The habitat in this area is mainly mixed bushveld with a distinct Kalahari component, which is reflected in many of the bird species including Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Pied Babbler and Marico Flycatcher. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse can be seen on the black clay soils of the Northern Turf Thornveld. A major feature of this region is the Limpopo River with its tributaries. Many raptor species are known to breed there, including Lappet-faced Vulture, Tawny Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle and Wahlberg's Eagle. Pel’s Fishing Owl and White-backed Night-Heron are also found along the Limpopo. Burchell's Sandgrouse are commonly seen, as well as Great Sparrow, Black-cheeked and Violet-eared Waxbill.
This 23,500 hectare reserve, near Dwaalboom in the south-western corner of Limpopo province, has a variety of habitats and a bird list of over 300 species. The Kalahari-type habitat is home to Kori Bustard, Red-crested and Black Korhaan, Secretarybird and Common (Harlequin) Quail. This is one of the few places outside the Kruger National Park where Bateleur have been known to breed and there is also a breeding population of White-backed Vulture. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse have been found close to the reserve; Double-Banded, Burchell's and Namaqua Sandgrouse are seen regularly. The reserve has a variety of game species, including black rhino, elephant and buffalo. There is a selection of self-catering accommodation options.
Directions: the reserve is 160 km from Thabazimbi on the Oostermoed road, turn right in Dwaalboom.
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The farm roads around Koedoeskop between the R510 and the R511 to Thabazimbi offer some excellent birding. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse can be seen on the black clay soils in this area. Also look out for White and Abdim´s Storks, African Quail Finch, Amur Falcon, Brown-crowned Tchagra and Grey-headed Kingfisher. During summer, listen for the calls of Red-chested, Striped, Jacobin and Diederik Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher and European Bee-eater. Extensive reed beds along the river have good numbers of White-winged Widow and Southern Red and Yellow Bishop. A series of irrigation dams to the right of the road are home to Lesser Swamp-Warblers and Levaillant’s Cisticola. The dams are surrounded by cultivated fields which attract species such as Knob-billed and White-faced Duck and Spur-winged Goose.
Directions: Take the R510 from Thabazimbi towards Rustenburg; after a few kilometres turn left to Koedoeskop. Scan the agricultural fields along this road especially those found on black clay soils. This road eventually takes you to Koedoeskop village and on to the R511 between Thabazimbi and Brits.
