Kenya Birds

ISSN 1023-3679

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A joint publication of the Department of Omithology, National Museums of
Kenya and the Bird Committee of the East Africa Natural History Society
Editors: Leon Bennun and Colin Jackson

Department of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, P O Box 40658, Nairobi

Editorial

Welcome to the special Samburu double issue of Kenya Birds. Why a double issue? Well,
it’s a longish story — in essence, the Bird Committee has decided to move to publication
dates in March and October (rather than June and December) for thé magazine. This
issue should have been out Jast October — combining the two issues for 1997, and
putting us on track for volume 7(1) to appear in March 1998.

Well, it was a nice idea... As it turns out this double issue, despite its cover date, is rather
more than six months late, and we apologise to all our (very patient) readers. There’s a
simple reason for this delay — the editors are overworked! Better late, we hope, than
never; and we hope too that you will enjoy the wide variety of articles and notes together
with Edwin Selempo’s illustrations of Samburu birds. This issue covers news up to the
end of 1997 and records up to but not including World Birdwatch ’97 on 4-5 October —
we’ll report on the many interesting records from that event in the next issue.

If all goes well, volume 7(1) will follow now in short order. We will circulate
subscription forms for vol. 7 when that issue appears (though if you’d like to pay your
subscription now, please feel free to do so!).

While still on the mechanics of Kenya Birds, a large ‘thank you’ is due to John
Fanshawe, who has retired from the editorial team. John has been closely involved with
producing the magazine from the very start, back in 1992, and we hope he may still
occasionally put his shoulder to the wheel where necessary. We will not be an editor short
for long, as Joseph Oyugi is re-joining us in time for the next issue. In the meantime,
please keep those records and articles pouring in!

Good birding! — The Editors

Subscription rates for Volume 7

Kenya Abroad (airmail)
Sponsor KSh 500 UK £10.00
EANHS member KSh 150 UK £6.00
Non-member KSh 250 UK £7.50
Special (student/exchange/library) please write please write

Please make cheques payable to ‘BirdLife Kenya’. Subscribers outside Kenya may pay in
any convertible currency. Back issues are available at KSh 125/= each.

Please address all correspondence to: The Editors, Kenya Birds, Departinent of
Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, P O Box 40658 Nairobi, Kenya.

Front cover illustration: Somali Courser Cursorius somalensis by Edwin Selempo.
Printed by Omnia Printers, Nairobi.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 ug Cae

[THE NATURAL |
News from Kenya and abfeadory MUSEUM |

-§8 JUL 1998

PURCHASED
Training for bird guides and gamebird scouts TRING LIB RARY

‘Fundamentals of Ornithology’, the field course for profesSterrat an
for the third time from 20-25 April 1997, this time at etait? S ae
Elmenteita. The twenty participants came from a range of tour companies and
hotels. Elmenteita was a lovely setting, good for both waterbirds and landbirds,
and of course both food and accommodation were top-notch. The only dampener
was the extremely wet weather — those not used to highland forest fieldwork
found the dawn excursion to Kieni, in torrential rain, something of a strain
(though we did manage to hear and see some interesting birds during breaks in
the downpour). The raptor-watching session nearly proved a washout too, but
fortunately sunlight broke briefly through the menacing clouds and a surprising
number of birds of prey came floating past. Altogether a very enjoyable week for
both trainees and trainers.

There was rather a different setting for our next field course, ‘An introduction
to gamebird biology’, which was held at Enkijabe Primary School, Imbirikani
Group Ranch, from 25 May to 1 June 1997, with support from the COBRA
project of Kenya Wildlife Service. The participants were 12 present or potential
gamebird scouts from five group ranches in the Amboseli area. The course aims
were to teach appropriate skills for gamebird monitoring and management, and
also to demonstrate the potential of bird shooting for revenue generation. As
well as a teaching team from the Department,. visiting lecturers came from
Kenya Wildlife Service, African Wildlife Foundation and the professional
hunting fraternity.

Imbirikani town itself, the headquarters of the gamebird project, is a small,
bare, dusty settlement that at first glance looks an unpromising site for a training
course. However, it is easily accessible from Nairobi and the other group
ranches in the area, and surrounded by interesting habitat containing a variety
gamebird species. The Enkijabe Teacher’s Advisory Centre proved an excellent
lecture room, once we had bought some shukas for curtains and set up a portable
generator (courtesy of Ker and Downey) to run the audio-visual equipment.
Magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, looking close enough to touch, were a bonus
during tea-breaks. Tents loaned by Bonham Safaris and beds from the school
took care of accommodation for everyone, and one of the small ‘hotels’ in town
catered for food (highly rated, despite — or because of? — a very heavy accent
on goat stew).

Department of Ornitholog

2 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

After six days of lectures, field exercises and practicals in different habitats,
participants returned to their group ranches fired up to initiate gamebird
management programmes like the one already in place on Mbirikani. Another
course, this time based at Mpala Ranch in Laikipia District, is planned for April
1998.

Gamebird surveys show spurfowl are under-shot

Imbirikani Group Ranch in Kajiado District is the focus of the Department’s
gamebird project (see previous Kenya Birds). The project is working to set up
community systems for managing sport-hunting of gamebirds, and monitoring
their populations. In April 1997 a wet-season survey was carried out to assess
the numbers of three important gamebird species on the ranch and their habitat
requirements. The results show that the highest gamebird numbers were in
bushland, which held densities twice as high as wooded grassland or open
grassland. Yellow-necked Spurfowl was the commonest of the three species,
with around 90 birds per km? on average. Spurfowl densities were roughly
similar in all habitats, but group sizes were much bigger in the open grassland
—~- perhaps because the lack of cover makes the birds more vulnerable to
predation. Helmeted Guineafowl and Crested Francolin did not venture into the
open grassland at all, but while the guineafowl were present at low numbers
(about 14 birds per km?) in both woodland and bushland, the francolins much
preferred the bushland (50 birds per km?) and were rare in the woodland (just
seven birds per km/’).

Overall, spurfowl preferred areas with good ground and tree cover,
suggesting that they are choosing the least-degraded areas of the ranch. It is
estimated that between 67,000 and 154,000 spurfowl occur on Imbirikani, with
plenty of potential for increasing the numbers that are shot. The populations of
francolins and guineafowl are much smaller, and offtake levels probably can rise
only slightly.

Based on the survey results, long-term monitoring transects were set up and
monthly data are being collected. In the dry season, spurfowl densities on the
transects dropped substantially — it turned out that the birds were concentrating
in enclosures that had been fenced off near bomas for use by calves in the dry
season. These enclosures have substantial food and cover and appeared to be dry
season ‘refuges’ for the birds. Local densities here reached the equivalent of an
amazing 3,800 birds per km? — more than 40 times the average density on the
wet-season transects!

The heavy el nifo rains that started in November 1997 have put a temporary
stop to the monitoring, but (weather permitting) the intention is to collect a full
year’s data in order to assess seasonal changes in the location and abundance of
these gamebird species.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 3

How long will it take for us to lose biodiversity? — on Mt Kenya

After working in Kakamega with Joseph Oyugi (Ornithology Department)
through September 1996 (see Kenya Birds 5(2): 51), we carried out the last
fieldwork component of the collaborative Ornithology Department/University of
Tennessee biodiversity project on Mt Kenya in October-November 1996. The
field team comprised Thomas Brooks and Christine Wilder (University of
Tennessee), John Kageche (Ornithology Department) and Joe Tobias (University
of Cambridge), with additional help from Titus Imboma (Ornithology
Department), David Gitau and Silvester Karimi (Nairobi Ringing Group) and
Jim Barnes (University of East Anglia).

We surveyed seven patches of indigenous montane forest (ranging in size
from 1-100 ha) at the lowest extent (2,000 m) of the south-western flank of Mt
Kenya, near to the Forest Department stations at Chehe and Ragati. Our sincere
gratitude goes to the staff of these stations for all of their help. In each forest
fragment we carried out our standard procedure of extensive bird surveys, mist-
netting and vegetation surveys. We also briefly surveyed plantations of
Cupressus lusitanica and Vitex keniensis, which held very large numbers of
migrant birds — a finding also reported in 1986 by Allan Carlson for plantations
north of Kijabe (Biological Conservation 35: 195-204). Another interesting
element of fieldwork was the abundance of elephants in our study sites, which
made fieldwork difficult at times!

Much to our surprise, these tiny forests still held most of the forest bird
species found across Mt Kenya as a whole, including rarities like African Green
Ibis, African Crowned Eagle and Orange Ground Thrush. This is probably a
result of the fact that although cultivation is eating away at the margin of the Mt

Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse — Edwin Selempo

4 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Kenya forest, corridors of scrub persist along streams and connect the patches,
‘rescuing’ otherwise isolated bird populations.

The few Mt Kenya species that we did not find fall into three categories:
those restricted to higher altitudes (e.g., Abyssinian Ground Thrush), those that
undertake seasonal altitudinal movements (e.g., most of the montane starlings)
and those reaching the extreme limits of their ranges on Mt Kenya. It is this
latter group that is of cause for concern, and we suspect that a several species,
including African Broadbill and Black-headed Apalis may now be close to
extinction in the region.

In spite of this, the conservation status of birds on Mt Kenya is relatively
encouraging, thanks to the joint activities of the Forest Department and the
Kenya Wildlife Service. Although faced with a serious problem in the form of
well-armed poachers of the forest’s valuable camphor trees, these institutions
are, thankfully, doing a very good job of protecting Mt Kenya’s montane forests,
at least in this part of the mountain.

We closed the field component of our project in December 1996 with visits to
Kenya from the USA of two of the projects collaborators, Stuart Pimm
(University of Tennessee) and Bob Honea (Oak Ridge National Laboratory).
This led into the final part of the project, which took place in Tennessee in 1997
(see below). — Thomas Brooks, P O Box 40658, Nairobi.

Waterbird counts 1997

The usual wetlands in the Rift Valley were counted in January 1997, along with
Kimana Swamp and the Amboseli wetlands, and a collection of smaller sites
around Nairobi. The results were generally similar to 1996. Flamingos were
again in relatively low numbers, with only around 365,000 in total on the ‘big’
sites, including 193,000 at Bogoria, 74,000 at Elmenteita and 70,000 at Nakuru.
Other waterbirds were more numerous than in 1996, continuing a slow
resurgence in numbers — 63,000 were counted at the Rift Valley sites, Amboseli
and Kimana, compared to some 45,000 the previous year. There were strong
increases at Bogoria (11,600, up from 4,800), Elmenteita (16,600, up from
9,500) and even Nakuru (3,000, up from 2,000, with another 2,800 at the sewage
treatment works). The Naivasha lakes were stable, with around 20,500
waterbirds, the same as 1996. A total of 8,800 waterbirds was clocked up for
Dandora Sewage Treatment Works, including 1,000 Little Grebes, 1,400
Northern Shoveler and 1,500 White-winged Tern. Other notable records
included 1,900 Great White Pelicans at Elmenteita (a welcome return of this
species), 4,200 Pied Avocets at the same site, an impressive 1,400 Little Grebes
together with seven Great Crested Grebes on Oloidien, Naivasha’s small satellite

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 5

lake and 370 African Jacanas in Amboseli. Only four Maccoa Duck were
recorded this year, on Naivasha, and no Darters.

The July 1997 count at Lake Nakuru recorded similarly low numbers of
flamingos — 87,000, a slight increase on January. Over five thousand of these
were young birds. Numbers of other waterbirds were also nearly constant on the
lake, at 2,800, despite the absence of Palaearctic migrants at this time of the
year. Only 870 birds were counted at the two sewage works.

The July 1997 count had an unhappy ending. Three volunteer counters (Peter
Le Pelley, Jennifer Oduori and Justus Kyalo) were seriously injured when their
vehicle was involved in an accident near Nakuru, as they travelled back to
Nairobi. Fortunately, all have now made a good recovery.

The 1997 waterbird counts were supported anangially by the Ramsar Bureau
and Kenya Wildlife Service.

Bird crew heads to the hills

Ornithological work on the Taita Hills project has been in full swing since
February 1997. David Gitau has been ringing, measuring and colour-banding
birds, and taking blood samples, in the different fragments in turn. Edward
Waiyaki, assisted by Kariuki Ndang’ang’a, has been trapping, radio-tagging and
following Taita Thrushes in Chawia and Ngangao, using a special radio-
transmitter design developed for Blackbirds Turdus merula (and extensively
tested for safety) in the UK. Mwangi Githiru has been counting and watching
frugivores and censusing fruiting trees as part of his study of the potential effects —
of fragmentation on seed dispersal. Luc Lens from the University of Antwerp
made several visits to the hills to collect additional data and to supervise the!
work.

In December 1997, Gitau, Waiyaki, Sinai and Luc all took part in the
international conference on the Eastern Arc mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania.
The Taita Hills are the northernmost outlier of the Eastern Arc, one of the
continent’s most important centres of endemism. Preliminary results of the
project were presented in a number of posters. Already, the ringing data show
clear differences in species’ mobility: some, like Olive Sunbird and Stripe-
cheeked Greenbul, seem to be able to move between fragments easily, while
others are much more sedentary. There is also growing evidence from their
biometrics that birds in the smaller and more disturbed fragments are under
environmental stress.

A molecular sex-probe has allowed sex-ratios to be assessed for the Taita
Thrush, with some disturbing findings. The thrush occurs in the three largest
fragments, Chawia, Ngangao and Mbololo. Of the three, Mbololo is the biggest
and most intact and Chawia the smallest and most disturbed. Only in Mbololo

6 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

are the numbers of male and female thrushes equal; in Chawia, just one out of
ten birds (10%) turned out to be female, and at Ngangao only nine out of 23
(39%). The reason why females are less common in small fragments is not yet
known, but the finding has worrying implications for the species’ survival. On
the other hand, Taita Thrushes have now been captured, to everyone’s surprise,
in the tiny fragment of Yale, showing that under some circumstances they may
be able to persist in small fragments after all.

Bird research in the Taita Hills — a view from the ground

Our work started on 9 February 1997 with an aim of studying the effects of
forest fragmentation on the biodiversity of Taita Hills forests. The work centres
on the study of birds, insects and mammals.

To start the project, we sampled the three biggest forest fragments —
Chawia, Ngangao and Mbololo — over the course of around ten weeks. Our first
study site was Chawia where we spent a week. On the evening of 10 February
mist-nets were set in two sites in Chawia and controlled the following day, then
shifted daily to other sites in the forest. Chawia had rather few birds, especially
the endemics. A few Taita White-eyes were ringed and larger numbers seen. Just
two Taita thrushes were seen and none ringed, and there was no sign of the Taita
Apalis. We ringed 69 birds in total, a mixture of new birds and retraps of birds
caught by Tom Brooks’ team the previous year (see Kenya Birds 5(2)).

On the morning of 16 February we closed and took down the nets at 10:00,
broke camp and shifted to Ngangao. On the same day in the afternoon nets were
pitched in our new study area, and controlled the following day. Ngangao was
really a forest for birding. We spent a whole month here with intensive mist
netting and other general surveying. The forest always had something interesting
to offer, including all three endemic Taita hills birds. Despite the dry weather,
these were breeding. We found a pair of Taita Apalis with young in the nest, and
a juvenile Taita Thrush was caught at our last site. We ringed a total of 18 bird
species including 300 individuals birds among which were 21 Taita Thrushes.

Nets were closed and brought down on 15 March in readiness to take off to
the next fragment — Mbololo. Edward Waiyaki arrived the same day with
transport. By this time, rain was threatening, which gave us cause for some
concern. On 18 March we made a general survey of the forest and pitched nets
in the evening. Nets were opened the following morning and controlled the
whole day — a successful session with about four Taita Thrushes. The rain
poured steadily the following afternoon but after a fine morning of ringing.
Thereafter the rains were quite unpredictable — it was impossible to tell
whether the day would be fine or rained off completely, and there was often
thick mist as well. To be on the safe side, David Gitau and I stayed behind as

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 7

Waiyaki returned for Nairobi. The weather was against us, though, and the mist
and rain greatly reduced our daily catch. We spent a total of four weeks in
Mbololo and managed to catch about 165 new birds and 13 that were ringed last
year.

Mobile Olive Sunbirds and hornbills

All the three fragments had quite a number of Olive Sunbirds, which were
commonly seen and trapped. Other common sunbirds were the Eastern Double-
collared Sunbird, Collared Sunbird and the Variable Sunbird, which was always
seen at the forest edge. I was always surprised by how many Olive Sunbirds we
would catch without obtaining a single retrap. On 6 March 1997 at 08:30 h we
caught an Olive Sunbird in Ngangao that had been ringed by us on 12 February
in Chawia, about 18 km away. Evidently this species is moving both within and
between fragments, presumably in response to local food supply or other
conditions.

Other local migration was seen in Silvery-cheeked Hornbills. The hornbills
were all over Chawia for the whole time we were there, but we only saw them
once in Ngangao, on 11 March. In Mbololo, we arrived on 18 March and saw
hornbills for the first time on 29 March. A good number of birds arrived and
stayed for about a week before disappearing. Hornbills are known to move a
good deal in response to local concentrations of fruiting trees.

Barbets chase off brood parasites

Brood parasites do not always have things their own way. On 21 February I
watched a family of four Spot-flanked Barbet (two adults and two immature
birds) making a great deal of noise around their nest hole, in a branch in an
Albizia tree. At noon that day, out of nowhere, a Lesser Honeyguide arrived
.With full confidence, it made an attempt to enter the nest in presence of the
barbets. Two barbets physically fought the honeyguide outside the nest while the
rest stayed inside the nest making a tremendous noise. The honeyguide
eventually gave up the fight and flew away. Immediately after it had left, an egg
was removed from the nest by the barbets inside and passed over to the barbets
outside, who in turn broke it and threw it away. Afterwards, there was no more
noise from the barbets.

General status of the fragments

Chawia forest was highly degraded. There was a way through the forest which
enable the local people enter the forest whenever they wished for various
purposes, including firewood collection. The cypress and Eucalyptus plantations
surrounding the natural forest are spreading into it and degrading the forest

8 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

more. Even though not many old pit-saw sites are seen, the forest still seems to
be under human pressure. The forest is dominated by two main indigenous trees,
Tabernaemontana and Albizia. These two form the top canopy. A lot of wild
coffee forms most of the lower and mid canopy.

Ngangao on the other hand is among the best forests in Taita hills despite of
its many old pit-saw sites. It has a range of trees from pioneer species to real
forest interior ones. Common pioneer species include Phoenix palms, Bridelia
micrantha and Maesa lanceolata. Celtis and Ficus species are also common.
The forest lacks the bigger trees (removed by logging in the late 1960s and early
1970s) but Meru Oak Vitex keniensis shows good regeneration. The tree seems
to be growing evenly in Ngangao, and is an important one for birds. If the forest
department could consider this tree in its annual plantation programme, it could
greatly help to enrich biodiversity.

Mbololo is yet another good forest, with large old trees. Not much logging
seems to have been done even though old pit-saw sites were found. The forest is
much more remote and inaccessible than Ngangao, and large logging vehicles
probably could not easily manage the steep, winding road up from Voi. — Titus
Imboma, P O Box 40658, Nairobi

How long will it take for us to lose biodiversity? — in Tennessee!

The final part of the collaborative Ornithology Department/University of
Tennessee project to assess the length of the time lag between deforestation and
bird extinction (see Kenya Birds 5(1):1) was carried out over the spring of 1997.
The location of the work was now Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, where Thomas
Brooks is writing up the results of the project for his PhD, under the supervision
of Stuart Pimm. Pimm generously hosted Kenyan ornithologists Joseph Oyugi —
and John Kageche (Ormithology Department/Moi University) in Knoxville, with
funding from the National Geographic Society (Research Award #5542-95) and
his Pew Fellowship in conservation.

Oyugi’s work in Tennessee focused on analyzing his data collected in
Kakamega in August-December 1996 (see Kenya Birds 5(2): 51) for his MSc
thesis for the Department of Wildlife Management, Moi University. Oyugi used
the many measurements that he took of vegetation in the main Kakamega forest
to predict bird populations in the surrounding fragments. He then compared this
with the results of his bird surveys in these fragments, to assess which species
are affected by forest fragmentation over and above the changes suffered by the
vegetation. His results indicate that understorey insectivores (like Brown-
chested Alethe) and canopy foliage-gleaners (like Uganda Woodland Warbler
and Green Hylia) have been particularly seriously impacted by the
fragmentation of the Kakamega forests.

Kenya Birds Volume.6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 9

Meanwhile, Kageche was writing his proposal for his MSc with the
Department ‘of Environmental Studies, Moi University. While in ‘Tennessee,
Kageche also analyzed the ringing data of the biodiversity project, and collected
data on the human population and rate of deforestation in the Taita Hills, for a
study with Bob Honea (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA).

“To supplement these specific projects, Oyugi, Kageche and Brooks made a
trip to the northern USA in mid-June, to some of the world’s largest museums.
Funded by a grant from the American Museum of Natural History (New York),
we also visited the Field Museum (Chicago), the Museum of Comparative
Zoology (Boston) and the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C.) — many
thanks to the generosity of the curators of those museums. We examined over
4,500 bird specimens from Kakamega, Mt Kenya and the Taita Hills, including
rarities such as’ the only Kenyan. record of Sooty Boubou Laniarius
leucorhynchus and Splendid Glossy Starling Lamprotornis splendidus, which 1s
now probably extinct in Kakamega, and we are preparing a series of papers
based on these data. We also drove over 3, 000 miles; and even managed to fit in
a trip to Niagara Falls!

We: also managed to find a few other diversions to our academic efforts.
Through April-May, Oyugi and Kageche worked in the Everglades National
Park, Florida, with a project (directed by Pimm) on the endangered Cape Sable
Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis, which was educational, if
excessively mosquito-ridden! Brooks, along with two other members of the
biodiversity project, Christine Wilder from Tennessee, USA and Jim Barnes
from Leeds, UK, visited in May, and we all had a chance to see interesting birds
like American Flamingo. Phoenicopterus\ ruber' and the rare Snail Kite
Rostrhamus sociabilis, and visit interesting places like the Big Cypress National
Preserve — to say nothing of Key West! Back in Tennessee, we visited the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park, the Chattanooga Aquarium (the world’s
biggest freshwater aquarium), and the Eastern State Wildlife Management Area
in’ Knoxville (to see the —— display of the American pe So ore
~

» Altogether, the trip was both Giochurivs andl entertaining, and viii a
fitting end to the: biodiversity project. In conclusion, we would like to thank our
sponsors, and everyone in the Ornithology Department (National Museums of
Kenya), Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of
Tennessee), and the many people who helped us in Kakamega, the Taita Hills
and Mt Kenya for doing so much to make the project a success.— ais Oyugi,
John ‘Kageche :& Thomas — P: — Box 40658, Nairobi «

10 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Ornithologists snare scholarships

It has been a promising period for post-graduate scholarships, with several
Department staff and associates securing support for further training. Oliver
Nasirwa and Wenceslas Gatarabirwa have both been awarded a prestigious
Wellcome Trust Fellowship in Biodiversity Conservation. The Fellowships will
support their MSc course in Applied Ecology at the University of East Anglia,
which started in September 1997. This will be followed by a year’s research
work in Kenya, supervised by the Department and by Bill Sutherland from
UEA. Oliver plans to work on papyrus birds in Lake Victoria and Wenceslas on
the Aberdare Cisticola. This is the first time these Fellowships have been offered
and in world-wide competition only five were awarded — so we are very happy
to have snagged two of them!

Meanwhile, Edward Waiyaki has been awarded a scholarship for his PhD at
the University of Antwerp by the Algemeen Bestuur Ontwikkeling-
ssamenwerking (i.e., the Development Section) of the Belgian Government. This
is a so-called ‘sandwich’ grant that will allow him to carry out fieldwork in
Kenya on the Taita Thrush and write up his results in Antwerp, as well as
making several shorter study visits to Belgium. Waiyaki will be supervised by
Erik Matthysen and Luc Lens of the University of Antwerp and André Dhondt
of Cornell University. Muchane Muchai, who recently completed his MPhil
dissertation on Sharpe’s Longclaw, secured a Claude Harris Leon Doctoral
Fellowship that will provide support for his PhD at the Percy Fitzpatrick
Institute of African Ornithology in Cape Town. Muchai will be working on the
Yellowbreasted Pipit Hemimacronyx chloris, a South African grassland endemic
that faces some similar conservation problems to Sharpe’s Longclaw. He will be
supervised by the Fitzstitute’s Director, Morné du Plessis, and by David Allan of
the Durban Museum. This is the inaugural year for both of these scholarship
schemes, too.

Last but not least, Peter Njoroge, who has worked on Hinde’s Babbler and
more recently on the Important Bird Areas project, has been awarded an RSPB
scholarship for a PhD at Reading University. Starting in October 1998, he will
be working on the Seychelles Magpie Robin, one of the world’s most
endangered birds, supervised by Ken Norris of Reading and Debbie Pain of the
RSPB.

Students find the going rough

1997 seems to have been a difficult year for Departmental Research Associates,
who have variously faced problems caused by the unseasonal rains, unco-
Operative study animals and misbehaving machinery.

————————

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 11

Carter Ong continued her challenging work on the home range and behaviour
of the Martial Eagle. These huge eagles hunt from an unusually high altitude and
can move over enormous distances, so tracking a radio-tagged bird is unusually
difficult — even if you can capture the eagle and tag it in the first place!
Fortunately, several pairs of eagles nest within a few kilometres of Carter’s base
at Athi River, and despite problems with the trapping and with transmitters
malfunctioning much new information is being obtained.

It has not all been smooth sailing for Mburu Chege’s Egyptian Vulture
project either — this year none of the Hell’s Gate birds has succumbed to
poisoning, but they haven’t succumbed to Mburu’s attempts to capture them
either. A battery of crafty methods has been tried (some of them sounding
distinctly unpleasant for the researcher!), but the birds remain entirely
unimpressed and, unfortunately, untagged. This has not stopped Mburu
collecting data on behaviour and breeding biology — but it has been impossible
to carry out the home-range work originally planned.

Neither did Fabian Musila have much luck with his Sokoke Pipit studies.
Fieldwork would have started in November 1997 — had not the Arabuko-
Sokoke Forest been (literally) underwater thanks to the amazing el nifio rains. It
would have been interesting to find out if Sokoke Pipits could turn aquatic, but
data collection has been postponed until the study sites are a little more
accessible.

Luca Borghesio of the University of Milan had an unfortunate start to his
study of nothern Kenya forests when an accident forced him to abandon his
planned fieldwork in Marsabit in April 1997. He returned in November for a trip
to Mt Kulal, accompanied by Kariuki Ndang’ang’a (taking time off from the
Taita Hills). This went more smoothly, despite the wet weather and general
insecurity in the area, and the results are being written up. Luca will be back in
April 1998 for a survey of the Leroghi Forest near Maralal.

Request for information: Common Kestrels

I am trying to locate nest sites of Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus in
Kenya for a study of their nesting and foraging habits. If you have reccatly
seen these falcons nesting or showing other signs of breeding, such as

mating or feeding the young, please inform me at the address below. I am
particularly looking for an area with a good number of nesting pairs (five or
more). I am interested only in our resident kestrels, not the migrants which
may occur between October and March and which of course do not breed
here. — George Amutete, Ornithology Department, National Museums of
Kenya, P O Box 40658, Nairobi.

12 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

East Africa Natural History Society

OS-c and BirdLife Kenya merge

Tuesday 5 August 1997 saw the inaugural meeting of the East Africa Natural
History Society’s new Bird Committee. This has been formed by the
amalgamation of the two previous committees that dealt with birds: the
Ornithological Sub-committee and BirdLife Kenya. The new committee will
handle all the work that the previous committees were involved in, including
bird records, the publication of Scopus and Kenya Birds, raising funds and
awareness for conservation, and generally keeping an eye on bird conservation
issues. The streamlined structure should allow members to communicate more
easily and to work more effectively together — and the new name should be a
good deal less confusing and easier to say!

BirdLife African Partnership Meeting

The East Africa Natural History Society, the BirdLife International piduiér in
Kenya, hosted the Third Meeting of the African Partnership of BirdLife
International at Elsamere, Lake Naivasha, from 18-22 November 1997.
Delegates attended from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and
Zimbabwe, together with the BirdLife Secretariat and the UK Royal Society for
the Protection of Birds. The programme was very packed, including not just a
good deal of formal Partnership business but a planning workshop for the GEF-
funded project, ‘African NGO-Government Partnerships for Sustainable
Biodiversity Action’. This project will support the next phase of the Important
Bird Areas programme in ten African countries, including Kenya (more on this
in the next Kenya Birds).

Some important decisions taken were to form a Council of the African
Partnership (CAP) that will meet annually, to appoint a Technical Advisory
Committee (taking over from the old IBA Steering Committee) and to admit
Naturama (Burkina Faso), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the
Ornithological Association of Zimbabwe (OAZ) as BirdLife Partners Designate.

The el nifo rains had set in firmly, and the weather was wet, but this did not
stop a good deal of birding going on in between sessions. Eleonora’s Falcons put
in several guest appearances overhead during the tea-breaks and delegates
enjoyed short excursions onto the. lake, to Hell’s Gate (where the Nyanza Swifts
put on an excellent display but Wailing Cisticolas proved elusive) and the
Kinangop Plateau. The next meeting of CAP will be in Zimbabwe in June 1998.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 13

international

Climate change and wildlife
Climate change is having a major impact on the world’s birds and other wildlife,
warns ‘Climate Change and Wildlife’, a new report from BirdLife International
and the World Wide Fund for Nature. In the UK, almost a third of 65 breeding
bird species have shifted their laying dates forward by a statistically significant
amount (an average of nine days) over the last 25 years. Ninety percent of the 5
million Sooty Shearwaters that used to spend the non-breeding season off the
west coast of the USA vanished between 1987 and 1994, due to changes in
Ocean surface temperature and ocean currents (reduced upwelling) associated
with climate change. In the cloud forests of Costa Rica, many birds, including
the Keel-billed Toucan and Blue-crowned Motmot, have extended their ranges
up the mountain slopes. There are many other examples from other groups of
animals and plants. The report warns that many organisms will be unable to shift
their ranges quickly enough to cope with climate change, especially where (as in
many parts of the world) natural habitats are scattered and fragmented. The
impact of small recent changes in climate on wildlife is already very visible —
what will be the effects of the large climate changes forecast for the next
century? The disruptive effects of climate change on the ecosystems that support
human existence, warns the report, are likely to be a serious threat to our own
welfare. .

(For more information, see the EANHS Bulletin vol. 27(2/3) or the report
‘Climate Change and Wildlife’ in the EANHS office and library.)

Exciting new site for Orange-necked Partridge

Endemic to the Southern Vietnamese lowlands Endemic Bird Area, Orange-
necked Partridge Arborophila davidi is the least known member of its genus —
indeed, it is known only from a single specimen collected in 1927. Despite brief
sightings by a BirdLife team in Cat Tien National Park in 1991, the species has
remained an enigma until now and is listed as one of the most critically
threatened birds in Asia.

The BirdLife Vietnam Programme has long suspected that this species occurs
in the Cat Loc Nature Reserve, adjacent to Cat Tien. This has recently been
confirmed by a team from the BirdLife International Vietnam Programme,
Amsterdam University and the National Museum of Natural History, Leiden, the
Netherlands.

During a week-long visit to Cat Loc Nature Reserve in April 1997, Orange-
necked Partridge was found to be common in a variety of habitats including
scrub, bamboo and secondary evergreen forest. Its vocalizations and preference

14 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

for hillslopes confirm that it is closely related to Bar-backed Partridge
Arborophila brunneopectus.

The team made over 25 sightings during the week. The species’ tolerance of
a range of disturbed habitats and the extent of suitable habitat outside the nature
reserve all suggest that its current category of threat should be revised. However,
since BirdLife’s last visit to the site three years ago, much primary forest has
been cleared inside the nature reserve to make way for commercial cashew-nut
cultivation.

Despite the fame of this site in supporting Vietnam’s only known population
of the Javan Rhinoceros Rhinoceros sondaicus, the reserve remains unprotected
and forest destruction ts proceeding unchecked and at an alarming rate.

BirdLife’s work in Vietnam is funded by the European Union.

Green-backed Heron — Edwin Selempo

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 15

World Birdwatch ’97

A special report

With the theme ‘1,111 threatened bird species need your help!’, World
Birdwatch 1997 in Kenya was officially launched on 2 October at the Boulevard
Hotel, Nairobi. More than 100 people attended the evening reception, where the
British High Commissioner, Jeffrey James, was Guest of Honour and spoke
entertainingly about his own birding experiences.

Were it not for previous diplomatic commitments, the High Commissioner
would certainly have joined the us on the Birdwatch weekend. He would have
been in good company, as 300 people in more than 70 teams spent 4-5 October
scouring nearly every corner of the country for birds. The response from
birdwatchers all over Kenya was tremendous; more birders than ever, in more
places than ever, took part, and most seem thoroughly to have enjoyed
themselves.

This year the event was focused on Kenya’s threatened birds. Fourteen
globally-threatened species were recorded, including Lesser Kestrel, Sokoke
Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Sharpe’s Longclaw, Taita Thrush, East Coast Akalat,
Hinde’s Babbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Aberdare
Cisticola, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Abbott’s Starling, Amani Sunbird and
Clarke’s Weaver. Another ten species on the list are globally near-threatened,
including Madagascar Squacco Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Southern Banded
Snake Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Fischer’s Turaco, Malindi Pipit, Papyrus Gonolek,
Red-throated Tit, Plain-backed Sunbird and Jackson’s Widowbird.

Once all the checklists had finally come in (some took a month or more to
arrive) and had been vetted (also a time-consuming business!) the final tally
stood at an impressive 777 species. BirdLife International has confirmed that
this was the highest total for the weekend of any country in the world, so
Kenya’s birders have every reason to be proud of themselves. We would have
notched up another four species (African Barred Owlet, Mombasa Woodpecker
and Green-headed Oriole) had a checklist from Shimba not gone astray, despite
frantic efforts to communicate at both ends. Somehow, Narina Trogon also got
lost in the wash when the final list was being computerised, so the ‘real’ total
should be 781! Computerising the National Birdmap forms that each team
returned is going to take some time still, but later on we hope to give additional
Statistics on the results — which birds were most commonly seen, which were
seen only by a particular team, and so on. The most interesting records will also
be published in the next Kenya Birds. Out of many notable sightings, perhaps
the most remarkable was Black-and-white Flycatcher by Maia Hemphill’s team

16 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

at Shimoni — this bird has not been recorded in coastal Kenya for more than
half a century!

Around the world, over 200,000 people in 91 countries took part in WBW
97. Over the course of October 5,935 bird species were seen in the 3rd ‘NTT
World Bird Count’, a parallel event to World Birdwatch to which our list of
birds also contributes. NTT Corporation donates 1,000 Yen for each species
recorded, so the event worldwide raised the equivalent of around KSh 2.7
million for bird conservation.

Our excellent weekend total is still not quite as high as in 1993, probably for
several reasons. An earlier date meant fewer Palaearctic migrants, and in fact the
season was extremely poor for migrants generally. Many areas up-country were
dry and birds were keeping a low profile, while by contrast torrential rain at the
coast washed out one day completely. Also, we didn’t receive nearly the same
support from the tourist industry this year to help send people out and about to
key places. The timing was unfortunate: most hotels and tour companies were
still reeling from the violent events of August at the coast, which led to mass
cancellations by overseas visitors.

There was an array of (more or less) glittering prizes for the event on offer,
from Swarowski Optik and others. Two buyers of raffle-tickets at the launch
correctly guessed the official species total — Neil Davidson won a Swarowski
wrist-watch and Kimbo Beakbane a framed photograph of a Lilac-breasted
Roller by Gabriel Ramson. The award for the most bird species seen was shared
_ between the teams of Colin Jackson, Peter Njoroge and Ogeto Mwebi, who
spent a manic weekend in and around Busia and Trans-Nzoia (see below) and
Bill Harvey’s team, who were birding in the Ngong Rift and near Thika. Both
teams saw over 200 species and were rewarded with Swarowski t-shirts and
caps. The ‘best school’ prize (binoculars and books donated by the RSPB, and a
Zimmerman et al. field guide from East African Ornithological Safaris) was
awarded collectively to the team from Sokoke, Gede and Kakuyuni Secondary
Schools (see below). The ‘most adventurous team’ prize (binoculars from
Bushnell — the event sponsors — and the RSPB) was won hands-down by Titus
Imboma and Bernard Amakobe, who travelled to Lokichoggio by public
transport to clean up on the far north-western specials. We had also hoped to
give a prize for the team raising the most sponsorship, but in the end this proved
impossible to assess — the system of numbering sponsor forms didn’t work too
well.

Despite the difficult timing, the event received financial or logistical support
from quite a number of companies, and individual sponsors responded very
generously. When all contributions are in, around 300,000/= KSh will have been

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 17

raised for the special project of publishing an introductory bird guide for school
environmental clubs.

WBW ’97 was overall a great success, thanks to the enthusiasm and
commitment of the participants and the generosity of the sponsors. Not
everything went smoothly, though. Organising an event like this is a major task
involving lots of people, and there were undoubtedly some lapses in the co- -
ordination. Some participants received information late or failed to receive
material they had asked for. Every time World Birdwatch takes place, the event
is slightly different, and there seem to be new lessons to be learned. If you have
suggestions for improvements, why not help to make the event even better next
time and let the organisers know via the East Africa Natural History Society (P
O Box 44486, Nairobi).

We received rather few detailed reports on the event, but below are some
highlights from what participants wrote when they submitted their checklists —
plus a few longer write-ups. We hope they capture some of the flavour of the
weekend across the country.

WBW ’97: some highlights from your letters

Lake Naivasha: “It was very sucessful and a great weekend, despite some
difficulties, including lack of co-operation from some of the farm owners around
that limited our coverage to a small area. Breeding was observed for weavers,
sparrows, Superb Starling, Pearl-spotted Owlet and Augur Buzzard.” — North
Lake Bird Trackers (Peter Ruoro, Zachary Methu, Hellen Wanjiku, Priscilla
Wandia), P O Box 260, Naivasha. |

Mweiga: “I watched birds in my home area, Mweiga, and identified 71 species.
There were many other birds that we were not able to identify especially larks,
cisticolas and other warblers. We used public transport, and hiked for long
hours.” — Patrick Karimi, P O Box 73, Mweiga

Nyeri: “I have really enjoyed this year’s birding. With most people unaware of
the exercise, it was difficult to win their hearts to join me and so I did it all
alone. I felt that maybe I recorded a low number... the area is rich with birds but
I am still taking time to learn them.” — Stephen Wamiti, P O Box 75, Nyahururu

Laikipia: “My group consisted of four... we were all amateurs so to speak but ©
with interest in birding. Needless to state, we couldn’t identify numerous small
species especially the weavers and cisticolas as most were similar. The nightjars

18 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

all seemed alike to us! We spotted and positively identified 104 birds and spent
about 13 hrs in total. We covered at least 120 km and thoroughly enjoyed the
birding.” — Bell Okello, P O Box 555, Nanyuki

Kericho: “It’s my hope that most of the teams had a good time — it was the
same with us. We encountered some problems with transport and optics. The hill
known as Kimugu Forest was among the most interesting sites in Kericho with
unusual species, including flycatchers, shrikes, wattle-eyes and greenbuls. We
saw nests of African Blue Flycatcher and Hamerkop.” — Peter Chirchir, P O
Box 72, Naivasha

Kinangop: “Birdwatch ’97 was very interesting. However, some school clubs
very new to this field found it less enjoyable as their patrons were caught by the
teachers’ national strike. I met with several student groups who trekked quite
long distances all day without food or drink and thus were quite exhausted at the
end of the event. Our own team though found the event excellent.” — Francis
Njuguna, P O Box 1346, Naivasha

Nyahururu: “We had challenging but enjoyable birding. We stuck bird posters
on our vehicle, gave sponsorship forms and talked to local people about the
value of birds and the significance of the birdwatch event.” — Cecilia Gichuki,
Nathan Gichuki, Lucy Gakuo & Charles Waihenya, P O Box 40658, Nairobi.

Thika and Mwea: “Our list adds up to 130 species. Unfortunately we didn’t see
Hinde’s Babbler, Purple-crested Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill or Grey-olive
Greenbul, so we hope some of the other teams were more lucky. It was great fun
anyway!” — Gunhild Frandsen, c/o T. Lehmberg, P O Box 30592, Nairobi.

Nanyuki: “The most interesting species in these lists is a small flock of
Ethiopian Swallows (adults with immatures) seen at Nanyuki Sewage Ponds.
The 30 acre main counting area which was also covered in 1993 showed very
few species on account of the very dry period before the count and rain and
overcast the second day.” — Tim &Lise Campbell, P O Box 14469, Nairobi.

WCK Schools Team, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

On 4 October, three secondary schools from around Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
joined forces and met with five members of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Guides
team to bird watch for the first time in the scrubland around Sokoke Secondary
School. There were four Wildlife Club patrons and 15 students, coming from

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 19
{10 TEI Ses 7 Oa AN A aR UR
Gede, Sokoke and Kakuyuni. The patron from Sokoke, a keen birdwatcher, had
spent some days previously doing a recce with one of the guides to locate
favourabe spots, all within walking distance ofthe school.

After early morning rain at 7:30 am, the students were able to start, having
had instruction on how to use the binoculars and books (supplied by the
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Education Unit), and the rules of the birdwatch
explained. Birds were pointed out by both students and guides and everyone had
to see the bird and check it in the books before moving on. Despite this rather
slow method, the studnts managed to see 47 species in four hours.

The highlight was a sighting of a Great Sparrowhawk on its nest. The bird
remained settled despite our proximity. All the students managed to get really
clear sightings of it and the patron and students from Sokoke have agreed to
monitor it over the next few months. Other birds that were exciting to see were
the Pygmy Kingfisher, White-faced Whistling Duck, Palmnut Vulture, Black-
chested Snake Eagle, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Violet-backed Starling. —
Tansy Bliss, P O Box 383, Watamu

World Birdwatch — Mombasa style

We had a really great time although the weather decided to be more like April
than October... and then I managed to begin the first day (at 6 am) with a
puncture, so started off wet and muddy after grovelling under the car to sort out
the jack etc. (I must get some birders who can also change tyres — I am very
badly organised in this direction.) Four die-hards turned out at 6 am on the
Saturday and we ‘did’ Nguuni farm, breaking off to eat buns and drink coffee in
order to dry out and warm up a bit. It was more like the Arctic than Mombasa.
Anyway the birds seemed to enjoy it and we had some real treats. Could hardly
believe my eyes when a Goliath Heron took off in front of us (have NEVER
seen it on this patch before), we managed to trail him and watch him at leisure.
The other three had never actually seen one so very excited. Then lo and behold
one of my keen-eyed youngsters saw a brown flap round the edge of some trees
which I recognised as an owl and on getting him in the glasses there was a
Spotted Eagle Owl, being beaten up by the crows needless to say. Again Paul
and Kevin were seeing one for the first time and in daylight to boot. He was very
obliging and stayed around for some time for us to get a good look. Immediately
afterward Paul spotted a huge Black Mamba in the acacia, so long we thought it
was two at first. Such excitement. We already had approximately 58 species.
Saturday pm saw the FFJ (Friends of Fort Jesus) birders joining us, and of
course the pm didn’t match the excitement of the morning but we added a few
species. Sunday 6 am was dry but threatening for Kevin, Paul and myself. We

20 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

went Husseini side of the same area and added all the waders to our list. The
weather held until about nine when I had to dash away. Sunday afternoon was
again pouring with rain and only the two old ladies, myself and Mrs Paltridge
ventured out. We dragged Mr P. out for security and we all got soaked to the skin
but added Wattled Starlings to our list. What a great week-end! — Marlene
Reid, P O Box 80429, Mombasa .

Heat and dust on the Nguruman Escarpment

Our five-strong team (led by Damaris Rotich, with Catherine Ngarachu,
Narinder Heyer, Joanne Naitore and myself) left for Nguruman on Friday 3
October, and had an early night at the ICIPE field station in preparation for the
following weekend. On Saturday morning, already around the station, Damaris
and Catherine saw an interesting thrush-type thing, of which they discussed for
most of the day. In the end it was identified as a Spotted Morning Thrush, as
much through its early hours and behaviour as by its markings.

We departed soon after ingesting a piece of bread and a mildly warm cup of
coffee (the birds were singing in full force by this time!) We went south on a
track out of the field station, paralleling the river. In part our route was driven by
a need to deposit two young fishermen at a good spot on the river, but it took
forever to get there because we saw so many birds along the way. The first to
figure out were the multitudinous doves: the African Mourning Dove, which
Damaris says sounds like it is on the way to a relative’s funeral; the Namaqua
Dove, the Laughing Dove, and the beautiful Emerald-spotted Wood Dove.

On the way we saw individual Kori Bustards, a few Secretary Birds, and an
incredible concentration of Black-headed Herons, unexpectedly out in the
middle of a dry grassland. I think Narinder counted 30 from one vantage point,
each stalking out a territory full of something of interest to them
(grasshoppers?).

Catherine brought us all to a stop at one point, about to pass by a dry shrub
just feet away from the car, with two White-throated Bee-eaters perched on its
branches, each intensely surveying the grassland in different directions.

Then, oddly out in the middle of a extremely arid patch of land, Narinder saw
some ‘white blobs’. We crept up as quietly as one could in a Land Rover, and
realized that they were a large flock of Gull-billed Terns. We began to wonder if
a lack of breakfast might be causing hallucinations, as after all this is really dry
land, but Damaris confirmed that these terns, in any case, can be found in
dryland, far away from water.

We also saw a number of raptors, including the Brown Snake Eagle which is

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 21

especially abundant in this area. Large flocks of Helmeted Guineafowl and a few
Yellow-necked Spurfowl insisted on being counted by slowly crossing our track.

Once we got to the river the White-headed Barbets were chatting with the
baboons in the figs (Ficus sycomorus). Grey-headed Kingfishers flashed over the
water, and the Gull-billed Terns swooped by, showing that they do like water
after all. In the Salvadora thickets further away from the river we saw the
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, a beautiful Little Bee-eater, a White-browed Scrub
Robin, some hornbills,. Masked Weavers and a Cardinal Woodpecker.

More of our team arrived from Nairobi, and sighted Little Egrets, Yellow-
billed Storks, Hadada Ibis, Lesser Flamingos, Great White Pelican, Grey Heron
and Blacksmith Plover in Lake Magadi on the way over.

Lunch back at the ICIPE field station proved to be very rich as we sighted a.
number of birds coming to a leaky hose just outside the canteen. Here we saw
more weavers, Red-billed Quelea, Red-billed Firefinch, Crimson-rumped and
Common Waxbill, Blue-capped Cordon-blue, a lovely Grey-headed Silverbill
and a White-bellied Canary.

After lunch, we again took a track south. We were trying to go directly to the
Shompole woodland, but ended up taking a very roundabout route. This
probably was to our advantage in the end because we ran into many interesting
birds, including a female ostrich incubating 27 eggs! The woodland itself held a
variety of raptors including Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk, Martial Eagle and
Riippell’s Griffon Vulture. Harlequin Quail preceded us on our track through tall
grass.

The next morning we headed toward the escarpment from the ICIPE field
station. On the road up to the water source for the Magadi Soda factory. we
stopped several times in the woodland sites and saw a good selection of birds,
including Rufous-crowned Roller and Red-faced Crombec.

In Nguruman village we walked through a shady mango orchard and saw
chickens but not too many other birds — although the Cardinal Woodpecker was
here as well. On our way out of the village an African Hoopoe was pecking in
the dirt near a house. We arrived at the base of the escarpment in the heat of
midday, not a very good time to see birds in this dry country. While some of the
team continued up a good way, a few of us sat under a tree and waited for birds
to come to us. We were not disappointed when a Common Scimitar-bill flew in
to flash his white wing bands at us and then left. A sunbird could be seen in the
bushes but was never clear enough to identify — the only sunbird seen all
weekend! |

Out for a final foray after lunch, we explored intensely in the area around the
ICIPE field station, locating a rich number of birds. In a bush on the fence
betweeen ICIPE and KETRI, we saw Tawny-flanked Prinia and Rufous

22 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Chatterers. We went past KETRI down to the river where the rock outcropping
makes a thin canyon and a small waterfall. This was evidently where the birds
that we went to see on the escarpment were hiding, staying cool in the heat of
the day. Here we saw again a number of weavers, and the Mountain Wagtail. An
African Fish Eagle flew. over. Kingfishers were numerous, including Pgymy,
Pied and a Woodland.

It was time to hurry back to Nairobi! Despite our rush, Catherine identified a
Two-banded Courser crossing the road in front of us. Crossing Lake Magadi, we
saw more waterbirds, including Chestnut-banded Plover (“with a red necklace”,
as Narinder described it), to wind up a very productive weekend’s birding. —
Barbara Gemmill, P O Box 30772, Nairobi.

‘Bird-till-you-drop’ in western Kenya

So... World BirdWatch ‘97 — and the choice of almost anywhere in Kenya to
aim for in order to get the most species and, in particular, to cover as many
species as possible that others won’t see so as to bump up the national total
(we’re competing with those South Americans after all!) A safari in the new
Dept. Land Rover and western Kenya looks like the place to go — a LOT of
mega birds that no-one else will find as they’re restricted to that area only —
you KNOW it makes sense!! In fact the safari was pretty totally mega over all...
the sites we got to — ones I’ve only dreamed of visiting! Let me continue with
the full account — are you sitting comfortably?!

We set off on Friday am (3 October) about one and half hours late (what’s
new?!) and with.a fully loaded vehicle. Passengers included our team of four
(myself, Peter Njoroge (‘Mr Important Bird Areas’, Kenya), Ogeto Mwebi
(osteologist but mega-keen birder really), and a Chinese lady, Xu, a reporter
from a Chinese Government newspaper who wanted to cover the event and was
very keen to visit the places we were planning to go to — an interesting
combination and one that proved to add to the fun of the weekend!) and two
other teams who we dropped at various places along the route to the Sio River in
Busia, right on the border with Uganda, the site of the Blue Swallow roost and a
host of other goodies. We’d been given sketch maps by Don Turner of where to
find particular sites that were good for certain species that were difficult/
impossible to find elsewhere in Kenya... and headed straight for them without
faffing around at other sites — time being the main limiting factor.

As we pulled out of the Museum and down the hill past the Casino I noticed
a raptor in the sky: YES! an Ayres’s Hawk Eagle — one of Kenya’s rarer eagles
and a great start to the safari! We arrived at the Sio River with just 40 mins or so
left of daylight to swot up a bit on the calls of some of the birds there — Yellow-

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 23

throated Leaflove, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Olive-bellied Sunbird... so that in
the morning when the manic birding began we could clock them up faster (and I
never thought I go twitching!). We camped that night in the compound of an old
Mzee who lived right next to the river near the road and who was very happy to
see Njoro again (he’d been here last year on a survey for Blue Swallows). Xu
had brought a few tins of Chinese food (interesting...!) to complement the bread
and milk we’d bought for supper (and breakfast, and lunch...) and which we ate
by the light of two red candles she’d also brought. All very civilised. However,
I’m not really sure Xu knew what she was in for — we were doing the trip on a
strictly survival basis with no luxuries and full-time birding (naturally)... and
she’d never even slept in a tent before (let alone eaten in a kiosk, sampled
mandazis, nor even much used a knife and fork, etc.)! Nonetheless she survived
fine and lived to tell the tale (literally...) and has actually done some birding of
her own since then (how’s that for effective propaganda?)

Next morning, up at 5:30 am and listening for owls and nightjars. First bird
was a calling Black-shouldered Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis nigriscapularis
(a race of Fiery-necked Nightjar on the East African list), and then Copper
Sunbirds and the rest of the avian population realised it was dawn and let loose
in a glorious dawn chorous. We were desperately trying to identify all that we
could (and struggling since we were all new to that side of Kenya). Even so we
picked up the Leaflove soon, Winding Cisticnla, Grey-capped Warbler, African
Pygmy Kingfisher, White-crested Turaco, and as the morning progressed some
other real specialities including Honey Buzzard, Compact Weaver, a possible
Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-
Shrike, Green Crombec and so on. A Grasshopper Buzzard glided past at c. 80 ft
altitude giving classic views — fantastic, and the first record for western Kenya!
We had a cassette recorder and microphone with us and recorded a few calls
which we have since been able to identify back at base — the best being Red-
chested Flufftail. We dipped badly on a few species including the Blue Swallow
(whose roost site is becoming smaller and smaller as shambas encroach on it...
though it was a bit late in the year for them too) and Locustfinch (a tiny wee
thing that may be hard to track down unless you know exactly where to find it).
By 10:30 am things were quietening down and we headed back to camp for
some (by now sour!) milk and a delicious slice or two of bread with the remains
of tinned chillied Chinese cabbage, adding African Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-
fronted Tinkerbird to the list as we ate.

From there, a mad dash to the border town of Busia and along a murram road
that follows the border with Uganda north to Malaba, the next border crossing
30-40 km away. By now it was stinking hot, but we still managed to see Black
Bishop, Black-headed Gonolek, a Great Snipe (a rare Palaearctic migrant and

24 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

my first for Kenya), and a Croaking Cisticola. Not a lot was moving by now and
it was therefore a swift drive north watching for anything perched on the
telegraph wires (Long-crested Eagle, Augur Buzzard etc.) to the agricultural
town of Kitale. By now we were beginning to feel the effects of the pace a bit
but still going. We circled the small village of Kiminini searching hard for
Heuglin’s Masked Weaver — only known from this part of the country — but in
vain. A few weaver nests that could have been theirs, but no birds. A brief stop
in Kitale for more bread and milk (what a great diet!) and then on to Sirikwa
Guest House near the Cherangani Mountains and the legendary Kongelai
Escarpment — an amazing number of species occur only there in Kenya.
Sirikwa Guest House is a beautiful place, an old farm house set in a garden
surrounded with old forest trees, lawns and bright flower beds and as a result,
loads of birds. It belongs to Mrs Jane Barnley who operates it as a camp site and
small guest house, with guests having delicious meals in the house with her.
There’s another legend there, Maurice Sinyereri, the incredibly knowledgeable
resident bird guide. We arrived at around six in the evening in time for a cup of
tea before heading out with Maurice to try and scoop up some nightjars on the
roads. This was a dismal failure as the roads were full of people returning from
market and it was also very dry, not encouraging birds to sit on the road as they
do during the rains. No worries... back to a amazing English-style dinner
(another first for Xu) and stories of life in pre-war Kitale when the Barnleys first
moved there - very little cultivation at all (it’s totally covered in maize fields
now); instead, grass and Acacia trees and masses of elephant, lion, buffalo,
giraffe etc. They generously put us up in their spacious tents, pitched on a stone
base with a thatch roof and comfortable beds — very nice, and hard to get out of
at 5:10 am the next day!

Still, we were away by 5:30 am on Sunday heading 40 or so km along rough
back roads to Kanyarkwat, another legendary site (there’s lots of legends in this
area!) right on the Ugandan border at the base of Mt Elgon. This is the only
known site in Kenya for Foxy Cisticola and White-breasted Cuckoo-Shrike and
is one of the best places for Boran Cisticola, Orange-winged Pytilia, Yellow-
bellied Hyliota, Heuglin’s Masked Weaver, Black-billed Barbet and Lesser Blue-
eared Starling, just to mention a few. We arrived there just as the sun was rising,
in totally beautiful golden light with incredible views looking north and west to
some dramatic hills just inside Uganda, as well as Mt Elgon right there above us
and yet again a fantastic dawn chorus. We had to report first to an army outpost
which is there to try and keep cattle thieves from Uganda out of the area —
cattle rustling remains a problem in that part of the world. The whole area
immediately to the north is like no-mans land with no-one there at all because of
the fear of raiding. As a result, the grass is as tall as a man, all golden yellow at

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 25

the time and stunning in the bright sun with the wind blowing it into ripples of
gold. And then the BIRDS... just incredible. Even as we were waiting for the
army commander to come to talk to us (in a T-shirt and shorts and chewing a red
tooth-brush) there were Heuglin’s Masked Weavers building nests (so we got it
after all!) and Lesser Blue-eared Starlings in the tree over the office! We saw a
LOT of the specialities for the area, many of them lifers for us including the two
we were really hoping to see, the Foxy Cisticola (a lovely little rufous cisticola
and one of the easier ones to id) and the Orange-winged Pytilia, but we also had
Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Black-billed Barbet, Brown-backed
Woodpecker, and Brown Babblers, amongst others. We didn’t clean up
completely, dipping badly on the White-breasted Cuckoo-Shrike which I was
really hoping to see and the Black Tit which should also occur there, as well as
Green-backed Eremomela which at other times can be quite common there.
However, it was just a joy to be out in such a beautiful place and seeing such
awesome birds! From there (having had a scrumptious picnic lunch prepared by
Mrs Barnley) we headed back to a swamp set further back from the Kongelai
escarpment to pick up another local specialty, Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird.
Here we also found a Banded Snake Eagle sitting in a tree and peering down
into the water below it as if it was trying to decide whether its reflection really
WAS what it looked like.

Lastly, in the three hours before sunset, we made a dash for the famous
Kongelai escarpment to get Yellow-billed Shrike, Black-cheeked Waxbill, more
White-crested Turacos, Double-toothed Barbet and the local race of Rattling
Cisticola. We got them all, but missed the Stone Partidge that (every other day)
normally call at dusk at the base of the scarp. It was a great way to finish the day
though, sitting on a rock part way up the escarpment looking north into ‘the hot
country’ with its flat plains broken by jagged hills, in the fading evening light
with the wonderful sound of White-crested Turacos and.a band of Brown
Babblers going to roost. Just as it got dark, several African Scops Owls started
calling and a Freckled Nightjar landed on a rock overhanging the road 20 m
away, called briefly, and then sat there for a minute or so before flitting off to
start foraging — beautiful. So it was back to the Barnleys’ for another stunning
English dinner of roast chicken and steamed pudding followed by more
stimulating conversation and at last a welcome sleep — the end of World
BirdWatch ’97 (or at least the official bit — we did spend several hours the next
morning trying to find Spotted Creeper, sadly without success!).

The final outcome of the weekend for us was 219 species recorded on the two
days of official watching (and about another 25 or so on the journey to and fro)
which we were pretty chuffed with. We all had a load of new species and had a
_LOT of fun in the process too! — Colin Jackson, P O Box 383 ,Watamu.

26 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Head in the clouds in the Aberdares and Kinangop

Only about half awake, in pre-dawn darkness on 4 October, Muchane Muchai
and I left the farm in North Kinangop were we had spent the night. Our task —
to track down the highland ‘specials’ of Kinangop and the Aberdares and make
sure they made it on to the World Birdwatch list. Today we were heading for the
mountains. As the light gathered, an early Rufous-naped Lark flew up from the
road in surprise and birds began to move and call. Soon Muchai was busy
scribbling down names as we bumped and lurched along the dusty track:
Hunter’s Cisticola bubbling in duet, a distant honking of Hadada Ibis, the harsh
croaks of Cape Rooks. Daylight also revealed an unpromising spectacle in the
distance — the Aberdares shrouded from top to bottom in dense, grey rain
clouds.

We had cleverly taken a short-cut to avoid a stretch of the spine-jarring main
road to Ndunyu Njeru, which is particularly agonising in an old Hilux pick-up. It
seemed like a good idea, and indeed would have been if I hadn’t managed to
take a wrong turn and driven 20 km in the wrong direction (down an even more
spine-jarring stretch of track) before realising that Something Wasn’t Quite
Right. So it was bump-bump-thump-bump all the way back and round, with the
clock ticking away, no birds in sight and no sign of the clouds dispersing either.
Eventually regaining the main road, we stopped just after Murungaru town in a
swampy valley and added Sharpe’s Longclaw, Grassland Pipit and Red-capped
Lark. No less than six different species of hirundines appeared in an old gravel
quarry just beyond and our spirits started to pick up along with the list.

More bump-bump-bump, with pauses to follow up on interesting blobs in the
distance, to Ndunyu Njeru (at which stage the track to the Aberdares gives up
the pretence of being a proper road entirely). We stopped in a damp depressing
drizzle at the edge of the forest reserve, in open land with a few patches of
juniper, to look and listen. Despite the weather, here were Golden-winged and
Malachite Sunbirds, Grey and Chestnut-throated Apalis, and Mountain Yellow
Warbler. Then it was a slow climb up the slope, pausing here and there in the
enveloping cloud to try and pick up a movement or a call. The western scarp of
the Aberdares is much steeper than the eastern, so the road only passes through a
short stretch of forest, much of which is in fact bamboo — not rich in birds even
in the best of weather. Nonetheless, the list was piling up, with Eastern Double-
collared Sunbird and Brown Woodland Warbler singing away, flocks of Yellow-
bellied Waxbills flitting along the verges and coveys of Jackson’s Francolin (one.
of our special target species) scurrying off into the mist.

A pleasant surprise awaited at the top, as the cloud rolled away and glittering
sunbirds flitted about sipping from the Kniphofia flowers. We added Tacazze

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 27

Sunbird to the list and presented the KWS officer at the gate with some World
Birdwatch stickers. To our dismay, he looked rather bemused and asserted that
he knew nothing about the event. With great efficiency, though. he placed a
quick radio call to park headquarters, established our bona fides, and in no time
we were waved through.

Now we were up on the moorland proper. Mountain Chats perched
confidingly by the road, flashing their white tail feathers, and a Green Sandpiper
and a pair of African Black Ducks bobbed about on a weed-covered stream. Our
target bird here was Aberdare Cisticola and, suddenly, there they were! — only a
few kilometres into the park, a little group in a patch of dry tussock grass at the
edge of the Erica scrub. We feasted our eyes and ears and finally drove on,
feeling that the day could only be downhill from here. A long circuit around the
moorland indeed yielded very little new. Moorland Francolins proved elusive
and all the buzzards were ordinary Augurs, rather than the Mountain we were
hoping for. Taking a late lunch at the Queen’s Cave waterfall we watched
Slender-billed Chestnut-winged Starlings having an afternoon splash — but no
sign, alas, of the African Green Ibis that are supposed to nest here once in a
while. A last attempt on Mountain Buzzard at the Gura and Karura Falls yielded
dividends, as a splendid specimen floated across above us,:calling loudly. But
the clouds were closing in again and it was time to go.

Sunday morning back on the farm was more relaxed — taking a ‘late’
breakfast, at around 6:00, we chalked up a dozen or so new calls while sipping
our tea, including Dusky Turtle Dove and Yellow-crowned Canary. Dominic
Kaburu and a friend from Ruteere School Wildlife Club joined us in exploring
the woodland at the escarpment edge, which yielded Red-throated Wryneck,
Brown Parisoma, Black-throated Wattle-eye and Northern Double-collared
Sunbird, an Ayres’s Eagle and a Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk overhead. Then
it was time to knuckle down to the real work of the day — the search for
Jackson’s Widowbird and Wing-snapping Cisticola. We didn’t have much hope
for the widowbird, given the pathetically dry conditions and the fact that no-one
had seen them around recently. But the cisticola surely would tum up — or
would it? After hours and hours and hours of tramping across desiccated pasture,

‘with scarcely a blade of grass in sight, we weren’t so sure. Finally, as we limped
along one flank of Kimani Mbae dam, a tiny, almost tail-less bird flew up from a
little clump of tussock grasses and landed about 40 m away. The cisticola — at
last!

All the day, Kinangop seemed to be alive with birdwatchers. As well as
groups from the ‘Friends of Kinangop Plateau’, we encountered several teams of
students with their notebooks and pencils. The birds at the dam must have
wondered what on earth was going on, as one birding group replaced another in

28 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

quick succession. It was wonderful to see so many people spending a day out
watching birds and feeling part of the event. :

The swampy area at the dam outlet produced African Snipe, a fine group of
Levaillant’s Cisticola and a big flock of Long-tailed Widowbirds, while Black-
winged Plovers flew about with high-pitched cries nearby. This seemed a good
point to retire, and we did so, dusty and footsore, for a well-earned cup of tea.
As the shadows thickened over the Rift Valley came the liquid, haunting call of a
Montane Nightjar — and the last species for our World Birdwatch list. — Leon
Bennun, P O Box 40658, Nairobi.

= eS

.-—
NS

Soe

Vi,
WW) 2

Water Thick-knee — Edwin Selempo

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 29

Birding in the Samburu, Buffalo Springs &
Shaba National Reserves

Dave Richards
P O Box 24545, Nairobi

For years these three Reserves, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in
northern Kenya, have attracted visitors to view the wildlife, particularly the
endangered Grevy’s Zebra, elegant Gerenuk, beautiful Reticulated Giraffe, herds
of Beisa Oryx and the peaceful herds of Elephant bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro
River. And not forgetting the big cats — Lion, Leopard and Cheetah — which
can all be seen here on a visit of a few short days. The altitude of the,Reserves
ranges from 850 m -1,250 m and the climate is hot and dry, with an annual
rainfall averaging around 350 mm. The rains, which in some years can be very
heavy, making driving difficult, fall mainly during April and November. The
dominant habitat consists mainly of thorny scrubland, with areas of Acacia
tortilis, but along the Ewaso Nyiro River there is an ever-shrinking band of
riverine vegetation consisting of Acacia elatior, Tana River Poplar Populus
ilicifolia and the distinctive Doum Palm — the only palm tree in the world with
a divided trunk. Apart from the river, the Reserves are generally well-watered,
having a number of smatl permanent streams and waterholes and a few swamps,
all of which attract wildlife, including birds, particularly when the Ewaso Nyiro
dries up. The birdlife in this wonderful area is spectacular with such specialities
as Pygmy Falcon, Somali Bee-eater, Golden-breasted Starling, Vulturine
Guineafowl, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Somali Courser (split recently from
Cream-coloured Courser) and Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver all easily
seen. Other notable birds occurring here are White-headed Mousebird, Pygmy
Batis, Yellow-vented Eremomela, Bare-eyed Thrush, Pink-breasted and Fawn-
coloured Larks, Golden Pipit and Somali Golden-breasted Bunting. Something
like 400-plus species have been recorded.

The Samburu National Reserve, at 165 km? the smallest of the three Reserves,
lies to the north of the Ewaso Nyiro River and west of the Isiolo-Marsabit road.
The land rises gently from the river to the base of several steep, rocky hills, on
one of which a pair of Verreaux’s Eagles regularly nest. The scrubland below the
hills is a good place to find Somali Bee-eater and Yellow-billed Hornbill,
Spotted Thick-knee and Rosy-patched Bush-Shrike, whilst upstream from
Samburu Lodge Bristle-crowned and Golden-breasted Starlings can often be
found feeding on the fruits of the Henna bush Lawsonia inernis. Sitting in any of

30 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

the taller trees are likely to be Eastern Pale-chanting Goshawk, the tiny Pygmy
Falcon, or even a Martial Eagle. Martials often prey on Vulturine Guineafowl,
and I once came across one mantling over an adult Kori Bustard in this area. A
good place to find Vulturine Guineafowl is just a few kilometres downstream
from Samburu Lodge where they seem to have lost all fear of vehicles and can
be watched and photographed quite easily. This area is also a good spot to see
the tiny Crested Francolin and the very common Yellow-necked Spurfowl. The
grounds of Samburu Lodge are good for birds such as Rufous Chatterers and
Spotted Morning Thrush, and more unusual species like Narina Trogon and
Hartlaub’s Turaco have been recorded there in the past. If visiting the Lodge

Somali Bee-eater — Edwin Selempo

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 31

during the day, take a look over the river to the Leopard bait, where it is not
unusual to see a Palm-nut Vulture feeding on any leftover meat. Along the river
banks look for Water Thick-knee, Spur-winged and Three-banded Plovers, and
the odd migrant wader — Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper.
The lodge is also a good spot for weavers, with both Black-headed and Golden
Palm Weavers nesting in the trees here during the rains.

The Buffalo-Springs National Reserve (131 km?) lies due south of Samburu
National Reserve and consists mainly of a gently rolling plain with areas of
Acacia tortilis. This reserve is well watered by the Isiolo and Ngare Mara rivers,
the Buffalo Springs themselves and, of course, the Ewaso Nyiro River. Here,
look out for Black-capped Social Weavers, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver
and the ever present White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, without forgetting the
showy White-headed Buffalo-Weavers whose untidy stick nests are often taken
over by Pygmy Falcons. The drier areas of this reserve are the places to look for
Pink-breasted and Fawn-coloured Larks. The Pink-breasted'can usually be found
singing from the tops of bushes or small trees whilst the Fawn-coloured are
mostly found on the ground. In the riverine woodland look for Verreaux’s Eagle
Owls which roost during the day high in the larger trees. In contrast, the tiny
Pearl-spotted Owlet is usually found lower down in the thicker bush, where it is
often mobbed by Grey-headed Sparrows and Slate-coloured Boubous. Any
imitation of the owlet’s call will usually bring this small owl into view and often
~ahost of other birds which come to mob the ‘bird’ making the call. This area is
also good for Grey-headed Kingfisher, Lilac-breasted and Rufous-crowned
Rollers, and White-bellied Go-away-Bird.

Along the open banks of the river you will find White-throated and Little Bee-
eaters — the White-throated have occasionally nested here too. The Springs area
is a good place to focus on with African Darter and Long-tailed Cormorant often
seen. Chestnut-bellied and Black-faced Sandgrouse come to the water around
8:30 to 9:00 most mornings whilst the rarer Lichtenstein’s, in contrast, arrive in
the late afternoon. The best place to find the Somali Courser is the open
grassland area near the Springs where there are many vehicle tracks, often
making it easy to drive up quite close to them. If the coursers are not in this area
during your visit, drive away from the springs and check out the large area of
open, dry grassland to the south. However, there are fewer tracks here and so
finding the birds can be very difficult. Another speciality in this area is the Red-
necked Falcon, which can sometimes be seen sitting on one of the many Doum
Palms, with which the species is often associated.

32 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

At

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Spotted Thick-knee — Edwin Selempo

One of my favourite
areas is along the

Ngare Mara River,

with its reedbeds and
many marshy pools.
Here one can find
Green-backed He-
rons, Black-crowned
Night Herons, White-
browed Coucal, Mal-
achite Kingfisher and
Black Crake, plus (at
the right time of the
year) many migrant
waders. Most years
there is at least one
migrant Great Snipe
present, {.odm y'i997
thousands of Chest-
nut Weavers and
Chestnut Sparrows
nested along the river
in this same area. All
the activity attracted
the attention of sev-
eral Gabar Goshawks
which spent _ their
time raiding. the
nests, causing panic
among the nesting
birds.

Shaba National
Reserve (239 km?) is
south of the Ewaso

Nyiro River but on the eastern side of the Isiolo-Marsabit road. It is. very,
different from the other two reserves, as here the Ewaso Nyiro flows through
narrow gorges and the generally flat landscape is dominated by the brooding
presences of Mt Bodech and Shaba Hill. There are many springs and swamps
but most of them contain bitter-tasting water. Although most of the birds already

33

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

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34 ° Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

mentioned occur here, they do not appear to be as common or as plentiful as in
the other Reserves. Specialities occurring here are Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse
(most frequently seen during the rains at pools of rain water on the roads), Fan-
tailed Raven, Lanner Falcon, Crested Bustard and occasionally African
Swallow-tailed Kites. At the Shaba Sarova Lodge, you can get about the best
views possible of Bristle-crowned Starlings which fearlessly come to the bird
table. Orange-bellied Parrots are often feeding in the trees by the lodge along the
river bank — which also hold Eurasian Golden Orioles during the migration. At
this time too, it is possible to see Olivaceous Warblers in the Acacia scrub
around the lodge, and after a heavy storm, if there has been an emergence of
termites, keep an eye out for migrant falcons (Eurasian Hobbies are the most
likely, but Sooty Falcons are not out of the question). Shaba is the most
accessible site for the rare and enigmatic Williams’s Lark (see elsewhere in this
issue). .

Where to stay

Samburu N.R. has one lodge, Samburu Lodge, and two permanent tented
Camps, Samburu Intrepids Club and Larsen’s. There also is a public camp site
and a number of private camp sites.

Buffalo Springs N.R. has two lodges: the Samburu Serena, situated in the far
west of the Reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro, and Buffalo Springs
Lodge, which is ideally situated in the centre of the Reserve by a permanent
spring.

Shaba N.R. has just one lodge, the Shaba Sarova Lodge, built among a
number of permanent natural springs along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Getting there

Visiting these reserves really requires your own transport. The road from
Nairobi to Isiolo is generally good, but the road from Isiolo to the Reserve
entrance gates is badly corrugated. The roads and tracks in the Reserves are
mostly reasonable, and a few have even been graded recently. Four-wheel drive
is not really necessary (except in the rains), but a vehicle with good ground
‘clearance is advisable. Fuel is available at Samburu Lodge though it is cheaper
in Isiolo.

A last note

There are many good birding spots en route to these Reserves which may tempt
you to stop — and are often well worth pausing for. One that is certainly worth a
stop is along the road between Timau and Isiolo. During October and November,
migrant Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers can often be seen flying low over the

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 35

wheat fields, while Steppe and Tawny Eagles perch on the fence posts on the
look out for rodents. Recently ploughed fields or pasture often have
impressively large flocks of White Storks or Abdim’s Storks feeding on them.
This area is also good for Dusky Turtle Doves, which often crowd the telephone

wires along the roadside.

4,

“o>.

‘iS
2" Va TAN Bae.
6 ety,

BSN |
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Cee 4:

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4,

7.

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Bristle-crowned Starling — Edwin Selempo

36 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

The birds of prey of Ololokwi

Simon Thomsett
P O Box 42818, Nairobi

The mountain of Ololokwi, or Ol Donyo Sabache, is commonly seen on
calendars, brochures, and paintings. It provides a magnificent back drop to
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. Ololokwi refers more
to the region than the mountain, which is locally called Sabache. Despite being
so far north, it is (to.most people’s surprise) almost smack in the middle of
Kenya.

Rising to some 1,880 m, Sabache is an isolated basalt mountain lying south
of an almost continuous range of mountains that stretches into Ethiopia. It
receives sufficient rainfall on its summit to support a cedar, podocarpus and
cycad forest. It is accessible only up one side, because three-quarters of its
circumference is sheer cliff wall.

For those interested in raptors Ololokwi is alluring. It is difficult to imagine
another mountain more ideal for birds of prey, in particular the cliff dwellers. It
is strategically well placed for migrant raptors following the rift valley from the
north, and it is their last stop before the challenging flight across the hot plains.
This ‘bottleneck’ effect need not apply only to the migrants, but also to our
resident raptors undertaking local movements.

Since 1981 I have climbed it 25 times and wandered its foothills and lesser
mountains for a combined period of months. In 1991 the Peregrine Fund started
a conservation and research programme in Kenya in association with the
National Museums’ Omithology Department. I gratefully received sorely
needed funding and was given the pleasant task of identifying an important bird
of prey region. I spent not a cent in finding it, because Ol Donyo Sabache could
not be beaten.

To the raptor the most obvious feature of this area is the numerous cliffs.
Sabache itself has a cliff wall 14 km in circumference and in places nearly 500
m high. This cliff is covered with whitewash from probably thousands of years
of Riippell’s Griffon Vulture occupation. This feature can be seen from 80 km
away on the slopes of Mt Kenya with the unaided eye. Within 10 km it is
surrounded by other mountains with yet more cliff faces. All these cliffs are
home to falcons, eagles and vultures.

The top plateau of Sabache.covers some 9 km? of which 5 km? is forested.
The diversity of the area is dramatic. I once witnessed a Peregrine Falcon rocket
out of thick cold moist jungle in pursuit of a forest dwelling African Green
Pigeon. The pigeon banked and escaped, and the falcon pulled up on the edge of

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 37

the precipitous cliff and then stooped like a meteor down the cliff face until her
speed and distance almost baffled my eyes. She broke through a group of doves
on the arid scrub hundreds of metres below. In one hunting flight lasting less
than 30 seconds she had covered vastly different habitats. This is the principal
reason why Sabache has so many species of raptors.

I have recorded on the mountain and on its foothills 62 species of diurnal
birds of prey and nine species of owls. Not bad when you consider Kenya has in
total 75 diurnal birds of prey and 16 owls. Ololokwi has a greater raptor species
diversity than the entire USA!

In the forest and glades on top of Sabache one can see forest dwelling
accipiters and eagles. There is an abundance of accipiters, some of which are
notoriously difficult to tell apart. Of special interest are the Ovampo
Sparrowhawk and Shikra, and the migrant Levant and European Sparrowhawk.
My most intriguing find was a good long view of an adult European Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis flying high above skirting the forest fringes. As this is a first
record for Kenya, and the entire region I really needed to take photographs to
convince anyone to believe me.

The large falcons are exceptionally diverse. The African Peregrine Falcon is
densely packed with six pairs in less than 14 km. The Barbary Falcon is seen
sufficiently frequently and throughout the year to raise suspicions that it is a
resident. The pint-sized Taita Falcon makes its presence all too clear to the local
Peregrines by its bold and aggressive nature. Although not much larger than a
Kestrel, this powerfully built falcon has been seen to chase Peregrines and
Lanners away from what I presumed was its nest site. Unfortunately the pair of
Taitas took up residence in a deep pot-hole under an over-hang. Despite
lowering myself down a rope I could not see into this hole and had to give up
the climb.

Migrant falcons are well represented, especially during the rains. The large
and pale Saker Falcon has been seen on the summit and on the plains below. The
rare Eurasian/Russian calidus Peregrine sub-species has also been seen, on one
occasion with its smaller African relative in hot pursuit. When the termite alates
take wing the skies are full of the smaller falcon migrants. A special treat was to
observe in a mixed flock of Lesser Kestrels and Eastern Red-footed Falcons
about half a dozen Fox Kestrels. These odd kestrels breed in a broad belt
stretching from West Africa to Sudan, and had little reason to be this far south
with foreign falcons.

During this time Steppe Buzzards and Honey Buzzards are especially
common. In the ‘autumn’ passage steady streams of mixed flocks fly below the
summit heading southward, frequently accompanied by Steppe Eagles.

38 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

The eagle population is impressive. The African Hawk Eagle and Ayres’s
Hawk Eagle used to be familiar inhabitants of the summit’s cool forests. The
magnificent African Crowned Eagle used to breed in a huge nest in a dominant
cedar. But since 1984 the African Crowned Eagles have vanished, probably
because of the lethal drought of that year and the subsequent years of misuse and
fires on Sabache. Still present are the Verreaux’s Eagles. It is possible to see as
many as three separate pairs at one time, all patrolling their territories and
putting on perfect acrobatic shows. In the drainage lines below, Martial Eagles,
Tawny Eagles and Bateleurs nest. All visit the summit and fly by at, or below,
one’s level. To witness an eagle only 50 m away looking down hundreds of
metres with so impressive a back drop is a unique insight into their domain.

Perhaps the least raved-about raptor group comes into its own element here
and leaves one wondering why it seldom attracts fanatical admirers. The
Riippell’s. Griffon Vulture is described in Lewis & Pomeroy’s Bird Atlas of
Kenya as occurring on Ololokwi in thousands. From the bottom looking up one
can just make out tiny birds aloft in impressive numbers. After the three hour
hot, hearty climb you are at face level with unsurpassed fliers. They cruise by
tilting their heads to view their insignificant guest. There is a huge flat boulder
which sticks out over the main cliff like a swimming pool spring board.
Gingerly sliding your bottom out to the edge, you can dangle your feet over
hundreds of metres of strangely inviting abyes. Here you can view vultures
soaring above, level, behind and below. You look out upon (at first sight) miles
and miles of unspoiled Africa. Groups of, vultures will play ‘follow my leader’
and come at you borne aloft on the hot rising wind to shoot out one after another
at your very feet. Individuals will tuck in their wings and reach impressive
speeds, in the process creating a loud’ rushing sound. If there are no eagles or
falcons to watch, the vultures are no less awe inspiring. But there are not
thousands now, and I doubt there ever were. Instead there are between 30 and
120 Riippell’s. Egyptian Vultures are also plentiful, with three pairs nearly
always in view from the main cliff. The Lammergeyer was present in 1981, and
it was exceptionally white, but I had not seen it before nor has it appeared since.
However, it may well have been a wanderer.

In the valley forest where I camp is a huge Mackinder’s Eagle Owl. I hear
him at night as I lie awake listening to the leopards grunting, or a friendly
porcupine rummaging through my back pack. He isn’t very nice, for he eats an
inordinate number of raptors. This huge owl devoured two Steppe Buzzards and
a small accipiter, and once waited patiently for an African Harrier Hawk to rear
its single young before consuming it. Mackinder’s Eagle Owls are not supposed
to occur in the area.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 39

x 7 ;
Fi Vf —_ why
a é y on

Taita Falcon — Simon Thomsett

Even more interesting is the sighting of a tall thin owl with very long ears,
perched on a boulder above windswept tussock grass. He was not the Spotted
Eagle Owl which is common on the hills beneath and I am prepared to swear
that he was an African Long-eared Owl. But as this species occurs only in the
sub-alpine areas of the Rwenzoris and Mt Kenya and is very rare, I would have
to have better evidence than this one sighting.

There is no doubt that Sabache alone supports an extraordinary number of
raptors. Its geographical position and varied habitats account for this. The hot
plains below have many drainage lines with tall trees suitable for breeding birds
of prey. But the region is by no means pristine and it has lost some of its raptors,
most notably the African Crowned Eagle. In 1984 Ololokwi suffered a drought.
The increased number of cattle and goats, artificially augmented by new bore
holes, ate most of the available fodder on the plains, and they were then taken to
the top of the mountain. Deliberately-lit fires ravaged the hill sides and summit
in the mistaken belief that this would bring rain, eradicate ticks and improve
grazing. The cedar trees on the forest fringes died. The springs dried up, killing

40 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

the entire Cape Buffalo herd, and most of the Bushbuck, Suni, and even the
Lesser and Greater Kudu. Rhino also died, but fortunately some were rescued
and taken away. Cattle died in thousands and the local people were
impoverished. Since then there has been a similar pattern repeated each year,
with little grazing forcing cattle to the top of the mountain, and fires. Elders
lament the irresponsibility of the young moran who light the fires. Since 1995
the valley that holds the Mackinder’s Eagle Owl, African Harrier Hawk and
former African Crowned Eagle’s site has been so repeatedly torched that
undergrowth has been removed and it is unlikely that the trees will survive.

The drying up of the mountain is indicated by the distribution of Ololokwi’s
near-endemic plant. the small African Violet-like Streptocarpus exsertus.
Previously described as occurring half-way up the mountain, it is today confined
to its summit. |

Perhaps the most important feature of this otherwise sad forest is the density
and size of the cycads, Encephalartos tegulaneus. Fortunately fire-resistant,
these trees can reach a total height of 17 m and a girth of 4 m. In places these
primitive trees dominate and may achieve a density greater than that found
anywhere else. The cones and female seed pods are eaten by the young moran.
To get at them, the palm-like fronds are cut away and the tree may die asa .
result. |

Despite Ol Donyo Sabache’s apparent inaccessibility and sanctuary its forest
and resources have been over-utilized within the last decade. There are plans to
develop the region by paving the road and expanding the ranching. In so fragile
a habitat, already suffering from greatly diminished capacity to hold animals, it
is likely that the region’s natural fauna and flora will continue to decline. It is
unfortunate that these natural resources are not recognised as essential, valuable
assets that need to be nurtured for perpetuity.

In modern Kenya conservation of natural resources is an economic and
political issue. Few options are available to justify the conservation of wildlife
and natural fauna unless it creates employment. Even fewer options are available
to us to make this money, apart from tourism. The potentially negative affects of
tourism are recognised today and this gave rise to the term ‘eco-tourism’, which
indicates culturally and environmentally sensitive visitors. Ololokwi and Ol
Donyo Sabache may lose its appeal to most of us if it becomes a tourist
destination. I do not believe conventional tourism alone, as we know it today,
will so benefit the local communities as to make significant contributions to the
conservation of wildlife and to the marked improvement of local living
standards. What is clear is that wildlife and raptors are losing ground. We need
to do something very different from what we do today in order to keep our
wildlife outside protected areas.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 41

Records

compiled by Colin Jackson
PO Box 383, Watamu

This section exists for the publication of interesting observations and for updates to A Bird
Atlas of Kenya (Lewis & Pomeroy, 1989). All contributions are welcomed. If you are sending
in records for Kenya Birds, please consider the following guidelines. For (non-breeding)
records of Afrotropical, oceanic and Palaearctic birds, please send in any observations with
notes that you think are of interest (e.g. earliest/latest dates for Palaearctic and intra-African
migrants, unusual records for your area, or any unusually large or impressive movements of
birds). We are keen to publish information of this kind. Records with information other than
simply a list of birds are particularly interesting and valuable, e.g. “male singing from bush”,
or “4 seen in flock of Barn Swallows...”, or “single adult and 2 immatures roosting with other
terns” etc. The Editors will select records for publication according to the space available. All
records are useful for supplementing the computerised database of the Bird Atlas held in the
Dept. of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya, through which our maa as of bird
distribution and seasonality in Kenya will be improved. —

For breeding records, those for confirmed breeding are useful for ALL species, even the
most common ones; records of probable breeding (nest-building, courtship etc.) are only
needed for rare species or ones where there are few breeding records. For definitions and
codes of ‘confirmed’ and ‘probable’ breeding, see Kenya Birds 5(2), p. 82. Interesting records
will be published here and the others stored by the EANHS for analysis of breeding seasons,
success rates, habitat requirements etc. You are strongly urged to fill in a Nest Record Card at
_ the same time. Much more detail can be recorded on a card, and if your record can be added
to the card collection then it is of permanent value. Cards can be obtained free of charge from
the EANHS Nest Record Scheme Organiser (see back page). A report listing records
submitted to,the scheme is published alongside the Annual Bird Report by the Bird
Committee in Scopus.

For all records, including breeding records, please be as detailed as possible about dates
and locations. If you have sightings from places not easily found on the map, please take the
trouble to give the latitude and longitude of the site to as much precision as you can
(preferably the nearest second of arc or better). This will allow us to use these as we jcmetee A
Bird Atlas of Kenya.

Supporting details and descriptions are always welcome for unusual records and will
improve the chances of publication (see Kenya Birds 4(2), p. 84 for suggestions on how to
submit a record). Records of certain species are requested in particular for inclusion in this
report. These species are indicated in the new Check-list of the Birds of Kenya (EANHS 1996,
available for KSh 100/= from the EANHS office) and records should be sent to the Records
Officer at the Department of Ornithology, National Museums of Kenya. For particularly
unusual sightings, supporting details (i.e. field notes, photographs etc.) will be needed for
scrutiny by the Rarities Committee of the EANHS for the record to be accepted.

42 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Key to records

For new atlas records, the species number as given in the atlas is placed in brackets after the
name: e.g. Whinchat (A# 653). The new records themselves are indicated in square brackets.
Codes are: pres, present (first record); post pres, present (first post-1970 record); prob,
probable breeding; conf, confirmed breeding; post conf, confirmed breeding (first since
1970); e.g. [conf 25B] indicates that the species is confirmed as breeding (and is therefore
also present) in square 25B. All records are from 1997 unless otherwise indicated. Where
scientific names are not stated (here and elsewhere in Kenya Birds) the English names follow
the Check-list of the Birds of Kenya (3rd edition), EANHS, Nairobi 1996.

Overview

1997 will no doubt be remembered for the extremes in climate that it brought.
The year started with the drought which lasted until April and was followed, in
many areas, by very heavy rains creating a large number of seasonal wetlands
that stayed for some time — and were then replenished when el nifio struck even
later in the year. The seasonal wetlands so created provided ideal foraging and
breeding habitat for a number of infrequently-seen intra-African migrants as
well as local birds. As a result, and with the tireless searching by certain self-
confessed ‘crake-fanatics’, there were a good number of records of flufftails (of
most note, Streaky-breasted Flufftail), migrant crakes and many Lesser Moorhen
(found on every patch of seasonal flooding around Thika at least) including
adults with young. Endashant Swamp, a seasonal swamp in the Rift Valley
behind the Ngong Hills (near the Rifle Range) filled up really nicely producing
areas of flooded grassland and swamp — perfect habitats for water birds and
particularly crakes. It was visited by a several Nairobi-based birders (and
ringers) and turned up Striped Crake, African Crake, Lesser Moorhen, Dwarf
Bittern, Maccoa Duck (did they breed there?) and several breeding birds
including Black-necked Grebes and African Spoonbills. It was also in some
bushed grassland close to the swamp that at least two Bush Pipits were seen,
another scarce (EANHS category ‘B’) species, though it is known to occur in
this area from time to time. The second Striped Crake record — caught in a
banda at Koobi Fora not all that far from the Sudanese border in June — is a
particularly interesting record. It raises the question of where this bird was on its
way to or from, it being a) nearly 600 km further north than any other previous
record in Kenya and b) not exactly in a nice swampy wetland. Was it just a
vagrant that was lost, or could it be that there is a small population that spend
the non-breeding season in the wetlands to the north of Lake Turkana in
southern Sudan...?

Also during the rains, a pair of White-backed Night Herons was found at the
Hippo Pools in Nairobi National Park, apparently attempting to breed though the

‘Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 43

nest was washed away by some very high floods. A further attempt also failed,
due possibly to disturbance by people going too close too often. This heron,
often considered as very rare and localised, is certainly scarce and, being
nocturnal as well as very shy and secretive, is a very hard species to find.
Another species which these days has become rare is our local race of the Great
Crested Grebe, the reduction in numbers thought to be largely due to the use of
gill-nets for fishing on the lakes where the grebe used to occur. The record of
nine birds on Lake Oloidien was therefore very unusual and raises the question
of these birds come from, as they are seen very infrequently on Lake Naivasha.

Some interesting and noteworthy observations were made in Meru National
Park, in particular the Black-and-white Flycatcher found breeding (the first
breeding record in Kenya for 30 years) and the Chestnut-fronted Helmet Shrikes
seen along the western edge of the Park, the race which occurs there being
particularly scarce and localised these days. Remarkably, it appears that the nest
and eggs of Hartlaub’s Bustard have never been described. A nest found and
monitored on the Athi-Kapiti plains is thus of great interest. A full description is
to be published in Scopus.

Sabaki River Mouth continued to live up to its legendary status, turning up
Sandwich Tern and two species rare at the coast, Pied Avocet and Ruff.
Conversely, inland there were records of species normally only found at the
coast — Grey Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, and Red-necked Phalarope (which
normally winters miles out at sea, though this time was seen inland but away
from the Rift Valley lakes where it has turned up a few times in the past). Other
rare migrants reported have béen the Eurasian Wryneck at Baringo in December
1996 and a Wood Warbler at Mida Creek in March, the wryneck record being
about only the 15th for Kenya. It seemed also to be a particularly good year for
Temminck’s Stint, with at least six being found during the annual waterfowl
counts alone. There had also been quite an influx of White Wagtails, with at least
11 recorded again just during the annual waterfowl counts (and all seen at
sewage ponds). Two ‘spring’ records of Sooty Falcons are unusual in that there
are very few records of this species on its northward migration.

There have been a significant number of new Atlas records submitted for this
issue of Kenya Birds, some of which date back several years — many thanks to
those who sent in their old records. One or two areas visited produced large
numbers of new records, clearly sites which had never been visited by birders
who submitted their observations. An example of this is Kimana Game
Sanctuary with the swamp from which a waterfowl count team in January 1997
turned up 31 new Atlas records in under 24 hours! Even common species such
as African Jacana, Kittlitz’s Plover, Ruff and Common Snipe were new for the
atlas square. A good number of new records have also come from the Salt Lick

44

Kenya Birds Volume 6,.Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Game Sanctuary and around the Taita Hills Lodge, clearly another previously
under-observed area. A Black-faced Sandgrouse at Mwea National Park is a new
atlas record that is some distance out of the species’ normal range. It is worth
sending in your records even if you think that the species is common in the area
you are visiting — it is very possible that it may not have been reported from

there before.

Observations: Afrotropical species

Great Crested Grebe: | immature bird
seen with 9 ads, L. Oloidien, Naivasha,
19/9/96, G&DI; 6 at same site, 31/2, BF
— this is a high number of birds for this
species whose population has crashed
over the past 10-20 years; the immature
bird was fully fledged and so could have
flown in from a breeding site elsewhere;
a pair of this species on Nairobi Dam on
22/5, FN, is an exceptional record and
was made not long before the dam
became smothered with water hyacinth

Black-necked Grebe (A# 3): [pres 50A]
L. Baringo, 22/12/96, WGH — this
species can be very numerous on
neighbouring L. Bogoria so it is no
surprise for one to turn up on L.
Baringo; single bird, L. Oloidien, 22/1,
MMu; 300+ on L. Bogoria, 30/3, TL,
GF — this site is known to attract large
numbers of this species; a bird seen
with the previous species on Nairobi
Dam, 22/5, FN

Great White Pelican: 50 heading east
over Thigiri ridge, Nbi, 26/5, MM

Frigatebird sp.: an imm_ frigatebird,
probably a Greater Frigatebird,
observed flying northwards along
beach, Watamu, 17/3, RDG

Shoebill: probably the same bird as in
1996, reported from Amboseli, 16/7, TC

Little Bittern: 1 on pond near Loresho
Ridge, Nbi, 4/6, MM

Dwarf Bittern: L. Bogoria, 30/3, TL,
GF; Tsavo East NP, 26/4, AA; at least 1,

Endashant Swamp, 1 & 14/6; MM; 1,
Gongoni Salt Works, Malindi, 27/6, BF-
White-backed Night Heron (A# 28):
[pres 75B] a pair of this exquisite and
rare heron were present initially at
Kitengela in Jan and later at Hippo
Pools, Nbi NP, during May and were
seen by a number of people. This is the
second time it has been recorded here
(cf. Kenya Birds 3(1), p. 28) though it
was inadvertently not listed earlier as an
Atlas update. On this occasion, it
appeared as if they were going to breed,
and indeed were seen sitting on a nest
(21/3, CJ, PN, KD); however they were
not there a week later and there was
clear evidence of relatively large
numbers of people having approached
quite close to the nest tree, which may
well have caused the birds to desert;
alternatively, it may have only been a
breeding attempt (practice?), as no eggs
were ever actually reported. This acts as
a reminder to all birders to be extremely
careful when viewing nesting birds, as it
often does not take much to make them
desert. The birds were reported again
from the same site 13/4, ND, MP, BF
Little Egret (A# 35): [pres 88D] not
uncommon in the swamp, Kimana
Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.
Western Reef Heron (A# 36): [pres
114A] Beachcombers, Msambweni, 8/8/
95, WGH; 1 dark morph bird,
Ferguson’s Gulf, L. Turkana, 29/3, RB

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

45

ee)

Black Heron: Lake Elmenteita, 10/2,
AG; ‘Lake Naivasha, 23/2, MMu; L.
Baringo, 28/3, TL, GF

Madagascar Squacco Heron: | in Masai
Mara, 24/5, DR; 1 on pond, Nbi NP, 8/
6, WGH, MM |

Rufous-bellied Heron (A# 33): 1 at L.
Baringo on 27/12/96 and 3 on 7/3; 10 in
Masai Mara, 3/1; [post pres 61A] 5 .at
Awasi, near Ahero, 1/1, BF

Great Egret (A# 39): [pres 88D] in
swamp, Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.

Purple Heron (A# 41): [pres 88D] 3-4
seen in ~swamp, Kimana . Game
Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Black-headed Heron (A# 43): [pres
88D] Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.

Saddle-billed Stork: single bird
overhead, Loldia Farm, northern shore
of L. Naivasha, 12/6, JWG

Glossy Ibis (A# 56): [pres 88D] several
in swamp, Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/
1, FN, CJ et al.

Lesser Flamingo (A# 60): [pres 62D] 2
birds grounded (and later died) in the
morning after a huge storm during the
night, Kijabe, 12/4, MB — these two
must have been moving between lakes
in the Rift Valley and got caught up in
the storm, but still so little is known
about these mysterious birds

White-backed Duck: single bird on L.
Oloidien, 22/01, & a pair on the Dam
next to Sirikkwa Guest House,
Kapenguria, 5/02, MMu; 2 pairs on
coffee estate dam, Thika, 17/5, MM; 1
on dam, Karura Forest, Nbi, 28/5,
WMB

Spur-winged Goose (A# 65): [pres 88D]
small numbers in swamp, Kimana
Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Egyptian Goose (A# 64): [pres 88D]
around edge of swamp, Kimana Game
Sanctuary,.19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Red-billed Teal: 6 birds at Mida Creek
on 15/3 make an unusual record for this
‘species which. is uncommon at the
coast, RDG '

Maccoa Duck: c. 500, Kongoni Lake,
Naivasha on 13/1 and 730 counted on
17/1, BF & ‘large numbers’ at Oloidien
nearby on 22/1, MMu; up to 1 male and
2 females on Endashant Swamp, 1-14/6,
FN, WGH, MM; single bird on Nairobi
Dam, 22/5, FN — Such large numbers
as at Naivasha in Jarfuary are
unprecedented for a species that is
generally considered as_ declining.
Where did these birds come from? And
where did they go, as, merely 10 days
later during the annual waterfowl count,
not even one was observed at the same
site?

Bat Hawk: 1 in flight mid-morning,
Thika, 5/1, and another over Thigiri
Ridge, Nbi at dusk, 2/6, MM; another,
Mara Safari Club, Masai Mara NR, 1/6,
KB — an uncommon species that is not
so often seen due to its crepuscular
habits (i.e. active only at dawn and
dusk)

African Swallow-tailed Kite: a pair
foraging in Hell’s Gate NP, late
afternoon on 18/2, MV; 3 at Kapedo, 8/
3, and 2 on 15/6, BF

Brown Snake Eagle (A# 101): [post pres
61A] Homa Lime, Koru, nr. Kisumu,
almost monthly during 1996, NW

Southern Banded Snake Eagle (A#
103): [pres 114C] 1 in Mwazaro area,
just north of Shimoni, s. coast, 29/9, FN

Banded Snake Eagle: 1 near Fig Tree
Lodge, Masai Mara, 28/8, DR

46

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

African Marsh Harrier: Island Camp,

L. Baringo, 22/12/96, WGH; 1 over
flooded grassland, Thika, 23 & 24/5,
MM

African Goshawk (A# 108): [pres 51B]
Samburu NR, 25/8/96, WGH — this
represents the northern-most edge and
lowest altitude of this species’ main
range in Kenya

Little Sparrowhawk (A# 109): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, &
[pres 76C] just north-west of Sultan
Hamud, 17/2/95, WGH; single bird
flying over the Papyrus, Lake Naivasha,
23/1, & a bird seen perched in CF’s
Garden in Nbi

Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk: lone
bird seen on Ngong Hills, 9/1, DF; a
single bird, The Ark, Aberdares NP, 16/
5, DR (and seen daily by staff of The
Ark)

Grasshopper Buzzard (A# 120): [pres
63A] 3, Naro Moru, 8/12/96, BF; 5,
Yuhud dam, Wajir town, 10/3, MM

Wahlberg’s Eagle (A# 133): [pres 88C]
Amboseli NP, 30/3, WGH

Ayres’s Hawk Eagle (A# 126): [pres
114B] almost daily over Tudor Creek,
Mombasa, Oct-March ‘95-’97, MR.
This is a scarce and local bird,
considered to be mostly resident in East

' Africa, though possibly wandering in
the non-breeding season: coastal records
have tended to be scarce and irregular
— unlike this record. Due to the
scarcity of the species, relatively little is
known about its movements; southern
African birds are thought to move north
— but in the southern’ winter
(April-Aug) when this bird is absent
from Mombasa. The origin of this bird
and the reason behind its regular
movements therefore remain a mystery;

single ad over Githambwini Dam,
Thika, 22/6, CJ, JAL, KD

Martial Eagle (A# 123): [pres 101C]
Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West,
12/6, AA

Lanner Falcon (A# 146): [post pres
61A] Homa Lime, Koru, nr. Kisumu,
Nov ‘96, NW; [pres 101C] Salt Lick
Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 12/6, AA

African Hobby: imm feeding on
passerine in dead tree, Elsamere,
Naivasha, 18/2, MV; 1 capturing insects
in air, North Kinangop, 21/6 LAB

Red-necked Falcon: 2 seen _ near
Malindi, 14/7, DAT

Harlequin Quail (A# 174): [pres 101C]
Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West,
12/6, AA

Buff-spotted Flufftail: pair Kakamega
Forest, 23/6, BF

Red-chested Flufftail: as a result of
much intensive searching, MM turned
up 1 bird on 5 & 25/1 and at least 7
between 17/5-7/6 in 6 sites around
Thika; also 1 singing in reed-swamp,
Gigiri, Nbi, 1 & 3/5 and 1-2 calling in
response to tape, Nbi University dam, 8/
5; also pair calling Saiwa Swamp, 5/2,
MMu

Streaky-breasted Flufftail: at 3 sites
near Thika — 2 birds singing & a third
calling, 17/5; 2 singing, 23/5 and 5
singing, 24/5 at same site; 1 calling, 23/
5 and another 24/5 at 2 different sites,
MM, WGH; this scarce intra-African
migrant was last recorded in July 1990
— the good rains this year clearly
created areas of ideal habitat which
attracted good numbers of the both this
species and several other uncommon
intra-African migrant rallids.

African Crake: 3 individuals seen,
Masai Mara, 23-24/5, DR; ad bird

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

47

flushed several times, Nbi NP, 7/6, MM,
WGH; another ad ringed, Endashant
Swamp, 14/6, NbiRG

Striped Crake (A#): female flushed from
flooded grassland, Endashant Swamp, 1/
6, MM, WGH,; [pres 4C] adult caught
and photographed after flying into a
banda, Koobi Fora, L. Turkana, 28/6,
DK — a very scarce intra-African
migrant that is difficult to see, the latter
record being particularly interesting
being almost 600 km further north than
any previous record in East Africa. Was
this merely a vagrant that had overshot
its normal wintering grounds, or is there
a small population that spends the non-
breeding season in southern Sudan?

Allen’s Gallinule: Island Camp, L.
Baringo, 21-22/12/96, WGH; 2 seen,
24/5, and 8, including 2 imm, on 7/6,
Githumbwini Dam, Thika, MM; 3 still
present 28/6, OD

Purple Swamphen: at Githumbwini
Dam, Thika: 2 on 2/1 and up to 4 in
May, MM; 2 at same site 22/6, CJ, JAL,
KD; 1 present papyrus swamp north of
Thika, 23/5, MM .

Lesser Moorhen: to 20 present,

Githumbwini Dam, Thika, 17/5; imm .

birds also seen at same site 7/6, MM,
and 22/6, JAL, CJ, KD; 1 ad on pond
near Langata Forest, Nbi NP, 26/5, MM;
6-7 including imm bird, Endashant
Swamp, 25/5, 2/6 & 14/6, FN, CJ,
WGH; immature in NNP, 23/6, BF; also
observed on L. Baringo, 4-5/8, Ch] —
another intra-African migrant that is not
often seen but that can be relatively
common in a year with good rains (such
as this) —

African Finfoot: 1 at Malu Camp, Masai
Mara, 16/2, RB

Denham’s Bustard: a pair by the road,
Naro Moru, 3/3, BF — this threatened
species is thought to now number less
than 300 individuals in Kenya, so all
records are of value

Kori Bustard (A# 209): [pres 101C] Salt
Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 12/
6, AA

Crested Bustard (A# 206): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH

African Jacana (A# 211): [pres 88D]
several seen on swamp, Kimana Game
Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Lesser Jacana: L. Naivasha, 23/1, MMu

Greater Painted-snipe (A# 213): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH;; several birds seen including one
ringed, Endashant Swamp, 25/5, 2/6 &
14/6, FN, MM, WGH, NbiRG; present
on Nairobi Dam, 22/5, ; Single
female, Safariland Hotel, L. ‘Naivasha,
at er"

Pied Avocet: 2 birds at Sabaki River
mouth on 19/3 are very unusual as this

. Species is rare along the coast, RDG

Black-winged Stilt (A# 267): [pres 88D]
common around edge. of swamp,
Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ
et al.

Spotted Thick-knee (A# 275): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH; [pres 15C] Kalacha, Chalbi
Desert, Sept. ‘96, MB

Heuglin’s Courser (A# 280): [pres
101C] Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo
West, 12/6, AA

Temminck’s Courser (A# 278): [post
pres 88D] single bird near Mbirikani
(Makutano) centre, 28/5, CJ

Collared Pratincole (A# 288): [pres
88D] 15-20 birds, Kimana Game
Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

48

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Kittlitz’s Plover (A# 234): [pres 88D]
not uncommon, Kimana Game
Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Chestnut-banded Plover (A# 230): [pres
88C] 1 at Amboseli NP, 19/8, DR

Caspian Plover: Game Ranching Co,
Athi River, 3/4, WV, TM — common in
Masai Mara, this is an uncommonly
reported species from the Athi-Kapiti
plains

Blacksmith Plover (A# 217): [pres 62C]
Game Ranching Co., Athi River, 3/4,
WV & T™M

Spur-winged Plover: a few birds in grass
by water, Nguuni Farm, Bamburi,
Mombasa, 8/3, MR

Senegal Plover: 2 near Aitong, Masai
Mara, 29/7, DR

Roseate Tern (A# 306): [pres 114A]
offshore from Green Oasis Hotel,
Msambweni, 19/6, AA

White-cheeked Tern (A# 308): [pres
114A] Beachcombers, Msambweni, 8/8/
95, WGH

Black-faced Sandgrouse (A# 319): [pres
63D] Mwea NP, 25/3/95, WGH — this
record is some way out of range for the
species which is not known from the
upper Tana River area.

Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse: a bird at L.
Bogoria represents the south-western
extreme of this species range, 31/3, KD

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (A# 322):
[pres 88D] Kimana Game Sanctuary,
19/1, FN, CJ et al

Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon: pair in
Arboretum, Nbi, 13/4; pair seen Thigiri
ridge on both 19/4 and 26/5 and single
bird same site, 22/6, MM

Speckled Pigeon (A# 324): [pres 15C]
around Kalacha centre, Chalbi Desert,
Sept. ‘96, MB; [pres 88D] Kimana, 19/
1, FN, CJ et al

Feral Pigeon (A# 323): [pres 88D].
common in Kimana centre, 19/1, FN,
CJ et al; [pres 114A] Green Oasis Hotel,
Msambweni, 19/6, AA

African White-winged Dove: abundant
around Ramu, only a few at Mandera,
23/4, BF

African Grey Parrot: 6 birds observed
for 2 minutes playing in top of dead
tree, garden. of Rondo Retreat Centre,
Kakamega Forest, 30/1, MMu

Purple-crested Turaco: pair at Blue
Posts Hotel, Thika, 2/3, BF — this rare
and restricted turaco is rapidly declining
and endangered in Kenya

White-bellied Go-away-bird: NNP, 13/
4, ND, MP & BF — arare bird for the
NNP

Great Spotted Cuckoo: at Oltepesi,
Magadi-Nbi road, 22/5, SP, EO, HH

Black Cuckoo (A# 366): [pres 91B]
Lamu, 22/4, WGH — this species is
rare along the Kenya coast

White-faced Scops Owl (A# 384): [pres
50B] observed in Acacia tortilis by dry
sand lugga, Ol Malu Ranch, Laikipia, 1/
1, SS; [pres 75D] heard persistently
calling through the night, Melepo Hills,
Kajiado, 23/2, CJ, J&JW — this is the
first record for this species in Kajiado
District and some 100 km from the
nearest previous record

African Wood Owl (A# 389): [pres 62D]
Kieni Forest, 25/1, WGH, MM, RR

Donaldson-Smith’s Nightjar: common
and very vocal, Lewa Downs, 19-21/2,
BF

Freckled Nightjar: 1+ singing at night
along rocky escarpment beside
Endashant Swamp13/6, CJ, MM

Gabon Nightjar (A# 408): [pres 114A]
Beachcombers; Msambweni, 8/8/95,
WGH

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

49

ae :

Slender-tailed Nightjar (A# 406): [pres
62D] a single bird photographed on the
ground, Kijabe, 17/4, MB — this
observation at c.2,220 m., is one of the
highest altitudinal records for this
species

Mottled Swift (A# 416): [pres 38C] the
only species of swift observed in the
area, Suguta River, Kapedo, 31/5, AG

White-rumped Swift (A# 422): [pres
88D] Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.

Horus Swift (A# 423): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH;
several groups seen along Mara River,
Masai Mara, 23-24/5, DR

Little Swift (A# 424):
Kimana, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

White-headed Mousebird: at Kurungu,
South Horr, 14/11/96, KD, MB; 3-4
birds seen, c. 3 km south of Mbirikani
(Makutano) centre, nr Kimana 28/2, AS,
CJ — the latter record represents the
less common race leucocephalus which

[pres 88D]

is distinct from turneri of Samburu and °

further north

Malachite Kingfisher (A# 434): [pres
88D] not uncommon around swamp,
Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ
et al.

Madagascar Bee-eater (A# 446): [pres
61C] flock with immatures, Arroket Tea
Estate, Sotik, 4/8, IF

Carmine Bee-eater (A# 452): [pres 88D]
single bird, Kimana Game Sanctuary,
19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Blue-breasted Bee-eater: 4 on 31/12/96
& 2 on 11/3 at Sio River near Nambale,
BF

Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater (A# 444):
[pres 52C] c. 5 birds near Kindani River
Camp, Meru NP, 30/3, AG — this
species is quite common on_ the

Nyambeni hills just to the west of the
site these birds were seen .

Lilac-breasted Roller (A# 455): [pres
15C] Kalacha, Chalbi Desert, Sept. ‘96,
MB

Rufous-crowned Roller (A# 456): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH

Green Wood-hoopoe (A# 459): [pres
101C] Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo
West, 12/6, AA

Southern Ground Hornbill: a single
bird in NNP on 13/4 and probably the
same individual on 23/4 is unusual for
this species, BF, ND, MP-

White-eared Barbet: Ziwani
Camp, L. Jipe, 28/5, AA

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (A# 495):
[pres 63D] Mwea NP, 25/3/95, WGH

Hairy-breasted Barbet: 2 pairs seen,
Rondo Retreat Centre / Isecheno area,
Kakamega Forest, 25-30/1, MMu

Red-fronted Barbet (A# 482): [pres
62Bj Solio Ranch, Laikipia, 15/6, AG

Tented

Lesser Honeyguide (A# 501): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH

Pallid Honeyguide (A# 505): 1 foraging
around base of tree, Hippo Pools,
NNP, 8/4, BF; single bird, Sekenani
Camp, Masai Mara, 5/8, CJ

Eastern Honeybird (A# 508): [pres
62D] Kieni Forest, 6/9, WGH, MM, JJ

Wahlberg’s Honeybird (A# 509): [post
pres 88D] single bird, Oloorsikitok hill,
Mbirikani (Makutano) centre, 28/5,
LAB |

Nubian Woodpecker (A# 512): [pres
15C] Kalacha, Chalbi Desert, Sept. ‘96,
MB

Grey Woodpecker (A# 522): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L.. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH; [pres
49A] Sergoit Rock, Iten, 8/10/95, CK

50

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

African Broadbill: 2 birds calling,
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, 25/1, DF; pair
calling same location, 21/2, MMu;
single bird seen displaying, 1 km west
of Rondo Forest Retreat, Kakamega, 23/
6, DH;

Red-winged Lark (A# 531): [pres 101C]
Taita Hills Lodge, 1/6/94, WGH

Somali Short-toed Lark: 6 birds seen at
Mt. Suswa, 22/6, BF — this is the first
record for this species from the area for
10-15 years.

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark (A#
547): [pres 91C] 2 or 3 groups of birds
seen c.50 km north of Malindi towards
Tana River Delta, 14/2, MMu — this is
the first record from the coastal
lowlands for over 25 years though has
been infrequently recorded from the
Tana Delta

Plain (Af. Sand) Martin (A# 549): [pres
88D] Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.

Grey-rumped Swallow: 2 at Gilgil, 15/5,
KB

Blue Swallow: 1 ad at Sio River, near
Madende, 19/6, BF

Wire-tailed Swallow (A# 552): [pres

87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH
Ethiopian Swallow (A# 554): [pres

114A] Beachcombers, Msambweni, 8/8/
95, WGH

Red-rumped Swallow (A# 556): [pres
101C] Taita Hills Lodge, 1/6/94, WGH

Mosque Swallow (A# 557): [pres 49A]
Sergoit Rock, Iten, 8/10/95, CK

White-headed Saw-wing (A# 565): [pres
49B] seen at Kormor, Kerio Valley, 29/
3, MB

Golden Pipit (A# 824): [pres 50C] an
unusually western record at L. Bogoria,
31/3, KD, MB

Malindi Pipit (A# 823): [post pres 91B]
single bird on Lamu Airstrip, 22-23/4,
WGH

Bush Pipit: at least 2 birds watched
down to 10 m., near Endashant Swamp,
2/6 and 14/6, CJ, MM, WGH ©

Pangani Longclaw: Game Ranching Co.,
Athi River, 3/4, WV & TM; NNP, 13/4,
BF, ND, MP — this is an infrequently
recorded species on the Athi Plains

Rosy-breasted Longclaw (A# 827):
[pres 88C] Amboseli NP, 30/3, WGH —
an unusual record for this partially
nomadic species, some way out of
normal range; possibly a wanderer
attracted to the water at Amboseli at the
end of a very long dry period

Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul: found to
be resident along Leopard Cliffs, NNP,
BF

Grey-olive Greenbul (A# 629): resident
(?) below Leopard Cliffs, NNP, first
recorded 23/2, BF

Northern Brownbul: apparently
undescribed population along Ewaso
Nyiro River, Shombole, early ‘97, BF

Arrow-marked Babbler (A# 601): [pres
61C] group in garden, Arroket Estate,
Sotik, 24/5/96, IF

Brown Babbler (A# 602): [post pres
49D] Eldama Ravine, 7-10/4, MB; also
at Kabarnet Hotel, Kabarnet, 9/8, FN

Scaly Babbler: numerous at Ramu in
rank scrub, particularly nr Daua River,
23/4, BF

Rufous Chatterer (A# 595): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH

Scaly Chatterer (A# 596): [pres 75D]
many sightings along Magadi Road
from first bridge to Olorgesailie, early
1997, BF :

Grey-winged Robin: Saiwa Swamp NP,
24/6, DH

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 51

a I EE IE I I EE IE SE IEE ILI FICE LI EAE SELES EE ES

Cape Robin-Chat (A# 670): [pres 74C]
Sekenani Camp, Masai Mara, 4/8, CJ
Brown-chested Alethe (A# 663): [pres
63B] 1 seen, Meru Forest, 26/12/96, BF
Riippell’s Robin-Chat (A# 667): [post
pres 62D] Kieni Forest, 25/1, WGH,

MM, RR

White-browed Robin-Chat (A# 666):
[pres 51B] Samburu-Buffalo Springs
NR, 2/4/94, & [pres 114A]
Beachcombers, Msambweni, 8/8/95, &
[pres 63D] Mwea NP, 25/3/95, WGH

White-browed Scrub Robin (A# 656):
[pres 114A] Beachcombers,
Msambweni, 8/8/95, WGH

Brown-backed Scrub_ Robin: pair
present Karura Forest, Nbi, April/May,
MM; singing male in scrubland just
west of Thika, 28/6, FN

Capped Wheatear (A# 636): [pres 63C]
Blue Valley area near Rupingazi River,
Embu, 10/4, GTN,

Northern Anteater Chat (A# 653): [post
pres 49D], Eldama Ravine, 7-10/4, MB

Gambaga Flycatcher: 2, Kerio Valley, 9/
3, BF

Chapin’s Flycatcher: pair “always in
same location just east of Ikuywa
Bridge”, Kakamega Forest, BF

African Grey Flycatcher (A# 793):

_ [pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/
94, WGH; [pres 62B] Solio Ranch, 15/
6, AG

Pale Flycatcher (A# 792): [pres 51B]
Samburu-Buffalo Springs NR, 2/4/94,
& [pres 52C] Meru NP, 7/4/96, WGH

Lead-coloured Flycatcher: L. Baringo,
28/3, TL; GF — this is an uncommon
and infrequently reported species,
particularly from Baringo which is on
the eastern edge of the range for the
nominate race

Broad-tailed Warbler: 1 below Impala
Point, NNP, 13/4, BF; a pair, with 1

displaying, scrubby grassland near
Thika, 23-24/5, MM — a local and
uncommon species that is most
common in western Kenya but also
known to occur locally around Nbi &
Thika.

Red-faced Cisticola (A# 736): [pres
76C] just north-west of-Sultan Hamud,
17/2/95, WGH — a small extension of
this species’ range south-east from the
Nairobi area.

Whistling Cisticola: 1, Sio River near
Madende Creek, 18/6, BF

Foxy Cisticola: 2 on escarpment near
Barnley’s, Kitale, 4/4, MM — an
uncommon and local species about
which very little is known.

Tiny Cisticola (A# 729): [pres 88D}
Oloorsikitok hill, Mbirikani
(Makutano), nr. Kimana, 28/5, and [pres
75B] in scrub adjacent to Endashant
Swamp, 2/6, CJ

Winding Cisticola (A# 740): [pres 88D]
Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ
et al.

Boran Cisticola (A# 728): [pres 26B]
Gatab, Mt Kulal, Oct. ‘96, MB

Ashy Cisticola (A# 724): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH

Zitting Cisticola (A# 719): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, & [pres
114A] Beachcombers, Msambweni, 8/8/
95, WGH — this species seems to have
extended it’s range south along the coast
over the past 10 years or so with it first
recorded in QSD 102D in the late ‘80’s,
114B in ‘93 and now 114A in ‘95

Desert Cisticola (A# 720): [pres 101C]
Taita Hills Lodge, 1/6/94, WGH; [post
pres 88D] 1 pair observed near
Mbirikani (Makutano) centre, or
Kimana, 27/5, CJ

Black-collared Apalis (A# 758): [pres
62D] Kieni Forest, 25/1, WGH, MM, RR

52 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Red-fronted Warbler (A# 747):[post
pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH

Grey-capped Warbler (A# 763): [pres
49D] Eldama Ravine, 7-10/4, MB

Yellow-bellied Eremomela (A# 764):
[pres 62B] Solio Ranch, Laikipia, 15/6,
AG

Buff-bellied Warbler (A# 749): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH

Brown Parisoma (A# 774): [pres 76A]
Chania Swamp, just west of Thika, 15/
6, FN

Northern Grey Tit (A# 581): [post pres
88D] 2 birds on eastern side of
Oloorsikitok hill, Mbirikani, 28/5, CJ,
PN

Spotted Creeper: after a long search, this
elusive bird was _ finally found
“creeping” up tree-trunks near Sirikwa
Safari Camp, Kapenguria, on 27/6 by
DH

Black-and-white Flycatcher: 2 birds
were observed near Kindani River
Camp, Meru NP, 30/3, AG.

Black-throated Wattle-eye (A# 803):
[pres 63D] Mwea NP, 25/3/95, WGH

Grey-crested Helmet-Shrike: 4 at Siana
Springs, eastern Mara, 4/1, BF — one
of the best-known sites for this rare
species

Chestnut-fronted Helmet-shrike (A#
873): [pres 52C] 2 birds of this
beautiful species were watched around
the campsite, Kindani River, Meru NP,
30/3, AG — a rare species in the forest
patches around Meru, these birds would
be right on the eastern edge of that
population’s range.

Taita Fiscal (A# 865): [pres 101C] Taita
Hills Lodge, 1/6/94, WGH

Sulphur-breasted Bush-Shrike (A#
852): [pres 114A] Beachcombers,
Msambweni, 8/8/95, WGH

Rosy-patched Bush-Shrike (A# 843):
[pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/
94, WGH

Pringle’s Puffback: Frequent along
Magadi Road in Commiphora from first
bridge to as far as Icross turning but
apparently no lower, BF

Green-headed Oriole: observed in
Shimba_ Hills, 10/5, AA — an
uncommon and local species, really
only found in this locality

Pied Crow (A# 577): [pres 88D] Kimana
centre, 19/1, FN, CJ et al.

Cape Rook (A# 580): [pres 37C] Tartar,
Makutano, 8/10/95, JM

Shelley’s Starling: 2 birds in dry Acacia
scrub by Malindi-Tsavo East road, 20/2,
MMu

Sharpe’s Starling: Mt Elgon NP, Aug.
1996, MB; group of birds, tree tops, Mt
Elgon, 4/2, MMu; 2 birds in forest,
Kijabe, 21/6, KD, AB; 10+ seen
together, Aberdare NP, 16/5, DR

Fischer’s Starling (A# 891): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH —
this is one of the most western records
for this species

Magpie Starling: observed at Kurungu,
South Horr, 14/11/96, KD, MB; groups
feeding in fruiting trees, L. Baringo, 7/
2, also in flight and settling in Arabuko-
Sokoke Forest, 19/2, and again more
along Malindi-Tsavo East road, 20/2,
MMu; large group in Acacias, Nguuni
Farm, Bamburi, Mombasa, 8/3 and a
few remaining on 19/3, MR — the first
record for this species at this site despite
many years of observation

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

53

Western Violet-backed Sunbird: 1
female, Mrs Barnley’s garden, Kitale, 3/
4, MM — scarce and local, the Kitale
area is the best-known site for the
species.

Amethyst Sunbird (A# 932): [post pres
88D] Mbirikani (Makutano), Emali-
Loitokitok road, 28/5, CJ

Malachite Sunbird: — extraordinary
migration, easterly along top of Leopard
Cliffs, NNP, 23/2, involving 14 birds in
ten minutes, BF

House Sparrow (A# 992): [pres 102D]
Kilifi, 02/01, NW; this introduced
species was first seen in Magadi 5 years
ago, then in Kiserian nearer Nbi 3 year
ago and has now been recorded in
several place around Nbi (Ngara,
Githurai, Ngummo, Westlands, Nyayo
Stadium), in Thika [pres 76A] and even
the Thika-Kinangop road to a village
below Kieni [pres 62d] (BF); [pres 88D]
Kimana town, 18/1, FN, and Mbirikani
(Makutano) centre, nr. Kimana 28/5, CJ;
[pres 101C] Salt Lick Game Sanctuary,
Tsavo West, 12/6, & [pres 114A] Green
Oasis Hotel, Msambweni, 19/6, AA

Somali Sparrow: 3 at Kapedo on 28/12/
96, and 9 on 15/6, BF; 20+ Lodwar
Town, 2/4, RB

White-headed Buffalo-Weaver (A#
1004): [pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron,
1/5/94, WGH; 1 in Masai Mara, 15/8,
DR — an unusual species for Mara.

Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver (A# 1003):
{pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/
94, WGH

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (A#
997): 1 seen Thigiri ridge, Nbi, 24 &
31/5, MM — at c.1,700m altitude, this
is a high record for this species which
has moved into Nairobi from the south
over the past 10 years or so; [pres 101C]

Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West,
12/6, AA

Baglafecht Weaver (A# 960): [pres 74C]
Sekenani Camp, Masai Mara, 4/8, CJ

Spectacled Weaver (A# 962): [pres 51B]
Samburu & Buffalo Springs NR, 29/8/
93, WGH

Juba Weaver: quite scarce along Daua
River, Ramu, 23/4, BF, TS, JR — an
uncommonly reported species due to its
range in Kenya restricted to just the
N.E. corner

Vitelline Masked Weaver (A# 954):
[pres 49B] at Kormor, Kerio Valley, 29/
3, MB

Speke’s Weaver (A# 942): [pres 51B]
Samburu-Buffalo Springs NR, 2/4/94,
& [pres 52C] Meru NP, 7/4/96, WGH
— an unusually low record for this
normally highland species

Spectacled Weaver (A# 961): [pres 51B]
Samburu-Buffalo Springs NR, 2/4/94,
WGH

Black-headed Weaver (A# 940): [pres
88C] Amboseli NP, 16/3, WV, TM

Fire-fronted Bishop (A# 977): [pres
101C]} bird in male breeding plumage,
Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West,
12/6, AA

Northern Red Bishop: small numbers
along Daua River, Ramu, undoubtedly
Ethiopian race pusillus which, unlike
nominate, is found in scrub and perches
in trees, April, BF 7

White-winged Widowbird (A# 979):
[pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/
94, WGH — this probably represents
wanderers coming to the area in
response to rains; [pres 101C] Salt Lick
Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 12/6, AA

Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird (A#
983): [pres 48C] 2 at Sio River on
territories, 18/6, BF

54 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Parasitic Weaver: frequent in NNP with
roost of up to 40 birds in swamp below
Eland Lookout, mid-’97, BF

Grey-headed Negrofinch (A# 1005):
[pres 62D] Kieni Forest, 25/1, WGH,
MM, RR — this is not an unexpected
record and in fact has probably been
observed here before but never reported
for the Atlas update

Orange-winged Pytilia: a pair at
Kanyarkwat west of Kongelai, 3/4, RB

Red-headed Bluebill (A# 1015): [pres
52C] Campi ya Nyati, Meru NP, 8/1, PH
— an uncommon species in the Meru
forests

Bar-breasted Firefinch (A# 1017): [pres
60D] a pair mist-netted and ringed,
Raganga, Kisii, 19/4, OM — this
represents a range extension south and
the first record for this species in Kenya
south of the Winam Gulf

Red-billed Firefinch (A# 1019): [pres
49B] at Kormor, Kerio Valley, 29/3, MB

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (A# 1024):
[pres 114A] Green Oasis Hotel,
Msambweni, 19/6, AA

Zebra Waxbill (A# 1039): [pres 76C]
just north-west of Sultan Hamud, 17/2/
95, & [pres 63D] Mwea NP, 25/3/95,
WGH

Locust-Finch: at Sio River, 2 on 31/12/
96, & 4 on 18/6, BF

Quail-Finch (A# 1040): [pres 87A]
Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, WGH

African Silverbill (A# 1044): [pres 15C]
Kalacha, Chalbi Desert, 3/3, MB; [pres

76C] Game Ranching Co., Athi River,
3/4, WV & TM; [pres 101C] Salt Lick
Game Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 12/6, AA

Grey-headed Silverbill (A# 1045): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94, &
[pres 101C] Taita Hills Lodge, 1/6/94,
WGH

Black-and-white Mannikin (A# 1042):
[pres 52C] 10+ birds, Kindani River,
Meru NP, 30/3, AG — this record
represents birds at the eastern limit of
the Mt. Kenya highlands population

Cut-throat Finch (A# 1046): [pres
101C] Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo
West, 12/6, AA

White-bellied Canary (A# 1057): [pres
88D] Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.

Brimstone Canary (A# 1059): [pres
87A] Shombole, L. Natron, 1/5/94,
WGH

Southern Grosbeak Canary: Endashant
Swamp, 13/9}. WGH, MM — an
uncommon and local resident species,
endemic to southern Kenya and
northern Tanzania, this marks the
northern-most edge of its small range

Stripe-breasted Seedeater: 3 at Timau
junction, 13/6, BF

House Bunting: a singing male near
Eliye Springs, West Turkana, 1/4, RB

Somali Golden-breasted Bunting (A#
1051): [pres 87A] Shombole, L. Natron,
1/5/94, WGH

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

95

Observations: Palaearctic species

White Stork: 20+ in Masai Mara on 24/5
represent a very late date for this
species, and a single bird on 15/8 near
Governor’s Camp, followed by 3 near
Sekenani Camp, Masai Mara, an early
record, DR; 4 at Iten, 22/6, BF, are very
unusual — could they have been birds
from the southern Africa population?

Eurasian Wigeon: a drake on Kongoni
Lake, Naivasha, 17/1, BF

Common Teal: a male among other
ducks, new Nakuru Sewage Ponds, 12/
1, CJ; a single female, Lewa Downs, 20/
2, BF

Osprey: 1 in NNP, 2/2, BF

Montagu’s Harrier: 20+ hunting at dusk
and later roosting together on the
ground, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, 4/1, JW

Eurasian Marsh Harrier (A# 97): [pres
76C] just north-west of Sultan Hamud,
17/2/95, & [pres 63D] Mwea NP, 25/3/
95, WGH; [pres 88A] female/imm near
a watering point along water pipeline,
Olosideti, Emali-Loitokitok road, 18/1,
CJ, FN

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (A# 106): [post
pres 26B] an imm female which flew
into a house, was caught, photographed
and released, Gatab, Mt Kulal, 16/9/96,
MB — an extremely early record for
this rare species for which there are less
than 20 Kenyan records all between
Nov and March. (This record was
mentioned in the Overview of Records
in Kenya Birds 5(2), but inadvertently
missed from the main list.)

Common Buzzard (A# 117): [pres 52C]
Meru NP, 7/4/96, WGH

Booted Eagle: 2 birds (1 pale phase, 1 a
tatty dark phase), Nbi NP, 17/1, CJ, ST

Eurasian Hobby (A# 152): [pres 63D]
Mwea NP, 25/3/95, WGH; 12 birds
feeding on termites, Shaba NR, 4/4«CJ;
c. 15 birds soaring near Murungaru
centre, N. Kinangop, 6/4, JWG

Sooty Falcon: at least 4 feeding on
termites after very heavy rain, Tudor
Creek, Mombasa, 2/5, MR; 1 on
telephone wires, Kampi ya Samaki turn-
off, L. Baringo, 3/5, MV

Corncrake: 1 on ILRI compound,
Kabete, Nbi, 20/4, RB

Little Ringed Plover: 20+ at Dandora
Sewage Ponds, 8/1, CJ; ‘several’ near
main gate, L. Bogoria NP, 8/2, MMu

Lesser Sand Plover: a single bird among
large numbers of waders on new
Nakuru Sewage Ponds, 12/1, CJ

Grey Plover: single bird at tip of
Crescent Island, Naivasha, 26/1, CJ —
this species is only occasional inland
and then usually between Sept-Nov. °

Little Stint (A# 239): [pres 88D] several
birds, Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.

Temminck’s Stint: single bird, Dandora
Sewage Ponds, 8/1; 1 by lake shore on
11/1 and 2 at new Nakuru Sewage
Ponds on 12/1 (one possibly the same as
that of 11th); 2 near Crescent Island, L.
Naivasha, 26/1, CJ

Ruff (A# 247): [pres 88D] numerous on
swamp, Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.; a single bird, Sabaki
River mouth, 19/3, RDG — one of
relatively few coastal records of this
mainly inland species

Common Snipe (A# 249): [pres 88D]
common in shallow edges of swamp,
Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ
et al.

56

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Marsh Sandpiper (A# 260): [pres 88D]
frequent around edge of swamp,
Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ
et al.

Common Greenshank (A# 261): [pres
88D] several individuals in the swamp,
Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ
et al.

Wood Sandpiper: a _ single over-
summering bird in NNP, 23/6, BF —
most June-July records tend to be in the
Rift Valley for this species

Red-necked Phalarope (A# 269): [pres
51C] on a dam’in Lewa Downs, Isiolo,
16/10/96, FK — this beautiful wader
normally winters many kilometres off-
shore in the Indian Ocean; there are
only a handful of inland records such as
this one and most have tended to be on
the Rift Valley lakes

Black-headed Gull: an ad in full
breeding plumage, Gongoni Salt Works,
nr Malindi, 27/6, BF — since the 1970s,
this species has become a more regular
and numerous Palaearctic visitor,
though this observation constitutes the
first over-summering record since the
1980s

Gull-billed Tern (A# 301): [pres 63D]
Mwea NP, 25/3/95, & [pres 88C]
Amboseli NP, 30/3, WGH — an
unusual record for this species away
from the Rift Valley lakes or the coast

Caspian Tern: 2 birds at Gongoni Salt
Works, nr. Malindi, 27/6, BF — another
unusual over-summering record though

known to occur all year off the
Tanzanian coast
Sandwich Tern: 1 at Sabaki River

Mouth, 10/1, BF

Eurasian Swift (A# 418): [pres 88C]
Amboseli NP, 30/3, WGH

Eurasian Bee-eater: 15+ birds heading
north, N. Kinangop, 8/4, JWG

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (A# 447): [pres
88D] Kimana Game Sanctuary, 19/1,
FN, CJ et al.; juv. perched on tree-top,
Ndara Ranch, Voi, mid-March, MR

Eurasian Roller (A# 454): [pres 26D]
Kurungu, South Horr, 16/11/96, KD

Eurasian Wryneck (A# 511): [pres 50A]
beside L. Baringo, 22/12/96, WGH

Common House Martin: 300+ Tagabi
Tea Estate, Kericho, 20/10/96; 150+
Chemelil, Kisumu, 7/11/96, KDK; 5-10
with Barn Swallows, Delamere’s Camp,
L. Elmenteita, 11/1, and 1 with other
hirundines, Nbi NP, 17/1, CJ

White Wagtail: 10 birds at Mogotio, 27/
12/96, BF; 4 birds, Dandora Sewage
Ponds, 8/1, and 7+ at new Nakuru
Sewage Ponds, 12/1, CJ; single bird at
hot springs, L. Elmenteita, 30/1, JWG; 2
birds L. Bogoria NP, 8/2, MMu — a
very good year for this relatively
uncommon migrant

Grey Wagtail: in the Gorge, Hell’s Gate
NP, 1/3, JWG

Red-throated Pipit (A# 816): 70+
around new Nakuru Sewage Ponds, 12/
1; [pres 88D] a few birds seen, Kimana
Game Sanctuary, 19/1, FN, CJ et al;
[pres 51C] 2 birds in spring plumage
foraging in field after heavy storm,
beside main road, 25 km east of Timau,
7/4, CJ

Rufous Bush Chat (A# 658): [pres 63D]
Mwea NP, 25/3/95, WGH

Irania (A# 646): [pres 50B] a singe bird
at Ol Malu Ranch, Rumuruti, 23/1,
C&RF; single bird, NNP, 23/2, BF —
an unusual date for this area

Common Redstart: single male, L.
Baringo, 28/12/96, BF — one of the
rarer Palaearctic migrants

Northern Wheatear: ad male, Voi
Lodge, 29/7, T&MG — this is an
extremely early record for this species

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

57

and may in fact be of an individual that
over-summered here.

Great Reed Warbler: L. Bogoria NP, 30/
3, TL, GF

Olivaceous Warbler: bird singing daily
in Acacia tree, car park, NMK, Nbi, 15/
2-26/3, CJ |

Olive-tree Warbler: Amboseli NP, 30/3,
WGH

Icterine Warbler (A# 701): 1. at Siana
Springs, eastern Mara, 15/1, BF — for
7th successive year in_ traditional
wintering site; [post pres 75B] single
bird singing, NMK, Nbi, 8/2, CJ;

Barred Warbler: 2 birds, cliffs west of
L. Baringo, 7/2, MMu; Amboseli NP,
30/3, WGH

Common Whitethroat (A# 706): [pres
26D] Kurungu, South Horr, 16/11/96,
KD, MB; female, Thigiri Ridge, Nbi, 3/
5, MM

Wood Warbler: 1 bird with Willow
Warblers feeding in mangroves beside
Mida Creek, Watamu, 11/3, RDG, WK
— only the second coastal record of this
scarce species (and only c.25 Kenyan

records), the first in 1979, being also
both at Mida Creek and during March

Chiffchaff (A# 714): 1 calling, Met
Station, Naro Moru, Mt. Kenya, 23/12/
96, BF; [pres 62D] single bird, Kieni
Forest, 25/1, WGH, MM, RR — this
scarce migrant is probably often
overlooked due to it’s similarity to the
commoner Willow Warbler

Red-backed Shrike: incredible fall of
c.2,500 birds in NNP, 5/4, rapidly
diminishing over the next few days, BF

Red-tailed Shrike (A# 858): [pres 26D]
Kurungu, South Horr, 16/11/96, MB

Lesser Grey Shrike: up to 1,000 birds in
NNP on 5/4 associated with the fall of
Red-backed Shrikes, BF

Woodchat Shrike: an ad at Sio River,
31/12/96, BF — this jazzy bird is a very
uncommon migrant this far south,
Kenya being right at the southeastern
edge of its wintering range

Eurasian Golden Oriole (A# 573): [post
pres 26D], Kurungu, South Horr,18/11/
96, KD, MB

Breeding Records

Many thanks go to all those who have sent in Nest Record Cards over the past
year or so. There has been a great response to the appeal for breeding records (or
there have been an unusually large number of birds breeding this year!) and we
are having to order a new set of cards as the stock is basically gone! The new
card will be slightly different to the last one, with small adjustments that should
make it easier to complete. A total of 289 records have been submitted and
accepted by 41 contributors — almost 100 records and 10 people more than for
the previous six months. Of these, 257 were confirmed and 32 probable breeding
records and in all cover 152 species, again, a tremendous 38 species more than
previously. Those people who sent in breeding records are listed below — all
those who sent in more than 10 deserve special congratulations, particularly

Jeffrey Coburn and James Gathitu who both submitted an impressive number of
cards.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Nest record card contributors:

Jeffrey Coburn
James Gathitu
Shailesh Patel
Fleur Ng’ weno
Dorrie Brass

Neil Willshire
Francis N. Kiiru
Abdulaziz Abdalla
Samuel N. Kimani
David Mutinda
Wednesday Birdwalk
Carol Kruger
Onesmas Kahindi
Peter Chirchir
Kuria Ndung’u
Titus Imboma
Peter Mwangi

69
42
24
21
20
20
18
17
17
15
14
12

Bill Harvey.
Kimtai Korir
Wayne Vos

Japhet Mwok
Sybil Sassoon
Patrick Gichuki
Mercy Njeri Muiruri
Bernard Mburu
Geoffrey Irvine
Paul Kabochi
Fidel Kyalo
Andrew Odhiambo
Ann Gathitu

Tirus Njuguna
Charles Rugara
Lorna Depew

WwWwwWwohhpfPPannraanr SO ew ow

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

59

ma a I TE SS SS SE EIEN SE ETE ES RIES

Two cards were submitted by: Lech Iliszko, Martin Kahindi, Peter Karanja,
Kevin Mulai, Joseph Mwaura, Reuben Nagaya, Peter peeve: Paul Wainaina,

and Paul Mwaura,

Single cards were submitted by: Melissa Barnett, Andy Bowen, Trels
McGregor, Muchai Muchane, Wesley Near, David Ngala, Andrew Itote, Fraciah
Kamau, Peter le Pelley, Stefan Rozwadowski, Rudnai, Peter Tsuma, Edward
vanden Berghe, Narinda Heyer, Samson Wahuhia and Peter Mwangi,

Blank Nest Record Cards (NRCs) are available upon request (see above).

N.B. A small note to make concerning completing NRCs —

if juveniles are

observed being fed by an adults, mieate note down the number of juvenile birds

involved under “young seen, Out nest”

Breeding records of interest

Common Ostrich (A# 1): [post conf
88A] 2+ chicks with ads, along Emali-
Loitokitok road, 19/1, FN

Somali Ostrich (A# 1): [post conf 51D] 9

chicks accompanying 2 ads, Lewa
Downs, Isiolo, 20/10/96, FK
_Black-necked Grebe: 1 juv_ seen

accompanying ads, Endashant Swamp,
14/6, WGH — a species for which
relatively few breeding records have
been made ‘in recent years.

Cattle Egret (A# 30): [conf 88A] colony
of c.350 nests with birds observed
courting, nest-building and incubating,
Emali town centre, 1/6, PN, LAB, PGG,
MMs

Little Egret (A# 35): [conf 75B] 6 nests,
1 with downy young, Endashant
Swamp, 14/6, WGH

Hamerkop (A# 44): [prob 101C] freshly
built nest over river, Salt Lick Game
Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 10/6, AA

Saddle-billed Stork: ad carrying nest
material, NNP, 21/5, WMB — a species
for which there are relatively few
breeding records

African Spoonbill: 8 nests’ with
incubating ads, Endashant Swamp, 14/6,
WGH

Egyptian Goose (A# 64): [conf 8B] 2
chicks accompanied by ad, Umani
Springs Camp, Kibwezi, 12/6/96, KN

Red-billed Teal (A# 76): [conf 51C] 9
ducklings with ads, Lewa Downs,
Isiolo, 6/9/96, FK

Southern Pochard: nest with 4 eggs on
islet, Endashant Swamp, 14/6, WGH —
this represents the most northerly
breeding for this species which is
mostly a non-breeding visitor from
southern Africa.

African Cuckoo Hawk (A# 136): [conf
63A] feeding young, Mountain Lodge,
3/3, BF

Mountain Buzzard (A# 116): [conf
101A) young (heard but not seen) being
fed in nest, Mbololo Forest, Taita Hills,
20-23/3, TI

Palm-nut Vulture: on nest,
River, 5/3, BF

Tawny Eagle (A# 129): [conf 101C] 3
young being fed by ad in nest on top of

Samburu

60

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Acacia tortilis tree, Salt Lick Game
Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 18/6;AA

Verreaux’s Eagle: adult sitting on nest in
a Euphorbia, NNP, 20/4, AG, SG

African Crowned Eagle (A# 122): single
chick successfully fledged from nest in
property adjacent to Giraffe Centre,
Lang’ata, Nbi, Nov ‘96-Mar ‘97, PK —
this is presumably the pair that used to
breed in Ololua Forest, Karen, but
which deserted due to disturbance; [conf
101A] young (heard but not seen) being
fed in nest by ad, Ngangao Forest, Taita
Hills, 20-23/2, TI

Martial Eagle (A# 123): [conf 62A]
single chick in nest and later seen
fledged, Soysambu Game Sanctuary, L.
Elmenteita, 23/4-2/6, PKa

Stone Partridge (A# 176): [conf 51C] 2
young with ads, Lewa Downs, Isiolo,
20/10/96, FK

Crested Francolin (A# 167): [conf 76C]
2-4 chicks with ads, Game Ranching
Co., Athi River, 3/4, WV & TM

Common Moorhen (A# 201): [conf
76A] ad with 3 chicks, Githumbwini
Dam, Thika, 15/6, PLO

Lesser Moorhen (A# 200): [conf 76A]
ad with one chick, Githumbwini Dam,
Thika, 15/6, PLO

African Finfoot: female with 2 young,
Hippo Pools, Nbi NP, 1-8/6, MM, WGH
(reported by KWS ranger at Pools).

Kori Bustard: young fledgling with ad,
Game Ranching Ltd, Athi River, 12/4,
TM — there are relatively few breeding
records submitted for this bird, despite it
being such an obvious species (Kenya’s
largest flying bird).

Hartlaub’s Bustard: nest with 2 eggs,
Game Ranching Co., Athi River, 7-16/5,
ST — this is apparently the first nest for
this species to have been described.

Black-winged Plover (A# 223): [conf
49A] 2 downy chicks observed, Sergoit,
Eldoret, 26/5, CK

Whiskered Tern (A# 312): [conf 62D] 2
recently fledged juvs at Githumbwini
Dam, Thika, 28/6, OD

Lemon Dove (A# 334): [conf 101A] a
recently fledged juv caught and ringed
and another seen, Mbololo Forest, Taita
Hills, 18/3, TI

Ring-necked Dove (A# 328): [conf 88D]
2 nests with 2 eggs each, Mbirikani
centre, nr. Kimana, 28/5, CJ

Hartlaub’s Turaco (A# 358): [conf
101A] single juv being fed by ad,
Ngangao Forest, Taita Hills, 20/2, TI

Diederik Cuckoo (A# 374): [conf 74C]
juv being fed by male Black-headed
Weaver, Sekenani Gate, Masai Mara
Game Reserve, 26/5, OK

Montane Nightjar (398): [conf 62C] 2
young successfully fledged, Murungaru,
N. Kinangop, early July, FNj

Lilac-breasted Roller: pair breeding of
the race Jorti, Ramu, 23/4, BF, TS, JR

Broad-billed Roller (A# 457): [conf
101A] juv begging for food from ad —
following ad with much wing-shivering,
Ngangao Forest, Taita Hills, 23/3, TI

Nubian Woodpecker (A# 512): [conf
76C] at least one young in nest-hole in
Acacia xanthophloea, Game Ranching
Ltd, Athi River, 15/2, WV

Brown-backed Woodpecker (A# 523):
[prob 63A] ad excavating nest-hole,
above Meteorological Station, Naro
Moru route, Mt Kenya NP, 21/5, DR

Rufous-naped Lark (A# 531): [conf 62C]
nest with 2 young, Kirima, western edge
of N. Kinangop, 14/3, SNK

Pink-breasted Lark (A# 533): [prob
88D] ad carrying nest material,
Mbirikani, nr. Kimana, 29/5, CJ

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 61

Red-capped Lark (A# 540): [post conf
62C] nest with 2 young and | infertile
egg, Kirima, western edge of N.
Kinangop, 25/5-7/6, SNK

Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark (A# 545): [conf
88D] 2 nests with 2 eggs each,
Mbirikani (Makutano), 28/5, CJ

Rock Martin (A# 560): [conf 74C] 2
young being fed in nest, Sekenani Gate,
Masai Mara, 10-13/6, OK

Malindi Pipit: nest with 2 young, c.1
week old, and ad feeding fledged juv,
north bank of Sabaki River mouth;
another ad feeding fledged juv, L.
Chemchem, Malindi, 6/1, DN, JS

White-browed Robin-Chat (A# 606):
[conf 74B] juv being fed by ad, Narok
Boys High School, Narok, 25/5, OK

Taita Thrush (A# 678 note — was
considered conspecific with Olive
Thrush): {post conf 101A] single juv
caught and ringed, Mugambonyi 14/3,
and 2 being fed by ads, Mbololo Forest,
Taita Hills, 4/4, TI

African Grey Flycatcher (A# 793):
[conf 51C] ad feeding young, Lewa
Downs, Isiolo,1/2, KM |

Wing-snapping Cisticola (A# 717):
[conf 76C] nest with 2 young and 1
infertile egg, Kirima, western edge of N.
‘Kinangop, 14/5-6/6, SNK

Bar-throated Apalis (A# 753): [conf
101A] juvs heard in nest and being fed
by ad, Ngangao Forest, Taita Hills, 17-
19/2, TI — this is the first confirmed
breeding record for this species in
Kenya, this race of which is endemic to
the Taita Hills (and considered by some
to be a full species in its own right)

Northern Crombec (A# 712): [prob
51B] ‘ad actively building nest, Shaba
NR, Isiolo, 4/4, CJ

Red-faced Crombec (A# 771): [conf
88D] nest with ad incubating eggs,
Oloorsikitok hill, Mbirikani, 28/5, CJ

Black-and-white Flycatcher (A# 794):
[conf 52C] male and _ female
photographed on nest, near Kampi ya
Nyati, Meru NP, 8/1, PH — this is the
first breeding record for this rare species
for over 30 years”

Black-throated Wattle-eye: ad male
feeding juv, Windsor Golf & Country
Club, Nbi, 15/5, KN — a relatively
local & uncommon species for which
few breeding records are submitted

House Sparrow (A# 992): [conf 75B] ad
carrying food into nest from which
young heard, Shan Cinema, Ngara, Nbi,
6/2, PGG; ad feeding 2 juvs out of nest,
Githurai Cable, Ruiru, 1-5/5, OK; single
juv being fed by ad, South B, Nbi, 7/6,
SP — this introduced species has now
been recorded in several place around
Nairobi, though these are the first
submitted breeding records

Grey-headed Sparrow (A# 990): [post
conf 88D] ads carrying food into nest
hole and sound of young birds in nest,
roof of ‘Barcelona Bar’, Mbirikani
(Makutano) centre, nr. Kimana, 26/5, CJ

White-headed Buffalo-Weaver (A#
1004): [prob 88D] ad carrying nesting
material, Mbirikani (Makutano) centre,
nr. Kimana, 30/5, PGG

Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver (A# 1003):
[prob 101C] several nests together “in
use”, Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo
West, 26/5, AA

Grosbeak Weaver (A# 970): [prob
101A] nest “in use’, Ziwani Tented
Camp, Tsavo West NP, 28/5, AA

Jackson’s Golden-backed Weaver (A#
950): [conf 49D] colony of c. 20 nests

62

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

in a variety of breeding stages — ads
incubating, feeding young, between
Emening and Radad, Baringo road, 18/
9/96, LI, MRz

Vitelline Masked Weaver (A# 954):
[prob 101C] nest “in use” on Balanites
tree, Salt Lick Game Sanctuary, Tsavo
West, 20/5, AA

Lesser Masked Weaver (A# 953): [prob
101C] nest “in use”, Salt Lick Game
Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 20/5, AA

Speke’s Weaver (A# 942): [prob 88D]
male nest-building and displaying to 2-3
females, lone Acacia xanthophloea tree,
Ol Enkijape primary school, Mbirikani
(Makutano) centre, nr. Kimana, 26/5, CJ
— an unusual record being at relatively
low-altitude and in a hot and dry area

Black-headed Weaver (A# 940): [conf
74C] ad male feeding juv Diederik
Cuckoo, Sekenani Gate, Masai Mara
NR, 26/5, OK

Chestnut Weaver (A# 956): [prob 101C]
cluster of nests “in use”, Salt Lick Game
Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 20/5, AA

Red-headed Weaver (A# 969): [prob
61A] nest-building activities, Jan-May
& Sept ‘96, Homa Lime, Koru, nr.
Kisumu, NW_.

Cardinal Quelea (A# 988): [prob 101C]
male in breeding plumage displaying
and singing, Salt Lick Game Sanctuary,
Tsavo West, 20/5, AA

Pin-tailed Whydah (A# 1032): [prob
101C] } male singing whilst circling and
hovering over a female, Salt Lick Game
Sanctuary, Tsavo West, 20/5, AA

Yellow-crowned Canary (A# 1053):
[post conf 62C] nest with 3 young,
Kirima, western edge of N. Kinangop,
27/6, SNK

Somali Golden-breasted Bunting (A#
1051): [conf 88D] nest with 3 eggs,

Oloorsikitok hill, Mbirikani (Makutano)
centre, nr. Kimana, 28/5, CJ

Abbreviations

imm — immature; L. — Lake; NMK -—
National Museums of Kenya; Nbi —
Nairobi; NP — National Park; NNP —
Nairobi National Park; NR — National
Reserve; Ngulia SL — Ngulia Safari
Lodge

Contributors

AA, Abdulaziz Abdalla .

MB, Melissa Barnett

KB, Kimbo Beakbane

LAB, Leon Bennun

WMB, EANHS Weds. morning birdwalk
RB, Richard Bishop

AB, Andy Bowen

TC, Tortilis Camp

ND, Neil Davidson

KD, Kristin Davis

OD, Ornithology Department staff
BF, Brian Finch

DF, David Fisher

CF, Chris Flatt

C&RF, Colin & Rocky Francombe
IF, lan Francombe

GF, Gunhild Frandsen

JWG, James Wainaina

PGG, Patrick Gichuki

SG, Sue Giddings

AG, Ann Goss

T&MG, T & M Graham

RDG, Richard Gregory

NbiRG, Nairobi Ringing Group
WGH, Bill Harvey

PH, Peter Headland

HH, Harold Henry

LI, Lech Iliszko

TI, Titus Imboma

G&DI, Geoffrey & Dorothy Irvine
CJ, Colin Jackson

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 63

NE SEE PEE SE PD IED SE SY PEE IE OEE EES SS OE SEE ED IE II IE EEE LE NIE LEE LEE

JJ, Jeffrey James PN, Peter Njoroge

ChJ, Chris Jameson FNj, Francis Njuguna

PKa, Paul Kabochi EO, Eric Omondi

OK, Onesemas Kahindi PLO, EANHS ‘Pot Luck’ Outing
PK, Peter Karania SP, Shailesh Patel

DK, Dan Kennedy MP, Mike Potter

SNK, Samuel N. Kimani MR, Marlene Reid

KDK, Korir Kimtai MRz, Magdalena Remisiewicz
WK, Willington Kombe JR, Jamie Roberts

CK, Carol Kruger AS, Alfred’ Simiyu

FK, Kidel Kyalo DR, Dave Richards

TL, Thomas Lehmberg RRo, Richard Roberts

JAL, Jeremy Lindsell RR, Roger Rose

MM, Mark Mallalieu SS, Sybil Sassoon

MMs, Maurus Msuha JS, Joe Schwarz

MMu, M. Muller TS, Terry Stevenson

TM, Trels McGregor ST, Simon Thomsett

KM, Kevin Mulai DAT, Don Turner

OM, Ogeto Mwebi MV, Munir Virani

JM, Japheth Mwok WV, Wayne Vos

KN, Kuria Ndung’u NW, Neil Wilishire

DN, David Ngala JW, Janet Wood

GTN, George Ngigi J&IW, Jeff & Jessica Worden.

FN, Fleur Ng’ weno

| Erratum
In Kenya Birds vol. 5(2) a loose A4 sheet was included showing the Quarter

Square Degree numbers for the Bird Atlas of Kenya. On the map, Embu town is
shown as being located in QSD 63D; it should be shown in 63C.

Sponsors of Kenya Birds

Many thanks to the following sponsor subscribers for their support of Kenya
Birds: K. Beakbane, B. Childress, J. Coburn, P. Colbert, I. K. Coldwell, S.
Deverell, G. Eldridge, H. Elkins, T. Evans, P. J. Frere, A. Goss, J. F. Graham, J.
W. Graham, A. R. Gregory, D. Griffin, H. Grossmann, J. Hartley, P. R. Hechle,
G. C. & D. Irvine, T. F. James, J. Kendall, C. Kruger, P. & M. Lincoln-Gordon,
M. G. Lissimore, I. J. P. Loefler, C. Mills, T. Lehmberg, M. Mallalieu, T.
Pallister, D. Pomeroy, E. Sadd, T. Stevenson, R. E. Sutherland, L. Watson, N.
Willsher, M. W. Woodcock. |

64 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Notes

Birds of prey at Tudor Creek, Mombasa

I moved to a house on Tudor Creek some three years ago. Coming from a flat in
the Old Town with a beautiful view over the harbour entrance and English Point,
I was a bit nervous as to how I would like my new ‘view’. ‘Lakini’,
notwithstanding my equally lovely outlook, it has turned out to be a
marvellously productive bird area. I am particularly impressed with the birds of
prey, some resident but many migratory. An Ayres’s Eagle has been riding the
thermals of the creek every afternoon around 3 pm for all the three seasons I
have been here. He arrives about October and leaves mid-March. I am sure it is
the same bird, the exact same morph and markings, usually content to ride
thermals but occasionally descending with wings folded back to his tail, chasing
some tasty little birds. He always descends into the same clump of mangroves
when he gets tired of riding high — probably his roosting place. This year we
had two Peregrine Falcons. Their main object seemed to be to catch termites and
they objected strongly to the two African Fish Eagles which fly over from the
north side. One Sunday I watched the fish eagles playing, touching talons,
calling their haunting tune, being bombarded by the Peregrines while a small
flock of Woolly-necked Storks coasted overhead — a veritable circus. The
garden next. but one to me is full of indigenous trees and over Christmas a pair
of Great Sparrowhawks nested. I saw both male and female and heard lots of
crying which was obviously the young but never, despite much craning, walking
under the trees and getting bitten to death by mosquitoes, did I ever see either
the nest site or the young, so thick is the canopy (and so may it long remain). It
was very gratifying to see the Indian House Crow skeletons lying under the
sparrowhawks’ perching place. The family seems to have separated now, only
the male crosses from the large mango tree to his roosting place each evening. A
pair of Lizard Buzzards are now flashing in and out of the same area. I have
seen Little Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk in the same trees, but fleetingly.
2 May 1997 brought some rather special visitors. It had been raining for 72
hours non-stop, I had arrived from Nairobi the previous day to find Mombasa
flooded, the skies leaden. Imagine my joy when I went to the verandah early in
the morning to find a small flock of Sooty Falcons feeding on the termites. So
incredible was their flight — swooping and catching the insects, consuming
them almost non-stop — that I almost felt sorry for the poor old crows trying to
emulate them, having to stop for a breather in the palm tree after every dudu. As
it was so dark, these crepuscular feeders stayed active nearly all day, coming so
close to my verandah that I could see their yellow eye ring. During the morning

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 65
rm SS SSS SSE SE SEE SS PO POF a GT TE SELENE SIE FE LL I SDE LL EEE TE GLE ERS ELT
a flock of Roseate Terns joined in the feast together with the last of this year’s
Barn Swallows. It is fairly quiet at the moment but who knows what tomorrow
will bring? — Marlene Reid, P O Box P O Box 80429, Mombasa

Birding along Nairobi streets

I would like to share some of the delights of bird-spotting near my office
situated in the City Centre, whose streets are better known for thieves than birds.
The office is on the fourth floor of Embassy House, along Harambee Avenue.
The locality is endowed with palms, fruit-bearing and Acacia trees, and has
land-mark buildings, including Harambee House, the Kenya _ Police
Headquarters, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, the Parliament, Sheria
House and the Holy Family Basilica.

Pied Crows and Superb Starlings patronise the roofs of most buildings. They
stand.in a line sun-basking in the mornings and evenings. Crows and starlings
jointly mob Black Kites; the alliance has proved effective in expelling a pair
each of Peregrine Falcons and Harrier Hawks from the area.

Little Swifts swirl noisily in hundreds from dawn to dusk. The African Rock
Martin makes seasonal appearances. The yellow-barked acacia trees in the
gardens of KICC attract the chatty White-browed Sparrow Weavers; Brown
Parisomas roam the flat-topped canopy, and Yellow-breasted Apalis visits
occasionally. White-bellied Tits forage in the mid-stratum. Superb and Greater.
Blue-eared Starlings feed on the lawns below, where Bronze Mannikin and Red-
billed Firefinch can be found too. Early in the morning, Silvery-cheeked
Hornbill and Hadada Ibis can be found in the tipuana tippu trees between
Harambee and Sheria Houses.

Many birds fly overhead too. Flocks of Great White Pelicans and Marabou
Storks can be seen high in the southern sky riding on the thermal currents;
Yellow-billed Stork, Crowned Plover, Sacred Ibis, Crowned Crane, Black-
headed and Grey Heron fly past hastily in the morning, probably to suitable
haunts in the northern outskirts, before the ‘mad’ city wakes up. Sometimes the
plovers make short stops in the grassy compound of KICC. At least once a week,
Giant Kingfisher darts, quacking loudly, across the sky. The bird calls frequently
from the recreational man-made dam at Uhuru Park. I think more birds travel at
night because twice I have found dead male Harlequin Quail outside Nairobi
Cinema. .

The President’s bodyguards are always excited by the fishing techniques of
Pied Kingfisher in the pond at the entrance of the president’s office at Harambee
House. In 1995, a pair of Hamerkop began nesting on a tree near the same pond.
Their effort was thwarted by gardeners who became concerned by the increasing

66 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

mass of twigs and
branches. that made
the vicinity of the
most honourable of-
fice in Kenya _ look
‘untidy’. = Neverthe-
less, the pair still
hunts there today
peacefully.

While walking
along City Hall Way,
WEY: | it’s hard to miss the

MS 4 ‘io dl plaintive calls of
iW hey Pathe Klaas’s and Diederik
My Cuckoos and the Red-

eyed Dove in the thick
foliage of trees around
Garden Square restau-
rant. Feral Pigeons
and Red-winged Star-
lings dominate the
Holy Family Basilica
in the neighbourhood.
Pied Wagtails — like
running along the con-
crete wall of the res-
taurant.

Outside Embassy
House, Paradise Fly-
catchers catch insects
near the main door-
way. Grey-headed and
House Sparrows are
common in the lane.
Laughing Doves enjoy
walking on the pave-
ments alongside pe-
destrians. The nearby garbage dump attracts Superb Starling, Rufous Sparrow,
Olive Thrush and Common Bulbul. A pair of Fiscal Shrikes seems to like perch-
ing in the middle of the round-about between Parliament and Harambee Avenue.

ad >

4
WY,
|

SS

f

SS
SWS

SSS

———

White-headed Mousebird —Edwin Selempo

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 67

The jacaranda tree in the Embassy House car park is also a favourite perch for
Streaky Seadeaters and Common Bulbuls. In March 1997, the most unexpected
visitor, a Black-headed Oriole, perched on the tree as well.

When trees and plants in the gardens are in flower, Variable and Bronze
Sunbirds move in: only once did I see Scarlet-chested Sunbird.

Bird-spotting in this part of the City is really delightful! — Onesmas Kahindi,
P O Box 34730, Nairobi

Lekking bustards?

On 7 December 1997, about 10 km south of Kajiado town on the Namanga road,
I saw eight adult Kori Bustards on the west side of the road, and on the east side
a single adult. All were close together on open grass in the Acacia woodland in
the area; but there may have been others that I missed, as I was in a matatu
which was moving hastily! There was no obvious reason for this aggregation
(such as an outbreak of armyworm or grasshoppers as a food supply), but the
area. was so green that the rains may have stimulated them to come together for
mating purposes — as a ‘lek’. I have seen this group behaviour before, years
ago, on the Kapiti plains, and Birds of Africa (vol. 2) cites the late Leslie Brown
as mentioning the birds gathering in particular areas to display. — Charles
Dewhurst, Ella Nore House, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20
SAN, UK.

Common Button-quail breeding in Nairobi National Park |

Although Common Button-quail Turnix sylvatica is locally common in dry and
moist grassland and other suitable habitat in Kenya, according to the Annotated
Checklist of the Birds of Nairobi including Nairobi National Park (W. Harvey
(ed.), 1997) the only record for Nairobi National Park is of a single bird in
December 1979.

I visited Nairobi National Park with my family on the morning of 16
November 1997. At 08:30 h, whilst driving through the White Grass Ridge area,
I stopped the car to identify a small bird by the roadside. I was able to observe it
through Zeiss 7 x 42 binoculars at 2 m range and to identify it as an adult
Common Button-quail. The bird flew briefly for 1-2 m but remained in view in
grass by the roadside, gradually moving back towards the road. It was clearly
reluctant to leave the area. I then noticed three tiny chicks approaching the adult.
I photographed the adult with two of the chicks, and the adult alone, with a 300
mm lens, all at very close range. Copies of two of the photographs have been
sent to the Bird Committee of the East Africa Natural History Society. The birds
were in view for about three minutes before they disappeared into the grass. —
Mark Mallalieu, P O Box 30465, Nairobi.

68 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Two Nairobi cuckoo records

Klaas’s Cuckoo, 26 May 1997, Ololua Ridge

On my usual afternoon day walk at the end of Ololua Ridge, Karen, my attention
was drawn by a bird call I did not recognize I eventually located a juvenile
Klaas’s Cuckoo in the lower branches of an arrow-poison tree (Acokanthera
schimperi) being fed by an adult male of the same species. The adult male called
with a quiet ‘whispy’ note each time it brought a caterpillar (four times in the 5
minutes it was observed). The juvenile flew to a different branch each time. The
male then gave the usual Klaas’s Cuckoo call and flew off to bring another
caterpillar.

Black Cuckoo, 30 June 97, Ololua Ridge

A juvenile Black Cuckoo was seen and heard calling from the top branches of a
tall Cassia tree at the edge of the garden next to Ololua Forest. An answering
call was heard in the distance. An adult was seen and heard in the same tree at
the beginning of the rains in April this year and heard calling many times from
surrounding trees and forest since, mostly on wet days. According to The Birds
of Kenya and Northern Tanzania the breeding habits of this bird are not clear. In
the six years living in this house I have seen (rarely) and heard (often) this bird,
near the house, nearly always in wet periods. — Janet Wood, P O Box 24615,
Nairobi.

[Editors’ note: The Klaas’s Cuckoo sighting shows just how little we know
about this fascinating group of brood-parasitic birds. Adult cuckoos are
‘supposed’ not to look after their young, but leave them entirely in the care of
the foster parents. Do any other readers have records of cuckoos feeding
juveniles?]

Little Egret feeding on Omena in Lake Victoria

Little Egrets normally feed in shallow water, either by standing still and waiting
for prey to appear or by walking through the water snapping at prey.

Around the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya, I have often observed Little
Egrets flying low or hovering over the water with legs dangling. When food is
sighted they stretch down and pick it up with their bill.

The food always appears to be small dead fish Engraulicypris argenteus —
locally called Omena — which are found floating on the surface of the lake each
morning. At night the Lake Victoria fishermen lure the Omena into their nets by
suspending kerosene lamps above the lake’s surface from their boats. Working at

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 69

night in very difficult conditions, the fishermen lose many of the tiny fish over
the side of the fishing canoes.

This foraging behaviour of the egrets has been reported from Luanda
Harbour, Angola (see Birds of Africa, vol. 1), where there are no other birds
competing for the fish. By contrast in Lake Victoria the Little Egrets face stiff
competition from Black Kites and occasionally Hamerkops, which also feed by
snatching the dead Omena from the water’s surface. — Dave Richards, P O Box
24545, Nairobi.

A week from the note-book of a Rift Valley birder...

LOLDIA FARM, north-west of Lake Naivasha
20 May 1997

White-browed Coucal — killed and carried off a Speckled Mousebird. This is a
behaviour I have never seen before.

Grey Hornbill — males observed carrying food to two separate nest holes.
Red-billed Oxpecker — frequenting an old woodpecker’s nest, carrying food.

We are losing our Malachite Kingfishers — at least five birds have been killed
flying into one of our cottage windows, confusing the panes to be a way
through.

Blue-naped Mousebirds are still around in plenty, as are a few Gull-billed Terns.

House Sparrow — This bird has colonised most of Naivasha town using the
ventilation holes in buildings; also Gilgil and some centres in Naivasha North
Lake.

My mysterious puff-backs are back with their loud commotion — presumably
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla and Northern Puffback D.
gambensis. Both been recorded nesting here.

21 May

Cuckoos — Black, Red-chested, Diederik, Klaas’s — are all busy calling, here
and in Lake Nakuru Park as well.

Francolins are also much in evidence at the moment, the Coqui in more open
areas and Hildebrandt’s in wooded places, along with a species as yet
unidentified which is more often heard than seen in bush and rocky outcrops.
Last month, all three species were also heard and seen in North Kinangop far
from the edge of the forest — hearing the Coqui was especially interesting and
unexpected over there.

70 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

25 May
African Green Pigeon — juvenile bird seen in nest and being fed by an adult.
— James Wainaina, P O Box 695, Naivasha

Seven Grey Parrots in Kakamega

From vol. 5(1) of Kenya Birds we gather that the Grey Parrot has not been
reported very often from Kakamega Forest for some years.

On the morning of 9 July 1997 at about 06:30, we were alerted by parrot-like
calling while watching birds just 300 m down the Ikuywa road beyond the
Rondo Retreat Centre. A moment later, we glimpsed a small group not
exceeding five in number of unmistakeable big parrot-like birds apparently
circling, followed by another pair. They did not reappear while I was watching.
However, the following morning at the same time I was privileged to hear the
same calling and to see, fully illuminated by the rising sun, a pair of Grey
Parrots feeding on the flowering shoots of a tall Acrocarpus-like tree to which I
had been drawn by seeing it being fed on by literally dozens, if not hundreds, of
small sunbirds the day before.

We hope you are receiving many more reports of this bird and that ours is not
just an isolated report. — Geoffrey and Dorothy Irvine, P O Box 1356, Naivasha

[Editors’ note: There, have indeed been subsequent reports of Grey Parrots from
Kakamega, up to a maximum of seven birds. Perhaps the parrots are back, at
least for the time being?]

Road of doom

Driving between Narok town and Mai-Mahiu trading centre can be a horrifying
episode for a birder, or any naturalist for that matter. Early in the morning of 19
July 1997, I counted 33 dead Dusky Nightjars crashed by cars the previous
night. I don’t know if it’s the bright moon that attracted the birds to the road,
leading, to the holocaust. I am told that nightjars land on tarmac roads at night
after it rains, but no rain had fallen in the area recently.

It is likely that the birds died due to driver carelessness if other victims found
along the road can serve as indicators. Just past Narok town on the same night, I
found a half-grown male Leopard, crushed. Further ahead, I encountered an
African Hare, Dik-dik and Ratel that had met the same fate. Previously I have
found vultures, hornbills, larks, Spotted Hyaena, Aardwolf, Thomson’s Gazelle,
Grant’s Gazelle, Common Zebra and Topi killed by vehicles. There is heavy

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 71

traffic along this road of lorries and medium-size transport vehicles which
operate mostly at night.

The road traverses a wildlife-rich area. It was repaired recently but,
surprisingly, there is no traffic road sign warning drivers about the high number
of animals moving. This road is a serious animal hazard.

I wonder how many nightjars perish nightly, and what are the implications?
— Onesmas Kahindi, P O Box 34730, Nairobi

Ross’s Turaco in Murang’a?

A friend visited Murang’a town on business early in June 1997 and described
the following incident.

Standing outside the DO’s office, beneath an ancient, huge fig tree, his
attention was drawn by an irritating cacophony: a loud ‘hraak, hraak’ or ‘rrrah,
mrah’ noise. Looking up to locate the source of the racket, he saw what he
described as a largeish bird, all dark blue- or purplish-black in colour, with a
bright yellow beak, yellow ‘face’, reddish crest or crown and dark feet. Looking
more closely, he saw three other, similar birds perched on other branches of the
tree and calling back and forth to each other.

My friend was curious to know if the bird was anything special, as they had
never seen anything like it before. Evidently the bird was a turaco, and at first I
assumed it must be Hartlaub’s (people have been known to confuse this species
for Ross’s). However, this observer (a total non-birder!) was adamant that the
bird was bluish- or purplish-black in colour and not greenish, and was very sure
of the yellow beak and ‘face’ as well as the red crest or crown. Undoubtedly,
what was being described was Ross’s Turaco!

Ross’s Turaco, though said to wander to open areas with scattered trees, has
never been reported so far east before. Has anyone else seen these birds in
central Kenya? — Jean Githaiga, P O Box 40658, Nairobi.

Caring for sick and injured raptors

Handling and holding of raptors is’ strictly controlled by the Wildlife
(Management and Conservation) Act. Only competent organizations and
individuals are permitted to handle and hold raptors. Such organizations include,
for example, the Ornithology Department of the National Museums of Kenya
(NMK), Kenya Wildlife Service and specific University departments.
Increasingly, concerned members of the public are finding raptors that require
immediate rescue. Rushed action, however well intentioned, may in fact
endanger the bird. Any rescue attempt should therefore be warranted by the

72 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

health status of the bird. If the bird stands a chance of survival without
intervention, it is usually better off left in the wild.

Unless injured or sick, raptors (with the exception of young nestlings) will
not allow close human approach without attempting to escape. The ability to
escape is a good indicator of a bird’s health status. However, ability to flee does
not invariably mean that the bird does not need help. It can, though, help one to
choose between rescue, further observation, or non-intervention. Other
indications that a bird is sick or injured include apparent wounds and tissue
inflammations, fluffed feathers, slow inhalation and fast exhalation, partially or
wholly closed eyes, drooping wing(s), asymmetrical posture while perched, and
perching in atypical places for a species (e.g. a Peregrine Falcon perching on the
ground for long periods). The bird may also appear quiet and even unresponsive.

If rescue is deemed necessary, wrap the casualty in a towel/jumper with
minimum fuss. Covering the bird’s head (without suffocating it!) will quieten it.
Bear in mind that the bird is more frightened than you are and likely to strike.
Watch out for the talons; they can be highly dangerous. As soon as possible put
the bird in a ventilated box large enough to allow it to stand comfortably. It
should be placed somewhere warm.(approximately 21°C), in semi-darkness, and
undisturbed. DESIST FROM DISPLAYING THE BIRD TO FRIENDS OR
FAMILY MEMBERS! Unnecessary stress may kill a critically sick or injured
bird.

Bleeding requires quick attention. It can be stemmed by gentle compression
with a finger for 5-10 minutes, or by adhesive tape. As a short-term measure,
fractured wings should be wrapped snugly against the body in the natural folded
position. If they are left hanging, further tissue damage may occur. Before taping
the wing to the body, bandage the wing with adhesive tape — the tape should
take the shape of a figure 8 around the wing. You then wrap the tape around the
bird’s body, going under the uninjured wing and avoiding the legs and cloaca.

Concussions occur often in raptors through collisions. Keeping the bird quiet
and warm may work fairly well, especially if expert help is unavailable.
Occasionally, a bird is very thin and weak due to malnutrition. Some food for a
week or so in a secure and warm environment will usually heal the bird.

Overzealous rescuers sometimes pick up young birds which are better off left
with their parents. First flights by fledglings are usually clumsy. They often
crash-land with little damage done. Unless one is sure that the young bird is
injured, it should be left in the wild. Watch out for pre-adult plumage coloration
as well. Observed aggression between a young bird and a territorial pair may
simply be the natural process of terminating dependence and therefore needs no
‘rescue’.

In all cases and circumstances, it is important that you consult professional
help as soon as possible. The bird should be held for as short a duration as is

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 — 73

possible and practical. The Department of Ornithology (NMK) will advise you
on what action to take if you have a rescued raptor. Veterinary officers may also
be able to assist with general injuries such as fractures and bleeding wounds. —
Benard Mburu Chege, P O Box 40658, Nairobi

Temminck’s Coursers overshadow Malindi Pipits

On Saturday 28 February 1998, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Guides, the North
Coast KWS Partnership Officer and the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Information and
Education Officer headed out to Sabaki River mouth on a birding trip.

- It was a bright hot day even in the early hours of the morning, and with the
tide on the way out we decided to bird in the scrub and dune area before hitting
the river mouth itself. We had hardly reached the open area when a number of
pipits started fluttering and running in the short grass ahead of us. David Ngala,
a veteran of this area, was confident in affirming that what we saw was a
Malindi Pipit, but those less experienced among us were forced to do some
painstaking systematic observation. Leg colour seemed to change with the light
and the pipits insisted on showing their backs rather than breasts where we
hoped to see the distinctive streaking extending down the flanks. They all had
yellow at the base of the mandible, and this seemed more obvious when they
opened their mouths. - i

Thus in this fashion we continued checking out each pipit until we saw both
the Grassland and Malindi and could recognise some of the differences clearly.
Our Grassland Pipits were much lighter brown in colour, and the streaking was
on the chest only. David also instructed us to note that the Grassland only had a
yellowish base to the mandible whereas the Malindi Pipits he was seeing had
very distinct bright yellow bills. It was as we were observing what we had
identified as a Malindi Pipit standing tall on a little hillock with some food in its
mouth that a sudden cry went up as someone spotted something quite different .
We swung round in time to see some rufous heads fringed with a distinctive
white ‘V’ moving through the grass. They moved fairly rapidly, blending with
the background of dry grasses and low scrub, such that they were difficult to
pick out again immediately. We all turned to David and were surprised to see
him looking slightly puzzled but extremely excited as this was something he was
not familiar with. As the group of birds moved through the grass between the
bushes, pecking at the ground with such force they sent up small showers of
sand, they afforded us clear views of their underbellies with a distinct black
patch contrasting with the white behind. Strutting through the grass, cocking
their heads to one side, they displayed a pale rufous head, a white ‘V’ lined with
black extending from their eyes, a chestnut-brown back and pale throat,

74 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

becoming rufous/grey on the chest. Their legs appeared fairly pale and as they
flew in low flaps and glides, the complete dark underwing contrasted with the
two-tone black and brown upper wing.

We must have studied them from a distance of between 15 and 20 m for
about 15.minutes. Then as we progressed on towards the swampy reed pools
they ran along in front of us without taking to the wing until they reached the
pools themselves. Their flight was short and low with only a few flaps and
extended glides.

Having concluded that we had seen five Temminck’s Coursers we were
interested to learn from Zimmerman, Turner and Pearson, Birds of Kenya and
northern Tanzania, that they have not been sighted in this vicinity before. The
reference to them coming as far as the Tana River Delta following periods of
heavy rain, however, did make sense as the rainfall from May 1997 to January
1998 has been exceptional all over the country.

For all of the ASF Guides, the Temmick’s Courser had given them a new
LIFE bird which pleased David Ngala especially, as he had rather thought his
home patch had few surprises to offer.

Guides in the group included Ferdinand Maitha, Rashid Malibe, Mwachira,
Albert Mwamure, David Ngala, Mathias Ngonyo, Asha Noor and Jimmy
Shomie, with Tansy Bliss and Jirmo Tuga. — Tansy Bliss with Arabuko-Sokoke
Forest Guides, P O Box 383, Watamu

A surprise visitor: Bar-tailed Trogon in the Arboretum

Birdwatchers in the Nairobi area have been taking part in Wednesday Morning
Birdwalks for more than 25 years! Gathering at the National Museum, Nairobi,
every Wednesday before 9:00, they choose a site and spend the morning there,
enjoying the birds, the plants and the wildlife.

On 2 July 1997, there were not enough cars to transport all the birdwatchers,
so the groups met inside the main entrance, and turned to the right, through a
path winding down among the trees.

A sharp-eyed participant spotted a large, red and green bird. A trogon! Seeing
a trogon is the high point of walk through a forest. It is a beautiful bird, about
the size of a dove, with a long tail. The back is bright iridescent green, and the
male’s front is brilliant red. Despite its large size and striking colours, it is often
difficult to spot among the green leaves of the forest.

The Narina Trogon is resident of the Nairobi forests, but it had been several
years since one had been recorded in the Aboretum. So it was an exciting
moment. The group spent about five minutes making sure that everyone saw the
special bird as if flitted among the branches.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 75

The trogon then sat on a branch nearby, facing us, and began to preen,
cleaning and mounting its feathers. We could see every detail. And so we
noticed that its tail, from below, was barred with fine black bars on a white
background. It wasn’t a Narina Trogon, whose tail is smooth white below — it
was a Bar-tailed Trogon!

We were amazed. The Bar-tailed Trogon is a bird of the highland forest. In
Kenya, it occurs alongside the Narina Trogon only in Kakamega Forest. Bar-
tailed Trogon had been recorded in the Nairobi forests some fifty years ago, but
none had been seen within the city limits since at least 1972.

Yet there it was. The group noticed that the head of the Bar-tailed Trogon was
darker than Narina’s and its chest bluer. The bird had less ‘fancy eye make-up’
than its commoner cousin. And the tail was barred.

Why was it in the Arboretum? It may have migrated from the highland forest
in search of food during the cold season. Food was abundant in the Arboretum
that day; we kicked up clouds of small brown moths as we walked through the
grass. A number of birds migrate from the highlands to the Nairobi area during
the cold months. In particular, Bronze-naped, and sometime Olive, Pigeons
come to the Arboretum in July and August, then return to their highland homes.

The Bar-tailed Trogon did not stay, but it made that Wednesday Morning
Birdwalk a very special day! — Fleur Ng’weno, P O Box 42271, Nairobi

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix at Mida Creek

At around 10:00 on 11 March 1997, having been watching waterbirds from the
inland, Mida village side of Mida Creek together with Wellington Kombe of the
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Guides, I noticed a Wood Warbler moving through the
mangrove bushes in company with numerous Willow Warblers. In fact, the
mangroves fringing the creek were alive with small birds, mostly Willow
Warblers, many of them in song. As we walked back towards the car, a bright
warbler with a brilliant white belly caught my attention. A view in the binoculars
confirmed my suspicion that it was a Wood Warbler. I pointed it out to
Wellington and we both watched it for several minutes from about 6 m away
(with Bausch & Lomb 10 x 42 binoculars in my case) as it moved through the
mangroves and finally out of sight. It was a fairly large Phylloscopus, clearly a
little larger than the accompanying Willow Warblers. Upperparts were a bright
green, belly a clean white, with the throat and breast sulphur yellow. Wings
relatively long with pale green edging. Head and face patterned as in most
Phylloscopus with obvious yellow supercilium and dark eye. Legs appeared
pinkish. Its behaviour was much like the Willow Warblers as it moved through

the branches feeding, though it was chased by individual Willow Warblers on
two occasions.

76 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

While I thought it was unusual to see a Wood Warbler on the coast I didn’t at
the time realise how rare it was. The only obvious confusion species (to me)
_seemed to be Green-capped Eromomela, an African species I have not seen.
However, although the illustration in Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania
(Zimmerman et al., 1996) looks quite like a Wood Warbler, the text states that
the coastal race has a pale yellow belly, thus excluding it in my view. The jizz of
the bird I saw was perfect for Wood Warbler and unlike the Yellow-bellied
Eromomela I saw at Lake Baringo. No other Phylloscopus has the distinctive
combination of striking white belly and bright sulphur throat. — Richard
Gregory, British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24
2PU, UK

Arrival of the Yellow Wagtails:
The tribulations of an amateur birdwatcher.

On 4 October 1997, during World Birdwatch ‘97, Andrew Walker and I were
walking about on a large grassland adjacent to the grounds of St Andrew’s
School in Turi (0°10’S, 35°25°E at 2,700 m altitude). We were hoping to bag
some plovers and pipits, chats and widowbirds for the count. The field was
empty, there was hardly a bird about save some starlings and crows in the
distance and a very handsome young Augur Buzzard on a dead tree.

It was overcast, the cloud base being barely 2,000 feet, it was cold and windy
and we were wondering whether it would rain. It was about 3 pm when we saw
a flock of birds appraaching from the north-east. We were unable to make out
what they were, but they were flying in a straight line towards us, forming a
dense cloud. At first they were high, but then they started to spiral down and
now resembled a swarm of bees. We could count about a hundred but then there
was another and yet another flock, maybe as many as five altogether and the
birds descended and landed all around us. They were Yellow Wagtails! Just
where we stood, suddenly there were wagtails everywhere, at one time as many
as one to every four or so square meters, and they were very tame, not bothered
by us, eagerly feeding and chasing each other. Among them was a single
Northern Wheatear that we thought may have arrived in the company of the
wagtails — or was attracted by them, for it surely was not there before!

More.and more wagtails kept arriving and soon the whole field was covered
with them.

We are not wagtail specialists, but even to our amateur eye, it was obvious
that the flock consisted of several races: some were very yellow, others rather
grey, others again had a greenish tinge. Some had very marked eye stripes, yet
others had much dark on the head and face (black or perhaps very dark blue).

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 77

We had Van Perlo’s guide with us but had not lugged along the heavier
books. Van Perlo on Plate 61 shows seven races. We had around us at least three
if not four of these: certainly, flava and thunbergi, probably lutea and beema,
possibly superciliosus (transposed in Van Perlo: ‘g’ and ‘f’ being mixed up).

We had other things to do: birdwatch duty was calling so after a while we left
the field and the wagtails.

So our observation can be summarized thus: we witnéssed the arrival of a
compound flock consisting of several races of Yellow Wagtails on a field in Turi
where up to that moment there was not a single wagtail.

The verification of the observation requires arduous book work. Britton’s
Birds of East Africa confirms that Yellow Wagtails can be seen in the Kenyan rift
valley up to 3,000 m altitude from September to April, that they may frequent
cultivation and open bushland and that various races occur, including flava and
thumbergi (and flava-thunbergi intermediates!), that superciliosus has been
caught in Nairobi, and that /Jutea and beema are more likely to be seen in the east
of the country.

But where do all these wagtails come from and, if the various races are
allopatric in their breeding areas, where do they join up?

My Collins photographic guide of birds of Britain and Europe contains five
photographs of yellow wagtails. Three of these (nos 518, 519 and 520) we have
seen at Turi but these photographs are difficult to match up with the Van Perlo
pictures. The nearest one gets is to confirm flava and thunbergi and feldegg. The
text (page 583-4) says that flavissima is the British race, feldegg breeds in the
Balkans and that, in any case, in winter plumage all yellow wagtails look more
or less. alike.

But in Turi they did not look alike!

In Birds of Africa (Keith, Urban & Fry, Vol. IV) pages 198-202 are devoted
to the Yellow Wagtails. Eleven races and three hybrid populations are to be
chosen from but it is said that in winter plumage they are difficult to distinguish.
However on plate 11 several non-breeding plumages are shown among the many
breeding ones. Studying the pictures together with the text we can confirm flava
and thunbergi now with certainty but there are no pictures and no description of
the flava/thunbergi hybrids.

As to the home ranges, this book gives “Central Europe east to the Urals” for
flava and “Norway East to Northern Siberia” for thunbergi. It does say that the
two intergrade.

Going back to my old Mackworth-Praed and Grant Handbook of African
Birds (where all the Motacilla flava races are still treated as different Budytes
species) I find that the little migration maps do admirably correspond to the
various data found in the other volumes.

78 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Finally, | looked up the matter in our new bible, Zimmerman, Turner and
Pearson’s Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania. Here I found on page 506
corroboration for the likelihood of flava and ‘probability for beema and lutea but
I also found new information: namely that in first winter coat most yellow
wagtails look like females and that all of them have much white in their feathers.
Plate 69 shows various plumages, includifg some in winter but there is nothing
about hybrids and their looks.

But none of the books I perused tells us where the races we saw at Turi (and
they were three, if not four, even giving allowance for dimorphic females) may
have joined: did they cross the Middle East together or did they rendezvous
somewhere in the Rift — perhaps only a few kilometers from Turi? — Jmre
Loefler, P O Box 47964, Nairobi

Shining Sunbird —Edwin Selempo |

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 79

Threatened birds of Kenya
10: Williams’s Lark Mirafra williamsi

Don Turner
P O Box 48019, Nairobi

It was only in June 1955 that the late John G. Williams (former curator of birds
at the Coryndon, now National, Museum of Kenya) came across, and later
collected a new species of lark on the south-western slopes of Mt Marsabit in
northern Kenya.

In 1956, J. D. Macdonald of the Natural History Museum in London, duly
named the bird Williams’s Lark Mirafra williamsi, and today it remains one of
the least known of Kenya’s endemic bird species. It lives in the most
inhospitable of habitats — rocky lava desert with sparse grass cover and low
Barleria shrubs, and with temperatures often in excess of 35°C.

STE SP
INES, Zevad
ew! TAP ib AY 1. EN Te
ANY aw, BAT V

Williams’s Lark —Edwin Selempo

80 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Like so many others of the family, Williams’s Lark has few distinguishing
features, other than its heavy, pale pink or brownish-grey bill. The general
colour of its upperparts varies from rufous to deep vinous-brown or blackish,
matching the red or black soils and lava rocks of its barren sub-desert habitat.

Two colour morphs occur, the more common one rufous, with rufous-brown
ear-coverts and pectoral patches, the other a dark blackish morph with sides of
face and pectoral patches blackish-chestnut. The lower throat and breast in both
forms is mottled or spotted with dark brown or chestnut, becoming pale buffish
on the lower belly and under tail coverts. The primaries are boldly rufous-edged,
often forming a long and fairly conspicuous panel on the closed wing. Most
individuals also show a fairly prominent buffy or rufous-buff supercilium which
joins a whitish post-auricular area.

Williams’s Lark is highly secretive at all times, scuttling almost rodent-like
as it feeds among rocks and low Barleria shrubs. It rarely perches above ground
other than on low rocks or stones, where it generally stands high to escape the
often searing-hot substrate. Although rarely taking flight, males do display
briefly at sunrise, in a slow, jerky, and somewhat laboured song-flight, uttering a
sharp ‘tsur-SREET”’ call note with each forward flap of their broad wings.

Throughout its disjunct range in the Dida Galgalla Desert and to the northeast
of Isiolo from the Shaba National Reserve to Garba Tula District, it occurs
alongside the Masked Lark Spizocorys personata, and in several parts of its
range both are relatively common and easily observed. Nevertheless to date, the
nest, eggs and breeding biology of Williams’s Lark remain totally undescribed,
and as such offer opportunities to all ardent students of Kenyan ornithology to
give due attention to this little known endemic of ours.

Van Perlo Corrections Corner no. 2

Compiled by Colin Jackson
P O Box 383, Watamu

The Collins /llustrated Checklist to the birds of east Africa by Ber van Perlo is a
very useful addition to the field guides available for East Africa — but as
pointed out in previous issues of Kenya Birds, it does contain quite a few
mistakes in the text, plates and maps.

This is the second instalment of our ‘corrections corner’ that will draw
attention to mistakes that book users discover — incorrect colours on the plates,
text that is clearly wrong, wrong or mis-numbered maps, and so on. Note these
errors in your copies to make the book more useful for your birding, and avoid

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 81

being misled into wrong identifications. If Collins ever puts out a second
edition, perhaps these corrections will be taken into account as well.

There are probably more mistakes lurking out there — please send in details
of any problems that you’ve noted, for our Corrections Corner no. 3!

Plate 73.15, Brown Parisoma.
Problem: Tlustration shows bird with pale eye — it should be dark.

Plate 33.6, 7, & 8, African, Great and Common Snipe.

Problem: Text correctly states that Common and African Snipe are the same size
and that Great Snipe is larger. However, illustrations show Common as being the
largest and Great as the smallest.

Plate 37.11, Sooty Tern.

Problem: Illustration is again misleading in that this tern is significantly larger
than species such as Common, Roseate and Lesser Crested Terns (the latter
being incorrectly illustrated as almost half as large again).

Plate 69.11, African Yellow Warbler.

Problem: Crown illustrated as being nearly the same colour as mantle — should
in fact be noticeably darker, which in fact is how its ‘standard’ name describes
it: Dark-capped Yellow Warbler.

Plate 81.12, Amethyst Sunbird.
Problem: Illustration shows tail as being relatively long — it is in fact about half
the length shown.

The art of the Bird Bottle

Kimbo Beakbane
P O Box 20, Kericho

We’ve got Bird Tables, we’ve got Bird Baths — now add to the fun of your
garden birds, while entertaining yourself and friends, with ‘Bird Bottles’. This is
a fascinating and easy way to introduce adults and children of any age to bird
watching and recording.

What is a ‘bird bottle’? Well, a bird bath is a shallow bowl of water for birds
to drink and bathe in, a bird table is for providing (solid) food for birds, and a
bird bottle is how you can provide liquid food in the form of sugar solution

82 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

(‘synthetic nectar’, one could call it) for those birds which feed on that high-
energy source of nutrition. A bird bottle is therefore designed to attract sunbirds
in particular, but as you will find out if you try it yourself, a surprising diversity
of species are lured to this simple, but effective, bird-attractor.

Like all good ideas the basic concept is very simple:

e Use a transparent glass bottle, which will be easy to clean and gives weight
in windy conditions. I use 150 ml ‘Kikkoman Soy Sauce’ bottles — the flat,
tough plastic screw-on lid, with two lateral holes, is ideal.

e You also need a one litre (transparent) plastic bottle, cut horizontally in two
approximately one-third the way up from the base — discard the bottom
section. Transparent materials are best for both bottles as it means that you
can see when the liquid needs replenishing at a glance.

¢ Pierce two holes opposite each other and approximately 1 cm up from the cut
edge of the top section of the plastic bottle. Through these, thread a piece of
string, about 30 cm long, knotting it securely at each side, to create a
longish loop.

e Next comes the tricky part: cut very carefully round the neck of the plastic
bottle to leave an opening large enough, such that when the smaller, glass
bottle is placed inside, its lid protrudes, but not so large as to allow it to fall
out. This is the permanent ‘sling’ for the Bird Bottle. There will be many
different ways to achieve this objective, but I prefer, after trial and error,
this permanent sling — it is so easy, neat and functional. Accidental spillage
of the liquid is avoided by careful cutting of the plastic sling and the weight
of the glass Bird Bottle itself.

¢ Having decided on the site (for which see below), take a stout unbrushed
stick, i.e. with small twigs/branches left uncut, making it very ‘user
friendly’ by providing perches for birds, and secure the stake in position.

¢ Attach the string loop of the ‘sling’ to the stick — I use a form of water-proof
sticky tape — ensuring that the sling hangs conveniently amongst the twigs.

e Fill the glass bottle with a solution of honey and water, sugar and water, or
any such mixture you like, and secure the screw-on lid.

¢ Holding the sling in one hand, slide the now-filled glass bottle and gently let
it hang upside-down (when the liquid needs replenishing reverse the
process — holding the ‘sling’ in one hand, slide the glass bottle out, refill
and slide it in again).

¢ Then sit back and let the fun begin!

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 83

LET AES for atfachine
Siting loop.

A Sling (

she ion weet
(transparent paste) ai / s

wate

heles for
“Sling, — jnvere to hang
bird bette inside.

“trans parent plastic bottle

84 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Siting the Bird Bottle
‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again’.

My most popular sites are those which are surrounded by plants or scrub,
giving the birds cover. Open sites tend to be avoided by all species.

I have found that placing Bird Bottles on or adjacent to bird tables,
particularly if they have fruit, attracts swarms of bees. Awpy from the tables the
occasional bee presents no problem.

Using an unbrushed stake to hold the Bird Bottle, instead of a plant, shrub or
tree, allows for more flexibility when choosing or moving sites. The twiglets are
also ideal for perching and queuing — yes, birds obviously knew about
‘queuing’ before we did!

A few tips and hints

For a more dramatic effect food colourings can be used in the liquid — reds,
oranges and yellows seem to be the most popular with the birds. Light green is
tolerated, but dark greens and blues are rejected. Any plain, un-sugared water,
whether it be colourless, coloured, tap or filtered, surprisingly is also rejected,
even in the hottest weather.

With prolonged usage the glass bottle can become encrusted, but it’s easy to
scrub the inside clean by using an old tooth brush and some bicarbonate of soda
dissolved in water. When the ‘sling’ becomes discoloured throw it away and
make a new one. AY

If a note book and biro are left near the site(s), together with a large bottle of
(your) solution for rapid replenishing of the Bird Bottle(s), it encourages
everyone to participate actively. Very quickly a Bird Bottle Diary emerges, full
of interesting and amusing anecdotes, lists of species, strange sightings etc. and
becomes a useful and permanent data source from which much information can
be extracted, e.g. breeding records, confirmation of resident Status in your area,
monthly species movements, etc.

With the constant activity around the well-sited Bird Bottle, ‘birding’ parents
of babes and/or toddlers will find it a great source of amusement while
germinating the ‘birding’ bug early.

I am constantly besieged with the question ‘what solution do you use’? To
which the only answer is, once more, ‘Try, try, and try again’! I have
experimented. with cane~sugar,-local honey, imported honey, glucose, pure
glycerine; plain water, various combinations of two or more of the above,
varying dilutions ..with. water,.colours added, natural coloration or plain. The
birds will show their preference — and the fun is endless. =~ -

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 85

Ringing at Ngulia, 1997/98

Graeme Backhurst
P O Box 15194, Nairobi

The effects of e/ nifio had a dominating influence on the weather in Kenya at the
end of 1997 and early in 1998. The composition of the catch of Palaearctic
migrants at Ngulia was also affected. Nevertheless, the total number of migrants
ringed (17,232) was actually the third highest ever. For the first time, the Ngulia
Ringing Group was joined by two teams of Earthwatch participants.

First period .

Nairobi recerded 200 mm of rain in October 1997 and Tsavo was very green
when an advance team-arrived.on 31 October. However, the only migrant seen
during the 50-km drive through the park was a single Spotted Flycatcher. No
wheatears, shrikes or swallows — a decidedly odd situation and a warning, as it
turned out, of things to come!

The new moon night of 31 October/1 November was misty, with no birds.
Three 60-foot nets set from just before dawn on Ist produced just a Sprosser and
a Whitethroat. The following three nights, even with mist and showers on two,
resulted in only 36 migrants caught. For comparison, 29, 30 and 31 October
1995 produced a total of 248 migrants ringed.

Second, main period
When Ngulia Ringing Group members drove in on 22 November they judged
the vegetation to be some three weeks ahead of normal with impressive
flowering of Thunbergia holstii. Good mist, and often very heavy rain, featured
on most dates until 6 December, but bird numbers were lower than expected.
The species composition was also odd. Marsh Warbler was, as usual,
dominant (7,276 ringed, the second highest ever), followed by Sprosser (2,870)
and Whitethroat (2,406). The historically fourth most-ringed species, the River
Warbler, only made 6th place during this period (225), trailing behind Red-
backed Shrike (277, second highest yearly total) and Willow Warbler (237).
Many of the ‘minor’ species were way down on expected numbers; for instance,
there were only 40 Barn Swallows ringed, 34 Red-tailed Shrikes, eight Eurasian
Nightjars (and one in the first period), seven Rufous Bush Chats, 19 Basra Reed,
14 Olivaceous and ten Upcher’s Warblers. Compensations were few. Olive-tree
Warblers were surprisingly plentiful (141) and, proportionately, slightly above
the percentage in any previous year. There were scarcely any rarely-caught

86 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Pied Wheatear —Edwin Selempo

species: two Asian Lesser Cuckoos, one Eurasian Cuckoo, and one Whinchat.
Over the years, Common House Martins have often been seen over Ngulia, even
sitting on the buildings, but hitherto have never been caught. A concerted effort
this year using a tape lure in front of the dining room resulted in 29 being
ringed.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 87

Third period

The Lodge was manned from 23 December to 5 January by National Museums
of Kenya personnel and Earthwatch volunteers. Many of the nights were misty
but, as often seems to happen towards the end of the migration, bird numbers
were very variable. Nevertheless, 3,082 migrants were ringed, although the
number of species was only 18. Once more Marsh Warbler was top (1,436), with
Common Whitethroat now in second place (1,159); Sprosser, true to form, was
down to 251, followed by River Warbler in its ‘true’ fourth position (98). The
sole unusual migrant caught was a Eurasian Cuckoo on 3 January.

Weights

With a good deal of torrential rain, the catch of 30 November contained a high
proportion of very fat birds, with Marsh Warblers up to 17.2 g, Whitethroat to
20.0 g, Willow Warbler to 12.5 g, and Sprosser to 33.4 g. In the third period,
heavy birds predominated throughout with Marsh up to 18.2 g, River to 23.5 g,
Whitethroat to 20.5 g, and Sprosser to 32.0 g.

Visible migration and sightings

In early November there was a light southerly passage of Sooty Falcons, with
birds passing during the morning and afternoon, plus one sitting in light rain on
a dead tree in front of the lodge at 04:45 on 4th. There were several sightings of
Amur Falcons (up to 200) in late November, and a male flew round for a few
seconds at high speed at night on 30th before alighting on a dead tree where it
remained in torrential rain and superbly visible for the next half hour. There
were a few Booted Eagle sightings in late November, a female Eurasian
Sparrowhawk on 5 December and a Corncrake on Ist.

Afrotropicals

The Afrotropical ringing total was the second highest at 797, but did include 205
Red-billed Quelea. No less than twelve species were new for the ringing list,
pride of place going to an Allen’s Gallinule lifted off the top of one of the
manicured bushes just over the verandah wall at night on 30 November,
immediately after a magnificent Mottled Swift had been picked up from the
ground of the open verandah! The Mottled Swift had last been caught in 1972.
Nightjars were very scarce indeed, only 12 Plain and one Dusky being ringed.
Several other species which sometimes feature in nocturnal movements were not
caught at all (e.g., Common Button Quail, kingfishers, Golden Pipit, African
Paradise Flycatcher, and Red-capped Robin-Chat). Larks, though, were ‘well’
represented: three individuals of three species — Singing Bush Lark, Red-
winged Lark and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark — but no Friedmann’s Larks

88 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

which were, however, singing in an area of recently burnt grass some 35 km to
the west.

Earthwatch

Manpower was considerably augmented this year by the presence of two
Earthwatch contingents. Earthwatch enables volunteers to participate in and
provide support to research projects around the world. In the second period we
hosted a group of ten Earthwatch Fellows from several African countries, and in
the final period ten volunteers from the UK and USA. The mix of different
nationalities, together with the mix of nationalities of regular NRG members,
worked smoothly together.

Recoveries and controls

The total numbers of recoveries and controls of birds caught at Ngulia now
stands at 2 Afrotropicals and 94 Palaearctics. During the current season’s
catching there was only a single control, a Marsh Warbler from the eastern
German Hiddensee ringing scheme; it had been ringed in Thiringen in June
1993. During 1997 a further 13 recoveries were notified. They were an
interesting bunch: a Harlequin Quail to Soroti, NW Uganda; no less than five
Sprossers, of which three were to the North Sinai area of Egypt (the other two
were to Russia); an Olive-tree Warbler to the lower Zambezi River in
Mozambique; and six Marsh Warblers to the Middle East and Europe. It is likely
that the Harlequin Quail and the Olive-tree Warbler are the first recoveries of
these species anywhere.

We heard in April 1997 that the River Warbler we controlled at Ngulia in
December 1996 had been ringed in Slovakia in May 1994, and this too is
probably the first long-distance recovery for the species.

In the second period there were three retraps of birds ringed at Ngulia in
previous seasons. All were Marsh Warblers, two from November 1995, both
retrapped twice this season, and one from December 1996. There were no
previous-season retraps in the other two periods.

Acknowledgements

Thanks as always to all the ringing team (57 strong this year, including the
Earthwatch contingent!), to Kenya Wildlife Service and the Ngulia Lodge
management, and to the Wetland Trust, British Airways Assisting Conservation
and Earthwatch for vital financial help.

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 89

In memoriam
Gurner Cunningham-van Someren,
1913-1997

‘Chum’ van Someren, Ornithologist Emeritus of the National
Museums of Kenya and for many years Curator of the bird collection,
died in August 1997. The following tribute to Chum is part of an
address delivered by Ian Parker at a memorial gathering in September
1997.

“Van Someren is a Dutch name. In the last century, however, a family of
Van Somerens became British. By the time that Vernon (or V.G.L. as he
was known) van Someren joined the British East Africa Protectorate
Medical Service in 1910, these van Somerens were Cunningham-van
Somerens and as Scottish as Meinertzhagen was English. Gurner (or
Chum) Cunningham van Someren was the first of seven children born to
Vernon and Elizabeth van Someren, and outlived them all.

As a good Scot, Chum was educated at Herriott Watts and attended an
agricultural college. One of his first undertakings on returning to Kenya in
1933 was to build the house he lived in for the rest of his life, here on
Miotoni. His early employment was varied. Among many things, he laid
the original Karen Estates water pipelines and helped build the Karen golf
course. As an employee of the Nairobi Municipal Council’s Health Service,
he was briefly Nairobi’s head rat catcher. |

Chum was a gregarious and sociable young man who played tennis and
- golf (according to his wife, he had a terrible slice), enjoyed bird shooting,
was a keen fisherman, and had a fine singing voice that he was not shy of
using. He was also slightly eccentric. He always dressed formally for
dinner — black tie and dinner jacket - insisting that his servant also be
formally attired in white kanzu, red cummerbund and fez. Nothing was
allowed to upset the ritual — even when as a lone bachelor the meal was no
more than fish and chips. In later years flashes of this eccentricity
reappeared in nonsense songs rendered in full voice while capering on the
beach at Watamu in the dead of night.

Late in the 1930s he joined Pest Control, a Quin Geering company that _
was the forerunner of Fisons. With the exception of war service in the
Royal Army Medical Corps in Ethiopia and Somaliland — where he
worked on mosquito control — he was to stay with the Company for the
rest of his official working career. In 1938 he met Eleanor MacDonald,

90 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

whom he married in 1940. Fisons, and even more, Eleanor, steadied Chum
somewhat: as employers and wives usually do. |

Eleanor MacDonald was born in Uganda, but educated in Scotland.
Aged 18 and having passed her Scottish ‘highers’ she returned to East
Africa. Joining the Medical Research Laboratories and despite no formal
training, she was quickly established as a technician in the pathology
section. Later she switched to entomology, which became her forte, and she
developed into a world authority on African mosquitoes. In recognition she
was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Brunel University. Not only was
Eleanor Chum’s loving helpmate, but her first-class brain kept up with and
stimulated his own scientific research.

After the war Chum grew a beard, did not sing as much as he once had
and Eleanor presented him with two sons. The three phenomena may or
may not have been connected. Chum loved his sons and enjoyed them and
their company immensely. Yet he was not a ‘good father’ in the modern
sense, believing that rearing children was a wife’s job.

Eleanor did not like Chum’s beard particularly, but conceded that — jet
black, neatly clipped and fulsome — it was a handsome beard in as far as
beards go. Chum was quite vain about it. Between 1963 and 1968 he had to
spend three months a year on the Gezira cotton project in Sudan. The
Sudanese won Chum’s heart in several ways, but especially through their
admiration for his beard. As people with a fine eye for such things, this
tickled his vanity no end. From his Sudan days onward, Chum refused to
trim his beard again. The fine black growth evolved into the wild greying,
prophet’s growth we all knew in latter times.

In his career Chum van Someren was a hard-working company man
who concentrated upon insect pests, but could turn his hand to anything,
going further than most company men would hold reasonable. Many of the
experiments on plants undertaken for Fisons were carried out on his own
property here at Miotoni. Characteristically, when he did something, he
undertook it without reservation, throwing everything into finding the right
answer.

Then there was the other Chum: van Someren the naturalist. In this he
followed his eminent father’s footsteps. With a Victorian’s insatiable
curiosity, throughout his life he was fascinated by nature and never ceased
to marvel at the life about him. Over the years he became a veritable
encyclopaedia, not only on Africa’s natural history, but the whole planet’s.
And he gave out his knowledge freely and enthusiastically. Anyone who
asked was given whatever he knew in full measure.

Chum was a compulsive note taker and diarist. He wrote many papers,
though they were fewer than he might have produced, given the

Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997 91

information at his disposal. He did not write up all his material because his
primary interest was discovery and not reporting. He was one of those
whose interest was doing and not the fame of having done.

After a professional career dominated by entomology, when Chum left
Fisons he became the National Museum’s ornithologist. When he retired
for the second time, the Museum made him Omithologist Emeritus. While
he loved all nature, his work with birds pleased him best and gave him
greatest satisfaction. He, and his father V.G.L. van Someren, were
outstanding naturalists, contributing more than any other two men to East
Africa’s ornithology and entomology this century.

Chum was a man who could have, some would say should have, been
better known than he was. He was charitable, liked people and had a loving
family. Without question he benefited his fellow humans, lived a long and
happy life, and shared this happiness with others. His time was well used.
He is now gone. That he be mourned is inevitable and right. Yet it was the
nature of the man to prefer being remembered, not with a tear, but a smile
between friends with noggins in hand, recalling incidents past. A formal
funeral was not his style. He was not religious. Chum marvelled at Nature,
saw it as a grand act of creation and mystery immensely beyond human
comprehension — which is where he left it.”

Leon Bennun adds: “I first met Chum ‘properly’ only in the early 1980s. His
wild, white beard, flashing spectacles and no-nonsense manner were intimidating
to a degree, especially to a neophyte ornithologist rather lacking in self-
confidence. While Chum’s enormous knowledge of East African natural history
was immediately apparent, it took longer to appreciate his willingness to share
that knowledge with whoever asked, his passionate concern for and love of
nature, and his fundamental kindness as a person. Chum made enormous
contributions to ornithology in Kenya, and to the Museum in particular —
including starting the forerunner of Kenya Birds, ‘Museum Avifauna News’. His
interest in the Ornithology Department continued long after his retirement as
Ornithologist Emeritus. While he rarely made a personal appearance, letters in
his distinctive, elegant, looped handwriting appeared on my desk at frequent
intervals after I took over the running of the Department. These often contained
quite pointed criticisms — Chum was rarely shy to make his professional
feelings known. However, such comments were never made gratuitously, but out
of genuine concern for the proper approach in matters ornithological (and they
undoubtedly heiped to keep us on our toes!) Chum was an immense reservoir of
wisdom and knowledge; his passing, after a long and very productive life, in
many ways marks the end of an era in Kenyan ornithology. As we look towards
an uncertain and challenging future, he will be greatly missed.”

92 Kenya Birds Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2, December 1997

Events and Announcements

Coming soon! Important Bird Areas in Kenya, to be published by the
EANHS, identifies, maps and describes 60 critical conservation sites and the

key bird species they contain. For pre-publication information, contact the
EANHS office.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks continue weekly. Meet at 8:45 am at the
National Museums entrance for a walk in the Nairobi area. These walks are for
EANHS members: non-members are welcome but requested to join the
Society (see below).

The East Africa Natural History Society offers lectures, excursions and
publications with a strong bird focus and organises ringing and nest record
schemes in Eastern Africa. For membership details: tel. 749957, or write to the
Hon. Secretary, EANHS, P O Box 44486 Nairobi. The office at the National
Museums of Kenya is open each weekday 09:30 to 15:30.

National Birdmap. The Ornithology Department’s biogeographic database
needs YOUR bird records!! For your free National Birdmap checklists, contact
the Department.

Birding Hotline! Phone the EANHS on Nairobi 749957 to hear the latest and to
report any unusual records.

Scopus, the lively regional journal of ornithology, is published by the EANHS
Ornithological Sub-committee. Contact Don Turner, P O Box 48019, Nairobi,
Kenya (tel. Nairobi 48133).

African Bird Club. The ABC provides a worldwide focus for African ornithol-
ogy and its colour Bulletin is second to none. For membership details, write to
the Kenyan ABC representative: Colin Jackson, PO Box 383 Watamu (e-mail
cj-jacko @bigfoot.com)

Regional birding groups are now active in Kakamega, Kinangop, Mombasa,
Naivasha and Watamu, among other places. For information and addresses,
contact Solomon Ngari at the EANHS.

EANHS Nest Record Card Scheme. For information and cards, contact Joseph
Oyugi at the Department of Omnithology, National Museums of Kenya
(address below).

CONTACTS: For Kenya Birds, write to the Department of Omnithology,
National Museums of Kenya, P O Box 40658, Nairobi, e-mail
kbirds @africaonline.co.ke or telephone 742131/61, extension 243. For the
EANHS and its Bird Committee, telephone Nairobi 749957; fax 741049, or e-
mail eanhs @africaonline.co.ke.

Contents, continued

NR er cae cE 8 stesso ord ac toitn eos dbichoaulesuuesiisy voduobsersoneronapneoesis 64
Birds of prey at Tudor Creek, Mombasa ................:ccsscsssessscsssceseceneceseseeesessseensenees 64
Biraimng along Nairobi Streets .....2002.3:-.c0seeseacaecessnoceceeccacssannoeasrasenecesccossontsoresvesnnsiass 65
MP WKAR DUS CARS oct coe ccd con aacectenas«acaee oases one dennentoots sanavntssssencsosnonsnadsscneasnansusieesarsansays 67
Common Button-quail breeding in Nairobi National Park....................scsssssssseeees 67
Two Nairobi cuckoo records ......... Pe eS Pe ge eg ea ons acon gaasceiceteaires 68
Little Egret feeding on Omena in Lake Victoria .................::cssceseees aeatlantaes setae ee: 68
A week from the note-book of a Rift Valley birder ....................cssccsssseteesseeeseseees 69
Seven Grey Parrots in Kakamega «. .......2...2¢fccctsiestsecsssesessadencncsenveqanancetosencsnsonseodoasns 70
Ii AcLOPNC HER CAO Foes ae eee tee cases <a ute wana Sater cu onc annSSh rece souk ante nas oveboevaneacaananctben 71
Re cissismmulrac@liit VIUFANS A? 22.52.20. essaccreoensiioasncesec-nscseclancssnceoslsaveacenpeneesnasnsecerd Eaeed (|
Ganne for sick and injured TaptOLS ........:..:../.000-nccensssncendecoscsnscossssvesssedorsaeneddecuseee 71
Temminck's Coursers overshadow Malindi Pipits ................sssssssseesesesessesssesseeeees 73
A surprise visitor: Bar-tailed Trogon in the Nairobi Arboretum ....................:cs08 74
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix at Mida Creek ................:cccssscccsserccsssseceenee 75
Arrival of the Yellow Wagtails: The tribulations of an amateur birdwatchet......... 76

Threatened birds of Kenya 10: Williams’s Lark.................c::0000000 ee On 79

Wan Perlo Corrections Comer NO. 2..............ssoeceresssoscsesnnrctsersnetncssrocnesdasiosondenss 80

MMe FAROE EMIT SOULE 62600... ncccanecenareadsneanvesntccsnanevnnachardiievenecnsnesavaduetarcendvacessens 81

RBPPr Ut OU LOOT / Bo foccaactissncncans oecsnsdsencusdusdseueseecacese cdbsasdanvscedecausslectipeseeles 85

In memoriam. Gurner Cunningham-van Someren, 1913-1997 .................c00008 89
EEVEMES ANG ANMOUNCEMENLS «.-.<cacec....p0.soesseececseroreserencessonccssesdoasandecseoneaecsseosss 92
Request for information: Common Kestrels .................cssscccssscsssceeseeesseeeees 11
ETRE RESIS, ae he) Nall ici a Roti eRe eae te ne AEA EO Ena PD 63

Black-capped Social Weavers by Edwin Selempo — one of the illustrations for the
upcoming EANHS book, “Important Bird Areas in Kenya’ (see p. 92). This species is
characteristic of the Somali-Masai biome in Kenya

Kenya Birds, Volume 6, Numbers 1 & 2: December 1997

Contents
Editorial ...ccccescniseisndasssonanicvuceaidypibenyRnsilil Silas Se tyestamsbocsedlenp oitlep enamel nanan ii
News froni Kenya and abroad ..i0i.4.0iefigds Wack oes Bisesad ate nee 49
Department of Ornithology «...,...0:..:.ssdsisone0s danduasidtesbaxslmense elect te neeamn ny ee 1
East Africa Natural History Society .....:00:s06s+sssdese-ssesecscnnsiennnassssehiaaenens ane BZ
International ,...........0cse-nse:ssssacssevensionnssssissonnssanaaeny ects sStcanabes sleet tam anne 13
World Birdwatch ’97:.A special. report .........i:07000se4, Gospel eee 15
Birding in...the Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Game Reserves............. 29
The birds of prey of Ololokwi 30.:.02.202..200 Se 36
RROCOPES 22 io oes laccccdesee bes eteeclacccsasescancsecdobtocuseentetiies conse iiaihco ed itt a gees 41
Afrotropical Species. 2.2 .....ciihscasenceconesconetesenne caste so MRaPPRaees pees etee tt eee 44
Palacarctic SPpeCies 1.2.2 2Ne. Resse ssanensconaesnascumnecoteniieeteean eh: ean 55
Breeding record .yisc.csscssd.csc0dees. Gas. see nee ead einen pte eee ey

Olive-tree Warbler — Edwin Selempo