As more local and international birders discover the region’s exceptional birdlife and natural beauty, the vision of making the Overberg a leading birding destination – once a dream – is now a reality.
BirdLife Overberg chairman Steve Peck says this was the vision of the late Anton Odendal, a legend in the Overberg birding community.
Peck, who has guided international birders around the region, is mindful of the growing number of birders and is committed to carrying this vision forward.
With an impressive 454 bird species on record, including 41 pelagic and 413 terrestrial species – which include one critically endangered, eight endangered, 15 near-threatened, and eight vulnerable species, as well as endemic and near-endemic species – the Overberg is a hotspot for conservation.
It has sixty-one migrant species, including the Red-chested Cuckoo, African Paradise Flycatcher, Black Saw-wing and Black Cuckoo.
Based on BirdLife Overberg’s monthly bird counts over the past seven years, the number of species recorded represents 42% of all the birds on the official South African bird list.
“We firmly believe no other region in South Africa can come close to this percentage,” says Peck. Birding enthusiasts are drawn by iconic birds such as the Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, Cape (Agulhas) Long-billed Lark, Cape Rockjumper and other fynbos endemics.
Avi-tourism is becoming increasingly popular – and a valuable additional income for tourism in the area. Recent research has highlighted the benefits of developing it as a conservation and economic opportunity in South Africa.
A study of 11 community-based projects revealed that birding, when linked to conservation objectives, creates income, skills and empowerment opportunities for local communities.
The Overberg’s diversity of habitats and nature reserves – such as De Hoop, home to Cape Vultures; Stony Point, with its African Penguins; and Rooiels, where Cape Rockjumpers and Verreaux’s Eagles can be seen – offers birding enthusiasts a range of options.
Visit the club’s website, birdlifeoverberg.org.za and follow the link Birding Routes Archives to explore available routes in the Overberg.
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