From: Don Reid <donreid@africaonline.co.ke>
Date: 2008-02-22 12:20
Subject: Mombasa Bird Walk

Hi from Mombasa to all birders.
 
We now have  Purple Gallinule (Swamphen) in the central quarry, which is literally a few hundred yards from the busy main Mombasa-Malindi road, as the crow flies ( a very descriptive terminology considering how many there are at the moment), and is an area blasted with the sounds of some nearby disco, so surprising that there are so many lovely birds in the quarry. Lends credibility to the fact that sound doesn't seem to disturb birds.  Just felt I had to take the bird walk to try and see this lovely bird. Luckily it behaved very well and showed itself to everyone.  A lifer for all except me and Samson, the Haller Park Guide.  Also of note a large flock of White Faced Whistling Ducks and a sole Fulvous Whistling Duck, a lifer for everyone except me.  Common Moorhen, an Allen's Gallinule, Great White and Cattle Egrets, Grey, Green Backed and Black Headed heron, Golden Palm and Village Weavers in large numbers, many Long Tailed Cormorants, Water Dikkops and wonder of wonders a Goliath Heron stepping carefully round the very narrow band of beach, in the shade of the reeds. A quick visit to the football ground the see the many Yellow Wagtails (Barn Swallows only other migrant seen - dozens on the telephone wire) brought the walk to a splendid end.  Such a great walk.  Join us when you are in Mombasa. Marlene Reid (Mombasa)