Welcome to the vibrant and diverse world of Intaka Island! Our Island is renowned for its remarkable variety of bird species and the enthusiastic community of birders and photographers who have recently joined our family. Whether you’re a novice birder or a seasoned photographer, we have some valuable tips and essential guidelines to share to enhance your birding experience while ensuring the welfare of our feathered friends.
We’ve noticed that some of our fellow Island visitors have been using recorded bird calls whether through apps or other online platforms on their cell phones. While these applications can assist in training one in the identification of bird calls, the use of recordings in a natural environment such as Intaka Island, can be quite harmful to our feathered friends. During the reproductive season, these calls can draw predators, disrupting birds and preventing them from foraging for food. This can lead to fewer bird sightings on our beautiful Island, which none of us want!
To help you enjoy the best birding experience while keeping our bird population safe, we’ve put together some useful tips:
Best Times for Bird Spotting on Intaka Island
Intaka Island is home to 120 bird species that you can spot at different times of the year. Here’s when to visit for the best birding:
Optimal Birding Conditions
By following these tips, you’ll maximise your chances of capturing incredible photos and enjoying your birding experience to the fullest. Let’s all work together to keep Intaka Island a thriving haven for birds and birders alike!
Code of Birding Ethics
Respect for wildlife and their habitat is paramount. Here are some essential principles to follow:
Educate Yourself: Understand and respect the behaviors and ecosystems of the birds you encounter. This knowledge will enhance your birding experience.
Do Not Separate Parents and Offspring: Never come between a bird and its young. Their bond is crucial for the offspring’s survival.
Leave Breeding Birds Alone: Avoid interfering with birds during breeding, nesting, or when they are caring for their young.
Do Not Harass Birds: Avoid crowding, pursuing, or startling birds. Such actions cause stress and deplete their energy reserves.
Leave No Trace: Do not damage or remove any plants, wildlife, or natural objects. Always take your rubbish with you.
Avoid Using Bird Calls: Recordings can attract predators and disrupt birds, especially during reproductive periods, preventing them from foraging for food.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Observe birds from a respectful distance. If a bird alters its behavior due to your presence, you are too close.
Prioritise Birds’ Welfare: The well-being of birds and their habitat is more important than getting the perfect photograph.
Be Patient: The best photographs come from natural, undisturbed behavior. Patience is key.
Do Not Encroach on Nests: Some bird species will abandon their nests if disturbed. Respect their space.
Learn Alarm Calls: Recognise bird alarm signals. Remember, no matter how docile they seem, birds are not tame.
Enjoying Intaka Island Responsibly
We are thrilled to have you as part of our birding community on Intaka Island. By following these tips and adhering to our code of ethics, you contribute to the preservation of our Island’s natural beauty and the well-being of its avian inhabitants. If you do come across someone not abiding by these ethics, feel free to spread the word and help us educate our visitors in a friendly and encouraging manner. You’re also welcome to report any issues to the Intaka Eco Centre reception desk, so we can address it speedily. Happy birding!
Location: Grand Central Precinct, 2 Park Ln, Century City, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 552 6889
Email: info@intaka.co.za
October – April:
Monday – Sunday 07h30 – 19h00 daily
May – September:
Monday – Sunday 07h30 – 17h30 daily
Open every day of the year, except 25 December.