Kotu Stream runs through the resort area just south of Bakau and has earned a reputation among birders that extends well beyond The Gambia. The vegetation along the stream banks holds an improbable density of species: kingfishers, herons, warblers, and hornbills are reliable sightings, and serious listers come here specifically for African species that are otherwise hard to find. The bridge over the stream is a classic watching spot and is frequented by knowledgeable local guides who can make identifications at a distance.
The Gambia as a whole is one of West Africa's best birdwatching destinations, and Kotu Stream is the reason many birders base themselves in this part of the coast rather than further north or south.