Water levels in the Mondplaas ponds fluctuate dramatically, linked to intra-annual variations in rainfall, though they support an impressive diversity of waterful when wet. Yellow-billed Duck, both White-faced and Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Cape Teal and Cape Shoveler are usually in attendance on the open water while the White-backed and Maccoa Ducks, Southern Pochard and Black-necked Grebe prefer the vegetated ephemeral pans. Reedbeds support a resident colony of Black-crowned Night Herons and Little Bittern. Baillon’s Crake is sometimes seen skulking through dense sedges though a fair amount of luck, patience and perseverance are needed to see these this species.

At the ponds – scan for Wood, Curlew and Common Sandpiper together with the White-winged, Whiskered and Caspian Terns, African Swamphen, Little Bittern and Black Crake. During summer, bird numbers sharply increase with the arrival of migrant waders and the site has delivered several national and provincial rarities in the recent years.

Whilst in the area have a look at the cultivated fields which surround the ponds – these fields often contain African Pipit, Cape Longclaw and Zitting Cisticolas. Red-winged Francolin are occasional though this species is notoriously shy and difficult to find unless heard calling. The tricky White-bellied Bustard is also possible in the area, though this species is best sought after in the grasslands surrounding Humansdorp.

Key species:

Little Bittern, Baillon’s Crake, African Swamphen, a plethora of migrant waders in the summer months