South-eastern Wetlands and Grasslands – Korsman Conservancy and Bird Sanctuary

About the Birding

Water levels fluctuate and this can change the dynamics of the Sanctuary with low water levels exposing large areas of mud to attract waders at the right time of year. Regular visitors include Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo and Great Crested Grebe whilst Goliath Heron, Little Bittern and African Purple Swamphen is resident. Water birds include large numbers of Red-knobbed Coot, Little Grebe, and Yellow-billed Duck with visits by Southern Pochard, Red-billed Teal and Blue-billed Teal.

When water levels are low, and the season is right, the banks should be checked for waders including Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Ruff and Black-winged Stilt. The small rocky islet on the western side normally holds a small population of African Darter, and both White-breasted and Reed Cormorants. During the summer months African Reed, Lesser Swamp, and Little Rush Warblers call from the reedbeds whilst large numbers of swifts and swallows hawk for insects over the dam. If you are extremely fortunate you may see the elusive Little Bittern. Swainson’s Spurfowl and African Wattled Lapwing are resident in the grassland.

Key species:

Grey-headed Gull, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, African Spoonbill, Goliath Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Crested Grebe, Southern Pochard, Cape Shoveler, African Purple Swamphen, African Darter

About the Birding Site

Korsman Conservancy and Bird Sanctuary is approximately 45 ha in extent, and comprises a large dam bordered by margins of grassland and reedbeds and dotted with a number of reedbed islands. The Sanctuary is completely enclosed but can be safely overlooked from the 2.5 kilometers of road that circle the site and from the five raised viewing berms accessed from the road. Despite its urban location the birdlife is prolific and large numbers of Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis and Goliath Heron breed in the reedbeds.

Key species:

Grey-headed Gull, Greater Flamingo, African Spoonbill, Goliath Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Crested Grebe, Southern Pochard, Maccoa Duck, Cape Shoveler, African Purple Swamphen

Other Related Information

Access and facilities:
Korsman Bird Sanctuary is maintained and overseen by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Korsman Conservancy association. Access is from public roads along the perimeter of the pan and the Sanctuary can therefore be viewed at any time. There are no entrance fees needing to be paid and security is considered reasonably safe. A paved walkway runs around two-thirds of the Sanctuary and three of the viewing berms have wheelchair paths. There are no ablution facilities available on site.
One can contact the Conservancy through the online form on their official website by visiting www.korsmanconservancy.com

Other related information:

Directions:

Directions:
From Johannesburg Airport take the R21 South towards Boksburg. After approximately 5 kilometres exit left onto the N12 Witbank Road and proceed for a further 4 kilometers to the M43 Atlas Road off ramp (second offramp, Exit434B). After 600m on Atlas Rd, turn left into Lakefield Ave, after 300m right into Sunny Rd. and Proceed through the security boom and after 1.3 kilometers turn left onto Kilfenora Road. Kilfenora Road leads onto “The Drive” which circles the Bird Sanctuary. Approximate travelling time from the O.R. International Airport is estimated between 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.

Kilfenora Road Entrance GPS coordinates: S 26° 11′ 29.70.″, E 28° 17′ 25.07″
Times: Open 24/7, although only advised to visit during daylight hours.
Entrance Fees: No fees.

Text prepared by:
John Kinghorn and Toni Geddes

Key species:

Grey-headed Gull, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, African Spoonbill, Goliath Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Crested Grebe, Southern Pochard, Cape Shoveler, African Purple Swamphen, African Darter

Contact details:

Korsman Conservancy and Bird Sanctuary
Website: www.korsmanconservancy.com