SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SITHELA…
”Nature's Hideaway”

Animals, Birds & Reptiles to look out for @ Sithela

Curious Creatures…
Buck: An early morning or “dusk” walk may afford the opportunity of spotting bushbuck or Grey Duiker near the dam or at the edge of the forest reserve area partially surrounding the main homestead. These buck have made Sithela their home and are often spotted.

Scaly Reptiles…
Lizzards: Sithela is home to a family of “Xamu” – the isiZulu word for Water Monitor or Leguaan. They love to bask in the sun on the concrete slab at the dam’s pump house or on the far banks of the dam. They rarely laze on the banks near the boathouse. They are generally wary of man and will quickly dash off into the water when approached.

Feathered Friends…
Birds: An abundance and diversity of birds are attracted to Sithela because of the dam and the natural surrounds.
Guinea Fowl -sometimes spotted on the premise…their sound could be mistaken for a squeaky wheelbarrow! 
The “Hadeda” –all too common and may jolt you with its loud guttural cry (at any given time of day) and all too often in the far too early hours of the day! 
Mallard Ducks – You’re sure to spot these residents while they float lazily on the dam or sometimes sit on the pump house at the dam. They breed often and their ducklings are usually spotted, trailing close behind mom & dad. The Mallards become somewhat perturbed when visitors like the Spurwing intrude their territory to rest a couple of days on the banks of the dam, before taking flight again. 
Herons –tall & graceful in their blue/grey velvet coat of feathers and usually perched on a tall dead tree stump at the dam or in the long grass on the banks…a sure danger to the Mallard ducklings. 
The Pied Kingfisher - serene and often spotted in the large “Flamboyants” or in the enormous “Natal Mahogany’s” near the dam or in the early hours of the day, circling above the dam in search of fish – their diving tactics are amazing. Every so often they sit on our window sill mesmerized by their own reflection. 
Loeries - shy & spotted less frequently, however are noticed by the brilliant red colour on their wings. 
Fish Eagles -Those fortunate few will hear their cry or better still see them soaring over the reserve area (their home) which Sithela overlooks. In breeding season, if lucky, one can even witness an aerial battle of talons and strength between two male Fish Eagles …an awesome sight! 
The Starling –very common and quite cheeky – much alike an “Indian Minor” and can be aggressive & quite territorial when nesting in breeding season. It will attack by swooping towards and dive bombing any being that gets too close. They have taken a fancy to the sheltered rafters at the Gatehouse. 
A mass of small “finch”-like birds have been witnessed doing aerial acrobatics whilst having a feast on “Flying ants” after a downpour of rain…a comical sight. “They say” the flying ants taste much like “peanut butter” and monkeys have been seen enjoying them as much… our hounds at Sithela do…the question is would you be brave enough to try this “delicacy”!