Much of the reserve is covered in an arid karoo scrub and thornveld mosaic, with vast open areas of reclaimed agricultural land. Here it is possible to find both the African and Red-billed Firefinches, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler (Warbler), Pririt Batis, Emerald Spotted Wood-dove, Greater Honeyguide, Southern Black Tit, White-browed Scrub Robin, Acacia Pied Barbet, Fiscal Flycatcher, Golden-breasted Bunting, Cape Rock-thrush, and Familiar Chat. Jacobin Cuckoo is common in the summer months. Southern Black Korhaan, both Ludwig’s and Kori Bustards, Blue Crane and Secretarybird are all regular in reclaimed agricultural pastures. Red-billed Oxpecker has been reintroduced and is regularly sighted on the backs of large herbivores. Red-headed Finch occasionally irrupt into the reserve in large numbers to breed, particularly after rains.

Small dams often dry out during drought years but, when wet, regularly support good numbers of ducks and other waterfowl. White-faced Whistling Duck and Red-billed Teal are perhaps most common, though Maccoa Duck, Cape Shoveler, South African Shelduck and both the Cape and Hottentot Teals have all been recorded. Muddy edges host both Ruff and Wood Sandpiper in summer, while reedbeds support Baillon’s Crake, African Snipe and occasionally African Jacana. Several hides are available, where it is permissible to exit from one’s vehicle. However, note that these reserves support dangerous game and care should be taken at all times.

The Fish River itself should be checked for African Finfoot, though seeing this species requires luck and patience. The surrounding thickets and riverine forest host Knysna Turaco, up to four species of woodpecker (Olive, Knysna, Bearded, and Cardinal), Dark-backed Weaver, and Olive Bush-shrike. The vocal Red-chested and Black Cuckoos call incessantly during summer. At night, listen for both African Scops and African Barred Owlet; the latter, representing the almost mythical nominate race of the species; along with Spotted Eagle-owl and Western Barn Owl. Fiery-necked Nightjar is common throughout the park.

Birds-of-prey abound. Pale Chanting Goshawk is especially conspicuous, perching on the tops of exposed perches to survey the surrounding landscape, while Rock Kestrel prefer cliffs and ravines. The Martial, Booted and Crowned Eagles all nest nearby and are sometimes found soaring over the reserve in the middle of the day. African Goshawk prefer dense riverine vegetation, together with both the Black and Little Sparrowhawks. The Lanner and Falcons nest on cliffs within the reserve. Verreaux’s Eagle have been reported from the reserve, wandering from further along the Fish River valley.

Key species:

African Finfoot, Southern Black Korhaan, Acacia Pied Barbet, Martial and Crowned Eagles, Baillon’s Crake, Pale Chanting Goshawk