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The sun setting over the reed marsh and channels of the Goukou, with clouds lit gold.

On the farm

Bird watching on the Goukou

Is Stilbaai good for bird watching?

Yes. BirdLife South Africa records at least 230 species around Stilbaai, and a single summer day usually turns up about 90. On the farm, fish eagles circle the dam and the river, and the three indigenous canyons hold forest and fynbos birds.

  • The Goukou at dusk, the still water reflecting the reeds and the pink sky.
  • The sun going down over the Goukou estuary wetlands, the channels mirroring a gold sky.
  • A gold sunset reflected in a channel of the Goukou estuary near Stilbaai.
  • A panorama of the farm wetland at dusk under a pink sky, the white cottage at the edge.
  • The Goukou River between thickly wooded banks under a bright sky.
  • One of the farm peacocks with its tail fanned out in full display.
  • Red aloes in flower above the farm wetland, with the flat-topped hills of the Goukou valley behind.
  • Evening in the wooded gorge of the Goukou, upriver from the farm.

On the farm

Stonehouse has three habitats in a short walk: the reed-fringed river, the dam and wetland below the houses, and three indigenous canyons that climb into fynbos. Walk the river frontage, the canyons and the dam edge. Listen for African fish eagles calling over the dam and the river; you will often see them circling above the water.

Early mornings in the canyons are the quietest time to walk. In spring the red aloes flower on the slope above the wetland, and the farm’s peacocks are hard to miss at any time of year.

When to come

Summer has the most species: migrants arrive from mid to late August and stay until about April, which is when the waders gather on the estuary mudflats. Early spring is best for fynbos birds. A five-day summer visit around Stilbaai typically gives about 120 species.

Where to go nearby

The Goukou River Causeway, about 18 km upriver on gravel, is the standout: 149 species recorded there, and 75 to 90 in a two- to three-hour summer visit. Look for Secretarybird, Southern Black and Karoo Korhaan, Agulhas Long-billed Lark and, at dawn, Red-chested Flufftail.

Closer to town, the Roland Rudd bird hide at the water works has Black Crake, Purple Heron, Black-winged Stilt and breeding Black-crowned Night Herons. The trails along both banks of the Goukou are easy morning walks: Malachite and Giant Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle and Osprey on the east bank, terns, oystercatchers and plovers on the west.

Palinggat gardens in Stilbaai West hold Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler and four sunbird species. At Morris Point and Skulpiesbaai, terns roost on the rocks and Cape Gannets and shearwaters pass offshore in an onshore wind.

What to bring

Binoculars, a field guide or the Roberts app, a hat and water. The road to the causeway is gravel, so take it slowly.

Good to know

Questions

How many bird species are there around Stilbaai?

At least 230, according to BirdLife South Africa. Expect about 90 in a summer day and around 120 over five days.

When is the best time for birding in Stilbaai?

Summer, when migrants are present from late August to about April. Early spring is best for fynbos species.

Can you see fish eagles at Stonehouse Lodge?

Often. African fish eagles circle and call over the farm dam and the Goukou River.

What is the best birding spot near Stilbaai?

The Goukou River Causeway, about 18 km upriver on gravel, with 149 species recorded, including Secretarybird and Agulhas Long-billed Lark.

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