A bird sanctuary may be found directly across from the Bryanston Country Club. This 5.2-acre “protected area” has its entrance on Cumberland Avenue, hence its name. It is kept secret for the most part, but on occasion, the public is allowed access. Try to take advantage of these opportunities because, despite a large number of exotic trees in the reserve, there are 82 different kinds of amazing birds there. The sanctuary is famous for the pair of black sparrow hawks who breed there. You must cross a creek to get to a small dam in the middle of Cumberland Bird Sanctuary, where you might see crested barbets, African hoopoes, weavers, and sunbirds, as well as warblers in the underbrush and the occasional mousebird, thrush, or tawny-flanked prinia.
The small dam is where the birds hide (there is no clear path to the hide and it is sometimes difficult to find). While you are in the conceal, you may hear a small rush warbler in the reeds as well as common moorhens, thick-billed weavers, mousebirds, red-eyed doves, and southern red bishops.
In addition to being a wonderful place to see crested barbets, laughing doves, turtle doves, and southern boubous, the sanctuary has a picnic area with tables and benches. On Sundays, keep an eye out for Sanctuary open days on the Bryanston Community News website.
Address
Cumberland Bird Sanctuary, Angus Road, Bryanston, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Best Time To Visit
Best during daylight hours.
Contact Details
Tel: +27 (0)11 712-6731