IN TTt£ ttovse- Books from the Nature Kenya front office^ A comprehensive illustrated field guide of Africa south ot the lan Sinclair Peter Ryan snu flew TRIPS Kingwal Swamp Trip Fri 12- Sun 14 March 04 Kingwal Swamp is located in Kapsabef and hosts the endangered semi-aquatic antelope, Sitatunga. Please ensure you carry your -camping gear (available for hire: sleeping bags @ 200/-, two-person tent @ 400/-). Charges are 2500/- per person, inclusive of food from dinner Friday to breakfast Sunday and public transport. Pay by Fri 5 March at Nature Kenya front office. Minimum pax: 15 Easter at the Tana Wed 7 - Tue 13 April 04 Birds of Africa south of the Sahara Ian Sinclair A Peter Ryan Describes and illustrates all the birds found in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, including 5ocotra, Pemba and the Gulf of Guinea KSH 2750 Birding at Mwea Saturday 27 March 04 I Drive to the vicinity of the Mwea Rice Scheme for birdwatching in the area. | Book with 150/- per person by Wed 24 ! March at the front office. Bring hat, Kenya Wildlife Service Guide Books available for the following parks and reserves: Aberdares, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Lake Nakuru, Shimba Hills, Mt Elgon KSH 750 Taxonomy Without (too many) Tears Leonard E Newton Plant taxonomy and some related topics in a style that can be understood by anyone without botanical training KSH 200 drinking water and picnic lunch. Don't forget your membership card. Transport is by car pool and confirmation is reliant on available vehicles. Fishing Lodge, Aberdares N. Park 20 - 21 March 04 Hikes and birdwalks guided by Dino Martins. Fishing Lodge is self catering and fully equipped. Few rooms available. Bring drinking water and food, 4WD essential and charged smartcard. Cost 2500/- by 10 March. A Kenya Museum Society trip. A Unique 7 Day Safari via Tsavo East (Bigi Camp) with 2 nights at the Tana Delta (luxury Tana Delta Camp) and then up to the Tana River Primate Reserve (2 nights Mchelelo Camp). Return Nairobi via Tsavo East (Bigi Camp). With a minimum of 12 pax the cost will be 21,000/- per person exclusive of transport. (We are investigating transport options, but about 10000/-). Not included in the cost is the KWS fees - bring own charged smart cards - and two meals at stopovers in Malindi. Mchelelo is a basic self catering camp; you may wish to bring your own drinks. Camps have 4 DL tents, with 12 pax we'll be sharing 3 to a tent. We have very special rates at these camp sites and need to confirm bookings; please book by Fri 19 March. Don't wait - this is an opportunity to get off the beaten track, and see a remote part of the country, and enjoy unique biodiversity. Book now! East Africa Natural History Society knnual General Meeting For nominations to the Thu 13 May '04 Executive Committee please 4:30 p.m. Louis Leakey Hall collect forms at the office National Museum, Nairobi NATURE KENYA, P. O. Box 44486, 00100 GPO Nairobi Tel: 3749957 / 3746090 Fax: 3741049 E-mail: office@naturekenya.org 1 Bird). T N T F. R If A T lO N A I B i r d L i f e International is a global Partnership, active in 106 countries. The Partners work together on shared priorities, policies and programmes of sustainable development action, exchanging skills, achievements and information, and so growing in ability, authority and influence. The BirdLife International Partnership works with people towards sustainability in the use of natural resources in order to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity, while promoting social and economic development. Moon, Mar 04 right on the horizon (directly below the head 7 March Full moon; 14 March Last quarter 0 f the constellation Cetus). Mercury climbs (rises at midnight); 21 March New moon; 29 March First Quarter (overhead at sunset) to its highest around the 28’\ then sets again. World Bird Conference, 2004 The World Bird Conference is a global BirdLife meeting, held every four years to discuss and adopt strategies, programmes and policies. The conference will be held in Durban, South Africa, and is entitled 'Empowering People for Change'. This global conference will be attended by participants from more than 60 countries who will share experiences, skills and knowledge in sustainable development action. Paul Matiku, Executive Director, and Solomon Mwangi, the Conservation Programme Manager, will represent Nature Kenya. The Conference will give them a chance to share and disseminate experiences and best practices with other participants, which will help to strengthen Nature Kenyas' capacity in biodiversity conservation. Member of IUCN The World Conservation Union Nature Kenya membership of IUCN was approved in December 03.By joining the Union, Nature Kenya becomes part of a democratically governed global alliance of organizations, agencies and governments. In its role as a global advocate for the environment, IUCN represents the views of its members on the world stage and seeks to influence, encourage and assist societies to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature, and ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Planets, Mar 04 This month we have a chance to see all the five nearest planets and a moon in our evening sky! They are found along the ecliptic - the part of the sky traveled by the moon and planets. The planets shine by reflecting the light from the sun; so they do not sparkle like the stars. Looking eastwards first, the brilliant planet Jupiter is rising steadily. Currently it is close to the constellation Leo, the lion. Following the ecliptic till we get straight above, we find Saturn. Xt is a golden light near the constellation of the Gemini twins. Turning around and looking northwest, there is Mars. Xt is a slightly reddish light, not as bright as it was last year. Mars is just above the crescent moon on March 25 th . Bright Venus is below Mars, and to the left. After the 24 ,h we will also see Mercury. This small planet is, as always, very low, The Pleiades, a constellation of many stars close together, is nearby (slightly below the Moon on the 25 ,h ). The Pleiades are well worth looking at with binoculars; and since the Moon is a crescent the glare will not be so much. Stars, Mar 04 Many of the brightest stars are straight above us on March evenings: Sirius in Canis Major, Procyon in Canis Minor, and many in the constellation of Orion. Lower in the sky are other bright stars: Canopus in the south, and Regulus (part of Leo) in the east (near the planet Jupiter in March 04), Capella is in the northwest. The Star Algol, in the constellation PerseuS, is between Capella and the planet Venus. Sun, March 04 The equinox is on March 20 ,h It marks the start of autumn in the southern hemisphere, and of spring in the north. courses Fundamentals of Ornithology 23 - 30 April 04 Elsamere Field Studies Centre, Lake Naivasha , res rema ,n,ng 10 Pla ces This is an introduction to ornithology, designed for amateur and professional bird guides and birdwatchers who want to improve their understanding of birds and their skills in the field. Teaching is through illustrated lectures, discussion sessions, group seminars, demonstrations and field practicals, in an informal environment. Fees: Ksh 25,000, which includes full- board accommodation, transport to and from Naivasha and during field outings, course materials, fees, equipment, and teaching expenses. Applicants must have some experience of birding and education up to KCSE level. Send application to the Course Coordinator at Nature Kenya with a non- refundable deposit of 12,500/-. k&oiVuak activities SUNDAY BIRDWATCH Members meet at the National Museum Nairobi car park at 9:00 a.m. t*e th,rd Sunday of every month, i.e.21 March. The members decide where to go. Bring lunch TREE WALK Guided Tree Walks in the Arboretum on the second Saturday and last Monday, i.e. 13 £ 29 March from 9:30 a.m Meet at the A-boretum gate. Those who are not members of FONA or Nature Kenya pay Ksh 100/- fee on arrival at the gate. WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDWALKS Bird watching walks at sites in and around Nairobi. Meet at the National Museum car park every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. Return about 12:30 p.m. Those who are not members can get temporary membership at Ksh 100 per birdwalk, payable on arrival at the car park. ARABUKO-SOKOKE (COAST) The Saturday birdwatch with the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Guides-Association is on the first Saturday of each month i.e. 6 March, at 6:30 a.m. from the Visitor Centre, Cede" Cost 100/- per person. KWS fees may now apply (100/- Citizens, 500/- Residents) FFJ Bird Walk (Coast) Friends of Fort Jesus birdwalks are held the third Saturday of each month, i.e. 20 March Please call Marlene Reid on (041) 491 648 to confirm Ngong Road Forest Walk (Nairobi) The Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary T Nature walks are held on the first and t Saturdays of the month i.e. 6 & 20 Ma, at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the stairs leadi n the Restaurant at the Racecourse. Lake Victoria Sunset Birders (Kisumu) The Lake Victoria Sunset Birders are a Nature Kenya Site Support Group and organise bird walks at sites in and around Kisumu every Friday of the month. For further details call 035 42952 or email wck@vicweb.net PECUAETT1CN Nature Kenya does not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of negligence of any of its staff, volunteers or members organising the outings/trips or for any loss, injury, death or damage to property. PTfor, Catherine Ngarachu ABSORBER ... THE SOLUTION FOR DROUGHT CONDITIONS ABSORBER WATER RETAINERS FOR SOIL AND SUBSTRATES Absorber S Increases the Water Holding Capacity of soils for several years. s Irrigation frequency may be reduced by 50%. / Limits losses of water and nutrient due to leaching v Reduces evaporation from the soil v Improves the physical properties of compact soils through aeration v Enhances plant growth. Water and nutrients are continuously available in the root zone for optimal absorption by plants ✓ Protects the environment against drought and groundwater pollution s Degrades naturally in soils K Used in forestry, tree crops, lawns, gardens, floral decoration, transportation of cut f lowers and agriculture. For more information on Absorber please contact: /S 7 Orgamx Limited The Farmer's EiAA/lrcm-vuei/utcd Friend P.O. Box 14494 Nairobi, 00800 Kenya Tel: +254 20 374 1482 Fax +254 20 374 2605 e-mail; info@organix.co.ke www.organix.co.ke LLLASSIHIETPS A Lark in the Park E.A. Kennel Club Showground 12 noon, 6 th March 04 Fundraising for charities by the East African Women's League (Burnbrae Branch) An afternoon of musical entertainment Hootenanny, Kayamba Singers and many more Entrance: 500/- per adult, children under 12 free Camp chairs, tables & picnics welcome Reach over 1000 members by advertising in Nature Net Sokoke Cats Would you like to own a unique Sokoke Cat? There are very few of these domestic cats in the world, but Sokokes are winning championships at shows in Europe! Look them up on the Internet www.sokoke.dk/kenya A few kittens are available at Ksh 5000 from Jeannie Knocker, P. O. Box 77 WATAMU Tel: 042 32465 Email :corncon@africaonline. co. ke Kinangop Guest House Perched on the Kinangop Plateau with incredible views across the Rift Valley, the farm combines tussock-grass pasture, indigenous forest, and attractive gardens. The guesthouse is comfortable and fully furnished. Visitors can enjoy hikes and walks on the farm or go further afield with local guides. For more information, brochure and non¬ member rates please contact Nature Kenya. Guest House rates: Day visit 350/- MEMBER nos Overnight Weekend 1 to 2 4000/- 6500/- 3 4,900/- 7,400/- 4 5,800/- 8,300/- 3 Bird Hotline 3749957 / 3746090 Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver L. Bogoria/Jan Ben Mugambi A Mark Smith African Cuckoo Hawk Upper Hill, Nairobi/ Jan Fleur Ng'weno Common Teal Thika Sewage Ponds./Jan Waterbirds Counts Buff-spotted Flufftail Pair at Mountain Lodge/Jan Mel Ogola Grasshopper Buzzard Naivasha & Gilgil/ Janltai Shanni A Bill Clark To improve communication among Kenyan birders and others who are interested in Kenya's birds, the Bird Committee of Nature Kenya established this email group. It is a tool for informing members on interesting bird sightings and observations of unusual and rare birds, as well as publicising news about birding activities to be held in the country. This list is a membership-restricted list, since we would like to avoid subscribing persons who might send messages that are not in agreement with the scope of the list. Records that will appear in this list will be filtered and then transferred to the Records Sub-Committee by the group moderator. To sign up for KENYABIRDSNET, send an email to kenyobirdnet_mod@yahoo.com and say who you are and where you heard of the e-group. Please fill in the Subject line. Other sightings Speckled Sand Snake Olorgesaille/ Jan Shailesh Patel A Elizabeth Hamilton The final waterbird counts were held the last weekend of January at L.Magadi. We had arrived early at the Olorgesaille Prehistoric Site for an overnight stay, and as we had lunch. We noticed something moving on a bush above j the water point where the birds come to drink, j next to the lunch banda. j It was a snake about 1-1.5 m long with long black A yellow stripes and an orange head. It was | waiting for a meal at the water point. An | immature Red-headed Rock Agama came for a j drink and the snake gave chase, but the Agama | was too quick on four legs. The snake, on an empty stomach, returned to the same bush to ? await another meal. I T7VLK5 f VlPfOS Changing Social and Cultural Perspectives in Modern Kenyan Society John Sibi-Okumu Thu 25 March ’04 6:30 p.m. Louis Leakey Hall, National Museum, Nairobi To learn more about KENYABIRDSNET mailing group, please visit http :// groups.yohoo.com/group/kenyabirdsnet KMS Evening Programme Mr. Sibi-Okumu is an educator and social commentator, widely known for his provocative television programme The Summit. Members 300/- Non-members 350/- Child 100/- Books continued from front page The Bird Song of Kenya and Tanzania John Hammick A CD with 99 species recorded on safari KSH 900 Forests and Development Editor D L Manzolillo Nightingale An analysis of issues, actions, policy and legislation that affect forests in Kenya today KSH 400 East African Dragonflies Peter and Kate Miller Illustrated biological text, photos of common species, suggestions for research, glossary and identification key and species list KSH 2000 Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest Honey Kipepeo Project KSH 200 Nature Kenya Membership form Yes! Start Renew my Nature Kenya membership MAILING ADDRESS (BLOCK LETTERS) Surname First Narpe Ms/Mr/Title Address Tel (H) (O) Mobile Email (OPTIONAL - but useful to us in planning) Occupation Age Bracket (tick) under 21 ( ) 21-35( ) 36-50( ) over 50( ) Country of Origin Would you like us to share your contacts Yes/ NO For Official Use Only Sub No. Recpt. No. Mode Due Date Recpt Date MEMBERSHIP TYPE Ksh Per Year Enter Amount Full 800 Sponsor 3000 Family 1000 Pensioners 300 Students (Full time & undergraduate; 300 Institutional (Libraries, schools, clubs) 1000 Corporate (check with the office) ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Kenya Birds (please tick if you would like to receive this Bird magazine) Free of charge Journal of E. A. Natural History 1000 Scopus (Ornithological Journal) 500 World Bird watch (the BirdLife International magazine) 1500 Succulenta East Africa 400 Friends of Nairobi Arboretum Single - 400/-, Student - 250/-, School or Club - 800/- DONATIONS Help us to do even more / 5000/ 8000/ Other Total If you live reside outside of Kenya please refer to www.naturekenya.org 4