Explore The Wildlife That Lives All Around You

Plus, get an up-close view of a barn owl, eagles, and snakes

There’s a growing movement to appreciate and conserve pockets of wilderness that coexist with developed areas – these are wonderful and accessible area for urbanites to discover nature. The False Bay Nature Reserve is one such pocket and this October you can explore its feathered inhabitants at designated viewpoints with Cape Bird Club members.

Join the 7th Annual False Bay Birdathon is taking place at the False Bay Nature Reserve on Saturday, 19 October, from 8am to 2pm. Take along a picnic for afterwards, too.

FAMILY FUN WITH AN EDUCATIONAL TWIST

In 1952, concerned bird lovers motivated that the Rondevlei Section of the False Bay Nature Reserve be declared a bird sanctuary; it’s now a very protected area. Today, the reserve is 290 hectares and includes a museum, auditorium, viewing towers and several bird hides. To the north, there’s a permanent wetland, and to the south, seasonal wetlands, which means it’s a birder’s dream.

The False Bay Birdathon is all about celebrating Cape Town's biodiversity and natural spaces. It starts with a fun walk (four, five or six kilometres) through the nature reserve, with designated bird-watching spots. It’s an interesting walk for children, too, because Cape Bird Club members will help them along the way. Registration is between 8am and 10am, and all participants must be finished by 10am. Entrance is just R5, and all profits go towards the conservation of the site.

The Birdathon Festival continues after the walk. There will be games, lucky draws and prizes, food and drinks stalls, and interactive exhibits by initiatives such as Eagle Encounters and the Cape Reptile Association, where you could see a Barn Owl up close, or Wally the Wahlberg’s Eagle. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the eastern shore of Zeekoevlei's designated picnic area.

LEARN ABOUT HOW WE ALL FIT TOGETHER

The CTEET hopes to instil the importance of the park, and its animals, birds, and plants. Show your support to Cape Town's natural beauty by attending en masse.

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Plan ahead so that you don’t miss a thing. Check out events happening in October.

Explore the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary in Hout Bay.

See Cape Town from the sky with this Helicopter Tour.

The Western Cape’s jumping for joy with dam levels showing positive growth.

Discover the world of edible flowers.

Take a stroll through these two favourite nature reserves: Tygerberg and Silvermine.

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