Life and Death on Bird Island: Lamberts Bay

The Main Bird Hide, with excellent views of this 20 000 strong breeding colony of Cape Gannets

Bird Island in Lambert’s Bay – A Haven for Avian Diversity

Bird Island, located in Lambert’s Bay, South Africa, is a pristine nature reserve renowned for its diverse avian population. This report aims to provide a detailed overview of Bird Island, including its location, ecological significance, bird species, conservation efforts, and visitor information.

Location Bird Island is situated on the West Coast of South Africa, approximately 280 kilometres north of Cape Town. It is one of the 16 islands comprising the West Coast National Park, an important marine and terrestrial protected area. The island is accessible from Lambert’s Bay Harbor, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and researchers.

Ecological Significance Bird Island is crucial in maintaining the region’s biodiversity and supporting diverse bird species. The island’s rocky coastline and offshore reefs create an ideal habitat for nesting and roosting birds. Additionally, the nutrient-rich Benguela Current that flows along the West Coast provides abundant food sources, attracting numerous seabirds and marine life.

Cape Gannets regurgitate partially digested fish to feed their chicks after successful dives. The chicks have a distinctive blue ring around their eyes, which fades as they mature.

Cape Gannets form lifelong monogamous bonds with their mates. They return to the same breeding colony yearly, engaging in elaborate courtship displays involving bill fencing and mutual preening.

returning from a long days flying and searching for food

Bird Species Bird Island is home to an impressive array of resident and migratory bird species. Some notable species found on the island include:

• Cape Gannet (Morus capensis): Bird Island is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of Cape Gannets in the world. These elegant seabirds, with their distinct black and white plumage, can be observed nesting in large numbers on the island’s cliffs.
• Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus): Bird Island hosts a significant population of Bank Cormorants, which are endemic to the West Coast of South Africa. These striking black and white cormorants perched on the island’s rocky outcrops.
• African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus): Bird Island supports a breeding colony of African Penguins, an endangered species. These charismatic birds, known for their tuxedo-like appearance, create burrows and nests among the island’s vegetation.
• White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus): This large cormorant species can be found roosting and nesting on Bird Island. Its white breast, black body, and distinctive facial skin pattern characterize it.
• Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus): The Kelp Gull, a robust and opportunistic seabird, can be observed on the island, often scavenging for food along the shoreline.

Diving Masters: These seabirds are excellent divers, capable of plunging into the water from heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in pursuit of fish. During their dives, they can reach up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour.

Conservation Efforts Bird Island and the surrounding marine area are protected as part of the West Coast National Park and fall under the management of Cape Nature, the conservation authority of the Western Cape Province. Conservation efforts primarily focus on preserving the island’s delicate ecosystem, ensuring the long-term survival of the resident and migratory bird species. Measures include habitat restoration, monitoring of populations, and public education on the importance of conservation.

Visitor Information Bird Island offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience South Africa’s rich avian heritage. Here are some essential details for visitors:

• Access: Visitors can reach Bird Island by booking a Lambert’s Bay Harbor tour. The tours typically include a knowledgeable guide which provides insights about the island’s birdlife and its conservation significance.
• Timing: Bird Island is open to visitors throughout the year. However, the breeding seasons of various bird species may impact access to certain areas during specific months. It is advisable to check with CapeNature or the local tourism office for the best times to visit. 
• Facilities:  Visitors are encouraged to respect the island’s natural environment and follow guidelines to minimize disturbance to nesting birds. Visit the modern interpretive centre better to understand all the Marine animals and Sea Birds.
• Birdwatching Opportunities: Bird Island provides exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Binoculars, cameras, and bird identification guides are essential for observing and documenting the diverse avian species on the island.
• Interpretive Signage and Education: Informational and interpretive displays are available on Bird Island, providing educational insights into the island’s birdlife, conservation efforts, and ecological significance.

Attractions Nearby Lambert’s Bay, the gateway to Bird Island, offers additional attractions for visitors. Some noteworthy attractions include:

Great views of the main harbour that is now linked to Bird Island

The Main Bird Hide, with excellent views of this 20 000 strong breeding colony of Cape Gannets

• Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve: Adjacent to the harbour, this reserve provides a mainland viewing point for bird enthusiasts to observe the avian activity on Bird Island.
• Muisbosskerm Open-Air Restaurant: Located in Lambert’s Bay, this renowned restaurant offers a unique dining experience with traditional South African cuisine, showcasing local seafood dishes.
• The Rocherpan Nature Reserve: Situated approximately 25 kilometres south of Lambert’s Bay, this coastal reserve is known for its wetland and birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and various migratory species.

In conclusion, Bird Island in Lambert’s Bay is a valuable natural treasure, providing a sanctuary for numerous bird species and a captivating experience for visitors. The conservation efforts undertaken by CapeNature ensure the preservation of this vital ecosystem and highlight the significance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

Diving Masters: These seabirds are excellent divers, capable of plunging into the water from heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in pursuit of fish. During their dives, they can reach up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour.

Cape Gannets form lifelong monogamous bonds with their mates. They return to the same breeding colony yearly, engaging in elaborate courtship displays involving bill fencing and mutual preening.

Adult Cape Gannets have striking plumage with a snowy white body, pale yellow head, and black-tipped wings. During the breeding season, they develop a golden crown on their heads.

 Cape Gannet (Morus capensis)  Afrikaans: Witmalgas

• Endemic Breeding Site: The Cape Gannet is endemic to southern Africa and breeds in just six colonies, with Bird Island in Lambert’s Bay being one of the largest and most important breeding sites.
• Malgas Island, Western Cape, South Africa: Malgas Island, located near Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, hosts a breeding colony of Cape Gannets. It is one of the few colonies on the southern coast of South Africa.
• Mercury Island, Namibia: Mercury Island, situated off the coast of Namibia, is an important breeding site for Cape Gannets. It is part of the Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area and provides a sanctuary for various seabird species.
• Ichaboe Island, Namibia: Ichaboe Island, also located off the coast of Namibia, is another breeding site for Cape Gannets. The island is renowned for its diverse seabird colonies, including gannets, penguins, and cormorants.
• Possession Island, Namibia: Possession Island, situated near Lüderitz in Namibia, supports a breeding population of Cape Gannets. The island is part of the Sperrgebiet National Park, a protected area known for its rich biodiversity.
• These breeding sites play a crucial role in the conservation and survival of Cape Gannets. Efforts to protect these locations and their surrounding marine environments are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species.
• Impressive Wingspan: Cape Gannets have a wingspan of approximately 1.8 to 2 meters (6 to 6.5 feet), allowing them to soar gracefully over the ocean as they search for food.

Cape Gannets form lifelong monogamous bonds with their mates. They return to the same breeding colony yearly, engaging in elaborate courtship displays involving bill fencing and mutual preening.

Cape Gannets regurgitate partially digested fish to feed their chicks after successful dives. The chicks have a distinctive blue ring around their eyes, which fades as they mature.

• Diving Masters: These seabirds are excellent divers, capable of plunging into the water from heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in pursuit of fish. During their dives, they can reach up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour.
• Distinctive Plumage: Adult Cape Gannets have striking plumage with a snowy white body, pale yellow head, and black-tipped wings. During the breeding season, they develop a golden crown on their heads.
• Monogamous Breeding Pairs: Cape Gannets form lifelong monogamous bonds with their mates. They return to the same breeding colony yearly, engaging in elaborate courtship displays involving bill fencing and mutual preening.
• Nesting Sites: These gannets build nests out of seaweed, guano, and other available materials on rocky cliffs and ledges. They lay a single egg per breeding season, which both parents take turns incubating.
• Regurgitation Feeding: Cape Gannets regurgitate partially digested fish to feed their chicks after successful dives. The chicks have a distinctive blue ring around their eyes, which fades as they mature.
• Longevity: Cape Gannets have a relatively long lifespan, with some individuals living up to 20 years in the wild.
• Threats and Conservation: Like many seabird species, Cape Gannets face oil spills, overfishing, and habitat destruction. Efforts are underway to protect their breeding sites and raise awareness about the importance of their conservation.
• Migratory Behavior: After the breeding season, Cape Gannets disperse from their breeding colonies and embark on long-distance migrations, often travelling thousands of kilometres to forage in productive marine areas.

These fascinating facts highlight the unique characteristics and conservation significance of the Cape Gannet, making it a remarkable species to observe and study in its natural habitat.

The Main Bird Hide, with excellent views of this 20 000 strong breeding colony of Cape Gannets

The Main Bird Hide, with excellent views of this 20 000 strong breeding colony of Cape Gannets

The Cape Gannet is endemic to southern Africa and breeds in just six colonies, with Bird Island in Lambert’s Bay being one of the largest and most important breeding sites.

Lambert’s Bay is a coastal town on the West Coast of South Africa in the Western Cape Province. Here’s a brief history of the town:

• Early Inhabitants: The area around Lambert’s Bay has a long history of human habitation, with evidence of early San and Khoi communities dating back thousands of years. These indigenous peoples thrived on the region’s abundant marine resources.
• European Exploration: The first recorded European to explore the area was Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who sailed along the West Coast in 1488. However, the region remained largely unexplored and undeveloped for several centuries.
• Origin of the Town: Lambert’s Bay was established in the early 1800s and was named after Admiral Lambert, who commanded the British naval squadron stationed in Cape Town. The town initially served as a small fishing and trading settlement.
• Fishing Industry: Lambert’s Bay has a long fishing history, a vital economic activity for the town. The nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current off the West Coast support a thriving fishing industry, with species like snoek, hake, and crayfish being the main catches.
• Development and Growth: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lambert’s Bay experienced gradual growth as infrastructure and services were established to support the fishing community. The town became a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers seeking its beautiful beaches and rich marine life.
• Nature Reserves and Conservation: Lambert’s Bay is surrounded by natural beauty and ecological significance. Bird Island, located offshore, became a protected nature reserve, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The town is also part of the West Coast National Park, which conserves the region’s unique coastal and wetland ecosystems.
• Tourism and Attractions: Lambert’s Bay has increasingly developed its tourism sector, with visitors drawn to its pristine beaches, abundant birdlife, and opportunities for water-based activities like fishing, surfing, and boating. The town has also become known for attractions such as the Muisbosskerm Open-Air Restaurant, which offers traditional South African cuisine.

Cape Gannets regurgitate partially digested fish to feed their chicks after successful dives. The chicks have a distinctive blue ring around their eyes, which fades as they mature.

Diving Masters: These seabirds are excellent divers, capable of plunging into the water from heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in pursuit of fish. During their dives, they can reach up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour.

Today, Lambert’s Bay remains a vibrant coastal town with a strong fishing heritage, a thriving tourism industry, and a commitment to preserving its natural environment. It continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich marine life, and cultural experiences.

Cape Gannets regurgitate partially digested fish to feed their chicks after successful dives. The chicks have a distinctive blue ring around their eyes, which fades as they mature.

The Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) is a highly adaptable and opportunistic marine mammal that resides along the coast of southern Africa, particularly near the Cape of Good Hope. One of its crucial food sources is the Cape gannet (Morus capensis), a seabird species that forms large colonies on offshore islands and coastal cliffs.
Cape fur seals are skilled hunters both in the water and on land, and they exhibit a remarkable ability to exploit available food sources. When it comes to the Cape gannets, the seals have been observed engaging in predation activities, targeting the vulnerable seabirds during their foraging flights or when they return to their breeding colonies.
The predation dynamics between Cape fur seals and Cape gannets can be intense. As the gannets dive into the ocean to catch fish, they become exposed to the ever-watchful seals patrolling the waters. With their streamlined bodies and excellent swimming skills, the seals can quickly close in on unsuspecting gannets and launch surprise attacks from below. They are known to ambush the birds with remarkable agility, often relying on their speed and agility to outmanoeuvre the gannets’ evasive manoeuvres.

The Main Bird Hide, with excellent views of this 20 000 strong breeding colony of Cape Gannets

The Cape Gannet is endemic to southern Africa and breeds in just six colonies, with Bird Island in Lambert’s Bay being one of the largest and most important breeding sites.

Once a Cape fur seal manages to seize a Cape gannet, it employs its strong jaws and sharp teeth to inflict fatal injuries. The seals can deliver powerful bites, enabling them to incapacitate their avian prey swiftly. This predation behaviour has been observed in open-water environments and near the gannets’ breeding colonies, where the seals may also target chicks and eggs.
The impact of Cape fur seal predation on Cape gannet populations can vary depending on factors such as prey availability, seal abundance, and environmental conditions. Seal predation can sometimes lead to significant losses, especially when other food sources are scarce. The gannets, in turn, have developed specific adaptations to mitigate the risk posed by the seals, including increased vigilance and aerial agility during their foraging flights.
Understanding the complex interactions between Cape fur seals and Cape gannets is crucial for assessing the region’s overall health and dynamics of the marine ecosystem. It highlights the intricate balance of predator-prey relationships and the interconnectivity of species within the complex web of life along the southern African coastline.