip
Marievale Bird Sanctuary birding. The first time I visited Marievale in the South-Eastern Highveld (Gauteng) area, my GPS took me to a completely wrong location. Marievale is recorded on the GPS in a view different locations. It took some two hours to find the correct spot but once there, I added it to my favorites and went back for another two times.
I prefer to visit birding sites where I can stay in my car and look for birds. My main reason for this is security. Walking alone in the bushes is looking for trouble with an expensive camera.
Marievale got great roads just next to the wetlands. You are likely to find other birders as well and then I feel safe to get out of my car and look for birds. The same applies to the bird hides. When I see other birders there, I feel safe to go into the hides. There are a total of six bird hides.
During my holiday in East London, I was obsessed to get a photo of a Burchell’s Coucal. I could hear them and also tried to call them with a voice recording on my cell phone but no luck. On my next visit to Marievale, I got these photos of the Burchell’s Coucal.
If you like Marievale Bird Sanctuary for birding then you might also be interested to visit: https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/austin-roberts-bird-sanctuary/
You are also welcome to join my Colourful birds of the world Facebook group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1512544265449270
