That said, the trail system persists providing access to the forest along which a high diversity of forest specials may be found. The trails incorporate an early sawmill and several sawpits.

Cape Parrot has been symbolic of Marutswa Forest complex since the early days, providing a last refuge for several hundred of these threatened birds. The best approach to seeing the parrots is to wait patiently above the forest in the early morning and late afternoon as the birds fly between their feeding and roosting areas, squawking loudly. Moreover, scan any exposed snags above the forest canopy as the birds often sun themselves particularly in the early morning. Once the parrots enter the forest to feed, they become extremely difficult to find. While you wait, listen for the trill calls of the shy and reclusive Barratt’s Warbler from bracken at the forest edge as this species is fairly common here. This same habitat is shared by the near-endemic Drakensburg Prinia, Lazy Cisticola, and African Yellow Warbler. Other birds commonly seen over the forest include the Long-crested and African Crowned Eagles, Forest Buzzard, African Goshawk, and occasionally Rufous-breasted and Black Sparrowhawks.

Once you enter the forest, follow the main contour trail for several hundred metres along which the full assemblage of forest specials may be seen. Perhaps the most sought-after species of the forest interior is the shy but beautiful Orange Ground Thrush. Listen for rustling in the leaf-litter and for the species’ rich melodic song, though be careful not to confuse similar calls of the Olive Thrush which is common in the forest and bear in mind that the Ground Thrush calls from high up in large trees. Other notable forest interior species include the Knysna Turaco, White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-chat, Narina Trogon, Bush Blackcap, Grey Cuckooshrike, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Collared and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds, Forest Canary, and Swee Waxbill. The mournful calls of Buff-spotted Flufftail are often heard from the dense undergrowth in summer months, particularly on overcast mornings, though seeing this species requires luck and patience.

The nearby Comrie Dam and surrounding farmlands are excellent birding areas and may well produce Denham’s Bustard, Southern Bald Ibis, and Red-winged Francolin. Blue Swallow has historically bred in this area and could well be seen foraging over remnant areas of high-altitude grassland in the summer months. Other common Hirundines include the White-throated, Greater Striped, and Lesser Striped Swallows, as well as Brown-throated and Banded Martins. Reedbeds surrounding Comrie Dam support a healthy population of African Rail and Red-chested Flufftail, though both of these species require luck and patience to see.

Key species:

Orange Ground Thrush, Cape Parrot, African Crowned Eagle, Bush Blackcap, Barratt’s Warbler