The winter wetland bird counts were conducted during July and August 2011 at 32 sites throughout Namibia. The abnormal rainy season experienced in most parts of the country had resulted in plenty of water still being in the field and this was evident in the counts. Lower numbers than usual were recorded at most sites and the Walvis Bay count was the lowest since regular counts were started. The low numbers are due to an almost complete absence of flamingos, lower than usual numbers of geese and ducks and the absence of certain waders e.g. Chestnutbanded Plovers, Pied Avocets and Blackwinged Stilts. Sandwich Harbour had the most birds (thanks mainly to a large flock of Cape Cormorants and an even larger flock of Common Terns) whereas the Orange River Mouth confirmed its status as an important bird area with the highest number of species recorded (44).