Sedgefield, Western Cape – The Island Conservancy

About the Birding

Entering the Sedgefield Island from the east, one crosses a small bridge at -34.01383, 22.78861. There is often a variety of waterbirds here, including Cape and Red-billed Teal. Herons often fish here as well, with the most common being Grey and Purple Heron. Pied Kingfisher often perches on the telephone line that runs over the water and can be joined in summer by Greater-striped and Barn Swallow.

On the eastern side of The Island, there is a tidal sand bank and mudflats at -34.01740, 22.78605. Throughout the year, one could see Three-banded Plover and Yellow-billed Duck here. In summer, Common Greenshank is often on the sandbank. Caspian Tern and Grey-headed Gull make use of the sandbank from time to time too.

The south-eastern point of the Island at -34.02113, 22.78223 is well shaded by tall Blue Gum trees, which Peregrine Falcon and Jackal Buzzard perch in occasionally. This spot also has great views onto the Swartvlei river which often has Great-crested Grebe in amongst large floats of Red-knobbed Coots.

Wally Van Der Walt street (-34.01565, 22.78555) offer more thicket birds. Throughout the year, one can find Karoo Prinia and Cape Bulbul here. In summer, this is a good place to look out for Cuckoos, with both Klaas’s and Diedericks being common. In winter, a few fynbos birds move into the area, and Cape Sugarbird and Malachite Sunbird are possible.

At -34.01871, 22.77999 on the Island is a small patch of conserved indigenous bush. Although not very big, it is a great spot to look out for Cape Batis and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher.

In the south-western corner of the Island lies the aptly named Fish Eagle Green (-34.01861, 22.77415), a public park on the edge of the Swartvlei river. African Fish Eagle is often seen or heard from here. Various seed eaters can be seen in the grass, most commonly the Cape and Brimstone Canary.

About the Birding Site

Registered in 2003, the Sedgefield Island Conservancy protects several patches of indigenous vegetation and helps keep the rest of The Island clean and neat. The main habitats on The Island are patches of dune thicket and the Swartvlei river and estuary.

Birdlife on the Island is quite profound, and although the diversity isn’t too high, the number of birds is prominent. The quiet suburb is an ideal area to walk through in search of birds.

Other Related Information

The Island can be entered from the east at -34.01383, 22.78861 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/bpHoSVsFKZUsPmqJ9), or from the west at -34.009, 22.780.

The Island is free to walk or drive through.

There are numerous shops, restrooms and a fuel station available on the Island, most of which is wheelchair accessible.

Text prepared by:

Justin Ponder

Key species:

Knysna Woodpecker, Brimstone Canary, Cape Bulbul, Karoo Prinia, Great-crested Grebe, Purple Heron, African Fish Eagle, Cape Teal

Contact details:

The Island Conservancy:

Email: secretary@sedgefieldislandconservancy.co.za

Website: sedgefieldislandconservancy.co.za