The Nahoon Nature Reserve is perhaps best known for Knysna Woodpecker and Knysna Warbler – two notoriously difficult South African endemics. Both species are common here, but knowledge of their calls is essential to locating them. The former is best detected in the forest sections of the reserve, while the latter prefers the dense thickets nearer the edge of the river. Other forest interior birds include the Olive Woodpecker, Cape Batis, Black-backed Puffback, Olive Bush-shrike, Olive Sunbird, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Brown Scrub-robin, and occasionally both Green Twinspot and Magpie Mannikin. Two small bird hides are provided in the vicinity of the Enviro Centre where typically shy forest species emerge briefly to drink, offering sublime uncharacteristic views and photographic opportunities. The hide below the Enviro Centre provides the best opportunity for Buff-spotted Flufftail, which drinks here regularly, though extreme patience is required to see this species.

Areas of open scrub behind the Enviro Centre support African Dusky and Ashy Flycatchers, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike, Yellow Weaver and Southern Tchagra. Red-headed Quelea appear between the months of June and September; this being the only reliable site for the species in the Eastern Cape.

Listen for the chattering alarm call of the Grey Sunbird, an abundant species in the reserve, as they are regularly seen mobbing goshawks and sparrowhawks. African Goshawk and both Little and Black Sparrowhawks are resident in the forested sections of the reserve, though all typically perch silently and are not easily seen. A resident pair of Crowned Eagle nest nearby and are regularly seen soaring above the reserve, while Peregrine Falcons occasionally appear on the cliffs towards the end of the boardwalk.

The estuary itself can be productive, especially at low tide when the mudflats are revealed. Highlights could include Ruff, Ruddy Turnstone, Common and Curlew Sandpipers, Three-banded, Grey and Common Ringed Plovers, Common Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew and Sanderling. Check the mangroves for Mangrove Kingfisher, as this species is likely to occur.

Key species:

Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler, Red-headed Quelea, Magpie Mannikin, Knysna Turaco, Red-capped Robin-chat