South African Highveld Grassland
Grassland & Savanna
Birds
Intermediate
South Africa — Mpumalanga
October to March
Overview
Spot endemic grassland birds including blue cranes and secretary birds.
Equipment
- Binoculars
- Spotting scope
- Camera
- Sun protection
Safety Notes
- Lightning storms frequent in summer — avoid open ground
- Grass fires possible in dry months
Identification Tips
1
Blue cranes feed in harvested crop fields
2
Secretary birds walk methodically through grass
3
Long-crested eagles perch on power lines
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Crane | common | Harvested crop fields |
| Secretary Bird | uncommon | Walking through tall grass |
| Southern Bald Ibis | uncommon | Rocky outcrops |
| Cape Vulture | uncommon | Soaring along Drakensberg escarpment |