Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary
Dick Dent was once the site of a wastewater treatment works which ceased operating in 1975. The area was proclaimed as the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary in 1982 and was named after the late Mr Dick Dent of AECI. It has become a wetland populated with waterfowl, migrant waders and coastal birds.
The sanctuary is managed by Cape Town City Parks and the birds are regularly monitored by members of the Somerset West Bird Club. Species are recorded and data kept at the Animal Demographic Unit at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town. The Sanctuary is about 10 hectares and comprises six settling ponds. The area is fenced in some parts. The riverine vegetation comprises indigenous and alien plant species. Raptors such as Peregrine Falcon, African Harrier-hawk and Black Sparrow hawk may be observed. Other birds attracted by the tree cover include Olive Woodpecker, Cape Weaver, Paradise Flycatcher and Cape Batis.
The ponds at present have dense reed cover and visitors are most likely to encounter species such as the Lesser Swamp Warbler, Little Rush Warbler, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Bulbul, Red and Yellow Bishop, Black Crake and Purple Swamp Hen. The largest and most prominent pond is on the north eastern side of the sanctuary. This pond is where waterbirds such as Grey Heron, Sacred Ibis, Red-Knobbed Coots, Giant, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers and other interesting species. Some of the smaller ponds dry up completely in the summer months and the resulting mudflats attract waders such as Common Greenshank, Three-banded Plover, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt and Common Whimbrel.
The current list of birds recorded is 162 species.
We recommend visiting Dick Dent in a group due to safety concerns.
Directions: GPS coordinates S34.099031, E18.826451
Park at the AGS Church, corner of Jennings St and Woltemade St, Strand.
Directions from Cape Town:
Take the R44 off ramp and turn right into Broadway Boulevard at the traffic lights. Keep on straight. Once you crossed the Lourens river, keep right and turn into Da Gama St. There is a BP and Spar on the left and 2 churches on the right.
Turn right at the first street (Jennings) and drive until the T junction. Turn right and park in the church parking area.
Walk up the stairs to Broadway Boulevard. Turn left and walk over the river. Shortly after you will see the entrance to Dick Dent on your left.