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birding sites |  |
Grootvaly Wetland Reserve
The Grootvaly Wetland Reserve is part of the Blesbokspruit system and forms the northern section of the Blesbokspruit Ramsar Site. The reserve site covers 350 hectares and is a high altitude wetland consisting of open water, reedbeds and marshy areas with grasses and sedges which are sometimes flooded. There are areas of short grass attracting Capped Wheatears in winter.
Water birds and waders are the main attraction depending on water levels and the reserve is a good area for duck species including White-faced, Fulvous and Yellow-billed as well as Hottentot Teal and Cape Shoveler. Winter visitors include Sentinel Rock-Thrush and Capped Wheatear and South African Shelduck are occasional visitors. In the grassy areas a variety of bishops and widows occur as well as finches and waxbills such as African Firefinch, Red-headed Finch, Orange-breasted and Violet-eared Waxbills. The information pamphlet produced for this reserve and adjoining Marievale Bird Sanctuary lists 267 species.
Mine water discharged into the Blesbokspruit constitutes a threat to the wetland as it raises water levels particularly in the dry season and contains pollutants. There is an environmental centre used by schools. The centre is also available for conferences. There are two hides and three lapa's where visitors can braai or picnic.
Early summer and summer are the best times to visit the site. However more saline conditions prevail during winter when species such as Pied Avocet and Cape Teal may be present
Directions
From OR Tambo International Airport take the R21 south then the N12 Witbank freeway towards Springs. Take exit 457 marked Springs/Etwatwa, turn right at the intersection and proceed south towards Springs for 6,7 kilometres. The entrance to the reserve is sign posted Grootvaly/Blesbokspruit at the gate on the left side of the road. The site is approximately 40 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.
Additional Information
| Gate opening and closing times | ||
| Open | Close | |
| Summer | 06H00 | 19H00 |
| Winter | 07H00 | 17H00 |