Yzerfontein:

This is a scenically attractive coastal village that holds a number of quality species. However, it is probably only worth visiting if you are not going any further north. To find Chestnut-banded Plover, take the R315 towards Yzerfontein for 4 km from its junction with the R27.

Turn right here (signposted ‘Gypsum Mine’) and continue for a further 1.8 km (the first 1 km of this track is good for strandveld birding) until you get to the mine on the edge of the vast Yzerfontein salt pan. Ask permission at the office before checking the edges of the pan for the plovers.

Although water levels fluctuate greatly throughout the year, there are almost always some Chestnut-banded Plovers here.

Returning to the R315 (keep a look out for European Bee-eater here in spring and summer), continue along the main road into Yzerfontein village itself, and search the rocks along the shore for Crowned Cormorant and African Black Oystercatcher . The rocky island beyond the harbour is home to breeding Bank Cormorant . The nests on the top right of the island belong to this species, and should preferably be viewed through a telescope. Heavyside’s Dolphin  can often be seen offshore.