Birding

Exciting Birding spots in the area !

Local birding is extremely exciting during the summer months in the Overstrand. Many visitors to the area are attracted to the diversity of endemic bird species to be found in the region. Endemism refers to species that are restricted to a certain region and that can be found nowhere else in the world. A whopping 49 of the Southern Africa’s endemic bird species and 16 of the near-endemic species are found within the Cape Whale Coast.

An advantage is that most of these species are easily accessible at the different sites from RooiEls to Kleinmond. So, get out the binoculars and start exploring all these wonderful sites.

 RooiEls Site

The “Cape Rockjumper site” at RooiEls is probably the best place to find this sought-after endemic species. The site forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and the Boland Mountains Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA – SA 107). This site is on private property with the result that visitors are requested to observe the code of conduct for birdwatchers.

The RooiEls site is reached by taking the R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond and at RooiEls turning right into the second turn-off at Porter Road. (34°18’ 10.22”S 18°49’12.18”E). Drive along this road until a gate is reached (34°18’27.50”S 18°49’03.47”E), park outside the gate and go further on foot.

The RooiEls site is generally regarded as one of the best spots in the Western Cape Province to observe several of the endemic species associated with the Fynbos Biome. The very popular Cape Rockjumper serves as an extra bonus.

African Penguins and Cormorants at Stony Point

Stony Point (34°22’26.58”S 18°53’46.72”E) can be reached by following the sign boards from the R44 when travelling through Betty’s Bay – simply follow the penguin signs.

The Stony Point Penguin Colony is one of only two mainland breeding colonies of the African Penguin and the wooden boardwalks allow visitors to get really close to the penguins and a variety of other coastal birds.

All five South African cormorant species can be found at Stony Point including the threatened Bank, Cape and Crowned Cormorants. The African Black Oystercatcher, Kittlitz’s, Three-banded and White-fronted Plovers and Black-winged Stilt also feature regularly.

 Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is situated right on the R44 and allows birders easy access to fynbos, forest and mountain associated habitats. This is casual birding at its best as a section of the garden is wheelchair friendly. The garden is best known for its many botanical delights and a hike up Disa Kloof in search of the Red Disas that are in bloom up at the waterfall during summer months is highly recommended.

 Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and Kleinmond

There are several interesting birding opportunities when travelling along the R44 from Betty’s Bay to Kleinmond. The Kleinmond Sewage Works (34°19’55.10″S 19°01’08.40″E) is often well worth a visit.

Shortly thereafter and to the left at 34°19’56.62”S 18°59’17.00”E is the entrance to the Oudebosch core conservation base of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve.

Rooisand along the Bot River Estuary

The Rooisand Nature Reserve (34°19’46.45”S 19°05’17.19”E) forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and managed by CapeNature. A wooden boardwalk takes one to a bird hide. The site gives access to the western shores of Bot River estuary and birding can often be excellent. The site is further well known for the wild horses that are regularly on view. Rooisand is best visited in the afternoon as the glare of the sun off the water often makes birdwatching very difficult earlier in the day.

It is generally accepted that Rooisand is the best spot along the Cape Whale Coast to look for waders.

To explore a bit further into the Overberg, please visit Birding Routes Archives – Bird Life Overberg