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birding sites

The main birding sites on the Eastern Cape Birding Route

	Tsitsikamma National Park
	Tsitsikamma National Park is a beautiful indigenous forest protected by the State and is home to centuries old trees such as Yellowwood, Stinkwood, Hard Pear, Ironwood, Kamassi and many others.

	Island Forest Reserve
	The reserve is one of a few areas of Indigenous Coastal Forest near to Port Elizabeth. This is a good area for quiet birding in mid-week as the week-END attracts many visitors who come to picnic and enjoy a day out in the open grassed area.

	Osbosch Farm Lodge
	This is one of the few areas in Kouga where Black-winged Lapwing is always found as well as large numbers of Cape Longclaw. African Fish-Eagle often nest in the trees far back from the Kromme River. Along the river and along the little creek that crosses a causeway on the farm, it is possible to see many waders.

Oyster Bay Lodge

Oyster Bay Lodge is a is a guest farm situated on a hill overlooking the coast and is set on 235 ha of unspoilt landscape, bordering on a 3km stretch of wide sandy beach in a picturesque setting of dunes, woods, river deltas, wetlands, lagoons swamps and forests. The farm offers marked hiking trails varying in length from 3 to 7km. These trails go through dunes, woods, the beach and beautiful natural areas.

Seekoei River Nature Reserve

To the south of Jeffrey's Bay, at the little resort of Aston Bay, is the Seekoei River Nature Reserve established to protect the water birds living round the mouth of the river. A number of paths emanate from the entrance leading inland through fynbos where amongst others, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Neddicky, Cape Robin-chat, Karoo Prinia, Streaky-headed Seed-eater, Brimstone Canary and Bar-throated Apalis can be seen.

	Yellowwoods Nature Reserve
	This reserve of ancient Yellowwoods and White Stinkwoods is home to a variety of forest birds and adjoins the Golf Course. Just before reaching Hankey turn off to the right along side the golf course. The Picnic area which is on the left further on from the golf course has a small stream running through it with rustic braai facilities.

	Kabeljous Lagoon and Nature Reserve
	Situated on the east side of Jeffrey's Bay, this 200ha Reserve is bordered by the Kabeljous River which leads into the Lagoon that terminates in a blind Estuary to the west, with the R102 to the North and The sea to the South.

	Gamtoos River Mouth Nature Reserve
	The Gamtoos River Mouth is well known for the number of vagrants it produces including a long staying Eurasian Oystercatcher.

	Mondplaas Ponds
	Mondplaas Ponds has long been rated as one of the top birding sites for waders in the Eastern Cape and given its close proximity to Port Elizabeth means it should be well worth a visit.

	Cape Recife Nature Reserve
	Cape Recife is situated adjacent to the Nelson Mandela Municipal University and is within easy distance for any birder visiting Port Elizabeth. The site has a number of different habitats which makes a morning birding there very worthwhile.

	Settlers Park in Port Elizabeth
	Offering birders a wide diversity of birds and habitats, Settlers Park is a must for budding birders and twitchers alike, with around 200 species that can be seen.

	Swartkops Estuary
	The Swartkops Estuary is situated to the north of Port Elizabeth and is made up of intertidal banks, salt marches and salt pans. Swartkops is widely regarded as one of the premier locations for shorebirds and waders with over 10 00 birds amassing here in the summer months.

Rooikrans

This is one of the best spots to search for Narina Trogon.

In addition to Trogons look out for White Starred Robin, Cape Sugarbird, Hamerkop, Forest Canary, Dark-backed Weaver, African Paradise and Blue Mantled Crested Flycatcher, African Crowned Eagle, Half Collared Kingfisher, Blackbacked Puffback, Cape Rock Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Olive Woodpecker, Black Crake, Golden Breasted Bunting and Rock Martins.

	Tankatara Road
	Excellent birding can be had on this road including Southern Black Korhaan, Denham's Bustard, Blue Crane, Anteating Chat, Acacia Pied Barbet, Karoo Scrub Robin and Grey Backed Cisticola.

	Sundays River Mouth
	The Sundays River Mouth has been home to some surprises which makes it worthwhile for a 3-4 hour outing. Many terns can be found at the mouth including Caspian, Swift, Common and Damara.

	Addo Elephant National Park
	Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lays the Addo Elephant National Park. Addo has a rich variety of bird life with as many as 450 species across the expanded park.

	Alexandria Forest/Boknes
	Alexandria Forest is characterized by tall Coral trees, Yellowwoods, Wild plums, and many more forest giants which provide the ideal habitat for many forest species including Narina Trogon, Knysna Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Olive pigeon and more.

	Ghio Pans and Hide
	These pans rely on heavy rains and in drought conditions may be dry. However, when there is water migrant waders and waterfowl are plentiful.

	Grahamstown Botanical Gardens
	The botanical gardens adjoining the university are worth a visit, particularly on week-day mornings when few people are about. A one-hour walk can produce a list of 30 species.