The odd Sand Martin and Common House Martin can be spotted among the many swallows, swifts and martins that feed above the pans. Several species of duck occur, with White-faced Whistling Duck and Fulvous Whistling Duck typically common. Red-billed Teal, Cape Teal and Hottentot Teal, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard can often be seen as well. Maccoa Duck and White-backed Duck occurs occasionally. Little Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Black Heron can be seen with patience. African Rail and Red-chested Flufftail are often heard and sometimes seen in open clearings as is Baillon’s Crake. Several seedeaters, including Orange-breasted Waxbill, Long-tailed Widowbird, Southern Red Bishop, Thick-billed Weaver, and Pin-tailed Whydah also occur. The extensive reedbeds and thickets can also be good for Levaillant’s Cisticola, Lesser Swamp Warbler, African Reed Warbler and Little Rush Warbler. Migrant species include Great Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Marsh Warbler. Waders to look out for include Three-banded Plover. Other birds typically seen over the water include Whiskered Tern, White-winged Tern, African Darter, Glossy Ibis and Malachite Kingfisher. Unusual sightings at times is that of African Openbill.

**A road transects the pans and can be travelled by vehicle to the most southern hide on the western side of the reserve. After rains however, one should be careful when traveling on this track, so one doesn’t get stuck. The smell in the reserve can sometimes be a bit strong being next to the wastewater treatment plant.

Key species:

South African Shelduck, Fulvous Whistling Duck, African Rail, Sand Martin (summer), Orange-breasted Waxbill, Little Bittern, Cape Shoveler, Whiskered Tern, Purple Heron, African (Purple) Swamphen