Vivek Govind Kumar & R. Govind Kumar PO Box 11072, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Email: forktail@emirates.net.ae
TRIP SYNOPSIS
This is an account of a family birding holiday to Kenya from 3rd July to 10th July 2009 . The main objective was to cover most of Western Kenya, an area we had not been able to visit on our earlier trips due to ethnic violence and riots in 2007-2008.
We saw a total of 383 species of birds and 36 species of mammals during the trip.
Birding highlights included Western Banded Snake-Eagle, Shelley’s Francolin, Lesser Jacana,Rock Pratincole, Black-winged Lapwing, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Great Blue Turaco, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Giant Kingfisher, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Least Honeyguide, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Sharpe’s Longclaw, 11 sp. of Greenbuls, Equatorial Akalat, Brown-chested Alethe, 6 sp. of Robin-Chats, Little Rock Thrush, Schalow’s Wheatear, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Green Hylia, Turner’s Eremomela, 14 sp. of Cisticola,Brown Illadopsis, Grey-chested Illadopsis, 15 sp. of Sunbirds, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Bocage’s Bush Shrike, Luehder’s Bush Shrike, Papyrus Gonolek, Black-fronted Bush Shrike, Grey-crested Helmet Shrike, Brown-capped Weaver, Red-headed Malimbe, Jackson’s Widowbird and Papyrus Canary.
TRIP ORGANISATION AND GUIDE:
We travelled with Birdwatching East Africa, a company owned by Chege Kariuki, one of Kenya’s top birders. After 3 great birding trips with Chege in 2007 and 2008, we had little hesitation in going with him once again.We traveled in a Toyota 4WD van with Chege at the wheel. The trip was generally very well organised and went off without a hitch. We were happy to get excellent vegetarian food wherever we stayed and the standard of accommodation was top notch.
ITINERARY
3/7/2009 Arrive Nairobi from Dubai. Nairobi- Lake Nakuru with an en route stop at Manguo Ponds. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
4/7/2009 Lake Nakuru – Molo Grasslands- Kakamega Forest . Overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre.
5/7/2009 Kakamega Forest . Overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre.
6/7/2009 Kakamega Forest – Busia Grasslands – Kisumu. Overnight at Kisumu Sunset Hotel.
7/7/2009 Kisumu- Maasai Mara . Overnight at Keekorok Lodge.
8/7/2009 Maasai Mara. Overnight at Keekorok Lodge.
9/7/2009 Maasai Mara- Lake Naivasha. Overnight at Elsamere Centre.
10/7/2009 Lake Naivasha- Gatamaiyu Forest. Depart for Dubai from Nairobi Airport.
JOURNAL
Day 1 - 3/7/2009
NAIROBI AIRPORT
We landed in Nairobi at 3:30 PM local time and formalities took longer than expected due to the swine flu scare. Chege’s representative was waiting for us outside the airport and informed us that Chege would meet us at the Nairobi Museum. Birds seen at the airport car-park included Black Kite, Marabou Stork, Little Swift, Dark-capped Bulbul, Red-winged Starling, Superb Starling, Pied Crow and African Pied Wagtail. We then headed for the museum, seeing African Rock Martin, Speckled Pigeon, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, African Sacred Ibis and Speckled Mousebird en route. Chege was waiting for us at the museum where there was a colony of Baglafecht Weavers.
MANGUO PONDS
We decided to make a quick stop at Manguo Ponds on the way to Lake Nakuru. Birds seen en route to the ponds included Bateleur Eagle, Augur Buzzard and Western Cattle Egret. The ponds held the usual selection of ducks and waders including Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, Hottentot Teal, White-faced Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Red-knobbed Coot, Glossy Ibis, African Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African Spoonbill, Black-headed Heron, Intermediate Egret, Blacksmith Lapwing and Black-winged Stilt. Other species in the immediate vicinity included Streaky Seedeater, Common Fiscal, Pin-tailed Whydah,African Rock Martin, Brown-throated Martin, Cape Crow and Abyssinian Thrush (heard).
RIFT VALLEY
We then descended into the Rift Valley where the sudden change in vegetation was remarkable. Patches of montane forest and lush cultivation were replaced by the omnipresent Yellow-bark Acacia tree and dry short-grass savannah. Different species seen here included Lilac-breasted Roller,Red-capped Lark, Laughing Dove, Tawny Eagle, Northern Anteater Chat,Black Cuckoo,Ring-necked Dove and Fork-tailed Drongo. We had stunning views of Lake Elmenteita further below in the valley, where massive numbers of Lesser Flamingo could be seen from the highway itself. Large mammals also started appearing, with Burchell’s Zebra, Impala and Thomson’s Gazelle being seen.
LAKE NAKURU
We arrived at Lake Nakuru at PM. As there was only an hour of daylight left, we decided to go on a game drive before heading to the lodge. Birds seen at the park entrance included Grey Woodpecker, Purple Grenadier, Speckled Pigeon, Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu, Northern Anteater Chat, Brimstone Canary, Western Cattle Egret, Pied Crow, Hadada Ibis, Wattled Starling, Dusky Turtle Dove, Common Fiscal, Laughing Dove and Red-rumped Swallow. Just inside the park, we had a surprise in the form of an African Wildcat resting in plain view by the side of the track. A few minutes later, we had one of our target birds-the nomadic Black-winged Lapwing. No less than seven were seen together, with 3 chicks in tow. Other mammal species present in the area were Cape Buffalo, Common Warthog, Impala, Burchell’s Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle and Waterbuck.
We then entered a patch of acacia forest where we saw Tropical Boubou, Rattling Cisticola and Helmeted Guineafowl. Olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys seemed to be everywhere. We drove to the lakeshore where we had our first views of Nakuru’s famous Lesser Flamingos- a pink sheet over the lake as far as the eye could see. An African Fish Eagle caused some excitement by dive-bombing the flamingos. Other birds present included Yellow-billed Stork, Intermediate Egret, Egyptian Goose, Marabou Stork, Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Blacksmith Lapwing , Black-winged Stilt, African Sacred Ibis,Glossy Ibis, Spur-winged Lapwing, Reed Cormorant, Little Egret, Western Great Egret and a pair of Malachite Kingfisher.The drive to Lake Nakuru Lodge produced Eland, Bohor Reedbuck, Helmeted Guineafowl and Grey Crowned Crane. Spotted Hyenas were heard just outside the lodge after dinner.
Day 2 - 4/7/2009
LAKE NAKURU
Birds were plentiful in the lodge grounds and a quick walk after breakfast produced African Dusky Flycatcher, Baglafecht Weaver, Speckled Mousebird, Dark-capped Bulbul, Speckled Pigeon, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, African Pied Wagtail, White-browed Robin-Chat, Amethyst Sunbird, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Buff-bellied Warbler, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Chinspot Batis, Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu, Red-rumped Swallow and Mosque Swallow. Three Amur Falcons in fast flight over the lodge grounds constituted a rare summer record. Mammals seen on the plain below the lodge were Hippo, Impala, Burchell’s Zebra, Cape Buffalo and Olive Baboon. Rock Hyraxes made merry on the roof of the lodge restaurant.
We then set off on a game drive with the aim of finding White Rhino. Chege drove us to an area with short grass that they prefer, giving us fantastic views of no less than twelve together. Other mammals present here included Thomson’s Gazelle,Grant’s Gazelle, Common Warthog and Waterbuck. Greater Blue-eared Starling was extremely common with small flocks encountered regularly. A small seasonal pool held Egyptian Goose and an early Common Greenshank. Typical grassland species seen were Red-capped Lark, Rufous-naped Lark, Wattled Starling, Red-billed Oxpecker and Ruppell’s Starling.
As we neared an area of extensive acacia woodland, we saw Tropical Boubou, African Harrier-Hawk, Lilac-breasted Roller,Arrow-marked Babbler, Common Fiscal, Lanner Falcon, Augur Buzzard, Fork-tailed Drongo and Rattling Cisticola. A large herd of Rothschild’s Giraffes allowed us to approach very close, as did two Black-backed Jackals that seemed supremely unconcerned about our presence. A lone rhino in the distance proved to be a Black Rhino on closer inspection. We saw two more of these normally elusive and shy animals in different parts of the park. The acacia woodland produced Bearded Woodpecker, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Grey-backed Fiscal and Helmeted Guineafowl.
We then decided to head for Baboon Cliffs, an area with a rugged escarpment and good acacia and euphorbia forest. Birds seen in open savannah en route included Grassland Pipit, Plain-backed Pipit, Brimstone Canary, Black Saw-wing, Pied Kingfisher, White-backed Vulture, Black-bellied Bustard and Crowned Lapwing. The acacia forest at the base of the escarpment provided some superb birding, with White-headed Barbet, Black-headed Oriole, Green Wood Hoopoe, Grey-capped Warbler, Eurasian Roller, Black Cuckooshrike, Red-faced Crombec and Blue-naped Mousebird being seen. But the stars of the show were undoubtedly the 8 Grey-crested Helmet Shrikes that gave magnificent prolonged views. 2 Kirk’s Dik-Diks gave us only a fleeting glimpse as they dashed across the track into the undergrowth.
The famous Baboon Cliffs did not disappoint, with the resident Olive Baboons putting on a wonderful show for the cameras. Careful scanning of bushes and scree slopes by the track yielded 3 pairs of Mocking Cliff Chat, Little Rock Thrush, African Hoopoe, Lesser Honeyguide, African Paradise Flycatcher, Nubian Woodpecker, Hildebrandt’s Starling and Northern Puffback.
As the lake was very close to the track at this point, we had excellent views of waders and the omnipresent flamingos. Birds present at the lakeshore included Great White Pelican, Grey Heron, Western Great Egret, Blacksmith Lapwing, Black-headed Heron, White-breasted Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey-headed Gull, Black-winged Stilt, Pink-backed Pelican, Marabou Stork, Kittlitz’s Plover and Yellow-billed Stork and African Fish Eagle. Scrub at the top of the cliffs produced Lesser Masked Weaver, Black Cuckoo, Rufous-crowned Roller, Cardinal Woodpecker and Red-headed Rock Agama. A Greater Kestrel also provided decent views as it flew past. As it was already after 12 pm, we decided to leave for Kakamega Forest. A large mixed flock of Little and Horus Swifts provided some more distraction. Birds seen at the park gate included White-bellied Tit, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Grey Woodpecker and Green Wood Hoopoe. It had been a superb morning with 110 species having been seen in the space of four hours.
LAKE NAKURU - MOLO GRASSLANDS -KAKAMEGA FOREST
After eating a packed lunch of sandwiches and fruit, we started the ascent towards the Molo Grasslands. Birds seen en route included African Palm Swift, Common Fiscal, Barn Swallow, Speckled Pigeon, Grey Crowned Crane, Black-headed Heron and Hadada Ibis. We had to take a dirt track leading off the highway to an altitude of around 3000 metres above msl, where we would have the best chance of finding Kenyan endemics like Sharpe’s Longclaw and Aberdare Cisticola. Along the access road, flowering bushes at the edge of a remnant forest patch held Bronzy Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Yellow-crowned Canary, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Baglafecht Weaver and Common Fiscal. The main birding site consisted of long-grass Alpine moorland, interspersed with damp, bog-like areas. Aberdare Cisticola was located immediately by its call and 4 individuals gave excellent views. A lone Jackson’s Widowbird put in a brief appearance before disappearing into the long grass. Sharpe’s Longclaw was proving to be difficult and we had almost given up, when Chege suddenly spotted one so close to us that we hadn’t realised it was even there! We then made our way back to the access road, where a seasonal pool held some interesting species including African Spoonbill, Three-banded Plover, African Wattled Lapwing, Cape Wagtail and 4 beautiful African Snipe of which excellent scope views were obtained. A sudden hailstorm provided a welcome distraction from the birds and gave us an opportunity to interact with some local youngsters who had been eyeing our binoculars curiously.
As we were running short on time, we decided to leave for Kakamega Forest. An unscheduled stop at Timbarua Dam gave us some more new birds and possibly our best bird of the trip, a Lesser Jacana which was located thanks to Chege’s superb eyesight. Other species present were Cape Robin-Chat, Variable Sunbird, Hunter’s Cisticola, Red-knobbed Coot, Yellow-billed Duck, Golden-winged Sunbird, Tacazze Sunbird, African Stonechat, Streaky Seedeater, Bronzy Sunbird, Eurasian Moorhen,
Black Crake and Yellow White-eye.
An area of lush montane “scrub” by the roadside looked promising and we decided to spend a few moments there.We were soon rewarded with a large mixed-flock which had Pin-tailed Whydah, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Speckled Mousebird, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu, Buff-bellied Warbler, Red-chested Cuckoo,Black Cuckoo, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, African Firefinch, Yellow Bishop, Dark-capped Chloropeta, Golden-winged Sunbird,Bronzy Sunbird and Brown Parisoma. A Long-crested Eagle gave good views as it soared overhead on the mid-afternoon thermals. We finally arrived at Kakamega Forest about half an hour before sunset. A small stream at the edge of the forest held Mountain Wagtail, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, African Pied Wagtail and African Blue Flycatcher. Birds seen as we made our way to Rondo Retreat in the forest interior were Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Black-and-white-Casqued Hornbill, Black Saw-wing and Hadada Ibis. We thus ended a superb day of birding with 158 species being seen.
Day 3 - 5/7/2009
KAKAMEGA FOREST
An hour’s birding in the grounds of the Rondo Retreat before breakfast yielded many stunning target species including White-chinned Prinia, Green-headed Sunbird, Bocage’s Bush-Shrike, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Great Blue Turaco,Viellot’s Black Weaver and Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike. Other species present included Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, African Dusky Flycatcher, Bronzy Sunbird, African Pied Wagtail, White-headed Saw-wing, Olive Sunbird, Long-crested Eagle, African Thrush, Northern Black Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, African Green Pigeon, African Harrier Hawk, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Speckled Mousebird and Yellow White-eye.
After breakfast, we birded the trail just outside Rondo Retreat which produced Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Double-toothed Barbet, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Grey-throated Barbet, African Blue Flycatcher,Olive-bellied Sunbird and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. Two large troops of Black and White Colobus and Blue Monkeys held our attention for a while as they played in the trees. African Pygmy Kingfisher, Uganda Woodland Warbler,Grey-winged Robin-Chat and Speckle-breasted Woodpecker all put in sudden appearances making it 4 target species in as many minutes!Bushes at the entrance to the Yala River Trail held excellent birds including Eastern Citril, Luehder’s Bush-Shrike, Joyful Greenbul, Red-tailed Bristlebill and Tambourine Dove. Red-legged Sun Squirrels also gave excellent, yet back-breaking views high up in the canopy.
We then proceeded to the Isecheno River Bridge where we had some of the best birds of the entire trip. A large mixed flock held Grey Apalis, Kakamega Greenbul, Western Black-headed Oriole, Spectacled Weaver, Square-tailed Drongo and Thick-billed Honeyguide. A Great Sparrowhawk soaring on mid-day thermals gave excellent views. All this was quickly outshone by 3 gorgeous Equatorial Akalats perched at the edge of a bush so close to us, that we didn’t even know they were there initially! As we followed the flock into the forest, it soon became evident that there were many more species than we had originally noticed, thus prompting us to spend the next 2 hours here. We managed to tick off many of our targets here including Buff-throated Apalis, Green Hylia, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Olive-green Camaroptera, Slender-billed Greenbul, Black-necked Weaver and Yellow-spotted Barbet. Fabulous scope views of an African Broadbill were obtained as it sat motionless, high in the canopy. 2 Blue-headed Bee-eaters also put on a show, giving us glimpses of their dazzling colours as they flew into patches of sunlight to grab passing insects. Another small feeding flock held Collared Sunbird, Black-collared Apalis, Dark-backed Weaver, Ansorge’s Greenbul, Pink-footed Puffback and 4 brilliant specimens of the rare and localized Turner’s Eremomela. Black-faced Prinias and Red-headed Bluebills also popped up from the undergrowth every now and then. Mammal species seen here were African Giant Squirrel and Red-tailed Monkey.
A stop outside the Rondo Retreat just before lunch produced the delightful Chubb’s Cisticola, Grey-backed Camaroptera and Red-rumped Swallow. After lunch, we decided to bird the dense undergrowth behind the retreat to try and tick off some of the forest’s more secretive residents. This paid off as we were rewarded with good views of Dusky Crested Flycatcher,Snowy-crowned Robin Chat, Little Greenbul and Buff-spotted Woodpecker. A pair of Black-billed Weavers was seen only
by Chege and refused to show themselves again. A Bearded Woodpecker was also seen along with a Blue-headed Tree Agama. We decided to walk along the road to the Pumphouse Trail , where a feeding flock produced some more lifers including Honeyguide Greenbul, Least Honeyguide, Dusky Tit, Red-headed Malimbe and Brown-capped Weaver. As it was starting to get dark, only Vivek and Chege decided to continue birding for a bit longer. The interior trail produced good views of Grey-chested Illadopsis and Brown Illadopsis, topped up with a Brown-chested Alethe singing in plain view by the roadside. We thus ended our best birding day of the trip in terms of quality of species seen.
Day 4 - 6/7/2009
KAKAMEGA FOREST - BUSIA GRASSLANDS - KISUMU
The forest was much quieter compared to the previous day and though we managed a good number of species, we did not see many new ones. Yellow-billed Barbet proved to be the most irritating bird of the trip as individuals were calling throughout the forest but absolutely refused to show themselves ( not even in flight!!). Grey-headed Negrofinch and White-breasted Negrofinch were seen just outside the Rondo Retreat, with the former seen carrying nesting material. A second visit to the Pumphouse Trail yielded some good species like Toro Olive Greenbul, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Equatorial Akalat,Luehder’s Bush-Shrike, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Dusky Tit, Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike, Black-collared Apalis and Mackinnon’s Fiscal. A Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye darted across the track into the undergrowth but did not show itself again, while a Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat was somehow coaxed into appearing momentarily as it sang from the undergrowth. A Ross’s Turaco was seen by the ladies at the Rondo Retreat, and was the cause of much grumbling as we badly wanted to see this bird.
After lunch, we left for the Busia Grasslands to try and find some species that are difficult elsewhere in Kenya. A stop outside Kakamega Town produced Black-headed Weaver (formerly called Yellow-backed Weaver), African Blue Flycatcher, Baglafecht Weaver, Black-and-white Mannikin, Variable Sunbird and Speckled Mousebird. A stop at the Nzoia River Bridge proved to be a good call as we got excellent views of the much sought after Rock Pratincole. Other birds of note were Hamerkop,Red-chested Sunbird, Village Weaver, Angola Swallow, Lesser Striped Swallow, Striated Heron, Grey Heron, African Openbill,Mottled Swift, African Reed Warbler and Woodland Kingfisher. Another stop produced Blue-headed Coucal, Copper Sunbird, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Spectacled Weaver, Eastern Citril, Yellow-mantled Widowbird and Bar-breasted Firefinch. A tiny remnant forest patch by the road yielded Northern Puffback, White-browed Robin-Chat, Bronze Mannikin and Yellow-throated Leaflove. Yet another roadside stop enabled us to find Compact Weaver, Zebra Waxbill, Broad-tailed Warbler,Red-headed Lovebird, Black Bishop, Black-winged Red Bishop, Black-rumped Waxbill, Violet-backed Starling and Black-lored Babbler. A Western Banded Snake-Eagle was an unexpected bonus as it soared over the highway just before dusk. Hundreds of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats were seen just outside Kisumu. We arrived at the Sunset Hotel at around 9 pm and retired to bed after a quick dinner.
Day 5 - 7/7/2009
KISUMU - MAASAI MARA
The grounds of the Sunset Hotel produced some good birds before breakfast, including African Goshawk, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Brown Parrot, Hamerkop, African Paradise Flycatcher, Double-toothed Barbet, African Harrier Hawk, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Black-headed Gonolek and Northern Black Flycatcher. The marshes fringing Lake Victoria were superb and held many of our target species including Carruthers’s Cisticola, Yellow-fronted Canary, Slender-billed Weaver, Swamp Flycatcher, Grey-capped Warbler, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Greater Swamp Warbler, Southern Red Bishop, Papyrus Canary and the fabulously coloured Papyrus Gonolek. Other species of note were Black-headed Weaver, Red-chested Sunbird, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Reichenow’s Seedeater, African Pygmy Kingfisher, White-browed Coucal, Angola Swallow, Eastern Citril, Grey-backed Fiscal, Woodland Kingfisher, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Black Crake and Blue-headed Coucal. A stop outside the Impala Sanctuary produced Village Indigobird, Water Thick-knee, Jackson’s Weaver, Red-eyed Dove, African Openbill and Madagascar Bee-eater. A few Impalas could be seen grazing through the fence. Careful inspection of a party of Black-lored Babblers on a telephone wire yielded a solitary Brown Babbler. We then left for the Maasai Mara through Kisumu Town, where we had Black Kite, Abdim’s Stork, Long-crested Eagle and House Sparrow( the only ones of the trip!!).
A small area of flooded grassland outside the town held Red-faced Cisticola, Siffling Cisticola, African Spoonbill, Long-toed Lapwing and Grey-crowned Crane. A Singing Cisticola was also seen perched atop a roadside bush. Acacia scrub and gallery forest en route to the Oloololo Gate of the Maasai Mara had some excellent birds like Grey-rumped Swallow, Slate-coloured Boubou, Black-crowned Tchagra, Marico Sunbird, Stout Cisticola, Pale Flycatcher, Yellow Bishop, Yellow-fronted Canary,Black-backed Puffback, Spectacled Weaver, Trilling Cisticola, Green Wood Hoopoe and Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill. A fleeting glimpse of a Harvey’s Duiker was obtained as it dashed into the undergrowth of some tall bushes.
On the Oloololo Escarpment, we had magnificent views of a party of Southern Ground Hornbills as they made their way sedately through the scrub. Spot-flanked Barbet, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Red-faced Crombec, Horus Swift, Speckle-fronted Weaver and Rock-loving Cisticola were also seen in this area. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was a magnificent Ross’s Turaco that made its way quite haphazardly from tree to tree, eventually showing itself well. A seasonal pool held some Helmeted Terrapins, while a pair of Martial Eagles gave good views as they soared over the escarpment. As we neared the gate, we started seeing small numbers of plains game including Burchell’s Zebra, Topi, Impala, Giraffe and the ever endearing Thomson’s Gazelles.
As soon as we had completed formalities at the gate, we saw the first of many Red-necked Spurfowls and Sooty Chats for the trip. After driving another 50 metres, we came across a huge lioness that posed beautifully for us in the early evening light. She eventually got bored and made herself invisible in the longer grass. This was barely a hundred metres from the gate and we wondered what all the other tourists (outside their vehicles !) would think if they knew that they were this close to a lion. As we drove further into the Mara, typical grassland species became common,including Long-billed Pipit, Little Bee-eater, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Lilac-breasted Roller and Grassland Pipit. Many small herds of African Elephant could be seen making their way through the long grass and at one point, we were held up for about a half-hour as a seemingly endless line of migrating Blue Wildebeest made their way across the track. The drive gave us stunning views of the Mara River snaking its way through the endless, rolling plains. Bird species of note during the drive included “Usambiro” Barbet,Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Zitting Cisticola, Secretary-bird, White-backed Vulture, Wattled Lapwing, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Black Coucal, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Common Ostrich and White-bellied Bustard. A small water-filled ditch by the roadside held a small congregation of waterfowl including Egyptian Goose, White-faced Whistling Duck, Grey Heron, Yellow-billed Stork and Crowned Plover.
A somewhat risky stop at the Mara River (no guards around!!) gave us good views of Hippo, Nile Crocodile and the Mwanza Flat-headed Agama. As dusk approached, we got excellent views of Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox and Spotted Hyena very close to the track. A Harlequin Quail was flushed from a bush as we neared our lodge. A small party of giraffes just outside Keekorok Lodge was accompanied by a mixed flock consisting of Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Superb Starling, Hildebrandt’s Starling,Ruppell’s Starling and Northern White-crowned Shrike. As soon as we entered the grounds, we had our first Bare-faced Go-away-bird’s of the trip. One of the undisputed highlights of the trip was an enormous Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl that stared curiously at us from the tree just outside our rooms, before flying off into the night. A post-dinner excursion to the Hippo Pool gave us an insight into the nocturnal behaviour of hippos. We were also treated to a fight between the 2 resident males of the pool. They created such a commotion that some hitherto unseen Red-billed Teals took off with a single loud quack which if anything, infuriated the troublemakers even further!!
Day 6 - 8/7/2009
MAASAI MARA
We awoke to the pre-dawn grunting of hippos and were able to witness a magnificent sunrise over the Mara. Birds seen in the grounds before breakfast included Superb and Ruppell’s Starlings, Wire-tailed, Red-rumped, Barn and Angola Swallows,Sand Martin, Buff-bellied Warbler and Little Swift. A large herd of giraffes (accompanied by the requisite Yellow-billed Oxpeckers)just outside the lodge approached so close that we had to restrain ourselves from touching them.
Large numbers of Cape Buffalo and Impala were also observed as we searched for the day’s target- a large pride of lions which had been sighted nearby before breakfast. We found no less than 15 lions basking in the sun on a low, rocky hill just minutes from the lodge. Most were adult lionesses, but a few subadult individuals (including 3 young males) were also present. Wildebeest were present in massive numbers all over the place. Warthog families put on a good display, running away with their tails bolt upright if they felt we were too close. Even the usually scarce Elands deigned to appear close to our van, providing good photographic opportunities. Birds recorded in this area included Rufous-naped Lark, Plain-backed Pipit, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Martial Eagle, Sooty Chat,Black-bellied Bustard, Hamerkop, White-backed Vulture, Wattled Starling, Red-capped Lark, White-tailed Lark, Lappet-faced Vulture,Ruppell’s Griffon and African Wattled Lapwing.
As we wanted to find Cheetahs (which had been somewhat elusive recently), Chege drove us to an area with shorter grass that cheetahs were said to frequent. As luck would have it, there was no sign of any cheetahs all afternoon. The area held some interesting birds however, which included Temminck’s Courser, Banded Martin, Stout Cisticola, African Grey Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, African Hawk Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, Ostrich and Secretary-bird. Thomson’s Gazelle, Burchell’s Zebra, Topi and Kongoni were all present in good numbers. A small herd of Elephants was seen at a small watercourse as was a shy Bohor Reedbuck that tried hard to make itself invisible in the shade of some large trees. A colony of Banded Mongooses was also found here. Birds present near the watercourse included Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Southern Ground Hornbill, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Pectoral-patch Cisticola and Striped Kingfisher. After lunch, a few members of the lodge’s resident Vervet Monkey troop decided to make things difficult for the ladies by sitting resolutely in front of our cottage doors. After this little matter was cleared up, we took a short walk in the grounds which yielded Bare-faced Go-away-bird,Red-faced Crombec, Hildebrandt’s Starling, White-browed Robin-Chat, Marico Sunbird, African Grey Flycatcher,Grey-backed Camaroptera, Slate-coloured Boubou, Red-billed Oxpecker, Mosque Swallow, White-bellied Tit and Chin-spot Batis.
Our evening game drive was devoted to searching for cheetahs and consequently, we saw fewer bird species. However, we managed to pick up some excellent lifers including Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, African Quailfinch, Shelley’s Francolin and Coqui Francolin. As many as 25 safari vehicles trundled all over the Mara as fast as they possibly could, searching for the cheetahs. The drivers had walkie-talkies and used these to report possible sightings to each other. After about 5 false alarms and just 20 minutes before the cut-off period of 6 pm, we struck gold. 3 gorgeous cheetahs suddenly found themselves surrounded by 25 vans full of photo hungry tourists. They eventually got so disoriented at the sight of so many people that they turned tail and ran
away from the “paparazzi”. This just goes to show the way in which animals are hounded about in national parks and reserves, solely to satisfy the needs of tourists who have not a clue about the “space” which the animals need to lead their lives normally. All other large mammals of the Mara were also seen on this game drive, with the exception of Lion and Leopard. Other birds
seen included Three-banded Plover, Water Thick-knee, Plain Martin, Yellow-fronted Canary, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Southern Ground Hornbill, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Black-bellied Bustard, Ostrich and Red-billed Firefinch.
Day 7 - 9/7/2009
MAASAI MARA - LAKE NAIVASHA
We had an early breakfast in order too enjoy a final game drive in the Mara before we left for Naivasha. The dawn chorus included Cape Robin-Chat, White-browed Robin-Chat, Marico Sunbird, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Violet-backed Starling, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Red-billed Firefinch. As soon as we left the lodge, a mixed herd of Kongoni, Topi and Blue Wildebeest was encountered. We also got excellent prolonged views of two Black-backed Jackals in the pink, early morning light. Some more African Quailfinches were seen as were White-bellied Bustard, Ostrich and Stout Cisticola. A small herd of Elephants allowed a close approach, but we were to be distracted by an all too familiar line of vehicles moving at top speed towards us. One of the vehicles stopped and the driver said “Leopard”! We joined the steadily growing line of vehicles as it moved towards a small forest patch on a hillside. We tried in vain for over an hour, but no leopards were to be on display today. A solitary lioness, however, somewhat made up for the disappointment. Birds in the area included White-rumped Swift, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Sooty Chat and Bateleur Eagle. A large flock of tiny,brown birds held our attention for a while, eventually turning out to be African Silverbills and Reichenow’s Seedeaters. A small party of finches feeding quietly on the track went almost unnoticed till Chege said “Orange-winged Pytilia!!”. This beautiful bird is sadly almost extirpated in Kenya and our record may possibly be the first for the Maasai Mara. A small thicket near the track then produced Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Nubian Woodpecker, White-winged Widowbird, Rattling Cisticola, Yellow-fronted Canary, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and African Grey Hornbill. As we neared the gate, a large congregation of herbivores was seen, including Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, Impala, Grant’s Gazelle, Kongoni, Warthog and Cape Buffalo. These were accompanied by a large number of Marabou Storks and Grey Crowned Cranes, making it seem like a moment from one of those BBC documentaries!!
As soon as we exited the Mara, the countryside became much drier and dustier. Small patches of scrub jungle by the roadside held species typical of the area including Northern White-crowned Shrike, Slate-coloured Boubou, Augur Buzzard, Rufous-crowned Roller,African Grey Flycatcher, Red-faced Crombec, Northern Anteater Chat, Black-shouldered Kite and Cape Rook. Mammals seen were Olive Baboon, Giraffe and Burchell’s Zebra. We finally arrived at Lake Naivasha around 3:45 pm after a long, bumpy and dusty ride through the Rift Valley.
LAKE NAIVASHA
We first went to Hell’s Gate National Park to try and find the localized schalowi race of Abyssinian Black Wheatear. A beautiful male was found just near the gate, dispensing with the need for entrance tickets!! African Hoopoe, White-fronted Bee-eater, Brimstone Canary, Bronzy Sunbird and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting were also seen here. A lone Ruppell’s Griffon soared overhead, presumably from the breeding colony inside the park. A short visit to the lakeshore at the Crayfish Camp produced a good selection of water-birds including Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, African Spoonbill, Goliath and Grey Herons, Blacksmith Plover, Yellow-billed Stork and Whiskered Tern. Also here were a lovely male Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-billed Firefinch, Kenya Rufous Sparrow, Lesser Striped Swallow and a Red-chested Cuckoo in flight.
We reached Elsamere at 5 PM and as usual,the birding in the grounds was excellent. Of note was a pair of Hildebrandt’s Francolin with the male displaying to the female with drooping wings. A small bird-wave consisted of Black-lored Babbler, Chin-spot Batis, Buff-bellied Warbler, Grey Woodpecker, White-headed Barbet, Variable Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird and African Paradise Flycatcher. After a quick and refreshing cup of tea, we ventured on a boat ride across the lake. Several of the resident African Fish Eagles were seen perched on acacias along the lakeshore. Birds seen in good numbers included Grey-headed Gull, Plain Martin, Gull-billed Tern,Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed and Hottentot Teals, Little Grebe, White-breasted and Long-tailed Cormorants, African Jacana, Red-knobbed Coot, Squacco and Black-headed Herons, Great, Intermediate and and Little Egrets, Black Crake, Long-toed Plover, Hamerkop, Hadada Ibis, Marabou and African Openbill Storks, Egyptian Goose, Sacred Ibis, Three-banded Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and Common Moorhen. All the excitement, however, was provided by a superb Giant Kingfisher perched on one of the piers and a mixed flock of Horus and Nyanza Swifts. A Marsh Mongoose gave good views as it foraged on the shoreline belonging to the Naivasha Country Club. A final walk in the grounds produced Yellow-breasted Apalis, Montane White-eye(These were quite different from the highland forest birds and may actually need some reviewing of their taxonomic status), Amethyst Sunbird, Grey-backed Camaroptera and Tropical Boubou. Dinner was excellent and the manager very kindly agreed to show us around the Joy Adamson Museum, a splendid tribute to the life and work of Joy Adamson.
Day 8 - 10/7/2009
GATAMAIYU FOREST
We left Elsamere at 5 AM, in order to arrive at Gatamaiyu Forest at daybreak. The forest is a remnant of the vast Afro-montane cloud forest belt that stretched unbroken across the Kenyan Highlands to Mt.Kenya. The place was very quiet initially and we started to wonder whether we could make good use of our limited time there. We were not disappointed as activity picked up quickly with Little Sparrowhawk, Northern and Eastern Double-collared Sunbirds and Black-throated Apalis appearing in quick succession. The small gatekeeper’s compound produced Olive Sunbird, White-bellied Tit, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul and Chin-spot Batis. African Dusky Flycatcher was very common with as many as 8 individuals recorded in the same area. Black-and-white Colobus monkeys appeared to be fairly common. As we headed deeper into the forest, a bird-wave high up in the canopy held Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Cardinal Woodpecker, Grey Cuckoo-Shrike, White-browed Crombec, Green-headed Sunbird, Grey Apalis and Chestnut-throated Apalis. The vibrating “telephonic” call of the Chestnut-throated Apalis was one of the most memorable sounds of the entire trip. We saw yet another species of Robin-chat, with Ruppell’s proving to be quite common along the trail. We decided to try our luck with Bar-tailed Trogon, but to no avail. We were instead rewarded with a bird-wave containing some exquisite montane species including Thick-billed Seedeater, Olive-breasted Mountain Greenbul, Montane White-eye, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Black-fronted Bush-shrike(yellow morph) and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher. 4 brilliantly coloured Abyssinian Crimsonwings made an all too brief appearance as they sped bullet-like through the undergrowth. A White-starred Robin also showed itself briefly. We managed to add Yellow-bellied Waxbill to the list before it became time to depart for the airport to catch our afternoon flight.
A final stop at Manguo Ponds produced all previously seen species with the addition of Common Waxbill. We picked up our final species for the trip in the form of a White-browed Sparrow-weaver which was nest-building just outside Jomo Kenyatta Airport. After bidding farewell to Chege, we proceeded through check-in and immigration to board our flight back to Dubai. The trip was very well organised by Chege and we succeeded in finding many species that are sometimes quite difficult in Kenya.
Available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org/ [Accessed 21/7/2009].
Ostriches - Struthionidae
Common Ostrich - Struthio camelus
Pairs and small groups were seen regularly on all days in the Maasai Mara, with a maximum
of 9 together at the Sand River .
Guineafowl - Numididae
Helmeted Guineafowl – Numida meleagris
Small parties were encountered frequently at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Pheasants and Allies - Phasianidae
Coqui Francolin – Peliperdix coqui
Superb views of a male (ssp. hubbardi) with a chick in the Maasai Mara.
Shelley’s Francolin – Scleroptila shelleyi
A male seen crossing the track just outside Keekorok Lodge in the Maasai Mara.
Crested Francolin – Dendroperdix sephaena
Heard at Lake Nakuru.
Hildebrandt’s Francolin – Pternistis hildebrandti
A small party seen at Nakuru with exceptional views of a displaying pair at Elsamere Centre in Naivasha .
Red-necked Spurfowl – Pternistis afer
Pairs and small groups (ssp. cranchii) seen regularly throughout the Maasai Mara.
Harlequin Quail – Coturnix delegorguei
A male flushed from long grass in the Maasai Mara.
Ducks and Geese - Anatidae
White-faced Whistling Duck – Dendrocygna viduata
5 seen at Manguo Ponds and then two more at the Maasai Mara .
Egyptian Goose – Alopochen aegyptiaca
Small numbers seen at Manguo Ponds, Kisumu, Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha with
a maximum of 75 at Lake Nakuru.
Yellow-billed Duck – Anas undulata
24 at Manguo Ponds, with smaller numbers en route to Lake Nakuru, Timbarua Dam and at Lake Naivasha.
Red-billed Teal – Anas erythorhyncha
28 at Manguo Ponds, with a few in the Maasai Mara and at Lake Naivasha .
Hottentot Teal – Anas hottentota
15 at Manguo Ponds with a few pairs at Lake Naivasha .
Grebes - Podicipedidae
Little Grebe – Tachybaptus ruficollis
Over a hundred seen at Lake Naivasha , along with a pair at the Molo Grasslands.
Flamingos - Phoenicopteridae
Lesser Flamingo – Phoeniconaias minor
Huge numbers seen at Lake Nakuru.
Storks - Ciconiidae
Yellow-billed Stork – Mycteria ibis
Over a hundred at Lake Nakuru with smaller numbers seen at Kisumu, the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and en route to Kakamega Forest.
African Openbill – Anastomus lamelligerus
Individuals seen at the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu and at Lake Naivasha.
Abdim’s Stork – Ciconia abdimii
2 seen atop a building inside Kisumu town.
Marabou Stork – Leptoptilos crumeniferus
More than 50 seen nesting in Nairobi, with smaller numbers at Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Ibises and Spoonbills – Threskiornithidae
African Sacred Ibis – Threskiornis aethiopicus
Small numbers present at Manguo Ponds, Lake Nakuru, Molo Grasslands, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Hadada Ibis – Bostrychia hagedash
Small groups seen at all sites visited except the Maasai Mara.
Glossy Ibis – Plegadis falcinellus
A few present at Manguo Ponds and Lake Nakuru .
African Spoonbill – Platalea alba
Small numbers present at Manguo Ponds, Lake Nakuru, Molo Grasslands, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Herons and Bitterns – Ardeidae
Striated Heron – Butorides striata
One seen at the Nzoia River Bridge in the Busia Grasslands.
Squacco Heron– Ardeola ralloides
One seen at Lake Naivasha.
Western Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis
Small numbers seen at Lake Nakuru, Molo Grasslands and Kisumu
Grey Heron – Ardea cinerea
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Molo Grasslands, Busia Grasslands, the Maasai Mara and at Lake Naivasha.
Black-headed Heron – Ardea melanocephala
Small numbers seen at Manguo Ponds, Lake Nakuru, en route to Molo Grasslands, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha.
Goliath Heron – Ardea goliath
One seen at Lake Naivasha.
Western Great Egret – Ardea alba
Small numbers seen at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha.
Intermediate Egret – Egretta intermedia
A few seen at Manguo Ponds, Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Little Egret – Egretta garzetta
Small flocks seen at Lake Nakuru with single birds at Kisumu and Lake Naivasha.
Hamerkop – Scopidae
Hamerkop – Scopus umbretta
Pairs seen at the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Pelicans – Pelicanidae
Great White Pelican – Pelecanus onocrotalus
More than 400 at Lake Nakuru and around 50 at Lake Naivasha .
Pink-backed Pelican – Pelecanus rufescens
3 birds at Lake Nakuru and 24 at Lake Naivasha .
Cormorants – Phalocrocoracidae
Reed Cormorant – Microcarbo africanus
Small numbers seen at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha.
White-breasted Cormorant – Phalocrocorax lucidus
Around 30 seen at both Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.
Secretarybird – Sagittariidae
Secretarybird – Sagittarius serpentarius
8 individuals seen in the Maasai Mara.
Kites, Hawks and Eagles – Accipitridae
Black-winged Kite – Elanus caeruleus
One seen en route to Lake Naivasha.
Black Kite – Milvus migrans
Birds of resident race aegyptius were common in both Nairobi and Kisumu.
African Fish Eagle – Haliaeetus vocifer
Pairs seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.
White-backed Vulture – Gyps africanus
Around 10 seen at both Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Ruppell’s Vulture – Gyps rueppellii
1 seen in the Maasai Mara and another outside Hell’s Gate National Park at Naivasha.
Lappet-faced Vulture – Torgos tracheliotus
5 pairs seen on separate occasions in the Maasai Mara.
Black-chested Snake Eagle – Circaetus pectoralis
4 were seen in the Maasai Mara.
Brown Snake Eagle – Circaetus cinereus
2 were seen in the Maasai Mara.
Western Banded Snake Eagle – Circaetus cinerascens
1 overflying the highway in the Busia Grasslands area.
Bateleur – Terathopius ecaudatus
1 seen enroute to Lake Nakuru and 3 in the Maasai Mara .
African Harrier Hawk – Polyboroides typus
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest, Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
African Goshawk – Accipiter tachiro
1 adult male seen at the Kisumu Sunset Hotel .
Little Sparrowhawk – Accipiter minullus
1 adult seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Black Sparrowhawk – Accipiter melanoleucus
1 adult seen in Kakamega Forest .
Augur Buzzard – Buteo augur
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, the Molo Grasslands, Kisumu, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Tawny Eagle – Aquila rapax
A juvenile seen enroute to Lake Nakuru .
African Hawk Eagle – Aquila spilogaster
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Martial Eagle – Polemaetus bellicosus
5 individuals seen in the Maasai Mara .
Long-crested Eagle – Lophaetus occipitalis
2 at Kakamega Forest and individuals at Kisumu and the Molo Grasslands .
Falcons – Falconidae
Greater Kestrel – Falco rupicoloides
One seen near Baboon Cliffs at Lake Nakuru.
Amur Falcon – Falco amurensis
2 over-summering birds seen at Lake Nakuru .
Lanner Falcon – Falco biarmicus
A pair seen at Lake Nakuru .
Bustards – Otididae
White-bellied Bustard – Eupodotis senegalensis
One female seen in the Maasai Mara .
Black-bellied Bustard – Lissotis melanogaster
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Rails and Crakes – Rallidae
Black Crake – Amaurornis flavirostra
Individuals seen at Timbarua Dam, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Common Moorhen – Gallinula chloropus
A few present at Timbarua Dam and Lake Naivasha.
Red-knobbed Coot – Fulica cristata
Around 25 at Manguo Ponds, 4 at Timbarua Dam and 30 at Lake Naivasha .
Cranes – Gruidae
Grey Crowned Crane – Balearica regulorum
Pairs and small flocks were common at Lake Nakuru, Molo Grasslands, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Stone-curlews and Thick-knees – Burhinidae
Water Thick-knee – Burhinus vermiculatus
A pair seen roosting on an islet in Kisumu .
Stilts and Avocets – Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt – Himantopus himantopus
A few seen at Manguo Ponds, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha .
Plovers – Charadriidae
Long-toed Lapwing – Vanellus crassirostris
4 seen at both Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Blacksmith Lapwing– Vanellus armatus
Common at Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru, with a few at Manguo Ponds .
Spur-winged Lapwing – Vanellus spinosus
1 seen at Lake Nakuru and 4 at Kisumu .
Black-winged Lapwing – Vanellus melanopterus
8 adults with 3 chicks provided stunning views at Lake Nakuru .
Crowned Lapwing – Vanellus coronatus
Common at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
African Wattled Lapwing – Vanellus senegallus
Common in the Maasai Mara. Also 1 at the Molo Grasslands.
Kittlitz’s Plover – Charadrius pecuarius
2 seen at Lake Nakuru .
Three-banded Plover – Charadrius tricollaris
A few seen at the Molo Grasslands, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Jacanas – Jacanidae
Lesser Jacana – Microparra capensis
Stunning scope views of this surprise find at Timbarua Dam .
African Jacana – Actophilornis africanus
Individuals at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Sandpipers and Snipes – Scolopacidae
African Snipe – Gallinago nigripennis
5 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Marsh Sandpiper – Tringa stagnatilis
3 seen at Lake Naivasha .
Common Greenshank –Tringa nebularia
3 seen at Lake Nakuru and 7 at Lake Naivasha .
Common Sandpiper – Actitis hypoleucos
1 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Coursers and Pratincoles – Glareolidae
Temminck’s Courser – Cursorius temminckii
2 pairs seen in the Maasai Mara .
Rock Pratincole – Glareola nuchalis
1 seen at the well known Nzoia River Bridge stakeout .
Gulls, Terns and Skimmers - Laridae
Grey-hooded Gull – Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
A few present at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha .
Gull-billed Tern – Gelochelidon nilotica
2 seen at Lake Naivasha .
Whiskered Tern – Chlidonias hybrida
Around 35 seen at Lake Naivasha .
Sandgrouse – Pteroclidae
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse – Pterocles gutturalis
12 seen in flight in the Maasai Mara .
Pigeons and Doves – Columbidae
Speckled Pigeon – Columba guinea
Common at all sites except Kakamega and Gatamaiyu Forests .
Dusky Turtle Dove – Streptopelia lugens
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and en route to Kakamega Forest .
Red-eyed Dove – Streptopelia semitorquata
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, Busia Grasslands, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Ring-necked Dove – Streptopelia capicola
Recorded at all sites except Molo Grasslands and Gatamaiyu Forest.
Laughing Dove – Stigmatopelia senegalensis
Pairs seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha .
Blue-spotted Wood Dove – Turtur afer
Pairs and individuals were fairly common at the Busia Grasslands, Kakamega Forest and the Maasai Mara .
Tambourine Dove – Turtur tympanistria
3 pairs seen in Kakamega Forest .
African Green Pigeon – Treron calvus
4 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Parrots – Psittacidae
Red-headed Lovebird – Agapornis pullarius
2 seen in flight at the Busia Grasslands .
Meyer’s Parrot – Poicephalus meyeri
2 seen at the Kisumu Sunset Hotel .
Turacos – Musophagidae
Great Blue Turaco – Corytheola cristata
3 pairs and 2 individuals seen in Kakamega Forest .
Ross’s Turaco – Musophaga rossae
Individuals seen in Kakamega Forest and the Maasai Mara .
Bare-faced Go-away-bird – Corythaixoides personatus
8 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Cuckoos – Cuculidae
Blue-headed Coucal – Centropus monachus
Individuals seen at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
White-browed Coucal – Centropus superciliosus
Individuals at Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Black Coucal – Centropus grillii
1 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Klaas’s Cuckoo – Chrysococcyx klaas
Heard at Lake Nakuru .
Black Cuckoo – Cuculus clamosus
1 seen enroute to Lake Nakuru . Also heard within the park and enroute to Kakamega Forest .
Red-chested Cuckoo – Cuculus solitarius
Individuals seen enroute to Kakamega Forest and at Lake Naivasha .
Owls – Strigidae
Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl – Bubo lacteus
1 magnificent individual seen at Keekorok Lodge in the Maasai Mara .
Swifts – Apodidae
African Palm Swift – Cypsiurus parvus
Small flocks seen enroute to the Molo Grasslands and at Kisumu .
Mottled Swift – Tachymarptis aequatorialis
1 seen at the Nzoia River Bridge in the Busia Grasslands .
Nyanza Swift – Apus niansae
30 seen at Lake Naivasha.
Little Swift – Apus affinis
Common in Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Horus Swift – Apus horus
Small flocks encountered at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
White-rumped Swift – Apus caffer
A flock of 10 was seen in the Maasai Mara .
Mousebirds – Coliidae
Specled Mousebird – Colius striatus
Recorded at all sites except Gatamaiyu Forest .
Blue-naped Mousebird – Urocolius macrourus
2 seen at Lake Nakuru .
Rollers – Coraciidae
Purple Roller– Coracias naevius
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and enroute to Lake Naivasha .
Lilac-breasted Roller– Coracias caudatus
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
European Roller – Coracias garrulus
An oversummering individual/ early migrant was seen at Lake Nakuru .
Kingfishers – Alcedinidae
Grey-headed Kingfisher – Halcyon leucocephala
1 seen at Kisumu .
Striped Kingfisher – Halcyon chelicuti
Individuals seen at the Busia Grasslands and the Maasai Mara.
Woodland Kingfisher – Halcyon senegalensis
Individuals seen at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
African Pygmy Kingfisher – Ispidina picta
Individuals seen in Kakamega Forest, the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu.
Malachite Kingfisher – Alcedo cristata
Pairs seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Giant Kingfisher – Megaceryle maxima
1 seen at Lake Naivasha .
Pied Kingfisher – Ceryle rudis
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Bee-eaters – Meropidae
Blue-headed Bee-eater – Merops muelleri
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Little Bee-eater – Merops pusillus
Small numbers seen at the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater – Merops oreobates
5 seen in Kakamega Forest .
White-fronted Bee-eater – Merops bullockoides
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha .
Olive Bee-eater – Merops superciliosus
1 seen at Kisumu .
Hoopoes – Upupidae
African Hoopoe – Upupa africana
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha .
Wood Hoopoes – Phoeniculidae
Green Wood Hoopoe – Phoeniculus purpureus
Small groups seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Hornbills – Bucerotidae
African Grey Hornbill – Tockus nasutus
2 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill – Bycanistes subcylindricus
Common in Kakamega Forest . Also 2 in the Maasai Mara .
Ground Hornbills – Bucorvidae
Southern Ground Hornbill – Bucorvus leadbeateri
Small family groups ( upto 5 birds) were encountered quite often in the Maasai Mara .
African Barbets – Lybiidae
Grey-throated Barbet – Gymnobucco bonapartei
Pairs were quite common in Kakamega Forest .
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird – Pogoniulus bilineatus
Individuals seen in Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Red-fronted Tinkerbird – Pogoniulus pusillus
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Yellow-spotted Barbet – Buccanodon duchaillui
Fairly common in mixed flocks at Kakamega Forest.
Spot-flanked Barbet – Tricholaema lacrymosa
2 seen in the Maasai Mara .
White-headed Barbet – Lybius leucocephalus
2 seen at Lake Nakuru and 1 at Lake Naivasha .
Double-toothed Barbet – Lybius bidentatus
Pairs seen at Kakamega Forest and Kisumu .
Yellow-billed Barbet - Trachyphonus purpuratus
Heard all over the place in Kakamega Forest, but never seen .
D’Arnaud’s Barbet- Trachyphonus darnaudii
One bird of distinctive usambiro race seen in the Maasai Mara .
Honeyguides – Indicatoridae
Least Honeyguide – Indicator exilis
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Thick-billed Honeyguide – Indicator conirostris
1 seen in Kakamega Forest.
Lesser Honeyguide – Indicator minor
2 seen at Lake Nakuru .
Woodpeckers - Picidae
Nubian Woodpecker – Campethera nubica
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Tullberg’s Woodpecker – Campethera tullbergi
2 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Buff-spotted Woodpecker – Campethera nivosa
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Brown-eared Woodpecker – Campethera caroli
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Speckle-breasted Woodpecker – Dendropicos poecilolaemus
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Cardinal Woodpecker – Dendropicos fuscescens
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Bearded Woodpecker – Dendropicos namaquus
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and Kakamega Forest .
African Grey Woodpecker – Dendropicos goertae
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha .
Broadbills – Eurylaimidae
African Broadbill – Smithornis capensis
Superb scope views of one in Kakamega Forest .
Wattle-eyes and Batises – Platysteiridae
Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye – Dyaphorophyia concreta
Fleeting glimpses of one moving through the undergrowth in Kakamega Forest .
Brown-throated Wattle-eye – Platysteira cyanea
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Black-throated Wattle-eye – Platyseira peltata
Poor views of one in the Maasai Mara .
Chin-spot Batis – Batis molitor
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Helmetshrikes – Prionopidae
Grey-crested Helmetshrike – Prionops poliocephalus
Good views of a flock of 8 at Lake Nakuru .
Bushshrikes – Malaconotidae
Black-fronted Bushshrike (gold-breasted morph) – Chlorophoneus nigrifrons
Superb views of one in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Bocage’s Bushshrike – Chlorophoneus bocagei
Individuals were quite common in Kakamega Forest .
Black-crowned Tchagra – Tchagra senegalus
One seen in the Maasai Mara .
Pink-footed Puffback – Dryoscopus angolensis
Good views of a distinctive orange-red female in Kakamega Forest .
Black-backed Puffback – Dryoscopus cubla
2 seen displaying in the Maasai Mara .
Northern Puffback – Dryoscopus gambensis
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Busia Grasslands .
Slate-coloured Boubou –Laniarius funebris
3 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Luhder’s Bushshrike – Laniarius luehderi
4 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Tropical Boubou – Lamiarius aethiopicus
Individuals and pairs were common at Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest.
Papyrus Gonolek – Laniarius mufumbiri
One responded to tape playback at Kisumu, eventually giving us superb views in the open .
Black-headed Gonolek – Laniarius erythrogaster
2 seen at the Kisumu Sunset Hotel .
Cuckooshrikes – Campephagidae
Grey Cuckooshrike – Coracina caesia
2 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Black Cuckooshrike – Campephaga flava
A pair was seen at Lake Nakuru .
Petit’s Cuckooshrike – Campephaga petiti
2 pairs were seen in Kakamega Forest .
Shrikes – Laniidae
Northern White-crowned Shrike – Eurocephalus rueppelli
Small groups seen in the Maasai Mara .
Mackinnon’s Shrike – Lanius mackinnoni
4 birds seen in Kakamega Forest .
Grey-backed Fiscal – Lanius excubitoroides
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Common Fiscal – Lanius collaris
Recorded at all sites except Kakamega Forest and Lake Naivasha .
Orioles – Oriolidae
Western Oriole – Oriolus brachyrhynchus
1 seen at Kakamega Forest .
Black-headed Oriole – Oriolus larvatus
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Drongos – Dicruridae
Square-tailed Drongo – Dicrurus ludwigii
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
Fork-tailed Drongo – Dicrurus adsimilis
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Monarch Flycatchers - Monarchidae
African Paradise Flycatcher – Terpsiphone viridis
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Crows – Corvidae
Cape Crow – Corvus capensis
A few seen at Manguo Ponds and enroute to Lake Naivasha .
Pied Crow – Corvus albus
Recorded at all sites except the Maasai Mara .
Fairy Flycatchers – Stenostiridae
African Blue Flycatcher – Elminia longicauda
Common in Kakamega Forest . Also seen in the Maasai Mara and Busia Grasslands .
Dusky Crested Flycatcher – Elminia nigromitratus
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
White-tailed Crested Flycatcher – Elminia albonotatus
1 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Tits – Paridae
White-bellied Tit – Parus albiventris
3 seen at Lake Nakuru and 1 at both the Maasai Mara and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Dusky Tit – Parus funereus
4 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Larks – Alaudidae
White-tailed Lark – Mirafra albicauda
4 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Rufous-naped Lark – Mirafra Africana
Common at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Red-capped Lark – Calandrella cinerea
Common at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Bulbuls and Greenbuls – Pycnonotidae
Dark-capped Bulbul – Pycnonotus tricolor
Recorded at all sites visited except Gatamaiyu Forest .
Kakamega Greenbul – Andropadus kakamegae
Pairs were fairly common in Kakamega Forest.
Olive-breasted Greenbul – Andropadus kikuyuensis
1 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Little Greenbul – Andropadus virens
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Ansorge’s Greenbul – Andropadus ansorgei
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
Slender-billed Greenbul – Andropadus gracilirostris
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Yellow-whiskered Greenbul – Andropadus latirostris
Common in Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Honeyguide Greenbul – Baeopogon indicator
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Joyful Greenbul – Chlorocichla laetissima
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Yellow-throated Leaflove – Chlorocichla flavicollis
2 seen at the Kisumu Sunset Hotel . Heard at the Busia Grasslands and in the Maasai Mara .
Toro Olive Greenbul – Phyllastrephus hypochloris
3 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Red-tailed Bristlebill – Bleda syndactyla
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Swallows and Martins – Hirundinidae
White-headed Saw-wing – Psalidoprocne albiceps
Common in Kakamega Forest, Busia Grasslands and parts of the Maasai Mara .
Black Saw-wing – Psalidoprocne pristoptera
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest, Busia Grasslands and the Maasai Mara ,
Grey-rumped Swallow – Pseudhirundo griseopyga
2 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Brown-throated Martin – Riparia paludicola
Small numbers seen at Manguo Ponds, Molo Grasslands, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Sand Martin – Riparia riparia
2 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Banded Martin – Riparia cincta
4 seen in the Maasai Mara.
Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica
Common at Lake Nakuru, the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Wire-tailed Swallow – Hirundo smithii
Individuals seen in Kakamega Forest, the Busia Grasslands and the Maasai Mara .
Rock Martin –Ptyonoprogne fuligula
Small numbers seen in Nairobi, Manguo Ponds, Lake Nakuru and en route to the Maasai Mara .
Lesser Striped Swallow – Cecropis abyssinica
Fairly common at the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Mosque Swallow – Cecropis senegalensis
Small numbers seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Red-rumped Swallow – Cecropis daurica
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Cettia bush warblers and Allies - Cettidae
Green Hylia – Hylia prasina
3 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Leaf Warblers and Allies - Phylloscopidae
Uganda Woodland Warbler – Phylloscopus budongoensis
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Reed Warblers and Allies – Acrocephalidae
Greater Swamp Warbler – Acrocephalus rufescens
1 seen at Kisumu .
African Reed Warbler – Acrocephalus baeticatus
1 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Dark-capped Yellow Warbler – Chloropeta natalensis
1 seen en route to Kakamega Forest .
Grassbirds and Allies – Megaluridae
Fan-tailed Grassbird –Schoenicola brevirostris
1 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Cinnamon Bracken Warbler – Bradypterus cinnamomeus
1 heard in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Cisticolas and Allies – Cisticolidae
Red-faced Cisticola – Cisticola erythrops
1 seen at Kisumu .
Singing Cisticola – Cisticola cantans
1 seen en route to the Maasai Mara .
Trilling Cisticola –Cisticola woosnami
1 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Chubb’s Cisticola –Cisticola chubbi
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Hunter’s Cisticola – Cistiocola hunteri
4 seen at Timbarua Dam .
Rock-loving Cisticola – Cisticola emini
1 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Rattling Cisticola – Cisticola chiniana
Common at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Winding Cisticola – Cisticola marginatus
Fairly common at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Carruthers’s Cisticola – Cisticola carruthersi
Common at Kisumu .
Stout Cisticola – Cisticola robustus
A few seen in the Maasai Mara .
Aberdare Cisticola – Cisticola aberdare (E)
4 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Short-winged Cisticola – Cisticola brachypterus
1 seen at Kisumu .
Zitting Cisticola – Cisticola juncidis
3 seen in the Maasai Mara .
Pectoral-patch Cisticola – Cisticola brunnescens
Small numbers seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Tawny-flanked Prinia – Prinia subflava
Fairly common at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Black-faced Prinia – Prinia melanops
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
White-chinned Prinia – Schistolais leucopogon
Common in Kakamega Forest and the Busia Grasslands.
Black-collared Apalis – Oreolais pulchra
4 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Buff-bellied Warbler – Phyllolais pulchella
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, en route to Kakamega Forest , the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Yellow-breasted Apalis – Apalis flavida
Pairs seen at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.
Black-throated Apalis – Apalis jacksoni
A pair seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Chestnut-throated Apalis – Apalis porphyrolaema
2 seen at Gatamaiyu Forest . Telephone-like ringing call was heard regularly .
Buff-throated Apalis – Apalis rufogularis
3 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Grey Apalis – Apalis cinerea
2 seen in Kakamega Forest and 5 in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Grey-capped Warbler – Eminia lepida
Excellent views of one at Kisumu . Heard at Lake Nakuru .
Grey-backed Camaroptera – Camaroptera brevicaudata
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Olive-green Camaroptera – Camaroptera chloronota
3 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Black-faced Rufous Warbler – Bathmocercus rufus
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
Turner’s Eremomela – Eremomela turneri
Excellent views of a group of 5 in Kakamega Forest .
Family Uncertain – Incertae sedis
Red-faced Crombec – Sylvietta whytii
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
White-browed Crombec – Sylvietta leucophrys
1 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Babblers - Timaliidae
Brown Illadopsis – Illadopsis fulvescens
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Black-lored Babbler – Turdoides sharpei
A few seen at the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Brown Babbler – Turdoides plebejus
1 seen at Kisumu .
Arrow-marked Babbler – Turdoides jardineii
2 seen at Lake Nakuru .
Sylviid Babblers – Sylviidae
Brown Warbler – Sylvia lugens
1 seen enroute to Kakamega Forest .
White-eyes – Zosteropidae
African Yellow White-eye – Zosterops senegalensis
A few seen at Timbarua Dam and Kakamega Forest .
Kikuyu White-eye – Zosterops kikuyuensis
Indidviduals seen at Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Sugarbirds and Allies – Promeropidae
Grey-chested Babbler – Kakamega poliothorax
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Starlings – Sturnidae
Wattled Starling – Creatophora cinerea
Common at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Greater Blue-eared Starling – Lamprotornis chalybaeus
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, the Molo Grasslands and the Maasai Mara .
Ruppell’s Starling – Lamprotornis purpuroptera
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Superb Starling – Lamprotornis superbus
Recorded at all sites except the Molo Grasslands, Kakamega Forest and the Busia Grasslands .
Hildebrandt’s Starling – Lamprotornis hildebrandti
A few seen at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Violet-backed Starling – Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
A few seen at the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Red-winged Starling – Onychognathus morio
Common in Nairobi .
Stuhlmann’s Starling – Poeptera stuhlmanni
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
Oxpeckers – Buphagidae
Yellow-billed Oxpecker – Buphagus africanus
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara .
Red-billed Oxpecker – Buphagus erythrorhynchus
Common at Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara .
Thrushes – Turdidae
African Thrush – Turdus pelios
A few seen in Kakamega Forest and at Kisumu .
Abyssinian Thrush – Turdus abyssinicus
Heard at Manguo Ponds .
Brown-chested Alethe – Pseudalethe poliocephala
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Chats and Old World Flycatchers – Muscicapidae
White-starred Robin – Pogonocichla stellata
1 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Equatorial Akalat – Sheppardia aequatorialis
7 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Cape Robin-Chat – Cossypha caffra
Individuals seen at Timbarua Dam, the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Grey-winged Robin-Chat – Cossypha polioptera
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat – Cossypha cyanocampter
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Ruppell’s Robin-Chat – Cossypha semirufa
5 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
White-browed Robin-Chat – Cossypha heuglini
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, the Busia Grasslands, Kisumu, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat – Cossypha niveicapilla
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
African Stonechat – Saxicola torquatus
A few seen at Timbarua Dam .
Abyssinian Wheatear – Oenanthe lugubris
A male of race schalowi seen outside Hell’s Gate Park in Naivasha .
Anteater Chat – Myrmecocichla aethiops
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, the Molo Grasslands and Lake Naivasha .
Sooty Chat – Myrmecocichla nigra
Common in the Maasai Mara .
Mocking Cliff Chat – Thamnolea cinnamomeiventris
3 pairs seen at Lake Nakuru .
Little Rock Thrush – Monticola rufocinereus
1 seen at Lake Nakuru .
White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher – Dioptrornis fischeri
Common at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest, Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Northern Black Flycatcher –Melaenornis edolioides
Common in Kakamega Forest . Individuals seen at Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Pale Flycatcher – Bradornis pallidus
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara .
African Grey Flycatcher – Bradornis microrhynchus
Indidviduals seen in the Maasai Mara and en route to Lake Naivasha .
Swamp Flycatcher– Muscicapa aquatica
Common at Kisumu .
African Dusky Flycatcher – Muscicapa adusta
Common at Lake Nakuru , Kakamega Forest , Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Sunbirds – Nectariniidae
Collared Sunbird – Hedydipna collaris
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Green-headed Sunbird – Cyanomitra verticalis
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Olive Sunbird – Cyanomitra olivacea
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Amethyst Sunbird – Chalcomitra amethystina
Pairs were common at Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Scarlet-chested Sunbird – Chalcomitra senegalensis
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest and the Busia Grasslands .
Tacazze Sunbird – Nectarinia tacazze
1 seen at Timbarua Dam .
Bronzy Sunbird – Nectarinia kilimensis
Common at the Molo Grasslands, Timbarua Dam, Kakamega Forest, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Golden-winged Sunbird – Drepanorhynchus reichenowi
Individuals seen at the Molo Grasslands, Timbarua Ponds and Lake Naivasha .
Olive-bellied Sunbird – Cinnyris chloropygia
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
Northern Double-collared Sunbird – Cinnyris reichenowi
Common at Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Eastern Double-collared Sunbird – Cinnyris mediocris
2 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Marico Sunbird – Cinnyris mariquensis
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara .
Red-chested Sunbird – Cinnyris erythrocercus
Fairly common at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Variable Sunbird – Cinnyris venustus
Individuals seen at Lake Nakuru, Timbarua Dam, the Busia Grasslands and Lake Naivasha .
Copper Sunbird – Cinnyris cupreus
Fairly common at the Busia Grasslands .
Old World Sparrows – Passeridae
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver – Plocepasser mahali
2 seen at Nairobi Airport .
Grey-capped Social Weaver – Pseudonigrita arnaudi
2 seen at Lake Nakuru .
House Sparrow – Passer domesticus
Seen at Kisumu and the Maasai Mara .
Kenya Sparrow – Passer rufocinctus
Common at the Molo Grasslands, Busia Grasslands, Lake Naivasha and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Northern Grey-headed Sparrow – Passer griseus
Recorded at all sites except Gatamaiyu Forest .
Weavers and Widowbirds – Ploceidae
Speckle-fronted Weaver – Sporopipes frontalis
A small colony seen at the Maasai Mara .
Baglafecht Weaver – Ploceus reichenowi
Recorded at all sites except the Maasai Mara and Kisumu .
Slender-billed Weaver – Ploceus pelzelni
A few seen at Kisumu .
Spectacled Weaver – Ploceus ocularis
Individuals seen in Kakamega Forest, the Busia Grasslands and the Maasai Mara .
Black-necked Weaver – Ploceus nigricollis
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
African (Holub’s) Golden Weaver – Ploceus xanthops
Individuals seen at Kisumu and Lake Naivasha .
Northern Brown-throated Weaver – Ploceus castanops
Individuals seen at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Village Weaver – Ploceus cucullatus
Common at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Vieillot’s Black Weaver – Ploceus nigerrimus
Small numbers seen in Kakamega Forest .
Black-headed Weaver – Ploceus melanocephalus
Common at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu
Golden-backed Weaver – Ploceus jacksoni
3 seen at Kisumu .
Compact Weaver – Ploceus superciliosus
3 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Dark-backed Weaver – Ploceus bicolor
Common in Kakamega Forest .
Brown-capped Weaver – Ploceus insignis
4 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Black-billed Weaver – Ploceus melanogaster
2 seen by our guide in Kakamega Forest, that refused to show themselves properly.
Red-headed Malimbe – Malimbus rubricollis
2 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Black Bishop – Euplectes gierowii
1 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Southern Red Bishop – Euplectes orix
6 seen at Kisumu .
Black-winged Red Bishop – Euplectes hordeaceus
5 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Yellow Bishop – Euplectes capensis
Individuals seen en route to Kakamega Forest and in the Maasai Mara .
Fan-tailed Widowbird – Euplectes axillaris
Individuals seen at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Yellow-mantled Widowbird – Euplectes macrourus
1 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
White-winged Widowbird – Euplectes albonotatus
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara .
Jackson’s Widowbird – Euplectes jacksoni
1 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Waxbills and Allies – Estrildidae
White-breasted Nigrita – Nigrita fusconotus
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Grey-headed Nigrita – Nigrita canicapillus
4 seen in Kakamega Forest .
Orange-winged Pytilia – Pytilia afra
1 seen in the Maasai Mara was a nice surprise .
Abyssinian Crimsonwing – Cryptospiza salvadorii
4 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Red-headed Bluebill – Spermophaga ruficapilla
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest .
Bar-breasted Firefinch – Lagonosticta rufopicta
2 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Red-billed Firefinch – Lagonosticta senegala
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara and at Lake Naivasha .
Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu – Uraeginthus bengalus
Common at Lake Nakuru, the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Purple Grenadier – Uraeginthus ianthinogaster
Fairly common at Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Yellow-bellied Waxbill – Estrilda quartinia
2 seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Black-rumped Waxbill –Estrilda troglodytes
A few seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Common Waxbill –Estrilda astrild
A few seen at Manguo Ponds, the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Orange-breasted Waxbill – Amandava subflava
2 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
African Quailfinch – Ortygospiza fuscocrissa
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara .
African Silverbill – Euodice cantans
A few seen in the Maasai Mara .
Bronze Mannikin – Lonchura cucullata
2 seen at the Busia Grasslands .
Black-and-white Mannikin – Lonchura bicolor
Fairly common at the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Indigobirds and Whydahs – Viduidae
Village Indigobird – Vidua chalybeata
1 seen at Kisumu .
Pin-tailed Whydah – Vidua macroura
Individuals seen at Manguo Ponds, the Busia Grasslands and Lake Naivasha .
Wagtails and Pipits – Motacillidae
Cape Wagtail – Motacilla capensis
1 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Mountain Wagtail – Motacilla clara
1 seen in Kakamega Forest .
African Pied Wagtail – Motailla aguimp
Recorded at all sites except the Busia and Molo Grasslands .
Sharpe’s Longclaw – Macronyx sharpei (E)
1 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Yellow-throated Longclaw – Macronyx croceus
Common in the Maasai Mara .
Rosy-throated Longclaw – Macronyx ameliae
1 seen in the Maasai Mara .
African Pipit – Anthus cinnamomeus
Common at Lake Nakuru, the Maasai Mara and Lake Naivasha .
Long-billed Pipit – Anthus similis
A few seen in the Maasai Mara .
Plain-backed Pipit – Anthus leucophrys
Fairly common in the Maasai Mara .
Finches – Fringillidae
Yellow-crowned Canary – Serinus flavivertex
1 seen at the Molo Grasslands .
Western Citril – Crithagra frontalis
A few seen at Lake Naivasha .
Eastern Citril – Crithagra hyposticta
Fairly common in Kakamega Forest, the Busia Grasslands and Kisumu .
Papyrus Canary –Crithagra koliensis
1 seen at Kisumu .
Reichenow’s Seedeater – Crithagra reichenowi
A few seen at Kisumu and in the Maasai Mara .
Yellow-fronted Canary – Crithagra mozambica
Fairly common at Kisumu and in the Maasai Mara .
Brimstone Canary – Crithagra sulphurata
A few seen at Lake Nakuru and at lake Naivasha .
Streaky Seedeater – Crithagra striolata
Individuals seen at Manguo Ponds, the Molo Grasslands, Timbarua Ponds, Kakamega Forest and Gatamaiyu Forest .
Thick-billed Seedeater – Crithagra burtoni
A few seen in Gatamaiyu Forest .
Buntings and Allies – Emberizidae
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting – Emberiza tahapisi
A few seen in the Maasai Mara and at Lake Naivasha .
MAMMALS
1) Lion
2) Cheetah
3) African Wild Cat
4) Black-backed Jackal
5) Bat-eared Fox
6) Spotted Hyena
7) Marsh Mongoose
8) Banded Mongoose
9) Rock Hyrax
10) African Elephant
11) Blue Wildebeest
12) Thomson's Gazelle
13) Grant's Gazelle
14) Impala
15) Kongoni
16) Topi
17) Kirk's Dik-Dik
18) Harvey's Duiker
19) Bohor Reedbuck
20) Defassa Waterbuck
21) White Rhinoceros
22) Black Rhinoceros
23) Giraffe
24) Eland
25) Burchell's Zebra
26) Cape Buffalo
27) Warthog
28) Olive Baboon
29) Vervet Monkey
30) Black-and-white Colobus
31) Blue Monkey
32) Red-tailed Monkey
33) African Giant Squirrel
34) Red-legged Sun Squirrel
35) Straw-coloured Fruit Bat
REPTILES
1) Nile Crocodile
2) Mwanza Flat-headed Agama
3) Blue-headed Tree Agama
4) Kenya Dwarf Gecko
5) Helmeted Terrapin
INSECTS
1) Goliath Beetle