Mombasa Bird Walk

Mombasa bird walk (Sat. Jan 19th) managed to go out. Things are (Thank God) pretty calm overall at the Coast. However we decided to play safe and do some birding inside the safe confines of Haller Park's South Quarry. This walk was "Herons and Egrets". Around 8-10 Yellow Billed (Intermediate) Egrets, Little Egret, Grey, Black Headed, Green Backed and one splendid Purple Heron. A trip to the restaurant area at the end of the walk turned up 2 Black Crowned Night Herons ( a lifer for two of the walkers). A wonderful opportunity to see all these herons and egrets up close and see their differences. Migrants were Barn Swallow, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper and Eurasian Golden Oriole. Other birds of note Malachite, Pied and Brown Hooded Kingfisher. A whole gaggle of Egyptian Geese and a Palm Nut Vulture. One Three Banded Plover which we haven't had on our list for ages plus the usual Water Dikkops. A total of 30 birds. Some of South Quarry still being worked but ponds in developed area doing well and are attracting lots of herons and larger water birds. Not much beach for the shorter legged waders. Wishing you all happy and safe birding. Join us if you are in Mombasa any 3rd Sat in the month. (Marlene Reid-Msa)