The Overberg region in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is internationally renowned as a tourist destination - think of the Cape Floral Kingdom, spectacular land- and seascapes, acclaimed wines, whale watching, diverse peoples, the list goes on.
One of the region’s greatest assets relates to the diversity of bird species found in the region : it hosts a diverse range of often sought after endemic bird species, such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Protea Seedeater, Cape Siskin, African Black Oystercatcher and many more. Further to this, several under-utilised and ecologically varied birding destinations such as the De Hoop and Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserves, the Agulhas and Bontebok National Parks, fynbos reserves at places such as Harold Porter, Fernkloof and others need to be properly exposed to a rapidly growing bird-watching fraternity. Many exciting birding products already exist: The “Cape Rock-jumper site”at Rooiels is world renowned, the African Penguin colony at Stony Point needs no introduction and the migratory waders visiting the De Mond Nature Reserve are legendary.
This text taken from the “bird finding” brochure developed by Anton Odendal on behalf of BirdLife Overberg and sponsored by Tru-Cape serves as an introductory overview to assist the visitor to find some of the sought after birds of the region and where to try to look for them. The reference numbers on the map are reflected in the text and index: the text should be seen as a starting point to be used against the backdrop of the website. More comprehensive descriptions and details can be found in the Overberg Birding Route section of www.westerncapebirding.co.za from where they can be downloaded. Basic GPS reference points are provided in the index. A checklist of the birds of the Overberg is also available.
Many visitors to the Western Cape province are attracted to the Overberg by some birds associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom. This “kingdom” with 9 000 plant species (almost 70% of which are endemic), ranks among the wonders of the natural world. Several exciting and often endemic bird species are attracted to these habitat types and can be found relatively easily in several different reserves spread around the Overberg. Most of these reserves are readily accessible and often feature dramatic mountain landscapes.
Top destinations include the Rooiels site, the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens at Betty's Bay (wheelchair friendly), the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve at Kleinmond and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Rotary Drive in Hermanus. Other destinations are conveniently situated close to the N2 and include well known sites such as Sir Lowry's Pass, the Caledon Botanical Garden, the Greyton and Villiersdorp Nature Reserves, Tradouw Pass near Barrydale and the Bontebok National Park outside Swellendam. Further south the Salmonsdam Nature Reserve and the Tierhoek loop road in De Hoop Nature Reserve are also prime examples of the unique fynbos habitat and its associated birds. Entrance to these reserves is free or at a minimal cost. A large variety of interesting species occur in most of these. Western Cape specials such as Cape Bulbul, Karoo Prinia, Protea Seedeater, Cape Siskin, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Southern Tchagra, Victorin's Warbler and Ground Woodpecker are often encountered. More common species include Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Batis, Cape Grassbird, and Swee Waxbill. Also expect to find a good selected of birds of prey and here Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner and Peregrine Falcons, Rock Kestrel and a variety of accipiters such as African Goshawk, African Harrier-Hawk and Black and Little Sparrowhawks need to be mentioned.
Where to find birds in the Overberg region Show details
WHERE TO FIND BIRDS IN THE OVERBERG REGION
BIRDS OF THE MOUNTAINS, FORESTS AND WHEATBELT
A variety of locations where birds associated with mountainous habitats can be found in the Overberg. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and the Groenlandberg region between Elgin and Villiersdorp, together with the Sonderend Mountains at Greyton and the Babilonstoring mountains at Hermanus are most notable in this regard. The vast majority of birds associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom, as well as a good variety of raptors could be found here. The Tradouw pass between Swellendam and Barrydale, together with the nearby Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, must however be regarded as the most important area in this regard and needs to be investigated. The latter reserve is also the best in the Overberg to find those elusive forest species that are often so difficult to find in the Overberg. Here one can often find Terrestrial Brownbul, Forest Canary, Grey Cuckooshrike, African Crowned Eagle, Red-winged Francolin, African Cuckoo Hawk, Narina Trogon, Knysna Warbler and Knysna Woodpecker.
Those beautiful landscape photographs of the Overberg that one often finds in coffee table books are associated with the so-called Overberg wheatbelt. This area between the mountains and the sea is recognised as one of several Important Bird Areas in the Overberg and is of great conservation significance. Many proposed wind farm developments and power lines from the proposed nuclear power station at Bantamsklip could compromise the integrity of important habitats throughout the Overberg wheatbelt and this is why members of BirdLife Overberg, together with conservation-minded people from a variety of other organisations are actively involved in impact assessment studies. This is after all Blue Crane and Black Harrier country!
A mixture of sandstone and limestone formations with white sandy beaches form the Overberg coastline. Birding along the shoreline is often very interesting and here mention should be made of places such as Stony Point, Onrus and Harderbaai, the Cliffpath walk in Hermanus, the Danger Point peninsula near Gansbaai and Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Species that are regularly seen include African Black Oystercatcher, White-fronted Plover, our three near-endemic cormorants and a variety of terns to frustrate the identification ability of novice birders. Pelagic species are sometimes seen offshore and many migratory waders are found in summer. Stony Point at Betty's Bay is however the Overberg's flagship destination for coastal birds. It has one of only two mainland breeding colonies of African Penguins and all of the species mentioned above can be found. A wooden boardwalk takes visitors right to the nesting burrows.
The Breede River is the most significant river in the area, although smaller rivers such as the Heuningnes, Uilenkraals, Klein, Onrus, Bot and Palmiet Rivers offer estuaries where bird-watching opportunities are often superb. The De Mond Nature Reserve near Agulhas is particularly good for waders and recent vagrant species identified along the Overberg coast include Franklin's and Sabine's Gull, Little Blue Heron, Red-tailed Tropicbird, European Oystercatcher, Greater Frigatebird and Gull-billed Tern! Add to this the coastal lakes at De Hoop Vlei, Voëlvlei and Soetendalsvlei and it becomes evident the Overberg is a great destination for studying water and coastal birds. All three grebes are often encountered and flamingos and pelicans move throughout the region. Substantial numbers of herons, egrets and rails plus a diversity of ducks and teals are usually found. Ospreys are often seen, particularly in summer and African Fish-Eagles are plentiful.
ROOIELS: 1.1 The Rooiels “Cape Rock-jumper site” is probably the best place on earth to find this mega endemic and BirdLife Overberg’s logo bird. It forms part of the Eastern False Bay Mountains Important Bird Area (SA 107). Take the R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond and at Rooiels take the second turn-off to the right (Porter Road). Park at the gate (roughly 1 km) and go further on foot. The Rock-jumpers are normally found to the left in the rocky habitats about 500 yards beyond the gate. First time overseas visitors can get up to 10 “lifers” at this spot. SPECIALS: Verreaux’s Eagle, Cape Rock-jumper, Cape Rock-Thrush, Cape Siskin, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Ground Woodpecker.
STONY POINT AT BETTY’S BAY: 1.2 Stony Point can be reached following the sign boards from the R44 when traveling through Betty’s Bay. It is one of only two mainland breeding colonies of African Penguin and the wooden boardwalk allows visitors to get really close to a variety of coastal birds. (A small entrance fee is payable). SPECIALS: Bank, Cape and Crowned Cormorants, African Black Oystercatcher, African Penguin, as well as a variety of terns and sometimes even pelagic species out to sea.
HAROLD PORTER BOTANICAL GARDENS: 1.3 Harold Porter is situated right on the R44 and allows birders easy access to both fynbos and forest associated species. This is casual birding at its best as a section of the gardens is wheelchair-friendly and there is a great restaurant. (A small entrance fee is payable). SPECIALS: Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, Cape Grassbird, Cape Sugarbird, Victorin’s Warbler. These three magnificent birding destinations are in close proximity to each other and this at the beginning of the Overberg. In essence it gives a “summary” of the specials of the Western Cape on a day outing from Cape Town. The Dawidskraal beach is also recommended - one can park at the gardens, cross over the R44 at the bridge and walk down a path to the sea.
Birding at Kleinmond and the Botriver estuary Show details
BIRDING AT KLEINMOND AND THE BOTRIVER ESTUARY
There are several interesting birding opportunities when traveling from Betty’s Bay to Hermanus along the R44 and R43. The KLEINMOND SEWERAGE WORKS 1.4 recently produced a vagrant Citrine Wagtail and is often well worth a visit. Shortly hereafter (and to the left) there is the entrance to the OUDEBOS core conservation base of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve 1.5 managed by CapeNature. There is a parking area to the left just as the bridge over the Palmiet River outside Kleinmond has been passed. A hiking trail leads from this spot through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve back to Betty’s Bay. This trail is not too strenuous and offers great birding. The first ridge after the trail starts (some three hundred meters) is regarded by many as the most reliable spot for Victorin’s Warbler, one of the great Western Cape endemics. Cape Rock-jumper and Ground Woodpecker can also be seen here. The Pristine Lamloch swamps are on private land, but birding the fringes can be rewarding. Craft hire from Kleinmond mouth can help access - good area for Little Bittern and African Rail.
Access to the BOTRIVIERVLEI AND KLEINMOND ESTUARY is unfortunately fairly limited due to private land ownership along its shores. This is unfortunate as the estuary is an Important Bird Area. (SA 118). A bird hide has been developed recently at Rooisands in a collaborative project between CapeNature and Arabella - it is clearly signposted on the R44 between Kleinmond and the Arabella estate. 1.7 Keep a keen lookout for Southern Tchagra along the access road and in summer watch out for waders along the boardwalk leading to the hide. Besides the waders, all of the region's terns, thick-knees, kingfishers, ducks, Sparrowhawks and a variety of other birds of prey can often be seen here. SPECIALS: African Openbill, European Oystercatcher, African Grass-owl, Osprey and Hottentot Buttonquail have also been reported from this area. The wild horses found along this estuary are also a great tourist attraction.
HERMANUS is known for its land based whale watching between July and November and is a holiday and eco- tourism destination of note. Bird-watching here is outstanding and only a few spots are highlighted.
THE VERMONT SALT PAN: 1.8 A great diversity of water associated birds are available here and in summer it is often possible to see up to 40 species during an hour’s visit. SPECIALS: Pied Avocet, Greater Flamingo, African Goshawk, Cape Shoveler, Black-winged Stilt.
ONRUS RIVER AND HARDERBAAI: 1.9 The caravan camp at Onrus is recommended strongly as many interesting species are associated with the milkwood trees. A gentle stroll along Harderbaai during winter could show species such as Little Egret, Purple Heron and Black-crowned Night-Heron feeding out in open and in summer the area is known for its tern day roost. An ideal spot to hone one’s tern identification skills. SPECIALS: Cape Cormorant, Giant Kingfisher, African Black Oystercatcher and many terns.
CLIFF PATH TRAIL: Leisurely strolls along the cliff paths in Hermanus allow whale and dolphin watching at its best combined with really good opportunities to watch coastal, fynbos, forest and garden birds. SPECIALS: Karoo Prinia, Southern Tchagra and a variety of fynbos specials - watch out for interesting gulls and terns though.
FERNKLOOF NATURE RESERVE: 1.10 This is another one of the Overberg’s special bird-watching destinations. There are several casual and more strenuous hiking trails taking birders to fynbos, mountain and forest species as well as garden birds near the gate. SPECIALS: Verreaux’s Eagle, Cape Rock-Thrush, Cape Siskin, Cape Sugarbird. The Hemel and Aarde valley is also recommended. Do great birding while sampling some of the valley’s award-winning wines.
Birding at Stanford and the Danger Point peninsula Show details
BIRDING AT STANFORD AND THE DANGER POINT PENINSULA
In birding circles STANFORD 1.11 is known for the annual Stanford Bird Fair normally held in October. Birding is great here and the prime spot is the Appel dam and the picnic spot on the southern side of the village. Little Bittern is often seen and ducks include White-backed, African Black and White-faced Ducks. The milkwood trees at the picnic spot give access to a variety of great species. Don’t underestimate garden birding in the village and wetland birding along the river and wetlands trails though. A guide to “Birding in Stanford” by Brummer Olivier is available at the tourism office. Stanford can be used as based to explore the Klein river estuary, the Salmonsdam and Walker Bay Nature Reserves managed by CapeNature and the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
The DANGER POINT PENINSULA 1.12 is rapidly developing a reputation as one of the prime birding destinations of the Overberg. The coastal road between Franskraal and the Danger Point lighthouse should be done in summer as many coastal birds are on view together with migrant waders such as Ruddy Turnstone, Common Whimbrel and several sandpipers. Remember to search the bushes for many great terrestrial species.
DYER ISLAND 1.13 is an Important Bird Area (SA 120) and remarkable conservation work is being done here by CapeNature and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Do sponsor a penguin breeding box when the Great White House in Kleinbaai is visited. It is normally not possible to visit Dyer Island, but the birds can be seen from the boats of the whale watching and shark diving operators working in the area.
The Uilenkraals river and estuary, Flower Valley, Platbos and Baardskeerdersbos towards the interior and Pearly Beach and Groothagelkraal add many different species due to other habitat types.
The Overberg Wheatbelt is recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International (SA 115) and connects the towns of Caledon in the west and Swellendam in the east with Bredasdorp and Napier to the south. Some areas described in other sections of this brochure are connected by rambling country roads threading their way through an ever-undulating tapestry of changing colours and hues. This is Blue Crane country and it is not uncommon to come across flocks of several hundred of these birds in winter with breeding pairs predominant in summer. One can also expect to find Denham's Bustard and Black Harrier while large numbers of White Storks, Lesser Kestrel and Steppe Buzzards occur in summer. Many of these so-called Agulhas Plain loop roads can be used very effectively for fantastic birding when travelling between the better known birding destinations such as the Bontebok (S34° 04'11.57” E20° 26'13.31”) and Agulhas National Parks (S34° 43'53,59” E19° 47'41.59”) and the De Hoop (S34° 25'18.97” E20° 32'43.31”) and De Mond Nature Reserves (S34° 42'34.07” E20° 06'13.05”). Watch out for Capped Wheatear, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Large-billed Lark and Cape Longclaw and a variety of birds of prey. This is the best area to practice one’s identification skills on “Little Brown Jobs”as all of the region’s larks, pipits and cisticolas are found here - the beauty of this though is that these roads can be travelled safely and at leisure.
The Overberg Crane Group (OCG) forms part of the national African Crane Conservation Project of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Many farmers in the region participate in several Blue Crane projects. Interesting farm stays are available allowing visitors the chance to experience Overberg country living at its best – contact the local Tourism Association. (Information provided elsewhere). For more information on Blue Cranes go to the OCG website: www.bluecrane.org.za
Birding at the Southern tip of Africa, Agulhas National Park Show details
BIRDING AT THE SOUTHERN TIP OF AFRICA
AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK
The AGULHAS NATIONAL PARK (S34° 43'53.59” E19° 47'41.59”) has been given great exposure with the presentation of the annual birding weekend. The Park includes a variety of veld types such as coastal fynbos, dense milkwood groves and old farms. Beyond this though there are several significant water masses at Die Dam, Ratelrivier, Voëlvlei, Soutpan and Zoetendalsvlei. This makes for a diversity of habitats for exciting birding. Large sections of the Park are included in Heuningnes River and Estuary Important Bird Area (SA 121) further adding to the area's significance. Large numbers of water birds are continually seen and recent sightings include Goliath Heron, Osprey, Glossy Ibis, and waders such as plovers, godwits and sandpipers in summer. Soutpan is of particular interest as it often produces both flamingos and Chestnut-banded Plover, together with a variety of waders, cormorants and terns. The Park also allows access to the coast and a rest camp has just been established at Pietie se Punt.
The DE MOND NATURE RESERVE (34° 42'34.07” E20° 06'13.05”) managed by CapeNature is perhaps best known for its breeding colony of Damara Terns and is generally regarded as the best spot in the Overberg to find waders. Sightings of Eurasian Curlew, godwits, Lesser and Greater Sand Plovers and Terek Sandpiper bear witness to this. A number of rare birds have been sighted here: both Golden Plover spp., Broad-billed Sandpiper and Gull-billed Tern. Do not underestimate the coastal thickets either – an interesting mixture of endemic fynbos species and forest species.
Also consider visiting the shipwreck museum in Bredasdorp, the southernmost tip and lighthouse at L’Agulhas (S34° 49'19.20” E20°00'59.31”) and the fishermen’s village at Arniston. (S34° 40'00.00” E20° 13'50.30”)
The GROOTVADERSBOSCH NATURE RESERVE (S33° 57'52.46” E20° 48'24.70”) is situated on the R322 between Swellendam and Heidelberg and protects the most south-western patch of indigenous forest in South Africa. The reserve also has large stretches of unique mountain fynbos, thus adding to the avian biodiversity of the region. For so-called “forest species” this is the place to go if one lives in the peninsula, or the Overberg, or even if one is only passing through the area. SPECIALS: Terrestrial Brownbul, Forest Canary, Grey Cuckooshrike, African Crowned Eagle, Red-winged Francolin, African Cuckoo Hawk, Narina Trogon, Knysna Warbler and Knysna Woodpecker.
The DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE (S34° 25'18.97” E20° 32'43.31”) offers a great variety of habitats, including the fynbos-clad Potberg, a coastal lake, grassveld and lowland coastal thickets and a stupendous shoreline with a famous hiking trail and great whale watching at Koppie Alleen. CapeNature also manages an environmental education centre at Potberg. SPECIALS: Hottentot Buttonquail, Striped Flufftail, Southern Black and Karoo Korhaans, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Southern Tchagra, Cape Vulture and most of the endemic species associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom. Allow enough time when traveling to De Hoop along the access road between Bredasdorp and Malgas as this road represents the best potential “summary of the wheatfield specials” of the Overberg. Watch out for most of the region’s LBJ’s, bustards and korhaans, Black Harrier, many Blue Cranes and of course Cape Vultures.
These two reserves are somewhat “off the main routes”, but visits to these are highly recommended.
SWELLENDAM is situated along the N2 highway and represents the ideal stopover for birders traveling between Cape Town and the Overberg on the one hand and the Little Karoo and the Cape Garden Route on the other. It can be used as base to visit the Marloth, De Hoop and Grootvadersbosch Nature reserves, the Bontebok National Park and the Breede River down to Infanta.
Marloth Nature Reserve and the Bontenok National Park Show details
MARLOTH NATURE RESERVE AND THE BONTEBOK NATIONAL PARK
Both the MARLOTH NR (S33° 58'11.30” E20° 23'25.70”) and the BONTEBOK NP (S34° 04'11.57” E20° 26'13,31”)are highly underrated as birding destinations. The latter is our smallest National Park, but the diversity of habitats here gives birders access to close to 300 species. The area at the rest camp along the Breede River is particularly productive - all four of the woodpeckers of the region, together with Acacia Pied Barbet, Martial Eagle, several of the sparrowhawks and many water birds could be found here. The Park is also known as one of the last strongholds of the Black Harrier. See the advertorial on westerncapebirding.co.za
The town of Swellendam also offers great garden birding - look out for the Lesser Kestrel roost in summer and listen for Spotted Eagle-Owl, Barn Owl and African Wood-Owl at night.
The BREEDE RIVER should also be investigated as it meanders down to the Indian Ocean. Two routes are available for this purpose: The R324 could be taken from Buffeljags village to Port Beaufort and Witsand, or take the road leading to Malgas and eventually Infanta. Don’t miss out on the pontoon at Malgas or rent a houseboat for a few nights if there is time. The area is good for terrestrial and wheatbelt birding and the river is heaven for water birds. SPECIALS: Amur Falcon and Lesser Kestrel in summer, Karoo Korhaan, Agulhas Long-billed Lark and Cape Vulture.
There is an extensive dam and wetland just before one enters SUURBRAAK (S34° 00'59.50” E20° 38'59.40”). Parking is a problem here, but it is quite safe at the bluegum trees. This spot regularly turns up very interesting species for the Western Cape Province: Look out for African Black, Fulvous, White-backed and White-faceded Ducks, Goliath Heron, African Jacana and several others. It is well worth spending some time in Suurbraak itself as there are very interesting cultural and historical experiences to be had. The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve (discussed elsewhere) lies just beyond Suurbraak on the road to Heidelberg.
The TRADOUW PASS (S33° 56'55.47” E20° 42'20.10”) is one of Sir Thomas Bain’s real gems and the sheer natural beauty of this area is something to behold - don’t just pass through. Most of the Cape Floral Kingdom specials can be found here, but keep a keen lookout for birds of prey such as Verreaux’s Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and Peregrine Falcon. Further to this Cape Bunting, Cape Siskin, Cape and Sentinel Rock-Thrushes and Victorin’s Warbler are found here often.
The village of BARRYDALE is great for birding as most of the great Overberg birds, as well as a variety of so-called western species normally associated with Karoo habitats are to be found here. Barrydale forms part of Route 62 and can be seen as a gateway to the Breede river valley with great birding destinations such as Montagu, Robertson and the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve on the one hand and the Little Karoo on the other. This route will be highlighted in a forthcoming brochure forming part of the Western Cape Birding Routes.
The N2 highway between these two towns is not regarded as prime birding territory, although a pair of Peregrine Falcons regularly breed on the cliffs at the picnic spot some 10 kms. north of Caledon. It is recommended that either the Wheatbelt Routes (see elsewhere) or the R406 between Riviersonderend and Greyton be used if there is time.
GREYTON should be right up there when it gets to a top birding destination and the village’s “brag list” includes most of the typical Overberg specials as well as Buff-spotted Flufftail, African Rail, Purple Heron, African Harrier-Hawk and Martial Eagle. Birding within the village can be very rewarding and the Greyton Nature Reserve must be visited. For the energetic there is one of the best hiking trails in the region between Greyton and McGregor. Close by there is the historical village of Genadendal - another “must do”. There are many great birding opportunities along any of the accessible farm roads around Greyton.
CALEDON is regarded as a pass through town as far as birding is concerned, though the botanical garden that is situated right on the N2 is certainly the place to watch birds of the Overberg when only passing through the region. The normal Western Cape specials are usually on view here and one could expect to get species such as African Black Duck, Verreaux’s Eagle, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Swee Waxbill and many more in this reserve. The message therefore is that if one is merely passing through the Overberg along the N2 without veering off towards the other birding delights, then this is the place to visit. The Caledon sewerage works is also regarded as a great birding spot and the R302 between Caledon and Hermanus again takes one past wonderful wine estates and good fynbos birding particularly along Shaw’s pass.
Birding at Botriver Village and the surrounding farmlands Show details
BIRDING AT BOTRIVER VILLAGE AND THE SURROUNDING FARMLANDS
Botriver town does not appear to be a great birding destination, but it lies at the bottom of the Houwhoek pass leading to Cape Town and is at the beginning of the R43 leading to Kleinmond, the Botriver estuary and Hermanus. There are several very good farm loops around this village and therefore it deserves some attention.
The VAN DER STELL pass (S34° 12'40.17” E19° 12'41.89”) that runs between Botriver and the village of Vyeboom is one of the Overberg’s unspoken secrets. There is a great diversity of species here ranging from the typical fynbos species through to the best of mountain species of the region. Expect to find Jackal Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, African Goshawk and Black Sparrowhawk, together with Cape Siskin, Victorin’s Warbler and rock-thrushes. This pass takes one from typical Overberg wheatfield habitats into the lush vegetation in the Groenlandberg region.
The Karwyderskraal and Swartrivier loop roads Show details
THE KARWYDERSKRAAL AND SWARTRIVIER LOOP ROADS
The KARWYDERSKRAAL and SWARTRIVIER loop roads do however represent high quality wheatfield birding in close proximity to Hermanus and Cape Town. The Karwyderskraal road can be reached from two points (S34° 15'47.14” E19° 10'54.65”) and (S34° 21'35.10” E19° 08'35.87”) along the R43 and can give comfortable access to larger birds such as Denham’s Bustard, Blue Crane, White Pelican and even Secretarybird. Most of the area’s LBJ’s could be studied along this road and the three buzzards, African Marsh-Harrier and Black Harrier, the two kites and a variety of accipiters, together with African Fish-Eagle and Osprey have been observed here. The Swartrivier road (S34° 17'02.64” E19° 11'09.72”) is a dirt road that stretches between the farmstead on the Karwyderskraal road and the N2 by the Gabriëlskloof wine estate close to Botriver town. This is a fairly quiet road and one can really bird at leisure. This affords locals the opportunity to compare the difficult LBJ’s of the region and visitors to get several of the region’s specials.
This area starts at GRABOUW, and then goes through Elgin regarded as the heart of SA’s deciduous fruit industry and then past the Theewaterskloof dam and on towards Villiersdorp. Lush vegetation in mountain habitats with lots of water creates birding habitats different to what has been described thus far. The region already offers a variety of eco-tourism attractions and there is a growing awareness of the birding delights of the area. Several bird hides have been established on private property and very exciting research and conservation work is being done here. Information on this will be published as it becomes available. Recent sightings do though include Little Bittern, Elgin’s “mystery buzzards”, three flufftails, all the “fynbos specials” and many raptors.
The area’s main attraction remains the KOGELBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE, the first such UNESCO designated reserve in South Africa. This 70 000 hectare reserve has 1,850 plant species of which an astonishing 150 are endemic! An article on the birds found here has been published on www.westerncapebirding.co.za under the Overberg Birding Route section. Birding in this region comes highly recommended.
Finally, SIR LOWRY’S PASS has long been recognised as one of the top birding spots in the Western Cape. Before anything though a stern warning: the site is reached from the parking area at the lookout point at the summit of the pass. The N2 has to be crossed on foot and there is a very dangerous blind corner at this point. Extreme caution is advised. The specials to be found here are however breathtaking: Hottentot Buttonquail, Striped Flufftail, Cape Rock-jumper, Cape and Sentinel Rock-Thrushes, Cape Siskin, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Ground Woodpecker. Need any more convincing?
