{"id":670,"date":"2018-05-03T13:09:18","date_gmt":"2018-05-03T13:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/?p=670"},"modified":"2024-08-15T09:08:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T09:08:09","slug":"pilanesberg-birding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/pilanesberg-birding\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilanesberg birding: A Bird Lover&#8217;s Haven!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pilanesberg <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/bird-watching-for-beginners\/\">birding<\/a> &#8211; Pilanesberg Game Reserve in South Africa is a prime destination for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/birdwatching-using-camcorder\/\">birdwatching<\/a> enthusiasts. Located in the North West Province, Pilanesberg is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a fantastic spot for birding. Here\u2019s a detailed guide to birding in Pilanesberg Game Reserve:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated in a transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter Lowveld, resulting in a unique mix of vegetation and habitats that support a wide variety of bird species. The reserve covers approximately 572 square kilometers and is located within the eroded remains of an extinct volcano, offering diverse landscapes and excellent birding opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bird Species in Pilanesberg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pilanesberg is home to over 360 bird species, including residents, migrants, and vagrants. Some of the notable bird species you can spot include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Raptors<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Martial Eagle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>African Fish Eagle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bateleur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verreaux\u2019s Eagle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waterbirds<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>African Jacana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>African Fish Eagle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black-winged Stilt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great Egret<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Game Birds<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Helmeted Guineafowl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crested Francolin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swainson\u2019s Spurfowl<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smaller Birds<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lilac-breasted Roller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Burchell\u2019s Starling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blue <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/breeding-red-browed-finches\/\">Waxbill<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Endemics and Specials<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kalahari Scrub-Robin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cape Longclaw<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>White-backed Duck<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pilanesberg birding &#8211; Best Birding Sport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mankwe Dam<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of the best spots for birding in the reserve. The dam attracts a variety of waterbirds, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers. It\u2019s also a great place to spot raptors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hide Structures<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pilanesberg has several bird hides strategically located around waterholes and dams, providing excellent opportunities to observe birds up close.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grasslands and Savannas<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These areas are great for spotting ground-dwelling birds and species like the Kori Bustard and Secretarybird.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bushveld and Thickets<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Look for species such as the Crimson-breasted Shrike and various cuckoos and warblers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pilanesberg birding &#8211; Best Times<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Summer (November to March)<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The best time for birding as the migrant species are present. The breeding season means that birds are more active and vocal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Winter (May to August)<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While some migrants are absent, there are still plenty of resident species to see. The vegetation is less dense, making bird spotting easier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Birding Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Early Mornings and Late Afternoons<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Birds are most active during the cooler parts of the day. Plan your birding trips for early mornings and late afternoons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bring Binoculars and a Field Guide<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A good pair of binoculars and a field guide to South African birds will enhance your birding experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be Patient and Quiet<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patience and minimal noise will increase your chances of spotting shy and elusive bird species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Join a Guided Tour<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider joining a guided birding tour or safari. Local guides have expert knowledge and can help you spot and identify more species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accommodation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pilanesberg offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to self-catering chalets and campsites. Staying within the reserve allows for early morning and late afternoon birding excursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a birdwatcher\u2019s paradise, offering a rich diversity of bird species in a stunning natural setting. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned birder or a novice, Pilanesberg provides excellent opportunities to observe and enjoy a wide array of birdlife. Don\u2019t forget to bring your camera, binoculars, and bird field guide to make the most of your birding adventure in this beautiful reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My trip for Pilanesberg birding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From all my outings, Pilanesberg birding was the most rewarding and enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the fourth largest conserved area in South Africa and is centered on the crater of an extinct volcano with a spectacular environment. It is an excellent destination for a weekend\u2018s birding and game viewing as it\u2019s only about a 1.5-hour drive from Gauteng. It offers a complete range of accommodation and facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One weekend is not enough to go through the massive park. Birding is possible in all the camps, lodges, picnic sites, hides, and from the well-maintained tarred and dirt roads. Birding is great all year round but during peak times such as school holidays, long weekends, and events at Sun City, the park becomes very busy with vehicles queuing for large mammal sightings. Therefore, I would recommend booking accommodation well in advance. I have seen the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/african-fish-eagle-facts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">African Fish Eagle<\/a> but could not get a good enough photo, hopefully, next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I can\u2019t wait to visit Pilanesberg National Park again, this time I also need to visit Sun City to enjoy the walk-in aviary and bird of prey center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7709226522417656\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7709226522417656\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"7555211683\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"832\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Arrow-marked-Babbler.jpg\" alt=\"Arrow-marked Babbler Pilanesberg birding\" class=\"wp-image-675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Arrow-marked-Babbler.jpg 832w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Arrow-marked-Babbler-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Arrow-marked-Babbler-768x517.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arrow-marked Babbler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"816\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Cinnamon-breasted-Bunting.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon-breasted Bunting\" class=\"wp-image-678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Cinnamon-breasted-Bunting.jpg 816w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Cinnamon-breasted-Bunting-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Cinnamon-breasted-Bunting-768x505.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 816px) 100vw, 816px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cinnamon-breasted Bunting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"813\" height=\"499\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crested-Francolin.jpg\" alt=\"Crested Francolin Pilanesberg birding\" class=\"wp-image-681\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crested-Francolin.jpg 813w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crested-Francolin-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crested-Francolin-768x471.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Crested Francolin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"843\" height=\"544\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crimson-breasted-Shrike.jpg\" alt=\"Crimson-breasted Shrike\" class=\"wp-image-684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crimson-breasted-Shrike.jpg 843w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crimson-breasted-Shrike-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Crimson-breasted-Shrike-768x496.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Crimson-breasted Shrike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"838\" height=\"544\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Kalahari-Scrub-Robin.jpg\" alt=\"Kalahari Scrub-Robin\" class=\"wp-image-687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Kalahari-Scrub-Robin.jpg 838w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Kalahari-Scrub-Robin-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Kalahari-Scrub-Robin-768x499.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 838px) 100vw, 838px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kalahari Scrub-Robin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"825\" height=\"555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Lilac-breasted-Roller.jpg\" alt=\"Lilac-breasted Roller\" class=\"wp-image-690\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Lilac-breasted-Roller.jpg 825w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Lilac-breasted-Roller-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Lilac-breasted-Roller-768x517.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lilac-breasted Roller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"831\" height=\"555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Marico-Flycatcher.jpg\" alt=\"Marico Flycatcher\" class=\"wp-image-693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Marico-Flycatcher.jpg 831w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Marico-Flycatcher-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Marico-Flycatcher-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Marico Flycatcher<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"824\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-winged-Starling.jpg\" alt=\"Red-winged Starling\" class=\"wp-image-699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-winged-Starling.jpg 824w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-winged-Starling-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-winged-Starling-768x519.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Red-winged Starling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"837\" height=\"553\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-billed-Oxpecker.jpg\" alt=\"Red-billed Oxpecker\" class=\"wp-image-696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-billed-Oxpecker.jpg 837w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-billed-Oxpecker-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Red-billed-Oxpecker-768x507.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Red-billed Oxpecker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"817\" height=\"488\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Southern-Yellow-billed-Hornbill.jpg\" alt=\"Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill\" class=\"wp-image-702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Southern-Yellow-billed-Hornbill.jpg 817w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Southern-Yellow-billed-Hornbill-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Southern-Yellow-billed-Hornbill-768x459.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"837\" height=\"547\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/African-Pied-Wagtail.jpg\" alt=\"African Pied Wagtail Pilanesberg birding\" class=\"wp-image-671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/African-Pied-Wagtail.jpg 837w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/African-Pied-Wagtail-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/African-Pied-Wagtail-768x502.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> African Pied Wagtail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7709226522417656\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7709226522417656\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"6409717486\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like Pilanesberg for birding  then you might also be interested to visit Rietvlei Nature Reserve: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/rietvlei-nature-reserve-birding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/rietvlei-nature-reserve-birding\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a link to my Facebook profile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100016619924913\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=100016619924913<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope you enjoyed this blog post and please leave a comment about your experience at Pilanesberg or anything you would like to share with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Content creator: Petrus A. van Tonder<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pilanesberg birding &#8211; Pilanesberg Game Reserve in South Africa is a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Located in the North West Province, Pilanesberg is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[109,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-birding","category-birds-south-africa","pmpro-has-access"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=670"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/670\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}