SIMBITHI’S GREEN SPACES FOR MIGRATING BIRDS

In recognition of World Migratory Bird Day (10 May 2025), Simbithi Eco-Estate on KZN’s north coast celebrated the return of several rare and migratory bird species to its protected green spaces. Among this year’s sightings were the Spotted Ground Thrush, a species that travels from the Afromontane forests of the Eastern Cape to milder winter climates in KZN. Classified as endangered in South Africa due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation, the bird’s presence at Simbithi is a hopeful sign that targeted conservation efforts are yielding results.

Another species is the African Pygmy Kingfisher with its vivid plumage and energetic behaviour. This small, colourful bird breeds across sub-Saharan Africa and migrates during the dry season in search of wetter, food-rich areas like those found in Simbithi’s forests, wetlands and coastal scrublands.

Simbithi’s habitats, including coastal forest remnants, wetland zones and riparian corridors, makes it uniquely suited to support nearly 300 resident and migratory bird species. These green lungs within an increasingly urbanised region have become critical stopover points for birds navigating thousands of kilometres in a bid to survive seasonal shifts, breeding demands and climatic changes.

The return of these birds is the result of years of deliberate environmental stewardship by Simbithi’s management team and residents. Interactive sessions encourage them to plant indigenous flora, install bird baths, avoid chemical pesticides, and understand the migratory patterns of visiting species. In addition, the estate’s birding group conducts regular surveys, identifies nesting zones and contributes to citizen science platforms that feed into bird data bases such as BirdLasser and eBird.

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