The Western Cape is home to close to half the world's population of Blue Cranes, with the birds thriving in the farmlands of the Overberg, making the Riviersonderend valley critically important for their survival.


Adults form monogamous pairs and perform elaborate courtship rituals during which they bow to each other, leap in the air, and toss plants around.


Pairs of Blue Cranes are commonly seen grazing in the wheat and canola fields along the R406 road between Caledon and Greyton, making them one of the valley's most iconic and easily spotted birds.


Blue Cranes stand over a metre tall with a 2-metre wingspan, and when not breeding in winter, they gather in large flocks to feed, sometimes numbering up to 300 birds.


Blue Cranes are culturally significant and have been protected by South African farmers for generations, contributing to the Overberg having the healthiest population of this vulnerable species globally.