Seasonal Calendar

There is no such thing as a bad time to go birding! Every month of the year presents its own unique birding conditions and opportunities. Diversity is obviously much higher in summer when migratory birds are present. In addition, resident species are in their colourful breeding plumage in summer, and are very active and vocal. However, in winter birds are often more visible and less secretive, which provides particularly good opportunities for photography.

Owing to Gauteng’s comparatively high altitude (1,000-1,600 m), the region is blessed with a mild climate, making birding here comfortable throughout the year. Rain falls primarily in summer (mostly between October and April), and summer days are usually warm to hot, with frequent thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Winters are mostly mild with clear skies, but the temperature does occasionally drop to below freezing point—particularly in Johannesburg and the adjacent higher-lying areas to the south, which are markedly cooler than Pretoria and the lower-lying northern areas. By August, the weather starts warming up, although cold snaps often occur in September. These two months are the sole period when it is fairly windy. For international birders, the best time to visit is mid-summer (Nov-Feb).

The bi-monthly calendar below suggests some rewarding birding activities to make the most of every season. Temperature and rainfall data, plus sunrise and sunset times are provided in the book on p. 12.

ABOVE: Flooded thornveld at the Kgomo-Kgomo floodplain. Photo by Dylan Vasapolli.

SEASON	CONDITIONS	BIRDS	ACTIVITIES
DEC-JAN (mid-summer)	The hot, rainy season. In drought years the bush is often very arid at this time.	Birds are in full breeding mode and are very vocal and active. All seasonally dimorphic birds are now in breeding plumage. Late migrants such as Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Black Kite and Marsh Warbler arrive. Flocks of migrant raptors.	This is the best time for birding tours! Early morning birding can be very productive. Look for termite eruptions after afternoon thundershowers. A big Red-billed Quelea or Wattled Starling breeding colony is a spectacular event.
FEB-MAR (late summer)	High temperatures! After good rains, the vegetation is lush and the floodplains are inundated.	Some birds go into a second breeding cycle. Those that are looking after young are often quiet and secretive. Migrant warblers become more active and vocal prior to their northward departure.	This is a great time to look for crakes and rails around wetland edges and in flooded grassland. It’s also the best time to look for rare migrants, and particularly the shy River Warbler and Thrush Nightingale.
APR-MAY (autumn)	The start of the dry season. Occasional cold snaps. Mild daytime temperatures.	Most migrants depart. Winter migrants such as Fairy Flycatcher and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater start trickling into the Gauteng region.	The last few weeks in April and early May can be good for passing Dusky Larks. Visit wetlands and dams for waders on passage and in the hope of a rarity. Static and patient birding is an effective strategy. Mixed bird parties start forming. Make notes on migrant departure dates.
JUN-JUL (winter)	The cold winter period, with frequent frosts during cold nights. An early start is not essential. Virtually no rain.	Altitudinal migrants arrive from higher-lying areas, and birds like Black Harrier and Sentinel Rock Thrush are around. Nomadic species move into western areas. Residents are less secretive.	Visit remaining waterbodies for concentrations of moulting waterfowl. Work through flocks of larks or bishops to sharpen your ID skills. Waterholes attract drinking seed-eaters. Look for Yellow-throated Sandgrouse.
AUG-SEP (spring)	Often dry, dusty and windy. Fires are prevalent. Trees and flowers start blooming.	Arrival or early breeders, such as certain swallows, swifts, Common Reed Warbler and Wahlberg’s Eagle. Fires attract herons, storks, wheatears, coursers, pipits and many others.	Visit recently burnt areas to scan for specials. Check raptor breeding spots. City parks and reserves often have Bushveld species at this time of year. Start keeping notes on migrant arrival dates.
OCT-NOV (early summer)	The rainy season starts in earnest. Temperatures rise rapidly. A flush of life.	Breeding cuckoos and kingfishers arrive and are very noisy! Non-breeding migrants also start appearing. Cisticolas and larks are displaying, and nightjars are particularly vocal at night.	Practice identifying birds by their songs and calls. Prepare for Birding Big Day. Look for White-bellied Korhaan and Red-chested Flufftail.