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.
Barn Swallows across the globe
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 upto 3 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 Mount Moreland Lake Victoria 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.
The Mount Moreland Conservancy is the organisation behind all this.
Your support is really important in helping to ensure the well being of the Barn Swallows now and into the future.

Barn Swallow watchers