Dullstroom is perfect for birding and is classified as part of the Highland and Wetlands birding route of Mpumalanga, along with Wakkerstroom and Chrissiesmeer. This laid-back country town features an abundance of charming accommodation in pristine natural settings and is the ideal place for birdwatchers to enjoy their hobby in gloriously undisturbed surroundings. Here you will find montane grasslands, extensive wetlands and rocky outcrops, which are favourable habitats for numerous species, including several sought-after Highveld specials such as: • Black-winged Lapwing, • Southern Bald Ibis, • Gurney’s Sugarbird, • Cape Grassbird, • Denham’s Bustard, • Ground Woodpecker, • Yellow-breasted Pipit All three of the South African cranes, all endangered species, can be spotted here – blue crane, wattled crane and crowned crane. Other birds that you can expect to tick off your hit list in Dullstroom include: • Buff-streaked Chat • Gray Crowned Crane • Secretary bird • Wing-snapping Cisticola • Red Bishop • Long-tailed Widowbird • Red-winged Francolin • Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, • Blacksmith and Wattled Lapwings • Cape Rock-Thrush • Sentinel Rock Thrush • Eastern Longbilled Lark • Cape Vulture Much of the land in Dullstroom consists of privately owned trout farms but the quiet country surroundings allow for bird sightings almost anywhere. The Dullstroom Birds of Prey Centre is a great venue for getting up close and personal with a number of raptor species. Established in 1997, the centre serves as a refuge for these precious prey species. Here you can view flight displays and take part in handling days or just relax and enjoy a meal amongst the lovely scenery and birds. For those who might consider captive birds as cheating, the Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve is just 9km out of town and a great venue for spotting endangered and rare species in the wild. This reserve is home to more than 150 species of bird and is an important habitat for the critically endangered wattled crane.
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