Occurrence of blood parasites in seabirds admitted for rehabilitation in the Western Cape, South Africa, 2001-2013 "Although infrequently reported in sub-Saharan birds (Bennett et al., 1992) or in seabirds (Quillfeldt et al., 2011), it was the most common blood parasite in our study. In the case of Cape cormorants and Cape gannets, although infections did have a markedly seasonal distribution, upon closer inspection this seasonal pattern was found to match the time of the year when most juveniles are admitted to the centre, corresponding to the end of their breeding cycles (Berry, 1976; Makhado et al., 2006). B. ugwidiensis was found in all five cormorant species studied, corroborating that this parasite is widespread in cormorants admitted to rehabilitation at SANCCOB (Peirce and Parsons, 2012).

" [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: Blood parasites are generally uncommon in seabirds, and knowledge on their epidemiology is further limited by the fact that they often inhabit remote locations that are logistically difficult or expensive to study. We present a long term data set of blood smear examinations of 1909 seabirds belonging to 27 species that were admitted to a rehabilitation centre in Cape Town (Western Cape, South Africa) between 2001 and 2013. Blood parasites were detected in 59% of species (16/27) and 29% of individuals examined (551/1909). The following blood parasites were recorded: Babesia ugwidiensis, Babesia peircei, Babesia sp., Plasmodium sp., Leucocytozoon ugwidi, Hepatozoon albatrossi, Haemoproteus skuae and Spirochaetales. Several of the records are novel host-parasite associations, demonstrating the potential of rehabilitation centres for parasite and disease surveillance, particularly for species infrequently sampled from which no host-specific parasites have been described.

Full-text · Article · Dec 2016 · Waterbirds Recent Trends of the Kelp Gull ( Larus dominicanus ) in South Africa "population, including individuals that specialize in predation of penguins, gannets and cormorants (Marks et al. 1997; Makhado et al. 2006 Makhado et al. , 2013 ), provides additional feeding opportunities for Kelp Gulls, which often scavenge scraps at seal kills (du Toit 2001). Kelp Gulls on the west coast also feed on the introduced snail (Theba pisana; P. G. Ryan, pers.

" [Show abstract] [Hide abstract] ABSTRACT: South Africa's population of Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus vetula) numbered about 10,000 pairs during 1976/1977–1980/1981, increased to 21,000 pairs from 2000/2001–2004/2005 and then decreased to 17,500 pairs from 2009/2010–2013/2014. The increase in the late 20th century and the decrease in the early 21st century were mainly attributable to large increases and decreases in numbers breeding at islands off the west coast of South Africa. The increases followed cessation of controls on Kelp Gulls at the islands in the 1970s and were associated with supplementary food provided by fisheries and landfill sites, whereas the decreases were influenced by substantial predation of chicks by Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus).

The decreases of Kelp Gulls at islands off the west coast of South Africa in the early 21st century were offset to some extent by an increase in numbers breeding on mainland sites, especially around greater Cape Town and along the south coast. The proportion of Kelp Gulls breeding on the south coast increased from 15% in 2000/2001–2004/2005 to 44% in 2009/2010–2013/2014. As there are fewer islands off the south coast than the west coast of South Africa, the proportion of Kelp Gulls breeding at mainland sites as opposed to island localities increased from 12% in 2000 to 31% in 2014. Mainland colonies are more susceptible to disturbance by humans and predation by mainland carnivores, but, in spite of this, the generalist Kelp Gull has performed better in recent years than several specialist, endemic seabirds.

At Dyer Island and Bird Island (Algoa Bay), where Kelp Gull numbers increased, predation by Kelp Gulls on eggs and chicks of threatened seabirds is thought to have contributed to decreases in these seabirds, and controls on Kelp Gulls have been reintroduced. Full-text · Article · Apr 2016 Safety Nets for South African Seabirds Safety Nets for South African Seabirds Hot Comments (0) South Africa’s suite of offshore islands that lie between Lamberts Bay and Algoa Bay are largely unknown beyond their managing authorities. They are critical biodiversity hotspots protecting unique habitats and species and are in many cases the last breeding strongholds for our endemic seabirds that include the African Penguin, Cape Gannet, cormorants and terns. The islands that include Dassen, Malgas, Robben, Deyer, and Bird were first known to the western world over 500 years ago when Bartholomew Diaz rounded our shores in 1487.

Since that time, the islands became regular stopovers for ships companies that plundered them for the seals and seabirds as a ready source of meat and eggs for ships larders and as fuel for ships boilers. 1 of 14. An adult Cape Gannet attacks a recently fledged juvenile, pecking it on the back of the neck and forcing it into submission. In the 1840s, the “white gold” rush then rocketed the islands to instant fame as thousands sped to them to get a share at scrapping the islands clean of the meter high piles of guano. This guano was collected and transformed into nutrient rich agricultural fertiliser, leaving bare rock behind and destroying suitable seabird nesting sites that had been built up over thousands of years. 2 of 14. The signage at Bird island in Lamberts Bay where visitors may view the Cape Gannet colony together with other seabird species. At the beginning of the 20th century an additional threat emerged with the wholesale collection of penguin eggs for food. The eggs were initially collected as a cheap source of protein for the poor and over time, as the eggs became increasingly scarce, they became a luxury food item.

Luckily today, any form of disturbance is illegal and access to the islands is strictly controlled. Sadly, the threats still continue for the islands seabirds with the over-harvesting of their main food source by fishing fleets. It is estimated that the Cape Gannet population is decreasing at one percent per annum and the African Penguin may be extinct by 2025. 3 of 14. A Bank Cormorant feeds a ravenous chick as the rest of the brood balances precariously on the limited nesting space. With South Africa also lying on one of the worlds major shipping lanes, the seabirds are also at high risk to oil pollution. In June 2000, the bulk oil carrier MV Treasure ran aground between Robben and Dassen Islands. 20 000 African Penguins were oiled in this disaster and of these between 6000 and 6500 died. 4 of 14. Swift Terns greet one another on landing on a small rocky outcrop. My first introduction to the islands was through a visit to Bird Island at Lamberts Bay on our west coast.

The island is connected to the mainland by a short harbour wall and attracts thousands of visitors to the well-designed viewing centre that overlooks the 10 000 strong colony. During the 2005/2006 breeding season, more than 200 adult gannets were predated upon by Cape Fur Seals and as a result, the rest of the colony abandoned their nesting attempts. Through conservation intervention, the responsible seals were removed and decoy gannets were placed on the breeding site to try and attract the gannets back. Fortunately in 2007 the colony returned to breed successfully. 5 of 14. Cape Gannets roost on Dassen Island as a purse-sein trawler passes in the distance. With the iconic shape of Table Mountain lying in the distance, Dassen Island is home to amongst others rabbits, angulate tortoises, fresh water pans, shipwrecks and breeding colonies of Great White Pelicans. A mass of buildings greets one’s arrival on the island and it turns out many of these were built to house the staff of the guano harvesters and egg collectors.

The rabbits were imported from England as an additional food source and now thrive in large numbers. Less certain, is how the tortoises arrived but in lean times they have learnt to feed on the droppings of the rabbits. A low concrete wall encircles the island, apparently originally being built to exclude African Penguins from gaining access to the centre of the island. Today the buildings house the resident conservation personnel and visiting researchers. One of the rooms is set-aside as a “Seabird Sick Bay” and is a constant reminder that all of the islands are prepared to deal with any disaster or disease outbreak that threatens the seabirds. 6 of 14. An iron-ore tanker passes close by to Malgas Island where thousands of Cape Gannets and other seabirds breed. The Great White Pelicans that breed on Dassen Island are one of only two breeding colonies in South Africa and the adult birds cover vast distances each day to feed. Unfortunately, they have also taken to flying to Malgas Island to scoop up and swallow unattended Cape Gannet chicks and this has caused managing authorities to employ “pelican chasers” during the main breeding season of the gannets. 7 of 14.

Cape Fur seals attacked and chased off the Cape Gannet breeding colony at Bird Island, requiring conservation intervention. Malgas Island, lies next to the main shipping lanes accessing Saldanha Port and this places the island at risk from a shipping disaster. Interestingly one or two Australian Gannets roost amongst the breeding Cape Gannets and hybrid gannets from the two species have also been recorded. It is however believed that the hybrid birds come from a small colony where Cape and Australian Gannets interbreed in the southern ocean. Some of the densest populations of African Black Oystercatchers are found here and this is good news for a species that is slowly recovering from the threat of extinction through conservation effort. 8 of 14. Empty Cape Gannets are a harsh reminder that the majority of our seabird colonies are declining rapidly with Cape Gannets, Bank Cormorants and African Penguins all risking extinction. With a well-known history as a leper colony and of course political prison, Robben Island is also an extremely important breeding island for African Penguins that are now carefully monitored and researched. Researchers are able to track individual penguins through the unique spot patterns on the front of each bird.

Some of the birds have also been fitted with small satellite transmitters so as to determine their main feeding grounds. This information will help identify critical areas that need to be protected from commercial fishing and enable the penguins to catch enough food. 9 of 14. Great White Pelicans nest on Dassen Island. Swift Terns and Hartlaub’s Gulls also breed in large colonies and Robben Island is one of the last strongholds for the endemic Bank Cormorant. It is thought that the crash of the population of Bank Cormorants has been as a result of over-harvesting of West Coast Rock Lobster, which is the birds main prey. Sadly, there is rampant poaching of abalone in waters around Robben Island and the island shoreline is littered with piles of abalone shells. Despite intensive efforts by authorities, the poaching continues and is a major threat around several of the islands. 10 of 14. A juvenile Cape Gannet preens as adult gannets stand nearby. At Deyer Island, The Deyer Island Conservation Trust supports conservation and in particular the African Penguin. The Trust has initiated garnering public support by asking them to purchase penguin-nesting boxes.

Carefully manufactured, the nest boxes are placed on the island and have now increased the number of nesting sites for the penguins considerably. African Penguin conservation is taken extremely seriously on the island and when it appears that chicks have been abandoned or are malnourished they are carefully collected and with the support of SANCOB are fed and cared for until they are old enough to be released. 11 of 14. African Black Oystercatchers squabble for space on top of a large boulder. Algoa Bay near Port Elizabeth is home to both Bird Island and St Croix. This bay is also the only area where both Cape Gannet and African Penguin numbers have been increasing and although not fully understood it is thought that this may be due to the eastward shift of the two birds main prey source. St Croix, like Malgas, lies extremely close to the shipping lanes to Coega Harbour and there is also talk about setting up sea cages for mariculture nearby. 12 of 14. The endemic Hartlaubs Gull calling at its roost site on Malgas Island.

Bird Island is home to the world’s largest Cape Gannet colony as well as a small breeding colony of Rosette Terns and African Penguins. Over the last few years, a lone Wedge-Tailed Shearwater that is more at home in the Pacific has made the island its roosting site during the summer months. During my most recent visit last summer, there was a week where temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius and heavy rains left pools of standing water on the flat island. This combination of factors increases the likelihood of avian malaria and avian cholera and the high temperatures also reduce the nesting success as birds are forced to abandon the nests and seek shelter. 13 of 14. Four African Penguins walk up the beach on Robben Island and after spending a day at sea feeding. With the acknowledgement of the important role that South Africa’s islands play in the protection of our dwindling seabird species, conservation authorities are working hard to ensure their protection, including them in marine protected areas and trialling fishing exclusion zones around the main seabird feeding grounds. Public and industry support is also vital to ensuring that these amazing wild places continue their important role in biodiversity and seabird conservation. 14 of 14.

A Cape Gannet prepares to take to flight as a storm approaches its colony at Malgas Island. Location Welcome to BirdLife South Africa - Flamingo Birding Route Flamingo Birding Route Email The West Coast, stretching from the Atlantic shores from Cape Town northwards to the Olifants River, is best known for coastal wetlands and spectacular spring wildflower displays. Birding is excellent with an abundance of migrant waders and a host of other waterbirds. Specials range from Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Southern Black Korhaan to the Cape Gannet colony at Lambert's Bay. The coastal route from Cape Town to Lambert's Bay includes the West Coast National Park, Langebaan Lagoon and the charming seaside towns of Velddrif and Paternoster. Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park was registered as a wetland of international importance for birds, under the RAMSAR Convention, in 1988. The lagoon supports large numbers (up to 55 000) of waterbirds in summer. Rocherpan Nature Reserve, 15 km north of Velddrif, consists largely of seasonal wetlands, though usually dry between March and June.

The reserve also provides a sanctuary for one of Africa's most endangered coastal birds - the Black Oystercatcher. Darling & Swartland Darling & Swartland The Swartland Birding Route begins 50 kilometres north of Cape Town and consists of the regions between the towns of Malmesbury in the south, Darling and Yzerfontein in the west, Moorreesburg and Koringberg in the north and Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel in the east. The area has a varied landscape from sea, coastal plains, wild flowers (including Fynbos), to wheat fields on the fertile plain, interrupted by vineyards, olive farms and mountains. Approximately 250 bird species can be seen in this vast differentiated land scape. Amongst the birds that can be observed are the Black Harrier and the endangered Blue Crane. Darling Birding Route was launched during April 2014. The diversity of vegetation in the Darling area presents birders with a wide range of different birds from larks and pipits to lesser flamingoes and great white pelicans.

The area stretches from the strandveld of the Darling Hills Rd and Groote Post to the renosterveld of Waylands and Oudepost wildflower reserves. The beauty of the flowering bulbs and the immense variety of wildflowers create a unique springtime experience. During summer months large numbers of blue cranes may be seen in the wheatfields along the Darling / Malmesbury and Moorreesburg roads. The following birding sites can be visited: West Coast National Park - surrounds the Langebaan Lagoon, a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance). Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. For more information visit: Cloof Wine Estate - Also occurring naturally is a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians which are now also protected from persecution. Some of the endangered or protected species include Blue Cranes, Secretarybirds, and Black Harriers.

For more information visit: Groote Post Wine Estate - In 1996 Peter Pentz was the first private individual to be awarded the States premier conservation award for the major contribution he made to soil conservation over a fifteen-year period. He was also one of the driving forces in establishing the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, which incorporates Groote Post farm and stretches from the Milnerton lagoon to Langebaan and was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2000. For more information visit: Cape West Coast Biosphere - The Reserve farms and fishing villages, lagoons, rivers, the sea, pristine flora and unique birdlife, combine to offer residents and visitors a diversity of natural, cultural, historical, recreational and spiritual experiences. It lies on South Africa's West Coast between the Diep River (Milnerton) in the south, the Berg River (Velddrif) in the north, the N7 (Malmesbury, Moorreesburg) in the east and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. For more information visit: The !Khwa ttu San Culture & Education Centre enable the visitor to further enjoy the diversity of Darling and its prolific bird life.

For more information visit: Contact Dassen Island Dassen Island Dassen Island lies roughly halfway between Table Bay and Saldanha Bay, just 9 km's off-shore of Yzerfontein on the West Coast. The 273 ha island is South Africa's second largest off-shore island (Robben Island is the largest) and is low and flat, the highest point being only 19 m. Rimmed by a rocky shoreline, the inner island is predominantly sandy. Several man-made structures occur, the most obvious of which is the lighthouse in the south-east and the low concrete wall that partially encloses the island. The island's bird populations have been subject to predation by introduced mice and domestic cats, but an eradication program is in place and has considerably reduced numbers of these 'foreigners'. Dassen Island is off-limits to visitors, though boat trips can be arranged (weather dependent) to see the birds up close and personal, with the added benefit of whale and dolphin watching while out at sea! Dassen Island is ranked as an IBA for its global conservation significance in supporting breeding populations of endemic African penguin, Crowned & Bank cormorant and African black oystercatcher.

This island supports a significant portion of the worlds' ±26 000 pairs of breeding African penguin, as well as 5% of the breeding population of African black oystercatcher. Furthermore, together with Lake St Lucia (KZN), Dassen Island is only one of two sites in South Africa where Great white pelican breed. Unlike many other seabird populations, the Dassen Island population of pelican has increased over the past years and is now at ±550 pairs. The island also supports healthy breeding populations of Cape cormorant, Hartlaub's & Kelp gulls and Swift tern. Discovered only in 1996, Leach's storm-petrel was found to be breeding on Dassen Island, one of only three off-shore islands in South Africa where this species breeds. During the summer months a number of Palearctic waders roost on the island. Facilities Dassen Island is accessible only by boat. Unfortunately there are currently not any commercial operators that run tours from Yzerfontein, but you may be lucky if you ask around at the harbour.

Alternatively, Schaafsma Charters operate from Saldanha Bay and offer a two-day trip to Dassen Island. The boat can sleep 10 people and is self-catering. Directions From Cape Town: head north on the R27 to Langebaan-Velddrif. At the R315 Yzerfontein-Darling intersection turn left towards Yzerfontein and drive for 8 km's before you reach the village. Standing anywhere along the coast in Yzerfontein, Dassen Island lies 9 km's south-west off-shore. GPS Coordinates West Coast National Park (WCNP) West Coast National Park (WCNP) West Coast National Park (WCNP) lies just inland from Saldanha Bay, with the town of Langebaan as its northern neighbour. The 27 000 ha Park includes Langebaan Lagoon, Postberg Nature Reserve, much of 16 Mile Beach and the Saldanha Bay islands of Jutten, Malgas, Marcus and Schaapen. Meeuw Island, which still belongs to the South African National Defence Force (ZANDF), is also included in the IBA.

Langebaan Lagoon is a sheltered arm of Saldanha Bay, and unlike most lagoons has no freshwater inlet, thus this tidal lagoon is purely salt water. The lagoon is roughly 15 km long and 3 km wide, with depths ranging from 2 – 6m. The southern section of the lagoon has extensive areas of mudflat, sandflat and saltmarsh which are exposed at low tide. These periodically flooded areas support rich concentrations of molluscs and crustacean which in turn support vast numbers of waterbirds. Also in the south are extensive reed-beds interspersed with mixed sedges and rushes. The terrestrial vegetation of the Park is predominantly Strandveld, a transitional vegetation type between fynbos and karoo-veld, comprising low bushes and succulents. During springtime (Aug – Sept) many flowering annuals make their presence know, particularly in the Postberg section which can be carpeted with a rainbow of flowers. Of the five islands which lie in Saldanha Bay, most are sparsely vegetated and only Marcus Island can be accessed from the mainland via a 2 km long causeway.

Jutten and Malgas Islands lie at the mouth of Langebaan Lagoon, Marcus Island lies a little further into the lagoon, and Schaapen and Meeuw islands lie well within the lagoon. WCNP has been ranked as an IBA as its wetlands regularly support over 35 000 waterbirds in summer, as well as globally important breeding populations of African penguin, Cape gannet (Malgas Island has 25% of global population), African black oystercatcher, Crowned & Bank cormorant and Black harrier. The 5 Saldanha Bay islands are home to 250 000 coastal seabirds. Furthermore, the lagoon and islands also support important populations of Cape cormorant, Greater flamingo, Pied avocet, Grey plover, Kittlitz's & White-fronted plover, Kelp & Hartlaub's gull, Swift & Common tern, Ruddy turnstone, Sanderling, Curlew sandpiper and Red knot. Please note that access to all the islands is prohibited in an effort to conserve seabirds by providing a safe and undisturbed breeding area.

Strandveld vegetation, you will notice, dominates WCNP, and as you drive through the park you'll likely see White-backed mousebird, Grey tit, Cape penduline-tit, Chestnut-vented tit-babbler, Karoo scrub-robin, Karoo prinia, Cape bulbul, Karoo lark, Southern double-collared sunbird, Cape grassbird, Bokmakierie and Grey-backed cisticola in the short scrub. Keep an eye open for hunting Black harriers throughout the reserve. Also watch out for Angulate tortoises which are very common inhabitants of WCNP and are regularly seen on the roads! The area around Geelbek Manor House is great for seeing the bolder birds of the Strandveld, and Karoo scrub-robin, Karoo prinia, Cape weaver, African hoopoe and Cape spurfowl are regularly found on the lawns. There are a number of fantastic bird hides throughout the park, most of them located at various positions around Langebaan Lagoon. The most popular hide for wader watching is without doubt Geelbek hide. This hide, and 3 others, are accessed from Geelbek Manor House.

Summer is a great time to visit Geelbek hide as vast numbers of Palaearctic migrants, and often rare species, boost bird numbers on the tidal mudflats. The best time for wader viewing is just as the water begins to recede from its highest point, as the mud flats begin to be exposed and the birds are forced into the narrow margin of land close to the hide. As the tide drops, the birds have a greater area over which to forage and move further out following the receding water. Although it is difficult to predict precisely, the best viewing is roughly 4½ hrs after high tide in Cape Town/Table Bay. Closer to the town of Langebaan are Seeberg Lookout and Seeberg Hide, both worth stopping at. The Lookout provides an elevated view of the azure-blue lagoon and the surrounding strandveld, and the jumble of boulders is home to a family of Rock hyrax/Dassies. The short gravel road down to Seeberg Hide from the main road, as well as the path to the hide, are great for strandveld birds.

In particular, Cape penduline-tit, Grey tit, Malachite sunbird and Chestnut-vented tit-babbler are regularly seen here. Abrahamskraal waterhole is one of the only regular sources of freshwater in the reserve, and as such, is visited by numerous birds. The seedeaters are numerous, so look for Namaqua dove, White-throated, Brimstone & Yellow canary, Cape bunting and Common waxbill, as well as flocks of Common, Wattled & Pied starlings. Little, African black, White-rumped & Alpine swifts together with White-throated, Barn & Pearl-breasted swallows may be seen overhead. The water and associated reeds host South African shelduck, Little grebe, Cape shoveler, Black crake, Lesser swamp warbler, Little rush warbler and the skulking African rail.

The Postberg section of the reserve, only open to the public during the flower season (Aug – Oct), is well worth a visit for the spectacular floral displays as well as for the numerous mammal species that occur in WCNP – Gemsbok, Eland, Red hartebeest, Bontebok, Plains zebra, Springbok, Common duiker and Steenbok. The vegetation in this section is also strandveld, so offers similar birding to the rest of the reserve. The road ends at Tsaarsbank, with fantastic views across the Atlantic Ocean, and a good vantage point to look for African black oystercatcher, all four species of marine cormorants and Antarctic tern (winter). This is also a great spot for whale watching! The road network in the reserve covers ± 160 km's and provides ample opportunity for bird-viewing. There are also a number of walking trails in WCNP which are great options if you prefer to bird by foot. Facilities There are fuel, shops, ATM and restaurants in Langebaan. Geelbek Manor House has an excellent restaurant. Duinepos Chalets: 11 x 4-bed chalets. Fully equipped.

Self-catering. Abrahamskraal Cottage: 1 x 6-bed cottage with 2 bedrooms. Fully equipped. Self-catering. Jo-Anne's Beach Cottages: An exclusive cottage with 3 en-suite bedrooms. Fully equipped. Self-catering. Houseboats: 2 x houseboats moored on the lagoon. Fully equipped. Self-catering. Directions From Cape Town: head north on the R27 to Langebaan-Velddrif. After the R315 Yzerfontein-Darling intersection continue on the R27 for a further 10.9 km's before turning left into the well signed West Coast National Park. GPS Coordinates Lower Berg River Lower Berg River The Berg River rises in the Drakenstein Mountains (close to Cape Town) before winding its way for almost 300 km's to empty into the Atlantic Ocean in St Helena Bay. The towns of Laaiplek, Port Owen and Velddrif form a continuous complex along the northern banks of the lower Berg River just before it enters the Atlantic.

The Berg River is tidal for many kilometers inland and is navigable throughout the year, providing birders with the option of seeing the wetlands and its avifauna from a small boat! In addition to the main channel and its associated floodplain, the lower Berg River also has ephemeral pans, saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats, with reed beds and sedge-marshes forming a varied mosaic along the river. Together with Lake St Lucia and Langebaan Lagoon, the lower Berg River wetland is one of the top 3 most important estuaries for wetland birds in South Africa. In particular, the estuarine mudflats and ephemeral pans provide vital foraging opportunities, while the riparian marshes and saltpans provide important breeding grounds. In combination the estuary and floodplain of the lower Berg River regularly support over 20 000 birds, making this site an IBA. Palearctic migrants boost the bird numbers in summer, and over 8 000 migrant waders can be present here, especially Curlew sandpiper and Little stint.

The commercial saltpans support around 10% of the breeding population of Caspian tern in South Africa, as well as breeding Chestnut-banded plover and occasionally Swift tern. Hartlaub's & Kelp gull are residents and occur in large numbers, breeding in midsummer and early winter respectively. Great white pelican occur regularly on the lower Berg River, this being a key foraging and roosting area for the Dassen Island breeding population during the non-breeding season. Great crested & Black-necked grebe breed here occasionally, and South African shelduck regularly use the estuary in large numbers as a moulting and breeding site. The upper estuary's saltmarshes support breeding populations of Cape teal, Cape shoveller, Yellow-billed duck and Red-knobbed coot.

The bird hide located off Voortrekker Road (just upstream from the Riviera Hotel where the keys to the hide are kept) overlooks a superb area of intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh where you'll find the ducks along with Black-winged stilt, Greater & Lesser flamingo, Kittlitz's & Three-banded plover, Ruff, Common greenshank, Pied avocet and a wide selection of terns. The best time for wader viewing at the hide is 1.5 hrs after high tide in Table Bay. In the terrestrial vegetation in the surrounds, Karoo scrub-robin, Large-billed lark, Bokmakierie and Pied starling are common. Approximately 44 km's upriver from the mouth, 1 km west of Kersefontein farmhouse, there is a large heronry which is known to have existed for the past 300 years. Thirteen species breed at this site, including substantial numbers of Yellow-billed egret, African spoonbill and Glossy ibis. Facilities There are fuel, shops, restaurants and ATM facilities in the town complex of Laaiplek, Port Owen and Velddrif.

Accommodation is available in a number of B&B's, guesthouses and hotels. See , click on the 'Where to go' and 'Cape West Coast' links. The 'Travel directory' link provides accommodation options. Directions From Cape Town: Travel north on the N7 past Malmesbury and Morreesburg. Just before the town of Piketberg take a left onto the R399 towards Velddrif. Continue for 65 km's until you reach the town complex of Velddrif, Port Owen and Laaiplek. GPS Coordinates Verlorenvlei Verlorenvlei Verlorenvlei is a vast estuary and lake system stretching from the coastal village of Eland's Bay on the Atlantic coast to Redelinghuys 28 km's inland. The lake and vlei are hemmed in by a ridge of rocky hills to the south, and reach the sea via a narrow, shallow stretch of estuary. The mouth of the estuary is naturally blocked by a rock sill topped with a sand bar, severely limiting the time that the mouth remains open. In addition, the four artificial obstructions in the channel also impede flow of the system seawards.

Covering an area of ±1 700 ha, Verlorenvlei is one of South Africa's largest freshwater lakes and one of the few coastal freshwater lakes. The main body of the lake is roughly 13 x 1.5 km with an average depth of 2.5 m. During the rainy winter months the Verlorenvlei River drains into the lake causing it to rise and overflow into the ocean, but during the dry summer months the levels of the lake drop markedly, reaching its lowest levels at the end of summer. Extensive reed-beds occur along the edge of the lake, with patches of wide, open wetlands occurring all along the Verlorenvlei River and saltpan vegetation towards the mouth. The terrestrial vegetation surrounding the vlei is transitional between karroid and fynbos vegetation, resulting in a high diversity of ecotonal communities.

Verlorenvlei is rated as an IBA because the wetland regularly supports over 5 000 birds (occasionally up to 20 000 birds), including more than 1 000 waders of at least 11 different species including Pied avocet, Black-winged stilt, Curlew & Common sandpiper and Little stint. Furthermore, Verlorenvlei is a key moulting ground and summer refuge for large numbers of ducks, regularly supporting extremely large numbers of Yellow-billed duck, Cape shoveller and South African shelduck. Large numbers of Great crested grebe, Red-knobbed coot, Hartlaub's gull and White-breasted cormorant are also reliant on the wetland. African marsh harrier, which forage over the entire wetland, occur in good numbers. Great white pelican use the wetland to forage. African black oystercatcher, Chestnut-banded plover and Cape & Bank cormorant are recorded at the estuary mouth from time to time.

The diverse wetland habitat supports populations of secretive Red-chested flufftail, African rail and Baillon's crake, as well as Common moorhen and Purple swamphen – the river bridge is a good place to look for reed-bed birds. The fynbos - karroid vegetation around Verlorenvlei's fringes supports several restricted-range and biome-restricted species, including Cape long-billed lark, Southern black korhaan, Grey-backed cisticola, Karoo scrub-robin, Grey tit and Cape bulbul. Facilities There are fuel, shops, restaurants and ATM facilities in Elands Bay. Accommodation is available in a number of B&B's, guesthouses and hotels. See , click on the 'Where to go' and 'Cape West Coast' links. The 'Travel directory' link provides accommodation options. Directions From Cape Town: Travel north on the N7 past Malmesbury and Morreesburg. Just before the town of Piketberg take a left onto the R365 that takes you through the town. After passing through Piketberg the road forks, take the left-hand fork, the R366 towards Redelinghuys and Elands Bay.

You will be driving alongside the Verlorenvlei River for much of the drive. GPS Coordinates Bird Island Bird Island Bird Island is a 3 ha rocky outcrop situated in Lambert's Bay just off the Atlantic coast. Less than 300 km's from Cape Town, Bird Island is the most accessible Cape gannet colony in the world – there are only 6 breeding sites for this bird! Lying only 150 m's offshore, this small island is easily accessed via a concrete causeway, enabling visitor's close-up views of both Cape gannet and African penguins, as well as numerous terns and gulls that roost here. Bird Island has a superb bird hide that has transformed the island into something of an educational classroom on the life of Cape gannets. One can unobtrusively witness the unique mating dances of these birds (Apr – Sept), and experience the incredible vocalising of thousands of birds. It also means that visitors are less subject to the incredibly strong smell of guano! Bird Island is rated as an IBA due to the presence of species of global conservation concern – African penguin, and breeding populations of both Cape gannet and Crowned cormorant.

Cape gannets dominate the island, occupying a single, large colony in the centre of the island. Breeding numbers have fluctuated dramatically, most recently the total abandonment of Bird Island in 2005 caused by predation of the birds by Cape fur seals. However, the gannets have returned en masse, and the island is once again an avian spectacle! Historically, Bird Island was dominated by African penguin, but the continued poaching of eggs by guano collectors in the early to mid 1990's decimated the population with the result that today the population of breeding birds is low. Cape cormorant nest on the island, and at times have numbered about 60 000 birds. Crowned cormorant, Kelp gull and occasionally Swift tern, nest on the outlying rocks of the island. The island is also used as a roost by Hartlaub's gull, Bank cormorant and various tern species. Facilities A superb hide with interpretive material provides an excellent vantage from which to view the gannets on the island and an informative Visitors Centre can be found on the mainland.

The Visitor Centre has a coffee shop, toilets, curio shop, aquarium and a penguin pool. A guano museum provides a history of the search for the islands' 'white gold'. NB: Access to Bird Island may be prohibited if rough seas make it too dangerous to cross the breakwater. Directions From Cape Town: Travel north along the N7 until you reach the town of Clanwilliam on your right hand-side, turn left onto the R364 to Lambert's Bay. Continue along the R364 for 60 km's and as you enter Lambert's Bay look for the BP garage. Turn right after the BP garage and follow the Bird Island signboards. GPS Coordinates Olifants River Estuary Olifants River Estuary The Olifants River estuary (one of only 4 estuaries on South Africa's west coast) lies approximately 250 km's north of Cape Town, flanked by the small fishing village of Papendorp. The nearest towns are Lutzville (24 km) and Vredendal (42 km).

The Olifants River rises in the mountains surrounding Ceres before flowing north for 285 km's and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Papendorp. The flanks of the estuary support extensive saltmarsh, and on the estuary's southern banks salt is still gathered by the locals in the traditional manner. The northern shoreline is steep and rocky, forming a gravel terrace. The flood-plain holds numerous plant species with more terrestrial affinities, and reedbeds of Scirpus and Phragmites line the banks of the river upstream. The vegetation on higher ground is of interest, as it is one of the few areas where Namib-Karoo vegetation reaches the west coast. The beach north of the river mouth is out of bounds to visitors as it is a diamond mining concession; however you are free to wander on the southern beach and up the southern bank of the Olifants River as far as you please. Alternatively you could climb into a small boat and explore the estuary from a different perspective!

The Olifants River estuary and its surrounds holds IBA status due to the presence of nine range-restricted Nama-Karoo bird species (of a potential 19 species), it regularly supports in excess of 15 000 waterbirds, and this estuary acts as a vital staging point for Palearctic migrants and flamingos between the Orange River mouth and important wetlands to the south (i.e. Berg River wetland, Langebaan Lagoon, Rietvlei and Wilderness-Sedgefield Lakes complex). Great white pelican use the estuary as a foraging and roosting area during the late summer and winter months. Once in the village look for the Papendorp Resort, there is a school on the left hand side, turn right on a gravel road, drive through the small residential area, and up to a ruin. You can easily scan the saltmarsh below.

The numerous channels of the estuary and the mouth itself support Cape teal, South-African shelduck, Cape shoveller, Yellow-billed duck, White-fronted plover, Chestnut-banded plover, Curlew sandpiper, lots of Greater & Lesser flamingo, Common whimbrel, Pied avocet, Black-winged stilt, Kelp, Grey-headed & Hartlaub's gull. Terns are regular visitors and you may find Caspian, Common, Sandwich & Swift terns, and occasionally Damara tern. The vegetation surrounding the estuary is suitable for many of the species restricted to the Namib–Karoo biome and for other arid-zone birds, including Karoo korhaan, Grey tit, Black-headed canary, Long-billed & Karoo lark and Tractrac, Karoo & Sickle-winged chat. Namaqua warbler occur in the Acacia thickets and reedbeds along the river margin. A visit coinciding with spring will reveal a landscape transformed by a mass of flowering plants, turning the rather drab landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour.

Facilities There are no fuel or shop facilities at Papendorp, visit either Doring Bay or Vredendal for shops and/or fuel. There are basic, self-catering chalets in Papendorp. A range of accommodation options are available in the nearby villages of Strandfontein, Doring Bay and in the town of Vredendal. Please contact Matzikama Tourism – see below. Directions From Cape Town: Travel north along the N7 until the town of Klawer, turn left onto the R363 to Vredendal. Continue along the R363 through Vredendal to Lutzville. At the R362 – R363 intersection in Lutzville, turn left onto the R362 and drive for approx. 20 km's before turning right off the R362 towards the village of Papendorp. GPS Coordinates

Question: The uninhabited Malgas Island, or Bird Island, off the Western Cape of South Africa, is the largest breeding colony in the world of what?
Answer: Cape gannets