The Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve or the Dassie Trail as it is known locally, is a small reserve that incorporates part of the Nahoon River Estuary area. The name comes from one of the few suburban populations of Dassie which are left in east London and can still be seen sunning themselves on the rocks in the reserves. So watch out birdwatchers, you are being watched! Of interest is the small area of mangroves on the water's edge, which have expanded quite rapidly after planting a few years ago. On a short visit expect to see or hear an average of 40 species.

Specials
Although this reserve is small it contains a real special in the form of Knysna Warbler. This bird is really difficult to see and a knowledge of the call is a must. If it will help, the prospective Knysna Warbler hunter should listen for the bird, sneak up on it, binnie's at the ready, and then prepare not to see it. Seriously though, this is a tricky one, so good luck. Remember, Barratt's Warbler occur in the same reserve and the calls are very similar. Other specials include Terek Sandpiper which have been seen here quite regularly.

Habitats
This reserve consists of small pieces of coastal forest, a tidal river system with flat sandy and wetland area's.

Facilities
No formal facilities are provided in this reserve but it is unlikely that you would spend much more than 3 hours here. There are laid out paths through the forest with seating arranged at suitable vantage points. As the reserve forms part of the Nahoon River system it is recommended that visits be made early in the morning, especially at weekends, to avoid contact with motorised boats and other noisy leisure activities on the opposite bank. To find the reserve, travel from east London on the western bypass ( R72) until you reach the Beacon Bay turnoff. Turn left onto the off ramp and continue over the Batting Bridge and turn right into Beaconhurst Drive. Continue past the Beacon Bay Country Club and then follow the curve of Beaconhurst Drive to the left. Watch for the sign to the reserve on the right at blue Waters Road.

Birding
The Dassie trail will provide you with a good selection of the robin species including Brown Scrub-Robin, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Chorister Robin-Chat and White-browed Scrub-Robin. Waders in the form of Common Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Three-banded Plover, the occasional Common Ringed Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Common Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Water Thick-knee, and sometimes, a Grey Plover. Little Egret are there most of the time with occasional visits by Yellow-billed Egret. The area is also quite good for Olive Bush-Shrike, Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Southern Tchagra and Dark-backed Weaver. Knysna Turaco, Knysna Woodpecker, Olive Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, African Dusky Flycatcher and Grey Sunbird will be found in the forest as well as Cape Batis. Trumpeter Hornbill breeds in the cliffs at the right time of year but are present for most of the time. Even though most birds here can be seen anywhere in the Eastern Cape, a visit for a chance of seeing the Knysna Warbler is worth the effort.

Eastern Cape Tourism: Tel: +27 43 701 9600 email: info@ectourism.co.za  Website: www.ectourism.co.za

Neil Smith 1998.