Weekend (15 & 16 December 2007) Hiking and birding

On the above date, a group of 10-pax met at the Jockey Club of Kenya (JCK). Under the lead-command of our naturalist Bernard Akatch, and the armed escort of Moses and Juma of NRFS, we braved the heat and the dryness of the day, and by the end of the forest walk, we had a list of 20 birds species. Among the highlight species were excellent good views of the African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer, White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata and, Grey Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caesia.

However, it was disappointing that two of the members decided to come along with their dogs, which, did NOT give us the peace and tranquility as expected!

All in all, the day wounded-down well, despite, the set-back by the dogs!

Ngong - Kisames Hiking & Birding - Sunday 16 December 2007

On Sunday, 16 December 2007, while on a hiking expedition (Ngong Town to the western backside of the Ngong Hills, via Oloishoibor area to Kisames, Kajiado District, Riftvalley Province), with a fellow hiking and birder mate, William Wamaru, we spotted and recorded 82 birds species.

Among the days birding highlights were Southern Pochard Netta erythrophalma; and three (3) raptor species: African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus, Augur Buzzard Buteo augur, and the Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus.

In addition, local birds worth a mention included the Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans, White-tailed Lark Mirafra albicauda, and two (2) Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomatus minor cabanisi, which, displayed in frenzy in vocals and aerial thrills. Please note, the race cabanisi is found in the dry-country and has no white markings in both the wings and/or the tail.

The Eurasian migrants, which, were poorly represented by only two species: Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, and the Red-tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus.

It was a great day of hiking and birding as at the close of the days species tally count my fellow bird-mate had picked up 13 lifers-of-the-day!

Happy birding always,

James Kuria Ndung'u
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