As if from nowhere, suddenly the throngs of summer have arrived, the heat has been cranked up to weirdly unfamiliar levels, while life begins anew. Despite regressing for what only feels like a short time, it is surprising how fast the vibrance managed to drain from the land. Equally surprising is how refreshing the budding of trees, the sound of insects pollinating merrily and the renewed flush of bird activity is, and can be.

  A lick of early rainfall or a healthy dash of returning migrants may have already graced most readers by now with the promise of a good summer ahead. The increasingly humid nights of the upcoming month, will ring in a number of both dramatic and subtle changes as we oscillate back to the subtropical. 

  From a birder’s perspective, the good times are ahead. The major body of migrants will be settling in while the mad dash of breeding will be at full throttle, all by the next time the moon resembles tonight’s. This month, it’s all about getting out and using this, arguably the best time of the year. 

  South Africa’s beauty in terms of its avian bounty is due largely, to the great variety of habitats that can be found not just on its national scale, but in a local context too. 

  A healthy myriad of life, of all forms, can often be experienced in short journeys or even within a single province. On that vein, in this piece we will delve into the best birding that Limpopo has to offer. 

  Covering the north-eastern corner of land and crossable, on average, north to south in roughly five hours, east to west in six – Limpopo is a fair size indeed. It is striated by a number of key distinct biomes dominated by savannah, both lowveld and thornveld, mountains, both secondary and Afromontane forest alongside a number of transitional habitats. 

  For many, there are several species that catch the eye while gleaning through bird books or apps when looking at the region. These species often draw an illustrious response from their small, dot-like ranges, or due to their great looks. Limpopo lays claim to a wonder of diversity alongside a good number of well-known “most wanted’s”, those that are highly coveted due to being rare, secretive, or both. 

  This handful of prized species can be found more easily here than in the rest of the country, and in some cases, than the rest of the world. There are a number of different areas within Limpopo which we will have a look at, offering tips and advice for aspiring birders to get the best out of this year’s upcoming summer. 

  Limpopo has a fantastic track record and one of the country’s best Birding Big Day teams operating in the Polokwane area. This dedicated handful of individuals have taken the 1st spot in this national competition on a number of occasions. 

  The major draw card of this region, the one that runs along the eastern edge of the province, with it’s international acclaim, is the Kruger National Park. This world renowned wildlife hotspot lays claim not only to Africa’s most infamous, but also a huge and well-celebrated range of reptiles, arthropods and yes indeed, birds. 

  In terms of birding, the park is excellent. There are many generalists, plus several specials found here and in other large protected savannahs, such as the other famous African parks. Summer is generally best, between mid-November and mid-April as the habitat receives a wide range of summer migrants. The park can be divided into three “birding regions” as it were, the south, central and north, the latter occur in Limpopo. 

  The central kruger comprises of the Satara, Oilifants, Letaba and higher areas. Birding here is good especially within rest camps where one can stroll and explore. Satara and Tamboti are particularly good. In the former good birds to look out for include Bennetts Woodpecker, African Scops Owl, and African Mourning Dove, while the latter holds African Barred Owlet, Square-tailed Nightjar, and the Red-capped Robin-Chat. Main roads offer excellent mammalian sightings and scenery, while there are a number of open plains species here. Grasslands hold Secretarybird, Monotonous Lark, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark and Southern Carmine Bee-eater. Night drives, especially after rain, can he extremely rewarding for Harlequin Quail, Common Buttonquail, nightjars and owls, as well as nocturnal mammals. 

  The northern Kruger, distinct and heralded, is a fantastic “early summer” destination for two major reasons. The first and foremost is around the Punda Maria Restcamp, which, for a limited time each year, offers one of the best chances at seeing the spectacular, sandgrouse-sized Pennant-winged Nightjar.