Mombasa Bird Walk

Sat Nov 17th - Visited Central Quarry. Good to see that some of the thicket round the lake had been cleared and that we could see the water. Our hope to see some migrants was completely disappointing with the exception of one or two Barn Swallows swooping by overhead. However the water birds were great. No less than 3 Allen's Gallinules, a quick view of a Common Moorhen, African Black Crake, Several Water Dikkops, Great White Egret, Little Egret and hundreds of Cattle Egrets. Weavers were busy nest building, Golden Palm, Grosbeak and Village. Grey and Green Backed Herons, Pied Kingfishers and a couple beautiful Malachite Kingfishers. Lots of Red Billed Queleas around. They seem to be in large numbers everywhere this year boding no good for the grain growers. As we were leaving Bee-Eaters flew high overhead but not being that clever with their call had to go unidentified. The large numbers of Greenshanks we used to see at the quarry seem to have disappeared, probably found a place with more beach area. If you are in Mombasa join us (Marlene Reid)