Greater Plettenberg Bay Poortjies & Keurbooms Lagoon

About the Birding

This western corner of the estuary is a good spot to look for African Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Common Sandpiper, Eurasian Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Purple Heron, and White-Fronted Plover. In the thicker forest areas along Cupid Street there are Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Swee and Common Waxbill and even the Buff-spotted Flufftail can be heard. Grey Sunbird, Black Headed Oriole and African Paradise Flycatcher are often seen too.

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 in the middle of town, this area can get quite busy during summer. Despite this, the site still offers lots of great birds. The estuary is the main attraction here, but patches of forest, as well as the ocean offer a bit more diversity.

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:

Cupid Street: -34.04720, 23.36998 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hPf3iAofqesx6339A)

Poortjies Beach: -34.04285, 23.37615 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RuHFphp3soN7KeB46)

Text prepared by:
Ian Pletzer, BirdwatchPlett & Outeniqua Birding

Key species:

Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker, Grey Sunbird, Swee Waxbill, Olive Bushshrike, Whimbrel, Grey Plover, African Oystercatcher

Contact details:

N/A