The Barn Swallows are returning - Arrive from 5.30pm daily for
viewing ____________________________________________
Barn Swallows Mount Moreland South Africa 3 Million Barn Swallows at one roost site
!
The Barn Swallow European Swallow)
is not an endangered species.
In fact it is currently plentiful. Why then does this
little bird receive so much attention?
It is because of its extraordinary lifestyle - a lifestyle that takes it
across the Globe and which brings it in close
contact with humans.

In South Africa, as
spring arrives in September, the migratory Barn swallows
(Hirundo rustica) start to appear. At Mt Moreland, South Africa's largest roost, the
initial small flocks swell to thousands and then millions. By November 3 to 5 million Barn Swallows
can be seen every evening over the Lake Victoria wetland roost.
This awesome spectacle, half an hour before
sunset, of the Barn Swallows coming home to roost every night has become a world wide attraction as a Natural Wonder and Global Treasure.
The reedbed roost site
the Barn Swallows have chosen is a wetland, locally known as the Lake Victoria Wetland, it
is covered with indigenous Phragmities reeds.
The Barn Swallows at Mount Moreland and their roosting habitat are now recognized as a world famous Barn
Swallow site and IBA (International Birding Area).
The now famous Barn Swallows of Mt Moreland return during October.
Visitors are welcome to visit the view-site in the last week in October but the best viewing months are
November, and March. Visitors need to come half an hour before sunset, check the Map for directions. You need to bring own
chairs, sundowners and snacks, binoculars and Anti-mossie cream.
A donation is payable on entrance. Barn Swallow mementos and information booklets are on sale at the main
table.
The Barn Swallow viewing site is open every day during
Swallow season.
This is a special year as it will be the first time the
swallows will experience the air traffic going in and out of King Shaka International
Airport.
Your support is really important in helping to ensure the well
being of the Barn Swallows in the future.

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