My answer is at the bottom...

--- James Christian <jc@james-christian.com> wrote:

> Dear Itai,
> 
> I¹m rather new to Kenyan birds and so I have been
> quietly reading reports to
> kenyabirds to learn more about the boundaries of
> ranges and what is and what
> is not common.  In the last few weeks I have found
> several Black-collared
> Apalis around Karen and Langata.  Maybe I have just
> overlooked this species
> in the past but it does also seem like they have
> just appeared where before
> they were absent. I would love to hear your or the
> group¹s thoughts on this
> nice little bird. Thanks in advance for any ideas.
> 
> I¹m off on safari for two weeks tomorrow, so
> apologies for any delays
> responding.
> 
> Cheers, 
> 
> JAMES CHRISTIAN 
> Safaris in Kenya
> 
> KARISIA LIMITED 
> P O BOX 15283, NAIROBI 00509, KENYA
> TEL: 254 20 891168 / 891065
> http://www.kerry-glen.com
> 
> PHOTOGRAPHY
> http://www.james-christian.com
> 
> "Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than
> does knowledge."
> - Charles Darwin

Dear James,

Black-collared Apalis is a bird of what left from the
forests around Nairobi. it is mentioned in Zimmerman
et al. as fairly common between 1600-2400 m, but it is
known from the Nairobi area (Ngong, Karen, Karatu,
Langata, Arboretum and even in the Park -Kisembe
Forest).

i believe that what you witness is a cause of the
sever drought. since the Gardens in Karen, Langata
area are being well treated than the drought 'skip'
them and they become a very big attraction (food wise)
to birds that are suffering from the drought in the
'natural' patches.

i am not sure what will the other members of the group
will think, but I'm sending this also to the group and
let's see what will it bring up!?

all the best,
Itai

I rather go birding...
***************************************
Itai Shanni                    
itaisha1@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/itaisha1
           
Tel 00-254-722889099 (KE)
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P.O. Box 47419           
Nairobi                  
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