Birds of a feather, flock together

15 May

General

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is set within a pristine piece of nature and is set within unique biomes in the Overberg region of the Cape, home to a rich medley of birdlife and a sought after birding destination. 

Whether you explore the rolling hills of endemic fynbos or walk beneath the ancient Milkwood forest canopies, this is a prime destination to find elusive examples of the feathered kind.

The attraction to the Grootbos birding experience is the diversity of habitats for birds all in close proximity, offering therefore a diverse range of birds to spot on offer.

The forest, the fynbos, the water courses of the Klein River or the dramatic pelagic birdlife on our coastline, all are home to a rich host of birdlife and some phenomenal birding finds to tick off on your personal bird list.

Fynbos

The sloped shrubland of fynbos is home to several sunbirds and other nectar drinking birds and larger predatory birds scanning the landscape for small critters.

Fynbos birds are highly endemic to their region and serve specific roles such as pollination and seed dispersal.

A main food source for birds in the fynbos is the sweet nectar that dominant species of Proteas and Ericas offer. 

Forest

Milkwood forests, hugging the coastline and filling deep pockets of unexplored valleys are home to many forest bird species.

Forest birds have a very different paced lifestyle and play their unique role in the forest ecosystem.

From controlling insect populations to alerting their feathered friends when there is a predator nearby. Their calls are melodic and can travel for miles along the canopies. 

Water

Just off the Grootbos reserve lies the Klein river which stretches all the way to a neighbouring town, Hermanus.

To experience the plethora of birdlife along the river banks, the Lady Stanford cruises all along the river. With an experienced guide and skipper you will be sure not to miss any birds. 

Pelagic

Last but not least the Atlantic coastline at the foot of the hills of Grootbos is home to an extensive list of pelagic birds such as Black OysterCatcher, Swift Terns, Cape Gannets and of course, the dapper African Penguin.

See if you can identify the birds below: