The dense pine forest to the left, beyond the railway line, soon gives way to tall shrubbery with dotted pine and eucalyptus trees that stick out well above the shrubbery. This is an excellent place to find the largest species of pigeon in South Africa, the African Olive Pigeon. These pigeons often gather in tall trees, sometimes in large flocks, coming to feed on the fruit of the Bugweed that is growing in the shrubbery below. Unfortunately, Bugweed, Solanum mauritianum, is an invasive species from South America, and the African Olive Pigeons are the main disperser of the seeds of this alien plant.

Following the firebreak along the railway-line, one will soon reach a four-way junction. Continue straight along the firebreak (Link to Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CE32Bv68LE4MhuNY8 or GPS: -33.939012, 22.465649). About 80 metres further the firebreak veers off to the right. Do not continue along it, but instead follow the path that continues ahead, veering slightly towards the left (still following close by the railway-line). This path soon leads onto the railway-line and from here on, there is a dense forest of (mostly) exotic trees to the right. In Spring and early Summer this stretch of path can be particularly good for Buff-spotted Flufftail. They call first thing in the morning and also in the early evening.

Once back on the railway-line, walk along the right-hand side of the line for about 100 metres, and then take the trail that veers off to the right (Link to Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kzevGzCjvSFURRMF9 or GPS: -33.936979, 22.467563). Follow along this trail for about 200 metres, and then you will reach the end of the exotic forest and the start of the indigenous forest patch (Link to Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAP8KFmJ1jymRPcz9 or GPS: -33.936774, 22.469839). This is the Denneoord Forest patch, nestled between the railway-line and the edge of the suburb, Denneoord, it is only about 3 hectares in size.

Initially the path follows along the edge the forest, and here one can enjoy some good forest edge birding. Listen especially for the loud call of Green-backed Camaroptera, as well as the high pitched song of the Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler. Also listen for the soft call of Collared Sunbird that like to feed on the nectar of the flowering Wild Pomegranate (Burchellia bubalina). There is a Wild Peach tree (Kiggelaria africana), growing low over the path and this tree is the host species for the Acraea horta butterfly. Its caterpillars enjoy feeding on the poisonous leaves of the tree. These hairy caterpillars are a favorite food of many a cuckoo species. Scan this tree carefully for Klaas’s Cuckoo and African Emerald Cuckoo. Red-chested Cuckoo is also common in this area, and you are bound to hear them calling from the taller exotic trees that stand North of the railway-line.

About 130 metres after having arrived at the edge of the indigenous forest, there is a path that turns off to the right and leads directly down into the forest (Link to Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x9vsgevjV9eYLzMx9 or GPS: -33.936812, 22.471230). Following down this trail one immediately finds oneself inside the interior of the forest. The forest is quite dark inside and the forest floor is littered with leaves. This is the perfect habitat of birds such as Chorister Robin-chat and Terrestrial Brownbul, that inhabit the forest understory. After only 80 metres the path breaks out of the forest and brings one to the edge of town. Forest Canary and Swee Waxbill regularly visit bird-feeders in the gardens that are adjacent to the firebreak. From here the easiest option is to head back up to the contour path that follows close to the railway-line, and to continue along it, heading further East.

Once back on the contour trail, it will soon start to veer slightly away the railway-line leading deeper into the forest. Once back inside the forest again, listen for the distinctive songs of the White-starred Robin, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher and Grey Sunbird. The path leads down to a stream, with a wooden bridge spanning across it. Beyond this stream, the trail leads up the hill, and it is here that one can enjoy good views into the forest interior. Search the forest canopy (to the right) for the elusive Narina Trogon, and also search for the unobtrusive Lemon Dove on the forest floor (to the left).

There is also a second path that turns off to the right and leads deeper into the forest, heading in die direction of the town (Link to Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KmzeCXqEwziagw3P6 or GPS: -33.936667° 22.472998°). However, at this point it is probably a good idea to turn back, following exactly the same way that you came. If one was to continue along the contour path, then, soon after this point, the contour path will exit the indigenous forest and arrive back at the railway-line. This is the end of the Denneoord Forest patch and the start of the George Municipality’s water purification plant.

The adventurous birder can continue down the smaller path that starts at the link provided above, but please take note that this path has sections that are quite steep and slippery, especially when crossing over the stream. This path allows access into excellent forest habitat and is good for both Buff-spotted Flufftail and White-starred Robin. It eventually exits back out onto the firebreak in front of the suburb, Denneoord. From here you can walk back along the much easier path that lead back up through the forest to the contour path, completing a small loop through the forest patch. Keep a careful look out for Green Wood Hoopoe, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike and Black-bellied Starling in the forest canopy. The entrance of the path that leads back into the forest and up to the railway-line is located opposite the top of 5th Avenue (Link to Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NwsXEz77dkqr8Qzm6 or GPS: -33.937510, 22.471373).