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)