Birding Brilliance at Walkersons Hotel & Spa

Now Officially a Member of Birdlife South Africa

We are thrilled to announce that Walkersons Hotel & Spa has officially become a proud member of BirdLife South Africa. This partnership underscores our commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity that makes our beautiful estate in Dullstroom so special. Being a member of BirdLife South Africa means we are now part of a national network dedicated to the conservation and protection of South Africa’s bird species and their habitats.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious novice, our estate offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of South Africa’s avian treasures.

About BirdLife South Africa

BirdLife South Africa is a leading conservation organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of South Africa’s bird species and their natural habitats. As part of the global BirdLife International partnership, BirdLife South Africa works tirelessly to promote biodiversity through research, education, and conservation initiatives. Their efforts focus on safeguarding the country’s rich avian diversity, advocating for the protection of important bird areas, and raising awareness about the critical role birds play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Through their work, BirdLife South Africa contributes significantly to the global effort to conserve bird species and their environments for future generations.

BirdLife South Africa’s aims are to:

1. Save Species – prevent extinctions and improve the conservation status of bird species.
2. Conserve Sites and Habitats – conserve, improve and enlarge sites and habitats that are important for bird species and other biodiversity.
3. Encourage Ecological Sustainability – through birds, conserve biodiversity and improve the quality of people’s lives.
4. Enable Positive Change through People – integrate bird conservation into sustaining people’s livelihoods.

Birding in Dullstroom

Dullstroom is renowned as one of South Africa’s premier birding destinations, boasting a diverse range of birdlife that attracts enthusiasts from around the world. The area’s unique high-altitude grasslands, pristine wetlands, and indigenous forests provide a haven for over 250 species of birds, including several endemic and endangered species. By aligning with BirdLife South Africa, we are not only enhancing our conservation efforts but also ensuring that our guests can continue to enjoy the incredible birdwatching opportunities that make Dullstroom such an extraordinary place.

You can find out more on our recent Birding Blog Post here.

Bird conservation is crucial, particularly in areas like Dullstroom, where the rich biodiversity offers a unique habitat for a variety of bird species. Birds are not just a vital part of the ecosystem, providing essential services like pest control and pollination, but they also hold significant economic, cultural, and spiritual value. As indicators of environmental health, the presence of diverse bird species in Dullstroom signifies a thriving ecosystem, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts to maintain this delicate balance.

Some Recent Sightings at Walkersons

Visitors to Walkersons are often greeted by the early morning song of the Cape White-eye, a charming garden resident known for its energetic nature and strong territorial behavior. Endemic to Southern Africa, these small birds, with their distinctive white eye-rings and olive-green plumage, are abundant in our gardens. Their varied diet, consisting of insects, nectar, and fruits, keeps them busy as they flit from tree to tree, adding a lively touch to the crisp winter mornings at Walkersons.

If you’ve enjoyed a meal on The Terrace in summer, you might have heard a repeated high-pitched “whit-whit-whit” or “chee-chee-chee.” This is the call of our resident male Pin-Tailed Whydah, fiercely defending his food source. These beautiful birds are common throughout South Africa and are most easily identified during their breeding season when males grow an elongated black tail. They can often be seen flying from tree to tree, tails flopping behind them, in hopes of attracting a mate. Interestingly, Pin-Tailed Whydahs are “brood parasites,” laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, with the common waxbill being their preferred host in South Africa.

Join BirdLife South Africa’s Listing Club

Keen birders who don’t already know, you can join the South African Lister’s Club here. The Listers are a community of over 500 birders that actively celebrate and seek out South Africa’s avian gems The Club has a leaderboard which is published on their website here. The minimum number of species for membership is 300. Anybody can join, whether they are a South African resident or otherwise. There are no age restrictions!

Visit Walkersons Hotel & Spa

Escape to the Dullstroom countryside, where birding adventures and wellness pursuits harmoniously come together. At Walkersons Hotel & Spa, immerse yourself in the therapeutic benefits of nature while exploring our scenic walking and running trails. Discover the birding wonders of the region, and let every step be a celebration of the breathtaking landscapes that surround you.

To book your stay, email us at book@walkersons.co.za.