The blue crane is South Africa’s national bird. It is a strikingly beautiful and statuesque bird, standing at up to 1.2 m (4 ft) in height. We are lucky enough to see them flying over our house from time to time, their distinctive calls drawing our attention. But it was only when driving through freshly harvested wheat fields that I had an opportunity to photograph blue cranes as they congregated in large groups.
Continue reading “South Africa’s blue cranes in the croplands of the Overberg”
A practical way of letting nature back in is through the activities of the Conservancy movement. There are nearly 100 Conservancies in KwaZulu-Natal, and in addition to their conservation work, many host activities enabling people to visit these special areas. For example, the Karkloof Conservancy in addition to hosting guided walks, has two bird hides in the wetland where three species of cranes may be seen. Continue reading “The courtship dance of the endangered Grey Crowned Crane”
