Mombasa Bird Walk

Still not many migrants around although waders are now numerous in the beach areas. A lone Common Sandpiper which may in fact be resident and a magnificent Madagascar Squacco Heron preening in a tree. We used to see lots of these around May to Oct but it is a rare treat to see one these days. Lots of Yellow Throated Longclaws. Golden Palm Weavers and Gros Beak Weavers, males mostly, busy collecting nesting materials. One or two females inspecting the nearly finished nests. Brown phase Paradise Flycatcher and a Batis Minor. Bare Eyed Thrushes, Water Dikkops. Superb Starlings, and Scarlet Chested Sunbird (which we haven't seen for ages) were some of the other specials. This area although somewhat spoiled since becoming an animal park is still a good place to see birds. 32 species seen in 11/2 hours. The final and most wonderful sight at dusk in a beautiful sunset was about 2000 Barn Swallows coming to roost in a reed bed. Just amazing how they circle round spying out the land and then suddenly they are all down. Such a priveledge to see! Come birding with us if you are in Mombasa on the 3rd Sat. in the month. (Marlene Reid)