Austin Roberts was one of South Africa’s most acclaimed zoologists, best known for his authoratitive reference book on the birds of Southern Africa. Today, his legacy is honoured in the Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary, located in Pretoria’s leafy Nieuw Muckleneuk suburb.
The tiny reserve covers only eleven hectares (about four city blocks), yet more than 170 bird species have been identified here – a consequence of the wide range of habitats that it provides: dense woodland, mixed bushveld, reedbeds and nine small perennial dams. In addition, a few small antelope and a couple of tortoises also occur here.
Blesbok
Cape Teal
Common Moorhen
Egyptian Geese
Fulvous Duck
Laughing Dove nesting inside the hide
Steenbok
White-faced Ducks
Yellow-billed Duck
Red-knobbed Coot with chick
The Blue Crane is South Africa’s national bird
Crowned Crane
Facilities at the sanctuary include a restaurant and photographic hide, both extremely popular, and both offering a very nice lunchtime break from the office!
A section of the hide at Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
DeWetsWild 
Wow… 170 species… if I’m not mistaken that’s about 2/3 of the island of Ireland’s total… including migratory visitors! On only 11 hectares!
That kind of diversity is what I miss most about South Africa!
Oh well, maybe one day…
Thanks for another well thought through comment AJ Vosse! It’s even more amazing when you consider that this little reserve is surrounded by urban development, and shows the value every piece of natural habitat, no matter how big or small, has in preserving this planet of ours…
Gorgeous pics!!!
Wonderful bird photos, excellent captured,,, 🙂
Thank you ledrakenoir!
What a wonderful legacy for Mr. Roberts. Beautiful photos.
We agree TSC – Austin Roberts was way ahead of his time, with bird-watching as a hobby taking off only decades after his passing.
I love the red-knobbed coot and the crowned crane 🙂
Thank you Elle!
Another lovely informative post by the De Wet family. Beautiful images. Enjoy your weekend.
Joey
Thank you Joey! And the same to you and Marks!
what a beautiful collection of images.. we have a ‘croaking ground dove’ that croaks.. i suppose your dove sounds like it’s laughing?
i love the coot with chick photo! so sweet!
z
Thank you very much Z!
Yes, if you apply a bit of imagination then it sounds as if the laughing dove is “laughing”, especially when a male tries to impress the females. Would love to hear your croaking dove croak!
it’s 7 in the morning here, and earlier i heard the croaking dove just after i sent that comment! it made me smile!
How’s that for a happy coincidence! Enjoy your Saturday!