Summer visitors include numerous Barn Swallows, but keep a lookout for Sand, Common House and Banded Martin on the telephone wires above the reeds on Rietvlei Gravel Road. African Rail and Red-chested Flufftail can be heard calling in the thick reed beds as well as Little Rush and Lesser Swamp Warblers.

The White Horse Dam (-34.0190, 23.3668) is a good spot for Grey and sometimes Goliath Herons. African Darter, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, Common Moorhen and Little Grebe are found around the Dam. In the forest behind the dam, listen out for Klaas’s, Diederik Cuckoo as well as Olive Bush Shrike. Grey Sunbird, Red-faced Mousebird and Cardinal Woodpecker are also seen in this area.

From the parking lot at Emily Moon River Lodge (-34.0108, 23.3737) – a glorious view over the Bitou awaits. Western Osprey, African Fish Eagle, Mallard, Eurasian Whimbrel and Reed and White-breasted Cormorant can be seen. Pied and Giant Kingfisher can also be on the wires above the river. In March/April you made be lucky so see the Sooty Falcon that has been visiting these parts for a few years now. Klaas’s Cuckoo, Spotted Flycatcher, Southern Tchagra, Southern Boubou, Black Cuckooshrike, Brown-hooded Kingfisher and Pin-tailed Whydah can also be seen in the gardens.

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