What a wonderful morning we had at Fynbos Private Nature Reserve! It started off a bit cloudy with a small chance of rain, but the clouds quickly cleared, and we were left with a beautiful sunny day and almost no wind. After Ann welcomed everyone, Quinton Solomons, the lead conservation ranger, gave us a quick introduction and briefing about the reserve.

The reserve itself was created by the Von Christierson family, who were motivated by a deep desire to preserve and protect this unique habitat. It forms part of the Robberg Coastal Corridor, and we’re so lucky to be able to explore it.

We kicked things off with a short walk through the fynbos in the Kranshoek section of the reserve, where we were treated to the sight of a beautiful pair of Orange-breasted Sunbirds. We then drove over to the Cairnbrogie side of the reserve, where we split into two groups. One group took on the more challenging coastal cliffs, and we were all treated to some amazing bird sightings, including a juvenile Black Sparrow Hawk, more Orange-breasted Sunbirds, and, in Ann’s group, a pair of shy Fynbos Button Quail. We ended the walk with a picnic at the “fort,” where Quinton and his team welcomed us with coffee, tea, and rusks.

A special thanks to the Von Christierson family for allowing us to share in the wonder of this beautiful piece of land, and a special thanks to Quinton Solomons and his team for being such incredible hosts and treating us to tea, coffee, and rusks at the “Fort” after our walk.

It was a truly memorable outing, and we look forward to arranging another trip to this beautiful spot in the near future for those who couldn’t make it.