Birds are possibly among the most accessible wildlife available for humans to see in nature. Southern Africa is home to almost 10% of the world's bird species and coastal towns like Hermanus are a favourite hang-out for many of these.

Unique to Hermanus is the opportunity it offers ornithologists to see a variety of birds species in a diverse array of habitats. Keen bird spotters can observe birds in a marine, estuarine, mountain, river or coastal habitat.

Perhaps the most popular of the 60-odd species recorded around Hermanus cliff paths, are the Kelp Gull, Cape cormorant, Cape robin, Cape Francolin and Rock pigeon.

In Summer, when the weather’s warmer, a number of other species also make an appearance, such as the Bokmakierie, Cape sugarbird and Greater striped swallow.

The diversity of the landscape around Hermanus makes for a diverse mix of bird species, and the nearby Fernkloof reserve alone boasts around a hundred species.

The relatively small area is also home to 5 of the 6 fynbos endemic species of the Western Cape; the Orange-breasted Sunbird, the Cape Sugarbird, the Cape Siskin, the Cape Rockjumper and Victorin's Warbler.

The Fernkloof reserve is also the headquarters of the Hermanus Bird Club, perhaps lending some further credibility to the reserve as a prime ornithological destination.

Another such hotspot is the Bot River lagoon. This area is renowned as one of the prime bird watching locations in the Hermanus area. Specific bird populations vary according the time of year and various environmental factors, but there are usually a good number of species in the area, sometimes including the rare oystercatcher, the Sacred ibis and Flamingos.

Whether you’re a serious ornithologist or a weekend bird-spotter, Hermanus is sure to have something to catch your eye. And of course, if ever you get tired of identifying the myriad of bird species, there are always those whales...