North West – Vryburg-Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve
About the Birding
180 bird species have been recorded for the area which includes the nearby Vryburg town. Red-faced Mousebird, Groundscraper Thrush, Orange River White-eye, Fiscal Flycatcher, Acacia Pied Barbet and African red-eyed Bulbul are all common. In the reserve, the habitat mix is perfect for the likes of Northern Black Korhaan, Scaly-feathered Finch (Weaver), Kalahari Scrub-robin, Yellow Canary, Marico Sunbird, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler (Warbler), Black-throated Canary, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Gabar Goshawk, Long-tailed Paradise Whydah, Namaqua Dove and Blue Waxbill.
About the Birding Site
The 2000 hectare Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve lies close to the town of Vryburg, about 150 km southwest of Mafikeng. The Vryburg area is a flat plateau of open grasslands interspersed with acacia trees and dense bush thickets.
Other Related Information
Access and facilities:
GPS co-ordinates: 26°56’08.8″S 24°41’24.3″E
There are two entrances to the reserve: one is on Molopo Road, about 5 km from the centre of Vryburg, and the other is 2 km along the Kuruman road. A map at each entrance shows the layout of roads within the reserve. There are two internal routes – one of 12 km and the other of 26 kilometres. A number of hiking trails have been established by the Vryburg Municipality in the reserve.
An entrance fee is payable.
