Mombasa Birdwalk

Nguu Tatu had at last emerged from the mist and rain and even the ground was dry enough to walk on and stay upright. Absence of birdsong together with the thick vegetation made spotting extremely difficult. The ponds are so full that beach areas for waders are non-existent although we did manage to see a couple of Common Sandpipers. Migrants not in evidence except at the end of the walk when a large flock of Barn Swallows came in to drink. This is the largest group seen so far. We have previously only seen one or two. The special birds of the day apart from the Malachite Kingfisher which we always see but which always remains special were Black Shouldered Kite and a very good view of a Black Breasted Snake Eagle. Total number down on the usual count with hardly any water birds at all. The reason for this is probably the fact that there is "water, water everywhere". One interesting warbler calling at the pond from deep inside the reeds but neither Kelvin nor myself were able to identify it and as my recorder was stolen some time ago.....Keep birding - Marlene Reid - Mombasa.