The opportunity to visit this wonderful site was taken up by about 30 CBC birders. The last visit was about 20 years ago, when it was extremely difficult to get permission to visit this area.

Maya introducing part of the group to the unique Keniworth
racecourse inner circle.

The day was cool and very misty, Maya Stauch the Manager of the Conservation Area, introduced us to the wonderful vegetation areas being rehabilitated by herself and a small team. The diversity of plant species is something to behold in the area which was burnt 3 years ago.

More of the CBC members                                             A Wadering Glider dragonfly

We learnt that the racecourse is the source of the Kromboom River. It has many wetland areas and water bodies.
Maya tried to show us a Micro Frog, but they were not obliging, we did see numerous Clicking Stream Frogs hopping about. It is home to the Arum Lily Frog as well. The insect life is also different to many areas nearby, mainly due to the vegetation.

We did see a number of the birds on the list.

As we were about to leave the track, a group found 4 juvenile Blacksmith Lapwing chicks flattened to the ground, making like they were dead. It was devine intervention that they were not stood on by us, as they were spread out and very difficult to see. A usual clutch is 1 to 2 chicks.

The sun did come out just before we were about to leave so we did see some flowers open.

One of the Blacksmith Lapwing chicks                An eggshell was found nearby

Gavin Lawson