Redding Dam (KwaZulu-Natal)

 fishing area, birdwatching area, dam

The quietly placed Redding Dam is situated on a sugar cane farm belonging to the Redinger brothers (Deon & Pierre), ±10km north of Empangeni, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Since 2009 a number of successful Bass fishing competitions were held at this venue and judging by the bag and individual fish sizes this location will still host many such events in future years. Not only is the fishing a potential draw card to this spot, but also the natural beauty and the diverse bird life.

During my first trip to this dam I spotted at least 40+ bird species in a matter of 3 hours. Water birds, shore birds, raptors, and many other avian species are to be found. Of these some to mention are: African Fish-eagle, Osprey, Goliath Heron, Grey Heron, Great (white) Egret, Spur-winged Goose, White-faced Duck, Egyptian Goose, Helmeted Guineafowl, Common Quail, Common Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, African Jacana, Black Crake, Black-winged Stilt, numerous Plovers & Lapwings, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Water Thick-knee, various Swallows & Sparrows, a mixture of Pigeons and Doves, Purple-crested Turaco, Diderick Cuckoo, Burchell's Coucal, Malachite & Pied Kingfisher, Barbets, Rufous-naped Lark, Dark-caped Bulbul, African Stonechat, some Warblers & Weavers, African Pied Wagtail, Yellow-throated Longclaw, some Shrikes, Cape Glossy Starling, etc.

I have a feeling that this venue will soon feature as one of the "must see" locations on the Zululand Birding Route.
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