Ornithologists, or just plain bird lovers for those who don''t know the big word, visiting the town of Montagu in the Western Cape gets drawn to the Leidam like a mouse to cheese.
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For the last two years we spent a week in Montagu during our summer holiday and during both visits I spent some time just watching the birds in the trees around the dam. The Leidam was originally built to supply water to the town via canals with each house having an allocated time in the day during which they could draw water from the canal.
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This system is still in places today although the town has grown quite a bit since those days and the area covered by the canals are basically in the western part of town. The trees around the dam have become home to 18 species of birds (including Sacred Ibis, Herons, Cormorants, Egrets, Shrikes and Weavers) that use it as their breeding ground with more than 52 visiting species also having been identified. One word of warning though. If you have a very sensitive nose you should rather stay away.
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Originally published here. Used with permission. All rights reserved (copy and images)
About the blogger
"After I hung up my cape and stopped wearing my underwear on top of my pants, I became better known by my online persona of Firefly. If I don''t sit in the office (working) at my real job, I am out and about looking for the perfect landscape, the most awesome sunset or crawling after bugs on flowers. Most of these go onto my blogs but hopefully some day I will actually be able to do my photography professionally. I''m mostly a travel and nature photographer who has no training and tries to get along on natural talent..."
Stay in Montagu
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Enjoy true Cape Dutch hospitality in historical Montagu in the Western Cape, halfway between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn. Malherbe Guest House, set in a lovely garden with swimming pool and mountain views, offers contemporary decorated rooms with air-conditioning (cooling and heating) and hospitality tray. All cottage style garden rooms have separate entrances, TV, fridge, WiFi, air-conditioning and private terrace. Luxury garden rooms also have extra-length beds and fireplace. Breakfast on the vine-covered terrace.
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