Pinnacle Conservation students reported spotting a pair of breeding Blue Crane’s and their mature chick, on the PetroSA Nature Reserve. The Blue Crane is South Africa’s national bird and is its emblem is proudly minted on some of our local currency. The pair successfully nurtured and reared the chick on the reserve, before flying off. This month the breeding pair has returned and was spotted again at the PetroSA Nature Reserve’s dam and surrounds.

The Blue Crane nests in summer, and they lay their eggs anytime between August and April. They often return to the same area and nest in the vicinity of the previous year’s nest. The Blue Crane is believed to be a symbol of peace and resolution. In Xhosa it is called “indwe”.

This national bird species is currently listed as vulnerable, with approximately 21,000 individuals remaining. It is a great that the birds feel that the PetroSA nature reserve is a safe enough environment to return each year. PetroSA is proud to provide a suitable safe natural habitat that can assist and continue the existence of this national icon. •