Loving nature at GM gardens
If you are a nature lover, like we are at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa, then you will know why the KZN Midlands is definitely the perfect place to visit. The fact that we have some of the loveliest gardens in the area makes it doubly rewarding to take time out to stroll over our green lawns and admire the beautiful countryside that the birds and the bees and plenty of other interesting critters call home.
While you are out enjoying some fresh air, keep an ear out for the lovely bird calls that add a special touch to the great outdoors. In the Midlands, there are over 180 bird species, making this a must see place for every bird watcher to stop over. Large numbers of indigenous birds love our beautiful gardens and lawns and the birds that our guests and visitors are most likely to see include the Fork-tailed Drongo, Moorhen, Hadeda, Egyptian Goose, Black-eyed Bulbul, Black Flycatcher, Fiscal Shrike, Cape Robin, Black-headed Oriole, Thick-billed Weaver, Masked Weaver, Olive Thrush, Gymnogene, Long-Crested Eagle and African Crowned Eagle.
Our garden residents are not restricted to birds, though. Some super cool reptiles that you may be lucky enough to see include geckos and other small lizards, or even rare chameleons. Unfortunately these creatures are becoming more and more endangered and even a brief sighting of one would be a real coup!
Frogs are also super important members of our environment and we know that if we have rich frog life in our garden, we have a happy habitat. So, when visiting Granny Mouse, why not head out at night and do some frog spotting, which is great fun for young and old.
Our nature spotters might even be privileged enough to see some local animals who are renowned for their shyness – a blue duiker, possibly the cape clawless otter, a greater cane rat, a small spotted genet or even bush pig. These animals are not usually seen, so you will be super blessed if you get an opportunity – and if you manage to snap a photo that’s a bonus.
Oh, and when it comes to wandering round in the shrubbery after sunset, our night owl guests at Granny Mouse might even spot some of their fellow owls, night jars or even bats. They are incredibly shy, so you will most probably spot them in the quieter parts of our gardens.
During the day, you are sure to be entertained by many of our resident insects including butterflies of all colours, and dragonflies who love to pop in and say hi at our pool. So, come stay at Granny Mouse Country House and Spa to see the wonders of nature.
Source: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kwazulu-natal/garden-information/wildlife-biodiversity/