Birding at Greystone Lodge

Birding at Greystone Lodge is a rewarding experience for nature lovers and serious bird enthusiasts alike. Our property provides a diverse habitat of open grassland, wetland, forest edges, and dam areas, making it an ideal setting for exceptional birding in the Dullstroom region.

We have a deep appreciation for wildlife, with birds being a particular passion. Over the years, Greystone Lodge has been privileged to host an impressive variety of resident and visiting species, many of which can be observed directly from the lodge grounds.

Birding highlights at Greystone Lodge include:

• A breeding family of Blue Cranes, South Africa’s national bird, which has returned to our property consistently since a chick successfully hatched in December 2019 and reached adulthood.

• The elusive Red-chested Flufftail, which lives and breeds in the wetland adjacent to our dam.

• Secretary Birds regularly seen wandering across the open fields.

• European Rollers, typically spotted during December.

• Lilac-breasted Rollers, previously recorded at the lodge in 2016 and 2017.

• A Bronze-winged Courser, observed near the entrance gate in February 2021.

• White-bellied Korhaan, often heard calling and occasionally seen flying over the surrounding grasslands.

• A Black Sparrowhawk nesting in the forested areas near the lodge.

• Frequent sightings and calls of the Spotted Eagle Owl.

• A rare and memorable visit from an African Emerald Cuckoo in December 2022, located after its distinctive “Pretty Georgie” call.