Greater Plettenberg Bay – Bitou wetlands & Keurbooms

About the Birding

Bitou Floodplain (-34.00296, 23.3540) – Depending on the water levels, Common Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Glossy Ibis, Three-banded, Common-Ringed and Kittlitz’s Plover can be found on the Bitou Pan. Also look out for Blue Crane, Spur-winged Goose and African Spoonbill. Pied Avocet, South African Shelduck and Red-billed Teal. In summer Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint and Ruff are also found on the Pan.

On the Bitou River itself, accessed by canoe from Emily Moon or Bitou River Lodge, Malachite Kingfisher, African Black Duck and African Finfoot can be found. Cape Weaver and African Olive Pigeon are seen along the riverbank.

Keurboom’s River lagoon edge: Access is either via Goose Marsh (-34.025, 23.3874) or Anath Peninsula through the Twin Rivers Estate (-34.0066, 23.3946) which is a public road. Bringing a scope along will be an advantage.

The best timing is shortly before, during and after low tide. Look out for Grey Plover, Eurasian Whimbrel and Bar-tailed Godwit. Ruddy Turnstone, Common- Ringed Plover, Purple Heron and Common Greenshank are regular sightings in summer. The tern roosts are also worth a look – Greater Crested Tern, Sandwich Tern are the most prolific, with sporadic sightings of Common Tern, Caspian Tern. Western Osprey and African Fish Eagle as well as Pied and Giant Kingfisher are also found here.

Goose Marsh (-34.0235, 23.3931) is also a good spot to access the confluence of the two rivers. Lookout for Levaillant’s Cisticola, Cape Longclaw and Common Quail while walking across the marsh.

Keurboom’s River upstream: Access by boat is required to head upstream. White-backed Night Heron has been recorded nesting here – but approach with caution and respect. Stop off at the picnic sites to look for Olive and Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Green Wood Hoopoe, Grey Cuckooshrike, Bar-Throated Apalis, Cape Batis, Cape White-Eye, Forest Canary, Southern Boubou, Black-headed Oriole and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler are some of the forest birds to be seen and heard up this pristine river system. On the river you may see Malachite and Half-Collared Kingfisher as well as Giant and Pied Kingfisher, and in the forest, Victorin’s Warbler (calling), Narina Trogon, Grey Cuckooshrike, African Olive Pigeon, Knysna Turaco and Grey Sunbird. At the highest upstream access point for motorized boats, is a good area for African Finfoot and African Black Duck.

Ferries and Cape Nature Picnic Site (-34.00180, 23.40211): The picnic site is a good area for Knysna and Olive Woodpecker. Blue-mantled-crested and African Dusky Flycatcher and African Paradise Flycatcher in summer, are also regular visitors. Knysna Turaco and Chorister Robin-chat are also seen regularly. On the grass bank and picnic site lawns, Plain-backed Pipit and African Pied Wagtail can be found.

About the Birding Site

Bitou Wetlands have some incredible mudflats and reedbeds, which attract several birds, especially in summer. The mudflats on the Keurbooms River, especially in front of Goose Marsh are quite the same, and the number of waders can be astonishing.

The upper Keurbooms River becomes more forested, which gives even more bird diversity. Up to 100 species can be seen in these areas in a day, many of which are forest specials or unique waders.

Other Related Information

Bitou Wetlands (roadside birding): -34.00333, 23.35568 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GpMF8QQcvkfkYnHH7)

Goose Marsh: -34.02427, 23.38859 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/sGmLm7g3TTLXYUB68)

Cape Nature picnic site and boat launch: -34.00186, 23.40174 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7iTS8CVMtsenSsyR7)

There are numerous tourist facilities around these areas, including picnic sites, bathrooms, and fuel stations.

The Cape Nature picnic site charges a day visitors site, but Goose Marsh is free to access. Canoes can be hired from the picnic site to access the upper Keurbooms river.

Text Prepared by:

Justin Ponder

Key species:

Blue Crane, Common-ringed Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knysna Turaco, Grey Cuckooshrike, Narina Trogon, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Finfoot

Contact details:

Contact Cape Nature:

Tel: +27 (0)87 087 3937