Greater Plettenberg Bay - Piesang River Valley

Greater Plettenberg Bay – Piesang River Valley

About the Birding

Piesang River Estuary (-34.03029, 23.3778) – Look out for African Oystercatcher, Kelp Gull, Grey-headed Gull, White-breasted Cormorant and Blacksmith Lapwing, as well as Pied and Giant Kingfisher, Purple Heron and Water Thick-knee.

Global Village & Plettenberg Bay Country Club (-34.0609, 23.35456) – Summer visitors include Red-Chested, African Emerald, Klaas’s, Diederik and Black Cuckoo, Greater-striped Swallow, White-rumped Swift, Barn Swallow and Black Saw-wing. Black & Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Knysna Warbler, Chorister Robin, Grey Sunbird and both Knysna and Olive Woodpeckers can be found here. Forest Buzzard as well as Little, Black and Rufous-chested Sparrowhawks are sometimes seen in the valley. Narina Trogon and Green-backed Camaroptera can be found in the thicker forest sections of the Golf Course.

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

About the Birding Site

Being right in the middle of the town of Plettenberg Bay, this area is fantastic for a quick birding getaway while on holiday. Several specials, especially forest birds, can be found with relative ease, as well as some waterbirds and other common species. Up to 50 species are possible in a morning.

Indigenous forest, fynbos, coastal rocky cliffs, urban gardens, wetlands, grasslands, and estuary ensures a wide range of habitat around this beautiful birding area between Knysna and Tsitsikamma.

Other Related Information

Recommended accommodation nearby:
There is a wide range of accommodation available in the Greater Plettenberg Bay area.

Local guide information:
No BirdLife South Africa recognised Birder Friendly tour operators in the area.
Ian Pletzer
Cell: +27 (0)83 357 5267
Email: Pletzer.Ian@gmail.com

Other related information:

Text prepared by:
Ian Pletzer, BirdwatchPlett & Outeniqua Birding

Key species:

Narina Trogon, Chorister Robin-chat, Grey Cuckooshrike, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Little Sparrowhawk, Forest Buzzard, African Oystercatcher, Purple Heron