Greater Mossel Bay – Mountain slopes – Robertson Pass

About the Birding

Mountain slopes – There are various roads leading to the mountain slopes where Fynbos and Forest habitats provide good birding opportunities. Robertson pass on the R328 (-33.9016, 22.0208) provides great Fynbos birding that includes Red-necked Spurfowl, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rock Thrush, Cape Rockjumper and Ground Woodpecker. Special note should be made that Robertson Pass can get busy and is not the safest pass due to almost having no road shoulder. There are a few safe pull over spots and birding should be restricted to these safe stopping spots.

There are two gravel roads that will provide good birding in both Fynbos and Forest habitats, these gravel roads lead to Friemersheim (-33.96127, 22.1386) and Jonkerberg (-33.9378, 22.2187) respectively.

Birds in and around the Farmland, Fynbos and Forest areas include Black-winged Lapwing, Zitting Cisticola, African Quailfinch, Black Harrier, Cape Grassbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Red-necked Spurfowl, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Swee Waxbill, Cape Siskin, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Black Sparrowhawk, Cape Batis, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Blue-mantled Crested-flycatcher.

Key species:

Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker

About the Birding Site

The Greater Mossel Bay is situated on the far western half of the Garden Route. The various habitats within the greater Mossel Bay area makes for a rich birding experience. The aforementioned habitats include Coastal waters, Estuaries & Freshwater bodies, Farmlands & Agulhas plains, Forest & Forest edge, and Fynbos.

Key species:

Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker

Other Related Information

Recommended accommodation nearby:
There is a good variety of accommodation available in the Greater Mossel Bay area.

Local guide information:
No BirdLife South Africa Birder Friendly tour operators in the area.

Other related information:

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

Key species:

Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker

Contact details:

N/A