Birdwatchers’ paradise awaits in nature reserves on mid-South Coast
A long list of incredible birds have been spotted in the region over the years.
The mid-South Coast has long been considered one of South Africa’s best birding regions, thanks to its subtropical climate, coastal forests and diverse habitats.
There’s a long list of incredible birds that have been spotted in the region over the years, among them are the African fish eagle, crowned eagle, grey-crowned crane, palm-nut vulture, jackal buzzard, spotted ground thrush, guff-spotted flufftail, narina trogon, gorgeous bush shrike, hornbills and a wide variety of sunbird species.
These birds have been spotted at Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, TC Robertson Nature Reserve and Renishaw Hills.
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve in Umzinto was stablished in 1973, and includes grassland, forest and wetland habitats across rolling hills, making it one of the most diverse birding environments in the region.
With around 300 bird species recorded, Vernon Crookes is a critical conservation area supporting both grassland and forest-dependent birds. Its habitat diversity provides refuge for several threatened and iconic species, making it a vital contributor to bird conservation in the mid-South Coast.
Scottburgh’s TC Robertson Nature Reserve is a 60-hectare coastal reserve established in 1989 and named after conservationist Dr Thomas Chalmers Robertson. Situated near the river mouth, it combines wetland, forest and estuarine habitats, and forms part of the greater South Coast Birding Route and protects valuable riverine and coastal forest habitat.
Renishaw Hills, part of the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, has become a key birding location in the area. Tim McClurg, an avid birder who has lived at Renishaw Hills for many years, stated that indigenous planting has created multiple ecological niches, and the area has been transformed from a barren tract of exhausted soil into a botanical paradise.
Tim, who has been a member of BirdLife South Africa since 1985, has been documenting the progress of a resident crowned eagle chick, drawing interest from fellow enthusiasts. He says that while the estate’s birding group is informal, members stay connected and share sightings regularly.
Those looking for structured outings can join BirdLife South Africa nationally or BirdLife eThekwini KZN locally. Bird photography is also popular in the region, with the Scottburgh-based Sapphire Coast Camera Club catering to enthusiasts.
PHOTOS: Tim McClurg – Sapphire Coast Camera Club.
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