by Mark Sutton
Introduction
This report covers a birding trip taken to Kenya, covering sites north of Nairobi. The group consisted of myself, my wife Linda, 8 year-old son Brent, my brother Richard & his girlfriend Ann-Marie. This was our first trip to East Africa, but had birded Africa previously in South Africa (twice) and the Gambia. We were initially going to arrange a completely independent trip, but found that hiring a minibus & driver was not much more expensive, and the thought of somebody else with local knowledge, doing the driving was very tempting. We eventually booked the vehicle through Anthony W. Raphael of Birding and Beyond Safaris, who also pre-booked most of our accommodation and provided very useful advice & site information. Our driver, James, proved to be a very experienced safari driver and had a good knowledge of the sites we visited, as well as being good company.
Transport
We hired a safari minibus for the duration of the trip; this is a minibus where the roof lifts up to allow the passengers to stand. This is extremely useful for birding and mammal watching in the National Parks. The vehicle capacity was about 10 passengers (but realistically about 7 plus baggage) so it proved to be very spacious and comfortable for the 5 of us.
Health
No problems - we all took either Larium or Doxycycline anti-malarials, Brent had to take Larium as Doxy. is not suitable for children.
Food
Food was generally very good even for vegetarians, with most meals being taken in the hotels.
At the Kakamega forest we had to cook our own meals, but cooking utensils & firewood were provided at both sites. At the mount Kenya met. station all food was provided & cooked by the guides, as part of the package.
Weather
We visited Kenya during the "mini" wet season, but this had little effect on the birding, although it made some areas difficult to drive and stopped the vehicle driving up Mount Kenya to the Met. Station.
We were unable to get to a couple of sites around Siaport, Lake Victoria, due to the poor road conditions.
Books & Tapes
Trip reports: The following 2 reports proved to be very useful:
Bird watching in Kenya Feb/March 1995 by Mike Hunter
Birding in Kenya (1980 to 83) by Steve Whitehouse
Site Guides: Where to watch birds in Africa - Nigel Wheatley, published by Helm - Invaluable.
Field Guides: Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa - Terry Stephenson & John Fanshawe, published by T& A D Poyser. This had only been recently published and proved to be an excellent field guide. The format of having the text and range map opposite the illustration is very useful.
Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania - Zimmerman, Turner and Pearson published by Helm. A good guide, but I preferred the East African guide.
The Kingdom Field Guide to African Mammals (Poyser) - very good.
Sound guides: African bird sounds volume 2, 11 CD set , with target species transferred to tape
Costs
The "Safari" cost USD 5,350, which was split between the 5 of us. This included the vehicle & driver plus all running costs, most accommodation and food at the hotels and the cost of the Mount Kenya trip (4WD, guide & food).
National park & site costs:
Hells Gate N.P. USD 15$ per person
Lake Nakuru USD 27$ per person
Kakemega approx KSh 100sh per day per group plus guide tips.
Saiwa Swamp N.P. USD 15$ per person.
Thomson's Falls KSh 100sh.
Mount Kenya N.P. USD 15$ per person.
Samburu N.P. USD 27$ per person.
Nairobi N.P. USD 20$ per person.
Flights, booked with Sabina through Trail finders cost £ 419 from Manchester (incl Airport Taxes). We had to transfer to Swiss Air at the last minute, due to Sabina going into liquidation.
Accommodation
Lake Naivasha Hotel - Expensive @ £60.00 per room B&B, very comfortable with easy access to the Lake.
Stem Hotel - Just before Nakuru on road from Lake Navasha, B&B included in the package price. A little shabby but clean and comfortable. Swimming pool.
Sunset Hotel - Kazumu. Half Board included in the package price. Used by bird tour companies. Good standard hotel. Swimming pool.
Golf Hotel - Kakamega. Half Board included in the package price. Used by bird tour companies. Good standard hotel. Swimming pool.
Isechenco Guest House - Kakamega Forest. Self-Catering included in the package price. A row of wooden chalets on stilts in the middle of forest. Very basic but excellent. Cooked on open fire.
Udos Bandas - Kakamega Forest. Self-catering included in the package price. Several thatched bandas of various sizes. Good clean accommodation. Cooked on open fire. Pit toilets.
Alakara Hotel - Kitale. B&B included in the package price. Shabby noisy hotel in the middle of Kitale. Good restaurant.
Roberts Camp - Lake Barringo. Self-Catering. Stayed in excellent bandas. Camp next door to Lake Barringo Club where swimming pool can be used for 200 shillings per day.
Naromoru River Lodge - Half Board included in the package price. Used by bird tour companies. Excellent accommodation and food plus swimming pool. ahl@africaonline.co.ke
Met Station - c/o Naromoru River Lodge, Mt Kenya. Wooden dorm type chalets very basic with pit toilets. Food provided and cooked by hire staff.
Samburu Lodge - Samburu Game reserve, Full Board included in package price. Used by tour companies, excellent standard excellent pool.
Wajee Bungalows - Wajee Camp Nature Reserve. Pre booked bandas but upgraded to bungalow at an extra 1000 shillings. Basic but clean and comfortable.
Blue Posts Thika - Near Kieni Forest. Half Board included in package price. Good standard hotel.
Paradise Hotel - Centre of Niarobi. Clean and comfortable, cost 2600 shillings for triple and 2100 shillings for a double.
Contacts
James N Mbugua (Driver) Tel 0733719847, E-mail mgachere@yahoo.com
Anthony W Raphael of Birding and Beyond Safaris, Tel +255 744 286058
Fax +255 27254411, E-mail birdingtripstz@yahoo.com or tours@tanzaniabirding.com
Web site www.tanzaniabirding.com
Itinerary
10/11 Am: Arrived Nairobi at 06.45, met Anthony and our driver James. Drove to Naivasha, with a short stop at Limuru Pond.Pm : Birded around hotel grounds and lake shore.Highlights: Limuru Pond - White-headed Duck. Naivasha- Fischers and Yellow-collared Lovebirds (Plus hybrids?), Sharpes Pied babbler.
11/11 Am: Birded around grounds before going into Hells Gate N.P.Pm: Drove the 70Km to Nakuru stopping briefly to view Lake Elmenteita from the road. Spent the evening birding along the road to the South of the N.P.Highlights: Hells Gate - Hildebrants Francolin, Schalow's Wheatear. On route - Adnims Stork, Lake Elmenteita - Lesser Flamingos
12/11 Am: Spent the morning in Lake Nakuru N.P.Pm: Spent the afternoon travelling to Kisumu, briefly calling into a site for Sharpes Pipit, arriving at the hotel at dusk. Nakuru to Kisumu 200Km which look 3 hours Highlights: Nakuru - Grey-rumped Swallow & Mocking Cliff-chat. On route - Sharpes Pipit & African Openbill.
13/11 Am: Early morning spent around the hotel grounds & nearby gardens, before moving to Hippo Point after breakfast.Pm: Journey to Kakamaga. Birded an area of fields & wet grassland to the West of Mumias bridge before moving to Mumias bridge. The evening was spent around the hotel grounds.Highlights: Hippo point - Carruther's Cisticola, Black-billed Barbet, Marsh Tchagra & Black-headed Gonolek. Mumias area - Blue-breasted Bee-eater & Rock Pratincole. Golf Hotel - Ross's Turaco & Red-headed lovebird.
14/11 Am: Early am around the hotel grounds, before driving to Isecheno.Pm: Spent the afternoon and evening birding the Zimmerman grid.Highlights: Isecheno - Blue-headed Bee-eater, Turners Eremomelia, Uganda Woodland Warbler.
15/11 Am: The morning was spent birding around Isecheno.Pm : Drove to Buyangu and spent the afternoon and evening birding near the Bandas. Highlights: Isecheno - Great Blue Turaco, Petit's Cuckoo shrike, Grey-green Bush-shrike, Red-headed Malimbe,Buyangu - Crested Guineafowl, Blue-shouldered Robinchat.
16/11 Am: The morning was spent birding around Buyangu.Pm: Drove for 2.5 hours to Kitale and booked into the hotel, the late afternoon was spent around Saiaw Swamp.Highlights: Buyangu - Purple-throated Cuckooshrike. Saiwa Swamp - Blue-headed Coucal, Double-toothed Barbet, Chubb's Cisticola & Grey Winged Robinchat (RS only)
17/11 Am: Early morning was spent around Saiwa Swamp before returning to the hotel for breakfast and the 5-hour journey to Lake Baringo.Pm: The afternoon & evening was spent around the grounds of Roberts Camp & the adjoining Hotel.Highlights: Saiwa Swamp - Grey-winged Robinchat (for MS)Lake Baringo - Bristle-crowned Staring & Northern Masked Weaver.
18/11 Am: pre-dawn walk to the nearby cliffs, returning to Robrts Camp late morning.Pm: The afternoon was spent birding the nearby scrub, enlisting the help of local "guides" for Courser, Owl and Nightjar. Highlights: Cliffs - Hemprich's Hornbill, Pallid Honeyguide & Brown-tailed Chat, Roberts Camp area- Heuglins Courser, White-faced Scops owl & Slender- tailed Nightjar
19/11 Birded around Lake Baringo first thing, before departing for the Naromoru river lodge, calling in on Thompson's Falls en-route. In the afternoon we took a short cut, along a dirt road, across the plains to the lodge, but managed to get the vehicle stuck. We spent about 3 hours, unsuccessfully, trying to free the vehicle from a muddy pot hole until, fortunately, a Landrover came by which managed to tow us out. Highlights: Thompson's Falls - Cinnamon Chester Bee-eater, Tinkling Cisticola, Tacazze & Golden Winged Sunbirds.Short cut across plains - White & Black bellied Bustards, Red-footed Falcon, & 100's of Lesser Kestrels.
20/11 Am: Spent the early morning around the grounds of the river lodge, before departing for Mount Kenya in the hotel 4WD vehicle. The vehicle was not allowed to drive to the meteorological station, due to the wet & slippery condition of the road, instead it dropped us of at the entrance to the National Park. Pm: Walked from the entrance gates to the Meteorological station, a 4 hour walk of about 8 Kms. Highlights: Naro Moru - Hartlubs Turaco & Red-fronted Parrot.Mt Kenya- Mountain Greenbul, Moorland Chat, Brown Woodland Warbler & Mountain Yellow Warbler.
21/11 Early morning was spent birding around the Met. Station.After breakfast we walked up to the high altitude moorland, returning to the met. station late afternoon. Highlights: Jackson's Francolin & Cinnamon Bracken Warbler. Richard had Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, a couple of hours walk above the tree line.
22/11 Am: Walked back down to the Entrance gates where we met the vehicle, which took us back to the Naro Moru river lodge where we had lunch.Drove the 4.5-hour journey to Samburu, with a short stop near Isiolo for Boran Cisticola.We arrived at Samburu at approx. 16.00 and spent the last few hours of daylight exploring the reserve.Highlights: Mk Kenya - Abysinian Ground-thrush. Journey - Jackson's Widowbird, Boran Cisticola. Samburu - Kori Bustard, Senegal Courser, Golden Pipit & Vulturine Guinea fowl. Cheetah & Leopard.
23/11 Spent the whole day around Samburu.Highlights: Pygmy Falcon, Harlequin Quail, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Yellow vented Eremomelia, Pygmy Batis, & White-faced Mousebird
24/11 Am: After an early breakfast we left Samburu and headed to Wajee Camp which took 6 hours, This site had been recommended for Hinde's Pied Babbler, an extremely localised endemic Pm: Birded around Wajee Camp, & the nature trail, where we were accompanied by the resident guide.Highlights: Samburu - Somali OstrichWajee Camp - Hinde's Pied Babbler
25/11 Am: Early morning was spent birding around the grounds, before departing for an area of Paddy fields which were on route to the Blue Posts Hotel . (Wajee to Blue Posts took 3 hours including the stop at the paddy fields) Pm: Booked into the hotel before moving on to Keini Forest, a couple of hours drive away. James, our driver was not happy with us visiting this site as it has a reputation for theft & car jacking. We spent a couple of hours in the forest before departing well before dark. We did not spend enough time at this site, which showed a lot of potential.Highlights: Paddies - White-winged Widow birdKieni Forest - White-browed Crombec & Black-tailed Oriole.
26/11 Early morning around the hotel grounds before moving on to Nairobi National Park. The journey from Blue Posts to Nairobi N.P. took 2 hours, through rush hour traffic.Highlights: Nairobi N.P. - Black Rhino, Pengani Longclaw, Northen pied Babbler & Red-throated Tit.
27/11 Departed for the UK
Sites Visited
Limuru Pond
Situated about 30Km from Nairobi alongside the A104. If approaching from Nairobi, a minor road on the right just before the lake on the right can give good views over the lake and surrounding marsh.
Lake Naivasha
All our birding was carried out around the grounds of the Lake Naivasha hotel and adjacent lake shore.
Hells Gate N.P.
Situated just south of Lake Naivasha and can be accessed from the road to Fisherman's camp
Lake Nakuru
We entered the park at the main gate, on the south side of Nakuru Town, skirted around the west shore of the lake and drove to the southern shore, which was the most productive for White Rhino.
The track passed below Baboon rocks, a popular view point, this section of, wooded track, produced Cliff Chat. The whole shoreline was fringed with Lesser Flamingos.
Kisumu - Lake Victoria
The best birding around Kisumu is at Hippo point, which is about 1 mile from the Sunset Hotel.
Kakemega - Isecheno
We birded the network of paths known as the Zimmerman Grid, located behind the Rest House and also a circuit to the pumping station, down the path to the main track leading to Shinyalu & back to the Rest House.
Kakamega - Buyangu
All our birding was either around the immediate environs of the campsite or on the track to & from the viewpoint.
Saiwa Swamp
The boardwalk here gives excellent views over the marsh, which was very productive on both our evening and morning visits to the reserve. Several Blue-headed Coucal were seen on both visits, perched on dead trees, which protrude from the marsh. We also birded the woodland on the far side of the boardwalk and it was form this track where we saw several Sitatunga antelope.
Lake Baringo
We stayed at Roberts camp, the camp and the grounds of the Hotel next door proved to be an excellent birding area. We walked to the nearby cliffs, starting off just before dawn and birded the area around the base of the cliffs until late morning. Local guides tout for business in the village & even outside the gates of the camp, these guides are very useful for the Heuglin's Courser & day roosting night birds.
This area held a huge variety of species and supposedly holds (held?) the record for the highest number of species recorded in a day.
Thomson's Falls
A couple of hours were spent here on the way to the Naro Moru River Lodge. We birded from the falls viewpoint & an area of marshland both between the falls and the main road and on the far side of the main road.
Mount Kenya
The Naro Moru River Lodge was used as a base to cover Mount Kenya. We pre-booked a two-night stay at the meteorological Station. The hotel provided: transport to/from the National Park gates, guide/cook and porters. We originally arranged for the vehicle to take us all the way to the Met. Station, but the road was closed due to the heavy rains. This proved to be advantageous, as the walk provided excellent birding. We spent the full day on the mountain birding the area from the met. Station, to the open "Moorland" just above the area of giant heather.
Accommodation at the Met station is very basic (several shared chalets with bunk beds), it can also be very cold at night, so a good sleeping bag is recommended.
Isiolo
This is the traditional site for Boran Cisticola, which is located on the route to Samburu. Much of the scrub appeared to be in the process of being destroyed.
We found 1+ Boran Cisticola just after we turned left to Isolo (but still on the A2) in area of scrub between the junction and an area of cultivation
Samburu
The vast majority of the birding here was done from the vehicle, driving slowly around the maize of track that crisscross both Samburu & Buffalo Springs reserves.
We also birded the grounds of the hotel complex.
Wajee
As far as we know this is the only know site for Hinde's Pied Babbler. A small group of birds live in the grounds of this small private reserve. The wardens initially insisted that we use a guide to show us the birds, which he did. Once we had paid for the tour, we were then allows to wander freely around the reserve.
Contact details:
Tel (0171) 60359, Fax 60438 or 02 743615 Nairobi.
PO Box 148, Mukurwe-ni, Nyeri, Kenya.
Kieni Forest
Our driver, James was very reluctant to visit this site, as it is notorious for car jacking. We only spent a couple of hours here so did not really give it justice. We parked near a small track leading into to the forest & birded the track for a couple of 100 meters.
Nairobi N.P.
Situated on the outskirts of Nairobi, this is an excellent site to start or finish a trip to Kenya. Most birding was carried out from the vehicle, with a couple of hours on foot around the hippo pools.
Somali Ostrich (Struthio camelus molybdophanes)
2 Samburu on 24/11, just as we were about to leave the reserve.
African Ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus)
c.30 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Small numbers around Limuru Pond & Lake Naivasha.
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristus)
Only recorded at Lake Naivasha, with at least 12 there.
Long-tailed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus)
Recorded at several wetland sites such as: Limuru Pond, Lake Naivasha &, Lake Victoria
White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus)
Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
African Darter (Anhinga rufa [melanogaster])
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
20 Lake Naivasha on 10/11 & 1,000's at Lake Nakuru.
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11 and small numbers at Lake Nakuru..
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Small numbers recorded at several sites e.g. Lake Naivasha.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Small numbers recorded at several sites e.g. Lake Naivasha.
Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala)
Small numbers recorded at several sites e.g. Lake Naivasha.
Goliath Heron (Ardea golih)
1 Kisumu on 12/11 & 1 Lake Baringo 18/11.
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11 and singles Lake Baringo 17 & 18/11.
Great White Egret (Egretta alba)
Lake Naivasha on 10/11.
Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia)
2 Limuru Pond on 10/11, were the only ones recorded, but may have been overlooked elsewhere.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Small numbers throughout.
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
1 at the paddy fields on 25/11.
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Saiwa Swamp & Lake Baringo.
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Saiwa Swamp, Lake Baringo & Nairobi N.P.
African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus)
1 roadside bird, near Kisumu on 12/11.
Abdim's Stork (Ciconia abdimii)
3 roadside birds, north of Nakuru on 11/11.
Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
Recorded on about 6 dates e.g. around Lake Naivsha.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Common.
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
Recorded on several dates e.g. common around Lake Naivasha.
African Spoonbill (Plalea alba)
Small numbers recorded on about 4 dates e.g. Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha and Lake Elmenteita .
Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
Recorded at Lake Elmenteita and Lake Nakuru.
Fulvous Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
10 Limuru Pond on 10/11.
White-faced Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna vidua)
30 Limuru Pond on 10/11 & 15 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus)
7 Limuru Pond on 10/11.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Recorded at several sites. e.g. Limuru Pond, Lake Naivasha & Nairobi N.P.
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
1 Limuru Pond on 10/11.
Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undula)
Recorded at Limuru Pond, Lake Naivasha & pools near Kieni Forest on 25/11.
Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha)
Limuru Pond on 10/11.
Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota)
5 Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
Garganey (Anas querquedula)
6 Limuru Pond on 10/11.
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypea)
c10 Limuru Pond on 10/11.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
Recorded on about 6 dates e.g. at Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans migrans)
Definite birds recorded on several dates, but most "Black Kites" were not identified to race/species.
Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus migrans parasitus)
As above.
African Fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Regularly recorded around Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru, Baringo & Victoria.
Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus [bengalensis])
1 over the road on the journey to Lake Nakuru on 11/11, small numbers at Samburu and Nairobi N.P.
Rüppell's Griffon-vulture (Gyps rueppellii)
Small numbers at Samburu and Nairobi National Parks
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Bateleur (Terhopius ecaudus)
Recorded Lake Naivasha, Samburu and Nairobi N.P. max 3 in a day.
Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
1 or 2 birds recorded at Lake Naivasha and the Paddy field site on 25/11.
African Marsh-harrier (Circus ranivorus [aeruginosus])
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11.
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)
3 on the shortcut to the Naromoru river lodge on 19/1 & 2 Nairobi N.P.
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Single birds at Lake Baringo on 17 & 19/11 and Nairobi N.P.
African Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus [radius])
4 on the journey to Lake Baringo on 17/11 & 1 Samburu on 23/11.
Eastern Chanting-goshawk (Melierax poliopterus [canorus])
Up to 4 birds in a day at Samburu.
African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro)
1 Wajee on 24/11.
Shikra (Accipiter badius)
1 Kisumu on 12/11.
Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes)
4 together, on the journey to Kisumu.
Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus)
1 Lake Baringo on 17/11.
Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
1 Kakamega on 14/11 & 1 Saiwa Swamp 16/11.
Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus)
1 Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Mountain Buzzard (Buteo oreophilus [buteo])
1 Thomson's Falls on 19/11 & 1 Mount Kenya 22/11 .
Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur)
Small numbers recorded on several dates.
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
1 Samburu on 22/11 and 2 there the following day.
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
At least 2 birds at Lake Nakuru on 12/11 & 1 Samburu 23/11.
Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennus)
1 on the journey to Kisumu 12/11.
Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
Single birds recorded on several dates e.g. at Lake Naivasha & Nairobi N.P.
Crowned Hawk-eagle (Stephanoaetus coronus)
1 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquus)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
c15 Lake Baringo 18/11 & 100+ on the shortcut to the Naro Moru river lodge on 19/1.
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Recorded on sevarl dates.
Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)
1 immature bird on the shortcut to the Naromoru river lodge on 19/1.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
1 Mount Kenya on 20/11.
Crested Francolin (Francolinus sephaena)
3 Lake Baringo on 18/11 & up to 10 recorded at Samburu.
Hildebrandt's Francolin (Francolinus hildebrandti [nalensis])
3 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11.
Jackson's Francolin (Francolinus jacksoni)
2 Mount Kenya, in the clearing at the met. station on 21/11. Many more heard.
Yellow-necked Spurfowl (Francolinus leucoscepus)
Common at Samburu.
Harlequin Quail (Coturnix delegorguei)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Fairly common around Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu & Nairobi N.P.
Kenya Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani pucherani)
3 crossed the track, whilst driving to Udo's Bandas, on 15/11.
Vulturine Guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum)
Failrly common around Samburu, with several sightings daily.
Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
African Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio madagascariensis)
1 Limuru Pond on 10/11.
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica crista)
Recorded at Limuru Pond and Lake Naivasha.
Grey Crowned-crane (Balearica regulorum [povonina])
2 Lake Nakuru on 12/11, up to 12 recorded on each visit to Saiwa Swamp & 2 Nairobi N.P. 26/11.
Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori)
2 Samburu on 22/11 and 1 there the following day.
Buff-crested Bustard (Eupodotis gindiana [ruficrista])
1 Samburu on 23/11.
White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis)
2 on the shortcut to the Naromoru River Lodge on 19/11 & 1 Samburu on 22/11.
Black-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis melanogaster)
3 on the shortcut to the Naromoru River Lodge on 19/1 & and 1 roadside bird on 25/11.
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
Recorded at Limuru pond, Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo. Max. 8 Lake Baringo on 19/11.
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Recorded on about 5 dates. Max. 50 at the paddy field site 25/11
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Lake Elmenteita 11/11.
Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis)
2 Lake Baringo on 18/11 & 1 Nairobi N.P.
Three-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus)
1 + 3 Lake Baringo on 18/11, located using local guides.
Somali Courser (Cursorius rufus somalensis [cursor])
6 Samburu on 22/11.
Rock Pratincole (Glareola nuchalis)
3 on the river at Mumias on 13/11, from the bridge just outside the town.
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiicula)
Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Kittlitz's Plover (Charadrius pecuarius)
20+ Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris)
4 at the Paddy field site on 25/11.
Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armus)
Regularly recorded around Limuru Pond, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Nairobi N.P.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
Up to 10 daily at Lake Baringo.
Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronus)
Fairly common.
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago gallinago)
2 Lake Naivasha on 11/11
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Lake Naivasha
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnilis)
Paddy field site 25/11.
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Recorded at Limuru Pond, Lake Nakuru & the Paddy field site.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
1 Lake Baringo on 10/11 & 1 Nairobi N.P. 26/11
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
1 near Nakuru 11/11, Paddy field site & Nairobi N.P.
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos )
Reorded at Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
Several 100+ Lake Nakuru on 12/11
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
c4 Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
Recorded at Limuru Pond, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Paddy field site & Nairobi N.P.
Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus)
Up to 6 Lake Naivasha.
Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica)
Fairly common at Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru.
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
Common at Lake Naivasha.
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
Common at Lake Naivasha.
Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decorus)
Singles at Samburu on 23 & 24/11.
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia 'feral')
Nairobi.
Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Recorded on at least 5 days e.g. Samburu. Usually around buildings..
African Olive-pigeon (Columba arqurix)
3 Mount Kenya on 21/11.
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Mourning Collared-dove (Streptopelia decipiens)
Common around Lake Baringo. Also recorded at Samburu
Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola [vinacea])
Regular throughout.
Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorqua)
Regular throughout.
Emerald-spotted Wood-dove (Turtur chalcospilos)
2 Lake Baringo on 18/11 & 1 Wajee on 24/11.
Blue-spotted Wood-dove (Turtur afer)
1 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria)
1 Kakamega on 15/11, up to 4 on both visits to Saiwa Swamp & several around Wajee Camp.
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
4 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
African Green-pigeon (Treron calva [australis])
Up to 20, visiting a fruiting tree in the grounds of the Golf Hotel, Kakamega on 13 & 14/11.
Red-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus gulielmi)
Several parties, totalling about 30 birds, over the Naro Moru River Lodge on 20/11.
Red-bellied Parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris)
2 Samburu on 23/11.
Red-headed Lovebird (Agapornis pullarius)
2 Golf Hotel, Kakamega on 13/11.
Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri [personus])
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11 & c10 around the Hippo Pools, Nairobi N.P. 26/11
Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personus)
3 Lake Naivasha on 10/11.
Hartlaub's Turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi)
Up to 4 daily around the Naro Moru River Lodge & Mount Kenya 20 to 22/11.
White-bellied Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides leucogaster)
Up to 8 daily around Lake Baringo & 1 Samburu 23/11.
Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola crista)
2 Isecheno, Kakamega on 15/11.
Pied Cuckoo [sp] (Oxylophus jacobinus)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11 & up to 3 daily at Samburu.
Levaillant's Cuckoo (Oxylophus levaillantii)
1 Buyangu Kakamega on 16/11.
Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamor glandarius)
1 Samburu on 24/11.
Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11. A juvenile cuckoo being fed by a Spotted Mourning-Thrush at Samburu was believed to be this species.
Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus)
Singles recorded at Saiwa Swamp on 16/11, Lake Baringo 18/11 & Samburu 23/11.
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis [canorus])
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Klaas' Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas)
2 Lake Naivasha on 11/11 and daily around.
Didric Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11.
Blue-headed Coucal (Centropus monachus)
3 birds recorded on both visits to Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus)
1 Hippo Point, Kisumu on 13/11, up to 3 daily around Lake Baringo & 1 Samburu on 23/11.
White-faced Scops-owl (Otus leucotis)
1 at nest, Lake Baringo on 18/11, with the aid of the local guides .
Verreaux's Eagle-owl (Bubo lacteus)
3 adults and 1 Juv. still in the nest at Lake Baringo. The nest (plus several other disused nests) was located in Roberts camp close to the shower block. 2 found roosting during the day at Samburu 23/11.
African Wood-owl (Strix woodfordii)
1 adult & 1 juv found at daytime roost, compliments of the resident guide, Wajee on 24/11.
Slender-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus clarus)
4 Lake Baringo on 18/11, found in their daytime roost, by the local guides.
Scarce Swift (Schoutedenapus myoptilus)
10 on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya on 20/11.
African Palm-swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
Small numbers notes on 7 dates e.g. Lake Naivasha.
Mottled Swift (Tachymarptis aequorialis)
3 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11.
Little Swift (Apus affinis)
Fairly common, especially around buildings, bridges etc.
White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer)
4 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Speckled Mousebird (Colius strius)
Common, recorded most days.
White-headed Mousebird (Colius leucocephalus)
4 Samburu on 23/11.
Blue-naped Mousebird (Urocolius macrourus)
Recorded at Kisumu and Lake Baringo.
Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo crista)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Thompsons Falls & Nairobi N.P.
Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala)
Recorded at Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)
Recorded at Kisumu & Lake Baringo.
Striped Kingfisher (Halcyon chelicuti)
2 to the west of Mumias 13/11.
Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)
1 Thomson's Falls on 19/11.
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
Blue-headed Bee-eater (Merops muelleri)
Recorded daily at Kakamega. Max 5 in the Zimmerman grid, Isecheno on 14/11
White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides)
Fairly common around Lakes Naivasha & Nakuru. Max 10 in a day.
Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus)
2 Udo's Bandas, Kakamega on 15 & 16/11. 2 Samburu 22/11.
Blue-breasted Bee-eater [sp] (Merops variegus)
2 to the west of Mumias 13/11.
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater (Merops oreobes)
Recorded at Thomson's Falls and in the grounds of the Blue Posts Hotel.
White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis)
3 Isecheno, Kakamega on 15/11.
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias cauda)
Fairly common, Recorded on at least 10 dates
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
African Hoopoe (Upupa africana)
Recorded at Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo & Samburu.
White-headed Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus bollei [purpureus])
5 on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya on 22/11.
Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus)
Recorded at Lake Baringo and Samburu.
Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus flavirostris)
2 Samburu on 23/11.
Jackson's Hornbill (Tockus jacksoni)
1 on the journey to Lake Baringo on 17/11 & 4 near Lake Baringo the cliffs the following day.
Von Der Decken's Hornbill (Tockus deckeni)
Samburu 1 on 22/11 & 4 on 23/11.
Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminus)
3 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
Hemprich's Hornbill (Tockus hemprichii)
2 around Lake Baringo the cliffs on 18/11.
African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Trumpeter Hornbill (Cerogymna bucinor)
1 in the grounds of Blue Posts Hotel on 26/11.
Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill (Cerogymna subcylindricus)
Common around Kakemage Golf Hotel & . Max 30 in a day
Grey-throated Barbet (Gymnobucco bonapartei)
Recorded at both Buyangu & Isecheno. Max 3 in a day.
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineus)
Small numbers recorded daily around Kakamega forest. 1 Wajee 24/11.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus)
1 or 2 birds recorded on 2 dates at Lake Baringo.
Yellow-spotted Barbet (Buccanodon duchaillui)
Singles at Kakamega Forest on 15 & 16/11.
Hairy-breasted Barbet (Tricholaema hirsuta)
At Kakamega: 1 Isecheno 15/11 & 1 Buyangu 16/11.
Red-fronted Barbet (Tricholaema diadema)
Singles recorded at Lake Baringo and Nairobi N.P.
Black-throated Barbet (Tricholaema melanocephala)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
White-headed Barbet (Lybius leucocephalus)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/1& 2 there the following day.
Black-billed Barbet (Lybius guifsobalito)
1, Hippo Point, Kisumu on 13/11.
Double-toothed Barbet (Lybius bidentus)
2 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
Yellow-billed Barbet (Trachyphonus purpurus)
2 Isecheno, Kakamega Foreston 15/11.
Red-and-yellow Barbet (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus)
Small numbers daily around Lake Baringo & 1 Samburu 23/11.
D'arnaud's Barbet (Trachyphonus darnaudii)
About 3 sightings around Lake Baringo.
Greater Honeyguide (Indicor indicor)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11.
Pallid Honeyguide (Indicor meliphilus)
1 near the cliffs, Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Nubian Woodpecker (Campethera nubica)
Small numbers recorded at Lake Naivasha, Kisumu, Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Buff-spotted Woodpecker (Campethera nivosa)
1 Buyangu, Kakamega Forest on 16/11.
Brown-eared Woodpecker (Campethera caroli)
1 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens)
Small numbers recorded at Kakamega Forest & Lake Baringo.
Bearded Woodpecker (Dendropicos namaquus)
Up to 2 birds recorded at Lake Naivasha Lake Baringo.
Grey Woodpecker (Dendropicos goertae)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11 & 1 Samburu 23/11.
Red-winged Lark (Mirafra hypermetra)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana [hypermetra])
4 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11 & Nairobi N.P. 26/11.
Flappet Lark (Mirafra rufocinnamomea)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Pink-breasted Lark (Mirafra poecilosterna)
Fairly common around Samburu.
Fischer's Sparrow-lark (Eremopterix leucopareia)
3 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
1 roadside bird on 16/11.
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
6 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11.
Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola)
Fairly common at Limuru Pond, Lake Naivsha & on Mount Kenya, where they were nesting in banks along the main track.
Grey-rumped Swallow (Hirundo griseopyga)
c20 Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Rock Martin (Hirundo fuligula)
5 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11 plus small numbers at Lake Nakuru & around the cliffs at Lake Baringo.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Fairly common throughout.
Angola Swallow (Hirundo angolensis)
At least a dozen birds hanging around the Rock Pratincole bridge near Mumias on 13/11.
Lesser Striped-swallow (Hirundo abyssinica)
Small numbers at Kisumu, Lake Baringo & Nairobi N.P.
Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica)
2 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
House Martin (Delichon urbica)
2 near Mount Kenya on 20/11.
White-headed Sawwing (Psalidoprocne albiceps)
Small numbers daily around Kakamega Forest.
Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne holomelas [pristoptera])
Several roadside birds on the journey to Lake Baringo. Recorded daily around Mount Kenya.
Golden Pipit (Tmetothylacus tenellus)
Up to 4 daily around Samburu, the road into the reserve, from the entrance gate was the most productive area.
Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus)
2 birds at the Sharpe's Pipit site on 12/11 & 1 near Mumias the following day.
Rosy-throated Longclaw (Macronyx ameliae)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Pangani Longclaw (Macronyx aurantiigula)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Sharpe's Pipit (Anthus sharpei)
1 at a site, which James took us to, just North of Nakuru on 12/11.
African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus [novaeseelandiae])
Up to 3 birds at Lake Naivasha on 11 & 12/11.
Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys)
5 on the shortcut to the Naro Moru River Lodge on 19/11.
Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
1 Kisumu on 13/11.
African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp [alba])
Common throughout.
Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis)
2 Thomson's Falls on 19/11.
Yellow Wagtail [sp] (Motacilla flava)
Small numbers around Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru. 12+ at the paddy field site on 25/11.
Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla clara)
2 in the grounds of the Naro Moru River Lodge on 19/11.
Grey Cuckooshrike (Coracina caesia)
3 on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya on 22/11.
Petit's Cuckooshrike (Campephaga petiti)
2 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga flava)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11 & 1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Purple-throated Cuckooshrike (Campephaga quiscalina)
2 Buyangu, Kakamega Forest on 16/11.
Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbus)
Common throughout.
Shelley's Greenbul (Andropadus masukuensis [montanus])
4 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 14 & 15/11 .
Little Greenbul (Andropadus virens)
2 Buyangu , Kakamega Forest on 16/11.
Plain Greenbul (Andropadus curvirostris)
Isecheno, Kakamega Forest: 2 on 14/11 & 3 on 15/11.
Slender-billed Greenbul (Andropadus gracilirostris)
2 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Yellow-whiskered Greenbul (Andropadus lirostris)
Up to 6 daily around Kakamega Forest. Small numbers also recorded at Naro Moru River Lodge & Wajee Camp
Kilimanjaro Greenbul (Andropadus nigriceps)
4 on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya on 20 & 22/11.
Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima)
4 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 14/11 & 2 there the following day.
Cabinis' Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi [fischeri])
2 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 14 & 15/11.
Northern Brownbul (Phyllastrephus strepitans)
Singles around the Lodge at Samburu on 23 & 24/11.
Common Bristlebill (Bleda syndactyla)
4 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 14/11 & 3 there the following day.
Red-backed Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stella)
3 Kieni forest on 25/11.
Equorial Akal (Sheppardia aequorialis [sharpei])
2 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 14/11.
Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
2 Samburu on 23 & 24/11.
Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra)
2 near Mount Kenya on 22/11 & singles at Wajee Camp on 24 & 25/11.
Blue-shouldered Robin-chat (Cossypha cyanocampter)
1 Buyangu, Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Grey-winged Robin-chat (Cossypha polioptera)
2 Saiwa Swamp on 17/11.
White-browed Robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini)
1 Lake Nakuru on 12/11 & 2 Kisumu 13/11.
Snowy-crowned Robin-chat (Cossypha niveicapilla)
1 Saiwa Swamp on 17/11.
Spotted Morning-thrush (Cichladusa gutta)
Fairly common around Lake Baringo, with up to 6 in a day. 1 Samburu 23/11
Brown-chested Alethe (Alethe poliocephala)
Kakamega Forest: 2 Isecheno on 14/11 & 1 Buyangu 16/11.
Brown-tailed Chat (Cercomela scotocerca)
2 near the cliffs, Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Moorland Chat (Cercomela sordida)
Common on the higher slopes of Mount Kenya, from the met station upwards.
Common Stonechat (Saxicola torqua)
Several roadside birds near Mount Kenya on 24/11.
Northern Anteater-chat (Myrmecocichla aethiops [formicivora])
Common around Lake Naivasha.
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11 & 1 Lake Baringo 18/11.
Schalow's Wheatear (Oenanthe lugubris [lugens])
4 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11.
Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka)
1 Lake Nakuru on 11/11.
Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)
Small numbers recorded at Samburu & 1 at Nairobi NP on 23/11.
Mocking Cliff-chat (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris)
8 Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush (Monticola saxilis)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Abyssinian Ground-thrush (Zoothera piaggiae)
Singles at the Meteorological Station, Mount Kenya on 21 & 22/11. Feeding in the open near one of the chalets, just after dawn.
African Thrush (Turdus pelios [olivaceus])
Recorded daily around Kisumu & Kakamega.
Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
Recorded daily around Mount Kenya & Samburu.
Cinnamon Bracken-warbler (Bradypterus cinnamomeus)
Recorded daily on Mount Kenya, with a max of 5 on the walk down on 21/11. 3 Wajee on 24/11.
Black-faced Rufous Warbler (Bhmocercus rufus)
Recorded daily around Isecheno, Kakamega, with a max of 4 in a day.
Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops)
1 Kisumu on 13/11.
Singing Cisticola (Cisticola cantans)
2 Wajee on 24/11.
Chubb's Cisticola (Cisticola chubbi [hunteri])
6 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
Hunter's Cisticola (Cisticola hunteri)
Fairly common on Mount Kenya.
Boran Cisticola (Cisticola bodessa)
1 singing bird seen well plus another possible near Isiolo on 21/11.
Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chinianus)
Probably the commonest cisticola, recorded at several sites.
Winding Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Kisumu, & Nairobi N.P.
Carruthers' Cisticola (Cisticola carruthersi)
2 Hippo Point, Kisumu on 13/11.
Tinkling Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens)
1 Thomson's Falls on 19/11.
Stout Cisticola (Cisticola robustus)
2 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Siffling Cisticola (Cisticola brachypterus)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
Recorded at Lake Baringo & the plains near the Naro Moru river Lodge.
Pectoral-patch Cisticola (Cisticola brunnescens)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava)
2 Wajee on 24/11.
White-chinned Prinia (Prinia leucopogon)
Small numbers Kakamega Forest & Saiwa Swamp.
Black-collared Apalis (Apalis pulchra)
1 Kakamega Forest on 14/11 & 4 Saiwa Swamp 17/11.
Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate N.P.& Lake Baringo.
Buff-throated Apalis (Apalis rufogularis)
2 Kakamega Forest on 15 & 16/11.
Grey-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brevicauda [brachyura])
Recorded at Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo.
Grey Wren-warbler (Calamonastes simplex)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Greater Swamp-warbler (Acrocephalus rufescens)
2 Hippo Point, Kisumu on 13/11.
Lesser Swamp-warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)
2 Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida)
1 Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Mountain Flycatcher-warbler (Chloropeta similis)
Up to 6 daily on Mount Kenya on 20/11.
Buff-bellied Warbler (Phyllolais pulchella)
2 Lake Nakuru on 11/11 & up to 4 on two dates at Lake Baringo.
Blackcap (Sylvia ricapilla)
Small numbers recorded at Kakamega Forest & Samburu.
Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
Small numbers recorded at Kakamega Forest & Samburu.
Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria)
1 Lake Nakuru on 11/11.
Yellow-vented Eremomela (Eremomela flavicrissalis [icteropygialis])
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Turner's Eremomela (Eremomela turneri)
2 in the Zimmerman grid, Kakamega on 14/11.
White-browed Crombec (Sylvietta leucophrys)
1 Kieni forest on 25/11.
Red-faced Crombec (Sylvietta whytii)
Up to 3 recorded at Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru.
Uganda Woodland-warbler (Phylloscopus budongoensis)
2 Kakamega Forest on 14/11.
Brown Woodland-warbler (Phylloscopus umbrovirens)
Up to 3 recorded daily on Mount Kenya.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha & Kakamega.
Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha & Kisumu.
Pale Flycatcher (Bradornis pallidus)
1 Samburu on 26/11.
African Grey Flycatcher (Bradornis microrhynchus)
1 Lake Nakuru on 11/11, 3 lake Baringo on 18/11 & fairly common at Samburu
White-eyed Slaty-flycatcher (Dioptrornis fischeri)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Saiwa Swamp & Wajee. Max 5 at L.Naivasha on 11/11
Southern Black-flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina)
2 Samburu on 23 & 24/11.
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa stria)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Kisumu, Lake Baringo & Wajee.
Swamp Flycatcher (Muscicapa aquica)
2 Hippo Point, Kisumu on 13/11.
African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta)
Fairly common around Kakamega Forest & Saiwa Swamp.
African Blue-flycatcher (Elminia longicauda)
Fairly common around Kakamega Forest & Saiwa Swamp.
African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)
Recorded at Lake Nakuru, Kakamega, Lake Baringo & Wajee
Scaly-breasted Illadopsis (Illadopsis albipectus)
3 Kakamega Forest on 14/11.
Brown Illadopsis (Illadopsis fulvescens)
A single party of 4 , Kakamega Forest on 14/11.
Rufous Chatterer (Turdoides rubiginosus)
Fairly common around Lake Baringo and Samburu.
Sharpe's Pied-babbler (Turdoides sharpei [hypoleucus])
A party of about 4 birds recorded at Lake Naivasha on 10 & 11/11.
Northern Pied-babbler (Turdoides hypoleucus)
A total of about 30 birds recorded in Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Hinde's Pied-babbler (Turdoides hindei)
3 Wajee camp reserve on 24 & 25/11. Initially shown to us by the resident guide, but also seen independently the following day.
Brown Babbler (Turdoides plebejus)
4 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii [leucocephalus])
2 Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
White-bellied Tit (Parus albiventris)
Recorded at Mount Kenya, Naro Moru River Lodge & Blue Posts Hotel.
Dusky Tit (Parus funereus)
Fairly common at Kakamega Forest.
Red-throated Tit (Parus fringillinus)
1 Hippo Pools, Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Somali Tit (Parus thruppi [afer])
4 near Lake Baringo cliffs on 18/11.
Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird (Anthreptes orientalis)
4 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Green Sunbird (Anthreptes rectirostris)
Singles at Kakamega Forest on 15 & 16/11.
Collared Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris)
Singles at Kakamega Forest on 14 & 15/11.
Olive Sunbird (Nectarinia olivacea)
1 Kieni forest on 25/11.
Green-headed Sunbird (Nectarinia verticalis)
Singles recorded at Kakamega Forest, Saiwa Swamp & the Blue Posts Hotel.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia senegalensis)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru.
Hunter's Sunbird (Nectarinia hunteri [senegalensis])
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Variable Sunbird (Nectarinia venusta)
Fairly common - e.g. Lake Naivasha, Saiwa Swamp & Wajee Camp.
Northern Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia preussi)
1 Saiwa Swamp on 17/11.
Eastern Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia mediocris)
Fairly common on Mount Kenya.
Tacazze Sunbird (Nectarinia tacazze)
4 Thomson's Falls on 19/11 & small numbers on Mount Kenya.
Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis)
1 Golf Hotel, Kisumu 12/11 & 1 Thomson's Falls 19/11.
Golden-winged Sunbird (Nectarinia reichenowi)
6 Thomson's Falls on 19/11 & small numbers on Mount Kenya.
Red-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia erythrocerca)
1 Kisumu on 13/11.
Mariqua Sunbird (Nectarinia mariquensis)
Singles Kakamega Forest on 15 & 16/11.
Beautiful Sunbird (Nectarinia pulchella)
2 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Black-bellied Sunbird (Nectarinia nectarinioides)
2 Samburu on 23/11.
African Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis)
4 Golf Hotel, Kakamega & several parties noted on several dates in the Kakamega Forest.
Broad-ringed White-eye [sp] (Zosterops poliogaster)
Failrly common on Mount Kenya, Kieni Forest & Wajee Camp.
Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
1 Lake Naivasha on 10/11.
Western Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus brachyrhynchus [monachus])
Singles, Kakamega Forest on 14 & 16/11.
African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvus)
Common around Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo.
Black-tailed Oriole (Oriolus percivali [larvus])
1 Kieni forest on 25/11.
Brubru (Nilaus afer)
2 Lake Baringo cliffs on 18/11.
Northern Puffback (Dryoscopus gambensis)
1 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11.
Pink-footed Puffback (Dryoscopus angolensis)
Singles Kakamega Forest on 14 & 15/11.
Marsh Tchagra (Tchagra minuta)
Singles Kisumu & west of Mumias on 13/11.
Brown-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra australis)
Singles Lake Nakuru on 12/11 & Saiwa Swamp on 17/11.
Luehder's Bushshrike (Laniarius luehderi)
Up to 3 daily around Kakamega Forest and Saiwa Swamp.
Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus [ferrugineus])
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11 & 2 Wajee Camp on 24/11.
Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster)
4 Kisumu on 13/11.
Slate-coloured Boubou (Laniarius funebris)
Up to 4 around Lakes Baringo & Samburu.
Rosy-patched Bushshrike (Rhodophoneus cruentus)
1 Lake Samburu on 23/11.
Grey-green Bushshrike (Telophorus bocagei)
Singles Kakamega Forest on 15 & 16/11.
Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus)
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti)
Singles Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo.
Northern White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus ruppelli)
Common Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Chinspot Batis (Bis molitor)
2 Lake Naivasha on 11/11, 4 Wajee Camp 24/11 & 2 Nairobi N.P. 26/11.
Pygmy Batis (Bis perkeo)
2 Samburu on 23/11.
Black-throated Wattle-eye (Plysteira pelta)
4 Saiwa Swamp on 17/11.
Chestnut Wattle-eye (Plysteira castanea)
Small numbers daily at Kakamega Forest.
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio [cristus])
Singles Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru.
Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus [cristus])
Common around Samburu.
Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Grey-backed Fiscal (Lanius excubitoroides)
Common at Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo.
Long-tailed Fiscal (Lanius cabanisi)
Recorded at Hell's gate N.P. Nairobi N.P. plus several roadside birds.
Taita Fiscal (Lanius dorsalis)
4 Samburu on 23/11.
Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris)
Common. (Many Fiscal shrikes were not specifically identified).
Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii)
Common at Kakamega Forest.
Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Common.
Cape Crow (Corvus capensis)
Recorded around the Lake Naivasha/Nakuru areas plus roadside birds on the journey to/from Lake Baringo .
Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
Common around the Lake Naivasha/Nakuru areas plus many other roadside birds.
Fan-tailed Raven (Corvus rhipidurus)
2 around Lake Baringo and the cliffs.
Stuhlmann's Starling (Poeoptera stuhlmanni)
2 Kakamega Forest on 14 & 15/11.
Red-winged Starling (Onychognhus morio)
2 Lake Naivasha on 10/11 & several roadside birds.
Bristle-crowned Starling (Onychognhus salvadorii)
2 Lake Baringo (Cliffs & Lake) on 17 & 18/11.
Greater Blue-eared Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)
Several around Lake Nakuru on 11/11 and at the base of Mount Kenya on 21/11.
Rüppell's Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis purpuropterus [caudus])
Recorded at Lake Nakuru & Lake Baringo.
Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus)
Common Lake Nakuru, Naivash & Baringo.
Abbott's Starling (Cinnyricinclus femoralis)
2 on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya on 22/11.
Fischer's Starling (Spreo fischeri)
30 Samburu on 23/11.
Golden-breasted Starling (Cosmopsarus regius)
1 Samburu on 22/11 & c10 there the following day.
Wattled Starling (Creophora cinerea)
Recorded at Lakes Naivasha, Kakamega, Baringo & Samburu.
Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)
Recorded at Lake Nakuru & Samburu.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Only recorded around Nairobi.
Kenya Rufous Sparrow (Passer rufocinctus [iagoensis])
Fairly common around Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate, Nakuru & Nairobi N.P.
Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer griseus)
Recorded at Kisumu & Lake Baringo.
Parrot-billed Sparrow (Passer gongonensis [griseus])
4 Samburu on 23/11.
Chestnut Sparrow (Passer eminibey)
Recorded at Samburu.
White-billed Buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis albirostris)
Up to 50 in a day at Lake Baringo.
White-headed Buffalo-weaver (Dinemellia dinemelli)
Small numbers Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Speckle-fronted Weaver (Sporopipes frontalis)
4 Samburu on 23/11.
White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali)
Very common Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Donaldson-smith's Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser donaldsoni)
6 Samburu on 23/11.
Black-capped Social-weaver (Pseudonigrita cabanisi)
Common Samburu on 23/11.
Baglafecht Weaver (Ploceus baglafecht)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate N.P., Kisumu, Samburu & Wajee Camp.
Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha.
Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis)
Fairly common at Lake Naivasha.
Black-billed Weaver (Ploceus melanogaster)
2 Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Holub's Golden-weaver (Ploceus xanthops)
6 Saiwa Swamp on 16/11 & 2 Wajee Camp 24/11.
Northern Masked-weaver (Ploceus taeniopterus)
2 Lake Baringo on 17/11.
Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullus)
Fairly common e.g. Kisumu & Samburu.
Speke's Weaver (Ploceus spekei)
4 Hell's gate N.P. on 11/11.
Vieillot's Black Weaver (Ploceus nigerrimus)
2 Kakamega Forest on 16/11 & 20 there on 17/11.
Golden-backed Weaver (Ploceus jacksoni)
Common Kisumu on 13/11.
Chestnut Weaver (Ploceus rubiginosus)
Recorded at Samburu.
Forest Weaver (Ploceus bicolor)
Fairly common in the Kakamega Forest.
Brown-capped Weaver (Ploceus insignis)
Recorded in the Kakamega Forest on 14 & 15/11 .
Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis)
2 Isecheno - Forest, Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Red-headed Weaver [sp] (Anaplectes rubriceps)
Small numbers at Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate N.P., Lake Baringo & Samburu.
Yellow-crowned Bishop (Euplectes afer)
Common at the paddy field site 25/11.
Yellow-shouldered Widowbird [sp] (Euplectes macrourus)
Singles in the open damp grassy area near the campsite at Udo's Bandas, Kakamega Forest on 15 & 16/11.
White-winged Widowbird (Euplectes albonotus)
100+ at the paddy field site 25/11, including many displaying males.
Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens)
20 on the journey across the plains on 19/11 & 10 Nairobi N.P.on 26/11
Jackson's Widowbird (Euplectes jacksoni)
1 roadside bird, on the journey from Mount Kenya to Samburu, on 22/11.
Grey-headed Negrofinch (Nigrita canicapilla)
Small numbers Kakamega Forest & Mount Kenya.
Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba)
2 Lake Baringo cliffs on 18/11.
Red-headed Bluebill (Spermophaga ruficapilla [haemina])
2 Isecheno, Kakamega Forest on 15/11.
Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala)
3 Nairobi N.P. on 25/11.
Red-cheeked Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)
Recorded at Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Kisumu & Nairobi N.P.
Purple Grenadier (Uraeginthus ianthinogaster)
Singles at Lake Nakuru & Nairobi N.P.
Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Estrilda quartinia)
4 at the meteorological station, mount Kenya 20/11.
Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)
2 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Black-headed Waxbill (Estrilda ricapilla)
Up to 4, Mount Kenya on 20 & 21/11.
African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans [malabarica])
4 Samburu on 23/11.
Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cuculla)
4 Kakamega, Golf Hotel.
Black-and-white Mannikin (Lonchura bicolor)
Fairly common around Wajee Camp.
Cut-throat (Amadina fascia)
3 Samburu on 23/11.
Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybea)
Roadside birds noted on 25/11.
Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
1 Nairobi N.P. on 26/11.
Eastern Paradise-whydah (Vidua paradisaea)
1 Samburu on 23/11.
Yellow-crowned Canary (Serinus canicollis flavivertex)
6 Samburu on 22/11.
African Citril-finch (Serinus citrinelloides)
Grey faced race / species East African Citril - Kisumu on 13/11
Black-faced race / species Western Citril - Thompson's falls 19/11 & Blue Posts 25/11
Kenya Yellow-rumped Seedeater (Serinus reichenowi)
1 Kisumu on 13/11 & 2 Nairobi N.P. 26/11.
White-bellied Canary (Serinus dorsostrius [flaviventris])
1 Lake Baringo on 18/11.
Brimstone Canary (Serinus sulphurus)
1 Lake Naivasha on 11/11.
Streaky Seedeater (Serinus striolus)
1 Kakamega Forest on 14/11, fairly common on Mount Kenya & Wajee Camp.
Thick-billed Seedeater (Serinus burtoni)
Singles on Mount Kenya, Wajee Camp & Kieni Forest..
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi)
1 Lake Nakuru on 12/11.
Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)
2 Naro Moru River Lodge on 22/11.
Other Animals
GUEREZA COLOBUS (COLOBUS GUEREZA)
Fisherman's Camp 10/11/01, Kakamega 14,15 & 16/11/01, Saiwa Swamp 16/11/01.
OLIVE BABOON (PAPIO ANUBIS)
Journey Nairobi to Naivasha 10/11/01, Hells Gate NP 11/11/01, Nakuru NP 12/11/01, Kakamega 15 & 16/11/01, Samburu NP 23/11/01.
VERVET MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS PYGERYTHRUS)
Naivasha 11/11/01, Nakuru NP 12/11/01, Baringo 18/11/01, Samburu NP 22 & 23/11/01, Nairobi NP 26/11/01.
DE BRAZZA'S MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS NEGLECTUS)
2-3 Saiwa Swamp 16 & 17/11/01.
STUHLMANN'S BLUE MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS MITIS)
Kakamega 14, 15 & 16/11/01.
MOUNT KENYA SYKES MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS MITIS)
5-6 Mount Kenya NP 20 & 21/11/01, Blue Post Hotel, Thika 26/11/01.
RED-TAILED MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS ASCANIUS)
Kakamega 14,15 & 16/11/01.
EPAULETTED FRUIT BAT (EPOMOPHORUS sp.)
C.50 Samburu NP 23/11/01.
YELLOW-WINGED BAT (LAVIA FRONS)
3-4 Baringo 17 & 18/11/01.
LESSER ELEPHANT SHREW or SENGIS, ELEPHANTUS sp
A single at Baringo 18/11/01.
SCRUB HARE (LEPUS SAXATILIS)
Kakamega 15/11/01.
UNSTRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL (XERUS RUTILUS)
Samburu 23 & 24/11/01.
OCHRE BUSH SQUIRREL (PARAXERUS OCHRACEUS)
2 at Wajee 24/11/01.
RED-LEGGED SUN SQUIRREL (HELIOSCIURUS RUFOBRACHIUM)
Kakamega 14/11/01.
DWARF MONGOOSE (HELOGALE PARVULA)
C.6 Samburu 24/11/01.
LEOPARD (PANTHERA PARDUS)
Samburu 22/11/01.
LION (PANTHERA LEO)
2 Nakuru 11/11/01, 5 Nakuru 12/11/01, 1 Nairobi 26/11/01.
CHEETAH (ACINONYX JUBATUS)
4 Samburu 22/11/01, 3 Nairobi 26/11/01.
ROCK HYRAX (PROCAVIA sp)
Nakuru 12/11/01, Baringo 18/11/01.
SOUTHERN TREE HYRAX (DENDROHYRAX ARBOREUS)
Naro Moru River Lodge calling from river side trees during the night.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (LOXODONTA AFRICANA)
Samburu 22/11/01, 23/11/01 & 24/11/01.
COMMON ZEBRA (EQUUS QUAGGA)
Journey Nairobi to Naivahsa 10/11/01, Naivasha 11/11/01, Hell's Gate 11/11/01, Baringo 17/11/01 & Nairobi 26/11/01.
GREVY'S ZEBRA (EQUUS GREVYI)
Samburu 23 & 24/11/01.
BLACK RHINOCERUS (DICEROS BICORNIS)
4 Nairobi 26/11/01.
WHITE RHINOCERUS (CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM)
C.8 Nakuru 12/11/01.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (HIPPOPOTAMUS AMPHIBIUS)
C.20 Naivasha 10 & 11/11/01, Hippo Point 13/11/01, 1 Baringo 18/11/01, & 12 Baringo 19/11/01.
COMMON WARTHOG (PHACOCHOERUS AFRICANUS)
Hell's Gate 11/11/01, Nairobi 26/11/01, Samburu 23 & 24/11/01.
GIRAFFE (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS)
Journey Nairobi to Naivasha 10/11/01, Nakuru 12/11/01, Journey Kakamega to Saiwa Swamp 16/11/01, Samburu 23 & 24/11/01, Nairobi 26/11/01.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (SYNCERUS CAFFER)
Nakuru 11 & 12/11/01, Mt. Kenya 20/11/01, Samburu 23/11/01.
BUSHBUCK (TRAGELAPHUS SCRIPTUS)
2-3 Mt. Kenya 20 & 21/11/01.
SITATUNGA (TRAGELAPHUS SPEKEI)
2 Saiwa Swamp 16 & 17/11/01.
ELAND (TAUROTRAGUS ORYX)
Nakuru 11/11/01, Nairobi 26/11/01.
KIRK'S DIKDIK (MADOQUA KIRKII)
Samburu 22, 23 & 24/11/01.
WATERBUCK (KOBUS ELLIPSIPRYMNUS)
Samburu 24/11/01, Nakuru 12/11/01.
THOMSON'S GAZELLE (GAZELLA RUFIFRONS)
Naivasha 11/11/01, Hell's Gate 11/11/01, Nakuru 12/11/01, & Nairobi 26/11/01.
GRANT'S GAZELLE (GAZELLA GRANTI)
Hell's Gate 11/11/01, Samburu 22, 23 & 24/11/01.
GERENUK (LITOCRANIUS WALLERI)
Samburu 22, 23 & 24/11/01.
IMPALA (AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS)
Hell's Gate 11/11/01, Nakuru 12/11/01, Samburu 22, 23 & 24/11/01, & Nairobi 26/11/01.
HARTEBEEST (ALCELAPHUS BUSELAPHUS COKEI)
Nairobi 26/11/01.
BEISA ORYX (ORYX BEISA)
Samburu 22, 23 & 24/11/01.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (CONNOCHAETES TAURINUS)
Naivasha 11/11/01, Nairobi 26/11/01.
BLACK MAMBA
Nakuru 12/11/01.
NILE CROCKODILE
Baringo 18 & 19/11/01, Nairobi 26/11/01.
SCORPION sp.
Baringo 19/11/01.
GREEN-STRIPED SWALLOWTAIL
Kakamega 14 & 16/11/01.
WATER MONITOR
Baringo 17 & 18/11/01.
TURTLE sp
Nairobi 26/11/01