Bird
Life
The Overberg has more than 330 bird
species with at least 20 endemic species. This impressive
diversity is due to the variety of habitats in the area.
The coastal area around Cliff Lodge has a variety of habitats and
food sources for birds. The many fruiting trees and shrubs attract
fruit-eating species such as Cape Bulbuls and Mousebirds, as well
as insectfeeders. Sugarbirds and sunbirds also use the area as
stepping stones to the mountains. An endemic to the fynbos biome,
Cape Francolins are often seen in the low fynbos along the coast.
Nearly half of South Africa’s 63
diurnal raptors have been recorded in the Overberg. The light
brown solitary Steppe Buzzards are migrants from Eurasia and may
be spotted on the phone and power lines along the R43 to Hermanus.
Jackal Buzzards are also often seen in the area. Black Harriers
(near threatened) are endemic to southern Africa and are regularly
recorded around De Kelders, especially in early summer. Rock
Kestrels are a common site, often in pairs on our weather vane.
Another bird of prey frequently seen along the roadside is the
Blackshouldered Kite. Spotted Eagle Owls are a familiar sight on
the cliffs and overhead lines.
Dyer Island off Gansbaai is a
breeding ground for many sea birds such as Jackass Penguins,
cormorants and Cape Gannets. Other coastal species that may be
seen in De Kelders are terns, plovers, gulls and of course the
striking African Black Oystercatcher, one of South Africa’s rarest
coastal birds. Oystercatchers breed from October to March and are
very vulnerable to disturbance by people and vehicles. These birds
are regularly seen on the rocks in front of Cliff Lodge.
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