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Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve
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Categories: roadside attraction; trails
This small nature reserve is named after Bronze-naped (Delegorgue's) Pigeon, which was first collected here and described by Delegorgue in 1847. Unfortunately, the bird has long since disappeared from this area. Pigeon Valley is a 10 hectare remnant of the once extensive Stella Bush which covered a large part of the Berea .
The vegetation here represents climax coastal lowland forest with some magnificent trees, especially the rare Natal Elm Celtis mildbraedii , for which the reserve was proclaimed. BirdLife is prolific, but often difficult to see in the high canopy and dense undergrowth. It is most rewarding to follow the cleared path along the drainage line, and observe the birds on the cleared edges of the forest. Robins are common here, with Red-capped Robin-Chats dominating in summer and Chorister and Cape Robin-Chats and White-starred Robins making an appearance in winter, as do other migrants from the mistbelt forests such as Yellow-throated Woodland Warblers. The reserve is also well known for Spotted Ground-Thrushes in winter, these birds migrating north from the Transkei forests.
The dry grassland in the south-eastern corner is favoured by seedeaters such as Bronze Mannikin and Yellow-fronted Canary. Several raptors have bred in the reserve, including Black Kite, Black Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk, and Spotted Eagle-Owls are regular visitors.
Specials to look out for are Red-capped Robin-Chats , Chorister and Cape Robin-Chats , White-starred Robin (In winter) , Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler , Spotted Ground-Thrush (In winter), Bronze Mannikin, Yellow-fronted Canary, Black Kite, Black Sparrowhawk, African Goshawk and Spotted Eagle-Owl.
Directions
From the city centre take the N3 and exit at the Tollgate/Ridge Road off-ramp. At the top, turn left into South Ridge Road , follow this road along the ridge for about two kilometres, turn left into King George V Avenue and follow the signs to the right. It is controlled by the Natural Resources Division of the eThekwini Municipality and the gate is open from 07h30 to 16h00.
GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat: 29°51.87' S
Lon: 30°59.32' E
Additional Info
The site is accessible by day visitors and is open from 7:30am - 16:00pm.
There are cleared trails. Bird guides are available - please contact Crispin Hemson on +27 (0)82 926 5333.
There is street parking with street patrols for security.
Toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
Habitats: Stella Bush , climax coastal lowland forest , Natal Elm Celtis mildbraedii (for which the reserve was proclaimed) and dry grassland
Contact
- eThekwini Municipality
- Tel: +27 (0)31 312 4466
- Alt Tel: +27 (0)31 205 1919 / +27 (0)31 311 6716 / +27 (0)31 311 6717
- E-mail : sibusisomkhwanzi@durban.gov.za
- Website:http://www.durban.gov.za