Begin your explorations of the area in the village of Port Alfred. Both the Knysna Warbler and Knysna Woodpecker are common in the town itself and are best detected by their loud calls. Search for the warbler in dense scrub at the forest edge, while the latter prefers areas with mature trees. Other notable species to look for in the forested sections include both the Red-capped and Chorister Robin-chats – the former at the extreme southern limit of its distribution – as well as Olive Woodpecker, Tambourine Dove, Knysna Turaco, and Dark-backed Weaver. The towns golf course regularly supports small flocks of Black-winged Lapwing, while the salt marsh opposite Kidd’s Beach holds a high diversity of waterfowl and waders. Visit the pier off West Beach Drive during rough sea conditions to scan for pelagic species. The Shy and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, White-chinned Petrel and Sooty Shearwater are all regularly sighted during strong south-westerly winds.

Between Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea lays the small village of Kasouga, signposted to the south off the R72. Rich coastal grasslands in this area support fair numbers of Secretarybird and Denham’s Bustard. The rare Southern Ground Hornbill is occasionally sighted. Red-winged Francolin and Black Harrier are both resident, though these species can be frustratingly elusive at times. Coastal forests harbour both the Knysna Warbler and Knysna Woodpecker, Chorister Robin-chat and Brown Scrub-robin. Interestingly, this region also supports a small relict population of Oribi; one of the last strongholds for this shy antelope species in the Eastern Cape.

Continue west along the R72 to reach the village of Kenton-on-Sea. The bridge over the Bushman’s River serves as a fantastic viewpoint to scan the surrounding salt marsh and mudflats. A pair of Goliath Heron can normally be found here, alongside small numbers of Greater Flamingo, and occasionally Black Stork. Fair numbers of African Oystercatcher are usually present, often roosting on the salt marsh at high tide together with Caspian Tern. The mudflats are most productive in the summer months when large numbers of migrant waders visit, though small numbers of waders can be seen throughout the year. Look for the Grey and Common Ringed Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Whimbrel, Terek and Marsh Sandpipers, Ruff, and Eurasian Curlew. Alternatively, travel north through Boesmansriviermond to the floating restaurant at -33.6620, 26.6313 where it is also possible to scan the mudflats. Scrub en route supports the Southern Tchagra, while the small tidal inlet besides the Floating Restaurant has sometimes yielded Mangrove Kingfisher in the summer months.

Roughly 1Km to the west of the bridge over the Bushmans River, turn to the south following the Beachcomber Horse Trails sign. Several seasonal pans, locally known as Ottersvlei, are present at -33.6941, 26.6455. Search here for the African and Greater Painted Snipes, an assortment of waterfowl, and for Goliath Heron. The site has yielded a number of interesting species in recent years including African Pygmy Goose, Pectoral Sandpiper, and African Jacana.

Lastly, turn south off the R72 towards the small coastal village of Boknes. At -33.6977, 26.6026, turn left along an unmarked gravel road. A large seasonal pan here is excellent for both the African and Greater Painted Snipes, and diverse waterfowl. The surrounding grasslands hold Black-winged Lapwing, Black and African Marsh Harriers, and Red-winged Francolin.

Key species:

Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Turaco, Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin