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As above , all the grassy plains of kruger. As well as Nyamundwa dam where a pair frequently nest ,just to the west of the dam.

I have also seen them next to the Letaba - Mopani road and even at the Kanniedooddam near Shingwedzi.

Saw one just outside Satara in March.

Sadly I couldn't get a pic.

Samantha

Just keep you eyes open . Last October saw a pair just north of Babalala picknick spot .

Recently on the S90 - North of Satara and between Letaba and Phalaborwa.

Good luck!!

We have seen one recently on the S30, Salitje road.

261209 Early morning +- 10kms north of Letaba on the H1-6



Ellies being herded by a secretary bird!

Between Satara and Olifants from the tar road
And near croc bridge
Both during march

Never missed out on secretary bird in the Satara area

Two adult birds on the H3 towards Afsaal.....Feb 2010

Not the best picture, but Jan 2010 close to Letaba. I have also seen a pair between Olifants and Satara.

Great sighting...According to SABAP2...there has been a substancial decrease in Seceretarybird numbers across the country, large decreases being in KNP. Quite a scary thought!

Thanks RJ.Did SABAP2 give reasons for the decrease in numbers?

The Secretary bird is probably my most favorite. I've only seen it twice in the KNP in the 15 years I've been going. The second time was on the 20th April 2010!



It was overcast conditions, but we managed to catch him\her in a photo. This was taken near Satara.

The usual reasons, such as habitat destruction, over grazing etc etc...which is why its worrying to see such a massive decline in the largest protect area where these cant be factors........


The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, published in 2000, states: "A survey is urgently needed to determine the current conservation status of the Secretarybird, particularly regarding its relative density inside and outside conservation areas." In 2000 the Secretarybird was classified as "Near-threatened." In SABAP1, the Secretarybird species text says: "It is sensitive to habitat degradation due to overgrazing, bush encroachment, disturbance and loss of habitat to afforestation and crop cultivation" and "Its conservation status provides cause for concern." A decade later the comparison map between SABAP1 and SABAP2 sends some serious red lights flashing for this charismatic species, one of the icons of Africa. The range change map is mostly RED (where the species seems to have gone missing) and ORANGE (where the species is apparently rarer). Particularly alarming is the RED and ORANGE in the Kruger National Park.

Just caught up with this thread. From a general sighting (or lack of) I had not seen Secretary Birds in the E Cape or F State for a very long time. So no sightings in Mountain Zebra or Addo or Golden Gate - 2008 to 2010. On visits to Kruger in 2008, 2009 and 2010 - not one bird. I have been making a special point of seeing this bird over the last few years and I have been very worried about the lack of sightings.

I have been travelling the EC roads JHB to GHT since 1996 and used to catch sight of these birds regularly.

On a quick visit to the E Cape two weeks ago I was lucky to spot a pair between Grahamstown and Nanaga (intersection for PE/GHT; Cradock and Port Alfred). That was so heartwarming but the plight of these special birds is of great concern.