Posted May 8, 2025 in All
In 2023 we were lucky enough to receive a donation from the Rotary Club of Colchester Centurion for a solar pump, which enables us to pump water into a section of the Reserve known as the Ryefield – here we are trying to create a ‘Wetlands area’ a safe haven for some of South Africa’s endangered birds.
Now in 2025 the Wetland area is starting to spread over more of the designated area – not only because of the continued flow of water from the borehole but also the heavy rainfall we have received in the last 3 months.
It’s exciting for us to observe the animals and birds in this area and so far, we have spotted several new species for UmPhafa including the African Jacana and Glossy ibis. We are also starting to see good numbers of Blue cranes flying in from the nearby fields where they have been feeding all day. They are starting to roost at the Wetlands – in one evening we counted 55 Blue cranes which is an awesome sight.
Other favourite sightings have included Grey crowned crane, Common moorhen, Lesser moorhen, Little swift and Knob-billed Duck.
It’s not just the birds though, the Waterbuck have been loving the green reeds and shoots and every evening you can see them grazing and playing in the water.
