Dear All,

Another attempt to find the Spotted Creepers at Mweiga saw Mike Davidson,
Joseph Kariuki and myself going up on Thursday afternoon and returning
Friday afternoon.


We met up with Paul Kariuki and Sammy on the afternoon and were shown a
roosting Barn Owl under cover in a tree. Perhaps the most exposed individual
I have seen, with them usually favouring enclosed areas like building eaves
or Hamerkop nests.

We walked the grassland along Mike Prettejohn’s airstrip, finding four old
Grass Owl roosting sites but no birds. In the evening  there were Spotted
Thicknees chorusing.
We stayed the evening at Sundai, which was very comfortable and excellent
food and is highly recommended at Ksh4500 full board for residents. There
were Dusky and Montane Nightjars calling at dawn. We saw photographs of the
three delightful Grass Owl chicks that Petra raised to maturity here.

In the early morning we left for the neighbouring Sangare (0724 078898
reservations Zuri) luxury tented camp on the Sangare Dam. Sammy used to be
the resident guide here, and says he saw Spotted Creepers on about every
second day (unquote).

I haven’t seen a lakeshore accommodation with such a great birdy lake
before, where so much can be seen without leaving the tent. There were
Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Yellow-bills, Red-bills, Hottentot, an
attractive pair of Maccoa, and at least five pairs of Cape Wigeon which was
most unexpected, and one pair had two young. Additionally there were
Pink-backed Pelican, Great Cormorant, a selection of herons, and waders
though nothing out of the ordinary. Over the lake were a number of very
attractive Angola Swallows. Three Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls posed in the
acacias. In the surrounding bush whilst looking for Creepers we found
Brown-backed Woodpecker, several Little Rock Thrush, and Brown Parisomas
were numerous with about ten birds encountered. Brown Parrots are in large
numbers, and Red-fronteds are present alongside them. It was very very bird
indeed, and we were most impressed with what we saw in the short time we
were there. The lake has every swamp habitat available, sedgy swamps where
the water drains into a small river that flows into the Aboni, dense reed
beds, fallen trees, islands, boulders in water around the edge, open water
and muddy margins.  The surrounding scrubby valleys and acacia woodlands are
so unspoilt and natural. There is so much potential here awaiting discovery.

It is amazing how many wonderful places exist, that for me at least are only
coming to light since losing safaris and having the time to explore places
at no great distance from Nairobi.

Best to all
Brian