Rondebult - 28.04.2012 - Avian

[Linz]

Been to Rondebult before and was not that impressed. After Ettienne posted his image of the Pied Kingfisher at Rondebult, we thought we would go for a lunch time recon (did not want to waste an early morning).

We arrived at about 11h00. There is security at the entrance gate. At the picnic area there is a person on duty who will give you the keys to the hide. ("the hides are locked, because people do naughty things inside ...")

We went straight to Hide 1. I had not even put my stuff down yet and there was a lovely little malachite and two squacco's. We spent a few hours there watching the malachite and squacco. There were quite a few birds that passed through. Stone Chat, Weavers, Wablers, Burchell's coucal, bulbull.

Hide 2 was nice with some water birds but not ideal if you do not have a 500 + lens. Michael had his 300 + 2 x extender and the distance was too great for any descent shots.

Hide 3 and 4's pans are interlinked. The edges of the water is murky. The pans are full of 'farm' birds. A lot of geese. Also not great for photography.

Hide's 5,6,7 - Either too many reeds or the birds are perching on the other side of the dam.

Facilities - They are buidling new loo's. Previously you could use the loo's inside the office. Take what you need as there is no where to 'buy' anything.

We were the only 'birders' there. The picnic site was quiet. When we left was only 4 people at the picnic site.

For directions or questions .... PM me!

If you have been to Rondebult and have anything to add, please do so.

[Dodging]

I'm thinking of going there tomorrow morning... Was there about 2 weeks ago, and the Marievale last week

[Daryn Varney]

Is this the one just off the road between Alberton and Boksburg, Brakpan etc? I think it's the R554, I have often seen it on my travels and never knew what it was like. If this is the same one.

[SimonDP]

Been to Rondebult, last time was about 5 months ago. Ditto on the security, arrived very early and collected the keys from guard. Got some nice shots, cannot remember the hide numbers. Quite a lot of birds about, ranging from coots/egrets/moorhen/MK/PK etc. Most concerning for me was the peacock hammering away at his reflection in the cars in the car park, can certainly do your paintword some damage. Fortunately not on my car though.

[Dodging]

Is this the one just off the road between Alberton and Boksburg, Brakpan etc? I think it's the R554, I have often seen it on my travels and never knew what it was like. If this is the same one.

Yup - that's the one

[Peter Veitch]

Most concerning for me was the peacock hammering away at his reflection in the cars in the car park, can certainly do your paintword some damage. Fortunately not on my car though.

No self-respecting peacock would dream of touching a Subaru! However, I need to employ a car guard to keep them away from my VW!

Have you also not considered keeping your car unwashed. That way, no reflections.

[Daryn Varney]

Have you also not considered keeping your car unwashed. That way, no reflections.

Besides what is a scooby without some mud

[SimonDP]

Have you also not considered keeping your car unwashed. That way, no reflections

Besides what is a scooby without some mud

I'll have you know, my Scooby is built for road and track use, not rallying, so she is kept in a clean and pristine condition. But thanx for your concerns and advise.