Brufut Woods

Brufut Woods is a small patch of coastal woodland managed by the community with birding money, and its reputation rests on what turns up in it: long-tailed nightjar, white-faced scops owl, Verreaux's eagle-owl and a long list of other species concentrated in a few hectares. A drinking pool has been built to draw birds in. Guides from the village work the site and know the roost trees.

What you actually see

• The owl roosts - white-faced scops and Verreaux's eagle-owl in known trees.
• The drinking pool - the water built to draw birds within view.
• The species density - a long list in only a few hectares.
• The community management - a woodland kept by the village on birding fees.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season and peak for migrants. Early morning is best. The pool is most productive late in the dry season.

Honest expectations

A local guide is effectively required and fees are expected. The wood is small and the experience is entirely about birds. There are no facilities.

Nearby

Tanji is south, and Bijilo is north.