Time to Kill

As I had nothing else lined up for the day, I decided to head out to Main Dam and do some casual birding. Main dam is a wonderful wetland and often produces exciting species. This large water point is shared by many pods of Hippopotamus and monstrous Nile Crocodile. Experience has taught that there is never a dull moment at this magnificent dam.


African Quailfinch, African Spoonbill and various plovers are often sighted in and around the dam while Spurwinged Goose and Black-Winged Stilt are common residents. The occasional Openbill can be found here but I believe that this dam has so much more to offer.

I arrived at Main Dam late afternoon, took out my Binoculars and made myself comfortable. At first I only scanned the sand banks and islands and within minutes I identified the usual suspects and progressed to more serious birding.


At first, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the reflections on the water. Late afternoon at this dam is truly a sight to see. I was soon enough shaken from my content when something on one of the islands towards the southern shore caught my eye. It was a small wader with a long bill. It was an African Snipe! This was a lifer for me and I was quite disappointed that no-one was around to share my excitement. I double checked my bird book, and sure enough there it was.


Shaken up I continued to scan and couldn’t believe when I spotted a Kittlitz’s Plover right under my nose! I was so engrossed with the African Snipe that I did not even notice this special little bird. This is not a common species in the Lowveld at all and was very ecstatic to find it here! Once again Main Dam has delivered incredibly special sightings above and beyond the usual bounty.


With these two birds already on my list, I just sat and enjoyed the colourful sunset. You could see the many water birds sifting through the mirror-like water. A scene of absolute beauty.

Saddle Billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)