The Malachite bird hide is located on the northern shore of the Bo-Langvlei in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. Bo-Langvlei is one of a series of lakes connected by the Touw River (Eilandvlei, Langvlei and Rondevlei) and hosts a variety of aquatic species and is an internationally proclaimed Ramsar site.
Major concentrations of Great Crested and Blacknecked Grebe are present on Rondevlei and Bo Langvlei. Grey and Purple Heron, Little Egret, African Spoonbill, Little Bittern and Redknobbed Coot are prominent. Wildfowl are prolific including Yellowbilled, Macoa and Whitebacked Duck, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard and Cape, Redbilled and Hottentot Teal.
The Kingfishers are also abundant and can be photographed fishing from various perches. The forested hillsides that surround the area are home to several raptors, including: Cuckoo Hawk, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Black and Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk.
Photography
Best Time to Photograph
The hides are good at both sunrise and late afternoon. Check the water levels of the Lake's as it will determine how close the birds will come to the hides.
Type of Photography
Birding
Best Time of Year
All year round
Recommended Gear
Take a solid bean bag. A flash with a flash extender works well from the hid.
Highlights
Site Highlights
Apart from the abundant waterfowl species, this spot is an ideal location for photographing the various species of kingfisher. Keep an eye out for the raptors too.
Exit out the northern exit of the Ebb and Flow camp, turn right onto the gravel road. Travel along this road for about 7kms. The Malachite Hide parking area is on the right. Follow the board walk down to the hide.
Author: Arne PurvesWebsite:http://www.arnepurves.co.zaEmail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About
Arne's passion for the environment, wildlife and conservation was instilled from an early age, leading to a career in nature conservation, first as a game ranger in the Natal Parks Board, a conservation officer with CapeNature and today in the City of Cape Town's Environmental Compliance Department. Photography is his creative medium of choice.
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