Birding on the West Coast |
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BIRDING ON THE WEST COAST
The West Coast is at the southernmost point of the migration route from Europe and the Steppes of Russia which makes it a must in the birder’s calendar. The diversity of vegetation and many lagoons, marshes and river estuaries support huge migrant Palaearctic populations. Over 250 species have been recorded – some 65 of which are seabirds, including flamingos, a variety of duck species and the striking African Black Oystercatcher that breeds both onshore and on the offshore islands. Bring a new dimension to your outing and join a pelagic trip and visit the outlying islands or, to get a bird’s eye view, paddle along the coastline in a sea kayak. From Rietvlei at Milnerton, headquarters of Sanccob where injured seabirds are rehabilitated and released, to Bird Island at Lambert’s Bay, birdwatching can be both fun and fulfilling.
Highly recommended is Rocherpan Nature Reserve as well as Verlorenvlei further north – another “hotspot” – with its roost of terns. The mountainous backdrop is home to Verreaux’s Eagle and the strandveld vegetation supports birds such as Cape Penduline-Tit, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler and the Southern Black Korhaan. On Britannica Heights at St Helena Bay five of the lark species can be seen. Many of the larger species can be seen from the comfort of the car, in particular the Black Harrier whose home is the West Coast National Park which lies alongside the R27, the Lanner and Peregrine Falcons and the Booted Eagle.
Whether it is walking along the shoreline of Dwarskersbos or exploring the reed beds of Langebaan lagoon, birders can be assured of a rewarding day. For more details, contact the West Coast Bird Club 022 723 0386 / 082 736 6673 Angus & Gill Stewart or 022 713 3026 Keith Harrison to obtain the maps indicating good birding spots in the immediate vicinity.
For a close-up view of myriad water birds, ask for the key to the bird hide on the banks of the Berg River at the Riviera Hotel on Voortrekker Road in Velddrif. If your timing is good you may also witness the spectacle of thousands of Cape and White-breasted Cormorants streaming in through the river mouth in the evening to roost on the commercial saltpans. More than one hundred thousand have been counted; how is that done, you may ask? Very carefully!
Drive 25km north of Velddrif through Dwarskersbos to Rocherpan Nature Reserve, a wild coastal strip based around a seasonal vlei or pan - a wonderful place to see Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos, which are all threatened species, but you wouldn't think so as there are so many. They spend much time feeding here then fly north to Botswana and Namibia to breed. From the pristine beaches you’ll also see seasonal whales and dolphins – among which is the endemic Heaviside’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii), found only along the West Coast of Southern Africa. One of the least-known dolphins, this cetacean is classified as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List. Entry fee to the Reserve is minimal and is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00. For information on or to book accommodation in this reserve, contact 021-4830190. Also, visit www.capenature.co.za
Happy birding!
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