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 as well as Damara and Elegant visits if you are lucky! 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 motorised boats, is a good area for African Finfoot and African Black Duck.
Ferries and Cape Nature Picnic Site (-34.002, 23.4023): 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.
Key species:
Knysna Warbler, Victorin’s Warbler, Knysna Turaco, Knysna Woodpecker, African Rail, Red-chested Flufftail, Glossy Ibis, Cape Siskin, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Karoo Prinia
