Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley is about 11 ha in extent, and is situated on the Berea, overlooking Durban Bay.

An adjoining reservoir, previously part of the reserve, provides a patch of coastal grassland.

In July 2019, a side-striped jackal was seen in neighbouring roads and was apparently living in the reserve for a time.

Various species of forest birds are found here including; red-capped robin-chat, green twinspot, Cape white-eye, southern boubou, spotted ground thrush, purple-crested turaco and African paradise flycatcher.

There are increasingly common visits by the Crowned eagle, and it seems that two birds are now resident in the suburban area.

[2] Unusual sightings of note in recent years include European nightjar, Knysna warbler, lemon dove, mountain wagtail, black-throated wattle-eye, common scimitarbill, palm-nut vulture and Knysna turaco.

The Spotted ground thrush is of particular note, as Pigeon Valley is one of the places where this endangered bird can be most reliably found in winter.

Other uncommon flora include the little-known creepers Telosma africana and Vincetoxicum anomalum.

Hikers in Pigeon Valley
In March 2020, a juvenile Crowned Eagle stands over its prey, a Red Duiker
A Natal elm , showing its extensive buttressing, Pigeon Valley, May 2013
A spotted ground thrush in this urban reserve, where it is a winter visitor