Situated adjacent to Lagos aerodrome, this land is one more area seeking to gain better environmental protection, in view of its richness in wildlife. Friends of mine who know far more historically about this place, recognise its potential importance and I, as a visitor have seen my share of rare birds from time to time. While visiting here a couple of weeks ago, I said to my friend Chris "that piece of ground down there is just right for a rare Crake species." Imagine my delight this morning when, within ten minutes of scanning the wetter areas, a fine Spotted Crake was seen feeding in open water. This Spotted Crake is without doubt the smartest example in terms of plumage, profusely spotted and the red spot on the bill showing well. Remaining in the open, I was able to watch it feeding in shallow water for a considerable time. The crake has almost certainly arrived overnight and was very settled in this location. It did scurry for cover when the huge White Storks dropped in and, when a Marsh Harrier overflew the fields but soon emerged to resume feeding. What an experience and how it justifies retaining these small but vital wetlands.
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