Recurvirostra avosetta

This striking, black and white, long-legged wader with its upturned bill, is a relatively common sighting at lakes, vleis, saltplans and estuaries throughout much of southern Africa. It is also the only avocet that our region has to offer.

We first recorded this unique water bird in September 2010 at Nyamithi Pan in the Ndumo Game Reserve. I also often bump into them while birding Marievale Bird Sanctuary in south east Gauteng, especially in the winter months.