Around 170 species have been recorded and birders will see around 40 species in a short morning visit. The main attraction is the dam where an excellent hide is situated.
The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was established in 1958 and offers visitors a good opportunity to see some of the more common birds up close. The sanctuary is situated in Muckleneuk, and is a great place for a Sunday afternoon family outing or a short tranquil walk.
Around 170 species have been recorded and birders will see around 40 species in a short morning visit. The main attraction is the dam where an excellent hide is situated. There are also woodland patches and exotic trees in the sanctuary. The Blue Crane restaurant and adjacent trim and recreational park offers further attraction.
The first area that visitors should investigate, is the area around the Blue Crane restaurant and the dam. Good views of the dam and adjacent reedbeds can be obtained from anywhere along the perimeter fence and from the top deck of the restaurant. A bird feeding area (food available from the restaurant) attracts Blue Crane and Grey Crowned Crane which were originally kept in the area by having their wings clipped regularly.
The Sasol Hadeda Hide offers excellent views of the above mentioned waterbirds. In summer, you will also be treated to the delightful sight of colonies of Southern Masked-Weaver and Thick-billed Weaver and Southern Red Bishop breeding in front of the hide.
