a

Kralendijk Sewage Ponds

Bonaire  >  Netherlands Antilles

The sewage ponds of Kralendijk might not be the prettiest area of Bonaire, but it sure is a hotspot for birdwatching with more than 130 bird species recorded.

Added* by Gert M
Most recent update 22 February 2023

Description

The Kralendijk Sewage Ponds are part of the waste water treatment plant that is located just outside Kralendijk. The place does not look very attractive at first glance and has a kind of industrial look because of the buildings, pipes and basins. But around the buildings are shallow ponds that attract birds like a magnet. Part of the treated waste water is pumped into these ponds. This means that the ponds always have fresh water, which is a scarce resource for birds on Bonaire. That is why there are always birds to see around the sewage ponds and this is one of the best spots for birding on Bonaire, maybe even the best.

Not only water birds like waders and ducks can be observed, but also rare songbirds and vagrants. Among the birds that you are likely to see are American Flamingo, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pied-billed Grebe, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, White-cheeked Pintail, Black-necked Stilt, Purple Gallinule, Magnificent Frigatebird, Snowy Egret, Crested Caracara, Northern Scrub-Flycatcher and Yellow-shouldered Parrot.

Details

Access

The Kralendijk Sewage Ponds are located just outside Kralendijk. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates. Park the car at the barrier and ask the guard if you can enter the grounds for bird watching. Most of the time you get access without any problem. There are no official trails, but you will automatically see the green vegetation around the ponds and the birds flying. However, some parts are not accessible. Always a good idea to ask the guard for advice on which parts are accessible and which are not.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Lake

Conditions

Flat , Dry

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area