Strandfontein Sewage Works

Strandfontein is one of Cape Town’s top birding sites! Flamingos flying between pans provide a visual feast of pink and white. A wide variety of waterbirds are easily observed while driving around the pans. Strandfontein has attracted rare waders and wagtails over the decades. A variety of passerines may also be seen, especially swallows in summer.

The works consist of a series of settling ponds. The ponds provide open water for waterfowl, with shallow areas for flamingos. Most ponds are fringed with reeds, providing shelter for warblers, cisticolas, and other species. Large numbers of Barn Swallows roost in the larger reedbeds. Roads encircle the ponds, allowing one to use a vehicle as a hide.

Focus on Waterbirds

Over 72 waterbird species have been recorded. Strandfontein is of international and national importance for several species. Quite a few resident waders occur, which are joined in summer by migrants. Several tern species visit in summer, and gulls are resident.

Grey and Purple Herons are present in high numbers in summer, while winter sees an influx of White Pelicans. Most ducks are more numerous in summer. South African Shelduck and Southern Pochard are more numerous in winter, however.

Photo feature – Ducks have colourful and interestingly-shaped beaks!

List of most common birds at Strandfontein (listed with most common first)

RR=reporting rate, based on Birds in Reserves Project (BIRP) and own bird lists

Thanks to Peter Greaves for the BIRP lists!

For recent sightings, see ebird (drive through Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve) or facebook.

Official open time is 7h30 (to 18h00), although sometimes you may be let in earlier.

For a guided bird tour to Strandfontein and elsewhere, contact Dieter.