Think eagles, falcons, kestrels and buzzards , threatened vulture species & endemic grassland species – that\'s the avian menu when you go birding in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park .Red sandstone formations , lots of game , rolling grasslands& exhilarating mountain air all add to the memorable experience.
When you are birding in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province , you\'ll be in one of the largest protected areas in the Highveld – in fact, it\'s one of the largest grassland reserves in the country.
But the Golden Gate Highland National Park is not about grassland , it is one of South Africa\'s most spectacular mountain parks with striking red sandstone formations that rear up against blue skies and – what you have come for – over 175 species of birds.
You will see plenty of antelope – eland , black wildebeest , blesbok , springbok , grey rhebok and mountain reedbuck as well as Burchell\'s zebra and baboons. But it is the birds you have come to see , so have those binoculars and bird book ready.
Because of the altitude – you\'re 1 750m above sea level look for raptors. Soaring above you you will see buzzards, kestrels and Verreaux\'s eagles. If you\'re lucky, you might see a lanner falcon beside the road , feasting on a kill. The threatened Bearded vulture is a special tick look out for big nests of sticks on high rock ledges. Local guides point you in the right direction.
If you\'re a twitcher, start twitching the moment you enter the Golden Gate Highlands National Park because two threatened endemic species – the Yellow-breasted pipit and Southern bald ibis are present. Other local bird with a limited distribution found here include the blue korhaan & the handsome Drakensberg rock-jumper.
Twitcher , novice or just interested in birds, get a park map, choose your route and off you go.
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