Birdlife and Wildlife at Eshowe Hills Eco-Estate
The forest surrounding Eshowe Hills forms part of the indigenous Dlinza Forest. This forest is an important region of the Zululand Birding Route – a project of Birdlife South Africa which focuses on the conservation of birds and their habitat. Home to a great variety of birdlife, the Dlinza Forest has become a popular destination for bird-watchers from around the world. Particular interest has been shown in two of the rare species which inhabit the forest – the Spotted Ground Thrush and the Eastern Bronze-Naped Pigeon.
Aside from the incredible beauty which the Dlinza Forest lends to the Eshowe Hills Eco-Estate, the forest's presence means that a variety of its birdlife call the estate home. Species on the estate include the rare Spotted Ground Thrush, the Green Malkoha, Narina Trogon, White-Eared Barbet, Long-Crested Eagle, Crowned Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Spotted Eagle Owl, Giant Eagle Owl, various types of hornbills, and many more.
Our natural grasslands, new water features and constructed wetlands have also further attracted new bird species to the area. Water birds that can be seen on the estate include Yellowbilled ducks, White-Faced ducks, Redbilled teal, Egyptian geese, Moorhens, Black crake, Little bittern, Grey and Black-Headed herons, Greenbacked heron, Hamerkop, Malachite, Pied, Pygmy and Brown-Hooded kingfishers. While none of these were regular visitors previously, several of them are now breeding on the estate.
The residents at Eshowe Hills also welcome the sights and sounds of other wildlife. Bushbuck, bushpig, duiker, mongoose and hares can be spotted enjoying the expansive space on the estate.
As one of the only eco-estates in South Africa to fall along a national birding route, Eshowe Hills is dedicated to nurturing a safe and natural environment for its birds and other wildlife. As our family of both human and animal residents continues to grow, we continue to see the benefit in the wholesome country lifestyle which the estate promotes.
If you would like to find out more about life on the Eshowe Hills Eco-Estate, why not contact us. Our friendly trustee members would be delighted to show you around. Alternatively, you could always book a game of golf with us, or spend a weekend in one of our luxury accommodation units. Contact us on +27 (84) 449 9677 for more details.
