Bird Island Nature Reserve

Description

The Bird Island Nature Reserve is a 3 hectare nature reserve lying about 100m offshore of Lambert’s Bay on the West Coast of the Western Cape. The site protects one of only 6 Cape gannet breeding spots in the world. The island is well geared towards tourists, and visitors who can deal with the loud noise and the smell, can experience sights that few get to witness.

In addition to the Cape gannets, the island is also home to roosting terns, cormorants, gulls, and a colony of African penguins. There is a bird hide available offering the perfect place to observe the gannets and other birds. During the months of April through to September, visitors can watch the mating ritual of the gannets through this hide.

The visitor centre has a guano museum, gift store, coffee shop, auditorium, small aquarium, and a penguin pool. The well-marked interpretation route provides further information on the island and its inhabitants.