Gauteng Marievale Bird Sanctuary
 

Marievale Bird Sanctuary Hot

March 04, 2012    
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Marievale Bird Sanctuary is probably one of the most popular birding destinations for Gauteng birders and with its network of well-placed hides is also ideal for water bird photography.

The Marievale Bird Sanctuary is situated in the wetland area of the Blesbokspruit Ramsar site and is a wetland of international significance. The area covers over 1000ha and over 230 bird species have been recorded here, including many national rarities. The sanctuary boasts five excellent bird-watching hides and also has a 9km vehicle route. Hadedah hide is the most popular for bird photography with the Shelduck hide being ideal for afternoon photography.

Location

Address
Marievale Bird Sanctuary
Closest Town
Johannesburg
Getting There
Head south from Johannesburg on the N3 highway and take the R550 off-ramp. Turn left and follow this road for 20km’s. Turn right at the T-Junction and pass through Nigel. The reserve is signposted with the entrance being on the right-hand side of the road.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph
Early morning through until mid-morning.
Type of Photography
Birds
Best Time of Year
Throughout the year
Photographic Tips
With this location being extremely popular it is advisable to arrive early in order to find a good position at the various hides. Most hides have perches set up in front of the hides that attract Kingfishers and Swallows as well as Reed Cormorants and African Darter. Watch the reed beds for Squacco Heron, Little Bittern and Spot-Necked Otters.
Recommended Gear
Long tele-photo lenses with bean-bags are a must for bird photography from the hides. Remember that early mornings can be very chilly so layered clothing is advisable.

Highlights

Site Highlights
The Hadedah hide is probably the best placed hide for bird photography in the morning with Shelduck Hide being best in the afternoons.
Top Species

Footnotes

Season and Weather
The Marievale Bird Sanctuary has a typical highveld climate with approximately 700m of rain falling per annum and this mainly during the summer months. Frost occurs regularly at night during winter months
Habitats
  • Wetlands
  • Reed Beds
  • Grasslands

Map

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