Klipriviersberg Birding Hotspot in Klipriviersberg Natuurreservaat, Gauteng

Many rate Kipriviersberg Nature Reserve as a birding hotspot.

For those birders who like to do their birding on foot, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve has a wonderful mix of birds to discover. Despite not having any wetlands of significance, more than 215 birds have been recorded with new surprises popping up all the time.

The reserve has a good diversity of habitats. The Bloubosspruit running north-south is straddled on either side by well wooded but rocky hillsides becoming grassland higher up. (The highest point is 1785m - almost the same height as Suikerbosrand.) The southern side of the hills slope down, becoming more level and creating a grassland habitat.

At the southern most part of the reserve there is a small marsh along a tributory entering the Bloubosspruit from Kibler Park. The woodlands are a mix of both broadleafed trees and acacia thornbush.

As you can imagine this diversity in habitat attracts a variety of birds. On our monthly bird walks in summer we will usually see about 80 birds in the morning whilst in winter the figure will drop down to about 60 birds. Some of the specials in the reserve are:

• Orange River Francolin
• White-fronted Bee-eater
• Brown-backed Honeybird
• Chestnut-vented Titbabbler
• Ashy Tit
• Fairy Flycatcher (April-August) 
• Chinspot Batis, to name a few. 
• Verreaux's Eagle is also a fairly regular visitor.

Bird Walks

On the third Saturday morning of the month visitors can join a "bird walk" and discover some of the bird species that live in and visit the reserve. These outings are open to all and beginners are especially welcome. Check the calendar of events on the KNRA website as starting times and venues vary from month to month.