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birding sites |
Elandsvlei (also known as Dickin's Pan)
This is a well known site in the Gauteng area and renowned for the large number of waders and other water birds that can sometimes be seen on the two ephemeral pans. The pans are surrounded by agricultural lands, grasslands, reed beds and when the water levels are low extensive mudflats.
Before getting to the pans a gravel road will take you through some agricultural lands. Scan the area for species such as Capped Wheatear, Namaqua Dove, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark and Red-capped Lark.
The water levels of the pans can change very quickly – from a decent amount of water to completely dry in a short period of time. So the type of species you can expect to see will vary dramatically from summer to winter or even within a season.
When conditions are right waders and water birds, for example Common Greenshank, Ruff, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Three-banded Plover, Kittlitz's Plovers, Little Grebe and Black-winged Stilt can occur in large numbers. Many duck, geese and teals can occur here for example Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, Cape Teal and Spur-winged Goose to name a few.
African Snipe can be seen displaying over the wetlands.
Herons, Ibises and egrets are also common and you can expect to see Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Squacco Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret and Yellow-billed Egret.
With a little bit of luck you might be able to see Marsh Owl and African Grass-Owl that breed in the area. Other raptors that have been recorded are African Marsh-Harrier, African Fish-Eagle and Black-shouldered Kite. But be aware - many other raptors have been recorded here so keep an eye open for them.
Directions
Lat: 25° 59' 41.1'S
Lon: 28° 27' 45.1'E
From Johannesburg International airport turn north on the R21 and take the R25 to Bapsfontein. When reaching Bapsfontein turn right on the R50. Continue straight after the four way intersection(R25/R51) for just over 6kms till you reach a gravel road signposted Klein Zonderhout. Turn left on this road. After about 1.4 km turn left and continue on this road through the gates and onward towards the pans.
Facilities
The roads to the pans and around the pan are in good condition and can be travelled by a sedan car. There is a basic bird hide at the larger of the two pans.
There are no toilet facilities.
Additional Information
Elandsvlei is situated on private land and you need to arrange permission from the land owners to visit the pans. They can be contacted at the following numbers:
The local bird clubs, Wits and Birdlife Northern Gauteng, do arrange regular outings to this venue.