Birding On the Sunshine Coast Eastern Cape

Visit: Alexandria Boknes Cannon Rocks Boesmansriviermond Kenton-on-Sea Port Alfred Bathurst Salem Riet River Kleinemonde Fish River

The Indigenous forests of Alexandria through to the Great Fish River, and inland to Bathurst are biodiversity rich, with 5 of the 7 biomes found here. Coastal areas, estuaries and wetlands provide an excellent feeding ground for waders, whilst rivers, riverine and coastal bush support many . The richest habitats are savanna and grassland. Over 400 species have been recorded through the years, with many specials and migrant . The coastal zone has an abundance of wetlands and estuaries emanating from 10 rivers. Riverine forest, unique Eastern Cape fynbos, valley thickets and sub-tropical thickets provide for many species. The breath-taking scenery adds to the charm of the area. For an unforgettable birding experience, it is recommended that you enjoy a birding tour with one of our accredited tour guides who compiled this booklet- see page 8 for details. Information on where to stay on page 8.

Coastal, Estuaries & Wetlands: Alexandria to the Fish River has an abundance of transition zones where rivers flow into the ocean providing food, shelter and breeding grounds for many species. Breath taking scenery along the 85 km of coastline includes long stretches of pristine beach, 10 rivers, rocky outcrops and tidal pools, and is ideal for hiking. Estuaries are important nurseries for small fish and rich feeding grounds for fish eating birds and waders, many visiting from the northern hemisphere. It is best to visit at low tide as the rocky outcrops are exposed, and it makes for pleasant hiking conditions. Many African Oystercatcher interesting plants and organisms can be seen along the coastline, adapted to the saline conditions.

Birds: On the larger rocks along the shore, African Oystercatcher and Ruddy Turnstone (mainly summer) can be seen feeding, while White-fronted Plover and Sanderling dash about on the larger areas of sand. Common, Sandwich, Little, Caspian and Swift Terns make use of the rocky outcrops for roosting. The mudflats provide food for both migrant and resident waders such as Whimbrel, Ruff, Common Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Common Rings and Grey Plovers. Less numerous, but present in summer, are Bar-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper and the occasional Eurasian Curlew. Smaller waders such as Little Stint, Kittlitz's and Three-banded Plovers also occur. Little Tern

Riverine and Dune

Forest: Small patches of forest appear along our rivers consisting mainly of tall evergreen trees like yellowwoods and ironwoods. Shrubs, lianas, epiphytes and herbs are common below the canopy.

Birds: Early morning is undoubtedly Crowned Eagle the best time for forest birding. Chorister Robin-Chat, with its vast array of mimicked bird sounds, greets the day. The forest canopy is home to specials such as Grey , Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Narina and Knysna Turaco. Narina Trogon The mid and lower stratum are home to Brown Scrub-Robin, Terrestrial Brownbul, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Cape Batis and Southern Boubou, among others. Forest raptors include Crowned Eagle, African Goshawk, Black Sparrowhawk, Little Sparrowhawk and, in places, Forest Buzzard. Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Knysna Warbler Chorister Robin-Chat Valley Thicket: Valley or Albany thicket is rich in plant species with many Karoo succulent flora and Euphorbia species, seldom reaching over 3m high. Spekboom and cycads, like the rare Latifrons also occur. This type of vegetation extends down the coast and up our valley rivers and the diversity can be attributed to the meeting of several habitats. The quiet upper reaches of the rivers has plenty of overhanging vegetation, ideal for birding.

Birds: Although there may be a few Half-collared Kingfisher overlapping (with forest) species here, birding in this habitat can be just as rewarding. Yellow-breasted Apalis flit about in the sunnier patches of the bush, while Red-fronted Tinkerbird searches for berries in the lower mistletoe and rhus bushes. Fork-tailed Drongo keep an eye on the surroundings from a prominent perch and chase off raptors such as African Harrier-Hawk, Booted Eagle (mainly summer) and Jackal Buzzard. Crowned Hornbill lazily flap their way above the canopy and African Olive Pigeon sun themselves on the treetops early in the morning. Occasionally, edge-of-range species such as Ashy Flycatcher and Striped are recorded. The quiet stretches of rivers that wind their way through the valleys can provide the keen birder with sightings of specials such as Mountain , Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot. Mountain Wagtail

Eastern Cape Fynbos: Fynbos is generally confined to the West Cape but special patches exist between Kleinemonde and the Fish River extending inland towards Grahamstown. The dominant vegetation is coastal grasses, Cliffortia, Leucospermums, Leucodendrons, Restios and Ericas. Interspersed are small Acacia karroo, Metalasia, Passerina, Aloes, Restios and patches of Oldenburgia, endemic to the Denham's Bustard Black Harrier Albany area. Dotted in between is a myriad of blooming plants like Watsonia, Lobelia, Helichrysums and Senecio to name a few. There are several vleis that attract associated water birds. You may be fortunate to glimpse the oribi or the secretive Grysbok. The latter is totally dependent on fynbos for its survival. Birds: Among the most common birds found in this habitat are the Black Harrier and African Marsh Harrier seen quartering low over the vegetation in search of prey. Malachite and other Sunbirds make a beeline towards the nectar producing Leucospermums. Grey-backed Cisticola, Rufous-naped Lark, Long-tailed Widowbird, Fan-tailed Widowbird and Neddicky are often seen perched on small bushes while calling. African Stonechats enjoy sitting on farm fences while Denham’s Bustards and Secretarybirds can sometimes be seen striding purposefully through the shorter vegetation. Black-winged Plovers and Cape prefer shorter grass and raptors like Jackal Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite and Long-crested Eagle fly overhead or perch in taller trees.

Fan-tailed Widowbird Malachite Sunbird Grey-backed Cisticola Savannah and Grasslands : Fynbos is generally confined confined to the West Cape but special patches exist between Kleinemonde and the Fish River extending inland towards Grahamstown. The dominant vegetation is coastal grasses, Cliffortia, Leucospermums, Leucodendrons, Restios and Ericas. Interspersed are small Acacia karroo, Metalasia, Passerina, Aloes Restios and patches of Oldenburgia, endemic to the Albany area. Dotted in between is a myriad of blooming plants like Watsonia, Lobelia, Helichrysums and Senecio to name a few. There are several vleis that attract associated water birds. You may be fortunate to glimpse the oribi or the secretive Grysbok. Black-winged Lapwing The latter is totally dependent on fynbos for its survival.

Birds: The scattered bushes and shrubs provide shelter for savannah species such as Black-crowned Tchagra, Orange-breasted Bush Shrike, Chinspot Batis, Golden Breasted Bunting and White-browed Scrub Robin. On the anthills and low bushes, Rufous-naped Lark, Plain-backed Pipit and Cape conspicuously perch and sing. Denham's Bustard and Secretarybirds stomp their way through the grass, while White-bellied Korhaan are smaller and, although they occur in places, are not as prominent. Black-winged Lapwing are nomadic and wander from one area of suitable habitat to the next. Cape Batis

Freshwater Pans : Bodies of fresh water such as pans/vleis, ponds and small dams occur in hollows and catchment areas, both natural and man-made. Many are dependent on rain while others are fed by natural springs or rivers in the vicinity. Reeds (Pragmites), bulrushes (Typha), sedges (Cyperus & Scirpus), rush (Junkus) and water lilies (Nymphaea) and pond weed (Potamogeton) & red water fern (Azolla). The last two being considered as pests. Birds: The reeds surrounding the pans provide a perfect hiding place for skulkers such as Black Crake, African Rail, Red-chested Flufftail, African Jacana African Swamphen and the rather uncommon Baillon's Crake. Green- backed Heron, Purple Heron and Little Bittern can also be spotted trying to blend in with the reeds, both the latter have streaked neck patterns thus providing camouflage. include Little Rush Warbler, Lesser Swamp Warbler and, in summer, Great Reed, African Reed and occasionally Sedge Warblers. Knowledge of calls here is important to separate some of these species. African Snipe feed in the mud beside the grassier areas along the water's edge. Squacco Heron have been uncommon in our African Snipe area, but seem to be seen more frequently these days, as is African Jacana. The open water hosts Little Grebes, several ducks, geese and others. Yellow- billed Duck, South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveller, White- faced Duck and Red-billed Teal are common to prolific, while White-backed Duck, Hottentot Teal and Southern Pochard are less frequently encountered. Yellow-billed Duck LIST OF RECORDED BIRD SPECIES

Albatross, Black-browed Cisticola, Croaking Duck, White-backed Albatross, Indian Yellow-nosed Cisticola, Grey-backed Duck, White-faced Whistling Albatross, Shy Cisticola, Lazy Duck, Yellow-billed Albatross, Wandering Cisticola, Levaillant's Eagle, African Fish Apalis, Bar-throated Cisticola, Wailing Eagle, African Crowned Apalis, Yellow-breasted Cisticola, Wing-snapping Eagle, Black-chested Snake Avocet, Pied Cisticola, Zitting Eagle, Booted Barbet, Black-collared Coot, Red-knobbed Eagle, Brown Snake Bateleur Cormorant, Cape Eagle, Long-crested Batis, Cape Cormorant, Reed Eagle, Martial Batis, Chinspot Cormorant, White-breasted Eagle, Verreauxs' Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked Coucal, Burchell's Egret, Great Bee-eater, European Courser, Bronze-winged Egret, Little Bee-eater, Madagascar Crake, African Egret, Western Cattle Bee-eater, Swallow-tailed Crake, Baillon's Egret, Yellow-billed Bee-eater, White-fronted Crake, Black Falcon, Amur Bishop, Southern Red Crake, Corn Falcon, Lanner Bishop, Yellow Crake, Spotted Falcon, Peregrine Bittern, Little Crane, Grey Crowned Falcon, Red-footed Blackcap, Bush Crombec, Long-billed Falcon, Sooty Bokmakierie Crow, Cape Finfoot, African Boubou, Southern Crow, Pied Firefinch, African Brownbul, Terrestrial Cuckoo, African Emerald Firefinch, Red-billed Bulbul, Dark-capped Cuckoo, Black Fiscal, Common Bunting, Cape Cuckoo, Common Flamingo, Greater Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Cuckoo, Diederik Flamingo, Lesser Bunting, Golden-breasted Cuckoo, Jacobin Flufftail, Buff-spotted Bush-Shrike, Grey-headed Cuckoo, Klaas's Flufftail, Red-chested Bush-Shrike, Olive Cuckoo, Red-chested Flufftail, Striped Bush-Shrike, Orange-breasted Cuckooshrike, Black Flycatcher, African Dusky Bustard, Denham's Cuckooshrike, Grey Flycatcher, African Paradise Buzzard, Common Curlew, Eurasian Flycatcher, Ashy Buzzard, European Honey Darter, African Flycatcher, Blue-mantled Crested Buzzard, Forest Dove, Cape Turtle Flycatcher, Fiscal Buzzard, Jackal Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood Flycatcher, Southern Black Camaroptera, Green-backed Dove, Laughing Flycatcher, Spotted Canary, Black-headed Dove, Lemon Francolin, Red-winged Canary, Brimstone Dove, Namaqua Frigatebird, Greater Canary, Cape Dove, Red-eyed Gannet, Cape Canary, Forest Dove, Rock Godwit, Bar-tailed Canary, Yellow-fronted Dove, Tambourine Goose, African Pygmy Chat, Ant-eating Drongo, Fork-tailed Goose, Egyptian Chat, Familiar Duck, African Black Goose, Spur-winged Chat, Mocking Cliff Duck, Fulvous (Whistling) Goshawk, African Cisticola, Cloud Duck, Maccoa Goshawk, Gabar LIST OF RECORDED BIRD SPECIES

Goshawk, Pale Chanting Kingfisher, African Pygmy Oxpecker, Red-billed Grebe, Black-necked Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Oystercatcher, African Black Grebe, Little Kingfisher, Giant Pelican, Great White Greenbul, Sombre Kingfisher, Half-collared Pelican, Pink-backed Greenshank, Common Kingfisher, Malachite Penguin, African Guineafowl, Helmeted Kingfisher, Mangrove Petrel, Pintado Gull, Franklin's Kingfisher, Pied Petrel, White-chinned Gull, Grey-headed Kite, Black-shouldered Petronia, Yellow-throated Gull, Heuglin's Kite, Yellow-billed Phalarope, Red Gull, Hartlaub's Knot, Red Pigeon, African Green Gull, Kelp Korhaan, White-bellied Pigeon, African Olive Gull, Lesser Black-backed Lapwing, Blacksmith Pigeon, Speckled Hamerkop Lapwing, Black-winged Pipit, African Harrier, African Marsh Lapwing, Crowned Pipit, Long-billed Harrier, Black Lark, Dusky Pipit, Plain-backed Harrier, Western Marsh Lark, Grey-backed Sparrow- Pipit, Striped Hawk, African Cuckoo Lark, Red-capped Plover, Chestnut-banded Hawk, African Harrier- Lark, Rufous-naped Plover, Common Ringed Heron, Black Longclaw, Cape Plover, Greater Sand Heron, Black-crowned Night Mannikin, Bronze Plover, Grey Heron, Black-headed Martin, Banded Plover, Kittlitz's Heron, Goliath Martin, Brown-throated Plover, Lesser Sand Heron, Green-backed (Striated) Martin, Common House Plover, Three-banded Heron, Grey Martin, Rock Plover, White-fronted Heron, Purple Martin, Sand Pratincole, Black-winged Heron, Squacco Moorhen, Common Prinia, Drakensberg Heron, White-backed Night Mousebird, Red-faced Prinia, Karoo Hobby, Eurasian Mousebird, Speckled Prinia, Tawny-flanked Honeybird, Brown-backed Myna, Common Puffback, Black-backed Honeyguide, Greater Neddicky Quail, Common Honeyguide, Lesser Nightjar, European Quail-finch, African Honeyguide, Scaly-throated Nightjar, Fiery-necked Quelea, Red-billed Hoopoe, African Openbill, African Quelea, Red-headed Hornbill, Crowned Oriole, Black-headed Rail, African Hornbill, Southern Ground- Oriole, Eurasian Golden Raven, White-necked Hornbill, Trumpeter Osprey, Western Redshank, Common Ibis, African Sacred Owl, African Grass Redshank, Spotted Ibis, Glossy Owl, African Scops Robin, Brown Scrub Ibis, Hadeda Owl, African Wood Robin, White-browed Scrub Indigobird, Dusky Owl, Marsh Robin, White-starred Jacana, African Owl, Pel's Fishing Robin-chat, Cape Jacana, Lesser Owl, Spotted Eagle- Robin-chat, Chorister Jaeger, Parasitic Owl, Verreaux's Eagle- Robin-chat, Red-capped Kestrel, Lesser Owl, Western Barn Roller, European Kestrel, Rock Owlet, African Barred Ruff LIST OF RECORDED BIRD SPECIES

Sanderling Sunbird, Dusky Turaco, Knysna Sandgrouse, Namaqua Sunbird, Greater Double-collared Turnstone, Ruddy Sandpiper, Common Sunbird, Grey Twinspot, Green Sandpiper, Curlew Sunbird, Malachite Vulture, Hooded Sandpiper, Marsh Sunbird, Olive Vulture, Palm-nut Sandpiper, Pectoral Sunbird, Orange-breasted Vulture, White-backed Sandpiper, Terek Sunbird, Southern Double-collared Vulture, White-headed Sandpiper, Wood Swallow, Barn Wagtail, African Pied Saw-wing, Black Swallow, Greater Striped Wagtail, Cape Secretarybird Swallow, Lesser Striped Wagtail, Mountain Seedeater, Streaky-headed Swallow, Pearl-breasted Warbler, African Reed Shearwater, Cory Swallow, White-throated Warbler, Barratt's Shelduck, South African Swamphen, African Purple Warbler, Broad-tailed Shoveller, Cape Swift, African Black Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow Shrike, Lesser Grey Swift, African Palm Warbler, Garden Shrike, Red-backed Swift, Alpine Warbler, Great Reed Skua, Subantarctic Swift, Common Warbler, Knysna Snipe, African Swift, Horus Warbler, Lesser Swamp Snipe, Greater Painted- Swift, Little Warbler, Little Rush Sparrow, Cape Swift, White-rumped Warbler, Marsh Sparrow, House Tchagra, Black-crowned Warbler, Sedge Sparrow, Southern Grey-headed Tchagra, Southern Warbler, Willow Sparrowhawk, Black Teal, Cape Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland Sparrowhawk, Little Teal, Hottentot Waxbill, Blue Sparrowhawk, Rufous-breasted Teal, Red-billed Waxbill, Common Spoonbill, African Tern, Antarctic Waxbill, Swee Spurfowl, Red-necked Tern, Caspian Weaver, Cape Starling, Black-bellied Tern, Common Weaver, Dark-backed Starling, Cape Glossy Tern, Damara Weaver, Spectacled Starling, Common Tern, Lesser Crested Weaver, Thick-billed Starling, Pied Tern, Little Weaver, Village Starling, Red-winged Tern, Roseate Weaver, Yellow Starling, Violet-backed Tern, Sandwich Wheatear, Capped Starling, Wattled Tern, Swift Whimbrel, Common Stilt, Black-winged Tern, Whiskered White-eye, Cape Stint, Little Tern, White-winged Whydah, Pin-tailed Stonechat, African Thick-knee, Spotted Widowbird, Fan-tailed Stork, Black Thick-knee, Water Widowbird, Long-tailed Stork, Marabou Thrush, Cape Rock Widowbird, Red-collared Stork, Saddle-billed Thrush, Olive Wood-Hoopoe, Green Stork, White Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Woodpecker, Cardinal Stork, Yellow-billed Tit, Southern Black Woodpecker, Knysna Sugarbird, Cape Tit-babbler, Chestnut-vented Woodpecker, Olive Sunbird, Amethyst Trogon, Narina Wryneck, Red-throated Sunbird, Collared Tropicbird, Red-billed ACCREDITED FGASA BIRD GUIDES

ANNE WILLIAMS TIM COCKROFT

20 years guiding experience A born and bred and an intimate knowledge Eastern Cape man, of local birds andFish River hotspots. Port Alfred resident Access to private land and Tim has had an game farms guarantees enthusiasm and reaching out of the way spots. passion for birds since he was just 9 years old. He Enjoy custom Birding Tours or the Three Sisters has birded in Port Alfred for over 30 years and in Saunter Eco Tour along the shoreline where exploring the area over the years, has found some estuary ecology, plants, marine creatures, special secret birding spots that people don't shipwrecks and historical background are normally get to see otherwise. Tim is best known in included on this picturesque ramble. Gift local circles for his ability to recognise bird calls and Vouchers are available for your birding friends when leading his birding tours, his skills are put to and family. Visit her website for more detail. good use. He also enjoys photographing birds and recording their calls. Take a look through his Surveys of bird species conducted on private website and see what he has to offer, to make your property provide official Bird Lists as required for birding in this beautiful part of South an Bird Friendly Establishments. experience to remember. Tim is a FGASA Anne discovered a “first” for SA at Kleinemonde accredited step-on guide and is available for half E.C. in April 2000 - Heuglin’s Gull. Never seen day or full day birdwatching tours for Port Alfred south of Tanzania prior to this. She also provide and surrounding areas. A maximum of 8 people per research data on the endangered endemic Black group is recommended. You can choose whether Harrier breeding in the area to the Percy you want your birding to include walking, a driven FitzPatrick Institute of the University of Cape route or combination of both. Town. Contact: 083 719 4950 / 046 675 1976 Contact : 072 314 0069 [email protected] [email protected] www.annesbirding.co.za http://timwcroft.wixsite.com/timcockcroftbirding

WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO

For accommodation to suit all your needs, refer to our website www.sunshinecoasttourism.co.za Contact : Port Alfred : 046 624 1235 : [email protected] Kenton-on-Sea : 046 648 2411 : [email protected] For BirdLife Friendly Establishments refer to www.birdlife.org.za Combine your birding with a wildlife experience at one of our Game Reserves www.sunshinecoasttourism.co.za/category/game-reserves-&-lodges

HOW TO GET HERE: By Air: Fly into either Port Elizabeth or East London Airports Self Drive: Situated on the R72 - 150km from either Port Elizabeth or East London