Geelbeksvlei offers excellent birding opportunities, especially for wetland and farmland species. Begin your birding adventure on the Moordkuil Road (-34.0665, 22.1447), shortly after the Sandhoogte turn off and follow the road westwards. Look out for the majestic African Fish-Eagle perched in the dead trees or soaring overhead. On the fence of the adjacent farmlands, you will see Southern Red Bishop and African Stonechat. The farmlands often host a large group of Black-winged Lapwings, one of the numerous species found expanding their range westwards.

The area around the low-water bridge (-34.0542, 22.1318) is comprised of Riparian Thicket with larger trees (mostly exotics). Yellow Bishop, Knysna Warbler, Cardinal Woodpecker, Knysna Woodpecker, Black Cuckooshrike and Lesser Honeyguide are often seen or heard from this area.

Take the slight left turn-off on the gravel road (-34.0542, 22.1264), followed by a left-hand bend (that bends around a dam) and shortly after a right-hand bend. Shortly after the right-hand bend, you will pass an Acacia-type/Thorny thicket on your left. There are often some interesting birds/warblers in this Acacia-type/Thorny thicket.

At the turnaround point (-34.0614, 22.1139), scan the water’s edge for the striking Malachite Kingfisher darting in and out of the reeds or the Water Thicknee on the opposite riverbank. Keep an eye over the salt marshes for the elusive African Marsh Harrier, known to frequent this floodplain area.

Geelbeksvlei is located near Little Brak, Mossel Bay. The site consists of a large intertidal wetland surrounded by grasslands, reed beds, and patches of riparian thicket. The vlei is a haven for wetland birds, while the surrounding habitats support a variety of other bird species.

Starting point: (-34.0665, 22.1447)
Turning point: (-34.0614, 22.1139)
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve is to the north and worth a visit.

Key species:

African Fish Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, African Spoonbill, Water Thicknee, Black-winged Lapwing, Southern Tchagra, Cardinal Woodpecker, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler, and Malachite Kingfisher.

Contact details:

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
Website: https://www.botlierskop.co.za/

Text prepared by:
Rudi Minnie
Cell: +27 (0)72 837 0242
Email: rudi.minnie@gmail.com