Birding Thursday - Intaka Island

Thu, 31 May 2012
Portfolio Collection
Birding Thursday - Intaka Island
When you think of Century City in Cape Town, what springs to mind? I picture some serious retail therapy fueled by regular cappuccinos, while Dad and the kids get rid of some energy at the noisy Ratanga Junction. The words ''haven'' or ''sanctuary'' don''t apply unless they''re referencing a luxury spa.

But, for the uninitiated, Intaka Island is a 16ha wetlands and bird sanctuary in the heart of the city. Yes, you can have a very different experience if you choose to go birding rather than shopping next time you head for Century City!

Juvenile Malachite Kingfisher



Intaka, meaning "Bird" in Xhosa, is a haven for a large variety of local and rare bird species. It is a paradise for bird watchers, photographers and nature loving families alike.

The sanctuary offers solace and tranquility just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Purple Heron


Intaka has 7 habitats in the wetlands, home to a total of over 170 different recorded species.


Red-knobbed Coot

 

These are the 7 habitats along with the birds you’re most likely to encounter in each.

Open water

Redknobbed Coot, Reed Cormorant

Shallow water & shoreline

Sandpipers, Winged Stilt

Reedbeds

Purple Gallinule, Moorhen

Bush & trees

Guinea Fowl, Red Eyed Dove

Open grassy areas

Cattle Egret, Sacred Ibis

Open bare ground

Red Capped Lard, Rock Pigeon

Open air/sky

Pied Kingfisher, Brown Throated Martin

(Info source: www.intaka.co.za)

Sacred Ibis

 

All of these images were taken at Intaka by Cape-based photographer John Maarschalk.

John says:

"As a Hobby Bird Photographer, I enjoy ''escaping'' to Intaka Island ever so often to enjoy the tranquility and beauty that it offers, right on our doorstep, in the heart of Cape Town. It is a place like no other, where one can study and watch the life of a varied amount of bird species or just get away, chill out, read a book or picnic."

 

Yellow Bishop (female)

 

 

ALL IMAGES ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.

 

 

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

 

John Maarschalk, also known as Just John, is a talented Freelance Photographer who enjoys capturing the interesting and beautiful happenings around him as he journeys through life.

The majority of John''s work revolves around Landscape and Seascape imagery as this is where he lives, but anything to do with wildlife is an absolute passion of his.

Check out more of John''s beautiful photography at http://www.justjohnimages.com/

 

 



1 Response to Birding Thursday - Intaka Island


WOW!out of this world,must see!!!!!

By Nandipha Ngcai (2 years ago)

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