Directions for roadside birding on Elands River Road (3345_2510 & 3340_2505):
Exit Port Elizabeth via Old Cape Road (R102). Pass St. Albans Prison Services and turn right at the N.G. Church in the direction of Uitenhage. Cross the 4-way crossing at Rocklands and start birding. After a few kilometres the road becomes a gravel surface leading through wonderful kloofs and unspoilt forest area.
Look out for Booted Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Verreaux’s Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Sparrowhawk and other raptors. Swallows, Swifts, Narina Trogan, Red-chested Cuckoo and European Roller are often seen along this road.
This is a drive up a dry, remote valley stretching from Rocklands to Patensie. It is an all-day outing. Two lovely dams en route include Bulk and Sand River dams. You need a permit and key for them. The drive is mostly though grassveld. Amur Falcons can be seen and on one occasion in Summer Lesser Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon were seen. At a place called Erasmuskraal are a pair of Sentinel Rock Thrushes. (The only reliable place for this species in our area). Lots of Cape Rock Thrushes. Also raptors like Verreaux's and Martial Eagle.
Reaching the fynbos area look out for birds like Cape Siskin and Victorin's Warbler.
Blue Cranes, Secretary birds and Denham’s Bustards also occur along this road.