The mangrove forests and tidal mudflats around Sherbro Island support an exceptional diversity of waterbirds. The island sits at an important junction on the West African migration route, and during the dry season the mudflats fill with waders, herons, and shorebirds that have come from as far as Northern Europe. White-backed night herons, African fish eagles, and various kingfisher species are resident year-round. The migratory species include Eurasian curlews, grey plovers, and black-tailed godwits.
The best birdwatching is done by canoe or small motorboat, pushing quietly through the mangrove channels in the early morning when the birds are most active. There are no formal birding tours operating from the island, so you will need to arrange a canoe and guide locally in Bonthe. The fishing communities along the island's edges are used to navigating these waters and can take you to productive spots. Go out with the incoming tide and you will find wading birds concentrated at the advancing waterline.