ADU projects Bird monitoring on the Cape Flats Photo Doug Harebottle Entrance to Edith Stephens Wetland Park showing the parking area and the offices of Cape Flats Nature, City of Cape Town Nature Conservation and the Western Cape Primary Science Programme. Island No. 1 - one of three Port Jackson infested islands located in the retention dam. This island was utlised as a breeding site by Reed Cormorants, Whitebreasted Cormorants and African Darters during 2002. Photo Doug Harebottle Photo Doug Harebottle The bird hide at ESWP which looks directly across to Island No. 1. Looking east over the seasonal wetland at ESWP towards Mitchells Plain. The picture was taken during the winter of 2003 and shows how full the wetland was after the rains that had fallen. Photo Doug Harebottle Photo Doug Harebottle All three islands play host to a large over-night roost for five main species: Cattle Egret, Sacred Ibis, Reed Cormorant, White-breasted Cormorant and African Darter. Up to 2500 birds have been counted coming in to roost in the evening. Pictured here are the remains of the Cattle Egret roost on Island No. 2, as most birds will have left by mid-morning. A trio of White-backed Ducks on the retention dam. ESWP is probably the best known locality in the Cape Town metropol for this uncommon species. Photo Doug Harebottle Photo Doug Harebottle A pair of Black-winged Stilts in one of the many large pools that form in the seasonal wetland after substantial winter rain has fallen. Every year these birds arrive as soon as the wetland fills, breed and then leave once the wetland dries up. Red-billed Teals are one of the first duck species to colonise the seasonal wetland after it fills, and often start breeding in the wetland under these conditions. A pair of Cape Shovellers can also be seen in the background. Photo Doug Harebottle Photo Doug Harebottle Sunset over the retention dam looking in a north-westerley direction. Notice the power lines that run parallel to the wetland presenting a flight-path hazard for many of the larger birds that fly in to roost in the evenings.

Directions to Edith Stephens Wetland Park

From the northern suburbs
Take Vanguard Drive south (M7) from the N2. Carry on straight, go over the Klipfontein Rd intersection and travel for another 3-4 kilometers. The road will start to bend to the left. Look out for a sign saying Phillipi Horticultural Area/Landsdowne Rd and take that off-ramp. As you approach the traffic lights ESWP will be on your right hand side (you will immediately see the retention dam and the islands). At the traffic lights turn right into Landsdowne Rd, and after about 300m turn right into the main entrance. Parking area will be on your left.

From the southern suburbs
Turn into Landsdowne Rd off Main Rd and carry on straight with Landsdowne Rd for about 5km until you drive under the M7 bridge. At the traffic lights directly after the bridge you carry on straight for about 300m before turning right into the main entrance. Parking area will be on your left.

Opening times
Monday to Friday: 07h30-16h00
Weekends: 08h30-16h00 (preferable to contact Luzann beforehand to arrange access)

Contact person
Luzann Hendricks (Conservation Manager)   Tel: (021) 691-8087 (office)   084 368 6070 (cell)

Bird checklist
Click here to download the latest checklist of the birds at ESWP (Excel format). Last updated August 2004 - 89 species.

Please note:
1. If you would like to arrange earlier access please contact Luzann.
2. The key to the bird hide is available from Luzann or the security guard on duty.