In the middle of the Fairview Racecourse (off the Draaifontein Road) is an extensive wetland. Unfortunately, the water in the middle is being encroached upon by a huge reedbed of Phragmites reeds. There are also large areas of flooded marshland and next to the racecourse is a small impoundment where there are good water birds.
At one stage Maccoa Duck were resident. African Pochard, White-backed Duck and African Jacana have also occasionally been seen. Unfortunately the variety of waterfowl has taken a plunge and mostly only the common ducks plus White-faced Whistling Ducks can be seen.
The reedbeds are good for warblers, bishops, waxbills and cisticolas. A pair of African Marsh Harriers is resident and breed annually in the reedbeds.
Best bird for the vlei is the African Grass Owl. In the past it has been flushed but it requires serious bush bashing through the tall marsh vegetation and knowledge of its exact location in order to flush it. Spotted Eagle Owls have been seen breeding on the roof of one of the main buildings.
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| Spotted Eagle Owl – Corné Erasmus | Whiskered Tern – Corné Erasmus |
Another great bird is the African Snipe. It is the best spot locally for this species and up to 20 birds have been flushed in the area at one time.
There are also a few bush birds and quite a lot of Grassy Fynbos birds such as Malachite Sunbird, Cape Longclaw, African Stonechat, Yellow Bishop and Cape Grassbird. Once off records include Secretarybird, Capped Wheatear and a Denham’s Bustard which was seen flying over.
Other good birds are Little Bittern, African Swamphen, Black Crake, Purple Heron and large flocks of Whiskered Tern which breed in summer. It is a good spot for Plain-backed Pipit.
How to get there:
Drive out on the Old Cape Road, turn left onto the Draaifontein road just after the Greenbushes Hotel. Turn right at the sign for the Fairview Racecourse.
A good birding spot on the way is at the corner of the Duspan Road and the Draaifontein Road. Here Brown-backed Honeybird have been seen twice in some big bluegum trees. Also Red-winged Francolin (heard) and Long-crested Eagle. There is a boom at the entrance to the racecourse, so it is essential to phone the manager beforehand for access permission. Call the office during business hours: 041 372 1859.